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Overture
Not yet published
Expected 4 Apr 26
“Never had I believed that my ugly drapes would one day become the centerpiece of the most important decision I had to make in my entire life.”
A proud prince broken apart by his closest relative, a tyrant king holding his leash, and a descent into darkness that had been three hundred fifty years in the making—enough for someone unexpected to resort to unconventional methods to alter the course of destinies forged in control and deceit.
The stain on the floor of the throne hall in Alaiann Palace has more power than me. So much I learned during the centuries of my existence. I’m already tired of everything, of this godscursed helplessness and of not being the master of my own fortune. Instead, I’m forced to serve a cruel tyrant wearing a crown.
But I’m my own savior, ever have and ever will be.
Now, only my great-uncle has to understand the same.
“Overture” is an intermission prequel novella for the “A Requiem for Fading Worlds” dark romantic fantasy series. The story centers on Dion and his darkest days before he ventured into Ivreia in book one, “The Freedom You Seek.”
These pages tell a story about a broken male desperate to hold all the pieces of himself together, yet unable to accept outside help. “Overture” answers questions about Dion’s life before he met Nayana, and how someone like him ended up as part of a quest to save the worlds.
This novella shouldn’t be read as a standalone, but only after you read “The Freedom You Seek” and “The Chains You Defy.” Despite being a prequel, these pages contain many spoilers for the first two main books of the series.
A Requiem for Fading Worlds is perfect for fans of character-driven dark romantic fantasy with a plot that starts small but escalates over the course of the series. Full of slow burn, angst, and romantic tension, mutual pining, found family, mysteries, magic, overcoming trauma, as well as finding your place in a world that seems already doomed. Lastly, this story is for you if you love a walking red flag—a morally gray and possessive male main character whose secrets are as dark as the magic he wields.
This book is 18+ and contains difficult topics. Please mind the trigger warnings.
This novella is written in first person, past tense, with dual points of view.
The series contains spice and shadows; this installment has no explicit spicy scenes, though. The pepper rating increases throughout the main books.
A proud prince broken apart by his closest relative, a tyrant king holding his leash, and a descent into darkness that had been three hundred fifty years in the making—enough for someone unexpected to resort to unconventional methods to alter the course of destinies forged in control and deceit.
The stain on the floor of the throne hall in Alaiann Palace has more power than me. So much I learned during the centuries of my existence. I’m already tired of everything, of this godscursed helplessness and of not being the master of my own fortune. Instead, I’m forced to serve a cruel tyrant wearing a crown.
But I’m my own savior, ever have and ever will be.
Now, only my great-uncle has to understand the same.
“Overture” is an intermission prequel novella for the “A Requiem for Fading Worlds” dark romantic fantasy series. The story centers on Dion and his darkest days before he ventured into Ivreia in book one, “The Freedom You Seek.”
These pages tell a story about a broken male desperate to hold all the pieces of himself together, yet unable to accept outside help. “Overture” answers questions about Dion’s life before he met Nayana, and how someone like him ended up as part of a quest to save the worlds.
This novella shouldn’t be read as a standalone, but only after you read “The Freedom You Seek” and “The Chains You Defy.” Despite being a prequel, these pages contain many spoilers for the first two main books of the series.
A Requiem for Fading Worlds is perfect for fans of character-driven dark romantic fantasy with a plot that starts small but escalates over the course of the series. Full of slow burn, angst, and romantic tension, mutual pining, found family, mysteries, magic, overcoming trauma, as well as finding your place in a world that seems already doomed. Lastly, this story is for you if you love a walking red flag—a morally gray and possessive male main character whose secrets are as dark as the magic he wields.
This book is 18+ and contains difficult topics. Please mind the trigger warnings.
This novella is written in first person, past tense, with dual points of view.
The series contains spice and shadows; this installment has no explicit spicy scenes, though. The pepper rating increases throughout the main books.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 4, 2026
7 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was a beta reader for this book and thought it was a great addition to the Requiem of Fading World series. Definitely DO NOT read it till after you finish books 1 and 2.
It is technically a prequel in that most of the book is set before book 1 starts, but there are also a couple scenes that occur AFTER book 2 finishes, making the term "intermission prequel" accurate.
This book is a peek into Dion's recent past, how he got where he is now, a bit of what makes him tick, what he had to deal with before book 1, and hints at what could be going on with his magic. While it's heartbreaking to see what he goes through, his humor and stubbornness help this novella from feeling too dark. If you loved him before, you'll really feel for him after reading this book!
It is technically a prequel in that most of the book is set before book 1 starts, but there are also a couple scenes that occur AFTER book 2 finishes, making the term "intermission prequel" accurate.
This book is a peek into Dion's recent past, how he got where he is now, a bit of what makes him tick, what he had to deal with before book 1, and hints at what could be going on with his magic. While it's heartbreaking to see what he goes through, his humor and stubbornness help this novella from feeling too dark. If you loved him before, you'll really feel for him after reading this book!
March 17, 2026
✨Overture✨
Gosh, I just loved this novella so much. Dion and this series was 1 of my top 2 favorite reads in 2025 and getting to know this unhinged, utterly obsessed and possessive male is just a delight to my heart. He is foul mouthed, morally black, compulsive, and so traumatized, but the depth and breadth of his want and capacity to love is promising and powerful to witness.
We experience the events that lead up to book 1 in this novella, though they are set within the chapters of 70 and 71 in book two. So, it’s vital you read books 1&2 beforehand… but trust me, it makes this novella so rich. I had such a fun time and I laughed probably way too much for how tortured Dion is. Therefore I have dubbed this novella as “sad funny”.
Dion is such a complex character. Externally, he presents as arrogant, self-centered and dramatic. But Dion is actually equally caring, hilarious, and so much deeper than his mask and machinations display. The mental health war within him is so intriguing as he navigates through the many facets. It shows a male hurting and protecting himself, yet we also get a visual of the parts he desperately tries to shatter- the ones that love fully and with every ounce of his body and soul. His inner monologues are what brought this novella to be one of my favorites: the drapes, the stain, the dead servant 🙈, the poor attention span, the compulsions and intrusive thoughts. I felt entertained but also seen (because I experience much of those things minus the servant 😂😂). All that to say, Dion remains one of my favorite characters, because of his flaws, his intricacies, and his potential.
If you want an epic fantasy romance with this shadow daddy and a female who makes this male beg, crawl, and grovel… go begin The Freedom You Seek today! It’s available now and on KU!
Thank you thank you, Em, for this gifted arc and getting to be on your ST. It’s such a JOY to my heart.
Gosh, I just loved this novella so much. Dion and this series was 1 of my top 2 favorite reads in 2025 and getting to know this unhinged, utterly obsessed and possessive male is just a delight to my heart. He is foul mouthed, morally black, compulsive, and so traumatized, but the depth and breadth of his want and capacity to love is promising and powerful to witness.
We experience the events that lead up to book 1 in this novella, though they are set within the chapters of 70 and 71 in book two. So, it’s vital you read books 1&2 beforehand… but trust me, it makes this novella so rich. I had such a fun time and I laughed probably way too much for how tortured Dion is. Therefore I have dubbed this novella as “sad funny”.
Dion is such a complex character. Externally, he presents as arrogant, self-centered and dramatic. But Dion is actually equally caring, hilarious, and so much deeper than his mask and machinations display. The mental health war within him is so intriguing as he navigates through the many facets. It shows a male hurting and protecting himself, yet we also get a visual of the parts he desperately tries to shatter- the ones that love fully and with every ounce of his body and soul. His inner monologues are what brought this novella to be one of my favorites: the drapes, the stain, the dead servant 🙈, the poor attention span, the compulsions and intrusive thoughts. I felt entertained but also seen (because I experience much of those things minus the servant 😂😂). All that to say, Dion remains one of my favorite characters, because of his flaws, his intricacies, and his potential.
If you want an epic fantasy romance with this shadow daddy and a female who makes this male beg, crawl, and grovel… go begin The Freedom You Seek today! It’s available now and on KU!
Thank you thank you, Em, for this gifted arc and getting to be on your ST. It’s such a JOY to my heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“What in the name of Noelk's hairy asshole is this f*cking piece of shit mission?”
Wouldn't we all like to know this backstory? Here it is!
Overture by Emily Villin is a darkly delicious prequel novella that gives us the how and why behind Dion and his crew of chaotic misfits ending up on their mission in the human world. Set before (and fitting perfectly between) Books 1 and 2, this story adds so much weight and context to everything we already know or think we know about Dion. You could read it before starting the series, but you’ll be deliciously confused until the pieces click into place.
What really shines here is the unflinching look at Dion’s past under Galrach’s control. We finally see the depth of the abuse he endured, and with it, a heartbreaking explanation for his twisted sense of loyalty that lasted for years. It’s disturbing, f*cked up, and emotionally heavy, but somehow Emily Villin balances it with razor-sharp, pitch-black humor that had me highlighting passage after passage. Dion also says "f*ck" SO many times which we love.
Dion remains the moody, broody little fae prince we know and love, though honestly, who wouldn’t be miserable while living in chains?
We get to see how his mind works through pain, survival, and self-preservation, including the many masks he wears to endure it all. And yes, that includes his deeply unhealthy yet endlessly amusing obsession with his drapes:
“Never had I believed that my ugly drapes would one day become the centerpiece of the most important decision I had to make in my entire life.”
We’re also given chilling insight into the atrocities he committed while under Galrach’s control, grounding his character in moral complexity and long-standing guilt:
“Sometimes I had the impression that when my time to stand in front of the warden godling of the underworld would finally come, he'd greet me like an old friend. He'd better, considering how many souls I'd delivered to him already.”
It’s dark. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s necessary. I was SO here for it!!
On a lighter (and funnier) note, Dion mentions Noelk’s asshole… a lot.
Enough that I’m fully convinced he might just be a butt guy. Canon. I don’t make the rules. 🍑
And as someone who just finished watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the first time ever; Dion is absolutely Prince Zuko-coded, and his uncle gives strong Uncle Iroh energy. That parallel made me love this story even more because I also loved those 2 characters and their dynamic.
Overture is the perfect bridge in this series and gave us just enough while waiting for book 3. It is rich in character development, dripping in dark humor, and emotionally as dark as Dion.
As a beta reader, I already adored it, but I cannot wait for everyone else to experience it too. Emily Villin does not miss, and Dion continues to own my soul (and apparently, his drapes). Infinite love to this series and author ❤️
Wouldn't we all like to know this backstory? Here it is!
Overture by Emily Villin is a darkly delicious prequel novella that gives us the how and why behind Dion and his crew of chaotic misfits ending up on their mission in the human world. Set before (and fitting perfectly between) Books 1 and 2, this story adds so much weight and context to everything we already know or think we know about Dion. You could read it before starting the series, but you’ll be deliciously confused until the pieces click into place.
What really shines here is the unflinching look at Dion’s past under Galrach’s control. We finally see the depth of the abuse he endured, and with it, a heartbreaking explanation for his twisted sense of loyalty that lasted for years. It’s disturbing, f*cked up, and emotionally heavy, but somehow Emily Villin balances it with razor-sharp, pitch-black humor that had me highlighting passage after passage. Dion also says "f*ck" SO many times which we love.
Dion remains the moody, broody little fae prince we know and love, though honestly, who wouldn’t be miserable while living in chains?
We get to see how his mind works through pain, survival, and self-preservation, including the many masks he wears to endure it all. And yes, that includes his deeply unhealthy yet endlessly amusing obsession with his drapes:
“Never had I believed that my ugly drapes would one day become the centerpiece of the most important decision I had to make in my entire life.”
We’re also given chilling insight into the atrocities he committed while under Galrach’s control, grounding his character in moral complexity and long-standing guilt:
“Sometimes I had the impression that when my time to stand in front of the warden godling of the underworld would finally come, he'd greet me like an old friend. He'd better, considering how many souls I'd delivered to him already.”
It’s dark. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s necessary. I was SO here for it!!
On a lighter (and funnier) note, Dion mentions Noelk’s asshole… a lot.
Enough that I’m fully convinced he might just be a butt guy. Canon. I don’t make the rules. 🍑
And as someone who just finished watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the first time ever; Dion is absolutely Prince Zuko-coded, and his uncle gives strong Uncle Iroh energy. That parallel made me love this story even more because I also loved those 2 characters and their dynamic.
Overture is the perfect bridge in this series and gave us just enough while waiting for book 3. It is rich in character development, dripping in dark humor, and emotionally as dark as Dion.
As a beta reader, I already adored it, but I cannot wait for everyone else to experience it too. Emily Villin does not miss, and Dion continues to own my soul (and apparently, his drapes). Infinite love to this series and author ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Autor
✨ Thank you Emily for this ARC!
This prequel was so great! It was really interesting to read about Dion's back story and all that he’s been through... which was A LOT... poor thing. There were a lot of heavy subjects, like psychological and physical torture, depression, and PTSD. But it was beautifully written and expressed ❤️🩹 I loved it!
And I'm so glad to finally know the origin of Dion's struggles with his drapes 🙌🏻
Best cursing ever: "By Noelk's smelly balls" 😆
I'm absolutely looking forward to book #3!
🖤 Fave Quotes:
"How could Harc stare at me with so much reprpach when he didn't even have a face?"
"Fuck my life. I hated every single thing about my existence.
Was I overly dramatic?
No. Never."
"Never had I believe that my ugly drapes would be the centerpiece of the most important decision I had to make in my entire life."
"Oh, how I yearned to be back in my bed, pondering about the things that really mattered-my drapes."
"No matter how hard I try, I can't hate you. So, as fucked up as you are, I'm glad you're around. But if you tattle to anyone, I'll disembowell you myself."
💔 This Novella has:
▪️Memory Gaps
▪️Rituals & Torture
▪️Depression
▪️Meeting the Gang
▪️PTSD
▪️100% Dion and his drapes!
This prequel was so great! It was really interesting to read about Dion's back story and all that he’s been through... which was A LOT... poor thing. There were a lot of heavy subjects, like psychological and physical torture, depression, and PTSD. But it was beautifully written and expressed ❤️🩹 I loved it!
And I'm so glad to finally know the origin of Dion's struggles with his drapes 🙌🏻
Best cursing ever: "By Noelk's smelly balls" 😆
I'm absolutely looking forward to book #3!
🖤 Fave Quotes:
"How could Harc stare at me with so much reprpach when he didn't even have a face?"
"Fuck my life. I hated every single thing about my existence.
Was I overly dramatic?
No. Never."
"Never had I believe that my ugly drapes would be the centerpiece of the most important decision I had to make in my entire life."
"Oh, how I yearned to be back in my bed, pondering about the things that really mattered-my drapes."
"No matter how hard I try, I can't hate you. So, as fucked up as you are, I'm glad you're around. But if you tattle to anyone, I'll disembowell you myself."
💔 This Novella has:
▪️Memory Gaps
▪️Rituals & Torture
▪️Depression
▪️Meeting the Gang
▪️PTSD
▪️100% Dion and his drapes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being on this author’s permanent ARC team means I’ll admit upfront … I am a little biased. But honestly? This novella made it very easy to love.
Overture gives us a deeper look into Dion before everything changed - the moments leading up to his departure, how some of the crew came into the picture, and the emotional weight he was carrying long before the main story even begins. And wow… those darker undertones hit hard. Seeing Dion in the middle of a mental health spiral added so much depth to his character. It hurt in the best way, and it made me feel even more protective over our morally questionable, pitch-black man.
I will say - it felt so short. Especially for this author, who usually gives us so much to sink into. But knowing she challenged herself with the length actually makes me appreciate it more. She managed to pack emotional punches, character insight, and world nostalgia into such a small space, which isn’t easy.
This felt like a tease in the best (and most painful) way. Just enough to pull me back into this world and remind me how much I love it… and just enough to leave me desperate for the next release (which, tragically, is not coming soon enough).
Also! ELITE use of cuss words. No notes.
I loved getting more time with Dion. I will always show up for him.
Overture gives us a deeper look into Dion before everything changed - the moments leading up to his departure, how some of the crew came into the picture, and the emotional weight he was carrying long before the main story even begins. And wow… those darker undertones hit hard. Seeing Dion in the middle of a mental health spiral added so much depth to his character. It hurt in the best way, and it made me feel even more protective over our morally questionable, pitch-black man.
I will say - it felt so short. Especially for this author, who usually gives us so much to sink into. But knowing she challenged herself with the length actually makes me appreciate it more. She managed to pack emotional punches, character insight, and world nostalgia into such a small space, which isn’t easy.
This felt like a tease in the best (and most painful) way. Just enough to pull me back into this world and remind me how much I love it… and just enough to leave me desperate for the next release (which, tragically, is not coming soon enough).
Also! ELITE use of cuss words. No notes.
I loved getting more time with Dion. I will always show up for him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Despite the seriousness of the book and its topics, as well as the important context it provides on what has happened so far and likely what is yet to happen, I have to say—for I fear I cannot help it—that I, myself, much like Dion, have a lot of thoughts and opinions on ugly drapes and curtains and that he is, indeed, right to consider changing them a topic of utmost importance.
That being said and out of the way, Overture shows us a side of Dion we had not yet seen or experienced: the brokenhearted, sad young fae that was just tired of it all. And I think that is a sight that both clashes with and complements the Dion we had seen so far, with his massive ego, his god complex, and the petulance of a very angry and sad teen that needs either a hug or a good ol' flick on the forehead.
Ten outta ten experience, can't wait for "The legacy you bear".
That being said and out of the way, Overture shows us a side of Dion we had not yet seen or experienced: the brokenhearted, sad young fae that was just tired of it all. And I think that is a sight that both clashes with and complements the Dion we had seen so far, with his massive ego, his god complex, and the petulance of a very angry and sad teen that needs either a hug or a good ol' flick on the forehead.
Ten outta ten experience, can't wait for "The legacy you bear".
Review of advance copy received from Author
No morally black individual is raised in a life of happiness, and in this novella we delve into reasons Dion is the way that he is.
We're used to seeing Dion as a feared and unstoppable force of nature but this book had my heart bleeding for him and I just wanted to hold him and shelter him from his life.
I enjoyed witnessing the start of the journey that begins the series and, while I loved his character already, I was left with a higher level of respect for Antas.
The way Emily expertly toes the line of heartbreak and humour had me surprised and impressed at how much I laughed amidst the darkness this story brings. Another amazing addition to a legendary series.
This is a prequel to the A Requiem For Fading Worlds series but should be read after the first two books.
We're used to seeing Dion as a feared and unstoppable force of nature but this book had my heart bleeding for him and I just wanted to hold him and shelter him from his life.
I enjoyed witnessing the start of the journey that begins the series and, while I loved his character already, I was left with a higher level of respect for Antas.
The way Emily expertly toes the line of heartbreak and humour had me surprised and impressed at how much I laughed amidst the darkness this story brings. Another amazing addition to a legendary series.
This is a prequel to the A Requiem For Fading Worlds series but should be read after the first two books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novella is the perfect portal into Dion's past and does such a good job of explaining key things that happened to him and led to the current situation at the end of book 2.
Dion's voice is so unmistakable and falling into his character is always fun, because he is just such an endearingly arrogant male, whose train of thought makes the most interesting stops during his internal thought process. And this balance is very necessary as reading about the brutality he suffered through in his past will leave your heart bleeding out.
After reading this, the vengeful part of me will only be appeased if justice is served in the next book in the series! Dion and Nayana deserve nothing less!
Dion's voice is so unmistakable and falling into his character is always fun, because he is just such an endearingly arrogant male, whose train of thought makes the most interesting stops during his internal thought process. And this balance is very necessary as reading about the brutality he suffered through in his past will leave your heart bleeding out.
After reading this, the vengeful part of me will only be appeased if justice is served in the next book in the series! Dion and Nayana deserve nothing less!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overture is book 2.5 in A Requiem for Fading Worlds. Although the book begins during book two, it quickly jumps to months prior and is really a prequel to the series. It's a peek into Dion's world before his group left on their mission. There is background that shows exactly how difficult his life was with his grandfather and how the mission started in the first place. Dion's grumpy, foul-mouthed personality is on full display, but this book helps garner more empathy for him. He has not had an easy life. I always love a trip into a character's past, but there were also some long portions filled with Dion wallowing in self-pity. Therefore, have patience and enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG Dion and his drape dilemma. A sweet/funny/sad issue.
This prequel answers so many questions about Dion.
This is a prequel but should be read after “The Freedom You Seek” and “The Chains You Defy.”
His grandfather tried to break him, but luckily his uncle finally steps in to save him. And let him find himself and his powers.
A great read and helped connect all of the pieces of puzzle of Dion and Nayana.
Definitely read the trigger warnings
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This prequel answers so many questions about Dion.
This is a prequel but should be read after “The Freedom You Seek” and “The Chains You Defy.”
His grandfather tried to break him, but luckily his uncle finally steps in to save him. And let him find himself and his powers.
A great read and helped connect all of the pieces of puzzle of Dion and Nayana.
Definitely read the trigger warnings
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love how this portrays depression.
Emily you have a knack for lightening the heavy topics.
I loved learning more about Dion & how he became the male he is in TFYD & TCYD.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more about Naya Dion & the rest of the crew
Emily you have a knack for lightening the heavy topics.
I loved learning more about Dion & how he became the male he is in TFYD & TCYD.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more about Naya Dion & the rest of the crew
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5🌟
I love this series a lot. So glad to be back in their world. It was really interesting to learn how Dion's life was before book 1 and 2. However the story was extremely slow at some points and that for me was hard to get through.
I love this series a lot. So glad to be back in their world. It was really interesting to learn how Dion's life was before book 1 and 2. However the story was extremely slow at some points and that for me was hard to get through.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
So good!!! Full review coming up 😍😍
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