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Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll: A NA Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Ezra Shyar has spent her life hiding in plain sight.
Ezra has mastered the art of blending into her elven community by masking her unusual golden eyes, taming her wild curls, and pretending she belongs. However, when a chance encounter with the charming Prince Rydeel sparks both an unexpected friendship and something far deeper, Ezra dares to hope she might finally find where she belongs.
Then everything shatters.
A forgotten scroll. A summoned angel.
And a destiny she never asked to lead an army against an ancient, rising darkness.
Ezra wants no part of it. She’s not a leader. She’s barely holding herself together, especially when her parents are accused of treason and their lives hang in the balance. With no one else to trust, she sets out on a desperate quest to piece together the rest of the forbidden scroll, lost for centuries and buried in legend.
By her side are Prince Rydeel, whose growing affection threatens to upend everything Ezra thought she knew about love, and Awren; once her loyal childhood friend, but now a fierce royal guard, whose presence stirs emotions she thought she’d buried long ago. As the shadows close in and ancient forces stir, Ezra is torn between two hearts, hunted by a fate she never wanted, and forced to confront the truth she’s hidden from her whole
Sometimes, standing out is the only way to save the world.
Ezra has mastered the art of blending into her elven community by masking her unusual golden eyes, taming her wild curls, and pretending she belongs. However, when a chance encounter with the charming Prince Rydeel sparks both an unexpected friendship and something far deeper, Ezra dares to hope she might finally find where she belongs.
Then everything shatters.
A forgotten scroll. A summoned angel.
And a destiny she never asked to lead an army against an ancient, rising darkness.
Ezra wants no part of it. She’s not a leader. She’s barely holding herself together, especially when her parents are accused of treason and their lives hang in the balance. With no one else to trust, she sets out on a desperate quest to piece together the rest of the forbidden scroll, lost for centuries and buried in legend.
By her side are Prince Rydeel, whose growing affection threatens to upend everything Ezra thought she knew about love, and Awren; once her loyal childhood friend, but now a fierce royal guard, whose presence stirs emotions she thought she’d buried long ago. As the shadows close in and ancient forces stir, Ezra is torn between two hearts, hunted by a fate she never wanted, and forced to confront the truth she’s hidden from her whole
Sometimes, standing out is the only way to save the world.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
About the author
J.D. Southwell
9 books56 followersJD Southwell, a proud Texan, embraces her roles as a devoted wife, passionate author, and aspiring businesswoman. Identifying as a functioning introvert, JD channels her love for reading into crafting romance books filled suspense and fantasy, finding joy in the diverse worlds that literature offers.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 23, 2025
Excellent read
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel. The world building, pronunciation, and special language references at the beginning of the book were exactly what I needed to tie everything together. This book gave fantasy, romance, and a little mystery all at the same time, which were the makings of an excellent read. Ezra struggled with what most teens struggle with, which is the acceptance from her peers. She wanted to blend in and become someone she was never meant to be. When trouble struck her family, she set out on a mission to find the forbidden scroll. Ezra found her strength and voice while trying to make sure she saved her family and all the innocent people back in the village.
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel. The world building, pronunciation, and special language references at the beginning of the book were exactly what I needed to tie everything together. This book gave fantasy, romance, and a little mystery all at the same time, which were the makings of an excellent read. Ezra struggled with what most teens struggle with, which is the acceptance from her peers. She wanted to blend in and become someone she was never meant to be. When trouble struck her family, she set out on a mission to find the forbidden scroll. Ezra found her strength and voice while trying to make sure she saved her family and all the innocent people back in the village.
November 27, 2025
whew baby
This is a good one. Just as a note there is religion is this book. It isn’t a christian fantasy but it’s there. And the way it’s used in the book is super creative. I’m not religious and at first I was like uhmmm but the more I read the more it makes sense. But if you’ve read J.D’s other books I feel like you know it’ll be there somehow. I love this book. I haven’t read anything like this. Theres a tiny bit of open door spice in a few places. But it’s not the focus of the book. It has a map, a pronunciation and language guide, and art in the book as well. The world building is amazing and the characters are very well written. I adore the fmc. I feel for her throughout the book and she deserves so much better. But she’s a total bad @ss. I definitely recommend reading this and I can’t wait for more books about Ezra.
This is a good one. Just as a note there is religion is this book. It isn’t a christian fantasy but it’s there. And the way it’s used in the book is super creative. I’m not religious and at first I was like uhmmm but the more I read the more it makes sense. But if you’ve read J.D’s other books I feel like you know it’ll be there somehow. I love this book. I haven’t read anything like this. Theres a tiny bit of open door spice in a few places. But it’s not the focus of the book. It has a map, a pronunciation and language guide, and art in the book as well. The world building is amazing and the characters are very well written. I adore the fmc. I feel for her throughout the book and she deserves so much better. But she’s a total bad @ss. I definitely recommend reading this and I can’t wait for more books about Ezra.
November 24, 2025
Wow.
This book sucked me in and kept me in a choke hold! Can't wait for the next installment!! Like... Why is this book so dang good?!
This book sucked me in and kept me in a choke hold! Can't wait for the next installment!! Like... Why is this book so dang good?!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews