Lucidium

by Nora Paige

Genres: Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2026

About the author

Nora Paige is a Rhode Island based writer with a fascination for the space between reality and imagination. Inspired by the idea that dreams may be more than fleeting illusions, that they might be glimpses into other lives and other worlds, her work explores the subconscious and the stories it holds.
A lifelong reader, Nora has always been drawn to immersive fictional worlds, often losing track of time somewhere between the final page and her own imagination. She is currently studying psychology and counseling, interests that shape her writing through themes of obsession, desire, love, and the quiet, complicated process of healing.
When she is not writing, Nora can be found reading while it rains, painting, hiking, or daydreaming about fictional stories more often than most people probably should.
Lucidium is her debut novel and the beginning of a larger series.

Reviews

[mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice in Wonderland x Caraval x hints of Don't Worry Darling 👀

What an incredible debut! I devoured this in one sitting.

This is a fast-paced portal romantasy with imaginative world building, found family, the best mmc, and lots of fun banter.

The writing in this book is extremely atmospheric and almost lyrical, quickly immersing you into the story. I highly recommend giving this book a chance, especially if you’re sick of reading the same tropes over and over again! This is fun, lush, and original!

I love these characters, I found them all to be incredibly likable! I also love the fact that the main characters are both incredibly smart and have depth. They have goals,aspirations, and personalities outside of just their romance. Ok well maybe she has goals outside the romance...he just revolves around her...but honestly what's so wrong about that?!
He's a sexy physicist, he can do no wrong in my eyes.

No but seriously— their love story was so sweet and wholesome, it warmed my heart! Plus, I love a man that yearns, almost pathetically so.

Thank you to Nora for giving me the chance to arc read this early! I am obsessed & I am rooting for you🖤 I will be first in line for book 2.

(After some reflecting I’m changing my rating to 3.75-4 ⭐️ just because I wish the romance was more of a slow burn; but all my opinions still stand & this is still worth the read)

[rashmi💌 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭, 𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓼𝓷’𝓽 𝓪 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓹𝓮 𝓽𝓸. 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻.”

this was SUCH a fun read🙈
cinder and astra HAVE MY HEARTTTT
the storyline was amazing and unique to anything i’ve ever read! i adored it through and through!
i NEEEDD the next book rn🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

(cinder vaylen is the loml btw🙂‍↕️🤭💌🌷)

“… he just sits head down into his mathematical equations.”
😛😛 (love a mathematical man oops)

“There’s no theorem for this, no balanced equation that can explain why every muscle in my body burns with the need to hold her…”
LOML LOML LOML🚨
- also SO ME🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ maths is life, life is maths. (sorry🥲)


thank you so much nora paige for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book!🤭

[Hazel Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think of Lucidum, I'm reminded of Alice in Wonderland—but with a twist, more better. The writing is so good; Nora has clearly invested significant time and care into crafting a story that flows naturally and never feels rushed. I devoured the book in a matter of hours, completely captivated. The pacing is excellent, the plot twists are surprising and well-executed, and the entire reading experience is nothing short of delightful. I found myself laughing, blushing, and fully emotionally invested. Cinder is an unforgettable character easily one of the best male characters I've encountered, and without question my new favorite. Nora's talent shines through in every detail: each plot point and twist arrives exactly when it should, and no chapter feels misplaced or hurried. Lucidum is genuinely one of the best books I've ever read, and I treasured every moment of it.💗🥹

some of my favorite quotes!!

“be careful love”

“my brave girl.”

“a little privacy would be nice. i know it’s foreign to you, Tris, buts it’s a thing.”

“Sit sill, pretty girl.”

“good morning. going to spend the day with Tris. Don’t miss me too bad. Also, close your mouth when you sleep. A fly is bound to buzz in there - Astra”

Go read this book when it’s out!! 5/5 stars i don’t give 5 stars easily so this says a lot! 💗💗

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I must say this is my all time favorite book, the story line is so unique and creative. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out, I’m literally shaking with anticipation!! My favorite character was by far Cinder, mad man physicist trapped in another dimension…OH HELL YEAHH! The love story between Astra and Cinder is also the most beautiful burning love I’ve ever witnessed. I wish I could meet them in real life and stalk them forever in awe. 🫢 For anybody considering reading this book, YOU MUST, because if you don’t, you Truley are missing out on the story of a life time. I wish Nora Paige all the best luck in the world, not that she will need it because once you read, you will KNOW, this series is gonna go far! Such a talented author! - Dale

[Madison K · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Lucidium by Nora Paige
Rating: 3.5/5
SOME SPOILERS, read with caution!!

Firstly, I want to thank Nora Paige for the wonderful opportunity to receive an ARC for Lucidium. This story pulls you in immediately in the first couple chapters. The atmosphere created within the world is fantastic. It’s psychological, magical, unexpected, and unforgiving. Lucidium puts the characters through their worst nightmares, while also giving them their deepest desires. If you are a fan of Alice In Wonderland or any adjacent worlds, you will adore Lucidium. I quickly fell in love with the setting and every eerie yet beautiful scene in this book. I decided to break down my review into sections, because there is truly so much to say about Lucidium!


Writing Style / Worldbuilding
Nora Paige’s writing style and prose is absolutely phenomenal. There were so many sentences that I highlighted purely because they were described so beautifully it made me feel like I was experiencing it myself. I knew from the first descriptions of Astra’s aching body after sitting idly in the first few chapters that I would adore how she writes descriptions, emotion, and settings. It’s not often that singular sentences can pull me into the worldbuilding and overall story, Lucidium achieved that for me. The writing made this book a very enjoyable read, and I love Nora’s style so much!

The World of Lucidium is an absolute rollercoaster. I loved how unpredictable the realm was, with everything from the market to the forests. The worldbuilding created such a wonderland type of atmosphere, while simultaneously making you scared to go outside and hoping Lucidium wasn’t listening to you. I've never read a world like this, especially with the idea of it being a dream-like realm in a sense. What a setting, what a way to set up the story for success.


Characters
Astra Rowe is a very unique fmc. Main characters involved in higher education, especially phDs, is something not found very often and done well. Lucidium captures the essence of roughness, the devotion, and the ability for academia to take over your entire life perfectly. I wish she continued her brilliance into the world of Lucidium, but I’m really glad we got many chapters in the beginning going over where she was currently at with her research and dissertation. Besides that, Astra isn’t great at fighting, or magically perfect at it after a few hours. I really appreciated that it was a bit of a struggle for her, it was refreshing to see. Her personality is a bit spunky, funny, yet motivating. Her character had a lot of depth, and I loved how slowly we learned of her backstory. I think her past came out in formative moments rather than the readers knowing before the other characters do. I really liked how Nora reveled different aspects of Astra’s past and inner self. The author was able to touch on sensitive topics very gracefully.

Cinder is your typical morally gray, smart, and hot mmc. I really appreciated his character and his brilliance alongside Astra. Cinder’s motivations were always well thought out, even through to the end. While we didn’t get a ton of Cinder’s backstory, I think the pieces he shared made sense for the moments in the story, just like Astra’s past. I anticipate we will learn more about Cinder’s life in the second book. I loved the moments, mostly between Cinder and Astra, where it was obvious Cinder wasn’t from the present, I wish that was taken a bit further! I would have loved to see him acting, talking, and thinking more like from his era. Although he had 70+ years in Lucidium, I feel like this would have added even more uniqueness to his character.

Tristelle & Rune were two characters I wasn’t expecting to like going into the book. I am still iffy on Tris, I think she is a bit immature, but I liked her friendship dynamic with Astra. Rune was so unexpected, although I knew there were doppelgängers, his character was eerie enough that I truly was on the edge of my seat when he appeared. I hope to see more of both of them in the next book, and I hope we get to explore both of their personalities, motivations, and inner workings more!

Wick was the perfect amount of crazy. He sucked so bad, to say it plainly, and I love that. I hated how casual the chapters from his perspective were, making it seem like he was completely justified in his actions. I do like how the people around him did catch how nuts he was as well, especially Astra’s family. The fact that I hated it, hated him, means Nora did a great job. I’m worried but eager to see what happens with Wick in book 2!


Dynamics
I really liked the dynamics of all the friendships shown in this book, as well as the other found family dynamics. I think the group Astra and Cinder are a part of work really well, although I wish there were some more small bits to show them gaining trust for Astra or the group just coming together as a whole, as it was mentioned that Cinder almost never saw them before Astra came.

Romance wise, I don’t think the relationship between Astra and Cinder developed slow enough for me. I didn’t love how they had one interaction with the bathtub, and then I felt like the next day he was calling her Love. It made them feel a bit rushed to me. I will say, after Cinder and Astra are together, I do absolutely love their dynamic. Cinder would do anything for Astra, and after her experiences, that’s exactly what she needs. I think in that way, they balance each other out very well, and provide each other with challenges to their weaknesses, and build up each other’s strengths.

Additionally, I wanted to mention that the romantic and slight spicy scenes were done very tastefully, and I thoroughly enjoyed them!!


Plot / Pacing
The beginning and ending chapters of this novel were extremely captivating, keeping me on the edge of my seat, wondering where it was going to go. I felt like most of the “action” happened at the beginning and end, whereas the middle felt like while it was the bulk of the book, could have either been extended to contain a bit more. I felt like there were many time skips, which weren’t done distastefully, but I would have liked a bit of a recap on what happened during that time, as it felt like we just jumped from scene to scene at times without much transition. I also where I feel like the “relationship going fast” feeling came from for me. For example, the whole fighting and training arc wasn’t very long, and I felt like that could have been started early to give us something to progress through during the duration of the book. I wish there was more of Cinder or Tristelle teaching Astra about Lucidium, or other smaller scenes sprinkled in to support the development of their relationships.

One thing that wasn’t consistent for me plot wise was Cinder developing the tool to find the black hole to help them escape. I didn’t think it made a ton of sense that in all the years he spent in Lucidium he couldn't figure it out, yet he miraculously did when Astra arrived. I was hoping that Astra would be a part of the “figuring out” process, and her knowledge would somehow be the missing key to what Cinder needed to develop the black hole compass gadget. I was a bit disappointed that as smart as she is meant to be, she wasn’t a part of that at all.

The ending 10% was by far the best out of the whole book in my opinion. I felt like there were true stakes, and eerie horror for the characters mentally and physically. I felt the true essence of Lucidium as a realm came out the best during these scenes. The descriptions of the circus provided such a great setting for the show that they were about to encounter. I can’t wait to see where this goes for book two, as it was set up in the end wonderfully.


Tropes / Novel Expectations
One of the things I was excited for most when applying to receive an ARC of this book was the fact that Astra was a phD candidate and involved in academia. I felt that was super unique for a fantasy-type novel and made this book stand out against others for me. I love how much we got to see her getting enveloped by her academics and everything surrounding it. It set up the story of escape so perfectly, and showed us who Astra really is.

Lucidium is marketed with some tropes that I think it represents really well, like forced proximity, morally gray mmc, grumpy x sunshine, touch her and d!e, found family, animal companions, and doppelgängers. All of these were done quite well, and do represent some aspect of either the plot or relationship dynamics.

There are some other tropes that I feel don’t exactly define the relationships and plot very well. I would not call this book an enemies to lovers, while Astra does say she hates Cinder at a point, I feel like neither of them truly were cruel or hated one another. Cinder kept Astra in the dark about a lot of things, but I wouldn’t call that enemies to lovers, I’d say that’s mostly because he’s been alone for so many years it’s hard to adjust to someone being in your home suddenly. I also would not say this is a slow burn at all, nor was it forbidden love in my opinion. One of my only large criticisms of the book is the pacing of the relationship between Astra and Cinder. I will touch on this more in the dynamics section, but their relationship moved very quickly in my opinion, I felt the confession would have had more impact if it was a bit further in the plot timeline.

One thing I will say is that I read the entire synopsis of Lucidium marketed and posted on socials, websites, etc., like I do with any book before I read it, to make sure I’m interested in the idea of the story. I felt that Lucidium’s synopsis revealed almost all the major plot points of the book. I really wish much of it was left out, because it disallowed me to wonder where the story would go. From the very beginning, I knew the end, even if I didn’t know how they exactly got there. This made the story feel a bit anticlimactic for me overall, as I always felt I knew where it was going.


Closing
Lastly, I want to thank Nora Paige again for the incredible opportunity. I enjoyed the world and characters of Lucidium, and I can't wait to see where the story goes in book 2!!

[Simina Cobut · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. EM. GEEEEEE!!!!! Guys. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this WONDERFUL, INTRIGUING, and just overall AMAZINGGGG book! I am quite literally left speechless.

Lucidium is SO good that I simply could not put it down once I picked it up, truly. For starters, Nora Paige knows how to hook you and keep you. With each sentence, chapter, and detail you are enticed by a world that does not want to let you go, and the thing is--you don't even want it to let you go.

You can tell and feel the care, thought, and wonder Nora put into Lucidium, with each detail about the characters, their personalities, and the world itself. I also love the authenticity she put into Astra Rowe--the FMC. Astra has goals, but she also has these strengths that also become her flaws as the story moves on, it almost feels like you're watching a show or movie as you're reading this book and these characters.

Astra herself was such a realistic but driven character, something I found I can resonate with a lot which just made me love her so much more. She was truly such an authentic soul and honestly I wish she was real and I could just give her the biggest hug because I LOVED HER SO MUCH. Cinder himself was also a character I LOVEDDD, Nora perfectly captured a morally gray MMC that DOESN'T make you want to cringe and close the book. He has all the perfect elements of a morally gray MMC that yearns and is kind and caring and you just love him because you have no other choice because he's LITERALLY PERFECT.

Astra and Cinder's dynamics were so wonderful to see blossom. I am personally a LOVER of a pathetic man that yearns and revolves around the FMC, but he's also his own person which I LOVE. I also love that we don't delve too much into his personal life in this book, which I hope means we delve into it further in the sequel (if there is, which I really want). Even though we don't know THE most about him, we still get snippets of his life that are like pieces of a mosaic we slowly build throughout the book. It adds depth, but it doesn't spell everything out for you--which I ADORE. Beyond that, I love the unique and natural jokes and dynamics that blossom between Astra and Cinder--as I have said before--it is truly so beautiful to see because it feels so natural. Honestly, it makes me wish I could know Nora in person because if Astra was this funny and also Cinder, I just KNOW she's hilarious.

Anyway, beyond the surface, I love the yearning they have for each other. It burns fast and bright, which is my guilty pleasure. Don't get me wrong, I love slow-burns, but I also love how they just fit each other so perfectly. If Cinder and Astra were not written EXACTLY the way they were, it would not have worked, but Nora was able to write them perfectly so that their flaming love felt so natural and true.

Now, onto side characters and world-building. I LOVED IT ALL. Tris, to me, was a beautifully written side character. She was a perfect portrayal of another authentic person, she was not perfect by any means, which makes me love her so much more. She honestly reminds me of someone I know close in my life, and it makes me love her so much more. Tris has that fire that engulfs you, and my goodness was I engulfed. I adore how her character was written ESPECIALLY because she's a side character, which many authors tend to forget that side characters STILL have their own thoughts, emotions, and lives. But Nora didn't, Nora remembered Tris was her OWN person beyond Astra's friend, which again, I LOVED. I also loved that there seems to be a bit of a spin-off with Tris's character and Cinder's doppleganger--Rune--but I won't get too far into it because I don't want to spoil anything. :)

Okay, next character: Peter freaking Wick. GUYS. He was genuinely terrifying, and I loved it. Reading his perspective made me feel like spiders were crawling on me in the best way possible. His perspective was so icky IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE because I felt like I was truly inside the mind of a VILLAIN. His thoughts weren't watered down nor was his craziness, and I loved it because it made it feel so much scarier and so much more dangerous which made tensions SOAR while I was reading this. He was terrifying in the best way possible, and I can't wait for the next (hopefully) book to see how he develops in the story.

WORLDBUILDING NOW: EEEEK I LOVED IT SO MUCH I FELT LIKE I WAS IN WONDERLAND AND CARAVAL AND CORALINE ALL AT ONCE. Lucidium feels like a dream that blends with a nightmare, and I absolutely adore it. It makes me want to know and learn more about this fractured reality we're forced to face with Astra, it even makes me want to go there and explore (even though I probably wouldn't survive), I still want to LOL. I won't say too much, only because I want others to experience the beauty of Lucidium through a fresh perspective not based off my words exactly, but what I will say, is that it is SO WORTH reading just for learning about this terrifyingly beautiful reality.

Finally, the horror-like elements were THERE. There were times where I felt like I was watching a ghost from Insidious crawl out the book and snarl at me and, as you may guess, I LOVED IT. The freakiness, the scariness it was all so perfectly orchestrated and written and it gave me a thrill that just made me want to keep turning the page to figure out what happens next.

OVERALL: THIS GETS A 5/5 FROM ME. It gets 5/5 stars because of how it's written, how beautifully you fall into this reality, how real it feels to get to know these characters, and how thrilling it feels to get spooked and entranced at the same time by these elements that we all know and love. I truly feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to read Lucidium and I cannot wait to have it on my shelf. The cover, the book, everything is so beautiful and I truly commend Nora for creating a world, reality, and story that is so beautiful--it makes me want to be in it, even though it's a tad scary. I LOVED IT AND THANK YOU SO MUCH NORA, I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE HOW FAR LUCIDIUM GOES!!! :) <3

[Amanda A꣑ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Entering Lucidium. Places in dreams don't name themselves. Cities don't keep count of the people they swallow whole."

Before anything else, I'd like to thank my beloved, stunning author, Nora Paige, for lending me her fantastic works. Reading Lucidium has been such an indescribable experience for me. I lovee the characters, universe setting, and plot; everything screams "masterpiece." For me, this is already outstanding enough as a debut novel!!

Main Characters

Cinder

⁣⁣⁣Can't put into words how much I adore this madman. He's the perfect definition of a person who appears cold on the outside but is genuinely soft on the inside (especially for the ones he loves). His demeanor appears to be cold, aloof, and careless at first, but as the novel progresses, readers will discover a side of Cinder that we never expected lol. Yeah, this man is a yearner and a gentleman asdfghjkl. I could never ask for a better male lead!! I love him sm. He's also a genius! And, well, a tremendous mind who even got himself trapped in a dimension by accident due to his own studies. For all the girls who want to be drop-dead gorgeous, a little grumpy, shy, geeky, intellectual, and surprisingly walking green flag. HEAR ME OUT! THIS GUY IS PERFECT FOR YOU.

Astra

Meet our genius girl Astra! In this book she described herself as an academic weapon kind of girl, very, very devoted to her research about a very strange phenomenon that happens to her: lucid dreams. She dedicates her life to finding an answer to her curiosity, unaware that it will lead her on an unexpected adventure and trap her in the unknown realm known as Lucidium, where she will meet many new weird friends and creatures she never imagined existed. Astra's personality fascinates me, but there are some chapters that make me scream, "Girll, why?!?!" This occurs during a moment in which she has an argument with Cinder and decides to run away from him, indeed, leaving him. Oh girl, you know you made a big mistake, but oh well! I admit that if this didn't happen, we wouldn't be startled by what happens next; the plot is worth it! (Even if I believe their conflict is unnecessary, ugh, I hated when they were apart; that's why...)

Wick

Perhaps the name Wick fits him nicely because it comes from 'Wicked.'*cough* So yeah, meet this lunatic, obsessive, not over his former crush, a walking black-flag professor. I despise him, and I will admit it out loud. His arrogance will quickly make your blood boil (believe me) and cause you to exhale in frustration every time his POV appears, TRUST. I enjoy his character as a way to heighten the tension in this novel. Other than that? Fuck off, professor.

Plot & Setting

Overall it's good! I'm pretty fond of how a debut novel can be so well written like this! Now for my tiny complaint, I do wish Cinder's and Astra’s romance had a little more buildup. Their dynamic had such fun cat-and-mouse energy at first, and I personally wanted more longing, more denial, and more tension before they fully became lovebirds. But even so, I won't whine any further because this is good enough for me and I can still enjoy it! ⁣ And don’t even get me started on Tris and Rune because HELLO??? We were left hanging there, but I remind myself there will be another book of this, and I am already so seated for whatever is going to happen next! I have a feeling their story is going to be absolutely insane, and as a dark romance girlie… I’m READY. So I was hoping the next book would tell us more about them, and oh! Also, the plot twist asdfghjkl—well, it's predictable, though it still surprised me somehow.

For the story itself, it's divided into three big sections/parts that are The Experiment (It is set in the actual world/earth, where Astra is a normal university student working on her research about lucid dreams with her supervising professor, Wick.) , The Madman (Astra successfully enters the Lucidium world and meets Cinder, as well as other pals for the first time.) , and Black Hole Escape (A journey when Astra and Cinder decided to find an escape from Lucidium and return to the real world.)

This novel has a very rich setting. It also includes several scientific and popular phenomena, such as lucid dreams, multiverse and black hole theory, backrooms, and so on, so readers can simply enjoy and follow the plot! I'm fascinated by how Nora Paige was able to combine all of these scientific theories into one delightful light fantasy, not to mention the gothic atmosphere; it's giving me a reading experience I've never had before! Truly fascinating.

End of review, I'm giving this novel 4.9/5. I highly recommend it, especially for those seeking gothic romance and dreamcore themes that are giving Alice in Wonderland vibes featured with sci-fi. It's enjoyable and captivating enough! My imagination runs wildly, like I've been taken into the inside of Lucidium while reading it, but still i was hoping it'd leave a stronger impression (maybe because this just a starter of this series; that's why I'm not satisfied enough; i need more TT)

Last but not least, a special thank you to my dear author for allowing me to read your debut novel and trusting me to review it. May this be a new beginning for your future fantastic works (trust me when I say I'm already looking forward to the second book, lol). I wholeheartedly support you and desire for this story to reach the audience it deserves. <3

XOXO.

[Susan Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What if your dreams weren't an escape...but a doorway?"

Lucidium is one of the most unique romantasy debuts I've picked up this year. Nora Paige blends psychological fantasy, romance, mystery, and science into a story that feels hauntingly beautiful from beginning to end.

The story follows Astra Rowe, a graduate student whose fascination with lucid dreaming and consciousness research takes a devastating turn when an experiment pulls her into Lucidium—a mysterious realm where reality bends, time loses meaning, and even your own thoughts can become dangerous. Rather than relying on familiar fantasy tropes, the world feels surreal, intelligent, and constantly unpredictable. Every chapter leaves you questioning what is real and what exists only inside the subconscious.

🌙 World Building

The setting is easily one of the novel's greatest strengths.

Lucidium isn't simply another magical kingdom—it's a living, breathing world shaped by memory, emotion, and fear. The atmosphere is immersive, eerie, and dreamlike, creating the sensation that you're wandering through someone else's subconscious. Every location feels intentional, making the world itself feel like another major character.

The Alice in Wonderland inspiration is noticeable without feeling like a retelling. Instead of copying familiar scenes, Nora Paige captures that same unsettling feeling of falling into a place where logic no longer applies.

🖤 The Romance

If you're looking for instant love, this isn't that story.

This is a genuine slow burn.

The relationship develops through distrust, emotional tension, shared trauma, and reluctant dependence rather than physical attraction alone. Every interaction builds another layer of emotional complexity, making the payoff feel earned instead of rushed.

The chemistry isn't loud—it simmers.

The conversations carry as much tension as the action scenes, and the emotional intimacy gradually becomes just as important as the romantic attraction.

✨ Characters

Astra is a refreshing fantasy heroine.

She's intelligent, emotionally scarred, determined, and constantly questioning both herself and the world around her. Rather than suddenly becoming fearless, she grows through every challenge she faces.

The supporting cast adds warmth to an otherwise dark story, making the found-family element one of the book's most rewarding aspects. These relationships provide emotional balance while reminding readers that healing rarely happens alone.

🦋 Themes

Beyond the fantasy elements, Lucidium explores:

Trauma and emotional healing
Identity
Trust after betrayal
The nature of consciousness
Reality versus perception
The importance of found family
Love as something that heals rather than fixes

These themes give the story surprising emotional depth and make it resonate long after you've finished reading.

✍️ Writing Style

Nora Paige's writing is atmospheric and cinematic.

The descriptions create vivid imagery without slowing the pacing, and the emotional moments are given enough space to breathe. The combination of lyrical prose and psychological tension makes the novel feel immersive from the opening chapters.

Readers who enjoy books with mood and atmosphere as much as action will likely appreciate this style.

📚 Perfect For Readers Who Love
Psychological romantasy
Alice in Wonderland–inspired stories
Slow-burn romance
Found family
Dream worlds
Dark fantasy with emotional depth
Character-driven plots
Mystery woven into fantasy
⭐ Final Thoughts

Lucidium feels like stepping into a dream you aren't entirely sure you'll wake up from.

It's mysterious, emotionally rich, beautifully unsettling, and full of slow-building tension that keeps the pages turning. Rather than relying solely on romance or fantasy, it balances both with psychological intrigue and heartfelt character growth.

If you enjoy stories that leave you questioning reality while slowly stealing your heart through unforgettable characters, this is absolutely one to add to your TBR.

⭐ Rating: 5/5

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. Especially for readers who love atmospheric romantasy, emotionally layered characters, and stories that blur the line between dreams and reality.

Tropes:
✨ Alice in Wonderland–inspired fantasy
🖤 Slow-burn romance
🏡 Found family
⚔️ Forced proximity
🌙 Dream world / alternate realm
🧩 Psychological fantasy
❤️ Emotional healing
📖 Character-driven romantasy

[zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVACE COPY RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR

Needless to say, I devoured this book.
The moment I saw the announcement and read the blurb and tropes, I knew I had to read it. It had everything I love dark psychological fantasy, alternate realities, and horror lurking just beyond imagination.
The story is fast-paced, easy to read, and kept me hooked till the very end. My favourite aspect was easily the concept itself. The idea of dreams, lucid dreaming, and alternate realities was incredibly intriguing, and Lucidium is such a fascinating world that I constantly wanted to explore more of it.
That said, I do wish the worldbuilding had gone into greater depth. While the locations were beautiful and imaginative, many of them felt like brief introductions rather than fully realized places. I wanted richer descriptions of the atmosphere and environment to truly immerse myself in Lucidium instead of just getting glimpses of it.
The same goes for the characters. They were all interesting and had so much potential, but I felt we only scratched the surface of who they were. Their personalities, emotions, and backstories deserved more depth, making it difficult for me to fully connect with them. I think I also went into this book with very high expectations, so I found myself wishing for just a little more.
Things I loved :
• Lucidium itself. Even with the limited descriptions, the world was imaginative and unlike anything I've read recently.
• Tris! She was bubbly, sassy, and instantly became one of my favourite characters.
• The adorable animal companions.
• Astra. I loved how intelligent she was, and the way her loneliness and self-doubt influenced her decisions felt very realistic. I only wished she trusted herself more and spoke her mind instead of letting her isolation consume her.
• Cinder and Rune. (Yes, I like them both. No, I will not be taking questions. 😭)
• Cassandra! Despite her limited page time, she left such a strong impression. She cared deeply for Astra, even when Astra kept pushing her away.
• The portrayal of loneliness, obsession, and self-doubt throughout the story.
Things I wanted more from :
• The slow burn wasn't quite a slow burn for me. One moment the love interest felt distant, and the next they were incredibly caring. I wanted more gradual development and quieter moments that showed how their relationship evolved. While I liked them together, I didn't completely feel the chemistry.
• More depth for the characters. I wanted to know more about their pasts, motivations, and emotions—especially Rune. Cinder hints at the terrible things he's done, but I kept waiting to actually learn more about them.
• The ending wrapped up a little too quickly. I was convinced Wick and Astra were heading toward a final confrontation, so I was surprised when it ended where it did. Hopefully that's something we'll get in the next book.
Overall, this was a fun, addictive, and enjoyable read. My favourite part was undoubtedly the unique premise and the concept of lucid dreaming colliding with alternate realities. The world and characters have so much potential, and if there's a sequel, I'd love to spend even more time exploring Lucidium and getting to know everyone on a deeper level.
For a debut novel, this was a fantastic start.
Thank you so much, Nora, for trusting me with an ARC and for being so kind throughout the process. Congratulations on your debut! I can't wait to see where Lucidium goes next, and I'm looking forward to reading your future books.

[strawberrymatchaprincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗝️⋆｡𖦹°‧★
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗮 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗱-𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱?
🌀⋆˚࿔ Lucidium 𝜗𝜚˚⋆🌀
Pub date: Aug 17
(spoiler free review!)
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Clair de lune
0:09 ━●────────── 2:47
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ

🌀🗝️⋆｡ 𖦹°‧★⚉

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

. 🗝️⋆｡ 𖦹°‧★ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
🦋 Found Family
🗝️ Morally gray love interest
🌀 Grumpy x sunshine
💤 Lucid dreaming
🩵 Doppelgängers
🤍 Enemies-lovers
🌌 Slow burn

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

🐈‍⬛🪡🎪🗝️𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: Lucidium is a dark, psychological romantasy about obsession, consciousness, and the price of love. Astra Rowe, a neuroscience PhD student who accidentally recreates reality and finds herself trapped in Lucidium a surreal realm where emotions become monsters and every person is hunted by a Doppelganger created from their deepest guilt. She meets a mad physicist who has been trapped there for decades, Astra searches for a way home while confronting the secrets and traumas she thought she buried and can no longer escape.

✩₊˚.⋆🕸️⋆⁺₊✧

💌𝐹𝒶𝓋 𝒬𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈:
“There’s a theory that some minds aren’t just imagining when they dream. They are living it.”

“ I will fucking kill him for what he did to you.”

“home isn’t a place you escape to. It’s the person you choose to stay for.”

“Then tell me. Every awful thing you’ve done. Scream it in my face and let me love you anyway!”

“Love. Because that’s what she is to me. She is all I love, all I could love.”

⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔

ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🌌🕳️་༘࿐ 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Honestly? This book felt like a fever dream. I enjoyed this so much, This reminded me of Coraline x Caraval x Alice In Wonderland and i AM OBSESSED that i devoured itt. The writing was very descriptive enough to hook u in and especially if u have a great imagination while reading, and my fav FAST PACED to the point where it was unputdownable. Now for the characters, i love how unique and complex they all are and the author did a great job of portraying their backstories and why they are that way and how smart they are and that they both have goalss. I liked how this book had humour too😆. The physicist was so green flag to astra 🥹 and the author did a great job at their chemistry build up and THE SLOWW BURNN. I been looking for books that reminded me of Caraval and I recommend this if u liked Caraval, want something unique/original instead of reading the same tropes everytime.

🦋Thank you so much to pretty Nora for giving me the opportunity to read this, I WANT TO GO BACK TO LUCIDIUM ALREADY AND IM SO EXCITED FOR BOOK 2 🗝️🖤

With Love, Avrielle 💌
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🌀🗝️⋆｡ 𖦹°‧★ 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱: IM SOO EXCITED FOR THISS coraline + alice in wonderland inspired adult romantasy i love getting lost into new worlds!! Thank u so much to the author Nora Paige for giving me the opportunity to arc read early!! 🤍🤍

[Renea Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review!

Firstly I just want to say I absolutely loved the premise of Lucidium as a whole. It’s so unique and I’ve never read anything like this before. I’m going to break my review down into categories because it is VERY hard for me to produce coherent thoughts after reading that ending! (Totally caught me off guard with how things ended)

Characters- I absolutely loved Astra as a character, but also she annoyed me at times (only because she reminded me of myself lol). I really liked how the more she learned about Lucidium, the more we learned as readers. That made the whole reading experience more immersive and made me feel like I was there in Lucidium with the characters. I liked how both Astra and Cinder grew as characters throughout the course of the novel. I loved how the changes in Cinder’s attitude weren’t sudden, but gradual and took a little while to take effect. I don’t have much else to say other than the characters were written extremely well and I have 0 complaints, I love love love Astra and Cinder!

Plot- One of my biggest gripes one it comes to fantasy novels is that very often the plot is lost somewhere along the way in favor of romance. I did NOT have this issue at all with Lucidium. I LOVE when the plot is cohesive and consistent throughout the whole story, and the side plots/ povs help build up to the climax instead of deter from it. Nora Paige does this very well and I was very thrilled to find that the romance helped build to the climax (wink wink) instead of diverging from it. I also didn’t find myself getting bored at all in my read through, which sometimes happens when I’m reading something new. Overall it was very entertaining and I ended up getting through the novel in one sitting :p

I wanted to keep this review spoiler free, so I won’t get into too much detail with my few closing statements. The ONLY reason I did not rate this 5 stars is because there were a few dialogue sections that just felt out of place to me. Without giving spoilers, some of the dialogue with Cinder at the end seemed out of character only because he’s from the 1950’s and he brought up a few things that are way too modern for him to know about lol. Other than that I really loved this book and can’t wait to see where Nora Paige takes the Lucidium series next!

[Jaz &#x1f4da; (verse.vellum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review -
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and wow. This was such a fun read, I went through it so quickly! It is split into three parts and they were split perfectly in my opinion. My favorite being part 3 personally. Onto the specifics.

I initially applied to be an ARC reader based on the marketing of the atmosphere and setting. Nora Paige you delivered 😭 This reminded me of one of my favorite video games Alice Madness Returns. Literally Alice in Wonderland but with a dark twist. I would also compare it to Coraline! The setting and overall atmosphere of the book was so descriptive and easy to imagine, I loved it.

Onto the characters and relationships. I am so in love with Astra and Cinder 🥹 These aren't perfect people, no one in this book really is and it makes me love them even more. The story is literally a psychological romantasy, so I'm happy we see real struggles portrayed within the character's minds. I will say I wish we knew more about Cinder, but it makes total sense with it being book 1. I am so curious about his background and life before everything, so hopefully his character gets expanded on!! Within the book itself, we see him change slowly after meeting our beloved fmc and it was so cute 😭
Tris. I loved her way more than I thought I would when she was originally introduced, such a happy surprise. Lastly Wick. He's obsessive and seeing it evolve over time as well as what happened in the beginning between him and Astra? I cannot find myself on his side for anything 😭😭 I NEED to see what happens to him.

The plot itself was so interesting and I cannot wait to see what happens next because.. that ending?? Yeah, I need it now 🥲 It's face paced and so was so fun to try and predict what would happen next.

Overall writing I have to compliment. It's beautifully descriptive and it was one thing I stayed focused on throughout the entirety of reading. I also need to say, this book made me laugh a few times as well. The dialogue and relationships in this book were sweet of course, but the effortless humor caught me by surprise and I'm not complaining. Lastly, I did indeed cry 😭 I found a certain scene between Astra and Cinder so so sweet especially compared to what she had been through prior, and it really just resonated with me and some experiences. All that to say, not pass up this wonderful and fun debut novel (':

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don't even know where to begin because this book completely stole my heart. From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and by the end, I was left desperately needing the next book immediately. The storyline is so unique, creative, and addictive that I genuinely couldn't put it down. Every page pulled me deeper into this incredible world, and now I'm counting down the days until I can continue the journey. The way I been trying to find a book like this for so long and could never find one, but NORA PAIGE YOU DID IT!!!

First of all, I feel so incredibly honored and grateful that I was given early access to this book. Being able to read it before release was such an amazing experience, and I cannot thank Nora Paige enough for that opportunity. It was truly a privilege to be one of the first readers to experience this story.

Astra was such a wonderful surprise. I ended up loving her so much more than I expected, and she quickly became a character I couldn't help but root for. Then there's Wick... wow. His storyline had me feeling every emotion possible. I'm still trying to process everything involving him because I NEED to know what happens next.

The psychological aspects of this story were incredibly well done. Seeing the struggles within the characters' minds made everything feel so real and emotional. The character development was amazing, and every reveal kept me guessing. That ending?! I genuinely sat there staring at the page because there is NO WAY it ended there. I need the next book immediately.

The writing itself is beautiful. Nora Paige has a way of making every scene feel vivid and alive, and I was completely immersed from beginning to end. This is the kind of book that stays in your head long after you've finished it.

Without a doubt, this has become one of my all time favorite books. I already know I'll be buying a physical copy the second it's released because I NEED this book on my bookshelf. If you're thinking about reading it, stop thinking and do it. Trust me, you do not want to miss out on this incredible story. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next, and I'll be cheering Nora Paige on every step of the way. ❤️📚✨

---

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I genuinely don’t even know where to begin because this book was BEAUTIFUL.

I was honored to receive an ARC copy of this masterpiece and I gave Lucidium five stars because the amount of detail that went into this world completely captivated me. Nora Paige’s writing style is honestly majestic. Everything felt so vivid and atmospheric, and I could picture the world so clearly while reading. There was something about the writing that made the entire story feel almost dreamlike.

As an avid lover of Coraline, Corpse Bride, and Alice in Wonderland, I feel like I somehow got all three wrapped up together with the prettiest little whimsical bow. It’s eerie, enchanting, strange, beautiful, and just the right amount of unsettling. It completely scratched an itch I didn’t even realize I had.

I especially loved the psychological aspect of this story. There’s so much happening beneath the surface, and I loved seeing how the characters’ experiences and struggles shaped the way they think and interact with the world around them. I really hope we get even more of that in book two, especially when it comes to the characters’ backstories. I NEED to know more about them and dive even deeper into their psyches. 🤞

And the romance… my HEART. The amount of times this book made my heart do those sickening little leaps is actually embarrassing. 😭 I was so invested in Astra and Cinder, and I loved watching their relationship unfold alongside everything else happening in the story.

This book was genuinely worth losing sleep over
which is honestly a little ironic, right? 👀

And that ending??? I am DESPERATE for book two. There are so many things I need answers to, so many characters I want to know more about, and so much more of this world I want to explore.

Nora Paige, you really created something special here. Lucidium was whimsical, haunting, psychological, romantic, and completely immersive.

Five stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Hands down 🙌

Now excuse me while I desperately wait for book two.

[Ayisha Suleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

First and foremost I would like to give a big thanks to the author of Lucidium, Nora Paige. Thank you so much for allowing me to read and experience Luciduim!

Overall the story was so captivating from the start. The short chapters were perfect because I just couldn’t stop reading. I kept thinking “oh okay just one more chapter” and before I knew it, it’s 3am and I’m still reading 🙃 which also goes to show how well written this story was. It kept me on my toes from start to finish - kept trying to guess the ending.

I loved astra! I loved her fierceness, her drive, and her academia. I loved following her through the gorgeous campus of Willowmine - the laboratories and the beautiful, old, luscious library. I do wish we got more of that side to her in Lucidium - where she uses her knowledge and academia but granted, it’s a whole new world to her - Alice in wonderland vibes for sure.

Cinder and Astra were just absolutely adorable. Their banter, the wittiness, there were times were I was laughing out loud. Cinder was such a grump at the start, and I loved every second of it. And when Astra finally cracked his hard shell, my goodness he was just so adorable. So loving and kind, and so soft with Astra, it was just beautiful to read.
I think one thing I would say about their romance is: I wish there was more yearning - I feel like they fell in love a bit too quickly.

And lastly, the world building was phenomenal. I feel like I just wanted to explore Lucidium as much as Astra did. It was so captivating and done so well. I honeslty can not believe I have to wait for the next book now 🙃

And before I go, I just want to say again, thank you to Nora Paige for allowing me early access to her debut novel. I wholeheartedly believe that this book is for those who are seeking a similar tale to Alice in wonderland but with romance.

Make sure you mark your calendars for this release: August 17th 2026!!!

[book reviews ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabelle’s Advanced Reader’s Copy Review of “Lucidium” by Nora Paige.

There aren’t enough words in the English library to convey my upmost adoration of this book, I fell immediately head over heels in love with multiple aspects of this book.

Firstly the world building, the way I was able to close my eyes and immediately transform myself into this magical world speaks volumes to Nora’s storytelling. I felt like I was Alice falling down the rabbit hole, this book was highly descriptive. It’s so easy to understand the world as well as the characters in it.

Secondly the characters, I can’t tell you enough how much I saw myself is Astra Rowe. She was such a refreshing character, she was so intelligent and determined. I also saw so much emotional depth to not only her character, but other’s as well. I’d have to say Astra and Cinder were my absolute favorites!

Thirdly the romance, this book was a true definition of SLOW BURN. I usually am not the biggest fan of them (me being a insta-lover girly myself) but boy did Nora do her big one when writing their romance. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I squealed, kicked my feet, cried, threw my iPad and screamed into the void at the moments shared between the couple. But I also loved the reluctant trust and shared trauma aspect both of them shared. I truly mean it when I say these characters have EMOTIONAL DEPTH.

Lastly— but certainly not least, the writing style. This again was a masterpiece and excellent debut novel. I saw so much growth in writing as the story progressed, I think that whoever picks this beautiful story up to read will absolutely fall in love with the way it’s written. It’s easy to follow, has many emotional moments for both laughter and tears, and so many different characters and twists & turns to leave you wanting more.

What a beautiful story you have written Nora, this absolutely was a 10/10 read for me! I hope those who read love it just as much as I did!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

The story starts at a slower pace, and if you’re anything like me, you might wonder where it’s headed during those first few chapters. Trust the process. That slower beginning is completely intentional because it gives you the chance to truly understand Astra—her intelligence, her curiosity, and what makes her who she is.

Then, around page 28… everything changes.

From that moment on, I was completely immersed. Nora Paige creates a fascinating alternate reality filled with danger, mystery, and discoveries around every corner. Every step feels unpredictable, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

And then there’s Cinder.

The grumpy, protective hero who somehow manages to be intimidating and incredibly tender all at once. Watching the relationship between Astra and Cinder unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their slow-burn romance feels earned, emotional, and deeply satisfying, with just the right touch of spice.

What stood out to me most wasn’t just the romance or the world-building—it was the way Astra is accepted exactly as she is. Cinder encourages her to embrace herself completely, making their connection feel even more meaningful.

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to another dimension while giving you an unforgettable slow-burn romance, this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Favorite Quotes:

“You’ve really changed that boy. He was the coldest thing to walk this realm for many years. I don’t know how you did it.” — Hudson

“Remember how much of a stone fox you were to me? Now you’re a complete cinnamon roll.” — Astra

“Say you hate me again, and I’ll make you say it while I’m inside you.” — Cinder

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

[impulsivebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an ARC copy of Lucidium by Nora Paige in exchange for an honest review. So here it is:
I adored this book! 5 stars from me. The plot was absolutely fantastic and was what originally drew me in to sign up for the ARC in the first place. It’s an Alice in wonderland retelling, with a darker twist. You’ve got dangerous doppelgängers, alternate realities, and animal companions (which seals the deal for me!). The main tropes are enemies- to-lovers, found family, slow burn.

The characters in this book are so likeable, apart from the ones that aren’t meant to be! You’ve got the main characters Astra and Cinder as well as important background characters such as Tris, Hudson, Wick etc. The writing in this book is very well done. The description of characters and places was so good, at times I felt like I was immersed in Lucidium. The pace was also perfect in my opinion. It wasn’t too slow where you got bored but it also wasn’t too fast that you can’t follow along. The book was split into 3 parts, my favourite being part 3. Although the ending was so good- I need book 2 ASAP. I highly recommend you put this book on your TBR! You’ll be in for a wild ride.

Congratulations to Nora Paige for writing such a brilliant psychological romantasy. I can’t wait to read more of your work in the future.

Here’s a short summary: The fmc, Astra, is a PHD neuroscience student researching lucid dreaming. She goes too far while doing an experiment and ends up in an alternate world called Lucidium. There she meets Cinder, a gorgeous but grumpy physicist who’s been stuck in Lucidium for 75years. Together they try to get back to earth by using knowledge of black holes and handmade scientific contraptions while facing many challenges along the way.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Nora Paige for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its release!! This is my first ever ARC, and I’m delighted that it got to be this book.

The moment I saw the pitch of this story a couple months ago, I was utterly intrigued by the subject matter. Combining topics of neuroscience and the study of lucid dreams, Nora Paige’s debut weaves science and fantasy into this uniquely fascinating web of a plot.

I devoured this book in less than 2 days; it was fast paced and immersive. There were several lines in particular that were written so vividly and brought the darkly whimsical atmosphere to life. The world-building was unlike anything I’ve read before, merging botanical whimsigoth with horror elements to create a liminal realm that's reminiscent of both Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” and “Beetlejuice”. The world kept me on my toes; I never knew what was going to appear next!

As far as Astra and Cinder’s relationship dynamic, I wish the tension between them had bubbled up for much longer before spilling over. In their first interaction, he’s cold and harsh. Within their next interaction, he’s suddenly soft and caring, and by the next day he calls her “love”. The pacing just felt rushed to me, and I would've liked to stay in the angst for longer as they got to know one another. That being said, I quite enjoyed their interactions and chemistry once the ball was rolling! I just wished there was more of a slow-burn between them, as that is one of the main tropes this book is marketed with.

Additionally, I felt like there were a few scenes throughout the book where time had passed, but it wasn’t explicitly referenced, so it felt jumpy and incongruous. Or there were a few times where a character would suddenly become upset, only to have been perfectly fine a moment before. Critiques aside, Chapters 51 through the end were genuinely SO good. Packed with action and raw emotion, these were my favorite chapters to read!

All in all, this was a whirlwind of a story that I couldn’t put down, nor did I want to. Although I rated this book 3 stars, it’s definitely in the upper end of the 3 star range. I’d even say it’s on the cusp of 4 stars. The ending left several unresolved questions and quite the cliffhanger, so I will absolutely be picking up book 2 :)

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This was definitely a page-turner! From the very first chapter, the writing was engaging, easy to follow, and beautifully descriptive. Though one small thing I noticed was the use of first-person “I” statements. At times, they felt a little bit repetitive, and I think varying the sentence structure could have made the narration flow even more smoothly.

What truly kept me invested was the mystery. I was so eager to uncover how everything fit together. The other dimension, and the doppelganger elements made such an interesting touch, and I loved piecing the mystery together alongside Astra. That said, I would hve loved to see more action leading up to the climax, especially during the confrontation between Astra and the entity that looked liked Laurel. It wrapped up more quickly than I expected and just wished Astra had a little more difficulty in fighting it.

As for the romance, it didn’t quite feel like the slow burn I was hoping for. While I understood that the characters needed to form a strong bond, considering the last part and their decisions, I wish there had been more tension and yearning before they got together. It would have made the payoff even more rewarding.

Overall, this had me completely hooked that I finished it in 24 hours. Just like the main character, I was consistently searching for clues and kept on highlighting every detail that seemed important. Despite the few things I mentioned above, it was an entertaining read and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

PS. Many thanks to Nora, the author of this book, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to read this before its release.

[Emma Salgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to say thank you to Nora Paige for the opportunity to read the advanced reader's copy of Lucidium. I am so grateful! 

Lucidium started off really strong, Nora Paige did a great job of making the reader understand Astra and the struggles she goes through during her daily life. Between her family troubles, obsessive behavior that she cannot control, and the abusive relationship with her mentor, I don’t blame her for feeling the need to escape into the unknown. I could not put the book down while she was slowly reaching closer and closer to the answer to her life’s work. 

Once she reached Lucidium was when I felt slightly disconnected from the story. It excited me to learn more about the alternate reality and the author really fed that excitement with the dark whimsical descriptions, but I feel the romance plot that was introduced was not for me. Lucidium is advertised as a slow burn romance, which is my favorite but I actually wish more relationship development was written before they officially got together. Cinder’s cold personality shifted to warm early on in the book and it felt sudden to me. I still thought Astra and Cinder were a cute couple while reading about their relationship, but I didn’t feel as attached to them as I wished I could have been.

The romance is a large part of the story so it took me awhile to continue reading, but once I did, I absolutely loved the last 30% of the book. It was so interesting, and I really enjoyed imagining the descriptions of the journey through Lucidium that Astra and Cinder went on. I couldn’t believe it when the book ended, there’s so much more to be explored! I must learn more about Astra’s future.

[Isabel Lukach · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you so much to the amazing author for this ARC! A quarter of the way through this book I had to go back to the ARC email and preorder the physical copy of this book, it was so so magical & unique I knew it was going to go into my reread collection<3

I think that the prose was nice, it was a wonderful flow and tone throughout the novel that fit the story perfectly. the concept itself is AMAZING and unlike anything I have ever heard before. Alice & wonderland meets Coraline meets the backrooms— this is such a whimsical dark moody world that is the exact aesthetic that I didn’t know I’ve been looking for in a book😍

Cinder……..love me a tattooed crazy man like truly there’s no better trope for an MMC imo… the dual
POV is great because he YEARNSSSSS & Astra?!???? Hello she is an AMAZING FMC!!!!!!!! smart, mysterious, driven, & her inner monologue is soooooooo relatable. my only comment is that i wish there was a little bit more of a development in their relationship before they actually got together, as their love story did seem a bit rushed to me at first, but hey when you know you know fr

some of my favorite quotes🌟💫:

“Fireflies twitch around me, acting as little dancing stars. The city is asleep, but I’m not. I’m a bat tonight, black wings veiny with electricity.”

“The air is thicker in the garden, sweet with the scent of something herbal. The fog swirls around the soil, coiling around the stalks of vibrant vegetables and oversized flowers.”

“Cinder’s eyes and ears are wholly open to me. He listens as if I am the only thing that ever lived, ever spoke.”

[Deepinfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy review.
When the algorithm gods put me in the path of Nora Paige and I read the blurb for this book, I instantly applied for an ARC. The combination of the synopsis and the references on socials to Alice in Wonderland and Coraline spoke to my soul.
So grateful to have had the chance to read this in advance of release, thank you for trusting me with this as my first ever ARC!!

Overall this is a gorgeous and trippy read, I devoured it in a day! The pacing was a shift from some of my recent fantasy reads. Initially it felt fast but I came to appreciate that choice as I think it added to the psychological wildness and dream-like focus of the story.

I loved the multiple POVs, getting into the minds of not just the two main characters but also two others. This felt like a treat vs the usual dual/single POVs and added threads to the story that I can see going places when the series continues.

The characters felt beautifully flawed and complex. I believed the romance between Astra and Cinder and loved their playful banter. I don’t think I’d refer to this as a traditional ‘slow burn’, but the tension still hits and had me hooked!

Special mention for Tris! What an awesome character, I need to know her story and what’s next for her!
I’m officially invested in the world of Lucidium and thoroughly enjoyed this read! Thank you again, I’ll be on the edge of my seat for more releases!

[Riya Singh]

*Little to no spoilers*


‎⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
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‎Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC!!
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‎Lucidium was such an interesting read! The premise immediately caught my attention, to say I was hooked since the very beginning is an understatement and once I started reading found myself wanting to know more about Astra and the mysteries surrounding her research. I hate wick guys.
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‎ANDDD
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‎One of my favorite things about this book was the atmosphere like there's this constant feeling that something is off and idk the tensionn?? I think it's the concept of lucidium actually and the line between dreams and reality becomes blurrier as the story progresses. It kept me curious and made it hard to put the book down.
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‎Astra, her passion for neuroscience and lucid dreaming indeed made her feel unique, and I liked seeing her navigate both the academic side of her work and the strange events that began unfolding around her. I was so happy when she first escaped from Wick and went to lucidium. Now about the writing, I think it was really immersive and easy to get lost in.
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‎if you enjoy psychological mysteries, dream-based stories and books with some eerie environment, this one's for you!
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‎Ahaa and yes thhe pacing felt a little slow in a few places, but trust me it pays off. It was really the atmosphere that kept me hooked.
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[Murphy Baisley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Nora Paige for the eARC of Lucidium. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The idea of Lucidium had me really excited to read it, especially the neuroscience-y, Alice in Wonderland-inspired dream world. This is largely a romantasy, as the romance is a huge part of the plot. The world was very captivating, and I really wish we had gotten more about the environment of Lucidium because what we were able to explore was amazing and very creative. I also thought the writing was good, and some of the side-plots were intriguing.

I read through this pretty fast, because it's a very fast-paced novel. Although its not love at first sight or fated mates, its almost predetermined lovers. A big criticism I have is that if Cinder was really born in the 1930s real world, his name wouldn't be Cinder. That's more of a fantasy name, and it took me out of the story. What I would have liked to see as well is more character development, and spend more time developing the relationship between Cinder/Astra. It is very touching and sweet, but it happened faster than I was expecting/hoping for from the blurb.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review!

Alice in Wonderland meets Alice: Madness Returns

‘My body is fuel and it burns itself for her.’

‘If she won’t speak, then I’ll build the world around her until she feels safe enough to.’

This book was great! It put a very creative twist on Alice and Wonderland. The book deals with heavier topics and does so very eloquently. We can see as obsession takes root and what it leads characters to do. I was and still am in absolute awe over these characters and the world they find themselves in. I was living for the vibes and the world. We get to see this world not only through Astra’s eyes but also the eyes of some of the other characters which helps to makes the world feel even more real. The characters themselves are fleshed out. The journey that Astra goes on is unique and exhilarating. The chemistry between Astra and Cinder is beautiful. I love them as characters themselves, but I love them even more when they are together. I can’t wait to see what happens next! I need the next book now!!!!!

[Lily Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I had the pleasure of ARC reading for Lucidium! I’m rating this book 5 stars for a few different reasons.

First, the characters are so unique and intelligent, which makes for an incredibly immersive reading experience. Nora does an immaculate job bringing her characters to life on the page, they all have such distinct personalities. I grew attached to each individual character and really enjoyed watching the relationships between the characters develop, throughout the book.

Second, the prose is beautifully crafted. I found myself marking multiple page numbers so I could go back and reread the creative, descriptive language. It was effortless to imagine the settings of Lucidium because of Nora’s vivid, descriptive writing! 🦋

Third, the story is engaging and incredibly hard to put down. Between the plot, the romance, the characters, and the overall atmosphere of Lucidium, it makes for an exciting and beautifully crafted reading experience.

I absolutely can’t recommend this dreamy, magical book enough! 💖 It’s easily become one of my favorite romantasy reads!

[Katie Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ Rating: 4.25/5

This book had me hooked from the beginning! The story was engaging, and I flew through it because I needed to know what happened next.

My biggest complaint is that I wish it had been longer. The pacing felt a little rushed at times, and I would have loved more detail and development, especially in the relationship. While it’s marketed as an enemies-to-lovers romance, it didn’t fully feel that way because everything progressed so quickly. That said, the banter and tension between the characters were still enjoyable.

The romance includes mild spice, but nothing overly explicit or with full spice scenes, which fit the story well.

I’m especially excited to see where this series goes next because the world has so much potential. If future books build on what’s already here, I think they’ll be fantastic.

If you’re an Alice in Wonderland fan, I think you’ll absolutely devour this one. Overall, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try!

[Rachel Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nora Paige introduces us to a different world, similar to Alice in wonderland, but with more risk. Astra, our hilarious fmc, is a neuroscientist experiencing burnout. We see her battle with bad decisions, family struggles, and her own mind. The grumpy mmc, Cinder, helps her redefine herself and supports her through every challenge she faces. Nora’s writing style was like reading poetry. It brought the alternate reality and characters to life in a way i’ve never experienced. This book will have you questioning what home really means, and how far you’re willing to go to accomplish your mission. Some things i would have like to seen more of were the build up of cider and Astra’s connection and a little more training of the fmc. This book was a really fun read, and i greatly appreciate Ms.Paige for the opportunity to experience this extraordinary world!!

[Divania Timmal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

Thank you so much to Nora Paige for the opportunity to read her debut novel! I was captivated by the idea of Lucidium. As someone who has always had vivid dreams (and nightmares), the concept of dreams being a portal to another world was incredibly interesting.

I enjoyed learning about the FMC's obsession with academia and the way it's portrayed really puts the reader into her mind, into her frenetic need to understand. Paige's writing style is spooky and poetic, and very easy to read.

I did find the middle to be a bit predictable. The FMC and MMC fell way too fast for an enemies to lovers novel. I had to reread parts to see if I had missed something because it seemed they were in love after one positive interaction. Some of the dialogue was a little too forced banter-y for me, as well.