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Epilogue of Kings
A dark tale of love, power and war.
Fourteen years ago, twelve boys vanished.
Four years later, half of them returned—on horseback, scarred and wordless.
Salje's brother was not among them.
Salje has learned to survive, but when dreams of her missing brother haunt her, she believe he’s alive and needs her help. Confronting his mysterious friends, the Returned, opens a door into Asydiar, a realm of fractured kingdoms, elven cities, and brutal magic.
Time runs out for her brother when her connection to him suddenly severs. The price for new information is steep, and Salje is entirely dependent on the brooding Aaron and his charming friend Valerio - one a former king and mage, the other his loyal general and the realm's finest swordsman.
Salje's growing feelings only complicate matters.
Epic scope. Intimate stakes. Narnia but dark and bloody, mixed with a heartbreaking romance.
For readers of Danielle L. Jensen, Carissa Broadbent, Sabaa Tahir, and classics like The Chronicles of Narnia.
Epilogue of Kings delivers great world building, a star-crossed romance, found family, hurt & comfort, and brutal battles.
This is book 1 of a series, with book 2 following in spring 2026.
Fourteen years ago, twelve boys vanished.
Four years later, half of them returned—on horseback, scarred and wordless.
Salje's brother was not among them.
Salje has learned to survive, but when dreams of her missing brother haunt her, she believe he’s alive and needs her help. Confronting his mysterious friends, the Returned, opens a door into Asydiar, a realm of fractured kingdoms, elven cities, and brutal magic.
Time runs out for her brother when her connection to him suddenly severs. The price for new information is steep, and Salje is entirely dependent on the brooding Aaron and his charming friend Valerio - one a former king and mage, the other his loyal general and the realm's finest swordsman.
Salje's growing feelings only complicate matters.
Epic scope. Intimate stakes. Narnia but dark and bloody, mixed with a heartbreaking romance.
For readers of Danielle L. Jensen, Carissa Broadbent, Sabaa Tahir, and classics like The Chronicles of Narnia.
Epilogue of Kings delivers great world building, a star-crossed romance, found family, hurt & comfort, and brutal battles.
This is book 1 of a series, with book 2 following in spring 2026.
- GenresFantasy
472 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
22 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 20, 2025
wow 😭 this may have been my top read of the year. this book felt like it was made for my exact reading style. I am so blown away by this author and the translation, it was SO impressive. it was the exact ratio of fantasy & world building with a subplot of romance and love that I have been yearning for.
the story sucked me in immediately. I was so intrigued by the mystery surrounding the returned, and couldn't wait to learn more. as the story developed I could NOT put this down. this author does a fantastic job with pacing, world building, and creating relationships between characters. I was so devastated and was sobbing by the end, and it takes me a lot to cry with books! there is magic, politics, romance, found family, growth and more. I really enjoyed the dark themes, and felt the author really took great care within these topics. i seriously loved all the characters, but specifically, i love love love aaron. valerio was sweet but I'm low-key holding onto Aaron for the next book 😭 I cannot wait to read the next one once it's translated.
*spoiler discussion/topic below*
a LOT of people gloss over, and/or don't speak on the sexual healing journey that is involved in healing from sexual trauma, and I am so glad the author didn't lean away from this, especially as a woman reader. I'm so blown away by this author!
the story sucked me in immediately. I was so intrigued by the mystery surrounding the returned, and couldn't wait to learn more. as the story developed I could NOT put this down. this author does a fantastic job with pacing, world building, and creating relationships between characters. I was so devastated and was sobbing by the end, and it takes me a lot to cry with books! there is magic, politics, romance, found family, growth and more. I really enjoyed the dark themes, and felt the author really took great care within these topics. i seriously loved all the characters, but specifically, i love love love aaron. valerio was sweet but I'm low-key holding onto Aaron for the next book 😭 I cannot wait to read the next one once it's translated.
*spoiler discussion/topic below*
a LOT of people gloss over, and/or don't speak on the sexual healing journey that is involved in healing from sexual trauma, and I am so glad the author didn't lean away from this, especially as a woman reader. I'm so blown away by this author!
Want to read
December 10, 2025yeah, u can’t comp a book to Narnia and expect me to not be intrigued
January 17, 2026
Epic fantasy and strong world building. If you like a lot of found family and a dark plot this is for you.
December 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book directly from the author, and I am voluntarily writing this review 💫
Honestly if it was possible I would have given this 4.5⭐️
I also want to say that I am incredibly impressed that the author translated this book on her own, and I have really enjoyed watching her creative journey on social media 🥰
• I liked the writing style because it felt different from how fantasy books are usually written today.
• It reminded me of older fantasy books like The Lord of the Rings, especially because of the journey aspect.
• I loved the world-building because, for me, it is really important to understand the world so I can truly imagine what it looks like.
• I felt that the magic system could have been explained more, as I was left with a few questions about it.
• The romance was not the main focus of the story, and I feel like that made me enjoy the book even more.
• In my opinion, it was fast-paced, and everything made a lot of sense, especially the fighting scenes.
• I obviously disliked the scene with Salje and the King, but I do think it was written maturely and not in a romanticized way.
• My favorite character was Aaron, and I have to say that I wanted to know more about him.
• The ending came a bit too fast for me; I wish it had been a little longer.
All in all, I did enjoy reading it, and I am super excited for the second book (I might even read it in German so I don’t have to wait for the translation) 💕
Honestly if it was possible I would have given this 4.5⭐️
I also want to say that I am incredibly impressed that the author translated this book on her own, and I have really enjoyed watching her creative journey on social media 🥰
• I liked the writing style because it felt different from how fantasy books are usually written today.
• It reminded me of older fantasy books like The Lord of the Rings, especially because of the journey aspect.
• I loved the world-building because, for me, it is really important to understand the world so I can truly imagine what it looks like.
• I felt that the magic system could have been explained more, as I was left with a few questions about it.
• The romance was not the main focus of the story, and I feel like that made me enjoy the book even more.
• In my opinion, it was fast-paced, and everything made a lot of sense, especially the fighting scenes.
• I obviously disliked the scene with Salje and the King, but I do think it was written maturely and not in a romanticized way.
• My favorite character was Aaron, and I have to say that I wanted to know more about him.
• The ending came a bit too fast for me; I wish it had been a little longer.
All in all, I did enjoy reading it, and I am super excited for the second book (I might even read it in German so I don’t have to wait for the translation) 💕
December 27, 2025
I got this as an ARC and it had been quite an adventure.
The plot was interesting and it got held strong until the end.
The beginning was done well enough, following Salje and her determination to find answers. Then we get some of the answers to which more questions got born. I really enjoyed reading about her and her journey.
Found family is one of my favourite tropes ever, so her finding comfort in a group equally traumatized was wholesome. The writing was interesting, felt like I was reading an old book, and I appreciated the dark aspects of human nature and their representation. Ofc that king scene made me throw my phone in anger. My heart goes to Salje, she survives through sheer will and determination, which I can appreciate.
From here I might spoil some things for people who didn't read the book yet so beware.
<
The plot was interesting and it got held strong until the end.
The beginning was done well enough, following Salje and her determination to find answers. Then we get some of the answers to which more questions got born. I really enjoyed reading about her and her journey.
Found family is one of my favourite tropes ever, so her finding comfort in a group equally traumatized was wholesome. The writing was interesting, felt like I was reading an old book, and I appreciated the dark aspects of human nature and their representation. Ofc that king scene made me throw my phone in anger. My heart goes to Salje, she survives through sheer will and determination, which I can appreciate.
From here I might spoil some things for people who didn't read the book yet so beware.
<
December 10, 2025
Really a great read!! A book listed as being a dark fantasy and yes, I agree. Some rough scenes, but very well balanced with positive scenes.
The first few chapters were explaining back ground of the characters as well as building up to the "what happened". Setting the tone for world building with a bit of mystery making the reader want to keep reading. By chapter 5, I definitely was vested and did not want to quit reading.
The pace of the book waxed and waned. Moments at times seemed to take a bit to get through, but then, BOOM, a fast paced, action packed section would happen. It truly kept me on my toes.
What I really feel the author did well was to mix in what would initially feel like small scenes that had a bigger impact. Such as describing domestic moments of meal times that truly indicated relationship building and more insight into individual characters personalities.
Truly, I very much enjoyed this book and I would read more from this author.
The first few chapters were explaining back ground of the characters as well as building up to the "what happened". Setting the tone for world building with a bit of mystery making the reader want to keep reading. By chapter 5, I definitely was vested and did not want to quit reading.
The pace of the book waxed and waned. Moments at times seemed to take a bit to get through, but then, BOOM, a fast paced, action packed section would happen. It truly kept me on my toes.
What I really feel the author did well was to mix in what would initially feel like small scenes that had a bigger impact. Such as describing domestic moments of meal times that truly indicated relationship building and more insight into individual characters personalities.
Truly, I very much enjoyed this book and I would read more from this author.
December 9, 2025
The story of Salje and her companions is one of wonder , friendship, kinship, love and vengeance.
The book is really well written with an amazing story that grabs you from the start. Once you start it you can't put it down. A mix of Narnia and Lord of the rings with a pinch of Braveheart.
Loved the pacing, the narration and the character development, was actually quite surprised the FMC didn't get her happy ever after.
Now to wait for the second book to see how the story unfolds and how our amazingly strong FMC gets back to her friends.
Highly recommend if you like a good sword fight, amazing characters, beautiful scenery and a story that has a lot to offer to the reader.
I'm honored to be chosen to be part of the ARC read, can't wait for the next book to come out. Go buy this book
The book is really well written with an amazing story that grabs you from the start. Once you start it you can't put it down. A mix of Narnia and Lord of the rings with a pinch of Braveheart.
