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Initium: Australian Author of mythic romance where found family, morally complex power, and vows stronger than blades guide readers through luminous worlds.
Rayn finds her life irrevocably altered when a mysterious event decimates the population and plunges the world into darkness. Navigating this new reality, she uncovers hidden truths about herself, her connection to the enigmatic Eternals, and a destiny intertwined with love, loss, and the fight for freedom.
A scar without injury.
A grief without loss.
The board has been wiped clean.
The rules of the game have changed.
Accept. Adapt. Overcome.
For more information, please click on the link to the series.
The romance in this book is open door, non explicit.
This is a story about overcoming adversity, so it may bring up issues that some find challenging to read about. If at any stage it becomes too much, or you simply are not enjoying my style of writing, simply close the book.
Walk away.
To read or not to read.
The choice is always yours.
_________________________________
Looking for an epic fantasy series with wild kangaroos and beautiful sweeping Australian landscapes?
“You don’t usually picture Australia as the setting for the end of the world, but this book makes it feel natural, believable, and uniquely Aussie. The little details sprinkled throughout are ones locals will definitely appreciate.”
A scar without injury.
A grief without loss.
The board has been wiped clean.
The rules of the game have changed.
Accept. Adapt. Overcome.
For more information, please click on the link to the series.
The romance in this book is open door, non explicit.
This is a story about overcoming adversity, so it may bring up issues that some find challenging to read about. If at any stage it becomes too much, or you simply are not enjoying my style of writing, simply close the book.
Walk away.
To read or not to read.
The choice is always yours.
_________________________________
Looking for an epic fantasy series with wild kangaroos and beautiful sweeping Australian landscapes?
“You don’t usually picture Australia as the setting for the end of the world, but this book makes it feel natural, believable, and uniquely Aussie. The little details sprinkled throughout are ones locals will definitely appreciate.”
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 24, 2025
From the moment the “light came,” I was hooked (and this is very early on in the book!). The author’s depiction of a world abruptly emptied of people feels both unsettling and completely immersive. Deserted cities and landscapes, the strange silence of a once-busy world; it all builds an apocalyptic atmosphere that’s vivid, haunting, and beautifully described. You don’t usually picture Australia as the setting for the end of the world, but this book makes it feel natural, believable, and uniquely Aussie. The little details sprinkled throughout are ones locals will definitely appreciate.
The worldbuilding is intricate and layered, yet delivered in a way that never feels overwhelming. You’re guided, never lost...as Rayn uncovers the truth about herself, the Eternals, and her place in a new world where the rules have changed.
And the romance? I’m a sucker for a fated mates (two!) trope, and this one absolutely delivered. The slow-burn tension between Rayn and Evon is delicious, emotional, and grounded in a story that’s bigger than just the romance itself. It’s open-door but non-explicit, which suits the tone perfectly.
Rayn as an FMC is everything I love; strong, determined, vulnerable in the right moments, and constantly evolving. Her journey is one of resilience and rediscovery, and her reflections often stopped me in my tracks. One part that really stayed with me:
"It is pointless to dwell on regrets. The past is beyond my control to change. My only option is to learn from it, to make those mistakes count. Before me is a clean slate. With brand new rules in play, I am no longer restricted to the game piece I have been using so far. True peace will not be found if I allow myself to be a pawn in someone else's game."
The twists throughout kept me on edge, and that ending hit me right in the feels, I genuinely didn’t see it coming. Emotional, suspenseful, romantic, and rich with fantasy elements, this story truly has it all.
If you enjoy apocalyptic fantasy with heart, complex worldbuilding, a strong heroine, and a swoony fated-mates connection, this is absolutely worth picking up.
I cannot wait to read book two.
Thank you to the author and The Naughty Nook for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
The worldbuilding is intricate and layered, yet delivered in a way that never feels overwhelming. You’re guided, never lost...as Rayn uncovers the truth about herself, the Eternals, and her place in a new world where the rules have changed.
And the romance? I’m a sucker for a fated mates (two!) trope, and this one absolutely delivered. The slow-burn tension between Rayn and Evon is delicious, emotional, and grounded in a story that’s bigger than just the romance itself. It’s open-door but non-explicit, which suits the tone perfectly.
Rayn as an FMC is everything I love; strong, determined, vulnerable in the right moments, and constantly evolving. Her journey is one of resilience and rediscovery, and her reflections often stopped me in my tracks. One part that really stayed with me:
"It is pointless to dwell on regrets. The past is beyond my control to change. My only option is to learn from it, to make those mistakes count. Before me is a clean slate. With brand new rules in play, I am no longer restricted to the game piece I have been using so far. True peace will not be found if I allow myself to be a pawn in someone else's game."
The twists throughout kept me on edge, and that ending hit me right in the feels, I genuinely didn’t see it coming. Emotional, suspenseful, romantic, and rich with fantasy elements, this story truly has it all.
If you enjoy apocalyptic fantasy with heart, complex worldbuilding, a strong heroine, and a swoony fated-mates connection, this is absolutely worth picking up.
I cannot wait to read book two.
Thank you to the author and The Naughty Nook for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
I found myself deeply connected to Rayn's struggles with loss and her journey of self-discovery. Her vulnerability made her relatable and allowed me to empathize with her emotional turmoil. I particularly liked the raw truth in her thoughts and how she dealt with her moments of self-doubt.
I found the way the world changed after the "light came" was intriguing and unsettling. The descriptions of abandoned cities, altered landscapes, and the shift in societal norms created a vivid and thought-provoking backdrop for the story.
I loved the slow-burn romance between Rayn and Evon. The way their relationship developed felt authentic and kept me invested in their connection. The subtle touches, stolen glances, and whispered words created a tension that added an extra layer of emotional depth to the story. I also appreciated the way their romance intertwined with Rayn's journey of self-discovery, adding another dimension to her personal growth.
The fragments of memories and the hints about Rayn’s connection to Evon and Atreus kept me guessing and wanting to learn more. The gradual reveal added an element of suspense and intrigue to the story, making me eager to keep reading to uncover the truth.
The bond between Rayn, Bedelia, Tallulah, Michaela, Dacklan, and Vaxton was heartwarming and provided a sense of hope amidst the dystopian setting. Their loyalty to each other and their willingness to fight for one another created a powerful emotional core that resonated with me. I particularly enjoyed the banter and easy camaraderie between the characters, which added moments of light-heartedness to the story.
I completely devoured this book and found myself constantly thinking about it and looking forward to slipping back into the world of the Eternals.
The story left me feeling uplifted, then just a few chapters on, devastated and heartbroken.
It ends in a stunning, haunting way that touched me deeply, and while the story finishes in a satisfying way, I will be delving into the second book as soon as I can.
I found the way the world changed after the "light came" was intriguing and unsettling. The descriptions of abandoned cities, altered landscapes, and the shift in societal norms created a vivid and thought-provoking backdrop for the story.
I loved the slow-burn romance between Rayn and Evon. The way their relationship developed felt authentic and kept me invested in their connection. The subtle touches, stolen glances, and whispered words created a tension that added an extra layer of emotional depth to the story. I also appreciated the way their romance intertwined with Rayn's journey of self-discovery, adding another dimension to her personal growth.
The fragments of memories and the hints about Rayn’s connection to Evon and Atreus kept me guessing and wanting to learn more. The gradual reveal added an element of suspense and intrigue to the story, making me eager to keep reading to uncover the truth.
The bond between Rayn, Bedelia, Tallulah, Michaela, Dacklan, and Vaxton was heartwarming and provided a sense of hope amidst the dystopian setting. Their loyalty to each other and their willingness to fight for one another created a powerful emotional core that resonated with me. I particularly enjoyed the banter and easy camaraderie between the characters, which added moments of light-heartedness to the story.
I completely devoured this book and found myself constantly thinking about it and looking forward to slipping back into the world of the Eternals.
The story left me feeling uplifted, then just a few chapters on, devastated and heartbroken.
It ends in a stunning, haunting way that touched me deeply, and while the story finishes in a satisfying way, I will be delving into the second book as soon as I can.
November 18, 2025
When you think Australia you don’t really think apocalypse but this book not only has eternal life but it has Australia written so well! the world building and the way the characters are written it has depth and you get sucked into this world that as you build it in your mind it enters your dreams subconsciously It’s like this world becomes real there are fated mate’s eternal powers and destiny. I’m excited to read book 2 and see what happens next
December 29, 2025
I think this may have been my first read set in Australia, and honestly it sure that I’ve read much “end of the world” type books either but man this was a great read! Rayn is such a relatable character, from the life things she goes through to her personality. So much emotion and heart poured into this story and I am so excited so read book two and see how this story continues.
December 12, 2025
Ok…..
I was so hooked in this story I couldn’t put the book down like I picked it up and read the entire thing in 1 actual sitting. Like the Rain was falling I had my house work done and I do nothing but sit read and sip tea and this book was perfect to do it! Book 2 needs to come so I continue reading ….
I really haven’t read many end of the world books but I haven’t read one like this and in Australia like yes 🙌 thank you. Could not fault the book the writing the story the romance the yearning awww my heart ❤️
I had such a connection with the characters and my heart ached with every twist and turn. I’m a sucker for fated lovers all the things this offers and i am so so thankful to have got the opportunity to have this book on my bookshelf and in my heart. Will be suggesting this book for all my reading buddies
I was so hooked in this story I couldn’t put the book down like I picked it up and read the entire thing in 1 actual sitting. Like the Rain was falling I had my house work done and I do nothing but sit read and sip tea and this book was perfect to do it! Book 2 needs to come so I continue reading ….
I really haven’t read many end of the world books but I haven’t read one like this and in Australia like yes 🙌 thank you. Could not fault the book the writing the story the romance the yearning awww my heart ❤️
I had such a connection with the characters and my heart ached with every twist and turn. I’m a sucker for fated lovers all the things this offers and i am so so thankful to have got the opportunity to have this book on my bookshelf and in my heart. Will be suggesting this book for all my reading buddies
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews