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Overture
“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
Published April 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 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 ❤️
April 5, 2026
This was the perfect book to tide me over until book 3 comes out! It was great & and heart-wrenching to learn more about what Dion endured before leaving for Ivreia.
We learn why Dion is mean and brooding so much, and in the understand of that, we see why he is the way he is, and how much he’s had to come through,
This book doesn’t really have spice, there is talking of spice, but Nayana is only in the prologue and Epilogue.
We learn why Dion is mean and brooding so much, and in the understand of that, we see why he is the way he is, and how much he’s had to come through,
This book doesn’t really have spice, there is talking of spice, but Nayana is only in the prologue and Epilogue.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do you ever feel like you're in dire need of an intermission? A moment to just breathe. A calm between two raging storms. That is what Overture is. A pause. A break. But also, an introduction to something crucial. A glimpse into the past. A piece of one's heart and soul offered to us on a golden plate. A draped one, I might add. Because Dion deserves it. He deserves for his past to be known. He deserves to be understood, even though he might rather bury it all under a pile of discarded clothes and shredded drapes. He deserves it.
So, this interlude/overture is special. It may not bring closure or heal all the wounds, but it is healing in a sense. It allows us to witness events we've only heard whispers of. To see things we never wished we saw, because they hurt so much. They hurt Dion, and they hurt us. We suffer with him. We cry, we mourn, we rage. We see him go through his darkest times, and we see him trying to cope with it all.
There are no right or wrong ways to face trauma. And Dion's response? It's his own. He owns it and stands by his choices. We may or may not agree with him, but in all honesty, who cares what any of us think? When faced with unimaginable evil, especially in the form of someone close to you, how can you predict one's answer?
Drapes may be the central symbol of Dion's wrath, but they are merely a conduit. A way for him to channel his rage, his helplessness, and his utterly devastating sense of unworthiness. Drapes you may tear down, but your inner walls? They take much more time to break down. Drapes you may change, but your inner dread? That is much harder to banish.
Dion's being is stripped down and bent, but never broken. And from his darkest times, there is only one way forward. Straight to his destiny and far away from those ugly drapes.
Thank you, Emily, for this brief intermission. We needed it, and Dion needed it.
So, this interlude/overture is special. It may not bring closure or heal all the wounds, but it is healing in a sense. It allows us to witness events we've only heard whispers of. To see things we never wished we saw, because they hurt so much. They hurt Dion, and they hurt us. We suffer with him. We cry, we mourn, we rage. We see him go through his darkest times, and we see him trying to cope with it all.
There are no right or wrong ways to face trauma. And Dion's response? It's his own. He owns it and stands by his choices. We may or may not agree with him, but in all honesty, who cares what any of us think? When faced with unimaginable evil, especially in the form of someone close to you, how can you predict one's answer?
Drapes may be the central symbol of Dion's wrath, but they are merely a conduit. A way for him to channel his rage, his helplessness, and his utterly devastating sense of unworthiness. Drapes you may tear down, but your inner walls? They take much more time to break down. Drapes you may change, but your inner dread? That is much harder to banish.
Dion's being is stripped down and bent, but never broken. And from his darkest times, there is only one way forward. Straight to his destiny and far away from those ugly drapes.
Thank you, Emily, for this brief intermission. We needed it, and Dion needed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set before the events of the main series, this novella follows Dion, a once-proud prince now bound to serve a cruel and controlling king. After centuries of manipulation, loss, and growing darkness, Dion finds himself trapped in a life where even his own fate feels out of reach. Bitter, isolated, and unwilling to rely on anyone but himself, he struggles to hold together what remains of who he used to be. As tensions with his powerful great-uncle escalate, Dion begins to push against the forces that have shaped him, setting the stage for the choices, and consequences, that will define his path in the main series.
This is a great little addition to the series, especially if you’re already invested in Dion as a character. It adds meaningful context to his mindset and backstory without feeling redundant, and I appreciated how much detail was packed into such a short format. The group dynamics are fleshed out nicely, giving extra weight to relationships that carry into the main books. Despite the overall bleak tone, there’s also a thread of dark humor running through it that keeps things from feeling overly heavy.
This leans heavily on the context of the first two books, and also includes scenes that take place during Book 2, so you shouldn’t go into it as a standalone. For readers following the series, it’s very much worth the time—there are several small moments, references, and inside jokes that add an extra layer of enjoyment. Overall, this works perfectly as a bridge between installments, and it definitely made the wait for book three a little easier. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
5/5 A bleak little treat for anyone who wants more Dion.
This is a great little addition to the series, especially if you’re already invested in Dion as a character. It adds meaningful context to his mindset and backstory without feeling redundant, and I appreciated how much detail was packed into such a short format. The group dynamics are fleshed out nicely, giving extra weight to relationships that carry into the main books. Despite the overall bleak tone, there’s also a thread of dark humor running through it that keeps things from feeling overly heavy.
This leans heavily on the context of the first two books, and also includes scenes that take place during Book 2, so you shouldn’t go into it as a standalone. For readers following the series, it’s very much worth the time—there are several small moments, references, and inside jokes that add an extra layer of enjoyment. Overall, this works perfectly as a bridge between installments, and it definitely made the wait for book three a little easier. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
5/5 A bleak little treat for anyone who wants more Dion.
April 4, 2026
Another amazing book by Emily!
I really enjoyed going back to where it all started. Dion is such an intense character; seeing what he's been through makes you understand him a little better. It also makes you appreciate his love for Nayana so much more.
You know the book is good when there's no spice, but it still has you up late, dying to find out what's going to happen next.
The way Emily handled his mental health in this book was so well done. I can also confirm that I still really dislike Galrach, probably even more now. I hope he gets tangled in the drapes!
Speaking of, I have to mention our famous drapes and how Dion obsesses over them... IYKYK. I'll never get tired of hearing about the ugly drapes and the fact that it's all Dion thinks about.
I really enjoy Emily's writing style; her stories are easy to follow, and she can have you laughing one minute and heartbroken the next. It's a whirlwind of emotions that sucks you into her story.
I got my little dose of Dion while we wait for the next book in the series to come out, and I'm even more excited after reading Overture.
This is a novella that should be read after her first 2 books, The Freedom You Seek and The Chains You Defy. I would highly recommend reading those first, otherwise you probably won't understand a few things. It goes back to before the first book and explains what his grandfather was like and how he was treated.
There are a few heavy topics in this novella, so please read with caution and check the trigger warnings. While I highly recommend this series to anyone who will listen, your mental health matters.
I really enjoyed going back to where it all started. Dion is such an intense character; seeing what he's been through makes you understand him a little better. It also makes you appreciate his love for Nayana so much more.
You know the book is good when there's no spice, but it still has you up late, dying to find out what's going to happen next.
The way Emily handled his mental health in this book was so well done. I can also confirm that I still really dislike Galrach, probably even more now. I hope he gets tangled in the drapes!
Speaking of, I have to mention our famous drapes and how Dion obsesses over them... IYKYK. I'll never get tired of hearing about the ugly drapes and the fact that it's all Dion thinks about.
I really enjoy Emily's writing style; her stories are easy to follow, and she can have you laughing one minute and heartbroken the next. It's a whirlwind of emotions that sucks you into her story.
I got my little dose of Dion while we wait for the next book in the series to come out, and I'm even more excited after reading Overture.
This is a novella that should be read after her first 2 books, The Freedom You Seek and The Chains You Defy. I would highly recommend reading those first, otherwise you probably won't understand a few things. It goes back to before the first book and explains what his grandfather was like and how he was treated.
There are a few heavy topics in this novella, so please read with caution and check the trigger warnings. While I highly recommend this series to anyone who will listen, your mental health matters.
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!
April 4, 2026
Overture is a prequel novella, read before TFYS and after TCYD.
We get a glimpse of Dion’s life before him and the rest of the group embarked on the journey that would forever change their lives.
Dion in the beginning is a proud prince, arrogant, and full of himself and nobody can get in his way. But even so, was on a leash by his own family member the King. He always did anything that was asked and he held his tongue, and still he had to endure the most excruciating torture at the hands of the King.
During Dion’s darkest and lowest times, he never wanted to accept help but he had to endure it. With pushing everyone away and hyper fixating, he had to be his own savior and pull himself out, until he goes on the quest that introduces The Freedom You Seek.
I loved reading this story. Understanding everything and reading his torture and reading his lowest points but still overcomes and makes it out. Reading the lowest of the lows it was a feeling I could understand well. This was all so necessary to the story and I’m so glad we got a chance to read about Dion’s life before and you see just how much Nayanna changes him for the better.
I loved being able to get the chance to read this, thank you Emily for trusting me to be a part of your Beta team!
We get a glimpse of Dion’s life before him and the rest of the group embarked on the journey that would forever change their lives.
Dion in the beginning is a proud prince, arrogant, and full of himself and nobody can get in his way. But even so, was on a leash by his own family member the King. He always did anything that was asked and he held his tongue, and still he had to endure the most excruciating torture at the hands of the King.
During Dion’s darkest and lowest times, he never wanted to accept help but he had to endure it. With pushing everyone away and hyper fixating, he had to be his own savior and pull himself out, until he goes on the quest that introduces The Freedom You Seek.
I loved reading this story. Understanding everything and reading his torture and reading his lowest points but still overcomes and makes it out. Reading the lowest of the lows it was a feeling I could understand well. This was all so necessary to the story and I’m so glad we got a chance to read about Dion’s life before and you see just how much Nayanna changes him for the better.
I loved being able to get the chance to read this, thank you Emily for trusting me to be a part of your Beta team!
April 15, 2026
Have you ever been reading a book and wondered what led the main characters to where they are now? When we’re introduced to Dion in The Freedom You Seek by Emily Villin we encounter a male who is heavily influenced by the ghosts of a very traumatic past, and many of the choices he makes in the present are made with a heavy view of his past. And while we get glimpses into that past in the first two books, I’m so glad Emily decided to write this novella, because it helped me understand Dion better. Overture is told almost exclusively from Dion’s POV and does a deep dive into where his head is at in the weeks and months leading up to him meeting Nayana, so it does tend towards the darker side, but Emily handled it with grace and empathy. As always, mind the trigger warnings, your mental health is important.
While the events that take place in this novella happened before the events of The Freedom You Seek and The Chains You Defy, there are major spoilers for those two books in Overture, so make sure you read those first. The pacing was perfect, the dialogue reminded me why I love these characters (except for Galrach, gods cursed f@cker of a sovereign 😉), and the ending has me (very patiently) awaiting book three!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While the events that take place in this novella happened before the events of The Freedom You Seek and The Chains You Defy, there are major spoilers for those two books in Overture, so make sure you read those first. The pacing was perfect, the dialogue reminded me why I love these characters (except for Galrach, gods cursed f@cker of a sovereign 😉), and the ending has me (very patiently) awaiting book three!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn't even know I needed this until I read it. This gave me such insight into Dion's world and how he's had to survive his grandfather. BUT!!!! Definitely don't read it until you've read the first 2 books!!!! You've been warned!!!
It picks up just after book 2 and then leads us into a flashback of just before this entire adventure started, showing us all the major events leading up to it. It's also so heartwarming being briefly reintroduced to some of our favorite side characters, now that we know what's going to happen.
I'll be honest: Dion got on my nerves here. But he's SUPPOSED TO. He's been chained to his grandfather for centuries, had his memory tampered with and made to believe he's just going insane. He spends every second of every day walking a tightrope to avoid the worst of punishments, all while Galrach gleefully sabotages him. He's burnt out and defeated and losing his hold on his sanity. We can forgive his petulant tantrums.
Overall, I enjoyed this peek into Dion's past and it made me SO EXCITED for Book 3!!! I can't wait to see more of Nayana!!
It picks up just after book 2 and then leads us into a flashback of just before this entire adventure started, showing us all the major events leading up to it. It's also so heartwarming being briefly reintroduced to some of our favorite side characters, now that we know what's going to happen.
I'll be honest: Dion got on my nerves here. But he's SUPPOSED TO. He's been chained to his grandfather for centuries, had his memory tampered with and made to believe he's just going insane. He spends every second of every day walking a tightrope to avoid the worst of punishments, all while Galrach gleefully sabotages him. He's burnt out and defeated and losing his hold on his sanity. We can forgive his petulant tantrums.
Overall, I enjoyed this peek into Dion's past and it made me SO EXCITED for Book 3!!! I can't wait to see more of Nayana!!
April 6, 2026
I’ve been so excited waiting for this prequel in the A Requiem For Fading Worlds series.
In this dark and tense novella, we get a further glimpse into Dion’s life in Galanta with his psychopathic grandfather, Galrach.
It’s devastating what Galrach puts Dion through and you can really understand why Dion acts the way he does. He’s never been my favourite character in the series (Thain has my heart) but this book did give me a better understanding of him. Thank god he has Antas.
Also, I really enjoyed seeing what led up to the trip to Ivreia and how it happened. Dion’s meeting with Thain went as well as expected 😂
For fans of A Requiem for Fading Worlds, this is a must-read. If you haven’t read the series yet I fully recommend it, if you love dark fantasy with a morally black unhinged prince.
Overall, another 4⭐️ read from Emily for me. I love her writing and highly recommend you dive into her world.
In this dark and tense novella, we get a further glimpse into Dion’s life in Galanta with his psychopathic grandfather, Galrach.
It’s devastating what Galrach puts Dion through and you can really understand why Dion acts the way he does. He’s never been my favourite character in the series (Thain has my heart) but this book did give me a better understanding of him. Thank god he has Antas.
Also, I really enjoyed seeing what led up to the trip to Ivreia and how it happened. Dion’s meeting with Thain went as well as expected 😂
For fans of A Requiem for Fading Worlds, this is a must-read. If you haven’t read the series yet I fully recommend it, if you love dark fantasy with a morally black unhinged prince.
Overall, another 4⭐️ read from Emily for me. I love her writing and highly recommend you dive into her world.
April 18, 2026
A good interlude between books two and three
3.5⭐️. This is a prequel story, but it needs to be read in order, after The Chains You Defy, or it will not make sense.
This time around the story focuses solely on Dion, our favourite morally black MMC, although we do briefly see Nayana, Antas, Fig, Ireas and Thain.
This story is very dark, we see firsthand how Dion is treated by his grandfather the High King, and after the last round of “treatment”
we see him sink into some of his darkest moments, truly tormented and falling apart. He’s desperate to hold himself together, so fixates on the bl00dy drapes as he breaks to try and distract himself from the life he’s found himself living. This story will have you understanding Dion a bit more, and just how closely hit sits on the edge of destruction. A good short read tha provided some much needed insight into the world of Dion!
3.5⭐️. This is a prequel story, but it needs to be read in order, after The Chains You Defy, or it will not make sense.
This time around the story focuses solely on Dion, our favourite morally black MMC, although we do briefly see Nayana, Antas, Fig, Ireas and Thain.
This story is very dark, we see firsthand how Dion is treated by his grandfather the High King, and after the last round of “treatment”
we see him sink into some of his darkest moments, truly tormented and falling apart. He’s desperate to hold himself together, so fixates on the bl00dy drapes as he breaks to try and distract himself from the life he’s found himself living. This story will have you understanding Dion a bit more, and just how closely hit sits on the edge of destruction. A good short read tha provided some much needed insight into the world of Dion!
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
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
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
This prequel is a fun way to get to know Dion's thought process and personality even better!
In each of my reviews for the other books in this series I mention Dion's personality and how freaking hilarious he is. His inner monologue is so fun to witness- even during darker situations.
The author does a fantastic job at showcasing his humor yet doesn't allow him to diminish the horrors he has to endure.
I'm really excited for the rest of this series to be finished.
I stand by my previous review mention that, so far, I love this series more than Acotar!
In each of my reviews for the other books in this series I mention Dion's personality and how freaking hilarious he is. His inner monologue is so fun to witness- even during darker situations.
The author does a fantastic job at showcasing his humor yet doesn't allow him to diminish the horrors he has to endure.
I'm really excited for the rest of this series to be finished.
I stand by my previous review mention that, so far, I love this series more than Acotar!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love my men pathetic, tortured, and isolated, so this book was perfect. I absolutely loved this look back into Dions' past. It made the whole story go full circle for me. It was a sensational addition to this series, and it had me hooked from the get-go.
Dion is, without a doubt, my favourite character from this series. His hardships, torture, and upbringing provide a deep insight into the morally grey male we've grown to love in the first two books.
He is such a complex and well thought out character. Every aspect adds layers to his character and part in the overarching story.
Dion is, without a doubt, my favourite character from this series. His hardships, torture, and upbringing provide a deep insight into the morally grey male we've grown to love in the first two books.
He is such a complex and well thought out character. Every aspect adds layers to his character and part in the overarching story.
April 4, 2026
This is not a standalone, it's book 2.5 in A Requiem For Fading Worlds series. You have to read The Freedom You Seek (book 1) and The Chains You Defy (book 2) before diving into this one.
I loved this novella so much. It was such an emotional read and the perfect journey into Dion's head. This was sweet, funny, sad and chaotic.
If you want to understand the reason why Dion is the way he is in the series, you have to read this prequel. His past was not pretty (as you can imagine) so definitely check the trigger warnings.
Being back with some of the found family members warmed my heart!
I loved this novella so much. It was such an emotional read and the perfect journey into Dion's head. This was sweet, funny, sad and chaotic.
If you want to understand the reason why Dion is the way he is in the series, you have to read this prequel. His past was not pretty (as you can imagine) so definitely check the trigger warnings.
Being back with some of the found family members warmed my heart!
April 5, 2026
In this book 2.5 we have an insight of Dion life before everything that has happened in the last 2 books . While I read I could understand a little bit more why he is the way he is. I have a love hate relationship with Dion because he irritates the F out of me and after I’m obsessed with him. I really enjoyed seeing more of his story even if it was a bit painful to read. Can’t wait to see more in book 3 .
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great interlude between the first and second books and the third book that is coming in the future.
It dives deep into Dion's recent past, before the events of The Freedom You Seek. We get to see just how awful Galrach treats him.
It felt a bit repetitive and slow at times, but overall it really helped to show us who our beloved Dion was before he met Nayana.
It dives deep into Dion's recent past, before the events of The Freedom You Seek. We get to see just how awful Galrach treats him.
It felt a bit repetitive and slow at times, but overall it really helped to show us who our beloved Dion was before he met Nayana.
April 10, 2026
I did enjoy this novella, especially getting to be in Dions head and get a better understanding of what happened to him to make him behave as he does in the other books of the series. However even though its a novella it felt very long and a bit repetative. Would still recommend reading to anyone who enjoyed the other books in this series.
Thank you to Emily Villin for the ARC.
Thank you to Emily Villin for the ARC.
April 16, 2026
This book was such a great way to bridge the gap between the prior in the stories to the current. The raw emotion. The betrayal. The clues hidden throughout. I absolutely cannot wait for book 4 in this installment. Emily has proved she is more than capable of hooking you in and never letting you go. These shadowy tendrils won't let anyone escape Dion or his world🖤
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 Author
ARC Review: A novella with some of Dion's backstory is a welcome addition to this already incredible series. The midpoint obsession with his drapes had me cackling with laughter. But I especially enjoyed the further development of his relationship with Antas who's one of my favorite characters.
April 1, 2026
I really enjoyed the context surrounding our groups trip into Ivreia! Dion, however, is quite unlikeable in this novella. But I don’t believe he’s ever claimed to be anything but morally black.
Felt somewhat chaotic at times, though this stays true to the original story.
Spice: 🚫
Felt somewhat chaotic at times, though this stays true to the original story.
Spice: 🚫
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
So good!!! Full review coming up 😍😍
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
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!
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