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The Dark World #1
From Victory and Glory
“Come on, Pipsqueak, job’s done. It’s time to grab a pint, drown our sorrows, and prepare to die tomorrow.”
As a rallying cry it leaves something to be desired, but when you’ve been dropped into the middle of a war, in a world you don’t know and a body you don’t recognize, at least someone is offering a drink.
I’m not sure who I am or what I’m doing here, but I’m pretty sure we’re setting off for the final battle and I’m here for a reason. After all, my kind are only called forth in times of dire need and we always have a gift . . .
I just need to figure out the who, what, when, where, and why. Then, I’ll sort out the how. I mean, how hard can it be?
I’m pretty sure I’ve ridden dragons and wrestled giants . . . or was that the other way around? Either way, those skills will come in handy in a world filled with fae, shifters, vampires, and witches.
Now, if I can just stay off the radar of the four kings as I change their world, everything will be just fine.
As a rallying cry it leaves something to be desired, but when you’ve been dropped into the middle of a war, in a world you don’t know and a body you don’t recognize, at least someone is offering a drink.
I’m not sure who I am or what I’m doing here, but I’m pretty sure we’re setting off for the final battle and I’m here for a reason. After all, my kind are only called forth in times of dire need and we always have a gift . . .
I just need to figure out the who, what, when, where, and why. Then, I’ll sort out the how. I mean, how hard can it be?
I’m pretty sure I’ve ridden dragons and wrestled giants . . . or was that the other way around? Either way, those skills will come in handy in a world filled with fae, shifters, vampires, and witches.
Now, if I can just stay off the radar of the four kings as I change their world, everything will be just fine.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2021
40 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Lyra Glass
2 books18 followersLyra Glass is a first time author, long time reader. Books have always been a part of her life and she credits them with playing a fundamental role in establishing her own character. As a shy child she dreamed of being a bold, kickass heroine, and started selecting the traits from fictional characters that she would like to see in herself—some of them have even been successfully incorporated; though she never quite managed to become a teenage detective or centuries-old vampire.
She has a dark sense of humor—according to those who have spent too much time around her—and finds it really weird writing about herself in the third person. She’d love to have pets, but then she looks at her drooping houseplants and rethinks her ability to be responsible for another creature. Anyone know of a pet that takes care of itself? Must have fur instead of scales, enjoy interaction, and be incredibly robust.
Connect with her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know about new releases, giveaways and more.
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She has a dark sense of humor—according to those who have spent too much time around her—and finds it really weird writing about herself in the third person. She’d love to have pets, but then she looks at her drooping houseplants and rethinks her ability to be responsible for another creature. Anyone know of a pet that takes care of itself? Must have fur instead of scales, enjoy interaction, and be incredibly robust.
Connect with her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know about new releases, giveaways and more.
https://www.facebook.com/lyra.glass/
Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/c15b22393927/lyra-...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 4, 2024
The FMC was confused a lot of the time, so in turn I was confused, but I think that was the point. If this was the point, mission accomplished. If this wasn’t the point, well this is awkward …
To preface, she had amnesia in the first chapter after she was ‘reborn’ into a new body. So the first bout of confusion was definitely intentional. She was in an unfamiliar place in an unfamiliar body with unfamiliar people.
I instantly liked her from the first chapter. She slowly became aware of her appearance and needless to say she wasn't pumped about it. For example “I don't seem to have claws, sharp teeth, muscles, wings, or anything even remotely useful, unless you count the boobs and the Bambi eyes”.
She was honestly funny in a natural way and not in an overly quirky way. Quirky grates on me quickly.
There was OW drama throughout the whole book, as all the MMCs have a girlfriend/ mate, despite feeling this intense connection to the FMC. To me, it felt like they were emotionally cheating with the FMC. I wasn’t sure if she was being added to a harem or if their girlfriend was going to mysteriously vanish down a well or something. It was a slow burn, so when I paused (61%) the romance wasn’t romancing.
Nothing seemed very clear and I needed more clarity. I can honestly say I couldn’t guess the next move in the book, which I initially liked, but I think there were holes in the plot that could have been resolved sooner.
I would say up to 61%, it had been more fantasy than romance. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I’m struggling to grasp the plot as is.
I think I need someone to spoil the girlfriend situation for me, as currently, the FMC feels like the other woman and every time I read one of the MMC's POVs I think ‘I don’t want to hear your opinion you (future) cheating w**ker’. Irrational … yes.
To preface, she had amnesia in the first chapter after she was ‘reborn’ into a new body. So the first bout of confusion was definitely intentional. She was in an unfamiliar place in an unfamiliar body with unfamiliar people.
I instantly liked her from the first chapter. She slowly became aware of her appearance and needless to say she wasn't pumped about it. For example “I don't seem to have claws, sharp teeth, muscles, wings, or anything even remotely useful, unless you count the boobs and the Bambi eyes”.
She was honestly funny in a natural way and not in an overly quirky way. Quirky grates on me quickly.
There was OW drama throughout the whole book, as all the MMCs have a girlfriend/ mate, despite feeling this intense connection to the FMC. To me, it felt like they were emotionally cheating with the FMC. I wasn’t sure if she was being added to a harem or if their girlfriend was going to mysteriously vanish down a well or something. It was a slow burn, so when I paused (61%) the romance wasn’t romancing.
Nothing seemed very clear and I needed more clarity. I can honestly say I couldn’t guess the next move in the book, which I initially liked, but I think there were holes in the plot that could have been resolved sooner.
I would say up to 61%, it had been more fantasy than romance. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I’m struggling to grasp the plot as is.
I think I need someone to spoil the girlfriend situation for me, as currently, the FMC feels like the other woman and every time I read one of the MMC's POVs I think ‘I don’t want to hear your opinion you (future) cheating w**ker’. Irrational … yes.
September 18, 2024
Love this, but I am not in the mood to write much about it. I will say it's different from the norm and really pulls you in from page 1
December 31, 2021
From Victory & Glory is kind of a mess, but points for slow burn romance, original ideas, and entertainment value.
The book drops you right into the penultimate scene before a happily ever after. Mate bonds have been formed, the battle against the big bad is about to begin, and em dashes are being painfully and improperly used—the usual. It's a cool place to start a story. Things get somewhat confusing from there.
The worldbuilding is haphazard from a technical standpoint. Important touchstones are lost in too much expository detail. The amnesiac MFC poses rhetorical questions and comes to illogical conclusions based on what she (and the reader!) knows. Concepts are just generally unexplained and annoyingly inconsistent: "The chances of being gifted a second mate are astronomical," claims one of the MMCs, despite another one describing the OW as a "chosen mate, the woman [he's] sworn to love". There's "no sign of an advanced, mechanical civilization" but the MFC wears a mini skirt and modern undergarments and an MMC has genital piercings that can and do have dangerous outcomes in the 21st century. And so on.
The plot relies heavily on convenience, explained away by ancient machinations, god powers, and a hefty dose of fate (which is undermined by the constant reminder that it's not set in stone). The set up to get characters in the right place at the right time is clunky. The MFC remembers she's a dragon rider so it's a good thing there just happens to be a random dragon nearby. The MMCs are struggling with the psychic mate bond connection so it sure is swell that they accidentally broadcasted their thoughts only right after recounting their secrets. Oh look, we found a witch prophecy stone in a shifter rare books collection looking for facts about a children's story told by a random stranger. What a surprise, we stumble upon a witch who takes us to a painting of the MFC where she expresses her heartfelt regrets over the entire situation.
The ideas in this book are great; it's just the execution that falls short of its potential. Where the author excels is in tone, humor, and relationship building. The heroine's POV is charming and unique. The dialogue is witty without being cliché. The pull of a "fated mate" isn't this mindless, true-love-conquers-all trope; choice and free will make things much more interesting, as do the magical penalties of being married to someone else. The characters are distinct and interesting—even (especially!) the secondary characters. Everything is measured and paced to feel natural.
3.5 because, despite all its flaws, the cliffhanger ending had me groaning. Had the second book already been released, I would have started it immediately.
The book drops you right into the penultimate scene before a happily ever after. Mate bonds have been formed, the battle against the big bad is about to begin, and em dashes are being painfully and improperly used—the usual. It's a cool place to start a story. Things get somewhat confusing from there.
The worldbuilding is haphazard from a technical standpoint. Important touchstones are lost in too much expository detail. The amnesiac MFC poses rhetorical questions and comes to illogical conclusions based on what she (and the reader!) knows. Concepts are just generally unexplained and annoyingly inconsistent: "The chances of being gifted a second mate are astronomical," claims one of the MMCs, despite another one describing the OW as a "chosen mate, the woman [he's] sworn to love". There's "no sign of an advanced, mechanical civilization" but the MFC wears a mini skirt and modern undergarments and an MMC has genital piercings that can and do have dangerous outcomes in the 21st century. And so on.
The plot relies heavily on convenience, explained away by ancient machinations, god powers, and a hefty dose of fate (which is undermined by the constant reminder that it's not set in stone). The set up to get characters in the right place at the right time is clunky. The MFC remembers she's a dragon rider so it's a good thing there just happens to be a random dragon nearby. The MMCs are struggling with the psychic mate bond connection so it sure is swell that they accidentally broadcasted their thoughts only right after recounting their secrets. Oh look, we found a witch prophecy stone in a shifter rare books collection looking for facts about a children's story told by a random stranger. What a surprise, we stumble upon a witch who takes us to a painting of the MFC where she expresses her heartfelt regrets over the entire situation.
The ideas in this book are great; it's just the execution that falls short of its potential. Where the author excels is in tone, humor, and relationship building. The heroine's POV is charming and unique. The dialogue is witty without being cliché. The pull of a "fated mate" isn't this mindless, true-love-conquers-all trope; choice and free will make things much more interesting, as do the magical penalties of being married to someone else. The characters are distinct and interesting—even (especially!) the secondary characters. Everything is measured and paced to feel natural.
3.5 because, despite all its flaws, the cliffhanger ending had me groaning. Had the second book already been released, I would have started it immediately.
October 18, 2024
received for free
I got this book free and wow! It was 100% better than what I was expecting. It did take a little bit to get into. I said to myself more than a handful of times I must have missed a previous series before this book. There are a lot of holes in the story but it’s by design (I guess, lol) as the FMC has just been plopped into this world. So if she doesn’t know anything then you don’t, hahaha. Anyways, I like it and going to book 2.
I got this book free and wow! It was 100% better than what I was expecting. It did take a little bit to get into. I said to myself more than a handful of times I must have missed a previous series before this book. There are a lot of holes in the story but it’s by design (I guess, lol) as the FMC has just been plopped into this world. So if she doesn’t know anything then you don’t, hahaha. Anyways, I like it and going to book 2.
July 5, 2022
This was amazing! I loved it so much! This book throws you into it right away and then shows you information instead of Info dumping and it’s done so well. I loved this book and couldn’t wait to start the second one!
February 2, 2022
Marching off to war might not be the best time to put together a harem, but I’m nothing if not resilient!
You're dropped right into the story at the beginning of a battle and you're just as confused as the FMC! She doesn't remember anything and I mean ANYTHING to the extent that she's confused in which world she's in. At first this is confusing but trust me just roll with it and you learn along with her who she is and what she's there to do.
We learn who will potentially be in her harem; Blake the Vampire King, Sands the Fae King, Rossi the Witch King, and Ayden the Shifter King.
Although, the FMC was leaning towards the trolls - B, Saul, and Dougall as they ticked all the boxes for her, basically murderous and bloodthirsty were her main concerns.
There's multiple POVs, so we find out more about each of the guys and their secrets Blake can't resist a good flirt, Ayden needs to chill, Sands - I feel so sorry for the guy and just want to give him a hug, and Rossi - I'm not on-board with the guy at the moment cause if anyone needs stabbing it's him even though he has a piercing ;)
It's witty and humourous If I’m going to get through this, I’m probably going to have to be charming, congenial, and sexy. I’m doomed.
If you like Raven Kennedy and Kirsty Cunning RHs then add this to your TBR.
Be warned there's a cliffhanger ending, but I can't wait for the next book!
You're dropped right into the story at the beginning of a battle and you're just as confused as the FMC! She doesn't remember anything and I mean ANYTHING to the extent that she's confused in which world she's in. At first this is confusing but trust me just roll with it and you learn along with her who she is and what she's there to do.
We learn who will potentially be in her harem; Blake the Vampire King, Sands the Fae King, Rossi the Witch King, and Ayden the Shifter King.
Although, the FMC was leaning towards the trolls - B, Saul, and Dougall as they ticked all the boxes for her, basically murderous and bloodthirsty were her main concerns.
There's multiple POVs, so we find out more about each of the guys and their secrets Blake can't resist a good flirt, Ayden needs to chill, Sands - I feel so sorry for the guy and just want to give him a hug, and Rossi - I'm not on-board with the guy at the moment cause if anyone needs stabbing it's him even though he has a piercing ;)
It's witty and humourous If I’m going to get through this, I’m probably going to have to be charming, congenial, and sexy. I’m doomed.
If you like Raven Kennedy and Kirsty Cunning RHs then add this to your TBR.
Be warned there's a cliffhanger ending, but I can't wait for the next book!
August 13, 2025
Lyra Glass’s From Victory and Glory grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go. The opening line alone sets the tone a mix of gallows humor, exhaustion, and that strange camaraderie that only comes from facing death together. I love how Glass throws you right into the chaos: war raging, reality twisted, and the main character inhabiting a body they don’t even recognize. It’s disorienting, but in the best possible way, because you feel just as confused and adrenaline charged as they do.
What impressed me most was how the book balances sharp wit with raw, gut punch emotion. The banter between characters especially that “pipsqueak” line made me smirk, even while the stakes were sky high. Glass doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of war, but there’s also an undercurrent of humanity, loyalty, and strange hope running through it.
The pacing is relentless, yet there are moments of quiet reflection that make you care about these people beyond the battlefield. I found myself genuinely invested, not just in whether they’d survive the next fight, but in who they were beneath the armor and exhaustion.
If you’re looking for a war story with a twist something that blends immersive worldbuilding, sardonic humor, and heart From Victory and Glory is a must read. By the end, I felt wrung out, exhilarated, and strangely grateful for the ride.
What impressed me most was how the book balances sharp wit with raw, gut punch emotion. The banter between characters especially that “pipsqueak” line made me smirk, even while the stakes were sky high. Glass doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of war, but there’s also an undercurrent of humanity, loyalty, and strange hope running through it.
The pacing is relentless, yet there are moments of quiet reflection that make you care about these people beyond the battlefield. I found myself genuinely invested, not just in whether they’d survive the next fight, but in who they were beneath the armor and exhaustion.
If you’re looking for a war story with a twist something that blends immersive worldbuilding, sardonic humor, and heart From Victory and Glory is a must read. By the end, I felt wrung out, exhilarated, and strangely grateful for the ride.
January 20, 2024
I’m not a Fantasy Fan.
The only other fantasy I’ve ever got to the end of is The Hobbit. So this wasn’t my usual pick up, but with the offer on at the time, I gave it a go-
And OH it was refreshing!
A witty, intelligent, humorous main female character. Some of the perceptions and one liners around the often unquestioned patriarchal assumptions were absolutely divine- including THAT sex scene. So rarely do I read sex that I would actually like to be a part of in fiction! (Can’t remember any of these things when trying to get through and failing with Terry Pratchetts)
The characters and their relationships are compelling throughout. All fully developed beings that you want to know more about and spend time with. Even when their faults make you enraged- they are so well written that you want to see what happens to them.
I got a bit lost in some of the worlds (I had to research what ‘fae’ are ), but managed to relax into it when I realised that initially the protagonist is as confused as we are.
Oooo cliffhanger!
Yes to book 2!
It’s the sort of book where you don’t want to read anything else in between the 1st and 2nd…
The only other fantasy I’ve ever got to the end of is The Hobbit. So this wasn’t my usual pick up, but with the offer on at the time, I gave it a go-
And OH it was refreshing!
A witty, intelligent, humorous main female character. Some of the perceptions and one liners around the often unquestioned patriarchal assumptions were absolutely divine- including THAT sex scene. So rarely do I read sex that I would actually like to be a part of in fiction! (Can’t remember any of these things when trying to get through and failing with Terry Pratchetts)
The characters and their relationships are compelling throughout. All fully developed beings that you want to know more about and spend time with. Even when their faults make you enraged- they are so well written that you want to see what happens to them.
I got a bit lost in some of the worlds (I had to research what ‘fae’ are ), but managed to relax into it when I realised that initially the protagonist is as confused as we are.
Oooo cliffhanger!
Yes to book 2!
It’s the sort of book where you don’t want to read anything else in between the 1st and 2nd…
July 23, 2025
Victory and glory
This one was a dnf for me. It was beautifully written and the editing was fine. The plot was simply weird and so impossible to understand that I decided to stop after one hundred pages. The story opens on the Eve of a great battle and our heroine has magically appeared amongst the soldiers with no memory or knowledge of who she is. She assumes she has some secret powers and has an imaginary friend she talks to. On the sidelines is a meta reverse harem group of kings of the various paranormal groups and their mate. Each king has a reaction to our heroine, some recognizing her from the past. It seems she serves various mythical Gods and is bestowed their powers in each incarnation. That's what I understood. If you're in the mood, I'm sure it would be enjoyable.
This one was a dnf for me. It was beautifully written and the editing was fine. The plot was simply weird and so impossible to understand that I decided to stop after one hundred pages. The story opens on the Eve of a great battle and our heroine has magically appeared amongst the soldiers with no memory or knowledge of who she is. She assumes she has some secret powers and has an imaginary friend she talks to. On the sidelines is a meta reverse harem group of kings of the various paranormal groups and their mate. Each king has a reaction to our heroine, some recognizing her from the past. It seems she serves various mythical Gods and is bestowed their powers in each incarnation. That's what I understood. If you're in the mood, I'm sure it would be enjoyable.
February 1, 2023
Amazing, original storyline
An amazing book, such an original and unique spin on the classic paranormal genre. I loved the world the author created and the whole idea of champions and dragon riders. It is a bit confusing at first, but just stick with it because at the MFC starts to understand more so do you.
The MFC was awesome, she was so funny, fierce and all around very loveable. The witty banter between her and all the other characters was fantastic and very funny.
It is a slow burn romance which is great at it gives the relationships more time to develop and feels much more natural.
It was very well written (barring a couple of typos) moved at a great pace and I thought the way the author did the various names/aliases at the start of each chapter was really cool.
An amazing book, such an original and unique spin on the classic paranormal genre. I loved the world the author created and the whole idea of champions and dragon riders. It is a bit confusing at first, but just stick with it because at the MFC starts to understand more so do you.
The MFC was awesome, she was so funny, fierce and all around very loveable. The witty banter between her and all the other characters was fantastic and very funny.
It is a slow burn romance which is great at it gives the relationships more time to develop and feels much more natural.
It was very well written (barring a couple of typos) moved at a great pace and I thought the way the author did the various names/aliases at the start of each chapter was really cool.
November 11, 2025
absolutely loved this book ❤️
Let me start by saying that this debut author has the gift of story telling in bucket loads
However if you’re looking for spice this is not the book for you ( though there could be in book 2 as there are four main MMCs and one of the best / snarky / wildly independent FMCs I’ve had the pleasure to read in ages ) … BUT if you are wanting a refreshingly entertaining and frankly at times hilarious story …then download this absolute treasure and thank me later
Highly highly recommend this book
Let me start by saying that this debut author has the gift of story telling in bucket loads
However if you’re looking for spice this is not the book for you ( though there could be in book 2 as there are four main MMCs and one of the best / snarky / wildly independent FMCs I’ve had the pleasure to read in ages ) … BUT if you are wanting a refreshingly entertaining and frankly at times hilarious story …then download this absolute treasure and thank me later
Highly highly recommend this book
July 11, 2025
This Book is a MUST!!
The author sucks you in with an amazing plot and the world building is fantastical. It’s a slow burn but I’m really appreciating how the FMC is building separate relationships with each MMC. Love the sidekick as well! Can’t wait to dive into the second book and start unraveling all the mysteries!!
The author sucks you in with an amazing plot and the world building is fantastical. It’s a slow burn but I’m really appreciating how the FMC is building separate relationships with each MMC. Love the sidekick as well! Can’t wait to dive into the second book and start unraveling all the mysteries!!
July 12, 2025
absolutely amazing
This book had me hooked from the first page and didn’t the twists, turns, lies, truths and excitement didn’t stop till the last page. I instantly downloaded the second book to read. This book is amazing, I laughed so much at some of what ‘me’ said. I a million percent recommend reading
This book had me hooked from the first page and didn’t the twists, turns, lies, truths and excitement didn’t stop till the last page. I instantly downloaded the second book to read. This book is amazing, I laughed so much at some of what ‘me’ said. I a million percent recommend reading
February 17, 2026
So something you should know about me is while I like reverse-harem romances, I ADORE reverse-harem romances WITH👏🏻 A 👏🏻PLOT👏🏻
And lemme tell ya this book delivered
I would’ve loved more focus on the romance element but I see we’re playing the long game and I don’t mind too much 😌
Looking forward to more!
And lemme tell ya this book delivered
I would’ve loved more focus on the romance element but I see we’re playing the long game and I don’t mind too much 😌
Looking forward to more!
March 4, 2022
gets better as book goes on, keep reading
I almost put this book down in the first part of it because I literally thought it was going to be simple and basic but it does get interesting and better as book goes on
I almost put this book down in the first part of it because I literally thought it was going to be simple and basic but it does get interesting and better as book goes on
July 5, 2025
Loved it!
How have I only just found this book??? This was such a good book and can't believe that this is their debut book! I absolutely loved this and Me / Pip is hilarious. I'm diving straight into the next book
How have I only just found this book??? This was such a good book and can't believe that this is their debut book! I absolutely loved this and Me / Pip is hilarious. I'm diving straight into the next book
July 8, 2025
Great book, going to start book 2 tomorrow but it seems like the story will never be finished, too bad because it was an interesting and unique first book and may be one of my favorites if it's ever finished.
July 26, 2025
Amazing story - highly recommend
This story is absolutely fantastic. It keeps you guessing, the main character has great internal monologue. Great world building. Banter. I was in such a book slump then this completely turned it around. I love how the story is unfold by and we are slowly watching things come together. Can’t wait to read more!
This story is absolutely fantastic. It keeps you guessing, the main character has great internal monologue. Great world building. Banter. I was in such a book slump then this completely turned it around. I love how the story is unfold by and we are slowly watching things come together. Can’t wait to read more!
February 10, 2022
AHA!
This book drops you into direct chaos but its addictive.
A funny original read with brilliant inner dialogue.
I cannot wait to bearead book 2!
This book drops you into direct chaos but its addictive.
A funny original read with brilliant inner dialogue.
I cannot wait to bearead book 2!
July 10, 2025
I slept at 02H34 and called in sick so I could binge the second book. 'Nuf said
August 1, 2025
I need more!
This book was so good! Pip had me laughing and there’s so much mystery behind her. Cant wait to start book two (darn cliffhanger lol)
This book was so good! Pip had me laughing and there’s so much mystery behind her. Cant wait to start book two (darn cliffhanger lol)
February 8, 2024
Loved this! I loved that our main girl is powerful and independent, but not in an in your face way. She’s never arrogant, like a lot of the “independent badass” heroines seem to be. The world was so interesting. Great start to an exciting series!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews