Let Me In Your Light

by Floor Dekker

A story of light, darkness, and everything in between…

A dreamer, that’s what she was. Until the world turned her dreams into her biggest nightmares.
Abandoned by her parents for the power that flows through her veins, all Eliane has ever wanted is to be loved. She dreams of exploring the world, tasting its beauty and freedom. But when the king learns that a child was born with the rare gift and curse of being a sun wielder, her fate is sealed. On her eighteenth birthday, a trial shall take place and she has no choice but to enter.

He is called a monster, yet the only demons he hunts are those that torment him in the night.
A bloodthirsty monster is what the king calls his son, though he is the very man responsible for shaping him this way. As the youngest prince of Drimyé, Braxton has always been the underdog. Longing to prove himself, Braxton entered the one thing that only had one way out.
Winning.

Will his will to win and her desire for freedom be enough to survive?

Welcome to the first-ever trials of Drimyé.

Genres: Fantasy

469 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

🧚‍♀️ Writer of stories, books, and a touch of magic
✍🏻 Working on my debut fantasy romance series

Reviews

[Lisa Ständer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout out for Floor! This is an amazing first novel especially if you’re not writing in your own language (if I see anyone complaining I suggest to you to write in another language than your own first and then complain after!)

Have we had books with signets before. Yes.
Have we had books with trials before. Absolutely.
Did we read grumpy x sunshine? For sure.
Does it matter? Absolutely not!

Floor created a real good time read, with joy, tears and anger but also speaks about topics our „usual“ FMC and MMCs usually don’t deal with. Anxiety, panic attacks, the longing to be seen and all of that in a very comprehensible way. (still read the trigger warnings ahead please!)

Are there some things open I may want to understand? Sure! But I mean, there’s always space for some more stories, isn’t it?

The Plottwist left me with tons of question marks above my head? Why? How?
I really need to know how it will end!

Physical copy needs to end up in my bookshelf for sure <3

Recommendation to everyone who likes romantasy. But especially if you have been fan of: the red queen and powerless? This is something you will like!
Get yourself a blanket and your cozy-drink and read this comfort novel on a cozy weekend! And then yell at Floor to write book 2 :)

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit is het eerste boek van Floor en wauw wat heeft ze een mooi verhaal neergezet!
De karakters in dit boek zijn geweldig! Als je een liefhebber bent van the hunger games, dan ga je dit boek ook zeker leuk vinden.
Ik kan nu al niet wachten op deel 2!!!

[Shawn Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this book, you wouldn’t even know it was first in another language. The book gives Powerless and hunger game vibes and I love it. If you are into romfantasy this is a book for you. I will recommend this book to all my friends

[Ladenia27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me in Your Light was a wonderful fantasy with some romance.

The plot is interesting and it left us wanting to know more, maybe on the next book!

It has a lot of tension between the main characters, good side characters that you love to know more about, and the romance is a very slow burn!

I would say my favourite thing about this book is the wholesomeness, the inherited good inside the FMC and even the MMC. Even in the darkest moments, even though capable of vile acts, the good seems to trump the bad.

I received an advance review copy for free, from the author Floor Dekker, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vibeke Sørlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story is really good, really loved it. the hardships that they go through. Is inspiring.

The problem is the Writing is a bit off, its not that it’s not perfect, but it feels a little ( I don’t know how to explain it but if I have too say) childish? The dialogue is the thing I have a problem with there. So no 5 star but the story is very good 😊

[Eljesa Ahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an impressive debut! The writing is strong, especially considering it’s not the author’s first language. The story combines familiar fantasy elements—trials, signets, grumpy x sunshine—but feels fresh and emotional. I loved how it tackled deeper themes like anxiety and the need to be seen. The ending left me full of questions (in the best way), and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I would like to have seen more details in part as I felt like it skipped through some parts and I missed what could have given extra details.

[chloe bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book especially if it is your first English written book I could not put it down. If you loved reading powerless as much as I did this book is for you. I absolutely love the MFC and MMC you just brought them to life! To be able to show readers how strong someone can be even if they may be struggling in the inside was just truly amazing. It was well paced and the descriptions brought the whole book to life as if I was experiencing it myself. I really hope there is a second book!

Thank you for allowing me the pleasure to receive and advanced readers copy

[ClareElena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking and beautiful romantasy with all the elements you've come to expect and a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes!

I loved the characters of Eliane and Braxton, they go through so much suffering, and you're really rooting for them. Especially by the end. Some of the scenes are pretty harrowing, and Floor really captures trauma in her writing. Beautifully done!

[Thalitha Lambregts vd Oest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am positively surprised by this debut romantasy!

The things that I liked most are;
- The background and world building, we get a really good view on both without it being overwhelming.
- The plot twists.
- The little flashbacks and happy moments in between the chaos.
- The fact that the FMC is trained beforehand! She doesn't have to magically learn everything within a few days but is properly trained before she goes on her "quest."

I would like to call the FMC multilayered because she has many sides to her. This both makes her relatable and unpredictable on certain occasions. The MMC is broody, misunderstood and a little soft on the inside, but let's nobody in to see it.
Their proximity is forced and a bond is formed. While distrust goes both ways, they have to learn to rely on each other to make it through.

I would put this book in the YA, slowburn, romantasy category. And overall, think this is a great start to a new book series!

Thank you, Floor, for having me on the ARC team for this book. I'm curious where you will take us with this series!

[Lucy Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, the plot, context, characters and their development, adventure, and action made a fantastic, well-rounded fantasy book that I'd love to read more of.

the aesthetic of the book is beautiful with the minor decorations on the chapter pages and the addition of a map.

Elianne and braxton, 2 lonely souls, both inprisoned in their own way, fighting for their way to freedom. They fight so hard to keep eachother at arms length while also being bonded during the trials by hating eachother, trying so hard to not let either one behind their walls until they they unconsciously slip under each others skin and no longer just fight for their own freedom but each others.

The author beautifully covers childhood trauma and the long-lasting effects it has on ones own self-concept. I really felt for braxton and his devastating story. He believes himself the monster when really he was an invisable hero.

This book has a hunger games but with signets feel to it but with not just having one giant trial of last one standing but multiple trials where life isn't certain but death isn't certain either.
Although the author doesnt make it clear as to why the trials have to happen in the forst place and no one questions why either, only a few know it happens because of elianne but what is the end goal. I get it from a kingdom vibe, the king has made these trials to find a winner and all the hype that comes from that, but no one really questions; winner of what exactly? But then da, elianne, braxton Hazel, and her parents and zephron know to some degree that the trials are mainly for elianne, yet no one questions why they need to happen. Dispite not having a clear end goal to the trials it did keep me hanging on to find out why and i was not disappointed.

I love the little snippets of wholesome-ness with her books, or the flowers, and the terms of endearment too they really brought the characters to life.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Floor for the ARC!!

I can’t believe this was a first novel! I loved following Elaine’s journey and Braxton’s character growth was worthy of applause!!

There were a few times where I could tell that English was not the authors first language- but did that slow me down!? Absolutely not!!

Will definitely pick up book 2!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want something that gives Hunger games and Powerless vibes, this books for you. This is beautifully written and so so good, I absolutely loved every part

[AshieNightShade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few days ago. and I'm in love with the characters, storyline and element that were shown in the book. It gives powerless vibes but is definitely a much better and original version.

This book made me feel so many emotions; I was crying, giggling, laughing all together. The Author has written it so well for someone who's writing their debut novel.🤌🏻
I'd read anything by the author at this point.

[Marilyn Formosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid plot, enticing story built up.

[Maryse Alberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who wrote her first book in another language, it’s impressive. So proud of how far Floor has gotten with her writing. And everyone who likes a romantasy book, this is a book for you. It’s giving powerless by Lauren Roberts vibes and that was one of my all time favs!

I recommend this book to everyone who likes a good fantasy romantacy book.

[Lisa Beloved · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.73 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟💫

In this book of trials, opposites attract and people born with powers we follow the only sun wielder and her quest to fight for her freedom.

I enjoyed this book. The story was fun with a few unexpected twists, big reveals and a cliffhanger ending.
The main characters were very opposite yet both unique. Especially our FMC is sunshine come to life, means no one any harm but has to learn to fight for her life and freedom.

I especially enjoyed the dynamic the FMC and the MMC had. Her shining light into his dark life and soul.

A higher congratulations to the author who so both really young and not a native English speaker. What a great debut novel!

The only major criticism I have is that the book would need some editing from a native English speaker. Nothing I want to blame the author for, just a note for people who are thinking about reading it.

Thank you to the author for giving me an arc so I could read and review 😊

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that the authors first language is not English, this is such an amazing debut!
This book has everything in it that you could ask for - signets, bonds, slow burn, trials and that ending?! I am left shocked and desperate for more 😍
I love that we have an FMC who has panic attacks but is fighting to be a stronger version of herself, an MMC fighting for his own freedom and how they work together but it's not completely ruled and taken over by attraction!
I can't wait for more in this series 💕

[FN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the magic and signet elements—one of the many reasons fantasy is my favorite genre. Evil king, trial, abandoned childhood, and a strong FMC paired with a brooding MMC? All the ingredients that instantly hook me. The character development was well done, the emotional beats landed, and the plot pacing kept me invested throughout. I’m already excited for the next installment!

[Sara Pazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Me In Your Light surprised me in the best way. I picked it up for the romantasy elements, but what kept me turning the pages was the emotional depth and the complexity of the characters.

Eliane is a protagonist I found myself rooting for, her struggles with identity, abandonment, and the pressure of being a "sun wielder" felt real and raw. Braxton was equally fascinating, layered with pain, anger, and unexpected tenderness.

The world building was solid without being overwhelming. I appreciated how the lore unfolded gradually, even though I would’ve liked a bit more clarity around the trials and the magic system early on. Some scenes felt a bit repetitive, especially when revisiting the same moments from different POVs, but overall the dual perspective added emotional weight and a deeper understanding of both leads.

One thing that stood out to me was the way Dekker portrayed mental health. Anxiety, trauma, and isolation are explored with care and honesty, which isn’t always the case in fantasy novels.

For a debut, this book is a huge accomplishment. It’s emotional and immersive. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.

[Bookish_Nurse23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Made it 28% through. The writing is very simplistic. Unnecessary things heavily described and important plot points aren’t explained.

[Caitlyn Mackenzie Kuykendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea this was originally written in a different language until I read the first review. It was so well written I wouldn't have thought it went through a translation process. Goodness, this book is intense! If trauma bonding were an Olympic sport, Elianne and Braxton would’ve taken gold. Between the trials, the tension, and all that emotional breaking, I couldn’t put it down. I read this book in two sittings but that's only because I had to be an adult and 'take care of my responsibilities'. This is a brutal story that has all these soft points. Getting to know the characters and love them was as easy as breathing. I loved every second! I wish there had been more backstory but that's my only complaint.

[Stasia Roze · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feel a little bit lost at the start of the book, there's implications of nefarious actions & a bigger story to come. At 20% through, you still don't know the motives or back story, and it's very hard to connect to the characters. Unfortunately the lack of clarity has made me dnf, I cannot connect at all to the characters or their mission when we arent told; why the trials are happening, why Elaine is so special, why she was taken from her parents etc. I also have no idea why the kings son is called a monster, why he was tortured, and why the king hates him. The reader needs to understand the characters' plight & actions. I get being left in the dark for big reveals, but there are too many things we aren't told.

After checking other reviews, I see we never actually get the answers about the purpose of the trials or Elaine's backstory around them.

A lot of scenes are repeated in a different POV, I didn't find that this added to the story. I think the book should have been in 3rd person rather than POV changes then it would have had a bigger impact. For me, POV changes are there for a different view of the story playing out, not for the same scene to play out again.

I do think this author has promise, if they work with a development editor to really define the plot line, I can see this being a really enjoyable read. I wish the Best for them!

[jordyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an unfortunate dnf for me, the plotline was confusing and nothings being explained as its happening