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When Realms Fall
Not yet published
Expected 15 Jun 26The gods forged a weapon to end their wars and chained it inside the soul of an unfortunate immortal king.
Elannah Veyne has spent her entire life ashamed, bullied into believing the shadows under her skin mark her as cursed. When the first chain breaks and the sky begins to crack, she is torn from the life she’s always dreamt of leaving behind.
Pulled into the immortal Court of Mournveil, she learns the power inside her is far more dangerous than she suspected. It marks her as the only one capable of commanding the divine chains that bind the Hollow.
She is bound to Evric, who has spent centuries containing the Hollow, a sentient, world-ending force that whispers sweet and cruel nothings alike at the edges of his mind, waiting for the day it can wear his body like a crown.
As rival Courts scheme, the Veil between realms thins, and the gods themselves move against them, Elannah and Evric are faced with an impossible choice: preserve the chains keeping the world intact, or defy the gods who forged this curse and break them to see what the world could become in their absence.
If they fail, the monster won’t just be free.
It will be wearing his face.
Elannah Veyne has spent her entire life ashamed, bullied into believing the shadows under her skin mark her as cursed. When the first chain breaks and the sky begins to crack, she is torn from the life she’s always dreamt of leaving behind.
Pulled into the immortal Court of Mournveil, she learns the power inside her is far more dangerous than she suspected. It marks her as the only one capable of commanding the divine chains that bind the Hollow.
She is bound to Evric, who has spent centuries containing the Hollow, a sentient, world-ending force that whispers sweet and cruel nothings alike at the edges of his mind, waiting for the day it can wear his body like a crown.
As rival Courts scheme, the Veil between realms thins, and the gods themselves move against them, Elannah and Evric are faced with an impossible choice: preserve the chains keeping the world intact, or defy the gods who forged this curse and break them to see what the world could become in their absence.
If they fail, the monster won’t just be free.
It will be wearing his face.
462 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am having a difficult time putting this review together because I can't seem to find the right words to do justice to the complexities and intricacies of the story, the characters, the settings. But I'm going to try.
I knew three things when I picked up the advanced readers copy of Paytyn Veil's debut novel, When Realms Fall:
1. It is a romance between two people who, by circumstance, should hate each other but don't.
2. The gods created a weapon known as the Hollow, and when it proved too powerful to control, they forged chains to contain it inside a Vessel. Our MMC, Evric, is that cursed vessel.
3. Elannah Veyne, our FMC, is an outcast in her village. The shadow magic she possesses makes her a target for their cruelty and abuse. But the magic within her refuses to make itself smaller, and in order to keep herself and her loved ones safe, she must learn to wield the dangerous power living within her -- a power that is capable of breaking the chains keeping the Hollow at bay.
What I did not expect when I picked up this novel was for the writing to be loaded with thought-provoking metaphors, funny one-liners, sensuality, brief moments of fierce yearning; or to find all of those things beautifully balanced with a plot that truly kept me guessing.
I did not expect to fall in love with the Court of Mournveil and its black buildings and black roads and dark river illuminated by the lights of souls floating along; a place where the dead walk alongside the living. It is brilliant and dark and so full of life.
And I did not expect to encounter a love as devoted as Elannah's and Evric's. If you are looking for a third act break-up, this is not the book for you. But if you want to read about a love so deep it digs itself into your bones, then do carry on.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: Open-door, balanced nicely with the plot. There is one scene later on in the story that will leave you sweating. I definitely recommend cranking up your AC and pulling out your ice packs when you get to it 😉
Content warnings: There are some depictions of domestic abuse, including physical and emotional abuse. There is also an instance of sexual assault, though it is not depicted on page.
Tropes: We have a morally grey, soft-for-her shadow daddy; yearning; soul bonds/fated mates; hidden powers; absent/vengeful gods; found family; rival courts; touch her and die; "she's mine" (love that!); and my favorite: the unstable powered woman turned badass warrior queen.
After I finished this book, I found myself rereading the first few chapters (not something I typically do) and discovering even more depth than I'd noticed the first time around. Such a great book!
I knew three things when I picked up the advanced readers copy of Paytyn Veil's debut novel, When Realms Fall:
1. It is a romance between two people who, by circumstance, should hate each other but don't.
2. The gods created a weapon known as the Hollow, and when it proved too powerful to control, they forged chains to contain it inside a Vessel. Our MMC, Evric, is that cursed vessel.
3. Elannah Veyne, our FMC, is an outcast in her village. The shadow magic she possesses makes her a target for their cruelty and abuse. But the magic within her refuses to make itself smaller, and in order to keep herself and her loved ones safe, she must learn to wield the dangerous power living within her -- a power that is capable of breaking the chains keeping the Hollow at bay.
What I did not expect when I picked up this novel was for the writing to be loaded with thought-provoking metaphors, funny one-liners, sensuality, brief moments of fierce yearning; or to find all of those things beautifully balanced with a plot that truly kept me guessing.
I did not expect to fall in love with the Court of Mournveil and its black buildings and black roads and dark river illuminated by the lights of souls floating along; a place where the dead walk alongside the living. It is brilliant and dark and so full of life.
And I did not expect to encounter a love as devoted as Elannah's and Evric's. If you are looking for a third act break-up, this is not the book for you. But if you want to read about a love so deep it digs itself into your bones, then do carry on.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: Open-door, balanced nicely with the plot. There is one scene later on in the story that will leave you sweating. I definitely recommend cranking up your AC and pulling out your ice packs when you get to it 😉
Content warnings: There are some depictions of domestic abuse, including physical and emotional abuse. There is also an instance of sexual assault, though it is not depicted on page.
Tropes: We have a morally grey, soft-for-her shadow daddy; yearning; soul bonds/fated mates; hidden powers; absent/vengeful gods; found family; rival courts; touch her and die; "she's mine" (love that!); and my favorite: the unstable powered woman turned badass warrior queen.
After I finished this book, I found myself rereading the first few chapters (not something I typically do) and discovering even more depth than I'd noticed the first time around. Such a great book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Realms Fall completely pulled me in from the very beginning. If you love dark fantasy romance with high stakes, tension, and a morally gray king who would absolutely burn the world for the girl he loves, this book delivers all of it perfectly.
The world-building was incredible without feeling overwhelming, and the plot kept getting more intense with every chapter. Elannah is such a strong and interesting main character because you really feel her struggle with the power inside of her and the way the world treats her because of it. Watching her grow into herself while everything around her falls apart made it impossible to stop reading.
Evric easily stole the show for me though. He has that dangerous, tortured immortal king energy that makes you question every decision he makes while still loving him anyway. Their relationship had the perfect “touch her and you die” vibe mixed with emotional tension, loyalty, and chemistry that honestly had me screaming at some parts. The romance feels dark, obsessive, and protective in the best way without taking away from the actual story.
One of my favorite things about this book was how emotional it felt underneath all the fantasy elements. The idea of carrying something monstrous inside you while still trying to hold onto your humanity was written so well. The Hollow added such a creepy and haunting atmosphere, and the ending left me needing the next book immediately.
Overall, When Realms Fall is perfect for readers who love morally gray characters, immortal kings, dangerous magic, dark romance, and “I’d destroy anyone who hurts you” energy. It was addictive, emotional, and honestly one of those books that stays in your head after you finish it.
The world-building was incredible without feeling overwhelming, and the plot kept getting more intense with every chapter. Elannah is such a strong and interesting main character because you really feel her struggle with the power inside of her and the way the world treats her because of it. Watching her grow into herself while everything around her falls apart made it impossible to stop reading.
Evric easily stole the show for me though. He has that dangerous, tortured immortal king energy that makes you question every decision he makes while still loving him anyway. Their relationship had the perfect “touch her and you die” vibe mixed with emotional tension, loyalty, and chemistry that honestly had me screaming at some parts. The romance feels dark, obsessive, and protective in the best way without taking away from the actual story.
One of my favorite things about this book was how emotional it felt underneath all the fantasy elements. The idea of carrying something monstrous inside you while still trying to hold onto your humanity was written so well. The Hollow added such a creepy and haunting atmosphere, and the ending left me needing the next book immediately.
Overall, When Realms Fall is perfect for readers who love morally gray characters, immortal kings, dangerous magic, dark romance, and “I’d destroy anyone who hurts you” energy. It was addictive, emotional, and honestly one of those books that stays in your head after you finish it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Realms Fall completely gripped my attention from the very start. It was deliciously dark in all the best ways that a dark fantasy can be. The tension this book gave off kept me coming back for more and so did our morally gray king. If you love a baddy that will tear the world apart for his woman with a smile, this one is definitely for you.
