Mia has always sensed something just out of reach, like a word on the tip of her tongue, or a dream forgotten too soon.
On her twenty-first birthday, she wakes with no memory of the night before. It isn’t the first time. Blackouts. Visions. A growing feeling that she doesn’t fully belong in the life she’s living. When her parents confess she’s adopted, with no record of where she came from, the unease sharpens into something else, a pull she can’t ignore.
Then she meets a stranger, and everything begins to unravel—a history Mia never knew, a city hidden from the world, and a journey that will take her beyond the world she thought she belonged to.
Eterna was once a place of wonder, a city that never stopped blooming. Now, the magic that sustained it is fading. The land is cracking. And Mia may be more entangled in its fate than anyone is prepared to admit.
With her best friend by her side, and resentment simmering among those she meets—especially a man whose bitterness runs deeper than she understands—Mia must now navigate a world that remembers her, even if she doesn’t remember it.
Some answers come looking for you. Some places never let you go. And some destinies are written long before you’re ready to claim them.
Samara Kalz is an emerging voice in the world of fantasy fiction. Originally from Colorado, she now lives in Texas with her husband and two children. A lifelong lover of books, Samara holds a B.A. in English Literature and has been passionate about storytelling for as long as she can remember. When she's not immersed in writing or getting lost in a good book, Samara enjoys spending quality time with her family and creating handmade crafts for her home and loved ones. As the eldest of a large family, she developed a strong sense of responsibility and a deep-rooted love for caring for others—qualities that often find their way into the heart of her stories.
Just finished reading, would rate 4.5/5. This is a fantasy novel about found family and real family powers that come of age at 21,a group of friends and family trying to save their parents and their city. The world building is good and I enjoyed the banter between characters the training sessions could be repetitive but does not harm the flow. I would highly recommend
Oh goodness, this book is so sweet and powerful. I really like how smart the people are in this book there is none of that filler that we get see in today's fantasy.
I also love Cerene and Mia's relationship like they are so goddamn awesome, you will love them.
And how could I forget Xavier & Mia, infuriating as he is at times, you will find yourself falling in love with their irresistibility towards each other. Oh how they wish they could hate the other! This book also has a playlist on Spotify and I beseech you to listen to it either while or after reading it, because it fits so well, like a handmade glove.
That plot twist at the end, you will never see it coming, I didn't. At all.
i really liked the fact that Mia didn't just abandon her other life on earth, she never gave up on them just because she was far far away from them. That is the beautifulness we see of found family here.
I’m not okay after this book. By chapter three, I was gone — hooked, emotional, and piecing together every secret like it was my own. I swear Mia’s part of the Vega family, and Xavier… he has to be the man from her dreams. Celestia is such a hauntingly beautiful name.
When Hyda went home, I actually cried — and don’t even get me started on Mia and Xavier. They’re pure magic. The ending left me staring at the last page, completely wrecked but in love.
⭐️Rate: 5/5 - emotional, romantic, and unforgettable.
✧My Favorite Quote: “His hands touch my skin, a shiver runs up my spine, as if an electric current is taking over my body.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’ve been with Sam almost since the beginning of her author journey. From beta to Arc and everything else in between and I can say with confidence you will love this book
Great main characters with great side characters and great villains… with small twist you don’t see coming but get perfectly into the story.
The story has a lot of things of my check list. Action. Laughs. Great characters development. Magic and awesome flying creatures.
This is a debut novel for this author, and let me say it was amazing!
I am extremely impressed that this is a single story, fantasy/romantasy, because so many stories in this genre are usually turned into a series. I completely appreciate how the author was able to create such a unique and fantastical story in a single, reasonable length book. I give huge, huge props to the author for literally everything about this story, the world build, the intrigue and action, the romance, the ending that was (not dramatically drawn out), it is just so good! The length to me is absolute perfection, and I am again, just impressed with how much story and detail fit into this single book.
As Mia reaches her 21st birthday, she experiences memory loss, strange dreams, and just things that don't seem right. She quickly learns that she was actually adopted, and her parents know nothing about her birth parents. A strange lady, Hyda comes into Mia's life, and tells her that she is actually from another place, and that she may be the key to preventing its demise. With the clock ticking, Hyda trains Mia as best she can, and they journey into the other side together.
I love how we initially are reading from both places, Mia's world, and Eterna, and then those two worlds merge when Mia and Hyda make their way back home to Eterna. Hyda is reunited with her son, and Mia finally meets her sister. The group sets out on a mission to look for the prophecy that foretold the twins coming and saving Eterna.
I love the Zarka's, and how special they are to Eterna. I love the journey that the group goes on to find the prophecy, and how Mia and Cerene are able to use their powers together. Mia and Cerene are given the chance to have a small reunion with a loved one, and obtain an heirloom that is the secret to finding the prophecy. There is so much in Eterna that is unique, the different potions and transportation they have. Again, such an awesome world build by the author.
While the group is, well, trying to save Eterna, the enemies to lovers vibes between Mia and Xavier is just perfect! What is a world saving fantasy, without a little romance?
I highly recommend this story, there is too much to detail in a review, so grab a copy for yourself and experience the magic of Eterna!
Some fav quotes: "As I get older, the dreams only grow more intense. Now they feel painfully real. I can't shake the sense that I'm being pulled into them, lured into some other realm where I'm meant to solve something. I just don't know what yet."
"...I look up at the horizon and gasp at the beauty in front of me. It's a sight to behold. The sun is up in the most alluring clear blue sky. The sunrays are shining on everything around me, giving it an ethereal feel. The land in front of me is a mixture of stunning colors, as if I'm standing in the middle of an enchanted painting made of dreams and wonder."
"Her hip brushes my thigh, a hot unwelcomed spark coils in my gut, the kind that makes me want to pull her closer and shove her away in the same breath."
"...he's infuriating, impossible, and ridiculously, unbearably attractive but I'll have to tolerate him and take everything he's able to teach me."
"I didn't even hear Cerene come into the training room because I was consumed with my inner fantasies and the things I'd do to make her (Mia) scream my name."
"The way she moves, like an elegant gazelle, confident in her beauty and power, lures me, and I have no choice but to follow."
"Magic lives here. It breathes in the walls, echoes in the silence, and coils around our skin like invisible thread."
""I've spent time trying to hate you, but these eyes haunt me every night. One look and I'm undone. I'd walk through fire for you.""
"Some answers come looking for you. Some places never let you go. And some destinies are written long before you're ready to claim them."
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
So many good things in this novel, but here are some of my favorites:
Contemporary Fantasy Banter Character-Driven Dual POV (plus a few extras chapters) Prophecy Chosen Ones Magical Creatures Dying World
Visions of Eterna had a bit of a slow start, but after the first few chapters I found myself increasingly attached to the characters.
They are, without a doubt, my favorite thing about this novel. One thing this book did better than any other I’ve read is positive relationships. Characters would get into fights or learn new things about themselves and their friends and family would be super supportive and willing to help in any way they can. Verbal conflicts are resolved swiftly and peacefully which led to a very nice found family vibe.
My favorite, or course, had to be the relationship between Mia and Xavier, the two main POVs of the book. Their banter and the way they would each go out of their way to annoy the other despite their growing attraction was hilarious and amazing to watch. The author even included two beautiful pieces of art depicting certain scenes after they occurred! (This was in a Kindle ARC copy, so I don’t know if it will be in the final electronic copy or the physical copy).
Visions of Eterna is a contemporary fantasy so it was set partially in the real world while the rest of it was spent in the magical land Eterna. I loved visualizing Eterna from the descriptions and thought the world itself was well developed.
While the plot could have been stronger, it kept me entertained nevertheless. Watching the characters go on small quests and missions to discover more about why Eterna is dying and the prophecy that mentions two of the characters was fun and interesting to watch unfold.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it mainly because of the characters. If you are plot-driven, this may not be the best for you but this is one of the best character-driven novels I’ve read in a while. I believe it is 100% worth a read because of the banter and positive character relationships! ☺️
*I was given an electronic copy in exchange for my honest review*
Some answers come looking for you. Some places never let you go. And some destinies are written long before you’re ready to claim them.
Such a beautiful and commanding epic fantasy from the debut Author Samara Kalz filled with plenty of action and adventure, found family and prophecy, rivals to lovers, witty banter and slow burn romance, a journey of self-discovery, portals, prophecy and elemental magic. Not to mention the emotional roller coaster and twists that you won’t see coming.
This story follows Mia on the day of her twenty first birthday when she learns that she is adopted. The nagging and haunting feeling that creeps in and out of her thoughts, of being out of place, is only magnified by her parent’s confession. Plagued with visions, lapses in memory and lost time, Mia is determined to find out where she came from. When an unlikely stranger crosses her path, the magic of a city once vibrant and majestic reaches for the lost connection. Mia’s fate is tied to not only this forgotten land but to those who dwell in it. Will she be able to mend the magic and herself, or will the darkness take over and destroy them both?
Wonderfully written and a breeze to read, this debut novel is moving and magnificent. The characters are honest and raw in a way that is relatable without taking away from the story. I also adored the relationships in this story as well, especially Cerene and Mia’s. They are so sweet and genuine with each other. I am so excited for this book to be out in the world so that more can experience the delight that is Visions of Eterna.
Celestia scrambles away from me, stealing the breath from my lungs as she goes.
Visions of Eterna is Samara Kalz’s debut novel about Mia, a twenty-one year old who has been experiencing strange visions and blackouts at random all throughout her life. When she finds out she has been adopted, something her parents had never told her, she happens upon a mysterious stranger who knows more about Mia than she lets on. Through their interactions, Mia learns about Eterna, a magical land, and her own ties to it. As her journey toward discovery begins, so too does a new chapter of her life.
The plot and writing is easy to follow and the pacing of the story is relatively quick. I will admit to having struggled with the text a bit because I couldn’t quite place the world/setting but that is a personal preference. The magic system and structure is fairly interesting and I wish there was a bit more about it. Watching the various relationships between the characters evolve is fun to watch as it also helps to balance out the atmosphere at times.
Thank you so much to Samara Kalz for the gifted ARC and congratulations on your debut! All opinions are my own.
Visions of Eterna pulled me in almost immediately with its immersive atmosphere and emotionally grounded narration. The world unfolds gradually and naturally, allowing the mystery, magic, and stakes to build without ever feeling overwhelming. The characters are driven by clear inner conflicts, which kept me invested from start to finish. As a debut novel, this is genuinely impressive. It's a perfectly paced book, something rare in the genre. The worldbuilding is rich and imaginative, from the lore to the journey across Eterna itself, and the story balances intrigue, action, romance, and emotion beautifully. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between adds just the right touch of romance to a high stakes, world-saving plot. Highly recommend this for readers who love immersive fantasy with heart. It’s a magical journey best experienced firsthand.
This was such a beautifully written story. The world building was amazing. The description really puts you right in the middle of everything. I absolutely loved the characters. The banter between them was great. The friendships were so strong and loving. This book was filled with all kinds of emotions. I was so easily pulled into this wonderful story. Reading it with ease and intensity, as I found it to be so captivating. This held no confusion, as some do with words and maps and names that aren’t easy to read. But this held none of that. And I’m truly thankful for it. This was such a joy to read. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team.
Rivals to lovers Portal magic & other magic abilities magical creatures Heartbreak Prophecy Found family
Rating: probably NA
Book review: Where to start… that ending was both heartbreaking with words to fail me and yet somehow healing at the same time.
It was such a good read once you got into the world it was such a quick breeze to read. You really fall for the character and the development between them and their found family.
Such a great story and would definitely recommend to read!
This book is an absolute binge-read—do not start it if you need to wake up early the next morning! Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down. You’re instantly drawn in, and the story does not disappoint. It has everything you want in a romantasy: a kick-ass female main character, found family, a unique magic system, great banter, and a perfectly executed slow burn. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have all the answers, think again. A complete roller coaster of a read and highly recommended if you’re in a reading slump.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Perfect one sitting read! I stayed up way too late because I couldn’t put it down. It’s got everything I love in a fantasy novel: found family, high stakes, romance, destiny. Loved the world building, the perfect and heartbreaking reunions, the coolest animal sidekicks and just seeing how the main characters navigated all the adversity bravely. The ending was bittersweet but oh so good! Loved it!
