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Desiccate
Cambria, a young woman with no memory of her past, is discovered among the ashes of a slaughtered tribe and taken in by the Raviers family. As she seeks her place in a world divided by kingdoms, magic, and ancient gods, she becomes entangled in struggles far greater than she could have imagined.
Pursued by Jaicyn, a ruthless mage serving the enigmatic Shadow King, Cambria must confront secrets of the gods, ancient prophecies, and the truth of her own identity. Torn between love, duty, and survival, she faces devastating losses and impossible choices, journeying through new cities, across seas, and cursed realms, where time and space fracture.
At its heart, Desiccate, the first installment in the Gates of Destiny Series, is a sweeping fantasy of memory, destiny, and sacrifice—where Cambria learns that the power to reshape the world may rest within her, even as forces conspire to claim it for themselves.
Pursued by Jaicyn, a ruthless mage serving the enigmatic Shadow King, Cambria must confront secrets of the gods, ancient prophecies, and the truth of her own identity. Torn between love, duty, and survival, she faces devastating losses and impossible choices, journeying through new cities, across seas, and cursed realms, where time and space fracture.
At its heart, Desiccate, the first installment in the Gates of Destiny Series, is a sweeping fantasy of memory, destiny, and sacrifice—where Cambria learns that the power to reshape the world may rest within her, even as forces conspire to claim it for themselves.
Paperback
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Lorelei Matthews
5 books8 followersLorelei Matthews is a new adult fantasy and supernatural author, living in the blurred spaces between light and dark, where grief is a love language, power always comes at a cost, and no one is ever purely hero or villain (because honestly, what’s the fun in that?).
With a BA in Creative Writing and English in her back pocket, Lorelei is the author of nightmare coda, featured in the dreamcaught anthology, with additional works to come.
When she’s not dismantling fictional souls, she can be found spending time with her husband and children in the wilds of Colorado, obsessing over Doctor Who, vampires, video & board games, and loving the fictional villains she shouldn't.
She can be found on her website: www.loreleimatthews.com - Insta & Threads: @loreleimatthewswrites - Bluesky: @loreleimatthews.com
With a BA in Creative Writing and English in her back pocket, Lorelei is the author of nightmare coda, featured in the dreamcaught anthology, with additional works to come.
When she’s not dismantling fictional souls, she can be found spending time with her husband and children in the wilds of Colorado, obsessing over Doctor Who, vampires, video & board games, and loving the fictional villains she shouldn't.
She can be found on her website: www.loreleimatthews.com - Insta & Threads: @loreleimatthewswrites - Bluesky: @loreleimatthews.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 17, 2026
4.5 ARC review provided by the author.
Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect when I started down my Desiccate journey, man I am so glad that I requested to be an ARC reader for this book.
There were so many twists and turns, definitely kept me wanting more. Some moments felt a bit rushed while others a bit slow. Overall loved the story line, the character and definitely the ending. I can't wait to see what comes next for Cambria and her future.
Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect when I started down my Desiccate journey, man I am so glad that I requested to be an ARC reader for this book.
There were so many twists and turns, definitely kept me wanting more. Some moments felt a bit rushed while others a bit slow. Overall loved the story line, the character and definitely the ending. I can't wait to see what comes next for Cambria and her future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Since this is my first experience reviewing a book, I hope any of what I say actually makes sense. Here goes...
The first thing I noticed about Lorelei Matthews' writing is that she really knows how to world-build. From the forms of elemental magic and the way they work and interact, the social norms of different cultures, the beautiful physical descriptions of locations, even a woman's interaction with her horse - it is all wonderfully set up and paints a very clear and 'real' image.
When I read a book, I always find myself invested at some point and to some degree, it never fails. The only question is how long does it take and how personal does it become to me? In the case of "Desiccate", the answers are 'pretty much immediately' and 'intensely personal'! Cambria, first off, is my kind of heroine. I found myself instantly identifying with her and her emotional struggle as she develops in character, in magic, and in influence. She is who I would imagine I could become, who I long to become. What she feels, she feels intensely, and so did I. Lucan is a perfect match to her as he goes through a struggle himself that is at times heartbreaking and intense. And Kasami's relationship to Cambria is one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. They make each other constantly better in every way.
The action in this book is very well done also. I have often seen magic and spells incorporated into battles and encounters in books, but I'm not sure they have ever felt as 'realistic' to me as what I see in this book (and series). One particular aspect of magic that the author recognizes where do many do not is the limitations and consequences of magic thrown about in a chaotic situation. It doesn't just happen and then disappear. The effects last for people (often including the casters themselves), for structures, even for landscapes.
One interesting aspect of the magic in "Desiccate" is that it doesn't take only a single form (or set of forms). Without spoiling anything, there is magic around beyond just elemental magic. Even the elemental magic itself doesn't act like four copies of the same thing. Each element has different forms, different effects, and distinct requirements and consequences for the caster.
Finally, I couldn't do this review and not mention love and sexuality in "Desiccate". It is utterly glorious! Without spoiling key elements of the story, people love as they wish to love. The relationships are deep, the sex is intense, the emotional intimacy gorgeous. And it is written so beautifully and naturally that you don't really think to question how anybody else feels about it. Nor should you. The general answer anyway is that other people typically don't care, because what business is it of theirs anyway? If only our world had that outlook.
I absolutely recommend "Desiccate" to anyone looking for a world full of wonder, magic and adventure!
The first thing I noticed about Lorelei Matthews' writing is that she really knows how to world-build. From the forms of elemental magic and the way they work and interact, the social norms of different cultures, the beautiful physical descriptions of locations, even a woman's interaction with her horse - it is all wonderfully set up and paints a very clear and 'real' image.
When I read a book, I always find myself invested at some point and to some degree, it never fails. The only question is how long does it take and how personal does it become to me? In the case of "Desiccate", the answers are 'pretty much immediately' and 'intensely personal'! Cambria, first off, is my kind of heroine. I found myself instantly identifying with her and her emotional struggle as she develops in character, in magic, and in influence. She is who I would imagine I could become, who I long to become. What she feels, she feels intensely, and so did I. Lucan is a perfect match to her as he goes through a struggle himself that is at times heartbreaking and intense. And Kasami's relationship to Cambria is one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. They make each other constantly better in every way.
The action in this book is very well done also. I have often seen magic and spells incorporated into battles and encounters in books, but I'm not sure they have ever felt as 'realistic' to me as what I see in this book (and series). One particular aspect of magic that the author recognizes where do many do not is the limitations and consequences of magic thrown about in a chaotic situation. It doesn't just happen and then disappear. The effects last for people (often including the casters themselves), for structures, even for landscapes.
One interesting aspect of the magic in "Desiccate" is that it doesn't take only a single form (or set of forms). Without spoiling anything, there is magic around beyond just elemental magic. Even the elemental magic itself doesn't act like four copies of the same thing. Each element has different forms, different effects, and distinct requirements and consequences for the caster.
Finally, I couldn't do this review and not mention love and sexuality in "Desiccate". It is utterly glorious! Without spoiling key elements of the story, people love as they wish to love. The relationships are deep, the sex is intense, the emotional intimacy gorgeous. And it is written so beautifully and naturally that you don't really think to question how anybody else feels about it. Nor should you. The general answer anyway is that other people typically don't care, because what business is it of theirs anyway? If only our world had that outlook.
I absolutely recommend "Desiccate" to anyone looking for a world full of wonder, magic and adventure!
September 27, 2026
I love the story. Lorelei has crafted a wonderful world and vibrant characters, and it was such a privilege to see them evolve over time as this story was written. (I am Lorelei’s critique partner.)
Cambria, the main character, faces many obstacles in her quest to discover who she is and where she fits in. There’s action, adventure, and love. The world is queer normative and celebrates diversity.
I often felt myself caught up in the story. I knew where it was all going of course, having read earlier drafts, but this final version had a number of great surprises in it that won’t disappoint new readers.
Desiccate is the first installment in a series and I can’t wait to see where it goes. There are many secrets still waiting to be uncovered in this world!
Cambria, the main character, faces many obstacles in her quest to discover who she is and where she fits in. There’s action, adventure, and love. The world is queer normative and celebrates diversity.
I often felt myself caught up in the story. I knew where it was all going of course, having read earlier drafts, but this final version had a number of great surprises in it that won’t disappoint new readers.
Desiccate is the first installment in a series and I can’t wait to see where it goes. There are many secrets still waiting to be uncovered in this world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Desiccate was one of those books that kept getting bigger the more I read.
What initially drew me in was the elemental magic system and the mystery surrounding the protagonist, Cambria. What kept me turning pages were the characters, the relationships, and the feeling that there was always another layer waiting to be uncovered.
As a fantasy fan, I found a lot here to love. There were moments that reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender with its elemental magic and worldbuilding, Mistborn with its mysteries and revelations, and The Wheel of Time with its prophecies, ancient history, and larger-than-life stakes. At the same time, Desiccate never felt like it was trying to imitate those stories. It has its own voice, mythology, and identity. A voice that was a little spicy (in a good way) at times which wasn't expected but I loved it.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its cast. The relationships feel genuine, and the found-family aspects of the story hit especially hard. The emotional moments landed because I genuinely cared about the people involved.
I also appreciated that the story respects its readers. It doesn't rush to explain every mystery immediately. Instead, it rewards patience, attention, and curiosity. Several times I found myself rethinking earlier events as new pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
If you enjoy fantasy with elemental magic, ancient prophecies, layered worldbuilding, memorable characters, and mysteries that unfold over time, I highly recommend giving Desiccate a chance.
I'm already looking forward to seeing where this story goes next.
What initially drew me in was the elemental magic system and the mystery surrounding the protagonist, Cambria. What kept me turning pages were the characters, the relationships, and the feeling that there was always another layer waiting to be uncovered.
As a fantasy fan, I found a lot here to love. There were moments that reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender with its elemental magic and worldbuilding, Mistborn with its mysteries and revelations, and The Wheel of Time with its prophecies, ancient history, and larger-than-life stakes. At the same time, Desiccate never felt like it was trying to imitate those stories. It has its own voice, mythology, and identity. A voice that was a little spicy (in a good way) at times which wasn't expected but I loved it.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its cast. The relationships feel genuine, and the found-family aspects of the story hit especially hard. The emotional moments landed because I genuinely cared about the people involved.
I also appreciated that the story respects its readers. It doesn't rush to explain every mystery immediately. Instead, it rewards patience, attention, and curiosity. Several times I found myself rethinking earlier events as new pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
If you enjoy fantasy with elemental magic, ancient prophecies, layered worldbuilding, memorable characters, and mysteries that unfold over time, I highly recommend giving Desiccate a chance.
I'm already looking forward to seeing where this story goes next.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews