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Heart of Faelithia
Seventeen years ago, Luna vanished without a trace.
Now the missing princess has stepped out of the human world and onto a faerie throne she never trained for.
In Faelithia, beauty is law, magic is currency, and adultery is the gravest sin—even in a society where polyamorous bonds are common. The realm is a utopia only while its rulers are willing to sacrifice anything that might tip the delicate balance they call the Unity.
But cracks splinter the kingdom’s crystal soul-drinking wraiths prowl the borders, dragons have abandoned the skies, and the Unity that keeps the five elemental Houses from civil war is unraveling fast.
Luna would run—if she hadn’t already fallen for the realm’s twin suns, its people, and one infuriating guardian who believes failure is his destiny.
To save a kingdom that barely accepts her, Luna must first choose to claim it—unearth the secrets that buried her past, and find the courage to reshape what has stood unchanged for a thousand years… hopefully from the back of a dragon.
Now the missing princess has stepped out of the human world and onto a faerie throne she never trained for.
In Faelithia, beauty is law, magic is currency, and adultery is the gravest sin—even in a society where polyamorous bonds are common. The realm is a utopia only while its rulers are willing to sacrifice anything that might tip the delicate balance they call the Unity.
But cracks splinter the kingdom’s crystal soul-drinking wraiths prowl the borders, dragons have abandoned the skies, and the Unity that keeps the five elemental Houses from civil war is unraveling fast.
Luna would run—if she hadn’t already fallen for the realm’s twin suns, its people, and one infuriating guardian who believes failure is his destiny.
To save a kingdom that barely accepts her, Luna must first choose to claim it—unearth the secrets that buried her past, and find the courage to reshape what has stood unchanged for a thousand years… hopefully from the back of a dragon.
- GenresFantasy
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
11 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Many thanks to Magdaléna Gavlasová for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.
Magic, Identity, and a Search for Belonging
‘Heart of Faelithia’ by Magdaléna Gavlasová is a romantasy that unfolds at a measured pace, inviting the reader into a fae kingdom where beauty and danger exist side by side. Faelithia feels both enchanting and unsettling, carried by a quiet tension that slowly weaves itself through the story. The atmosphere is dreamy and melancholic, with a strong focus on emotion rather than action.
Luna is the emotional anchor of the novel. Her doubts, inner conflicts, and gradual growth give the story its heart. Despite her fae heritage, she feels deeply human, and it is this psychological layering that makes her journey compelling. Watching her struggle with identity and belonging adds a sense of intimacy to the narrative.
While Luna is thoughtfully developed, the supporting cast remains more elusive. Their motivations and relationships are hinted at rather than fully explored, which sometimes lessens the emotional impact of certain choices and turning points. These narrative gaps feel intentional, but they do not always strengthen the story.
The same applies to the structure. Some scenes and storylines feel slightly rushed or left unfinished, as if there was room for more depth and emotional resonance. With more space, Faelithia itself could have felt even richer and more immersive.
Despite these shortcomings, ‘Heart of Faelithia’ left a lasting impression on me. The melancholic tone, the focus on inner conflict, and Luna’s emotional journey stayed with me long after finishing the book. It may not be flawless, but its atmosphere and introspective nature make it a captivating read for readers who value mood, emotion, and character-driven storytelling.
Magic, Identity, and a Search for Belonging
‘Heart of Faelithia’ by Magdaléna Gavlasová is a romantasy that unfolds at a measured pace, inviting the reader into a fae kingdom where beauty and danger exist side by side. Faelithia feels both enchanting and unsettling, carried by a quiet tension that slowly weaves itself through the story. The atmosphere is dreamy and melancholic, with a strong focus on emotion rather than action.
Luna is the emotional anchor of the novel. Her doubts, inner conflicts, and gradual growth give the story its heart. Despite her fae heritage, she feels deeply human, and it is this psychological layering that makes her journey compelling. Watching her struggle with identity and belonging adds a sense of intimacy to the narrative.
While Luna is thoughtfully developed, the supporting cast remains more elusive. Their motivations and relationships are hinted at rather than fully explored, which sometimes lessens the emotional impact of certain choices and turning points. These narrative gaps feel intentional, but they do not always strengthen the story.
The same applies to the structure. Some scenes and storylines feel slightly rushed or left unfinished, as if there was room for more depth and emotional resonance. With more space, Faelithia itself could have felt even richer and more immersive.
Despite these shortcomings, ‘Heart of Faelithia’ left a lasting impression on me. The melancholic tone, the focus on inner conflict, and Luna’s emotional journey stayed with me long after finishing the book. It may not be flawless, but its atmosphere and introspective nature make it a captivating read for readers who value mood, emotion, and character-driven storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of ARC from Author.
I really enjoyed this book. you are definitely thrown right into it so it takes a minute to get your footing. I liked the magic system, but would have loved to see it in play more. they all have elemental magic but it only tells you want they can do, you dont see it on page too much. I had some hunches before they happened, and some parts had me going back a bit to verify things. overall fun read, interested to see where the story goes from here.
I really enjoyed this book. you are definitely thrown right into it so it takes a minute to get your footing. I liked the magic system, but would have loved to see it in play more. they all have elemental magic but it only tells you want they can do, you dont see it on page too much. I had some hunches before they happened, and some parts had me going back a bit to verify things. overall fun read, interested to see where the story goes from here.
November 19, 2025
I immediately fell in love with the world and the way the book was written. I couldn't put it down and always looked forward to opening it again. I enjoyed the combination of the fairy world with Luna's uninhibited expression and thought processes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Heart of Faelithia by Magdalena Gavlasova is a charming fantasy with clear strengths and some areas that left me wanting a bit more, landing at 3 stars overall. The world of Faelithia—with its fae magic, ancient forests, and whisper of old prophecies—feels imaginative and cosy‑epic at the same time, and the author has a real talent for atmosphere and visual detail. The premise and setting are genuinely engaging, and there are several moments where the story’s heart and warmth shine through beautifully.
Where the book didn’t fully work for me was in pacing and character depth. The plot sometimes moves a little unevenly, with sections that felt slower or less focused, and there were times I wished for deeper exploration of the main characters’ inner lives and relationships to fully match the potential of the worldbuilding. That said, the foundation is strong: the hints of romance, the mysterious threads in the fae lore, and the overall tone make this a pleasant, gentle read rather than a heavy, high‑stakes epic.
Overall, The Heart of Faelithia is a nice, imaginative fantasy that readers who enjoy cosy, romantic‑leaning adventures in magical worlds may really appreciate. While it didn’t become a new favourite for me, it has a lot of heart, and I’d be curious to see how Gavlasova continues to grow and expand this universe. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where the book didn’t fully work for me was in pacing and character depth. The plot sometimes moves a little unevenly, with sections that felt slower or less focused, and there were times I wished for deeper exploration of the main characters’ inner lives and relationships to fully match the potential of the worldbuilding. That said, the foundation is strong: the hints of romance, the mysterious threads in the fae lore, and the overall tone make this a pleasant, gentle read rather than a heavy, high‑stakes epic.
Overall, The Heart of Faelithia is a nice, imaginative fantasy that readers who enjoy cosy, romantic‑leaning adventures in magical worlds may really appreciate. While it didn’t become a new favourite for me, it has a lot of heart, and I’d be curious to see how Gavlasova continues to grow and expand this universe. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received for an honest review.
Let’s start with the positives: the worldbuilding in this book is vibrant, unique, and genuinely lovely. The setting drew me in right away, and the magic system was a real highlight, so intriguing and full of promise.
But I struggled with the characters, especially our FMC, Luna. She’s hot-headed and so easily manipulated, which made her feel more frustrating than endearing. Luna constantly complains that she isn’t included in the kingdom’s decisions, yet doesn’t seem to put in the effort to change it. Instead of getting involved, she spends her days dancing, wandering tunnels, or training with a sword. Cool skills, but I wanted her to step up and really care about her kingdom and people. ( Even if her people are assh***s lol)
As for Rowen… not going to lie, he just didn’t work for me from the start. And most of the plot twists? They were a bit too obvious. Which took some of the magic out of the journey.
The writing style is a mixed bag. There are some beautiful, poetic moments, but other times it dips into almost childish territory, which pulled me out of the story.
I genuinely tried to love this book, and while it wasn’t my taste overall, I have to shout out that final chapter from Zeph’s POV. It was stunningly written. Poetic, raw, and absolutely gutting. I wish the rest of the book had given me more of that energy.
So yeah, it had some gorgeous worldbuilding and some truly standout scenes, but the characters and predictability kept me from fully falling in love. If you like lush settings and don’t mind a frustrating heroine, it might be for you.
Let’s start with the positives: the worldbuilding in this book is vibrant, unique, and genuinely lovely. The setting drew me in right away, and the magic system was a real highlight, so intriguing and full of promise.
But I struggled with the characters, especially our FMC, Luna. She’s hot-headed and so easily manipulated, which made her feel more frustrating than endearing. Luna constantly complains that she isn’t included in the kingdom’s decisions, yet doesn’t seem to put in the effort to change it. Instead of getting involved, she spends her days dancing, wandering tunnels, or training with a sword. Cool skills, but I wanted her to step up and really care about her kingdom and people. ( Even if her people are assh***s lol)
As for Rowen… not going to lie, he just didn’t work for me from the start. And most of the plot twists? They were a bit too obvious. Which took some of the magic out of the journey.
The writing style is a mixed bag. There are some beautiful, poetic moments, but other times it dips into almost childish territory, which pulled me out of the story.
I genuinely tried to love this book, and while it wasn’t my taste overall, I have to shout out that final chapter from Zeph’s POV. It was stunningly written. Poetic, raw, and absolutely gutting. I wish the rest of the book had given me more of that energy.
So yeah, it had some gorgeous worldbuilding and some truly standout scenes, but the characters and predictability kept me from fully falling in love. If you like lush settings and don’t mind a frustrating heroine, it might be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
“I'm not used to backing down. Not used to not getting my way. And I'm definitely not used to giving up the things that make me…me.”
I was pulled into Faelithia, a world of Faeries and magic and intrigue. The atmosphere is dreamy full of nature soaked vibes. The focus on the emotions rather than action was enchanting.
I love Luna with her inner conflicts, doubts and how she struggles with the feeling of belonging without losing herself. I didn’t like Rowan right from the start. I don't want to give anything away but when you know you know.
Gorgeous Zephyrion with his distant air about him drew me to him. I love the banter and the tension between him and Luna, which made me love Zephyrion even more. But that ending…the betrayal left me wanting more.
This is a story that you feel. Faelithia left a lasting impression on me as I felt a lot like Luna each moment of her journey. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Luna.
Elemental magic
Fae/human world
Politics
Arranged marriage
Lost princess
Dragon
Slow burn tension
Enemies to lovers
“He kisses me like it's his first breath after drowning, and when his tongue slips into my mouth, it feels like it's always belonged there. Like it's his to claim, and I don't mind.”
Thank you Magdalena for sharing this ARC with me.
I was pulled into Faelithia, a world of Faeries and magic and intrigue. The atmosphere is dreamy full of nature soaked vibes. The focus on the emotions rather than action was enchanting.
I love Luna with her inner conflicts, doubts and how she struggles with the feeling of belonging without losing herself. I didn’t like Rowan right from the start. I don't want to give anything away but when you know you know.
Gorgeous Zephyrion with his distant air about him drew me to him. I love the banter and the tension between him and Luna, which made me love Zephyrion even more. But that ending…the betrayal left me wanting more.
This is a story that you feel. Faelithia left a lasting impression on me as I felt a lot like Luna each moment of her journey. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Luna.
Elemental magic
Fae/human world
Politics
Arranged marriage
Lost princess
Dragon
Slow burn tension
Enemies to lovers
“He kisses me like it's his first breath after drowning, and when his tongue slips into my mouth, it feels like it's always belonged there. Like it's his to claim, and I don't mind.”
Thank you Magdalena for sharing this ARC with me.
November 27, 2025
finished "Heart of Faelithia" and wow, what a ride! 17 years ago Luna vanished without a trace and now she come back to Faelithia. I was hooked from the first page, trying to figure what hat happened . The author did such an amazing job building up the mystery surrounding her disappearance.And Faelithia itself felt like a character, so vibrant and full of secrets! I couldn't put it down, constantly wondering what secrets Luna would uncover. I’m already hoping for a sequel to explore more of Faelithia! Highly recommend if you love a good fantasy with a touch of mystery.
January 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily!!
I’m going to need 5-7 business days to recover from this book!
There is a lot to unpack and I have to be vague because I don’t want any spoilers… so here we go!
Let’s start with the world building. It goes above and beyond a lot of books I’ve read in the past. The extreme detail that we take in all while the FMC is taking it all in is a thing of beauty. The characters no matter how small the role served a purpose all of which came through.
Luna!! Omgsh she was so back and forth with her emotions I swear someone was screwing with her(and we all know the someone if you’ve read it.) she was headstrong but fierce and knew wha she wanted most of the time. She fell into her roll and embraced it and fought for people who definitely wouldn’t have fought for her. Rowan…hated him from the start. I don’t want to give anything away but I just knewwwwww something was coming. I KNEW IT! Zeph, my beautiful Zeph…sometimes I really wanted to strangle him. But his back and forth banter with Luna was so good! He felt like he failed her and made sure not to do it again…minus that little hiccup at the end…I have to know why it ended the way it did! I need book 2 ASAP!
This book had so many ups and downs and packed a lot of information. I feel like some things were brushed over quickly that I would have liked to know more about but those things could be coming in spinoffs or simply just explained in more detail later.
The ending…the freaking ending….im glad she accomplished what she set out to do and I can’t wait to watch her maybe literally burn the world down. But the betrayal with Elva…i have sooooooo many questions!!! UGHHHHHHHH!!!
All in all this book is definitely a 6 star read! It’s the second book I’ve read this year and it might take me a while to get over!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m going to need 5-7 business days to recover from this book!
There is a lot to unpack and I have to be vague because I don’t want any spoilers… so here we go!
Let’s start with the world building. It goes above and beyond a lot of books I’ve read in the past. The extreme detail that we take in all while the FMC is taking it all in is a thing of beauty. The characters no matter how small the role served a purpose all of which came through.
Luna!! Omgsh she was so back and forth with her emotions I swear someone was screwing with her(and we all know the someone if you’ve read it.) she was headstrong but fierce and knew wha she wanted most of the time. She fell into her roll and embraced it and fought for people who definitely wouldn’t have fought for her. Rowan…hated him from the start. I don’t want to give anything away but I just knewwwwww something was coming. I KNEW IT! Zeph, my beautiful Zeph…sometimes I really wanted to strangle him. But his back and forth banter with Luna was so good! He felt like he failed her and made sure not to do it again…minus that little hiccup at the end…I have to know why it ended the way it did! I need book 2 ASAP!
This book had so many ups and downs and packed a lot of information. I feel like some things were brushed over quickly that I would have liked to know more about but those things could be coming in spinoffs or simply just explained in more detail later.
The ending…the freaking ending….im glad she accomplished what she set out to do and I can’t wait to watch her maybe literally burn the world down. But the betrayal with Elva…i have sooooooo many questions!!! UGHHHHHHHH!!!
All in all this book is definitely a 6 star read! It’s the second book I’ve read this year and it might take me a while to get over!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 18, 2026
I loved this book! The world building and character building were top notch. The growth of the FMC was great to read. She went from being a nobody to somebody important. Fae, magic and mystical creatures all draw you in. It has secrets and betrayal. It also has LGBT+ representation. I can't wait for the next book!
January 1, 2026
I got to read this book as an ARC it is a cozy little fantasy book. It didn’t have overly complicated world building. The author could have expanded on some parts but I enjoyed it. I am interested to see where the story goes from here
January 11, 2026
I devoured this book! I quickly got familiar with the terms, the characters, and the world of Faelithia. I was a bit nervous at first because it’s longer than what I usually read, but I ended up flying through it. Every chapter mattered, every action, obstacle, and conversation. Wow! I just couldn’t stop reading.
I absolutely loved Zephyrion and Luna. It’s been a long time since I genuinely rooted for two characters to finally admit their feelings. Both Luna’s storyline and her relationship with Zephyrion were so captivating, and I was truly eager to see what would happen next because I honestly had no idea where things were heading.
The ending took me by surprise and totally shocked me! I couldn’t believe it, and I kept hoping there was a deeper reason behind it. I felt so many emotions and so much empathy for the FMC.
I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved Zephyrion and Luna. It’s been a long time since I genuinely rooted for two characters to finally admit their feelings. Both Luna’s storyline and her relationship with Zephyrion were so captivating, and I was truly eager to see what would happen next because I honestly had no idea where things were heading.
The ending took me by surprise and totally shocked me! I couldn’t believe it, and I kept hoping there was a deeper reason behind it. I felt so many emotions and so much empathy for the FMC.
I can’t wait for the next book!
January 13, 2026
ARC Review: This was one of the most charming fantasy novels I’ve ever read! The world building and the attention to detail was spot on! I felt like I also stepped through the portal from the human world into Faelithia. I loved the fmc, Luna, and her strength and perseverance despite what others thought of her. And Zeph?! I could not get enough of his protective behavior and the banter between him and Luna.
So much happens throughout this book! From the beginning, to the end, and everything in between, you will not want to put this book down! I need book two asap!
Also, the zibblies!! I’m obsessed and definitely want one!
So much happens throughout this book! From the beginning, to the end, and everything in between, you will not want to put this book down! I need book two asap!
Also, the zibblies!! I’m obsessed and definitely want one!
January 2, 2026
Have you ever read a story that makes you live it to the very fiber of your being... the kind that transports you into an entirely different realm...
Last month, I had that exact experience with my ARC read of Heart of Faethilia by author Magdalena Gavlasova and I honestly haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
First of all, thank you Magdalena, for letting me walk through such a breathtakingly beautiful story.
The novel is set in a Fae land.. a world brimming with magic, politics and elemental power. Our FMC Luna, returns to her homeland as an adult after being mysteriously abducted to the human world in childhood. But instead of a warm welcome, she is immediately thrown into royal responsibilities she was never trained for. In her absence, her younger sister had been prepared her entire life to rule, creating a bittersweet and emotionally charged dynamic between them.
While trying to navigate her sudden rise to power, Luna constantly clashes with Lord Zephyrion, the broody, sharp tongued son of an elite political guardian family. He’s infuriating, watchful and entirely impossible to ignore.
Things take a dramatic turn when Luna is forced into an arranged marriage with Zephyrion’s younger brother Rowen, to secure her claim to the throne. What begins as a purely political alliance quickly spirals into chaos and Luna finds herself having to work closely with Zephyrion to untangle a growing web of secrets, lies and dangerous truths.
The world building is immaculate, the tension between the FMC and MMC is palpable and the unfolding mysteries kept me completely hooked and don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger because it had me staring at the last page in shock and literally screaming...
All in all, this book absolutely SERVED.
⭐ 5 stars from me.
P.S. The unexpected crossover between Dora from The Old Serpent and Luna? I did not see that coming, but I’m definitely not complaining💁🏻♀️
Last month, I had that exact experience with my ARC read of Heart of Faethilia by author Magdalena Gavlasova and I honestly haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
First of all, thank you Magdalena, for letting me walk through such a breathtakingly beautiful story.
The novel is set in a Fae land.. a world brimming with magic, politics and elemental power. Our FMC Luna, returns to her homeland as an adult after being mysteriously abducted to the human world in childhood. But instead of a warm welcome, she is immediately thrown into royal responsibilities she was never trained for. In her absence, her younger sister had been prepared her entire life to rule, creating a bittersweet and emotionally charged dynamic between them.
While trying to navigate her sudden rise to power, Luna constantly clashes with Lord Zephyrion, the broody, sharp tongued son of an elite political guardian family. He’s infuriating, watchful and entirely impossible to ignore.
Things take a dramatic turn when Luna is forced into an arranged marriage with Zephyrion’s younger brother Rowen, to secure her claim to the throne. What begins as a purely political alliance quickly spirals into chaos and Luna finds herself having to work closely with Zephyrion to untangle a growing web of secrets, lies and dangerous truths.
The world building is immaculate, the tension between the FMC and MMC is palpable and the unfolding mysteries kept me completely hooked and don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger because it had me staring at the last page in shock and literally screaming...
All in all, this book absolutely SERVED.
⭐ 5 stars from me.
P.S. The unexpected crossover between Dora from The Old Serpent and Luna? I did not see that coming, but I’m definitely not complaining💁🏻♀️
December 29, 2025
I absolutely devoured Heart of Faelithia.
👑 lost royalty
⚔️ he teaches her to spar
👊 who did this to you?
💥 corrupt court
We arrive in Faelithia at the same time as their lost queen, Luna. Knowing as much about the world as she does (nothing).
A (maybe?) powerless queen, raised by humans, thrown into a world of complex court politics, fae tradition, hidden tunnels, arranged marriages, and a sister who was raised for the throne upon which she now sits.
We get to watch Luna come to terms with who she is, and the power she holds in this world. We watch her become a part of it, come into her own, and survive her enemies (and husband) while finding love of her own.
When betrayal strikes and she must put it all on the line for her life and her kingdom, she rises to the occasion and returns victorious. More powerful than ever.
The side characters in this book are all uniquely motivated and deeply fleshed out. Not one interaction is wasted, and there is STILL SO MUCH to unravel— especially with that heart shattering plot twist at the end.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough. And I’m on the edge of my seat for book 2.
👑 lost royalty
⚔️ he teaches her to spar
👊 who did this to you?
💥 corrupt court
We arrive in Faelithia at the same time as their lost queen, Luna. Knowing as much about the world as she does (nothing).
A (maybe?) powerless queen, raised by humans, thrown into a world of complex court politics, fae tradition, hidden tunnels, arranged marriages, and a sister who was raised for the throne upon which she now sits.
We get to watch Luna come to terms with who she is, and the power she holds in this world. We watch her become a part of it, come into her own, and survive her enemies (and husband) while finding love of her own.
When betrayal strikes and she must put it all on the line for her life and her kingdom, she rises to the occasion and returns victorious. More powerful than ever.
The side characters in this book are all uniquely motivated and deeply fleshed out. Not one interaction is wasted, and there is STILL SO MUCH to unravel— especially with that heart shattering plot twist at the end.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough. And I’m on the edge of my seat for book 2.
December 11, 2025
**Thank you to Magdaléna for gifting me this copy to arc read and review**
Heart of Faelithia jumps straight into the world building as Luna is discovered in the human realm as the long lost Fae princess being returned to her rightful home in Faelithia. I really enjoyed the magical Fae world and loved that the magic system is elemental. I did feel like it took a little while to ramp up into the action, then when it did some plot holes and disjointed storyline’s took away from my enjoyable reading experience. I found the romantic story predictable, but still nice. I did have to ‘gasp’ at the end with the little twist, I didn’t see coming. I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Heart of Faelithia jumps straight into the world building as Luna is discovered in the human realm as the long lost Fae princess being returned to her rightful home in Faelithia. I really enjoyed the magical Fae world and loved that the magic system is elemental. I did feel like it took a little while to ramp up into the action, then when it did some plot holes and disjointed storyline’s took away from my enjoyable reading experience. I found the romantic story predictable, but still nice. I did have to ‘gasp’ at the end with the little twist, I didn’t see coming. I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
December 18, 2025
The Heart of Faelithia was an enticing read, I enjoyed the word building and easily fell in love with the characters. It began pretty abruptly, introducing us to Luna as she was thrust into another world and told she was fae royalty. Reading, I was probably feeling a lot like Luna in those moments, no idea what was happening! However as the story progressed, there were many great moments, character and world building alike to satisfy my needs and curiosity. I would have like a little more of a build up, seeing Luna a few more pages before chapter one begins as I felt a little strapped for information on who she was was before or what lead to these moments. Overall I liked the story and will be looking forward to book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Synopsis
Seventeen years ago, the princess of Faelithia vanished without a trace.
Now Luna has returned from the human world to her faerie homeland.
Unprepared and untrained, Luna must face the daunting challenge of claiming the throne. She knows nothing of elemental magic and has never been taught how to rule. As if that weren’t enough, her sister arranges a marriage for her—with Rowan, a charming fae beloved by the people and a childhood friend of Elva. He also has a brother, Zephyrion, whose presence complicates everything further.
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My Thoughts
This book truly feels like a Disney-style faerie world filled with magic, elemental powers, enemies-to-lovers tension, arranged marriage, and—of course—dragons.
The author does a wonderful job with character development and vivid narration of the faerie realm and its dragons. The story is mesmerizing yet simple and easy to read, making it incredibly engaging from start to finish. It’s an easy-going book that keeps you hooked until the end.
I’m eagerly hoping for a part two and would highly recommend this to readers who love these tropes and fantasy genres.
Seventeen years ago, the princess of Faelithia vanished without a trace.
Now Luna has returned from the human world to her faerie homeland.
Unprepared and untrained, Luna must face the daunting challenge of claiming the throne. She knows nothing of elemental magic and has never been taught how to rule. As if that weren’t enough, her sister arranges a marriage for her—with Rowan, a charming fae beloved by the people and a childhood friend of Elva. He also has a brother, Zephyrion, whose presence complicates everything further.
---
My Thoughts
This book truly feels like a Disney-style faerie world filled with magic, elemental powers, enemies-to-lovers tension, arranged marriage, and—of course—dragons.
The author does a wonderful job with character development and vivid narration of the faerie realm and its dragons. The story is mesmerizing yet simple and easy to read, making it incredibly engaging from start to finish. It’s an easy-going book that keeps you hooked until the end.
I’m eagerly hoping for a part two and would highly recommend this to readers who love these tropes and fantasy genres.
December 18, 2025
I absolutely loved it. Luna is a strong determined FMC. You so rarely read about FMCs who work hard on their bodies like she does. She fights for acceptance from a society who judges her on her past and appearance. But never gives up for the sake of her people. So admirable and holy crap I can’t believe the ending. Talk about a massive cliffhanger! The story is tied in to Magdaléna’s previous books The Fallen Bloodline and The Old Serpent so I would highly recommend reading those first for things to make sense! I can’t wait for the sequel!
Favourite quotes include:
I don't know if that deserves a thank you or a middle finger, so | settle on nothing.
He presses his lips on mine, so impossibly soft it stuns me.
He kisses me like it's his first breath after drowning, and when his tongue slips into my mouth, it feels like it's always belonged there. Like it's his to claim, and | don't mind.
Favourite quotes include:
I don't know if that deserves a thank you or a middle finger, so | settle on nothing.
He presses his lips on mine, so impossibly soft it stuns me.
He kisses me like it's his first breath after drowning, and when his tongue slips into my mouth, it feels like it's always belonged there. Like it's his to claim, and | don't mind.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heart of Faelithia is the kind of book that grabs you by the hand, pulls you through a portal, and refuses to let you go. It’s a shimmering fairytale wrapped in modern fantasy vibes think Disney princess magic meets Barbie-level aesthetic with just the right touches of spice and danger.
From the very first chapter, I knew I was in for something special. Faelithia is breathtaking: magic as currency, beauty as law, elemental Houses always one spark away from chaos, soul-wraiths prowling the borders, and dragons who’ve mysteriously vanished from the skies. The world-building is so rich you feel like you're walking inside it.
And then
LORD ZEPHYRION.
The moment he walked on-page with that ponytail and that “I am Lord Zephyrion” energy, I swear my soul ascended. I knew he was the one. The tension? The chemistry? The “I annoy YOU but I would burn worlds for you” vibe? PERFECTION.
Luna, our missing princess thrown into a throne she never trained for, is such a sharp, emotional, beautifully flawed character. She’s soft but fierce, overwhelmed but brave, and watching her figure out who she is while the entire world questions her place… absolute chef’s kiss
Also no spoilers but!!!
THAT TEA.
Literal tea. Magical tea. Tea I would absolutely die to drink. If it were sold in real life, I’d preorder a lifetime supply.
One of my favorite parts? The friendships. They’re heart-deep, loyal, warm, and exactly the kind of bonds we all deserve but real life refuses to give us. Honestly, the kind of friendships that made me emotional because… my real-life friends could never. 😭
Between dragons, buried secrets, political tension, ancient magic, and a guardian who believes failure is his destiny, this book never stops pulling you deeper. The atmosphere is rich with a kingdom on the edge, held together by secrets ready to crack open
✨✨would be waiting for the sequel ✨✨
From the very first chapter, I knew I was in for something special. Faelithia is breathtaking: magic as currency, beauty as law, elemental Houses always one spark away from chaos, soul-wraiths prowling the borders, and dragons who’ve mysteriously vanished from the skies. The world-building is so rich you feel like you're walking inside it.
And then
LORD ZEPHYRION.
The moment he walked on-page with that ponytail and that “I am Lord Zephyrion” energy, I swear my soul ascended. I knew he was the one. The tension? The chemistry? The “I annoy YOU but I would burn worlds for you” vibe? PERFECTION.
Luna, our missing princess thrown into a throne she never trained for, is such a sharp, emotional, beautifully flawed character. She’s soft but fierce, overwhelmed but brave, and watching her figure out who she is while the entire world questions her place… absolute chef’s kiss
Also no spoilers but!!!
THAT TEA.
Literal tea. Magical tea. Tea I would absolutely die to drink. If it were sold in real life, I’d preorder a lifetime supply.
One of my favorite parts? The friendships. They’re heart-deep, loyal, warm, and exactly the kind of bonds we all deserve but real life refuses to give us. Honestly, the kind of friendships that made me emotional because… my real-life friends could never. 😭
Between dragons, buried secrets, political tension, ancient magic, and a guardian who believes failure is his destiny, this book never stops pulling you deeper. The atmosphere is rich with a kingdom on the edge, held together by secrets ready to crack open
✨✨would be waiting for the sequel ✨✨
December 19, 2025
A roller coaster of emotions.
ARC | The political intrigue and plot is what this book is really about, from chapter 1 it drags you into Faelithia and holds you hostage until…. Well let’s just a dragon shows up Think Agatha Christie but on The Orient Express 🥹. You really have to play detective with this story line because there’s so many elements that if you stop reading you’ll miss the clue.
Luna is bold, outspoken and the kind of friend you want in your corner… which isn’t a problem in the human realm. Faelithia is not your typical fea kingdom, everyone lives in balance, harmonious with nature. LOL WHAT A PRETTY LIE.
ARC | The political intrigue and plot is what this book is really about, from chapter 1 it drags you into Faelithia and holds you hostage until…. Well let’s just a dragon shows up Think Agatha Christie but on The Orient Express 🥹. You really have to play detective with this story line because there’s so many elements that if you stop reading you’ll miss the clue.
Luna is bold, outspoken and the kind of friend you want in your corner… which isn’t a problem in the human realm. Faelithia is not your typical fea kingdom, everyone lives in balance, harmonious with nature. LOL WHAT A PRETTY LIE.
January 7, 2026
You know those books… the ones that live rent-free in your head when you’re not reading?
Yeah…this was one of them.
Every spare moment I had, I was turning pages. The story dives straight in, no slow build, and suddenly hours have passed without you even noticing because the flow is that good! It has everything I love in a fantasy. immersive worldbuilding, gripping plot, and that just one more chapter feeling that never lets go.
Easily one of my top reads in 2025, no question. Now I’m just over here praying for a sequel because I am not ready for this world to end.
Every spare moment I had, I was turning pages. The story dives straight in, no slow build, and suddenly hours have passed without you even noticing because the flow is that good! It has everything I love in a fantasy. immersive worldbuilding, gripping plot, and that just one more chapter feeling that never lets go.
Easily one of my top reads in 2025, no question. Now I’m just over here praying for a sequel because I am not ready for this world to end.
December 20, 2025
Hello, people!
Sometimes books choose you. That's how I felt here. The attraction was incredible.
Her entire world building is fantastic! The characters had depth, substance and a reason for being in the story, from the first to the last one. The story has a lot of mystery, fantasy and vibration.
Despite its large volume, the book is breathless to read.
As for the author's writing, it is intoxicating, lively and stormy.
As you can imagine, I was enchanted and I have to say that there are dragons!!!!
Thank you very much to the author for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Sometimes books choose you. That's how I felt here. The attraction was incredible.
Her entire world building is fantastic! The characters had depth, substance and a reason for being in the story, from the first to the last one. The story has a lot of mystery, fantasy and vibration.
Despite its large volume, the book is breathless to read.
As for the author's writing, it is intoxicating, lively and stormy.
As you can imagine, I was enchanted and I have to say that there are dragons!!!!
Thank you very much to the author for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
December 14, 2025
ARC REVIEW 🤍
6 stars!!! ✨
This book had me right from the very beginning.
The worldbuilding was completely immersive and truly transported me into the world of Faelithia every single time I picked up my kindle to read.
Magdaléna’s writing style is everything you want to see in a fantasy/romantasy novel and had me highlighting quotes left, right and centre. The blend between fantasy and modern world themes was also perfectly balanced.
Luna was such a relatable FMC and I loved her character development as the book progressed. She is courageous, headstrong and determined, but is also perfectly imperfect, with her own insecurities.
I really loved Myrakanth (who I hope we’ll get to learn more about) and the zibblies too!!
The story and Luna’s journey had me hooked right until the very end and now I am in desperate need of a sequel because I have some ✨questions✨ about that ending!!!
I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book when it comes out and strongly suggest that you do too! 🧝🏻♀️🧚
6 stars!!! ✨
This book had me right from the very beginning.
The worldbuilding was completely immersive and truly transported me into the world of Faelithia every single time I picked up my kindle to read.
Magdaléna’s writing style is everything you want to see in a fantasy/romantasy novel and had me highlighting quotes left, right and centre. The blend between fantasy and modern world themes was also perfectly balanced.
Luna was such a relatable FMC and I loved her character development as the book progressed. She is courageous, headstrong and determined, but is also perfectly imperfect, with her own insecurities.
I really loved Myrakanth (who I hope we’ll get to learn more about) and the zibblies too!!
The story and Luna’s journey had me hooked right until the very end and now I am in desperate need of a sequel because I have some ✨questions✨ about that ending!!!
I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book when it comes out and strongly suggest that you do too! 🧝🏻♀️🧚
November 27, 2025
Well, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I very much enjoyed this book. The world building was great, the characters felt real and the story kept me engaged. Honestly wasn’t expecting that ending and cannot wait to see what happens in book 2.
Thank you to Magdaléna for the ARC, it was a great read!
Thank you to Magdaléna for the ARC, it was a great read!
December 6, 2025
Magdaléna delivers an incredible story with breathtaking world-building. Faelithia feels so vivid and immersive that I could picture every moment as if I were there. The descriptive writing is phenomenal, and the romantic fantasy elements kept me hooked from start to finish. I’ll be recommending this book to all my romantasy readers. I cannot wait to buy a physical copy of this and I'm already for a second book!
Tropes:
Fae romantasy, lost princess, court politics, dragons, and a very grumpy guardian
Tropes:
Fae romantasy, lost princess, court politics, dragons, and a very grumpy guardian
December 7, 2025
3.5* Thank you so much to Magdalena for sharing this ARC with me.
“This is a faerie tale. And I’m the princess”
I wanted to love this book as everything about the synopsis called to me. I did really like a lot of it but there were a few plot holes that would have added to the depth of the story. Ultimately, I just wanted more of it.
I am sold on the magic of Faelithia and just want to learn more and more about how the magic system works. The personal relationships and dynamics are addictive and the spice is written so well that it adds to the story rather than being gratuitous.
I’m not sure if the other books by the author should be prerequisites but I felt like we needed a bit of a prologue covering Luna’s discovery of being Fae before jumping into the world of Faelithia. There were one or two other points where it felt like a chapter or a few pages were missing where time jumped forwards and the details of that missing time were never shared with us, probably because we are getting the FMC POV. I wondered if this was intentional for a plot device later on but no, the story just moved on and we were left in the dark.
Overall, the feeling I got at the end was that I wanted to read more so looking forward to more books further exploring Faelithia and Luna’s journey.
“This is a faerie tale. And I’m the princess”
I wanted to love this book as everything about the synopsis called to me. I did really like a lot of it but there were a few plot holes that would have added to the depth of the story. Ultimately, I just wanted more of it.
I am sold on the magic of Faelithia and just want to learn more and more about how the magic system works. The personal relationships and dynamics are addictive and the spice is written so well that it adds to the story rather than being gratuitous.
I’m not sure if the other books by the author should be prerequisites but I felt like we needed a bit of a prologue covering Luna’s discovery of being Fae before jumping into the world of Faelithia. There were one or two other points where it felt like a chapter or a few pages were missing where time jumped forwards and the details of that missing time were never shared with us, probably because we are getting the FMC POV. I wondered if this was intentional for a plot device later on but no, the story just moved on and we were left in the dark.
Overall, the feeling I got at the end was that I wanted to read more so looking forward to more books further exploring Faelithia and Luna’s journey.
January 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heart of Faelithia swept me up faster than I expected and didn’t let go.
This book delivers everything I want from a fantasy romance: immersive worldbuilding, emotionally grounded characters, and a slow-burn connection that actually earns its payoff. Faelithia feels rich and alive—there’s history, magic, and tension woven into the setting without ever bogging the story down.
What really stood out to me was the emotional core. The characters are flawed, guarded, and deeply human, and watching them navigate loyalty, identity, and love felt authentic and earned. The romance simmers with tension rather than rushing, which made every interaction feel meaningful. When the emotional beats hit, they hit.
The pacing is mostly strong, with a few quieter moments that ultimately serve the character development. By the end, I was fully invested—not just in the relationship, but in the world and what might come next.
If you love fantasy with heart, slow-burn romance, and a touch of ache alongside the magic, Heart of Faelithia is absolutely worth your time. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Heart of Faelithia swept me up faster than I expected and didn’t let go.
This book delivers everything I want from a fantasy romance: immersive worldbuilding, emotionally grounded characters, and a slow-burn connection that actually earns its payoff. Faelithia feels rich and alive—there’s history, magic, and tension woven into the setting without ever bogging the story down.
What really stood out to me was the emotional core. The characters are flawed, guarded, and deeply human, and watching them navigate loyalty, identity, and love felt authentic and earned. The romance simmers with tension rather than rushing, which made every interaction feel meaningful. When the emotional beats hit, they hit.
The pacing is mostly strong, with a few quieter moments that ultimately serve the character development. By the end, I was fully invested—not just in the relationship, but in the world and what might come next.
If you love fantasy with heart, slow-burn romance, and a touch of ache alongside the magic, Heart of Faelithia is absolutely worth your time. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and publisher for the eARC of Heart of Faelithia.
Set in a fictional world, Luna grew up not knowing her real identity, but, when she discovered she is a Fae princess and heir to a throne, she returns to her original world. There she encounters lies, secrets and betrayals.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and the world that Gavlaaova created. I liked the characters and the banter between the main characters.
For me, pacing was where I struggled as the last part of the book felt rushed. I would have liked to see more build up at the start of the book also to help feel more invested in Luna's story. For me, the ending leaves us on a cliffhanger which I would have loved to read more into before the book finished, maybe it is leading to a sequel that will continue Luna's story!
What I did love was the cosy, feel good mood this book gave me and I would definitely read another book based on this universe.
Set in a fictional world, Luna grew up not knowing her real identity, but, when she discovered she is a Fae princess and heir to a throne, she returns to her original world. There she encounters lies, secrets and betrayals.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and the world that Gavlaaova created. I liked the characters and the banter between the main characters.
For me, pacing was where I struggled as the last part of the book felt rushed. I would have liked to see more build up at the start of the book also to help feel more invested in Luna's story. For me, the ending leaves us on a cliffhanger which I would have loved to read more into before the book finished, maybe it is leading to a sequel that will continue Luna's story!
What I did love was the cosy, feel good mood this book gave me and I would definitely read another book based on this universe.
January 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
The story follows Luna as she discovered she is not human but a fae, and starts as she first enters the fae realm. The way that she discribes this new world with the magic and creatures living there made me think a lot of alice in wonderland. I love the writing style as you as reader feels like your are experiencing this world with Luna the descriptions and world building is done very well. Luna’s internal dialogue also adds a lot of comic relieve.
The premise of the story is very intriguing and i hope it gets turned into a series as i am very interested to see where this story will go. The last part of the book kept me engage and was done very well.
There is some parts especially in the first half of the book that left me a little bit confused or almost where the story jumped without resolving the train of thought and i would have liked a bit more elaboration/clarity on some plot points but overall a great cozy fantasy!
The story follows Luna as she discovered she is not human but a fae, and starts as she first enters the fae realm. The way that she discribes this new world with the magic and creatures living there made me think a lot of alice in wonderland. I love the writing style as you as reader feels like your are experiencing this world with Luna the descriptions and world building is done very well. Luna’s internal dialogue also adds a lot of comic relieve.
The premise of the story is very intriguing and i hope it gets turned into a series as i am very interested to see where this story will go. The last part of the book kept me engage and was done very well.
There is some parts especially in the first half of the book that left me a little bit confused or almost where the story jumped without resolving the train of thought and i would have liked a bit more elaboration/clarity on some plot points but overall a great cozy fantasy!
November 27, 2025
The beginning of this book is a lot of world building through the eyes of Luna whose just found out about this fae world. Luna as the potential to be a strong FMC but I did find it frustrating how when she didn't want to do something she did it anyway but then again if I was in a new world without anyone I knew I'd probably the same.
I would say the first 2/3 is mainly world building with a little storyline I kind of guessed. However for me it was the final third of this book where it picks up. This is where I saw real potential in this series and after how it ended I would read the next book.
I enjoyed the pacing but sometimes felt some of the characters needed a bit more introduction like the characters from the mortal realm.
Lots of potential in this series and I look forward to seeing where the story takes us!
I would say the first 2/3 is mainly world building with a little storyline I kind of guessed. However for me it was the final third of this book where it picks up. This is where I saw real potential in this series and after how it ended I would read the next book.
I enjoyed the pacing but sometimes felt some of the characters needed a bit more introduction like the characters from the mortal realm.
Lots of potential in this series and I look forward to seeing where the story takes us!
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