This world and adventure was so fun yet intense! I love getting to know each character details and their pov. The ending had some sad moments but it made sense. I really loved the enemies to lover trope for Xavier and Mia hope the author writes another story of them! The magic and training in this story was simple and not complex to follow which is amazing!
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Visions of Eterna, and holy smokes—this is the kind of fantasy that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place. I highly recommend you read this book, you will fall in love with all the characters in the best way a book can make you feel!
Visions of Eterna by Sam Kalz was a surprisingly engaging and immersive book. Fantasy isn’t usually my genre, so this was my first fantasy read…and I couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in from the start and completely changed my view of fantasy. If books in this genre are this good, it definitely won’t be my last!
Fantasy. Found family. Powers. It was compelling. Tear jerking at times. I love Mia's and Xavier's bond. It was infuriating at times, but God was it amazing. I was hooked. Hook line and sinker with this book. Goodness I'm going to be hungover this book for a WHILE
I'm happy to have read an advanced copy of this ebook. Fantasy is not typically a genre I enjoy, but this was very accessible and engaging. I loved the plot and characters.
⚔️ Visions of Eterna by @sam.the_writer is the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with fantasy to begin with. It’s a coming of age, fantasy romance brimming with adventure, magical dreams, and uncovered secrets.
⚔️ The world building is absolutely amazing, and I LOVE a good portal magic fantasy. The plot made it so easy to dive in and get lost in this story, that I devoured it in just a day!! The secrets and twists in this story, though, had me constantly guessing, trying to figure out who was who and WHERE it was leading. My head was reeling with excitement & anticipation of what was to come.
⚔️ All the characters were so loveable and easy to connect with. I really enjoyed the found family group and seeing the connections and friendships that were built so easily among them within. The romance between our MC’s, Mia and Xavier, is an agonizing slow-burn that will make you kick your feet with giddiness. They have a constant push and pull chemistry that starts off as enemies to lovers but slowly you’ll see the threads between them burning with want. The banter between these two is sassy, heated and will make you laugh.
⚔️ TROPES TO EXPECT: ⚔️ 💙 Rivals to lovers 💙 He falls first 💙 Found Family 💙 Slow burn 💙 Forced Proximity 💙 Self discovery 💙 Adventure & Prophecy 💙 Banter 💙 Grumpy & overprotective MMC
‼️ RELEASING - Jan. 21st. 2026 ‼️
debut author | ya fantasy romance | rivals to lovers | forced proximity | hefallsfirst | elementalmagic | #visionsofeterna #samarakalzauthor #streetteamcontent #arcreviewer #arcreader
I cannot wait for the world to read this book. You just know this story came from the heart. I definitely recommend going in blind with this book and just let it take you on a wild ride. You have Mia who is a witty baddie with an ass that won’t quit. She is on a mission to uncover secrets and there is no stopping her. Then enters Hyda, which dare I say she is my fav character. Mind you I never thought I would be saying that about a grumpy old lady. But here’s the thing with Hyda, she’s like an onion and as you keep reading you continue to peel back the layers and unravel her beautiful but tragic story.
This book had me captivated as soon as I opened the first page. I literally could not put it down, it had me on the edge of my seat as I continued to flip through the pages. The duality of normal life and the magical world is a perfect balance. The magic system is so unique and don’t even get me started on those magnificent Zarkas!! Like hello!! Talk about originality. It’s not everyday you read a book with a brand new magical being. The tension between Xavier and Mia had me kicking my feet. Talk about a delicious slow burn. Xavier is just dreamy and grumpy at the same time. Just the perfect book boyfriend. I also loved the relationship between the siblings. It felt so relatable and familiar. I loved the way this fantasy novel still felt so realistic. I was rooting for Mia like she is a real person. Throughout the book you get to enjoy each character’s development. By the end of the book you are not looking at the same characters, as they go through hell and back, but they emerge better and stronger.
I am not much a fantasy reader myself but this one sucked me in. It’s got twists and turns. Battles and chaos. Love and laughter. It’s easy to get lost in this book. Can’t wait to see what else Samara conjures up in her beautifully twisted mind.