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!