GALEBORN: An Epic Fantasy Inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

by Dan Filion

Genres: Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2026

Reviews

[Brittany Downs]

I received an ARC of this and I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to read it. This story had me hooked from the beginning! The world building and characters were beyond my expectations. I am a lover of Wizard of Oz and Wicked. This book tells a whole new side of things and truly adds onto the legacy of Oz. I truly believe L Frank Baum would be proud of how Dan Filion took us back into the wonderful world of Oz. This is a must read for all the fantasy readers out there and anyone who has enjoyed escaping to Oz.
I am very much looking forward to the story continuing. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Courtney Borgard]

As someone who was raised to LOVE the world of Oz, I was so skeptical of this book at first. But as I read the story, I could really see the authors love of Oz woven into every single page. It was like a reflection of my own heart for the realm. This book was a truly stunning new spin into the world and I am so grateful to have stumbled across this story.

I really appreciated the vivid imagery the author utilized. It was like being in the story myself. Eliza’s journey is something that should be told for generations to come, much like her grandmothers. The author also makes it feel like home. Moreover, you don’t have to have all of the lore to read the story. He did an incredible job with the world building and did it in such a way that even if you didn’t know anything about Oz, you still would feel at home or like you knew the place.

What an astounding read… seriously! If you haven’t read it yet, you really should!!! And if this review gave you nothing about the story, that’s on purpose— PICK IT UP AND FIND OUT! You won’t regret it! 💚

[Andrew King]

I went into this wizard of Oz book without having read the wonderful wizard of Oz or having seen the movie and I can say this had no impact on my enjoyment of the overall plot. It was fun, well paced and full of interesting characters that paid respect to what I know of the original without feeling like a copy. This book has made me more likely to check out the original, good job Dan, I eagerly await the pulsing edition

[KCMxDEADLY]

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a longtime fan of Oz-inspired stories, I was immediately drawn to this novel’s premise. One of my favorite aspects was how thoughtfully the author incorporated references and callbacks to L. Frank Baum’s original works. These touches felt like a love letter to the source material and added an extra layer of enjoyment to my reading experience.

The overall reading experience reminded me of discovering the works of Mae Pierce and Marion Blackwood for the first time. The story shares a similar appreciation for dramatic prose, emotional intensity, and fantasy worlds that feel touched by myth and fairytale. While the setting and story are distinctly its own, I believe readers who enjoyed the Power of the Blood duology or the Flame and Thorns series may find themselves drawn to the same qualities here.

I also appreciated the dramatic writing style. It helped create a sense of wonder and gave the story a distinctive voice that felt well suited to a fantasy set in the world of Oz.

What stayed with me most after finishing the book was its potential. The concept is imaginative, the world is intriguing, and there are many moments that hint at a truly special story. I found myself wishing I could spend even more time with the characters and the world they inhabit.

For me, the pacing occasionally felt uneven, and I would have loved to see certain character relationships and emotional beats explored in greater depth. There were several moments where I wanted a little more development, particularly when it came to understanding the characters’ inner thoughts and motivations. I also found myself noticing some recurring imagery and scene elements, though other readers may not have the same experience.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong premise, a clear affection for the Oz universe, and a unique narrative voice. While there were aspects I personally wished had been expanded upon, I think readers who enjoy fantasy romance, reimagined fairy tales, and Oz-inspired adventures will find much to appreciate here. I’m excited to see how this author’s work develops in the future.

[Joy Parham]

👑 Review ⭐⭐⭐ (or 2.5/5)

"I just don't really know how to feel about this book."

I went into Galeborn by Dan Filion with high hopes, but I ultimately had to literally force myself to finish reading it. It wasn't necessarily a bad book, but it was absolutely NOT what I expected, and it felt like a bit of a drag to get through the pages.

What I Appreciated:

The Premise: I loved Dan Filion’s unique twist on what could have occurred after The Wizard of Oz. It was a creative concept that I fully embraced.

The Supporting Characters: I really liked the unwavering commitment of Kaelis, as well as Serenith's wisdom and ability to gently guide Eliza without ever forcing her hand.

The Growth: I was left feeling glad that Eliza at least got a solid idea of who she truly was by the end of the story.

Where It Lost Me:

The Tone: The story often felt like it was written more for a younger audience rather than for an adult reader. It lacked the depth I was looking for, causing the plot to feel like it was just dragging on.

The "Spice" (0.5/5 Peppers 🌶️): If you are looking for romance with heat, this isn't it. The first attempt at spice left me completely confused, wondering, "Wait, what just happened?" The inferences let me know they were intimate in some way (falling on moss, a later mention of a bare shoulder), but it was incredibly vague. The second and final attempt had a tiny bit more detail, but it was still just "ehhh" and very quickly glossed over.

The Ending: The book wraps up with an Epilogue that drops a cliffhanger and hints at a possible twist to come. While I do want to know what grew from the seed that was planted, and what happens next between Eliza/Aerlina and Morana, I'm just not dying to read more. The book should have just shared what happened next instead of stretching it out.

Final Thoughts:

This was a tough one for me to rate. It has a great foundation and some wonderful character dynamics, but the pacing and the juvenile feel made it a struggle to complete. It’s a creative story, but it just didn't fully deliver for me.

[Marissa Oliver]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — GALEBORN Review 📚🌪️💚

I absolutely adored this book from beginning to end. The twists, the way the story progressed, and how everything unfolded kept me fully invested the entire time.

As someone who loves Oz retellings (hi Wicked obsession 🤭), the world building was beautifully done. The map was such a nice touch and I found myself referencing it throughout the story. The descriptions of the forest, creatures, and world around Eliza made it so easy to picture everything — it truly gave authentic Oz vibes. 🌪️✨

Eliza was such a strong main character and I loved that she asked questions and never gave me the typical clueless FMC energy. She felt different in the best way.

My favorite characters were Serenith, Kaelis (love me a protector vibe 👀), and Queen Ozma because… first of all, that name? Perfection.

The pacing felt just right — not too fast, not too slow — and kept me intrigued the entire time. Plus… forced proximity trope? Immediate win. 🤭

I genuinely have no complaints. The yearning was there, the spice wasn’t overbearing, and every part of the story felt intentional.

I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy adventure, Oz-inspired stories, magical worlds, and strong character development.

The ending was done so well — enough closure to feel satisfied, but enough unanswered questions surrounding Eliza, her grandmother, and her past that now I’m INVESTED.

Respectfully… I need book 2 immediately. 🤭📚✨

5⭐️ — and yes, I was absolutely the target audience for this book.

[Xiedy Macrae]

As someone who loves stories with emotional stakes, Galeborn immediately caught my attention because it begins after Dorothy Gale's death. Instead of retelling a familiar story, it explores what happens to Oz when its greatest hero is gone—and that alone made me want to keep reading.

What I enjoyed most was how the book balances adventure, mystery, and emotion. There are moments that feel magical and exciting, but underneath it all is a story about legacy, grief, and finding your own place in a world shaped by people who came before you. The characters feel like they're carrying the weight of the past while trying to build their own future, which made them easy to care about.

The world-building was another highlight. Seeing Oz from a different perspective felt fresh, especially because the story doesn't rely only on nostalgia. It expands the world and gives readers new reasons to be invested in it.

Overall, Galeborn is a compelling fantasy that offers more than just adventure. It's a story about what remains after a legend is gone and how the people left behind try to move forward while carrying that legacy with them.

It blends emotion, mystery, and adventure in a way that feels thoughtful rather than rushed, and it leaves you with something to reflect on after finishing.

5/5 stars. A beautifully layered story about grief, legacy, and rebuilding a world after its hero is gone.

[stacey Elizabeth Coombe]

6⭐
Galeborn is truly something special. It's written so poetically and I was drawn in from the first few pages. I have no knowledge of Oz apart from the standard most of us were shown in our childhoods with the film and storybook with pictures but this didn't spoil this story and I didn't feel lost at all. The world building was so immersive and unique I felt like I was walking alongside the characters. Eliza our FMC was relatable, unsure, and strong. She spent her life feeling like she didn't quite fit in and when her grandmother died she felt lonely and lost in a world that wasn't quite right. Kaelis our MMC spent his life as a watcher of Oz but when he lost heart for the cause he became a man just following orders. Together Eliza and kaelis go on an adventure where they find themselves, friends, purpose and love through a quest into Oz. Galeborn truly has everything a romantasy needs beautiful world building, slow burn romance, a quest with purpose, found family, unique well developed characters and events that make you unable to stop ending. Dan filion has truly written one of the best romantasy's I've ever read and whether you are a diehard fan of Oz or not this one is not to be missed. I can't wait to see where the gale legacy takes us next.

[Mama Myres]

My new favorite Oz retelling!!!

I absolutely loved Galeborn by Dan Filion. This Wizard of Oz inspired romantasy is packed with so many of my favorite tropes, including a mortal in a magical world, forced proximity, found family, the chosen one, slow burn romance, and bloodline magic.

It doesn’t matter if you know nothing about Oz or if you’ve spent your whole life loving the world created by L. Frank Baum like I have, this is a retelling that anyone can enjoy. In fact, this is now my favorite Oz retelling I’ve ever read. I enjoyed it even more than Wicked.

While the story is inspired by the classic Oz tales, Dan has completely made the world his own. The setting feels both familiar and fresh, with rich worldbuilding and a cast of complex, memorable characters. There are a few beloved faces that longtime Oz fans will recognize, but the heart of the story belongs to an entirely new cast. The FMC, Eliza, was easily one of my favorite characters and I loved watching her journey unfold.

If I hadn’t followed Dan on TikTok while he was writing this book, I never would have believed this was a debut novel. The writing is confident, immersive, and incredibly well crafted. I cannot wait to return to this version of Oz in book two.

[Shay loves books]

Ever wondered what happened to the land of OZ after Dorothy? Did you know there is more to OZ than you read about or were told about? Well there is so much more to the story and you will be immersed in this story from the beginning to the end and you get to see what happened and what is happening through the eyes of Dorothy’s granddaughter Eliza Gale. Galeborn is a book that will live on in your heart for a long time!

When Dorothy dies and Eliza is all that’s left, she gives Eliza a gift that will bring her back to OZ through a storm that has been waiting and searching and calling for her for years. She sets out on a journey with Kaelis and Serenith to find out what and why she was chosen to come back to Oz. She gets to see many different places that nobody knew about and how those that live in each place thrive and survive. But there is someone who is not happy she is there and are out to destroy all of Oz and the ones who try to stop her.

I cld not stop reading this book. Dan is such a great writer and a beautiful story teller and I cannot wait to read book 2. Eliza and Kaelis have my heart in a chokehold! I love them.

[Kim Taylor]

Book Review/ARC Review ✨

Galeborn by Dan Filion
@danfilionfantasy

Book Review : 4 ⭐️
Spice Level : 1 🌶️

I want to say Thank you to Dan Filion for the opportunity to get an ARC of this book!

If you think you know Oz…think again. 🌪️
Galeborn takes the familiar world we all grew up with and transforms it into something a bit darker, richer, and impossible to put down.

From the moment Eliza is swept into Oz, I was completely captivated. The world building is beautifully immersive, full of mystery, dangerous magic, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
I loved watching Eliza slowly unravel her family’s legacy while trying to understand why Oz chose her.

And then there’s Kaelis…the guarded, brooding commander who slowly lets his walls come down.
The slow burn tension between him and Eliza had me wanting more with every chapter.

Dan Filion has created a fresh, captivating take on Oz that feels both familiar and completely unique.

If you love romantasy, atmospheric worlds, hidden destinies, and slow burn romance but insta-love, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your TBR.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. 🌿✨📚

[Denise Beeman]

You know the story, you've seen it play out. Dorothy went to Oz, defeated the witch, met the wizard, and returned to Kansas. In our minds the story came to an end and everyone lived happily ever after...but what if that isn't what happened when the last word was read and the picture faded to black.
Galeborn beings us back to Oz and it tells us that Dorothy's part of the story was only the first act, because when she left something old and forgotten awoke spreading darkness throughout Oz as it waited for Dorothy's grandaughter Eliza to return and discover who she really is and what magic she holds inside herself.
With her first steady companion Kaelis, who loves her despite not knowing who she really is or whay role she will play in his world, Eliza sets out on a journey through the magical land of Oz, that is even more fantastic than we remeber, to learn the truth about herself even knowing the truth might be hard to know.
If you love a fantasy that pulls you into a world of wonders with characters that you steal your heart this book is for you.

[Robbie Collins]

Reading GALEBORN for me was like taking a stroll with an old friend, familiar but you got to meet so many new and exciting characters!

Being a lover of Oz from L Frank Baums books made the way Dan combined his own unique characters and scenes with the original very special, he did it in such a masterful way that you have to stop while reading and ask yourself which is which 💚

Having our main character be Dorothy’s granddaughter was brilliant. Eliza is such a l complex and understandable character you can really relate to.

One of my many favorite sections of the book is when Eliza sets out on a journey and she begins on the Yellow brick road thinking of her grandmothers journey but very quickly veers off it. Apart from physically leaving the road her grandmother had taken everywhere, this is a huge symbol of her having to find her own way through Oz which I loved.

I have to say I LOVED this book so much and I can’t wait to see where Dan takes The Gale Legacy next💚

[Taura (Lit Match)]

A wonderful debut novel by a fellow Canadian. If all you know of Oz is Dorothy’s story, then allow Dan to introduce you to the wonderful world of Oz from a fresh new lens.

This is a slow-burn romantasy with epic world-building. I found the characters we meet along the way very charming! The visuals were stunning, and I felt like I was in the world with them.

There was some repetitiveness in some chapters and a bit of frustration (for me) in that the whole book was leading up to answering one question. So that same question kept being asked over and over. I think I just wanted more from the story.

Overall a very enjoyable read, and I’m sure this will be a hit for all the Oz fans out there!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my voluntary honest thoughts and opinions.

[EricTheAccidentalReader]

As someone who has not read any sort of romantasy or any type of cozy fantasy. This story paints a beautiful picture of the world of OZ that I didn’t know existed. I never knew about all the places of oz or the other people of the lands. But when you open this book you are swept away (pun intended) to another world where the fmc has to discover what her grandmother had told her about her whole life. The magic, the characters, the descriptive writing paints a magical world in your mind that you will not want to leave. For being a first debut author and story. You cannot tell at any point. This is fantastic literature and a story that you read and wouldn’t know wasn’t written by a veteran author. I cannot wait to dive back into this world when/if we are ever lucky enough to get a second book.

[audrereads]

This book gave me a reading slump because it felt repetitive. The same scenes and questions kept coming up, and it became confusing instead of intriguing. I couldn’t understand why certain things were happening, and the story felt all over the place. Unfortunately, I also didn’t feel the chemistry between Kaelis and Eliza, so the romance didn’t work for me.

The concept had a lot of potential, but I wish the mystery about who or what the main character really was had been revealed much earlier instead of being dragged throughout the entire first book. I think that would have made the story more engaging.

This is just my personal opinion as a reader. Thank you, Dan, for giving me the opportunity to read your ARC.

[Faith Spencer]

As a lifelong L. Frank Baum enthusiast and devoted Oz aficionado, I hold adaptations to an incredibly high standard. It is rare to find a retelling that balances respect for the original lore with such a refreshing perspective, yet this book achieves both with grace. It honors the foundation of the classic series while masterfully reigniting that lifelong sense of wonder. After discovering the author’s work, I found myself completely unable to put the book down, staying awake through the night to finish it in a single sitting. This is an absolute triumph for any Oz fan; it is a profound, imaginative, and deeply satisfying read that I cannot recommend highly enough.

[Megan Russ]

Read as an ARC.
Dan Filion took a familiar world and gave us a fresh take. Magic, legend, and prophecy.
Eliza's story was great from page 1.
Kaelis's loyalty was felt and he stayed despite the challenges Eliza was facing.
Oz felt fresh but familiar. Filion takes a classic world and twists it to his own story. The world of Oz has changed since Dorthy's story but the land of Oz is not done with the Gale bloodline.
Escape into this tale of whimsy and adventure. Explore the land of Oz in new ways, see old friends and make new companions.
Filion did a great job with this new tale. This isn't a retelling it is a reset.

[Kirstie]

As a little girl who was OBSSESSED with the Wizard of Oz, like had my own Dorothy dress and ruby slippers, dolls, christmas tree ornaments, figurines, snow globes... I had it! I stumbled upon the author Dan on social media and I literally fell in love with his book! It was such an comforting, emersive and beautiful read. Beautiful with a hint of eerie and magic!! I was captivated by this book, and it honestly just felt like home to me. It was a cozy feeling, going back into the world I once loved so much, and dreamed of going to oke day! Seeing it as an adult in Galeborn was truly remarkable!!

[Leah]

I had the honor by Dan Filion to read an ARC of his novel, Galeborn! This novel revolves around the author’s love for “The Wizard of Oz”. I too have always loved OZ, so this book had me drawn in from the very beginning. I kind of felt like Dorothy while reading his descriptive words and phrases. I would recommend this book to anyone who has always loved OZ as well as new readers, just being introduced to OZ! L. Frank Baum would have definitely loved and enjoyed this book! Could Dan Filion be the next, L. Frank Baum?

[Caitlyn]

I absolutely have fallen in love with the world of Oz because of how Dan Filion describes it. I have never read any other Oz book, only have seen the movie. I absolutely love the way he makes you feel the emotions of the characters, and how he describes the world in such a beautiful way. If you are looking for another Romantasy that isn’t overly spicy but filled with all of the emotions and world building this is for you! I hope you all have a wonderful time diving into this beautiful mysterious world.

[Deborah Cliff]

I thought I was familiar with the Wizard of Oz (aka, watched the movie, seen wicked, was in the musical) but boy was I not! Dan brings such life and creativity into the world of Oz and his setting descriptions are amazing and full of life. This book is a standout debut novel from Dan Filion and I am excited and curious to see where the trilogy goes. Eliza is also different then your usual run of the mill FMC which I appreciated so much. Thank you so much for an early copy Dan and I am excited for your future as a writer and the sequels of the Gale Legacy.

[Autumn]

*This is an ARC review*

Galeborn is a darker, Oz-inspired Romantasy novel and is the first book within a quadrilogy.


The story follows Eliza Galeborn, granddaughter of Dorothy Galeborn, who gets swept into Oz; as Eliza explores this world, we see beautiful slow-burn romance develop through forced proximity, alongside a fantastic found family dynamic.

I highly recommend this book to people who love all things Oz. That said, you don’t need to have seen The Wizard of Oz to understand this story, as Dan includes a map at the start of the novel and does an amazing job with the world-building.

[Colleen Troll]

I absolutely loved this book! It was so captivating from start to finish. If you’re an 80’s or 90’s kid there is a definite nostalgic pull throughout the story. It was a flashback to my childhood mixed with my adult interests of romance and fantasy! I love how well developed the scenic descriptions are and how they create both confusion in reality and awe in the beauty described! It's a book I can see myself reading again and again and catching something new each time! Highly recommend and I can’t wait for more!

[Marianne Antonichuk]

I was able to finish this book in one day it is an oz retelling but it is more about the granddaughter and she needs to learn who she really is I loved hearing about the grandmother Dorothy and Eliza never really k owing who she was and why she was given the pendant and when she wore it the necklace glowed I can’t wait to learn more and what happens with Montana as at the end of the book she finally learns and falls In love I need to k owing what more a has planned and if Eliza is gonna be able to save her love as well as everything else I need to travel through this world in book 2

[Lori Jones]

Very well written! I enjoyed the great detail put into this book. The descriptions were impeccable and it brought me right into the story. The story telling started off strong, drawing me in. The last 50 pages were a perfect way to end the book and the epilogue left me wanting more. This is not my typical genre and probably not the book I would pick up normally, but I do love Wizard of Oz and had to give it a shot. What a great debut book. Fans of Oz and classical literature should pick this up for sure!

[Helena Russell]

Recieved this book as an ARC.
Grew up loving The Wizard of Oz, so I wasn't sure if I was going to love it or hate it. Loved it. It delved into Oz where no one else has. Eliza Gale, granddaughter of Dorothy is called by Oz. She has to answer the call and quest to find who and what she is to Oz and herself. Finding love and companionship along the way she learns the truth. Staying true to the original story Filion expands and broadens the world of Oz. Sure hope there will be more books in this series, I would love to continue this story.

[Corinne]

6 stars. That was the most incredible read, the plot, the storyline, the romance, it was all perfect. The wizard of Oz was one of my favourite movies as a kid, getting to relive that and experience a new world for Dorothy’s granddaughter was so beautiful. Kaelis became so much more than I had hoped for. Everything about this book was amazing and I can’t wait for the second! I honestly haven’t been able to immerse myself in a fantasy book in a while, I’m glad it was this one!

[Miranda]

As a non-fantasy reader, I didn’t not anticipate the grip on my life that happened in the first 2 chapters. The details, the characters, the storyline - I literally read it as if I was walking alongside Eliza the entire time. Truly remarkable work and I can’t wait to see what more Dan Filion has to offer on his next novel.

Seriously phenomenal sense of depth and he should be proud of his debut novel.

[Anna]

What a refreshing take on a world we grew up with and love. It was wonderful to return to the land of Oz and see Eliza (FMC) evolve throughout her journey through Oz. Dan Filion’s world building and attention to detail are nothing short of spectacular. I truly felt as though I was experiencing Oz through Eliza’s eyes. Can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.