Dawn of Crescentia

by Ava M. Rose

Realms of Etheria is an adventure-filled epic romantasy series set in the first universe ever created. Etheria is divided by light and shadow—ruled by primordials and their legendary dragons.

Dawn of Crescentia, the first book in the series, focuses on Selenia, Goddess of Crescentia—gentle and kind, yet resolute and astute. Her bond and steadfast friendship with her Lunaron Dragon, Silvara, is as fierce as it is unbreakable. When Selenia falls for Ashlen, the erudite God of Everwood, something powerful awakens.

As their fated bond begins to flourish, humans arrive—curious and more consequential than anyone could have expected. Their arrival disrupts the balance of the realms and forces the primordials to confront threats they never imagined.

How would you feel if you were living alongside the immortals who created you? What lengths would you go to become one of them?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Ava M. Rose is a lover of artistic, magical, romantic, and fictional worlds. She began writing poetry, which then evolved, through her love of romance, tech, and crime thrillers, into a romantic suspense trilogy—The Sensual Series.

More recently, she has refocused her writing to create a new romantasy, a fictional and imagistic Fantasy series called the Realms of Etheria.

Reviews

[Becks O]

I had the absolute pleasure of being and ARC reader for Dawn of Crescentia and wow, I'm so grateful for that opportunity.

Before I dive into this review, three things you need to know about me:  


1. I never cry while reading books.  

2. I very rarely cry at all.  

3. I finished this book... and sobbed for a solid 20 minutes straight.  

This story completely shattered me, in the best possible way. You all need to read it ASAP.

I'm still super emotional and reeling, so here's my review in bullets:

- The writing is breathtaking. Ava's descriptions of the characters and the vivid worlds they're building feel truly magical and special.  

- It's giving Adam and Eve but with dragons and magic. Exactly the twist I didn't know my soul was craving.  

- The female characters are fierce and unforgettable, and the MMCs are so wonderful you'll fall hard for every single one and root for them with everything you've got.  

- The spice is 🥵🥵 intensely hot, yet written with such elegance and beauty that you're left both flushed and swooning at the same time. Classy, emotional, and scorching.  

- That plot twist? Prepare to scream at the book, gasp out loud, and possibly throw it across the room (in awe).  

If you're looking for a fantasy that hits you right in the feels, wraps you in gorgeous world-building, delivers heart-pounding romance, and leaves you emotionally wrecked then this is it. I'm broken and I love it.

[Chloe Tebay]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Rating!

I was so lucky to get my hands on an ARC of this book, thanks Ava! I really enjoyed Realms of Etheria: Dawn of Crescentia. There’s so much to enjoy, really detailed world building, dragons!! the magic, and you really get the feeling that this book is setting up a big fantasy + romance series.

The story follows Selenia and Ashlen across multiple POVs, with a focus on magic, politics, and figuring out who they are in a world that wants to control power. Selenia’s storyline especially has emotional depth, and I liked seeing her growth over time.

The pacing was a bit slow for me, especially in the first half (but im aware Ava is taking our feedback before publishing the final copy as I’ve seen on other reviews, excited to see the final copy!). It leans heavily into world setup, so it sometimes feels more like a long prologue than a fully complete story. A few sections felt overly detailed or info heavy, and I found myself wanting things to move along quicker.

That being said… The spice though!! Very different to spice I’ve read before, it’s so elegant and I really enjoyed it. The detail and pages of spice is amazing. The spice adds a fun layer to the story, and if you’re like me, it will definitely appeal if you like some heat in your fantasy! 🌶️

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has a lot of potential for setting the story for a fantasy series! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when it’s out 😻 thanks again Ava! 🤎

[Laura Cowell]

I don't think I will ever stop talking about and recommending this book. Absolutely incredible. If Fantasy/Romantasy is your thing or if you are brand new to the genre then this is the perfect book to start with. The worldbuilding was done so well and was easy to follow with everything being explained clearly. The characters are just everything and were written perfectly, I connected with them so much. The spice was really good and fitted in with the overall vibe of the book so well. The way this book made me reflect on life, family, being a mother, what is important in life etc was unreal, it really got to me in all the best ways.

The ending!!! I need more, everyone needs to read this book, simple.

[Nina Helen]

This book takes you on an other worldly journey through the Realms of Etheria at their very beginning.

We're introduced to Omniron the Overgod and the four Primordials, Selenia, Ashlen, Amaralia and Valandor.

This is Selenia's story as she builds Cresentia and falls in love with Ashlen. Their soulbond is almost immediate but their love still develops throughout the book. I loved how their love story wasn't a typical romance especially how they both show their strengths and vulnerabilities with each other.

I never knew I needed dragon dialogue in my life but it turns out, I do! Selenia's Dragon, Silvara is perfect for her and has extra special powers. Timbrax is Ashlen's dragon and has a very dry sense of humour which compliments Ashlen's jovial personality.

As the worlds build and more lifeforms are added - humans in particular - the initial serenity is disrupted and a darkness begins to descend. Some people are not as they seem, or are they exactly as you expect?

Once I settled into the world, I could not put this book down. Now I am impatiently awaiting the sequel!

[Sarah]

I was given the chance to read this in advance of its release!!

This is a beautifully written story that certainly take you on one hell of a journey, and it kept me immersed the throughout.

Just when you think all is going to be well between the worlds, things begin to take a dark turn and you begin to sense as to what is going to happen, and of course that ending - I just wanted to scream!!

Whilst reading you felt you were there and could imagine all of the different landscapes and various creatures. I absolutely loved it.

This was such an amazing read and cannot wait to see how this story progresses in book 2.

💕 Fated Bond
😇 God / Goddess
🐉 Dragons
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family
🖤 Cunning Trickster
💗 Devoted Love Interest
💞 Fierce Heroine

[Gemma Wittkowski]

I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book and I am very thankful.

That ending was absolutely heartbreaking, I really felt for the characters in the book and it was just so well written. This was a beautifully written book which went into a lot of details about the world and really painted the picture for you whilst reading.

I will admit that I did struggle with the first half of the book as it took me a while to get into due to the pacing, as I felt this was a little slow for me. It didn't feel like much was going on but I understand that this was to build up the world that was being created and to help us understand the premise.

The second half of this book was so much more engaging and the story really got going and had me hooked. The chapters with Sangraelle were so different and I just wanted to see what she was getting up to! I loved the dragons! I loved the sassiness of Timbrax and the gentle naturedness of Silvara they really added to the story.

I need book 2 immediately because after how the book ended. I need to know what happens next!

[Kate Jones]

When I finished this book I felt like Joey in Friends when he said ‘can I put the book in the fridge’! Wow, what a book! The world building is well paced and the action builds perfectly. I’m a sucker for a ‘complete kind of love’ and this debut book in the series had it in spades. The heat between the main characters was palpable 🥵.

Once the story had been set, the second half of the book really picked up pace and I loved it.

What an ending… you need to read this book!!!! I cannot wait (but am a little scared) to see what comes next!

Ava, you should be so incredibly proud of yourself, I know I am of you ❤️❤️❤️

[Barb Niles]

I had an early sneak peek!
this fantasy was beautifully written, loved every second reading it!

[Megan Fernsten]

Wow! While the beginning is very much world building, it's needed to set up such a beautiful book. A lot of emotion and magic. Excited to see where this series goes.

[Frida]

ARC review
I highly recommend reading this book 😍 It's a unique world where we get to follow the gods from the minute they exist. I love the relationship between Ashlen and his dragon, also the Ashlen and Selenias bond. It has sarcastic dragons, soulmates and amazing worldbuilding.
The end of the book is a cliffhanger and it leaves you speachless.

[Maggie Brown]

Although slow to start it's amazing!

This book WOW. The world building is emense, and so different from a lot of books I've read recently. If you love knowing a world inside and out, then this book is for you. Then comes the part where Ava really hits her stride, and the story whisks you away. I really enjoyed this book, from the characters to the worlds to the adventure. I need book 2 like right now...

[shadowarc13]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Dawn of Crescentia is a compelling series debut that masterfully balances intricate world building. While the initial chapters focus on establishing the vast lore, the story hits its stride in the final act, delivering high stakes plot twists and deeply emotional moments. The strength of the story lies in the dynamic between Selenia, a fiercely loyal and compassionate soul, and Ash, whose unwavering devotion to her provides a heartwarming anchor to the epic stakes. This introduction of humanity into a divine realm shifts the tone from serene creation to urgent conflict, making for a gripping experience for fans of character-driven epic fantasy and slow burn romance. Plus, add dragons and magic to it, and your craving for the next book! A must read! 💛

[Kelsey]

ARC REVIEW:

This book took me by surprise!!!
If you are a fantasy lover! If you love world building! If you love dragons! You need to give this book a chance!!

SUMMARY: Literal world building - these primordials are created to form life on their planets. Creation of life and the growth of love between bonded primordial mates. They create dragons and eventually humans. With this comes free will and how to deal with issues while respecting free will and helping the humans. However, humans are not all good and one seeks the gift of immortality that the primordials possess.

THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed the world building (and literal world building lol) and felt everything was explained well to understand. I did feel like the first part of the book dragged a bit and needed something there to help hook the reader more. However, it seems the author has already sought to remedy this. If that is true - there will be no issues with this book because that ending! Wow!!! The last 30% of the book just took off and left me a mess!! And to end like that - no question I will be reading the next book!!!

With everything going on, the second book will be filled with a great amount of issues to resolve and ppl to take care of!! (Cough cough - silvara)

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC Ava!! Can’t wait for the next one!!

[Stacey Louise McEvoy]

I think I’ve just found my next fantasy obsession!

I absolutely loved getting lost in Dawn of Crescentia by Ava M. Rose. From the beginning, I was captivated by the story, but the world-building was definitely the highlight for me. The world felt so vivid, immersive and beautifully imagined, with incredible detail woven into the landscapes, magic and mythical creatures.

I was also lucky enough to meet the author in person at a book event in Leeds earlier this year, where she read a few chapters from the book. It was such a lovely experience, and I even got my copy signed by her! It made finally reading the book feel even more special. 📖✨

I particularly enjoyed experiencing the world from the human point of view and watching them discover and build things for the first time. Seeing their understanding of illnesses develop and witnessing the process of building a hospital added such an interesting layer to the story. It made the world feel like it was genuinely evolving alongside the characters rather than simply being a backdrop.

The atmosphere, characters and sense of adventure made this such an enjoyable fantasy read, and I loved discovering more about this fascinating world as the story unfolded. It really felt like I had stepped through the pages and into another realm.

And now I NEED to read Storms of Everwood ASAP! 😭📖 I’m definitely not ready to leave this world just yet!

A beautifully immersive and atmospheric fantasy that I’m so glad I picked up. 💙✨

[Liisi]

This is a very unique book. It takes on bits of the Biblical creation story with plenty of creative play with it. The world building is literally the best part of this book! The details are beautifully simple at first and more intricate and glorious as the characters create more. I love the energy and light and magic parts of this book.

The details of the dragons are good especially when more dragons come along. It’s so cute. The love between the main characters is not YA appropriate but definitely beautiful for adults.

I will say I was disappointed with the crude language that was used at one point in the intimacy after 3/4 a book full of sweet, romantic, beautiful, gentle and genuine language being used. I honestly feel like those beings would have kept their original language and not stoop to the language of the humans during the story to show their Godly intellect.

[Becci Hudson]

I received this book as an arc but unfortunately didn’t get round to finishing it before it was released however I have now finished it and wow.
This is a beautifully written story which follows the gods from when they come into existence, build their own worlds and follow their lives.
I found the beginning of this book to be quite heavy on the World building which could be quite a struggle if you’re in the wrong frame of mind however please please continue to read it because once you get through that the pacing gets a lot quicker and definitely hooks you in.
I absolutely adore the dragons and the sassiness of one of them. The Dragons were made that the gods could still see each other even though they’re on different planes and I just thought that they really added to the whole story.
The ending had me sobbing and I am now desperate for book 2

[Reading Gems]

An emotional read! And I loved it!
A rich and vast world-building right from the offset. However, it isn’t difficult to picture or imagine.
It’s a beautiful story that starts at the beginning of this universe. With a being – Omniron, he creates 2 gods (Ashlen and Valandor) and 2 goddesses (Selenia and Amaralia). He gifts them planets to do as they wish with them, and they start building their own worlds from scratch, all while learning how to live and what life is.

I love how dragons are incorporated into the story. They are a fab addition and the humour Timbrax (dragon) has with Ashlen (MAIN MALE CHARACTER) is perfect! I loved his conversations with Ashlen (MMC).

The romance is incredible and fascinating. Ashlen is a soul bound to Selenia. These are the two gods we follow primarily in this story, but it isn’t all lovey-dovey. It feels real and pure. It’s a romance that is gentle and accepting, and I really enjoyed that in this story.
And the spice was an added bonus!! Tasteful!

It is a captivating read that had me sobbing.
The ending broke me.
One I will forever remember and recommend it!!

[Cassidy]

I had the pleasure of receiving this books ARC and I am so glad that I did. This was such a cute fantasy read and really brought out so many feelings. Watching them all create their own worlds and seeing them come to live was beautiful.
If you are new to fantasy this is probably one of the best first books to read. It was such an easy time and the world building wasn’t too much, it was just the right amount before diving into the good content that comes with fantasy books.

Definitely check this one out if like quick and easy fantasy reads!

[Anita]

I received book 2 as and ARC but didn't want to read it without reading book 1 first, and I am so glad I did.

This is story is part creation (in more ways than one) and part romance, with a very slow start. Everything seems perfect enough on the newly created worlds - life and love is blooming, even with the hint of humans not all being good. Everyone is happy and learning and moving forward. But for some, having a comfortable life and never knowing need is still not enough. Proving that being spoilt ruins people.

The last 40 or so pages of the book had me on the edge of my seat - I hated how the free will of the gods and dragons were taken away and I wished every second that someone would just eliminate Songraelle and get it over with. I hated everything Songraelle did and I have never been so happy to have the next book available to read immediately.

[Rosie]

I recieved an ARC copy of Dawn of Cresentia and this is how I felt about it.

I really loved this!!

Selenia’s softness paired with her strength really pulled me in, and her bond with Silvara was probably my favourite part, it felt so loyal and real. The romance with Ashlen builds gently but the spice was top tier!
It’s epic and dramatic, but still easy to get lost in. I’d absolutely keep reading.

[bookdragonaurora]

I have no words, this book had me sobbing at the end and it’s very rare a book makes me cry. I absolutely adored this book. Thank you for letting me be one of your ARC readers!
The world building was amazing, you really were able to feel like you were apart of the creation.
The characters you definitely grow an attachment to. I loved the feeling of being apart of their family.
I absolutely loved the mix of dragons, gods/goddesses, and a little bit of space travel.
Just enough spice as well.🔥😉
I was not expecting the last few chapters they had me on the edge of my seat until the end and the end… well you’ll just have to read it!
I can’t wait for the next book!

[Laura Carroll]

Wow!! I loved that Adam and Eve take with dragons and magic. There is a lot of world building and found it slow to start but when it started building it did not disappoint. Very spicy scenes which was just fantastic 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I loved seeing their journey to be parents and their loving relationship grow! However that ending!!!! Oh my! I’m still not over it!

[Ebony Whitehead]

✨️My Review✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
I've decided to just write about this absolutely gorgeous romantasy without all my added fancy spancy stuff I normally do because I truthfully believe that once you have chosen to read Ava's book, the writing, creativity and pure wonder of this first novel in the Realms of Etheria series speaks entirely for itself and has actually left me feeling a little bit at a loss for words on how I can actually speak about this book without getting emotional! The characters flow off the page like they were meant to exist in every time period and the world building for me is the best I've read and loved since reading Robin Hobb and or Sarah J Maas! The spice was written beautifully and I cannot see anything topping this for me romantasy wise in 2026!!

[Olivia]

Arc Review

The Dawn of Crescentia is a fantastic debut that perfectly balances vibrant world-building with a real look at the good and bad of human kind. Ava M. Rose brings the dragons, gods, and goddesses to life in such a creative way. I particularly loved the descriptions of the different realms; they were written with such vivid detail that I felt like I was actually there. The gripping plot and interesting characters leave me genuinely eager to see what happens in book two!

[Tayla]

I had the honor of being chosen for an advanced read of this books. And it really was an honor indeed.

A lot of times, with going through and reading the copies before its out to the world, you get a sense of how the author writes their story. I got the sense that Ava wanted us to see what was in her mind and on her pen because this is a pretty stinking detailed story.

I was able to put myself into her mind and see her story fleshed out into words, and pages, and eventually spice.

And its not like your ratty kinda spice. Its like the elegance of the Regency era and the class of royalty.
Oh and of course theres Dragons. Nuff said.

[NaomiDaviesWatters]

Loved this book great story lots of tension which I love fast paced which i also love definitely recommend 😀 ❤️

Love how the story flows and you see it from diffrent characters point of view ending was something I didn't expect but without going into to much detail was bitter sweet ending x

[Tamara]

This is a beautiful written book. With a lot of world building and detailed descriptions. For the fans who are into heartbreak and world building I wil recommend this book

[Cassandre Keller kowal]

This book crushed me by the end, I cannot wait to see what happens in the next. The beginning of the book was very much difficult to get through at times as the world is being built but then the story takes off and is edge of the seat for the remainder. The relationship the dragons and primordials have is something to admire. This story was most focused on Ashlen and Selenia along with their dragons I cannot wait to see what happens between Amaralia and Valandor and their dragons.

[Marilyn Formosa]

An interesting creation. The characters are described really well and the writing is outstanding.

[Jennifer Rogers]

What an amazing book. The story is extremely well written and brings the whole world to life in your mind as you read. The characters and relationships are very well written. I loved this book can’t wait for more