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A Flickering Remnant
The past always comes calling. No matter how we beg our ghosts to leave us.
In a kingdom of exile, bound by an ancient curse, awaits one woman's key to all that's forgotten.
After a near-death experience, and amidst the throes of new motherhood, Eleni searches for the lost pieces of herself, buried within the missing memories of her past.
When her daughter is taken, the mysteries of Eleni's legacy begin to unravel. The answers she seeks wait for her in a doomed kingdom full of secrets and monsters, ruled by an Undead king known as the Reaper—who remembers everything she doesn't.
Thrust into a bygone chapter of a life she has no recollection of, together Eleni and the Reaper set out to unlock the shadowed passages of her mind.
With the past in her veins, and her daughter's future hanging in the balance, Eleni must discover what was in order to dictate what will be.
In a kingdom of exile, bound by an ancient curse, awaits one woman's key to all that's forgotten.
After a near-death experience, and amidst the throes of new motherhood, Eleni searches for the lost pieces of herself, buried within the missing memories of her past.
When her daughter is taken, the mysteries of Eleni's legacy begin to unravel. The answers she seeks wait for her in a doomed kingdom full of secrets and monsters, ruled by an Undead king known as the Reaper—who remembers everything she doesn't.
Thrust into a bygone chapter of a life she has no recollection of, together Eleni and the Reaper set out to unlock the shadowed passages of her mind.
With the past in her veins, and her daughter's future hanging in the balance, Eleni must discover what was in order to dictate what will be.
- GenresFantasy
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
25 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 11, 2026
“What power I hold over your deathly sensitive heart, my king. If I can inspire all of this with only a pout.”
What a beautifully written debut filled with so much emotion!
I really didn't know what to expect, I just knew I loved the uniqueness of the cover.
It was definitely a unique spin on the romantasy genre. There is a quiet strength and a resilience in all stages of womanhood and the author really explores that.
I loved the second chance romance aspect of this and it felt incredibly natural to the story.
A mysteriously cursesd kingdom, a new mother with forgotten memories, and gut wrenching second chance romance.
This will both break and heal your heart!
The Tropes:
New motherhood
2nd chance romance
Unique magic system
Mystery
Mild Spice
What a beautifully written debut filled with so much emotion!
I really didn't know what to expect, I just knew I loved the uniqueness of the cover.
It was definitely a unique spin on the romantasy genre. There is a quiet strength and a resilience in all stages of womanhood and the author really explores that.
I loved the second chance romance aspect of this and it felt incredibly natural to the story.
A mysteriously cursesd kingdom, a new mother with forgotten memories, and gut wrenching second chance romance.
This will both break and heal your heart!
The Tropes:
New motherhood
2nd chance romance
Unique magic system
Mystery
Mild Spice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2026
Some stories whisper.
This one ached. 🖤🔥
A Flickering Remnant had been written in the kind of beautiful, emotional prose that lingered long after I closed the book. The language felt intimate and raw, even while the world-building unfolded on an epic scale across two realms and multiple POVs. It balanced the deeply personal with the mythic—and I loved that contrast.
Eleni’s journey broke my heart in quiet ways. 💔
She was a new mother to an eleven-month-old baby girl, stuck in the exhausting, monotonous rhythm of early motherhood. She had lost her memories after a near-death experience, and there was something so painfully relatable about her searching for pieces of herself while drowning in diapers, exhaustion, and identity loss. The portrayal of maternal mental health felt tender and honest.
And then everything shattered.
When her daughter was taken, the past came calling—just as the blurb promised it would. The ghosts she couldn’t remember refused to stay buried. Suddenly she was pulled back into a doomed kingdom of exile, bound by an ancient curse, ruled by an Undead king known as the Reaper… a king who remembered everything she didn’t. 🩸👑
The High Reaper was such a fascinating character. Cold. Calculating. Eternal. And yet layered with something ancient and unresolved. Watching Eleni rediscover their shared history while the reader already sensed the weight of it? Deliciously painful. 😭 There were truths revealed through his POV—but even at the end, there were secrets left lingering in the shadows.
The magic system was one of my favorite parts. ✨🔮
The witches weren’t just spellcasters—they were embedded in society in a way that felt cultural and political. Bloodlines mattered. Curses ran deep. The mythology behind the Undead realm and how it came into existence felt rich and fully realized. It never felt surface-level. It felt lived in.
And then there was the Found Family. 🥹
Wren, Raven, and Penelope were such bright lights in a heavy story. Their friendships with Eleni felt grounding and genuine. I adored how their presence balanced the darker themes of grief, generational trauma, and ancient rage.
This book had been about grief.
About forgotten love.
About rebuilding what was shattered.
About choosing who you become—even when the past is written in your blood. 🖤
It answered enough to satisfy me, but left enough open that I’m already desperate for the next book.
✨ Perfect for fans of:
👩👧 Lost memories & rediscovered love
🫂 Found family
🖤 Maternal mental health rep
🔥 Feminine rage & ancient curses
🧬 Generational bloodlines
🩸 Chronic pain & buried rage
👑 Morally complex Undead rulers
💞 Everlasting love across lifetimes
This story had felt emotional, layered, and quietly powerful. It had been about a mother fighting not only for her daughter’s future—but for her own identity.
Thank you so much to L.J. Generous and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity. I was so grateful to step into this haunting, magical world. 🖤✨
This one ached. 🖤🔥
A Flickering Remnant had been written in the kind of beautiful, emotional prose that lingered long after I closed the book. The language felt intimate and raw, even while the world-building unfolded on an epic scale across two realms and multiple POVs. It balanced the deeply personal with the mythic—and I loved that contrast.
Eleni’s journey broke my heart in quiet ways. 💔
She was a new mother to an eleven-month-old baby girl, stuck in the exhausting, monotonous rhythm of early motherhood. She had lost her memories after a near-death experience, and there was something so painfully relatable about her searching for pieces of herself while drowning in diapers, exhaustion, and identity loss. The portrayal of maternal mental health felt tender and honest.
And then everything shattered.
When her daughter was taken, the past came calling—just as the blurb promised it would. The ghosts she couldn’t remember refused to stay buried. Suddenly she was pulled back into a doomed kingdom of exile, bound by an ancient curse, ruled by an Undead king known as the Reaper… a king who remembered everything she didn’t. 🩸👑
The High Reaper was such a fascinating character. Cold. Calculating. Eternal. And yet layered with something ancient and unresolved. Watching Eleni rediscover their shared history while the reader already sensed the weight of it? Deliciously painful. 😭 There were truths revealed through his POV—but even at the end, there were secrets left lingering in the shadows.
The magic system was one of my favorite parts. ✨🔮
The witches weren’t just spellcasters—they were embedded in society in a way that felt cultural and political. Bloodlines mattered. Curses ran deep. The mythology behind the Undead realm and how it came into existence felt rich and fully realized. It never felt surface-level. It felt lived in.
And then there was the Found Family. 🥹
Wren, Raven, and Penelope were such bright lights in a heavy story. Their friendships with Eleni felt grounding and genuine. I adored how their presence balanced the darker themes of grief, generational trauma, and ancient rage.
This book had been about grief.
About forgotten love.
About rebuilding what was shattered.
About choosing who you become—even when the past is written in your blood. 🖤
It answered enough to satisfy me, but left enough open that I’m already desperate for the next book.
✨ Perfect for fans of:
👩👧 Lost memories & rediscovered love
🫂 Found family
🖤 Maternal mental health rep
🔥 Feminine rage & ancient curses
🧬 Generational bloodlines
🩸 Chronic pain & buried rage
👑 Morally complex Undead rulers
💞 Everlasting love across lifetimes
This story had felt emotional, layered, and quietly powerful. It had been about a mother fighting not only for her daughter’s future—but for her own identity.
Thank you so much to L.J. Generous and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity. I was so grateful to step into this haunting, magical world. 🖤✨
February 22, 2026
Thank you L.J. Generous and NerdFam for this eARC.
A Flickering Remnant by L.J. Generous is her incredible debut fantasy novel.
This book is written with beautiful, emotional language amongst intense world building and multiple POVs.
Eleni and The High Reaper are the two main characters of this story. Eleni has lost her memories, is a new mother to an 11th month old baby girl, and is living day-to-day in the monotonous daily routines many new mothers find themselves in. She is suddenly thrust back into the life with the High Reaper and finds that is the path to retrieving her lost memories.
What I loved about this book was the unique magic system among the witches, as well as the role witches play among society. The rich mythology built around the two realms and how the realm of the Undead came into existence. This book provides enough answers at the end, while leaving enough open to build upon in the next two books.
The characters in Eleni's Found Family, Wren, Raven, and Penelope are wonderful characters that are easy to fall in love with. Eleni's elusive relationship with the High Reaper is one with a rich past that is known to the reader, while Eleni discovers it slowly. Even then, there are things the reader learns at the end that were not revealed through the High Reaper's POV.
A Flickering Remnant is an emotional story of grief, love, rebuilding forgotten relationships, and forging new ones among a world of witches, bloodlines, ancient curses, and hope for the future.
The tropes of this book include: found family, lost memories, maternal mental health, female friendship, generational curses, chronic pain & ancient rage, feminine rage, and everlasting love.
A Flickering Remnant by L.J. Generous is her incredible debut fantasy novel.
This book is written with beautiful, emotional language amongst intense world building and multiple POVs.
Eleni and The High Reaper are the two main characters of this story. Eleni has lost her memories, is a new mother to an 11th month old baby girl, and is living day-to-day in the monotonous daily routines many new mothers find themselves in. She is suddenly thrust back into the life with the High Reaper and finds that is the path to retrieving her lost memories.
What I loved about this book was the unique magic system among the witches, as well as the role witches play among society. The rich mythology built around the two realms and how the realm of the Undead came into existence. This book provides enough answers at the end, while leaving enough open to build upon in the next two books.
The characters in Eleni's Found Family, Wren, Raven, and Penelope are wonderful characters that are easy to fall in love with. Eleni's elusive relationship with the High Reaper is one with a rich past that is known to the reader, while Eleni discovers it slowly. Even then, there are things the reader learns at the end that were not revealed through the High Reaper's POV.
A Flickering Remnant is an emotional story of grief, love, rebuilding forgotten relationships, and forging new ones among a world of witches, bloodlines, ancient curses, and hope for the future.
The tropes of this book include: found family, lost memories, maternal mental health, female friendship, generational curses, chronic pain & ancient rage, feminine rage, and everlasting love.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
What an emotional roller coaster. Every chapter felt like looking into pieces of myself as a mother. The FMC struggles as a new mom, trying to be the best she can while also figuring out how to find happiness in the life she has. When her daughter is taken, she is forced to travel into another realm, where she rediscovers the strength she had before her identity became solely about being a mother.
I loved this book. It made me feel seen in all the struggles that come with protecting and providing for your child. It not only broke me, but through the FMC’s strength, I was able to see my own strengths too, and to remember that it’s okay to not be okay
🌶
What an emotional roller coaster. Every chapter felt like looking into pieces of myself as a mother. The FMC struggles as a new mom, trying to be the best she can while also figuring out how to find happiness in the life she has. When her daughter is taken, she is forced to travel into another realm, where she rediscovers the strength she had before her identity became solely about being a mother.
I loved this book. It made me feel seen in all the struggles that come with protecting and providing for your child. It not only broke me, but through the FMC’s strength, I was able to see my own strengths too, and to remember that it’s okay to not be okay
March 19, 2026
This story is very chaotic. So much going on and being said but nothing is actually being explained. I feel like a lot was overshadowed.
The FMC, Eleni has missing memories that she is constantly trying to chase, while also trying to navigate motherhood. On a day that she is chasing a memory, she has her child taken and is captured by someone called “The Mother’ who takes her to the land of the undead. Her only drive is to get her daughter back but she learns more about herself and the ones around her during this journey.
Thank you to the author and @nerdfam for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The FMC, Eleni has missing memories that she is constantly trying to chase, while also trying to navigate motherhood. On a day that she is chasing a memory, she has her child taken and is captured by someone called “The Mother’ who takes her to the land of the undead. Her only drive is to get her daughter back but she learns more about herself and the ones around her during this journey.
Thank you to the author and @nerdfam for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to L.J. Generous for the ARC of A Flickering Remnant! This title is now available on Kindle Unlimited.
The story follows Eleni, a new mother who has no memory of the past few years or how she came to be pregnant. Despite this, her instincts take over as she does everything she can to care for her daughter, Mae. While navigating the emotional weight of postpartum struggles, Eleni is also pulled into uncovering the truth about her past. When she is suddenly taken from her child and thrust into the realm of the undead, she finds herself surrounded by people who seem to know her… even though she remembers none of them.
This is the kind of story that’s difficult to summarize because so much of its impact lies in the experience. The world is immersive and layered, pulling you in until you’re just as desperate for answers as Eleni. The emotional stakes are immediate and visceral especially the heartbreak of her separation from Mae.
What truly sets this book apart is its originality. From the intricately built realms and magic system to the curse haunting the undead world. The inclusion of a postpartum heroine adds a deeply human and rarely explored perspective, and the slow-burn romance weaves in naturally without overpowering the central journey.
One of my favorite aspects of the storyline is the cast of women. Whether they are healers, warriors, survivors, or mothers, each character reflects a different facet of womanhood. The story doesn’t shy away from pain, but instead highlights resilience, strength, and the quiet power found in enduring and supporting one another.
And then the Reapers character completely blew me away. The mystery, his internal struggles, unique abilities, and the way he offers comfort through memories add another emotional layer that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
This is not a light read. It’s raw, emotional, and at times exhausting in the best way. It feels like climbing a steep hill only to keep pushing forward despite the setbacks. A Flickering Remnant is a powerful, unique fantasy that stays with you, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the series goes next.
The story follows Eleni, a new mother who has no memory of the past few years or how she came to be pregnant. Despite this, her instincts take over as she does everything she can to care for her daughter, Mae. While navigating the emotional weight of postpartum struggles, Eleni is also pulled into uncovering the truth about her past. When she is suddenly taken from her child and thrust into the realm of the undead, she finds herself surrounded by people who seem to know her… even though she remembers none of them.
This is the kind of story that’s difficult to summarize because so much of its impact lies in the experience. The world is immersive and layered, pulling you in until you’re just as desperate for answers as Eleni. The emotional stakes are immediate and visceral especially the heartbreak of her separation from Mae.
What truly sets this book apart is its originality. From the intricately built realms and magic system to the curse haunting the undead world. The inclusion of a postpartum heroine adds a deeply human and rarely explored perspective, and the slow-burn romance weaves in naturally without overpowering the central journey.
One of my favorite aspects of the storyline is the cast of women. Whether they are healers, warriors, survivors, or mothers, each character reflects a different facet of womanhood. The story doesn’t shy away from pain, but instead highlights resilience, strength, and the quiet power found in enduring and supporting one another.
And then the Reapers character completely blew me away. The mystery, his internal struggles, unique abilities, and the way he offers comfort through memories add another emotional layer that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
This is not a light read. It’s raw, emotional, and at times exhausting in the best way. It feels like climbing a steep hill only to keep pushing forward despite the setbacks. A Flickering Remnant is a powerful, unique fantasy that stays with you, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the series goes next.
March 16, 2026
“I was sick of living on the edge of crumbling, the constant precipice of destruction.”
Fellow readers - a book with found family, chronic pain rep, healing from grief, AND a badass FMC who is a MOTHER?!? It’s as though all of my favorite/most relatable tropes were plucked from my favorite books and places into this fantasy that, to my knowledge, is quite unique in its magic system and world building. And let’s be real, having an FMC who is a mother, from the beginning (not becoming one in the epilogue), is rare.
“But the past always comes calling. No matter how we beg our ghosts to leave us.”
L.J.’s ability to weave in an intricate world in an uncomplicated way is expert, and the deep connections between all of the characters are revealed in such beautiful, and sometimes jaw-dropping, moments. The way that the memories Eleni has lost are slowly recovered is such a cool way to unfold the plot and build emotional tension.
I love love LOVED this debut from my dear friend, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she does next! Because wow - she has a gift! 🥺👏❤️
Quotes:
“Trying to remember who I used to be. Trying to be a good mother. Trying to keep my head above water with little to no support.”
“It was sick, how we'd been taught to desire the highest level of shackles. Chains were still chains, even coated in gold.”
“She was not the delicate flower she’d been cultivated to be. No, she was the ivy. Blooming in the darkness of what she’d had to endure.”
“In the grey, I am endless. There are worlds within me. I am everything I need to be. All at once.”
“‘Then break,’ he said. ‘And see what dwells beneath.’”
Fellow readers - a book with found family, chronic pain rep, healing from grief, AND a badass FMC who is a MOTHER?!? It’s as though all of my favorite/most relatable tropes were plucked from my favorite books and places into this fantasy that, to my knowledge, is quite unique in its magic system and world building. And let’s be real, having an FMC who is a mother, from the beginning (not becoming one in the epilogue), is rare.
“But the past always comes calling. No matter how we beg our ghosts to leave us.”
L.J.’s ability to weave in an intricate world in an uncomplicated way is expert, and the deep connections between all of the characters are revealed in such beautiful, and sometimes jaw-dropping, moments. The way that the memories Eleni has lost are slowly recovered is such a cool way to unfold the plot and build emotional tension.
I love love LOVED this debut from my dear friend, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she does next! Because wow - she has a gift! 🥺👏❤️
Quotes:
“Trying to remember who I used to be. Trying to be a good mother. Trying to keep my head above water with little to no support.”
“It was sick, how we'd been taught to desire the highest level of shackles. Chains were still chains, even coated in gold.”
“She was not the delicate flower she’d been cultivated to be. No, she was the ivy. Blooming in the darkness of what she’d had to endure.”
“In the grey, I am endless. There are worlds within me. I am everything I need to be. All at once.”
“‘Then break,’ he said. ‘And see what dwells beneath.’”
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You're lethal to me. In more ways than I care to admit"
A flickering Remnant by LJ Generous
Eleni is raising her beautiful daughter in the human world. When she is captured and torn from her world, and more importantly, her daughter, Eleni is more lost and broken than she has ever been. Can Eleni discover who she is and return to her daughter and recover her lost memories? And what else will she discover along the way?
Thanks to @thenerdfam and @authorljgenerous for this gifted eARC
This book was a refreshing take on fantasy; I've always wondered why there are no great epics involving the power of a mothers love.
This book looks at the struggles of early motherhood. It was raw and very real; as a new mother it was really lovely to read an account which felt so close to home.
We follow along as Eleni regains her memories, and pieces back together herself, fueled by the grief and strength of a mother's love.
Reaper's character is complex, and it was really interesting to watch this unfurl through his POV.
Found family aspect was also really good and helped develop the magical world. This is a beautiful story of love , sacrifice and strength.
Tropes
- Found family
- Motherhood
- Amnesia
- Slow burn ❤️🔥
Pros
- Feminine Rage
- Interesting magical system
- Motherhood storyline is so great
Cons
- I felt sometimes that Reaper's POV was counter intuitive to Eleni's discovery path so threw the pacing off a little for me
Overall rating 4/5
#bookstagrammer #fantasyreads #romantasy #thenerdfam #slowburn
A flickering Remnant by LJ Generous
Eleni is raising her beautiful daughter in the human world. When she is captured and torn from her world, and more importantly, her daughter, Eleni is more lost and broken than she has ever been. Can Eleni discover who she is and return to her daughter and recover her lost memories? And what else will she discover along the way?
Thanks to @thenerdfam and @authorljgenerous for this gifted eARC
This book was a refreshing take on fantasy; I've always wondered why there are no great epics involving the power of a mothers love.
This book looks at the struggles of early motherhood. It was raw and very real; as a new mother it was really lovely to read an account which felt so close to home.
We follow along as Eleni regains her memories, and pieces back together herself, fueled by the grief and strength of a mother's love.
Reaper's character is complex, and it was really interesting to watch this unfurl through his POV.
Found family aspect was also really good and helped develop the magical world. This is a beautiful story of love , sacrifice and strength.
Tropes
- Found family
- Motherhood
- Amnesia
- Slow burn ❤️🔥
Pros
- Feminine Rage
- Interesting magical system
- Motherhood storyline is so great
Cons
- I felt sometimes that Reaper's POV was counter intuitive to Eleni's discovery path so threw the pacing off a little for me
Overall rating 4/5
#bookstagrammer #fantasyreads #romantasy #thenerdfam #slowburn
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a journey. It dragged me through all the emotions and put me back together again. The writing is thoughtful and beautiful and pulled me back to when I was a new mother struggling just to survive with my own daughter. This was only one subplot in the book, however. The rest was an epically expansive fantasy world built methodically and well. I felt like I was living in the book with the characters, it was so unique as well. I loved all the other characters and how they're developed. The mystery of who everyone is and how everything ties together is held throughout the book. We, as readers, find out each bit alongside Eleni. The slow burn is exceptionally slow with the "payoff" being at the very end. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. Once again I'm amazed that this is a debut novel for this author. It was amazing and I'm so honored to have been chosen for this ARC read.
March 10, 2026
“It was sick, how we’d been taught to desire the highest level of shackles. Chains were still chains, even coated in gold.”
This book is absolutely FILLED with quotes that just hit like a freight train.
It’s got a wonderful found family, themes of generational trauma and healing, and one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. It also has a gorgeous undead king who YEARNS with the best of them.
It’s not perfect in terms of pacing and sub plots, but it is beautifully written and I cannot wait to see what happens next to these amazing characters.
Highly recommend for fans of Thrones of Glass and Alchemised.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book is absolutely FILLED with quotes that just hit like a freight train.
It’s got a wonderful found family, themes of generational trauma and healing, and one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. It also has a gorgeous undead king who YEARNS with the best of them.
It’s not perfect in terms of pacing and sub plots, but it is beautifully written and I cannot wait to see what happens next to these amazing characters.
Highly recommend for fans of Thrones of Glass and Alchemised.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book and need the next one pronto!
The book starts out with the main character, Eleni, trying to remember who she is after losing all of her memories. She experiences a near death experience while giving birth to her daughter and as a consequence, forgets who she is. Eleven months later, and she keeps getting flashes and bits and pieces of memories. Her and her friend go hiking to a place she remembered in a dream, and she runs into two witches. One witch kidnaps her daughter, and the other kidnaps her to a place with Undead witches (of which she apparently has been there before). The book is about trying to find her way back to her daughter while also trying to unravel her past.
This was an absolutely beautiful representation of how motherhood changes you. The inner turmoil Eleni experiences after becoming a mother is astounding. Not only does she have to try to figure out who she is after losing all of her memories and connections, but she must figure out motherhood as a whole as well, on top of searching relentlessly for her daughter.
This book will be my Roman Empire for the foreseeable future and I am (im)patiently waiting for the next!
The book starts out with the main character, Eleni, trying to remember who she is after losing all of her memories. She experiences a near death experience while giving birth to her daughter and as a consequence, forgets who she is. Eleven months later, and she keeps getting flashes and bits and pieces of memories. Her and her friend go hiking to a place she remembered in a dream, and she runs into two witches. One witch kidnaps her daughter, and the other kidnaps her to a place with Undead witches (of which she apparently has been there before). The book is about trying to find her way back to her daughter while also trying to unravel her past.
This was an absolutely beautiful representation of how motherhood changes you. The inner turmoil Eleni experiences after becoming a mother is astounding. Not only does she have to try to figure out who she is after losing all of her memories and connections, but she must figure out motherhood as a whole as well, on top of searching relentlessly for her daughter.
This book will be my Roman Empire for the foreseeable future and I am (im)patiently waiting for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
I had the absolute honor and privilege to not only beta read this in its early days, but cheer on my best friend as she crafted this story into the amazing book it is now. The beautiful prose and emotion that she writes in every page is felt deeply. The world is expansive and magical. The connections between characters and the ways they deal with trauma is inspiring. She truly wrote her heart and soul into this story and it shows. I cried so many times and there's pieces of this that I will carry with me going forward. The maternal rep was incredible-something I've found to be very rare in fantasy books. In addition to that, the chronic pain rep was SPOT ON. As a fellow migraine warrior, I felt seen in more ways than one. Above all else, this is a tale of a mother finding herself through the love of her child and those who love her.
Recommended if you like:
High fantasy
Found family
Slow burn
Poetic prose
Female rage
Unique world building
Beautiful imagery
Recommended if you like:
High fantasy
Found family
Slow burn
Poetic prose
Female rage
Unique world building
Beautiful imagery
February 25, 2026
A Flickering Remnant by L.J. Generous was such a beautifully emotional read. This story completely pulled me in with its rich worldbuilding — the tension between the Undead Witches and the Living Witches, the layered magic system, and the haunting atmosphere woven throughout every page.
Our FMC, Eleni, is a new mother who has lost all memory of her life before giving birth to her daughter, Mae. When she’s suddenly dragged back into the magical world she once knew, she comes face-to-face with the MMC — The Reaper. And yes… he is absolutely shadow daddy energy. Dark, mysterious, a little monstrous, but quietly protective of his kingdom in ways that make you melt.
The slow burn between Eleni and The Reaper? Immaculate. The tension. The banter. The longing. It builds so naturally and perfectly that every interaction feels earned.
One of my favorite aspects was watching Eleni slowly recover pieces of her past — her memories and friendships returning in fragments. It added such emotional depth to her journey. As a mom myself, I really connected with her in those early, overwhelming newborn days. That layer of vulnerability made her character feel incredibly real.
Atmospheric, emotional, romantic, and beautifully crafted — this was such a strong read for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
Add this one to your TBR if you love:
– Shadow daddies
– Slow burn tension
– Amnesia + hidden past
– Dark magical kingdoms
– Emotionally layered FMCs
Our FMC, Eleni, is a new mother who has lost all memory of her life before giving birth to her daughter, Mae. When she’s suddenly dragged back into the magical world she once knew, she comes face-to-face with the MMC — The Reaper. And yes… he is absolutely shadow daddy energy. Dark, mysterious, a little monstrous, but quietly protective of his kingdom in ways that make you melt.
The slow burn between Eleni and The Reaper? Immaculate. The tension. The banter. The longing. It builds so naturally and perfectly that every interaction feels earned.
One of my favorite aspects was watching Eleni slowly recover pieces of her past — her memories and friendships returning in fragments. It added such emotional depth to her journey. As a mom myself, I really connected with her in those early, overwhelming newborn days. That layer of vulnerability made her character feel incredibly real.
Atmospheric, emotional, romantic, and beautifully crafted — this was such a strong read for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
Add this one to your TBR if you love:
– Shadow daddies
– Slow burn tension
– Amnesia + hidden past
– Dark magical kingdoms
– Emotionally layered FMCs
March 14, 2026
I just finished this book this morning, and I’m speechless. What do I even do with myself now??? Leah has crafted a completely unique and engrossing fantasy world full of amazing characters… found family, high stakes, witches and monsters, rival rulers & realms, lost memories and a second chance at love.
The way this first installment ends is perfection… but still the next book can’t come soon enough for me. Thank you for the chance to enjoy an ARC. I’m obsessed and so excited for what’s to come.
The way this first installment ends is perfection… but still the next book can’t come soon enough for me. Thank you for the chance to enjoy an ARC. I’m obsessed and so excited for what’s to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oof that ending! We better be getting that next book soon as I sense a plot afoot with that prologue!
You follow the story of our FMC, who has a newborn daughter and lives with her best friend in the human realm, when a women with magic shows up and claims to be her mother she thought was dead and steals her baby, and another woman drags her to a dark realm and turns her into an undead witch, even though she has no idea she was even a witch to begin with! Through lots of twists and turns, she ends up stuck in this realm until the next full moon and must train her powers and wait out her time until she can get back and get her daughter and unwrap the web of lies that have been spun in her head and twisted all her memories!
The multiple POVs in this book made me sometimes even more confused as the MMC alluded to things, but also I really enjoyed seeing him do whatever he could to protect the FMC. I also really enjoyed her rediscovering her little found family in this realm and learning about her true past! There was so many strong emotions tied to her motherhood and feeling undeserving and it made her so much more relatable. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world and how everything will work out with the curse! My rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the story of our FMC, who has a newborn daughter and lives with her best friend in the human realm, when a women with magic shows up and claims to be her mother she thought was dead and steals her baby, and another woman drags her to a dark realm and turns her into an undead witch, even though she has no idea she was even a witch to begin with! Through lots of twists and turns, she ends up stuck in this realm until the next full moon and must train her powers and wait out her time until she can get back and get her daughter and unwrap the web of lies that have been spun in her head and twisted all her memories!
The multiple POVs in this book made me sometimes even more confused as the MMC alluded to things, but also I really enjoyed seeing him do whatever he could to protect the FMC. I also really enjoyed her rediscovering her little found family in this realm and learning about her true past! There was so many strong emotions tied to her motherhood and feeling undeserving and it made her so much more relatable. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world and how everything will work out with the curse! My rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
Review of advance copy received from Author
After a near death experience Eleni has severe memory loss where several years of her life are just missing. She tries to piece together what happened in those years and as readers it's frustrating and fun because we are on the journey with her. I love that we have letters at the end of chapters showing us what past Eleni was thinking and how that affects her relationships in the present.
I love that we have an adult FMC who has a daughter to care for which really ups the stakes considering she has to protect not only herself but her baby. We immediately feel for Eleni because she always has her guard up so when she finally opens up you wish her the best only for her to have to fight for survival and the right to her memories. This novel really is an art form when it comes to character driven storytelling. I've felt so many emotions from this weather it's anger at the fact that Eleni's autonomy is taken away from her or the sheer joy you experience when she rediscovers who she is because we get to discover that with her.
For me there is 1 irredeemable character, who do you think it is?
I love that we have an adult FMC who has a daughter to care for which really ups the stakes considering she has to protect not only herself but her baby. We immediately feel for Eleni because she always has her guard up so when she finally opens up you wish her the best only for her to have to fight for survival and the right to her memories. This novel really is an art form when it comes to character driven storytelling. I've felt so many emotions from this weather it's anger at the fact that Eleni's autonomy is taken away from her or the sheer joy you experience when she rediscovers who she is because we get to discover that with her.
For me there is 1 irredeemable character, who do you think it is?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book made me feel so seen the motherhood mental health rep was written so beautiful I teared up a few times. This was the most unique world and magic I have ever read about and I loved it! I was on the edge of my seat anxious waiting to figure what was happening what had happened I couldnt look away and I could even overlook some of the slow parts because this story sucked me in so much it was difficult to have to put it down! The feminine rage in this book was everything I know i felt all these emotions with our fmc. That ending excuse me?!?! These characters have been through so much ahhh
March 1, 2026
This is a review of an advanced copy received from the author.
The first thing I want to say above all else is that A Flickering Remnant was such a breath of fresh air in the fantasy romance genre! As someone who reads plenty of fantasy, sometimes it’s tough for a book to distinguish itself from all the others I read in a year — but this. Story. Does. THAT.
Things that truly set A Flickering Remnant apart for me:
- Our main character is a mother, a welcome and refreshing deviation from the usual 19-year-old heroes. We get to watch Eleni navigate this world-shifting journey of new motherhood with the nuances of mental health, loss, chronic pain, and personal growth.
- The lost memories plot felt extremely unique and well done. It lends an air of intrigue throughout the entire story and builds so much anticipation leading up to the book’s end. There was never a dull moment for me, and it made it so easy to read!
- The world-building and different realms were also unlike anything else I’ve read. I kept finding myself being in awe of how LJ came up with the elements of this world and how they all wove together. It was traditional-high fantasy-meets-urban-fantasy, and I loved it.
If you are looking for a truly unique fantasy romance story that‘s gorgeously written, put A Flickering Remnant on your TBR!!
The first thing I want to say above all else is that A Flickering Remnant was such a breath of fresh air in the fantasy romance genre! As someone who reads plenty of fantasy, sometimes it’s tough for a book to distinguish itself from all the others I read in a year — but this. Story. Does. THAT.
Things that truly set A Flickering Remnant apart for me:
- Our main character is a mother, a welcome and refreshing deviation from the usual 19-year-old heroes. We get to watch Eleni navigate this world-shifting journey of new motherhood with the nuances of mental health, loss, chronic pain, and personal growth.
- The lost memories plot felt extremely unique and well done. It lends an air of intrigue throughout the entire story and builds so much anticipation leading up to the book’s end. There was never a dull moment for me, and it made it so easy to read!
- The world-building and different realms were also unlike anything else I’ve read. I kept finding myself being in awe of how LJ came up with the elements of this world and how they all wove together. It was traditional-high fantasy-meets-urban-fantasy, and I loved it.
If you are looking for a truly unique fantasy romance story that‘s gorgeously written, put A Flickering Remnant on your TBR!!
February 28, 2026
I gave this one four stars because the potential is definitely there. That being said, and even knowing the story building was happening being the first book, I found myself struggling. This is likely just a me problem, and the book wasn’t bad by any means, there was just a lot of struggling and uncertainty with the FMC and I struggled with that. She was coming into herself again, and being a new mom and everything that comes with that, I get that. I just wish it would’ve happened a little sooner I guess. I enjoyed the magic system and the different realms, and once the Reaper could reveal himself 🥹. It was a very unique story, I’m just impatient to get to the good stuff sometimes. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOWW ALL THE STARS TO THIS BOOK!! A Flickering Remnant is the stunning debut fantasy novel from LJ Generous. Amazing characters, unique magic system, well paced plot and fabulous world building all come together to create an unforgettable story.
This story is haunting and beautiful and heartbreaking and healing. There are plenty of themes throughout the book that I think will speak to a lot of different readers, but for me the focus on motherhood resonated with me the most. There are moments of healing and pain and happiness and devastation. I truly cannot express the way that this book reached into my soul and made me feel seen.
Utterly stunning and incredible story!!
This story is haunting and beautiful and heartbreaking and healing. There are plenty of themes throughout the book that I think will speak to a lot of different readers, but for me the focus on motherhood resonated with me the most. There are moments of healing and pain and happiness and devastation. I truly cannot express the way that this book reached into my soul and made me feel seen.
Utterly stunning and incredible story!!
March 31, 2026
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 - 𝐀 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 - 𝐋.𝐉. 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬
I enjoyed this story overall, though I did find parts of it a bit confusing and slower-paced than I expected. The beginning really hooks you, but the pacing drags for a while, and it wasn’t until about the 80% mark that things finally start to pick up in a big way.
Be prepared to feel a bit lost at times; you’re learning everything alongside Eleni, which adds to the mystery but can also make parts of the story harder to follow.
One standout element was the portrayal of motherhood. It’s something I don’t often see explored this realistically in fantasy (or even in other genres), and the author did an incredible job capturing the emotions and experiences of a new mother. That alone made the story feel unique and memorable.
I also really loved the journal entries; they added an extra layer of depth and made it especially intriguing to compare Eleni’s perspective before she lost her memory to who she is now.
Thanks to L.J. Generous and The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: @authorljgenerous
𝐏𝐑 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: @thenerdfam
📖 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📖 🌶️🌶️ 📖
I enjoyed this story overall, though I did find parts of it a bit confusing and slower-paced than I expected. The beginning really hooks you, but the pacing drags for a while, and it wasn’t until about the 80% mark that things finally start to pick up in a big way.
Be prepared to feel a bit lost at times; you’re learning everything alongside Eleni, which adds to the mystery but can also make parts of the story harder to follow.
One standout element was the portrayal of motherhood. It’s something I don’t often see explored this realistically in fantasy (or even in other genres), and the author did an incredible job capturing the emotions and experiences of a new mother. That alone made the story feel unique and memorable.
I also really loved the journal entries; they added an extra layer of depth and made it especially intriguing to compare Eleni’s perspective before she lost her memory to who she is now.
Thanks to L.J. Generous and The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: @authorljgenerous
𝐏𝐑 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: @thenerdfam
📖 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📖 🌶️🌶️ 📖
February 25, 2026
This book was simply incredible. The themes of Eleni dealing with motherhood and being postpartum added such a unique layer to this story that we often don’t get from fantasy books. I loved seeing Eleni come to terms and grieve being separated from her daughter, and how she pushed through.
I think the found family in this story is so warm and lovely. You feel the love these people have for each other, even if you don’t have the reasons why right away.
I loved exploring this world and piecing together why things are the way they are. The divide between worlds and the politics involved in all of this story is so great.
I do feel like some of the reveals were heavy handed. They still hit when revealed but I feel like it would have had such a bigger impact for these twists to be more slowly unpackaged and shown to us.
I think the found family in this story is so warm and lovely. You feel the love these people have for each other, even if you don’t have the reasons why right away.
I loved exploring this world and piecing together why things are the way they are. The divide between worlds and the politics involved in all of this story is so great.
I do feel like some of the reveals were heavy handed. They still hit when revealed but I feel like it would have had such a bigger impact for these twists to be more slowly unpackaged and shown to us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"The moment before I wake up is always the hardest. When I almost remember."
*A huge thank you to Leah for the ARC of A Flickering Remnant. All thoughts are my own.*
A Flickering Remnant is the debut novel by L. J. Generous. A new mother with no memory of her past is dragged to the realm of the Undead. Her child is taken. Eleni must reclaim her memories and her dormant current in order brave the journey between realms. Eleni will risk anything and everything, even doing battle with the High Reaper to reunite with her daughter once more.
An absolutely stunning debut that reads as though it was written by a seasoned author. Generous has brilliantly crafted an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, longing, desperation, rage, comfort, and unyielding love. The depth of feelings leap off the page, and it's evident that Generous has put her heart and soul into this story.
While this is a story with strong themes surrounding motherhood, it has much to offer those who aren't mothers, or even parents. It's a story about being a daughter (or a child), and facing the choices made by your parents. Breaking free of the expectations they had for you, and finding yourself in the fallout. It's about putting aside the restrictions and limitations given to you by others, and embracing all the parts of yourself you were told to hide. It's about growth and acceptance, and wanting to do better for yourself and future generations. It's a story about motherhood, and it's a story about humanity.
A Flickering Remnant has elements for every reader. The mystery of Eleni's lost memories, the emotional turmoil of losing her daughter and her journey to finding her power, unique magical world, curses and bargains, and a slow burn romance. The longing and yearning is utter perfection, and perfectly played out over the course of the story. The High Reaper...my man! He made me cry multiple times, including on public transportation. Eleni's journey is powerfully moving. You'll feel her loss, her anguish, her pain, her determination, and her strength. I loved being along for the ride.
Generous' debut is a triumph. I absolutely cannot wait to see what awaits Eleni, the Kin, and of course the High Reaper in the next installment of the Echo of Past Lives. I can't recommend A Flickering Remnant enough. It's a must read for all readers!
"If I knelt, it would be of my own free will. And if I bowed, it would be because he deserved it."
"My power was my willingness. And they would see just how unyielding a mother's will could be."
"Here's another lesson. Don't listen to me. Don't let me, or anyone, tell you your own limits. You decide."
"She was doing it again. She was resurrecting the softest parts of me. Bringing me back to life."
"I had never in my life been only one thing and I wouldn't start now. There are worlds within me. I am everything I need to be. All at once."
*A huge thank you to Leah for the ARC of A Flickering Remnant. All thoughts are my own.*
A Flickering Remnant is the debut novel by L. J. Generous. A new mother with no memory of her past is dragged to the realm of the Undead. Her child is taken. Eleni must reclaim her memories and her dormant current in order brave the journey between realms. Eleni will risk anything and everything, even doing battle with the High Reaper to reunite with her daughter once more.
An absolutely stunning debut that reads as though it was written by a seasoned author. Generous has brilliantly crafted an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, longing, desperation, rage, comfort, and unyielding love. The depth of feelings leap off the page, and it's evident that Generous has put her heart and soul into this story.
While this is a story with strong themes surrounding motherhood, it has much to offer those who aren't mothers, or even parents. It's a story about being a daughter (or a child), and facing the choices made by your parents. Breaking free of the expectations they had for you, and finding yourself in the fallout. It's about putting aside the restrictions and limitations given to you by others, and embracing all the parts of yourself you were told to hide. It's about growth and acceptance, and wanting to do better for yourself and future generations. It's a story about motherhood, and it's a story about humanity.
A Flickering Remnant has elements for every reader. The mystery of Eleni's lost memories, the emotional turmoil of losing her daughter and her journey to finding her power, unique magical world, curses and bargains, and a slow burn romance. The longing and yearning is utter perfection, and perfectly played out over the course of the story. The High Reaper...my man! He made me cry multiple times, including on public transportation. Eleni's journey is powerfully moving. You'll feel her loss, her anguish, her pain, her determination, and her strength. I loved being along for the ride.
Generous' debut is a triumph. I absolutely cannot wait to see what awaits Eleni, the Kin, and of course the High Reaper in the next installment of the Echo of Past Lives. I can't recommend A Flickering Remnant enough. It's a must read for all readers!
"If I knelt, it would be of my own free will. And if I bowed, it would be because he deserved it."
"My power was my willingness. And they would see just how unyielding a mother's will could be."
"Here's another lesson. Don't listen to me. Don't let me, or anyone, tell you your own limits. You decide."
"She was doing it again. She was resurrecting the softest parts of me. Bringing me back to life."
"I had never in my life been only one thing and I wouldn't start now. There are worlds within me. I am everything I need to be. All at once."
March 17, 2026
ARC Review:
If you enjoy books with…
✨Maternal Mental Health Rep
✨Urban fantasy
✨Generational curses
✨Second Chance Romances
✨Top Tier Yearning
✨Sisterhood
This book is for you!
Rating: ⭐️ 3.5/5 | 🌶️2/5 | ⚠️⚠️
Spoiler Free Plot Summary:
Having survived a near death experience during child birth, Elani finds herself with large gaps in her memory. Seeking out a glimmer of her past, Elani is ambushed, ripped away from her baby Mae, and taken to an exiled kingdom ruled by the Reaper. If she hopes to be reunited with her baby, Elani must remember her lost past life. With the help of the Reaper, Elani sets off to unlock these memories in hope of not only saving Mae but perhaps the cursed kingdom of Iswysn as well
Plot and Pacing:
The world building in this book is absolutely gorgeous. You find yourself quickly sinking into the moody atmosphere and forest scenery of the underworld, Iswysn. As the main character regains her memories, we are treated to the rich lore and history of the events that lead to the curse that separated the two lands. Having multiple overlapping dimensions in an urban fantasy setting can get overwhelming sometimes, but the author has done a masterful job of making the boundaries clear. I did struggle with the pacing of this book. I would classify it as slow paced. However, the redemption arc and emotional roller coaster of an ending makes it all worth it!
Character development:
I want to preface this with the statement, this book is one of the most beautifully crafted I have read this year. With that said, I almost had to DNF because of how strongly I identified with and felt the maternal anxiety that the main character was experiencing having been ripped from her 11-month-old baby. All of the women in this book are so gorgeous written, each with a struggle and a character arc that most women I think will identify with depending on their life experience. The male main character too is masterfully crafted. On the one hand the classic dark and brooding morally grey character we’ve all come to know and love. On the other, showing so much raw compassion and emotional vulnerability during his POV, allowing us to fully understand all the weight on his shoulders.
The romance:
The romance in this book is the definition of a slooooooow burn. Lots of yearning and stolen glances. Without giving away any spoilers, when the two finally do give in and are able to be together, you will be shedding happy tears.
Final thoughts:
Hats of to LJ Generous for this gorgeously written debut novel. Mothers and Sisters of all ages should consider this book for their next read (although fair warning, have the tissues ready). Fans of Sarah J. Maas (particularly Throne of Glass) should also absolutely consider this reading this book.
A big thanks to the author LJ Generous and the Nerd Fam for an ARC copy of a book that will likely be etched in to my brain for a very long time. I held off on posting due to a less than four star rating…
If you enjoy books with…
✨Maternal Mental Health Rep
✨Urban fantasy
✨Generational curses
✨Second Chance Romances
✨Top Tier Yearning
✨Sisterhood
This book is for you!
Rating: ⭐️ 3.5/5 | 🌶️2/5 | ⚠️⚠️
Spoiler Free Plot Summary:
Having survived a near death experience during child birth, Elani finds herself with large gaps in her memory. Seeking out a glimmer of her past, Elani is ambushed, ripped away from her baby Mae, and taken to an exiled kingdom ruled by the Reaper. If she hopes to be reunited with her baby, Elani must remember her lost past life. With the help of the Reaper, Elani sets off to unlock these memories in hope of not only saving Mae but perhaps the cursed kingdom of Iswysn as well
Plot and Pacing:
The world building in this book is absolutely gorgeous. You find yourself quickly sinking into the moody atmosphere and forest scenery of the underworld, Iswysn. As the main character regains her memories, we are treated to the rich lore and history of the events that lead to the curse that separated the two lands. Having multiple overlapping dimensions in an urban fantasy setting can get overwhelming sometimes, but the author has done a masterful job of making the boundaries clear. I did struggle with the pacing of this book. I would classify it as slow paced. However, the redemption arc and emotional roller coaster of an ending makes it all worth it!
Character development:
I want to preface this with the statement, this book is one of the most beautifully crafted I have read this year. With that said, I almost had to DNF because of how strongly I identified with and felt the maternal anxiety that the main character was experiencing having been ripped from her 11-month-old baby. All of the women in this book are so gorgeous written, each with a struggle and a character arc that most women I think will identify with depending on their life experience. The male main character too is masterfully crafted. On the one hand the classic dark and brooding morally grey character we’ve all come to know and love. On the other, showing so much raw compassion and emotional vulnerability during his POV, allowing us to fully understand all the weight on his shoulders.
The romance:
The romance in this book is the definition of a slooooooow burn. Lots of yearning and stolen glances. Without giving away any spoilers, when the two finally do give in and are able to be together, you will be shedding happy tears.
Final thoughts:
Hats of to LJ Generous for this gorgeously written debut novel. Mothers and Sisters of all ages should consider this book for their next read (although fair warning, have the tissues ready). Fans of Sarah J. Maas (particularly Throne of Glass) should also absolutely consider this reading this book.
A big thanks to the author LJ Generous and the Nerd Fam for an ARC copy of a book that will likely be etched in to my brain for a very long time. I held off on posting due to a less than four star rating…
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @nerdfam and L.J. Generous for the gifted e-copy of this incredible debut!
🖤 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Lost Memories
🖤 Cursed Kingdom
🖤 Motherhood / Protecting the Child
🖤 Mystery / Slowly Revealed Past
🖤 Unique Magic System
🌶️ Mild / Sweet Romance
What a debut!! And look at that cover! Pure perfection.
The writing is emotional, immersive, and richly layered. Generous blends lush, atmospheric worldbuilding with introspective character moments, making the cursed kingdom, monsters, and magic feel tangible and alive.
I especially loved the unique way the story unfolds through Eleni’s slowly remembered memories and her journal entries. It adds mystery and discovery, letting the world and her past reveal themselves piece by piece, which made the journey feel deeply engaging.
What truly sets it apart is its honest portrayal of motherhood, a theme rarely explored in fantasy romance. Eleni’s struggles, joys, and fears as a new mother are woven seamlessly into the story, giving it a depth and emotional resonance that makes the book feel both intimate and epic.
The magic feels ancient and deeply tied to legacy, and I loved how Eleni’s past connects to powers she doesn’t fully remember. Discovering them is such a compelling part of her journey. I’d love to see the magic explored even more in future installments, as some of the ways her abilities appear feel sudden but there’s so much potential to dive deeper into its rules and history.
The writing is beautifully introspective, allowing a strong connection to Eleni’s inner world. At times it leans into reflection, and some readers might crave a bit more action, but that contemplative style adds real depth and emotional resonance to her journey.
🖤 A heartfelt story balancing adventure with the quiet, poignant moments of personal growth and memory recovery.
🖤 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Lost Memories
🖤 Cursed Kingdom
🖤 Motherhood / Protecting the Child
🖤 Mystery / Slowly Revealed Past
🖤 Unique Magic System
🌶️ Mild / Sweet Romance
What a debut!! And look at that cover! Pure perfection.
The writing is emotional, immersive, and richly layered. Generous blends lush, atmospheric worldbuilding with introspective character moments, making the cursed kingdom, monsters, and magic feel tangible and alive.
I especially loved the unique way the story unfolds through Eleni’s slowly remembered memories and her journal entries. It adds mystery and discovery, letting the world and her past reveal themselves piece by piece, which made the journey feel deeply engaging.
What truly sets it apart is its honest portrayal of motherhood, a theme rarely explored in fantasy romance. Eleni’s struggles, joys, and fears as a new mother are woven seamlessly into the story, giving it a depth and emotional resonance that makes the book feel both intimate and epic.
The magic feels ancient and deeply tied to legacy, and I loved how Eleni’s past connects to powers she doesn’t fully remember. Discovering them is such a compelling part of her journey. I’d love to see the magic explored even more in future installments, as some of the ways her abilities appear feel sudden but there’s so much potential to dive deeper into its rules and history.
The writing is beautifully introspective, allowing a strong connection to Eleni’s inner world. At times it leans into reflection, and some readers might crave a bit more action, but that contemplative style adds real depth and emotional resonance to her journey.
🖤 A heartfelt story balancing adventure with the quiet, poignant moments of personal growth and memory recovery.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I’d like to thank L.J. Generous and the nerdfam for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review of A Flickering Remnant!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
L.J. Generous is a brand new author which meant I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started reading this book. I need to give this author credit for the beautiful prose writing that she did for this story. Not only was the story unique in of itself, but the writing style was something I don’t see a lot of so I had a lot of fun reading and falling in love with the world and the characters that L.J. created.
Our FMC is a mother and while reading, you could clearly see the impact the writing style made to shine light upon the mental health of mothers. Not only does our FMC live life day by day stuck in the same cycle but she also finds her will to protect her child when she is taken through a mysterious portal and brought to Reaper’s feet. Right away you could see the struggle of dealing with lost memories of who she is and who the Reaper is to her and that all leads to the start of a beautiful story of unraveling her past and learning who she is.
The Reaper definitely stole my heart as he not only had to deal with his own feelings of realizing that Eleni (our FMC) doesn’t know who he is or who she is, but also the reality of watching her slowly uncover things bit by bit. There was such a heaviness to their story that we still don’t know everything about yet which made for a classic love story that stretched beyond all means. Another trope I adore is found family and I feel like L.J. created a beautiful found family in this story. Seeing how other characters were so close to Eleni and watching her go through trying to find herself again just proved how safe she was with them. Overall, I enjoyed this story a lot and look forward to more from this author!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
L.J. Generous is a brand new author which meant I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started reading this book. I need to give this author credit for the beautiful prose writing that she did for this story. Not only was the story unique in of itself, but the writing style was something I don’t see a lot of so I had a lot of fun reading and falling in love with the world and the characters that L.J. created.
Our FMC is a mother and while reading, you could clearly see the impact the writing style made to shine light upon the mental health of mothers. Not only does our FMC live life day by day stuck in the same cycle but she also finds her will to protect her child when she is taken through a mysterious portal and brought to Reaper’s feet. Right away you could see the struggle of dealing with lost memories of who she is and who the Reaper is to her and that all leads to the start of a beautiful story of unraveling her past and learning who she is.
The Reaper definitely stole my heart as he not only had to deal with his own feelings of realizing that Eleni (our FMC) doesn’t know who he is or who she is, but also the reality of watching her slowly uncover things bit by bit. There was such a heaviness to their story that we still don’t know everything about yet which made for a classic love story that stretched beyond all means. Another trope I adore is found family and I feel like L.J. created a beautiful found family in this story. Seeing how other characters were so close to Eleni and watching her go through trying to find herself again just proved how safe she was with them. Overall, I enjoyed this story a lot and look forward to more from this author!
March 8, 2026
In A Flickering Remnant we follow Eleni, in the throes of new motherhood, with all the pains, joys, complications, and wonder the stage of life can bring. While out hiking with her daughter, Mae is kidnapped by a strange woman claiming to be Eleni’s own flesh and blood. And Eleni herself is kidnapped by a witch known as The Mother. When she awakens in a world that is not her own, her daughter nowhere to be found, Eleni must make a deal with the inhabitants of that world to get her daughter back. Along the way memories of a life she doesn’t remember surface and she has to fight to put together the pieces of the puzzle of her story.
The emotional punch this book packed was incredible! Never having been a mother myself, the descriptions of Eleni’s pain were at times so visceral I found myself with little wonder what that must be like. Motherhood is for women much stronger than I, I fear.
Eleni’s strength was probably my favorite part of the book. Her exhaustion and fears of inadequacy were universally relatable and her fierce persistence and resilience admirable. With her daughter her anchor, she found a strength she didn’t know she possessed.
The mystery of her memory loss was as compelling as it was at times infuriating (in a good way! You never wanted to stop reading because you just couldn’t wait to *know*!) and the conclusion was satisfying while also opening the door for more!
Loved the poetic prose, the achingly slow burn of the romance, the support of the ever-favorite found family, the transformative personal growth from each of the main characters, and the deep well of love described that simply made me want to hug and protect my cat Miles and never let go!
Please, please give this debut a chance! For lovers of fantasy, of mystery, and of romance, this one will not disappoint!
The emotional punch this book packed was incredible! Never having been a mother myself, the descriptions of Eleni’s pain were at times so visceral I found myself with little wonder what that must be like. Motherhood is for women much stronger than I, I fear.
Eleni’s strength was probably my favorite part of the book. Her exhaustion and fears of inadequacy were universally relatable and her fierce persistence and resilience admirable. With her daughter her anchor, she found a strength she didn’t know she possessed.
The mystery of her memory loss was as compelling as it was at times infuriating (in a good way! You never wanted to stop reading because you just couldn’t wait to *know*!) and the conclusion was satisfying while also opening the door for more!
Loved the poetic prose, the achingly slow burn of the romance, the support of the ever-favorite found family, the transformative personal growth from each of the main characters, and the deep well of love described that simply made me want to hug and protect my cat Miles and never let go!
Please, please give this debut a chance! For lovers of fantasy, of mystery, and of romance, this one will not disappoint!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A book to experience. A book to live through. A book to love. This is what A Flickering Remnant, Book 1 of L.J.’s Echo of Past Lives series, became to me. A constant companion, a silent reminder of one’s strength, and proof of what love is capable of.
“In the grey, I am endless. There are words within me. I am everything I need to be. All at once.”
A Flickering Remnant left me with such an empowering message: you matter. All of you matter. The bad, the good, and everything in between. There’s no perfection, nor does there need to be. We are enough, even in the moments when we don’t feel like we matter. We do.
“I am nothing to no one. I am but a means to an end. All that matters is the end.”
There are so many of us who have felt like this at some point in our lives. A time when everything seemed lost, with no HEA in sight. And maybe that HEA still isn’t there, but we are. Here. Now. We live. We love. We mourn. We rage. We feel, and we survive. One day at a time. And we learn. We evolve. And that matters.
A Flickering Remnant is more than a love story that spans the boundaries of time and space. It is a story of love. Romantic, maternal, paternal. Love earned. Love that heals and empowers, even in the direst circumstances. Even when all that’s left is but a flickering remnant.
This is a story that will heal parts of your soul, a story that will show you that strength comes in different shapes and sizes.
Eleni’s story. Mother. Lover. Daughter. Friend. She is all of that and more. She is her own strength and love. She is power. And we can be that, too.
Thank you, L.J., for allowing me to experience this story with you. I can’t wait for the next part.
“In the grey, I am endless. There are words within me. I am everything I need to be. All at once.”
A Flickering Remnant left me with such an empowering message: you matter. All of you matter. The bad, the good, and everything in between. There’s no perfection, nor does there need to be. We are enough, even in the moments when we don’t feel like we matter. We do.
“I am nothing to no one. I am but a means to an end. All that matters is the end.”
There are so many of us who have felt like this at some point in our lives. A time when everything seemed lost, with no HEA in sight. And maybe that HEA still isn’t there, but we are. Here. Now. We live. We love. We mourn. We rage. We feel, and we survive. One day at a time. And we learn. We evolve. And that matters.
A Flickering Remnant is more than a love story that spans the boundaries of time and space. It is a story of love. Romantic, maternal, paternal. Love earned. Love that heals and empowers, even in the direst circumstances. Even when all that’s left is but a flickering remnant.
This is a story that will heal parts of your soul, a story that will show you that strength comes in different shapes and sizes.
Eleni’s story. Mother. Lover. Daughter. Friend. She is all of that and more. She is her own strength and love. She is power. And we can be that, too.
Thank you, L.J., for allowing me to experience this story with you. I can’t wait for the next part.
March 8, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Wow, absolutely phenomenal read for her debut fantasy novel! This was an intense ride with phenomenal world building. The FMC is a new mom who has lost her memory who is just living life day to day as a new mother. She has to in trust the high reaper has he is her was of fining her lost memories. This book was full magic, mythology that built around two realms and the role the witch play among society. They has s very unique magic system amongst them. This book is a must read and I can’t wait to read the next book!!
“The past always comes calling. No matter how we beg our ghosts to leave us.
In a kingdom of exile, bound by an ancient curse, awaits one woman's key to all that's forgotten.
After a near-death experience, and amidst the throes of new motherhood, Eleni searches for the lost pieces of herself, buried within the missing memories of her past.
When her daughter is taken, the mysteries of Eleni's legacy begin to unravel. The answers she seeks wait for her in a doomed kingdom full of secrets and monsters, ruled by an Undead king known as the Reaper—who remembers everything she doesn't.
Thrust into a bygone chapter of a life she has no recollection of, together Eleni and the Reaper set out to unlock the shadowed passages of her mind.
With the past in her veins, and her daughter's future hanging in the balance, Eleni must discover what was in order to dictate what will be.”
“The past always comes calling. No matter how we beg our ghosts to leave us.
In a kingdom of exile, bound by an ancient curse, awaits one woman's key to all that's forgotten.
After a near-death experience, and amidst the throes of new motherhood, Eleni searches for the lost pieces of herself, buried within the missing memories of her past.
When her daughter is taken, the mysteries of Eleni's legacy begin to unravel. The answers she seeks wait for her in a doomed kingdom full of secrets and monsters, ruled by an Undead king known as the Reaper—who remembers everything she doesn't.
Thrust into a bygone chapter of a life she has no recollection of, together Eleni and the Reaper set out to unlock the shadowed passages of her mind.
With the past in her veins, and her daughter's future hanging in the balance, Eleni must discover what was in order to dictate what will be.”
March 17, 2026
4.5⭐️, rounded up!
It is difficult to deliver a fantasy that feels fresh—but Generous does just that! From the start, I was intrigued by this urban fantasy world where humans and witches coexist, and the main character, Eleni, as she grapples with memory loss and being a new mother. By the ~35% mark, I was hooked.
Some spoiler-free things that I particularly loved:
♡ The world: Such unique world-building! This story combines both urban and traditional fantasy worlds, multiple realms, each distinct.
♡ The characters: These may be the most grounded, relatable fantasy characters I've ever read. They feel lived in. The Kin gives ACOTAR Inner Circle vibes, but homier.
♡ The love story: This is a mature, responsible, sacrificial love!!! Yes, it's a slow burn. Yes, it's a second-chance romance. But I found it so much richer and more relatable than a typical romantasy relationship or usual executions of those tropes—which made certain parts hit so much harder!
♡ The plot: This is a fresh fantasy story that expertly weaves in classic tropes. And, perhaps most impressively, there is so much story yet to unfold without a crazy cliffhanger! It feels so natural that we'll get more of the story in future books that will answer lingering questions and reveal more yet to be asked.
♡ Motherhood: While I can't personally relate to being a mother, Eleni being a mother makes for a deeper, more human experience and a character that has more at stake than herself.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy!
It is difficult to deliver a fantasy that feels fresh—but Generous does just that! From the start, I was intrigued by this urban fantasy world where humans and witches coexist, and the main character, Eleni, as she grapples with memory loss and being a new mother. By the ~35% mark, I was hooked.
Some spoiler-free things that I particularly loved:
♡ The world: Such unique world-building! This story combines both urban and traditional fantasy worlds, multiple realms, each distinct.
♡ The characters: These may be the most grounded, relatable fantasy characters I've ever read. They feel lived in. The Kin gives ACOTAR Inner Circle vibes, but homier.
♡ The love story: This is a mature, responsible, sacrificial love!!! Yes, it's a slow burn. Yes, it's a second-chance romance. But I found it so much richer and more relatable than a typical romantasy relationship or usual executions of those tropes—which made certain parts hit so much harder!
♡ The plot: This is a fresh fantasy story that expertly weaves in classic tropes. And, perhaps most impressively, there is so much story yet to unfold without a crazy cliffhanger! It feels so natural that we'll get more of the story in future books that will answer lingering questions and reveal more yet to be asked.
♡ Motherhood: While I can't personally relate to being a mother, Eleni being a mother makes for a deeper, more human experience and a character that has more at stake than herself.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy!
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