Goblins and Crystals: A Romantic Regency-Inspired Fantasy

by C.A. Meadows

The Lýsa Crystal has granted the goblins incredible gifts of strength, endurance, and healing, among other things, for centuries. It is said that the Crystal will continue providing these gifts so long as the goblins protect it from outside harm and that a royal couple remains on the throne. The King and Queen have raised their daughter, Strelitzia, in all ways goblin, instilling in her the importance of finding a suitable mate before her eighteenth birthday. Strelitzia, though, has other plans. Strelitzia wants to explore the Realms of Lurin and find something to assist her dragon-fly, Crocus. She knows that after she marries and becomes Queen, this adventure will be impossible. She decides to take her fate into her own hands, traveling to the different realms with two goblins by her side. She worries she may not make it home, but takes the chance anyway.

Will she make it home before she turns eighteen?

Will she be able to find a suitable mate to become her King?

Will her adventures give her everything she’s been looking for?

Only time will tell.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2026

About the author

C.A. Meadows is a self-published indie author and Southern California native who now resides in the Northeast with her husband and children. She primarily writes thrillers that toe the line of horror, crafting unsettling stories designed to keep readers on edge. In addition to her thrillers, she is also the author of a fantasy series. One installment, which falls into the dark fantasy genre and is intended to be enjoyed as such.

Through suspense and imagination, C.A. Meadows hopes her stories provide readers with an engaging escape and a good thrill along the way.

Reviews

[Alura Heindel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun adventure! I didn’t know I needed a goblin princess going on a quest. So I’m so glad I met Strelitzia, and her wanderlust! And this book’s adventures, do not disappoint, as it takes us through the many Realms of Lurin. We get wonderful descriptions of the Lumiara Mountains, the giant Redwood trees of Nebraria and even travel to Thornveil Isle. I also loved that I got to see a familiar face from a previous book in the series. If you like headstrong princesses, small Dragon-fly companions and protective MMC, this book is one you should give a read!

My favorite quote from this book:
“"Strelitzia, if we make it out of this, remind me to be
mad at you for a couple of days." Strelitzia nodded.
"Valid request,"”

I received an ARC from the Author. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Twesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun to read that I had trouble putting it down. The characters come to life in such an enjoyable way - can’t help but fall in love with them! Take a trip into a fantasy world that will be a breath of fresh air and a fun escape from reality! CA Meadows leaves you wanting more.

[Haylee Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed getting to learn about the Goblins and their magic! I loved Crocus!! Such a fun unique companion. It was cool seeing this story tie more into the other realms as well. I did enjoy this story and this was my first book by this author and the writing was different and took me a bit to get used to.

No violence
No spice
No language
I received an advanced copy of this book and am willingly leaving an honest review.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun adventure. I loved this, and it was different from what I’m used to reading even though it was in the same genre. I loved the history, the characters and seeing favorite characters from other books. This is a book I would let my teen read, as it’s a great adventure to find yourself, and figure out what you truly want.

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Teen/YA Romantasy and a first read for me of C.A. Meadows I enjoyed this short read with all of the adventure and learning more about the Realms of Lurin after reading Sirens and Sea Captains by Courtney Denelsbeck

Strelitzia is the princess of the Lumiara Mountains and it is time for her to marry and become queen as the Lysa Crystal provides the goblins with abilities but only if they protect it and have a royal couple on the throne. Only problem is she isn’t ready. She has a heart to explore and have an adventure before settling down. She wants to “…see where the vampires live and where the sirens dwell. Where the dragons roam and where the werewolves hide. …to listen to the ocean and smell the salty air.”

Oleander has a lower station and though they grew up together, as they got older, she started princess training while he began training as a warrior to protect their territory.

As Strelitzia and Oleander set out to find a serum for her potion to help her dragon-fly friend, Crocus, they have a little friend join them, Rosebud. With help from the Lysa Crystal, they go places the goblins in Lumiara haven’t traversed in years.

#arcread #realmsoflurin #teenyaromantasy #friendstomore

**I received an advanced copy of this book through BookFunnel and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cat Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goblins & Crystals is an absolute joy from start to finish. C.A. Meadows has created something genuinely charming — a regency-flavoured fantasy adventure with a heroine you root for from the very first page. Princess Strelitzia is funny, brave and refreshingly real; she doesn’t want to be queen yet, she wants to see the world, and honestly, who can blame her?

The found-family dynamic that builds between Strelitzia, Oleander, little Rosebud, and the endlessly delightful dragon-fly Crocus is the heart of this book, and Meadows tends to it with real warmth.

The world-building is lush — the Lumiara Mountains, the fae realm of Nebraria, the gothic atmosphere of Bloodmist Cove — each location feels distinct and vivid.

This is a book that makes you smile, holds your breath, and then leaves you with a warm glow at the end. Perfect for fans of cosy fantasy with a glimmer of romance. I can’t wait to see where the Realms of Lurin series goes next.

[Jennie Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is cute, and liked reading about goblins as the main characters, and portrayed in a positive light, as they are typically portrayed as gross/ugly/mean/etc. This was a fun adventure story with a sweet premise of wanting to explore the world and also help a friend out.

The writing style and language felt to me to be somewhat juvenile, which I was not expecting having read the other books in the series before this one. I would say it feels like a story children to young teenagers would enjoy.

There is no gore or violence in this story, and no explicit language or content whatsoever. There is very light peril, some humor, and a tiny hint of sweet friends-to-more romance.

Overall, the story was ok, and I suppose I liked it enough to finish it, but I would say that I’m perhaps not the target audience for this particular book.

I received this book as an eARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.

[theenchantedalibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Realms of Lurin series has yet to disappoint. My only critique for each book in this series is that I wish they were longer! This one was not a five star for me just because the romance left me wanting more. I didn’t really feel like Oleander ever reciprocated feelings towards Strelitzia. Rosebud and Crocus were such fun characters, and they made the adventure a lot more interesting. I of course loved getting to see Nash at the end, and the mention of his wife had me swooning. This addition to the series really helped create a cohesive image of all of the different places around the island, and helped connect the different types of creatures. I’m definitely intrigued by the mention of fae blood, and I’m excited to see what the next installment in the series has in store! Thank you so much C.A. Meadows for this arc!

[Courtney Denelsbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique fantasy book that your whole family will enjoy!

Reading this book made me realize that there should be more fantasy stories with goblins. CA Meadows does a fantastic job creating an imaginative world in this regency-inspired novella. How can goblins be Regency? Read it and find out :) The MC's quest for independence, the friends to lovers sweet romance, and the comical "dragon"-fly Crocus, weave together in an adventurous story that will delight old and young fantasy readers alike. Although the main characters are older teens, I think younger kids will enjoy this story too. There are some dangerous moments, but it's done in a cozy, non-intense sort of way.

[Maegwen Salley-Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild adventure! This is not your typical goblin book, which I adored. Who knew authors could still come up with original ideas, and C.A. Meadows did just that! A young goblin princess needs to find herself before settling in to rule her people, so she goes on an epic journey that's both dangerous and magical. The love story is faint at first, but I enjoyed how it grew from a friendship to sparks! I highly recommend this story, especially if you want a fun quest with magic and lore.

I received this book as a Beta Reader for this author.

[Theplacesihavebeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little adventure that followed the journey of Princess Strelitzia, where she follows adventure to improve the life of her friend. She is accompanied by her childhood friend Oleander and together they cross realms and discover truths for themselves. This is low-spice, just some embraces and kisses. There is no cussing and no described violence. Overall this was enjoyable to read and one that could be safely recommended to teens. I did receive an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[S. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite fantasy creatures are goblins, so I knew this was going to be fun! This is a cute, adventurous, goblin love story that is part of the Realms of Lurin multi-author series. This is the first book I've read in the series and I really enjoyed it. C.A. Meadows is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more books by her.

A great escape for anyone who loves goblins, tiny dragon-like creatures, vampires, elves, and adventures!

[Scott S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goblins and Crystals is another wonderful addition to the Realms of Lurin collection, as this author has created a truly entertaining story that blends romance and adventure in a clean setting. All in a world with a wide cast of characters to enjoy and want to spend time with.
It’s a fun read that keeps the pages turning and it is easy to recommend as well.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read! I read it in one sitting, it was that good. I loved the adventure, the blossoming romance, and the friendship between the characters. The descriptions really brought the story to life. I can see myself reading this one again!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Matthew Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic adventure story with a sweet side love story. Loved all the characters and their adventures together! Definitely recommend!!!

[Sarah Brake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was book 5 of the Realms of Lurin series. It's a cute story about an adventure that a couple goblins have before settling down in their duties. A pretty simple but creative story.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute children’s fantasy about fulfilling dreams and treating others with kindness. I enjoyed listening to the story, and appreciated the wonderful job the narrator did.