Loved the pacing, the narration and the character development, was actually quite surprised the FMC didn't get her happy ever after.
Now to wait for the second book to see how the story unfolds and how our amazingly strong FMC gets back to her friends.
Highly recommend if you like a good sword fight, amazing characters, beautiful scenery and a story that has a lot to offer to the reader.
I'm honored to be chosen to be part of the ARC read, can't wait for the next book to come out. Go buy this book
January 9, 2026
I would actually rate this book 3.5 *. I read the KIndle Edition. I enjoyed the characters. The Glossary was marvelous! I appreciated the individual descriptions of the characters. I liked the artwork in the book. I would have enjoyed all that and the map better in the hard copy surely. There were several typos in the edition I read. Hopefully the hard copy doesn't have them. I enjoyed the training and battle scenes and would have liked more of them. I know this is just the 1st book in a new world, (which I throughly enjoyed, by the way), but I wished there was more in the way of love interests. I don't believe we've met the actual MMC yet. ( Certainly hope not *sigh )I will read the next book "Prologue of Queens"
January 3, 2026
I received this book from the author as an ARC. This book was very well written pulling you in as it flowed seamlessly.
Salje’s brother never returned when his friends did. She begins to dream about him and feels a connection which makes her think he is alive. She goes and speaks with the friends that returned without him and inquires what happened to him finding out there is a whole other world and it’s possible her brother is being held captive. She goes on a mission with the friends to search/rescue her brother. You must read this to find out what happens. I was not prepared for the ending of this book. Great read !
Salje’s brother never returned when his friends did. She begins to dream about him and feels a connection which makes her think he is alive. She goes and speaks with the friends that returned without him and inquires what happened to him finding out there is a whole other world and it’s possible her brother is being held captive. She goes on a mission with the friends to search/rescue her brother. You must read this to find out what happens. I was not prepared for the ending of this book. Great read !
January 8, 2026
Epilogue of Kings
This book was given to me as an ARC here is my honest and voluntarily review.
I really enjoyed this book her journey to find her brother kept me on edge . The worldbuilding is vivid and atmospheric, with haunting landscapes and believable kingdoms .
The relationships particularly the slow-burn connections with twists that kept me guessing and emotional stakes that felt deeply personal. Salje love for her brother is everything. She is determined, and deeply human. Her grief and stubborn loyalty drive the story forward in a way that feels raw and believable.
This book was given to me as an ARC here is my honest and voluntarily review.
I really enjoyed this book her journey to find her brother kept me on edge . The worldbuilding is vivid and atmospheric, with haunting landscapes and believable kingdoms .
The relationships particularly the slow-burn connections with twists that kept me guessing and emotional stakes that felt deeply personal. Salje love for her brother is everything. She is determined, and deeply human. Her grief and stubborn loyalty drive the story forward in a way that feels raw and believable.
December 19, 2025
I loved this book! The amount of action compared to the amount of intimate interactions between all of the characters felt really balanced. The action really sucked you in and made your heart race. The quiet moments felt soothing. I couldn't predict what was going to happen next, which is a big thing for me. I laugh, cried, and felt the emotions alongside the characters. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves an interesting fantasy world.
Read
December 16, 2025Not rated b/c pausing/dnf with sample. Having read a few samples of self-published books recently that steered me away from reading the books as well as short novella that tried to shove in the writing of a novel, this book may just be a casualty of the predecessors.
I may pick this back-up when I'm not as impatient.
I may pick this back-up when I'm not as impatient.
December 8, 2025
Salje Is fascinating. Her story and her journey to find her brother kept me on the tip of my toes waiting to see what Happened. It was great writing and the fantasy aspects of it were top notch.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
3.75
I enjoyed this book! Lowkey got narnia vibes and the magic system was really interesting. The typos ruin it a bit but the storyline had me HOOKED!! And the ending made me want to cry for our poor FMC- this author loves to torture her characters 😭🤣
I enjoyed this book! Lowkey got narnia vibes and the magic system was really interesting. The typos ruin it a bit but the storyline had me HOOKED!! And the ending made me want to cry for our poor FMC- this author loves to torture her characters 😭🤣
January 17, 2026
I was sent an E-Arc copy by the Author and what an enjoyable read, I love the world building and its refreshing to read fantasy where romance is a sub plot once in a while.
I couldn't put this book down and cannot wait to read more by the Author.
I couldn't put this book down and cannot wait to read more by the Author.
December 21, 2025
Well done to Elisabeth on translating her debut novel into English! Really enjoyed it and look forward to the next. This is like if Narnia took grown-ups...
January 5, 2026
This was awesome read. It gave me Narnia and Lord of the Rings Vibes which I love. The world building was amazing. I can't wait for book two.
January 9, 2026
Excited to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews