In a world in which dreams are guarded and nightmares are unsanctioned, one woman’s unraveling mind may hold the key to everything the empire fears.
Elysia has spent her life thus far beneath the white clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from nightmares and the Nithrin elves that feed on them—until now. Her dreams have begun to twist into haunting scenes of ancient creatures, death . . . and a mysterious figure cloaked in light and shadow. Elysia suspects he’s a Dromin elf breaking multiple laws to appear to her, and his whispered words and lingering touch ignite a spark between them that the gods themselves will soon fear.
When the queen dies and a brutal selection process to replace her begins, Elysia quickly realizes the waking world is fracturing alongside her sleeping one. Women across the empire are offered to the elven high priestess, put forward as potential heads for a crown drenched in blood and lies. Elysia finds herself at the center of the trials, and if she’s to survive them, she’ll have to decide what she’s willing to fight for—and if she can live with the choices she’s forced to make. Because only one will be chosen as queen, but all will be broken in the process.
Elysia eventually ascends into the elven world to find the one who stirred her heart is waiting there, but his true identity is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Choosing each other will mean forsaking the world they’re trying to save . . .
I just finished this book, and oh my god—what an amazing first installment! It made my list of favorites without any doubt.
The worldbuilding is top-notch. From the first to the last, I felt fully immersed in the story, gazing through Elysia’s eyes. The scenes were so vividly described that it was easy to get lost in the setting. While there are still plenty of mysteries and places we have yet to see, it just leaves me even more excited for the next book!
The character development was superb. From the leads to the side characters, everyone felt alive and incredibly well-written.
Elysia, a human woman with a huge heart for those around her, is chosen to represent her village in the selection for a new Queen. In a world split between two factions of elves: the Dromin, who provide -and feed on- peaceful dreams, and the Nithrin, who feed on nightmares, will she be able to stay true to her heart??
Arrgghhh… there is so much more going on behind the scenes, and Elysia is in for a wild ride *sigh*
Then we have Rhune, who has been guarding Elysia in her dreams. It’s hard to say more without spoiling anything, but the chemistry between them… I seriously need book two immediately!
(I need to point out, though, that there is no spice in this book, nor was it needed)
I finished this in just two sittings (I had to sleep and work, unfortunately), but it was so hard to put down. I was utterly engrossed and emotionally invested from page one. The pacing and flow were excellent, never overwhelming, but never letting you go, either.
My heart… Those last few chapters… brutal.