The Last Touch: A slow burn dystopian dark romance

by Radu Niculescu

In a future where love is forbidden, two women hold the power to make the world feel again.
Elira was born in a kingdom of magic, a world shaped by beauty, memory, and light. But when a surge of fate hurls her two thousand years into a future ruled by silence and control, she becomes a relic — a threat. Emotion is outlawed. Touch is dangerous. And love? Extinct.
Hunted by a soulless regime and haunted by echoes of her past, Elira finds an unlikely ally in Kael, an enforcer trained never to feel. As her presence begins to stir something long-buried in him — and in the world — Elira discovers she is not alone.
Across the scarred land, Alira lives in the shadows, carrying a pendant that hums with memory and burns with a pain she doesn’t understand. When their paths collide, so does history itself.
Together, they are the last spark. The last truth. The last touch.
A lyrical dystopian fantasy about memory, magic, and forbidden connection — perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, This Is How You Lose the Time War, and The Midnight Library.
Book One of a potential duology or series.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2025

Reviews

[Gouri Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is tense and full of mystery. I liked how Elira’s presence quietly disrupted the lifeless world around her, making small cracks in the cold, controlled order. The mix of strange technology, dreamlike forests, and glowing symbols kept me hooked.

[Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in dystopian future where feelings are seen as relics of past and threats. Therefore emotions have been erased in the name of absolute order and control. Smallest of emotion can cause a rebellion. A very interesting plot, worth reading. It makes you imagine a world where joy, sorrow, happiness doesn't exist anymore.

[Janet K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Last Touch. Radu Niculescu delivers a beautifully crafted world where love is banned, memory is dangerous, and yet somehow, the biggest danger is how attached you’ll get to these characters.

Elira and Kael’s slow-burn connection pulled me in right away. The writing is lush and lyrical, the worldbuilding is rich, and the emotional tension is chef’s kiss. I docked one star only because I wanted just a bit more clarity in some world details. Still, this book delivers a powerful punch of emotion, rebellion, and magic. For anyone who loves dystopian stories with heart and poetry, this one belongs on your shelf. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where Niculescu takes the story next.

[Nazia Sultana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slow-burn dystopian romance unfolds in a world that’s dark and uncertain. In the midst of societal collapse, two people find each other and form a bond that becomes their only source of hope. The romance develops gradually with high emotional tension, making every touch significant.

What I loved most is how the characters feel real despite the grim setting. Their little moments of trust and vulnerability stand out in an otherwise harsh world. The writing is subtle but powerful, and keeps you deeply invested until the end.

[Christina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was imprisoned with the complicated and cute cover of the book and decided to take it. I enjoyed the story overall, even though the main base was not particularly unique - I read dozens of books with comparable subjects, such as discrepancy, delirium and donor - but something was compelling about it. Perhaps this was because the characters were not unpleasant, pacing was accurate, and the book was really faster and liquidly flowing. Even though it is not revolutionary, it was still a fun read.

[Melissa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The universe in which it is a slow burning diastopian romance is foggy and unknown. Amidst the breakdown of society, two persons discover each other and develop a relationship that serves as their only hope. Due to the acute emotional stress and slow growth of romance, every touch is important. Despite the foggy position, the realization of the characters is what I praised the most. In a harsh environment, their short moments of vulnerability and belief stand out. You remain fascinated to the very end because subtle yet for impressive writing.

[Rebecca Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time when a look can reveal someone's true identity. "The Last Touch" hoped that love would return. This compelling diastopian story is full of memorable characters, high-dot magic and emotional stress. You will remember Elira's cruel energy and silent disintegration of Kail for a long time beyond the previous page. A tremendous punch of heart and hope is given by the slow burn intensity and lyrical prose of this book. A series that promises even more magic, rebellion and heart touching turns, is a great beginning.

[Sophiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elira is an adorable princess. Her spirit is bright and delightful. Her curious nature often lead her to questioning the traditions that sought to bind her.

On an unfortunate day, she finds herself in a completely new world. This place is devoid of feelings, emotions.

The character of Kael Ryven makes you imagine how utterly empty life would look without expressing emotions. It's an engaging tale with beautifully written characters.

[Shubhadarshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about magic, forgotten feelings, and fighting for love in a future where emotions are illegal, touching is dangerous and love has vanished.

Elira and Kael's bond wasn't easy to form, given their difficult circumstances. Their journey was immensely challenging which makes it a captivating read.

[Sakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in dystopian future where feelings are seen as relics of past and threats. Therefore emotions have been erased in the name of absolute order and control. Smallest of emotion can cause a rebellion. A very interesting plot, worth reading. It makes you imagine a world where joy, sorrow, happiness doesn't exist anymore.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about magic, lost feelings, and struggling for love in the future where touching is risky, emotions are forbidden, and love has disappeared. The friendship between Elira and Kail did not easily occur due to their challenging circumstances. This is a compelling because their path was so difficult.

[Heather Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently designed diastopian fantasy, final touch efficiently adds magic, emotion and rebellion to a fleeing story. Redu Nikulesku takes you to a future in which love is a radical work through its poetic and terrible world-building. The journey of Elira and Kail is incredibly poignant, which provides humanity and hope in the strict world of both.

[Alex Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever longed for a dystopian novel that values emotional intelligence over spectacle, The Last Touch is your answer. Niculescu invites the reader not just to watch a world fall apart, but to feel what’s been lost and what could still be regained.

[Walter Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book thinking ‘oh cool, dystopian fantasy,’ and ended it sobbing over a pendant. Who cries over jewelry?? Apparently I do now. Elira and Kael made my cold, dead heart feel things I was NOT prepared for. Please read this you gonna wish reading more of Radu books.

[Lewis King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niculescu brings something fresh and poetic to the genre. I was struck by the delicate balance between raw emotion and the harsh world Elira and Kael inhabit. Readers who appreciate thoughtful, beautifully written stories will be drawn in.

[Micheal Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, I signed up for a cool dystopian fantasy, not a full on emotional rollercoaster! But wow, what a ride. If you want to feel everything in a world where no one’s supposed to feel anything grab this book.

[Sejal Warwatkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered how empty life can be when there is no freedom to express our emotions, then this is book to experience it. This is the reality of Elira and Kael. Their struggles are palpable.