I really loved how the author could paint this beautiful world and put it onto paper. It was very easy to follow and made reading this book so enjoyable. I felt like every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat and was never bored. I loved being able to watch Elannah grow into herself and become such a strong force of nature. Evric of course was the delicious male character you would expect from a dark immortal king. Evric and Elannah's relationship dynamic is so spicy in a way that had me giggling in my bed late at night. Their love will keep the readers wanting more the whole way.
One of the things that really stood out to me was how emotionally invested the author was with her characters. Like yes there is the fantasy and magic seen throughout the book but the one thing that was most captivating was the raw emotion that me as a reader could feel in my soul.
To sum it up When Realms Fall will leave you wanting more. It is a book that you will think about days after you finish it. And it will keep you counting down the days for a 2nd installment.
I really loved how the author could paint this beautiful world and put it onto paper. It was very easy to follow and made reading this book so enjoyable. I felt like every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat and was never bored. I loved being able to watch Elannah grow into herself and become such a strong force of nature. Evric of course was the delicious male character you would expect from a dark immortal king. Evric and Elannah's relationship dynamic is so spicy in a way that had me giggling in my bed late at night. Their love will keep the readers wanting more the whole way.
One of the things that really stood out to me was how emotionally invested the author was with her characters. Like yes there is the fantasy and magic seen throughout the book but the one thing that was most captivating was the raw emotion that me as a reader could feel in my soul.
To sum it up When Realms Fall will leave you wanting more. It is a book that you will think about days after you finish it. And it will keep you counting down the days for a 2nd installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Realms Fall is a must read Dark Fantasy Romance. It is different. There is always something happening. It was such a wild ride getting to know all the characters. How they all came together. It’s been a few days since I finished and I still think about this book.
The FMC Elannah has these shadows powers. She has always been told she is a curse or a witch. When the first chains gets broken Elannah is taken from her village by a group of men. Where she goes before the seers. After her meeting with the seers she ends up meeting Evric. She goes to stay with him in his city. She trains, meets his group, and tries to understand what has happened to her. She trains, she learns and she trains some more.
Don’t miss finding out so much more with this heartbreaking and emotional story. Paytyn Veil wrote some amazing Characters, a storyline that will have your jaw dropping and most importantly some emotional damage. I can not wait for book 2.
The FMC Elannah has these shadows powers. She has always been told she is a curse or a witch. When the first chains gets broken Elannah is taken from her village by a group of men. Where she goes before the seers. After her meeting with the seers she ends up meeting Evric. She goes to stay with him in his city. She trains, meets his group, and tries to understand what has happened to her. She trains, she learns and she trains some more.
Don’t miss finding out so much more with this heartbreaking and emotional story. Paytyn Veil wrote some amazing Characters, a storyline that will have your jaw dropping and most importantly some emotional damage. I can not wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of "When Realms Fall". I am writing this review voluntarily. This is a dark romantasy. Evric is a morally grey, immortal King that carries a monster (the Hollow) in his soul. Elannah is a mortal who has abilities that she is unable to control resulting in her being an outcast in her village. They find each other and with their group of supporters, seek a way to battle and eliminate the Hollow. The Gods, the other Courts and some close oppose their plans culminating in betrayals, scheming and death. The descriptive writing is amazing, the creatures are terrifying and the spice is steamy. This is a fantastic romantasy and a gripping story with an ending that left me craving more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
BETA/ ARC Reader review.
As always a huge shout-out to the author for allowing me an advanced copy of this book!
Elannah and Evric stole my heart. When Realms Fall stole my attention quickly and kept me hooked the entire time.
Evric is a morally grey, Immortal shadow wielding KING, who would quite literally burn the world to keep Elannah. 100/10 on the book boyfriend scale. This books gives you a bit of everything: yearning (oh the yearning), found family, untapped powers, monsters, Gods, and a 'creature' that lives in our MMC's head. That may or may not be evil (I'm 100% undecided on that).
If I could rate higher than 5 stars I would. It is easily one of my "God-tier books" of 2026 and I started begging for book 2 the minute I finished this.
As always a huge shout-out to the author for allowing me an advanced copy of this book!
Elannah and Evric stole my heart. When Realms Fall stole my attention quickly and kept me hooked the entire time.
Evric is a morally grey, Immortal shadow wielding KING, who would quite literally burn the world to keep Elannah. 100/10 on the book boyfriend scale. This books gives you a bit of everything: yearning (oh the yearning), found family, untapped powers, monsters, Gods, and a 'creature' that lives in our MMC's head. That may or may not be evil (I'm 100% undecided on that).
If I could rate higher than 5 stars I would. It is easily one of my "God-tier books" of 2026 and I started begging for book 2 the minute I finished this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am SCREAMING. That was GORGEOUS. If you liked A Court of Mist and Fury/A Court of War and Ruin best of the ACOTAR books, or you are a sucker for fated mates in love, found family, celestial vibes, and a powerful FMC, you MUST read this. Fair warning, this is the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger - but don't let that stop you! It's worth it! The emotions, the vibes, the growth, the food... I am obsessed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was given a advanced copy from author
Elannah Veyne is a mortal with magic and power she shouldn't have and doesn't know how to control. Evric is an immortal king who is tall, dark and handsome, with a darkness
that lives inside him, the Hollow.
The Hollow is a curse from the Gods and fights to be set free.
Elannah accidently breaks the first chain keeping the Hollow at bay and now has to learn to trust, not just Evric, whom she is also bound to, but members of his court as well. The Court Of Mournviel, has to help train and protect Elannah not just from her own magic and the Hollow, but from the other courts who want her dead and the gods who want to keep things the same.
Should Elannah and Evric work to preserve the chains and keep the world in tact? Or do they defy the gods and break the chains to see
what a world without the gods could be?
When Realms Fall pulled me in from chapter one and kept me hooked till the end. The story, the characters and the magic kept me completely consumed from start to finish. I did not want to put the book down and counted down the time till I could read more. I loved the characters and their development through out the story. The world that the author creates is
beautiful and magical and easy to imagine. The relationships are complex and show how complicated trusting can really be especially after others have broken it.
I can not wait for the next book in this series. This is a definite must read.
Elannah Veyne is a mortal with magic and power she shouldn't have and doesn't know how to control. Evric is an immortal king who is tall, dark and handsome, with a darkness
that lives inside him, the Hollow.
The Hollow is a curse from the Gods and fights to be set free.
Elannah accidently breaks the first chain keeping the Hollow at bay and now has to learn to trust, not just Evric, whom she is also bound to, but members of his court as well. The Court Of Mournviel, has to help train and protect Elannah not just from her own magic and the Hollow, but from the other courts who want her dead and the gods who want to keep things the same.
Should Elannah and Evric work to preserve the chains and keep the world in tact? Or do they defy the gods and break the chains to see
what a world without the gods could be?
When Realms Fall pulled me in from chapter one and kept me hooked till the end. The story, the characters and the magic kept me completely consumed from start to finish. I did not want to put the book down and counted down the time till I could read more. I loved the characters and their development through out the story. The world that the author creates is
beautiful and magical and easy to imagine. The relationships are complex and show how complicated trusting can really be especially after others have broken it.
I can not wait for the next book in this series. This is a definite must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THIS BOOK!!! I was chosen to be an ARC reader. This story did not disappoint. A prophecy, a creation by the gods that is the thing of nightmares and warnings to children. A rift in the veil, an unbreakable bond. Will they destroy it all and each other in the process? They just might, and not even be aware.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gods, this book had me in a chokehold from the first chapter. Paytyn keeps you guess the whole book, you never know what's going to happen next. It was so beautifully written, every scene has so much detail, the characters all have depth, and she writes in a way that makes you almost feel like your part of the story. I can't wait for part 2!
May 28, 2026
Omg I absolutely loved it!! My first ARC ever! Absolutely honored to be able to read it. The magic system is fascinating and beautiful, I loved the found family and banter, absolutely loved the yearning and touch her n die morally grey king! So sad left me on the biggest cliffhanger ever! 🤣 can’t wait for the second to come out! def recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
i was given the opportunity to read the arc copy of this book and it absolutely swept me off my feet! I instantly fell in love with the characters & couldn’t put this book down if you enjoy dark fantasy this book is definitely for you!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved it! So enjoyed being like I was actually in the book! Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot express how much I need u guys to read this book. There are fated mates, evil gods and friends that will fight for u until the end. I cannot give this enough stars.
May 20, 2026
✨ ARC READ ✨
This book was really, really good, especially at the end. I wish some specific plot points were a bit more developed but overall an enjoyable read. I am excited for the next book!
This book was really, really good, especially at the end. I wish some specific plot points were a bit more developed but overall an enjoyable read. I am excited for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me locked in! Their love story is so amazing and the things he says to her 😩😩😩 everyone should read it! I couldn’t put it down. It deserves all the hype!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews