Vilas, the Fae prince of Devlorian, has lived in the shadow of his sister, who stands next in line for their father’s throne. As the spare, his duty isn’t focused on diplomacy or court politics. It’s to command armies and defend the realm. When a long-contained threat resurfaces and an emergency council is called for the first time in history, Vilas is forced into both politics and war. For three centuries, the realm of Nydrovis has been imprisoned behind an unbreakable barrier, guarded day and night. The spell has never wavered, but somehow, Nydrovians have been found crossing into the world beyond, and leaving a trail of bloodless bodies in their wake. When it’s confirmed that the barrier to Nydrovis has been breached, Vilas is the first to volunteer to inspect the border. If there is any hope of stopping the spreading darkness and preventing a catastrophic war, the barrier must be restored. But the mission grows complicated with the addition of Von, a fiercely independent ranger with a guarded past and secrets of her own. As the Nydrovian King’s true intentions are revealed, Vilas is drawn into a tangled web of ancient secrets, brutal betrayals, and a devastatingly powerful bond that could either save their world or destroy it. Humans, Pirates, Fae, Witches, and the elusive Rangers, will unite once again to contain Nydrovis before darkness consumes them all.
Megan Von Allmen’s debut novel, Grantor of Beginnings, is the first in a six-novel series and I’m so IN for this journey.
Vilas, the spare to the heir of the fae kingdom, feels like he really isn’t worth much in comparison to his father and his twin sister, the heir. His power is uncontrolled and scary. He’s capable of great violence so no wonder his father has him commanding the armies. A returning evil is infiltrating the land. The Nydrovians, who once started a devastating war, have found a way through an unbreakable wall separating them from the rest of the continent. While dealing with the spreading violence, Vilas meets the enigmatic and mesmerizing thief responsible for handing out vengeance to evil doers and stealing something very important from the king of the Nydrovians. Vilas is drawn to her and caught up in a plan to save the continent from one of the worst evils any of them has ever faced before. Has there ever been a worse time to fall in love?
Grantor of Beginnings is working hard to set the stage for so much in this book. Von Allmen focuses her time on balancing world building, developing character relationships and histories, creating a mysteries to reveal, and painting a romance within all of it. Character banter between multiple characters is great. It doesn’t matter if it’s between siblings, best friends or love interests, the teasing and give and take/push and pull really works. The variety of fantasy races was intense. I did not expect to see so many all in one story but I’m kinda digging it. Fae, vampires, shifters, pirates and so much more. The lore is definitely being created here and I’m interested to see where it goes in the future novels.
Vilas’s first scene is stellar! He is badass. Unfortunately, he starts to weaken after a certain point. I kept waiting for him to kick ass but he softened. Not necessarily a bad thing but unexpected. He almost needed to soften so his love could grow. What I really loved is that a majority of the novel is from his POV. So refreshing!!
Von, our warrior thief, is one heck of a woman. Almost too good to be true and I was afraid she was becoming too perfect. I shouldn’t have worried. There are flaws and a lot of reasons for her “perfection.” She’s tough and iron-willed, but she also has a softer side and I loved seeing that come out.
The rest of the cast of characters is great and each stand out in their own ways. I am intrigued to hear more about their backstories and I know there are characters we still have to meet. Oh! And if I get some flashbacks in the future, I’ll be very invested. AND the title reveal was so perfect!
There are so many things to love about this book: the lore, the vulnerability of the main characters, the different types of love, a horse with a sense of humor, the ending and so much more. I can forgive the modern elements and pacing fluctuations. Most of the time, those are major deal breakers for me but not with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and can’t wait to return to Vilas and Von!
First of all, that you to the author Megan Von Allmen for including me in her ARC review group. It was a pleasure working with her and reading this book.
This was such a fun book! I got into it right from the beginning, and was quick to connect with these characters and go on this journey with them. The banter was bantering, and not just between FMC & MMC, but between all the side characters as well.
I think one of the most important things to know about this book is that it is a love story. Of course there is world building, and magic systems and lots of action, but the heart of the story is building a relationship. I of course love that because I’m a hopeless romantic!
Let’s just talk about the MMC Vilas. First of all, a lot of of the book is from his POV, which is really interesting because that’s not always the case. Secondly he definitely goes through a transformation emotionally as a character during this book. I think the most telling transformation is how vocal he becomes about how he feels, which is not typical of most of men, real or fictional. Let’s be honest, he’s still a dumb guy and does absolutely idiotic things, but he’s also quick to realize what a jackass he’s been, and is vulnerable in a way that is endearing. Did I mentio he’s also sexy as hell?
“If you think that I wouldn’t take my time with you, that I wouldn’t savor the taste of you in my mouth, that I wouldn’t devour every inch of you, you’d be wrong,” Vilas groaned.
Now onto our FMC Von. She is such a bad ass! She proves again and again that she take care of herself and everyone she cares about, while alaina fighting for what’s right. She has a huge heart and uses it to protect people in a way that’s very admirable, but also vulnerable. She definitely has the trauma response of taking care of everyone else and putting herself at risk before she takes care of herself, and you see how that plays out for her later on in the book. Honestly, both characters go through a relatively big emotional transformation, which really spoke to me.
The one thing that I truly love about this story is how much non-sexual touch there is and how it creates such a wonderful intimacy between these characters. I feel like touch is so underrated to build intimacy, and this book has it in spades. The way they are always holding hands or touching each other‘s backs or rubbing each other‘s necks or hair, I honestly find that way sexier than sex sometimes! It definitely gave me the yearning and the slow burn that I can’t help but love.
The last thing I want to make sure I mention is the side characters. There were so many that made this book sing! Miles, who was king of the banter, Leo, who was fiercely protective, Sunny, who was another bad ass female, that I hope to learn more about, and Fritz the pirate. The way all of these characters were woven into the overall story really helped sell the emotional journey that happened during the book.
The pacing of this book was great and I never found myself being bored. I will say the last several chapters paced a lot faster, and there’s quitea bit of new information and new characters coming at you that might be difficult to keep track of. I knew when I was reading it that it was all set up for the second book, but it might feel overwhelming and a little chaotic.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book! I will be recommending it to everyone and the fact that this is the first book for this author, makes me really excited for what she’s going to do with the rest of this series. She’s really started off on a high note!
Grantor of Beginnings by Megan Von Allmen Rating: 4.5/5 Medium: ebook - ARC
**ARC Review of Grantor of Beginnings**
About the book Grantor of Beginnings follows Vilas, the ‘spare’ to the Devlorain throne, and Von, a ranger. As an old enemy resurfaces, an emergency council meeting is called. From there, Vilas, Von, and others set out on a journey to find out what happened to the barrier, which once contained the Nydrovians, especially the Nydrovian King. Vilas and Von must overcome challenges, including romance, betrayal and self-doubt during their journey.
Welcome to the opening book of the Heirs of Everlasting Series.
Thoughts Okay, so where do I start? First of all, as other reviewers have said, I cannot believe this is Megan Von Allmen's debut novel. For a novel, let alone a debut novel, it is amazingly written. Right from the start, I was hooked. It is such an easy read, which is what I love in the books that I have thoroughly enjoyed previously. The laughs were constant while reading Grantor of Beginnings. The banter and sarcasm between all characters, even the villains, were classic. It was such a feel-good book at times (wink, wink).
I will say the plot is very character-driven, which I personally don’t mind, and romance-heavy. A lot of it is about the relationship building between Vilas and Von. Personally, I didn’t mind this because the romance was written well. The chemistry was off the charts; they actually communicated with each other, besides Von’s secrets. They appreciated what each other was capable of and respected that they both could hold their own against an enemy. But on the other side, they both knew their limitations and knew when help was needed. It was refreshing to say the least.
I respected that most of the book was from Vilas’ POV. Many romantasy books I read are from either the FMC’s POV or a dual POV. It was new to read from the MMC's POV from the start, getting the MMC's thoughts and feelings first. I also liked it because it added to the mystery of Von. All I have to say about Von is that she is a badass, and her backstory is heartbreaking.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the MMC and FMC, but I also enjoyed the side characters. The friendship between Vilas and Miles was hilarious, and I loved all their interactions. Each side character added so much depth to the story. We got pirates, werewolves, vampires, fae, witches and Rangers. Everything you want in a fantasy book is in this book, but twisted in a way to be unique.
The only cons I have about this book, and why it is a 4.5 and not 5 stars, are that the politics and the actual plot got a bit confusing at times. I eventually understood what was happening, but it took some time. Furthermore, many new characters were introduced at the end, which at times pulled me out of the story because it became hard to keep up with who was who and where they fit. But apart from those two notes, it was a well-written masterpiece.
First, a huge thank you to Megan Von Allmen for trusting me with an ARC of Grantor of Beginnings. It was such a privilege to read this before release. That said, I never let receiving an ARC influence my opinion, and I always strive to give honest reviews. Thankfully, this one made that incredibly easy.
Grantor of Beginnings completely exceeded my expectations. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and honestly didn’t want to put it down. Now I completely understand what the author meant when describing this as having “the adventure of Lord of the Rings and the character depth of Throne of Glass.” It truly delivers on both.
The adventure is absolutely incredible. Every journey, battle, and action sequence is so vividly written that it felt like I was watching a movie unfold in my head. The pacing kept me engaged from beginning to end, and there was never a moment where I found myself losing interest.
One thing I know might be a little more divisive is the amount of focus placed on the romance. Personally, I loved it. The relationship between the MMC and FMC is given the time it needs to grow naturally, and I don’t think their connection would have felt nearly as meaningful if it had been rushed. Because their story takes up such a significant portion of the book, I can see why some readers might consider this more romantasy than traditional fantasy. That’s ultimately why I knocked off 0.1 stars. Normally, when romance becomes such a large focus, I tend to skim ahead—but that never happened here. I was completely invested in every conversation, every interaction, and every moment between them.
The slow burn is absolutely worth it, and the chemistry is phenomenal. The banter between the MMC and FMC is some of my favorite I’ve read, but it doesn’t stop there—the dialogue between the entire cast is witty, natural, and genuinely entertaining. Even though I’ve only recently gotten back into reading and haven’t read nearly as many books as some, this is easily my favorite fictional couple so far.
Beyond the romance, the characters are what truly make this story shine. Every character feels important and memorable, and I found myself emotionally invested in each of their journeys. The diversity of fantasy races and creatures was another standout. Their histories and cultures are rich and fascinating, yet the world-building never felt overwhelming. There are a lot of moving pieces, but everything is explained in a way that’s easy to follow without sacrificing depth. That’s something I really appreciated, especially since fantasy books can sometimes become difficult to keep track of.
Overall, Grantor of Beginnings is an immersive, emotional, and action-packed romantasy with unforgettable characters, beautiful world-building, and one of the best slow-burn romances I’ve read. If you enjoy epic adventures, found-family vibes, incredible character development, and romance that truly earns every moment, I highly recommend picking this one up. I already can’t wait to continue this series.
Firstly, Thank you Megan for trusting me to ARC Read your Debut Book for your upcoming series! After hearing a little of your story, im so thankful you completed this book! Its been an honor and WOW! Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor! This book has you feeling every emotion! The story line. The world and character build. The slow burn. The side stories. The characters. All of it! There are no words!!! Just WOW!! Bravo! Incredibly well done!
Some of the Characters:
Vilas- ok sooooo who doesn’t like a broody MMC? And he’s hot shadow magic 👀 he’s considerate to a felt! Hes a lover for sure. He is thoughtful, and mushy! Possessive 😏
Miles- he’s that dude bestie we all love! The banter is awesome with Vilas. He’s a protector through and through!
Von- she is AWESOME! She’s sassy. Strong. Opinionated. Blunt. I wanna be her when I grow up! She cares about her people. She’s protective and secretive in the best interest of her people! She’s not just a pretty face… she’s a literal BAD ASS!
Sunny- I wanna see more of her! I wanna know her story. She’s an equal bad ass! And so inspiring. I freaking love her!
Leo- this guy hahaha… I can’t to see more from him! His banter, his fierceness. His protection of his people. Winning!
Magnus- he reminds me of what I would imagine a Mafia boss to be. Dull and doesn’t want get his hands dirty. He’s awful!
Some of my fav quotes:
“This water has traveled thousands of miles, seen corners of the world we don’t even know exist, muddied the battlefields of wars long since forgotten, survived in complete darkness inside caves, extinguished wildfires, gives us rainbows, and has helped shape the very landscape of our world,” Von spoke passionately, with childlike wonderment. “It can be solid as ice and snow, it can be liquid, it can disappear altogether, returning to the clouds, but it can’t be destroyed. Each drop is full of history, carrying the stories, memories, and secrets of our world. Don’t you want to be a part of it?” Her energy radiated under his shield, beckoning him to open his eyes and take in the breathtaking beauty lying inside the everyday ordinary. Live, it called to him.”
“I looked at the bouquets, and I could picture all the fields and gardens where they were grown. Tended to daily to ensure they would grow beautiful, just to be sold in a market someday. Then I saw the wildflowers, and their beauty felt more genuine. Flowers that grew naturally in circumstances beyond their control, and yet they still became strong and beautiful on their own.”
“You didn’t just rob me the first night we met—you continue to do so. You rob the air from my lungs when I look at you. You rob me of my ability to think when you look at me. You have robbed me of the pathetic excuse I called a life before I met you. You’ve taken my miserable existence and breathed life into it.”
“Are you jealous of me… touching me? Huh, I think that might be the most absurd territorial nonsense I’ve ever heard. I like it”
You know what is awful about being an ARC reader? You have to wait FOREVER for the next book.
This book is Megan Von Allmen's debut novel, but it doesn't read like it. The book is told primarily from the MMC's point of view which is a refreshing take on the first book in a romantasy series. Vilas is a Fae playboy "spare" prince who is general of his nation's armies. He and his close friend Miles are out in the town one night when Vilas spies an intriguing woman. This mystery woman challenges him in ways he was not prepared for.
Von is a badass FMC. She is exactly what I expect a strong FMC to be. She's not whiney. She's not wimpy who suddenly becomes strong or deadly with a weapon. She is strong a deadly with a weapon, and it turns out, a really important person in the politics of the region. After all the struggling FMCs (Saeris, Fayre) or I'm tiny, but I can learn to be amazing (Violet), it's really great to have a female character that is strong, flawed, but confident in who she is, what her purpose is, and isn't going to be swayed by some muscles and tattoos (ok...mostly...but that's the good stuff, right?)
Vilas and Von make a couple that I am absolutely rooting for. At one point, I was ready to have words with the author, because 20 pages from the end...I was very concerned it was going to be an awful cliffhanger (but it's not! YAY!)
And the side characters? Amazing. The dialog is just peak. Von Allmen writes easy prose that actually is written the way people speak. Miles, Fiona, Orion, Fritz, Leo all hold my heart. Then there's the smaller side characters who light up the pages when they appear (I'm looking at you, Sunny).
This book sets up a sequel (or 5) well while letting you feel contented that it's finished (the book that is, not the story). I'm intrigued to see where she takes this in the future.
It's atmospheric, interesting, and complex. I wasn't sure how it was all going to fit in one story, but she made it happen! And y'all...the main character brushes his teeth...in the story!!
I cannot wait for her book to come out and actually order the hard copy!
This was a fun romantasy that kept me invested from beginning to end.
The worldbuilding and magic system were easy to understand, making it very easy to sink into the story. The pacing was one of the strongest aspects for me. I flew through the pages without even realizing how much I had read.
The story itself was engaging, and I enjoyed the cast of characters. We have faes, witches, werewolves, vampires, monsters, a shadow daddy, and an FMC who seems determined to ignore everyone's advice while charging headfirst into trouble. The banter between the characters was fun, and there was always enough happening to keep me interested.
My favorite part, however, was the romance.
I'm a sucker for an MMC who falls first and falls harder, and the chemistry between the main characters was what kept me the most invested. It wasn't even the bigger romantic moments that stood out to me, but the smaller ones like the lingering touches, the constant pull toward each other, the need to be close, even if it was just to hold hands. Those moments felt natural and were easily my favorite scenes in the book.
One thing I took a little time adjusting to was the dialogue style. It felt very modern for immortal characters, which initially surprised me. However, as I became more invested in the story and the relationships, it became much easier to settle into. I can definitely see many readers enjoying this approach because it makes the characters feel approachable and the story easy to dive into.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. The romance, chemistry, and fast-paced story kept me turning pages, and I found myself especially invested in the relationships between the characters. While it wasn't a perfect fit for my personal tastes, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read. For a debut novel, it was fantastic.
If you're looking for an entertaining romantasy with strong character chemistry, a falls-first MMC, and plenty of fantasy elements, this one is definitely worth checking out.
✨️ARC Review of 'Grantor of Beginnings' by Megan Von Allman - Book 1 (of 6) of the Heirs of Everlasting Series.✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
An absolute masterpiece of a debut novel from Megan Von Allman! 👏 Grantor of Beginnings had me in a chokehold from page 1, and I adored every single second. It has quite literally everything you could want from a fantasy novel; Fae, Pirates, Vampire, Werewolves Witches and the elusive Rangers 👀
The world building is intricately woven throughout the book without being overwhelming, with each page pulling you deeper into the world and through story. The characters are so beautifully crafted, the depth and care with which Von Allman has structured each one is incredible, every single one is unique and individual.
For the majority of the book we follow Vilas, a Fae Prince of Devlorian. Vilas is quite literally everything you could want in a MMC; witty, sarcastic, powerful and ready to set the entire world on fire. We also get snippets from the most kick ass FMC, Von, who is not only strong, clever and sarky but soft, vunerable and feminine at the same time. The slow burn, yearning romance is absolutely perfect.
This book had me laughing out loud multiple times, with hilarious banter between the characters peppered throughout the more dark and emotional parts of the story. I absolutely loved the relationships between all the characters, but particularly the friendship between Miles and Vilas - the fierce loyalty, love and brotherly teasing was epic.
If you are looking for a combination of Epic / Dark Fantasy and Romantansy then this HAS to be your next read! Grantor of Beginnings is the first book in a 6 book series, and saying I am excited for the next installment is an understatement.
Thank you so so much Megan for sending me an ARC of your book, I am so grateful 🫶🏼
Grantor of Beginnings releases on the 10th November, and is available for pre order now!
4/5 stars, strong foundation for the rest of the series (which I just found out is planned to be 6 books!!) :)
Surrounded by a thrilling journey and phenomenal world-building, this story was so easy to read and become enamoured with this fantastical realm. I’d say this book focused more on creating the atmosphere and introducing characters, which only made me more excited to see what’s to come in book 2 and the series as a whole!
I was pleasantly surprised when I began reading this book and realized it was in the MMC’s—Valis’—POV (later changes to dual). At first, I was skeptical, but I was instantly warmed by his charming nature and the fact that he was completely whipped for Von. Now Von… Von treads the line of "I’m not like other girls" but never fully crosses the border, thankfully. And it all comes together as her lore gets untangled, and you learn more about her traumatic past.
Now for my favourite part of my reviews...
Pros: - lots of banter - leans heavily into fantasy species — vampires, fae, pirates, witches, etc. - lovable characters (main and side) that make the foundations of a strong found family. - kept you intrigued until the very end.
Cons: - very heavy on the romance in comparison to plot (subjective opinion, though, as someone who prefers more subtle romance). - vampire as villains 🥲 typical stereotype. - had a few typical tropes of romantasy that drive me a bit crazy and unleash my feminist lens… i.e., mentioning how 'petite' she is, the whole scent thing, "mine" (again, subjective). - toed the line of tooooo many characters. Towards the end, I started to lack attachment to the newer additions.
But obviously, these cons aren’t enough to have swayed me away from the book. They are just my little pet peeves and callouts.
I need everyone to read and support this author bc she’s wonderful, and I need that book 2 asap!!
Grantor of Beginnings is such an impressive debut! I loved reading this book. From the very first pages, I found myself completely pulled into the story. By the end, I was deeply invested in both the characters and the world they inhabited.
The characters felt real and easy to connect with, and I enjoyed watching them evolve throughout the story. Every victory and setback felt meaningful. Some characters definitely frustrated me at times, but they were written with enough depth that I could still understand where they were coming from. I genuinely cared about what happened to them and found myself rooting for them, except for Miles, who needs to STOP interrupting all the time. 😡🤣
The world-building was really well done and captivating. The author created a setting that felt rich and immersive, and I enjoyed having more fantasy species added alongside the elves and humans. Every new detail added another layer to the story, making the world feel lived-in rather than simply existing as a backdrop for the plot. I felt like I was living in Buvallari alongside the characters while reading.
The author took familiar tropes and reshaped them into something uniquely her own. The MMC, Vilas, definitely gives off shadow daddy energy, and Von is a fierce FMC. I really enjoyed the creativity she brought to these tropes and the way she made them feel fresh. I also wish I had Vilas’s powers so I could summon my own snacks. I will say, however, that I wholeheartedly disagree with Von’s claim that tea is just hot grass soup. 🤣
Overall, the story struck a wonderful balance between magic, adventure, romance, and character growth.
I loved reading this book and was literally sneaking away to read more whenever I could get away with it. I’m really looking forward to reading book two!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4 I saw a booktoker describe another book today as "brain candy" and boy oh boy did this book match that vibe. Except Im Australian, so this book was brain lollies.
Plot: Vilas is a prince (but not heir) and a general in his father's army, and possesses strong magic and fighting skills. The enemy have somehow breeched the ancient barrier between the kingdoms, so Vilas (& Gang ™️) go to see how they're getting through. He also meets Von, an elusive ranger with secrets.
I enjoyed this book so so much. I devoured this 500ish page book in 2.5 days. And I cant believe its the author's debut book. It honestly felt like she'd made a list of all the things I liked in a fantasy book and put them all in there just for me 😂
This is a slow burn in the meaning that the relationship and feelings developed slowly, and it was pretty delicious. Especially as most of it was from the mmc's POV that made it feel more unique and that boy did some serious yearning that had me kicking my feet (Miles really needs to get his timing sorted better, damnit). And Vilas was actually an mmc who had feelings (and we know this because his POV), learned and listened.
And Von kicked some serious butt. She was sassy, clever and absolutely flogged the fight scenes. Yet she was never a grating sassy fmc, because she still had so much softness in her.
The little drips of back story that were fed ever so slowly to us just kept me fed in terms of plot.
This book was such a vibe read and so damned enjoyable and I'm not sure I'll be able to wait for the next book in the series.
Book comes out November so I definitely recommend getting onto it.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
What a glorious start it is, when the prince falls first.
What a surprise. This is romantasy at its finest. I absolutely loved that the story starts with, and stays primarily in, Prince Vilas’ POV. That was a first for me, and it worked brilliantly.
Vilas is known for his bedroom conquests, his ruthless magical powers, and his battle prowess, yet he falls so fast and so hard for the mysterious Von that everyone except him seems to notice. She steals from him, calls him out on his behavior, and is one of the few people who sees the man behind the carefully crafted mask. Watching him remain delightfully oblivious to his own predicament was incredibly entertaining.
Their banter was sharp, the slow burn deliciously frustrating, and the yearning was everything I wanted it to be. They had genuine conversations, not just attraction disguised as dialogue, which made their chemistry all the stronger. And when it matters, both are perfectly willing to burn the world for each other.
As always, I paid attention to the MMC’s scent. Vilas smells of redwoods. Von’s? Well… you’ll have to read the book to find out.
The supporting cast wasn’t just there to fill pages. They were integral to the story, wonderfully likable, and I already want more of them in future books.
This is clearly only beginning. The groundwork has been laid, the players are ready, the world feels rich with possibilities, and for now the villain seems to hold all the cards.
I started this book yesterday. I finished it in less than 24 hours, because stopping simply wasn’t an option. Like Vilas, I fell fast and hard.
Tropes: • Touch Her & Die • Slow Burn Romance • Witty Banter • Morally Gray Characters • Mystery & Secrets • Mythical Creatures • High-Stakes Adventure • Epic World Building
Megan Von Allmen is an author to keep your eye on. Her debut novel, Grantor of Beginnings, while not without its faults, lays a good foundation for what I understand will be a six-book series. A romantasy novel with some dark elements, the story is told from the fae MMC’s POV as he embarks to uncover why a barrier that has held for decades is now failing and allowing the villainous Fangs to encroach on other territories. This quest crosses his path with a feisty, female ranger with a mysterious past. I would say this novel predominantly focuses on developing their romance. The authors skill really shines when reading the dynamics and dialogue between the two main characters, as well as with the side characters. The banter is truly done well, and the chemistry doesn’t feel forced. There is a great cast of core characters. However, the pacing felt off at times and the world-building was not as cohesive as I would have liked. Modern words are frequently used in a world that feels like it is meant to be medieval-adjacent albeit magical. This was a bit jarring and pulled me out of the story. The story also includes a large number of mythical creatures (fae, werewolves, witches, vampires, etc.), magic types and side characters that at times were great additions, but in some cases did not feel well fleshed-out or integrated into the story. Overall though, I was gripped by the slow burn romance between the two leads and the mysteries surrounding the strong, witty heroine. I even laughed out loud a time or two (Miles, I’m looking at you). I applaud Megan for a strong debut!
Do yourself a favour and read this! If you love a tough as nails FMC with a heart of gold, a shadow daddy player MMC who yearns, banter that will leave you grinning, relatable characters who actually communicate and respect each others boundaries, world building and a magic system that doesn't leave you feeling clueless and a full ensemble of fantastic side characters who enrich every facet of the story, then this is for you!
The chemistry is epic!!! I felt like I was at risk of combustion. One of the most beautiful relationship blooms I've had the pleasure of reading. The interaction between the characters feels authentic, relatable, and delicate issues are handled with respect.
I grinned like the Cheshire cat with the romance, giggled at the witty banter that never felt forced, my eyes welled with tears and my heart was left bruised by all that Von has endured. I was completely immersed and struggled to put this down. So much so that I paused my most anticipated release of the year (Ballad of Falling Dragons) midway through because I sampled the first chapter of this and couldn't stop until I was finished.
Grantor Of Beginnings has secured a well deserved spot in my top 5 reads so far this year. A well written feel-good that keeps you guessing. It's incredible that this is a debut, Megan Von Allmen is a name to watch. I'm honoured to be among the first to meet these characters, I hope they get the love they deserve from the bookworld. I cannot wait for the next instalment!
Debut author, Megan Von Allmen, is bringing all the magic in her first released book, Grantor of Beginnings. A true Romantasy that hits all the marks. There is world building, intrigue, banter, mates, Fae, human, and on and on.
The writing in this book is impeccable. I love how Megan spaced out the world building across the book depending on the area the characters were in. This left room in the beginning to left us meet and understand who the beloved characters are, and when I say beloved, I mean... you will quickly fall in love. Not just with the main character interests, but also friends and family.
The banter between all characters is the best I've seen in 2026, and I've read over 50 books so far this year. You will smile, giggle and sometimes blush with the sheer genius of Megan's writing.
As for romance... you will yearn with the characters. You will fall in love as they do. You will think of your own friends and measure how much loyalty you would spare to ensure their safety. Megan's love interest is not only absolutely lovely and well written but also stacks on remarkable character building that ties directly into the characters.
I would highly, and I mean HIGHLY, recommend you snagging this one up. Grantor of Beginnings will publish on November 10, 2026. You can add this one to your Unlimited Kindle 11/10/2026, but trust me when I say, this is a book you'll want to read again and again. I went ahead and pre-ordered a signed deluxe copy at https://www.meganvonallmen.com.
Reading this book felt like stepping into a rich, expansive world filled with unforgettable characters who stole my heart from the very beginning. It has everything I love in a fantasy adventure: dark magic, hidden identities, vampires, werewolves, fae, pirates, a formidable villian and a quest that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Told primarily through the MMC's perspective, the story follows a charming playboy who finally meets his match in a mysterious and captivating Ranger, one who saves him more than once. Experiencing the story through his eyes made his growth, vulnerabilities, and developing feelings all the more compelling. Their witty banter, growing trust, and fierce protectiveness of one another made their relationship impossible not to root for. Watching their connection evolve had me eagerly turning pages and constantly craving just one more chapter.
The supporting cast is just as memorable as the main duo. From unlikely allies to loyal friends, each character brought something unique to the story. The friendships felt authentic and dynamic, adding humor, heart, and depth to the adventure while making the world feel vibrant and lived-in.
The world is vast and brimming with possibility, yet the characters and their relationships remain at the heart of it all. This truly feels like the beginning of something special, and I cannot wait to see where the journey leads next.
Thank you to Megan Von Allmen for this arc, in return for an honest review.
This can not be her debut , the world building alone is standout. Grantor of beginnings is a book that features Valis , who is the second son or spare of the DeLorean throne. He is intelligent and strong. Von is a clever and sassy fmc with a tragic past. They enter a slow burn yearning romance. This story is beautifully written , while still being complex and unique . It envoked so many emotions in me that I could not stop reading. I never wanted it to end. The journey these two travel includes self-doubt, betrayal, and romance . They encounter Fae monsters, vampires , witches, werewolves and even pirates. The humor in this book is exquisite. I laughed so hard I cried. There is also true found family portrayed, a shout out to Milas and his fierce loyalty. And oh the magic involved. Not to mention the action and mystery, kept me turning pages from page one, I was truly engaged. Wait until you meet the villains, they are written so well . My favorite part of this book would have to be the communication between Von and Valis and the banter, all of the banter . The fact that the pov was from the mmc for a good chuck of the book was a refreshing twist. Make sure you run to get this book on November 10,2026 .
For a debut novel, Megan Von Allmen has hit it out of the park!!
Grantor of Beginnings is the first book in the Heirs of Everlasting Series and is such a compelling read I got through half the book in one evening!
This book is very character driven and romance heavy, which is exactly what I look for in a Romantacy book. Yes it does contain some classic tropes but they are well written and feel like a genuine, believable part of the story.
The FMC is a well written badass. She's not whiney, clingy or abrasive (to the reader that is!) We've got pirates, fae, vampires, werewolves, witches and of course the Rangers. What more could you want? The relationships and banter was hilarious (looking at you Miles) and did not feel forced as often happens.
Some readers have mentioned the sheer number of characters was a bit hard to keep track of, but personally I enjoyed it. It took the book from "bubble gum" reading (which I also enjoy) to something a bit more complex while still being fun to read.
Will I order this book in hard copy in November? Yes! Will I be continuing the series? YES!!
Tropes: shadow daddy, found family, badass FMC, hidden identity, fae Read if you liked: TOG Crimson Moth, Serpent & Dove
I was given this book by the author so that I could give her a true and honest reaction to the story.
To say this dark fantasy with a side quest of yearning, a bad ass FMC who needs no help from nobody and an FMC with more power than he knows what to do with... was good, is an understatement.
I cannot believe this is a debut and I am also lowkey pissed it finished the way it did 😂 cuz what do you mean its not even out yet so that means I have to wait 5ever for book 2.
Our FMC goes through the most traumatic shiz and she does so with a strength not many can muster. She takes it all on the chin and does everything she can to protect her people. Its so rare to find an MMC who is the one who requires saving multiple times and it gave me great joy to watch her do it. There is a level humour and fun woven throughout this book that helps us get through the darkness and dont even get me started on all the epic side characters. Knowing what I know about fantasy, it also leaves me terrified cuz I know authors like to hurt us 😂😂
Wow! Like other reviewers I cannot believe this is a first book by this author. I was immediately drawn in. I always like a dual POV and this book led with the male POV which was a new approach in the romantasy genre. That said I absolutely adore this FMC, she is so strong and self-sufficient while our MMC shows a refreshing amount of self-reflection. This book has lots of clever banter, a witty, smart, and snarky FMC, tons of plot twists that keep you on your toes and a cliffhanger ending to keep you eagerly anticipating the next book! I don't want to give away any spoilers but if you like excellent world-building, witty reparté and a swift pace with twists and turns you won't be disappointed. Thank you so much to Megan for letting me sneak into this clever and well-written world, I can't wait to see what happens next!
Ratings: 5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️ Tropes: yearning, fated mates, found family, grey MMC, hidden identity, cliffhanger Trigger warnings: mild description SA, abusive past, tortured MCs, stalking Good for fans of: ACOTAR, TOG, Lady of Darkness Series Length: just under 500 pages
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for the impressive @author_vonallmen.
I was lucky enough to read Grantor of Beginnings which will be released 10th November 2026.
I can say this book was incredible. I couldnt put it down.
From the first page where you meet the MMC i was hooked. So bad ass and impressive but then to meet the FMC. Hell yes.... she is without doubt my favourite female character I have ever read. She keeps getting better and better throughout the book.
The slow burn has you screaming for release in such a good way. Their banter with eachother had me laughing. And what sets this book apart is the rest of the characters are stand out. Each of them play a massive part and they all work so well together.
This book will have you gripped from the first page with revelations that helps you build a bond with these characters.
Can't wait for the next book.... need it like now @author_vonallmen 😊😊😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely a 5/5 stars for me. I loved this universe and felt sucked into it. Well done on a great book. Highly recommend.
The world-building was amazing and I loved all the different fantasy races. The author did such a great job making the world feel real, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
I will admit… I struggled with Vilas for a good chunk of the book. 😂 I kept waiting for him to get it together, and there were definitely moments I wanted to yell at him. But his character growth was so worth it. By the end, he completely won me over, and I loved watching him become the man I was hoping he’d be.
Von was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s strong, fierce, independent, and impossible not to root for from the very beginning.
The banter was fun, the mystery kept me turning the pages, and the ending has me excited to see what happens next. If you enjoy fantasy with great world-building, lovable characters, and an MMC who has to earn your love, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Whew guys....I have to say this read absolutely blew 🤯 my mind. Like my head clean off! I am utterly impressed by the dynamics of each character, they all had their own importance and was written so well. Then let's talk about world building...BRAVO 👏👏!! To me world building can be too much if not wrote correctly and in THIS BOOK THE WORLD BUILDING WAS ON POINT! I could literally picture each part of each chapter so vividly and not get lost in the details.
I do not even hesitate on Rating this book a 5⭐️ and I am sitting on the edge of my seat for the next one. If you love Fated Mates with a twist of magic and Touch her and you Die THIS book is for you!!
I want to thank Megan for allowing me the pleasure of doing an early read and for being so communicative as I read through the book. These little things matter and man, what an Author!
When I say I got a type I mean it because I love romantasy and I love a story with a shadow daddy. This book checks all the boxes in my opinion.
My favorite part of this book is the banter. The two main characters definitely made me giggle 🤭 a few times. Seeing their chemistry together really was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I definitely enjoyed this book because I was hooked as soon as I started and finished in two days.
Vilas, the MMC, is a hard exterior warrior whose only mission is to protect the realm and being a ‘rake’. Von, the FMC, is a sarcastic bad ass with a secret past and that’s all I’m gonna say about that.
Thank you again @author_vonallmen for allowing me the chance to be one of your ARC readers I really enjoyed reading this.
I've been into my romantasy lately, so I was excited about this. On first impressions, the MMC, Vilas, seemed to have bad boy energy, but he was attractive and impossible to ignore. I loved Miles; he was a great character too, even though they were different. I found Miles appealing in a different kind of way, and after a while, it seemed that both of them commanded my attention on the page.
The FMC, Von, was an awesome character, and the chemistry and spice did not disappoint. After a while, this was hard to put down, as I escaped into the author's world.
If you want some romantasy to sink your bookish teeth into, add this to your TBR. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC copy.
This book pulled me in from the first chapter. The banter between a lot of characters was funny and witty. The world building was great. There are a lot of fantasy creatures featured in this book. The authors did an amazing job with having all the creatures in the story being explained without being overwhelming and easy to understand. Last and certainly not least, the Slow Burn was one beautiful. The way the characters bonded before anything spicy happened was breathtaking. I would dare to say the workup was more satisfying than the spicy parts. Not to take away from anything spicy. I would definitely rate this in my top favorite fantasy romance books.
This book…. Is so amazing! It’s like a cross between throne of glass and all things fantasy. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover🤌🏼. The dynamic between Voss and Vilas kind of makes me chuckle. He’s all like broody male tough guy and Voss is this total baddie. It’s like he’s searching for something in these “women” that he has been with but then he like meets his match. The character development 🤌🏼😭 is so good and the Author does a really good job with the world building. This is in my top 10 arc reads! I can’t wait to have a copy of this on my shelf! You guys should definitely go follow the author on TikTok!! 🩷 she’s such a sweetie and I’m ready for the next book 👀👀👀👀
I don’t even know where to begin with this book. I read a few pages to start with and then before I knew it I was chapters deep in this book. It was beyond fantastic and I could easily visualize everything going on in the book! It starts out with a male MMC Vilas - obsessed. Then part 2 is pov from Von! I love them. Love the slow burn. Love the witty attitude. Miles I wanted to scream a few times lol but over all I highly highly recommend reading it!!!! Pre order when it comes out bc I will be ordering a signed copy. The author Megan is so amazing. She kept in touch with me the whole way and answered any questions I had along the way. I look forward to her other books!
Grantor of Beginnings opens with action and mystery and just keeps going! The main characters aren’t perfect, and they know it. As they navigate through troubled times, we get to share a complex world and learn that there is more to our cast than meets the eye. Despite my preference for no spice books, the story and heart of this novel makes it well worth overlooking that aspect (this book has spice!). Megan Von Allmen has outdone herself with this first installment! If you want a book with magic, discovery, and world defining moments, give Grantor of Beginnings a read!
This book was quite good and had a lot of fun takes on some classic tropes. The badass FMC did more rescuing than needing to be rescued, the MMC controls shadows and is a siphon but doesn’t know how to control said siphon. There are vampires, werewolves, fae, elves, pirates and more. This book had a very unique writing style and was told in a third person, dual POV narration. This book had hints of “When the Moon Hatched” and the FMC reminded me a lot of Raeve. Very fun, worth the read. I think it will be interesting to see where this series goes.