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The Upper World: Book One
Not yet published
Expected 26 Mar 26
Fated to love but raised to be heartless – A story of two souls who must uproot the loveless systems that tore them apart.
In the dystopian future of Erth, Mena, a powerful being, is trapped in the Underground where she and hundreds like her are forced by their self-proclaimed creator, Bishop, to commit unforgivable sins.
Hazy memories of Mena’s past show glimpses of another life beyond the cold walls that conceal them. The only solace in her dream of escape is her team, and the bond they share in knowing this is not what they were meant to be.
Under orders from another world, Azrael, the Angel of Death, locates Mena and her team. He soon discovers she’s far more than the stolen angel he was led to believe and yearns to keep her safe… but the laws of the Upper World make his growing feelings for her a danger of their own.
Whilst all Mena wishes for is revenge, Azrael learns that Bishop’s cursed soul threatens the fate of Erth and the angels of the Upper World, and to give them a fighting chance, Mena has to heal her enemy, not kill him.
Mena and Azrael’s destinies become deeply entwined as they traverse saving two worlds that have long oppressed them, to create a home where their people can be free.
But what if their pasts have destroyed too much to repair?
In the dystopian future of Erth, Mena, a powerful being, is trapped in the Underground where she and hundreds like her are forced by their self-proclaimed creator, Bishop, to commit unforgivable sins.
Hazy memories of Mena’s past show glimpses of another life beyond the cold walls that conceal them. The only solace in her dream of escape is her team, and the bond they share in knowing this is not what they were meant to be.
Under orders from another world, Azrael, the Angel of Death, locates Mena and her team. He soon discovers she’s far more than the stolen angel he was led to believe and yearns to keep her safe… but the laws of the Upper World make his growing feelings for her a danger of their own.
Whilst all Mena wishes for is revenge, Azrael learns that Bishop’s cursed soul threatens the fate of Erth and the angels of the Upper World, and to give them a fighting chance, Mena has to heal her enemy, not kill him.
Mena and Azrael’s destinies become deeply entwined as they traverse saving two worlds that have long oppressed them, to create a home where their people can be free.
But what if their pasts have destroyed too much to repair?
515 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 26, 2026
18 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Erica Jean
1 book12 followersErica Jean is an Australian writer, based in Sydney whose passion for storytelling bloomed in childhood. With a degree in Writing, Erica continues to hone her skills of creating immersive worlds and compelling characters, both in long and short-form fiction. She began her career in content and social media management, but her true passion lies in long-form literature, particularly in the fantasy genre that sparked her infatuation with reading.
A wife and mother of two, Erica balances her family life with writing, where she enjoys exploring themes of resilience, romance, found-family, multi-world lore, and the complexities of power. Erica runs an Instagram page, @ericajeanwriter, where she shares her work and writing journey.
Erica is committed to bringing unique and heartfelt narratives to life, aiming to inspire and resonate with readers who love multi-faceted characters and easy-to-imagine worlds.
A wife and mother of two, Erica balances her family life with writing, where she enjoys exploring themes of resilience, romance, found-family, multi-world lore, and the complexities of power. Erica runs an Instagram page, @ericajeanwriter, where she shares her work and writing journey.
Erica is committed to bringing unique and heartfelt narratives to life, aiming to inspire and resonate with readers who love multi-faceted characters and easy-to-imagine worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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March 7, 2026Currently living my best dystopian life. I also love this dedication 🫶🏼
“To the dreamers. This is for those learning to be unafraid and unashamed to reach within, find your power and seize it.”
“To the dreamers. This is for those learning to be unafraid and unashamed to reach within, find your power and seize it.”
March 8, 2026
✨ARC copy received by author for genuine review✨
Upper World had me HOOKED from the onset. The plot momentum of the underground, the oppressive leadership, the found family dynamics- it all had me very intrigued from the get go and I couldn’t put it down!
The plot lost its way for me in the middle. There were so many time hops in such a short period that it got a bit muddled where we were going.
We also receive so much history and backstory from secondary characters- it helps to round out the story but it lost the momentum that made the first part of the book so good.
By the end the book found its stride again- there were so many big reveals my jaw was on the floor!
Pros- LOVED the found family dynamics and the true friendship between Mena & Emi.
Cons- the love story felt confusing at times.
Upper World had me HOOKED from the onset. The plot momentum of the underground, the oppressive leadership, the found family dynamics- it all had me very intrigued from the get go and I couldn’t put it down!
The plot lost its way for me in the middle. There were so many time hops in such a short period that it got a bit muddled where we were going.
We also receive so much history and backstory from secondary characters- it helps to round out the story but it lost the momentum that made the first part of the book so good.
By the end the book found its stride again- there were so many big reveals my jaw was on the floor!
Pros- LOVED the found family dynamics and the true friendship between Mena & Emi.
Cons- the love story felt confusing at times.
March 12, 2026
Thank you to Erica Jean for providing an advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
“She was reminiscent of dreams he could not make sense of, and he wondered if that was why, despite being at this for weeks, his chest seemed to thud erratically whenever he found himself near her.”
I thought the premise of this book was really cool. The dystopian setting, military training, missions, and bloodthirsty leadership immediately hooked me in. Found family is also a trope I always love, and the friendship between Mena and Emi was so sweet to watch develop throughout the story.
The romance side of things left me wanting a little more though. There were big moments of buildup that sometimes felt like they didn’t fully pay off. It definitely reads more like a slow burn when it comes to feelings. There’s a little spice sprinkled in, but the actual admitting of those feelings takes a while and still leaves you wanting more.
At times the story felt like it jumped around a bit, almost like I was missing pieces or important context that would have helped some moments land better. The beginning has a huge buildup, but the middle felt a little slower and like parts of the plot were missing.
Then the ending hits and suddenly everything starts coming together. There are so many big reveals in the back half of the book that had me sitting there wondering what in the world just happened and when I can get my hands on the next one. Honestly, I did not see most of those twists coming.
That said, the world building and atmosphere were really well done, and it was easy to picture everything going on. The book also ends on a cliffhanger, so I think a lot will probably be expanded on in the next installment. Overall, I’m really excited to see where the story goes next!
Rating: 4/5
“She was reminiscent of dreams he could not make sense of, and he wondered if that was why, despite being at this for weeks, his chest seemed to thud erratically whenever he found himself near her.”
I thought the premise of this book was really cool. The dystopian setting, military training, missions, and bloodthirsty leadership immediately hooked me in. Found family is also a trope I always love, and the friendship between Mena and Emi was so sweet to watch develop throughout the story.
The romance side of things left me wanting a little more though. There were big moments of buildup that sometimes felt like they didn’t fully pay off. It definitely reads more like a slow burn when it comes to feelings. There’s a little spice sprinkled in, but the actual admitting of those feelings takes a while and still leaves you wanting more.
At times the story felt like it jumped around a bit, almost like I was missing pieces or important context that would have helped some moments land better. The beginning has a huge buildup, but the middle felt a little slower and like parts of the plot were missing.
Then the ending hits and suddenly everything starts coming together. There are so many big reveals in the back half of the book that had me sitting there wondering what in the world just happened and when I can get my hands on the next one. Honestly, I did not see most of those twists coming.
That said, the world building and atmosphere were really well done, and it was easy to picture everything going on. The book also ends on a cliffhanger, so I think a lot will probably be expanded on in the next installment. Overall, I’m really excited to see where the story goes next!
March 9, 2026
First of all, thank you to Erica Jean for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
Dystopian books are so back baby! Mixed with a healthy dose of romantasy, I couldn’t put this book down.
The Upper World is a dual POV story told by FMC Mena, a strong, fearless leader who would do anything for her found family, and MMC Azrael, the angel of Death and part of a secret rebellion.
Mena was raised to be a ruthless weapon, and Azrael was raised in a world where love is forbidden.
These two souls must tear down the loveless system that tore them apart, all while embarking on a journey of self discovery, uncovering deadly secrets and trying to save their worlds.
Erica’s writing made this book incredibly fun and easy to follow, with immersive world building. All characters stood out and I really appreciated the depth given to each of their stories, it really made them feel like family. The banter was entertaining and funny, and the YEARNING? It’s no secret that I am a huuuuge sucker for an MMC who yearns (sometimes I love it more than spicy scenes) and boy does Azrael deliver! He would burn the worlds for Mena.
The Upper World is book 1 in a 3 book series, so I am very very excited for book 2, especially after that plot twist cliffhanger!
Overall this was a fantastic read, especially as a debut! My only reason for a 4 star rating is at the start of the story there a couple time jumps, and personally I am not a big fan of time jumps. I would have loved a little more story in between those jumps, HOWEVER the rest of the story more than made up for that.
The Upper World releases 26th March 2026 and is now available for pre-order 💜
Please check the trigger warnings before reading 🫶🏻
Tropes: Slow Burn - He Falls First - Intense Yearning - “You Cannot Have Her” - Dystopian - Fated Mates - Found Family - Unique Reincarnation - Forbidden Love
Dystopian books are so back baby! Mixed with a healthy dose of romantasy, I couldn’t put this book down.
The Upper World is a dual POV story told by FMC Mena, a strong, fearless leader who would do anything for her found family, and MMC Azrael, the angel of Death and part of a secret rebellion.
Mena was raised to be a ruthless weapon, and Azrael was raised in a world where love is forbidden.
These two souls must tear down the loveless system that tore them apart, all while embarking on a journey of self discovery, uncovering deadly secrets and trying to save their worlds.
Erica’s writing made this book incredibly fun and easy to follow, with immersive world building. All characters stood out and I really appreciated the depth given to each of their stories, it really made them feel like family. The banter was entertaining and funny, and the YEARNING? It’s no secret that I am a huuuuge sucker for an MMC who yearns (sometimes I love it more than spicy scenes) and boy does Azrael deliver! He would burn the worlds for Mena.
The Upper World is book 1 in a 3 book series, so I am very very excited for book 2, especially after that plot twist cliffhanger!
Overall this was a fantastic read, especially as a debut! My only reason for a 4 star rating is at the start of the story there a couple time jumps, and personally I am not a big fan of time jumps. I would have loved a little more story in between those jumps, HOWEVER the rest of the story more than made up for that.
The Upper World releases 26th March 2026 and is now available for pre-order 💜
Please check the trigger warnings before reading 🫶🏻
Tropes: Slow Burn - He Falls First - Intense Yearning - “You Cannot Have Her” - Dystopian - Fated Mates - Found Family - Unique Reincarnation - Forbidden Love
March 17, 2026
I had the chance to ARC read The Upper world, the first book in a 3 book dystopian romantasy series. Its release date is March 26th and let me just say, this book does not disappoint.
The Upper World follows the discovered angel, Mena, and her team of friends who are trapped underground on the world of Erth by the cursed Bishop and forced to be his killers. At least, until they meet Azrael, the angel of Death who informs them of the unknown Upper World, working with Mena’s team to break them out and take down the Bishop. All Mena wants is revenge, and the two angels growing feelings conflict with the no love laws of the Upper World… but their destinies continue to intertwine. And the fate of Erth and all the angels rests on their shoulders.
Review:
4.5 ⭐️!
“The moment I found you, even from afar, I had to know you. You called to me . . . like a guiding star. Then, when I first met you on that beach, you sparked something. I’d been unable to dream of my future until you looked at me, and then every dream I had was of my future, and you were in them all.”
Wow, this book completely made me forget I that was reading. I’ve been on hooked on it all DAY! If you want a story that you won’t be able to put down despite your better judgment, then The Upper World is the book for you! I’m so glad that books 2 and 3 are already written, because I don’t know how long I can wait for them after that ending! I hope I get to arc read the next books to make that wait even shorter.
I love that this is a dystopian romantasy, because while I love dystopian stories, I am a BIG romantasy girl. I mean, who doesn’t love romance? 🤭. And even though the romance that we do get is on the lighter side, it is there in sprinkles. And I mean, the story is still so good without there being romance in the first place? Like, hello?! Howevee, I will say that I would rate the spice level around a 1.5. There were a few scenes that were mostly just kissing and touching.
I will also say that I was a bit confused at certain times while reading, but I was mostly able to piece together was going on after rereading the lines a few times! I’m very excited to see where the story goes from here!
“Regardless of what we are yet to face, you will always be the light that guides me to envision a brighter future. Let us build a better world, one where this smile of yours is as common as the sun rising each day and the stars whispering each night.”
The Upper World follows the discovered angel, Mena, and her team of friends who are trapped underground on the world of Erth by the cursed Bishop and forced to be his killers. At least, until they meet Azrael, the angel of Death who informs them of the unknown Upper World, working with Mena’s team to break them out and take down the Bishop. All Mena wants is revenge, and the two angels growing feelings conflict with the no love laws of the Upper World… but their destinies continue to intertwine. And the fate of Erth and all the angels rests on their shoulders.
Review:
4.5 ⭐️!
“The moment I found you, even from afar, I had to know you. You called to me . . . like a guiding star. Then, when I first met you on that beach, you sparked something. I’d been unable to dream of my future until you looked at me, and then every dream I had was of my future, and you were in them all.”
Wow, this book completely made me forget I that was reading. I’ve been on hooked on it all DAY! If you want a story that you won’t be able to put down despite your better judgment, then The Upper World is the book for you! I’m so glad that books 2 and 3 are already written, because I don’t know how long I can wait for them after that ending! I hope I get to arc read the next books to make that wait even shorter.
I love that this is a dystopian romantasy, because while I love dystopian stories, I am a BIG romantasy girl. I mean, who doesn’t love romance? 🤭. And even though the romance that we do get is on the lighter side, it is there in sprinkles. And I mean, the story is still so good without there being romance in the first place? Like, hello?! Howevee, I will say that I would rate the spice level around a 1.5. There were a few scenes that were mostly just kissing and touching.
I will also say that I was a bit confused at certain times while reading, but I was mostly able to piece together was going on after rereading the lines a few times! I’m very excited to see where the story goes from here!
“Regardless of what we are yet to face, you will always be the light that guides me to envision a brighter future. Let us build a better world, one where this smile of yours is as common as the sun rising each day and the stars whispering each night.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book! I couldn’t put it down. I quickly fell in love with Mena, the FMC, and Azrael, the MMC.
Mena is a stolen angel who ends up in a place that feels more like a prison than a sanctuary. There, she’s forced to do whatever the leader, Bishop, demands while he keeps everyone under constant surveillance. Mena and the others possess powerful abilities, but their memories have been stolen, leaving them with no recollection of who they once were.
Azrael is sent on a mission to rescue Mena, but things quickly become complicated when he begins to fall for her. Determined to protect her at all costs, he finds himself risking everything.
The story follows Mena, Azrael, and their friends as they rise up in rebellion to free others like themselves and ultimately save Erth.
Overall, this was a fantastic read. I loved the magic each character possesses, and I’m always feral for a story with fated mates. This one also includes soul ties, which I absolutely adored!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book took me a while to get through—I'm not sure if it's because it's a thicker book or just one of those stories that naturally demands a slower read. There’s so much happening on every page: twists, turns, and layers to the characters that I never quite expected.
One of my favorite parts was watching Mena develop as the story unfolded. She’s a strong female main character, but not in a flat or predictable way. Because so much happens throughout the book, we get to see her grow into herself little by little with each challenge and plot twist. That character evolution made the journey really rewarding.
The story itself was engaging and interesting the whole way through. While I never quite had that “I can’t put this down” feeling, I was always curious about where the story was going next.
And the cliffhanger at the end?! Oh my gosh. It absolutely did its job because now I already want to pick up the next book to see what happens.
One of my favorite parts was watching Mena develop as the story unfolded. She’s a strong female main character, but not in a flat or predictable way. Because so much happens throughout the book, we get to see her grow into herself little by little with each challenge and plot twist. That character evolution made the journey really rewarding.
The story itself was engaging and interesting the whole way through. While I never quite had that “I can’t put this down” feeling, I was always curious about where the story was going next.
And the cliffhanger at the end?! Oh my gosh. It absolutely did its job because now I already want to pick up the next book to see what happens.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like this started out so strong, but it seemed to fall of in the middle. We're thrust headfirst into the world, without any real world-building, we don't really know what, or why, and the villain himself just comes of a little corny, like I can't take him seriously as some terrible being.
We then get a lot of information, really quickly, with a couple of time jumps that just slow down the flow of the book. A lot seems to happen, while at the same time, not much happens at all. It's an interesting book, with interesting lore, and there's uniqueness to it that would have worked if there was just a little more explanation of the world.
The one thing that it really does well though, is the sense of found family that these characters have created with one another, and i just LOVE that. Like give me found family and I am all for it.
We then get a lot of information, really quickly, with a couple of time jumps that just slow down the flow of the book. A lot seems to happen, while at the same time, not much happens at all. It's an interesting book, with interesting lore, and there's uniqueness to it that would have worked if there was just a little more explanation of the world.
The one thing that it really does well though, is the sense of found family that these characters have created with one another, and i just LOVE that. Like give me found family and I am all for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mena and her team are forced to be a ruthless team under constant control by the people in the Underground. Azrael is the angel of death from the Upper World. Can they work together to fix their two worlds?
There’s a couple things that this book does really well. The found family vibe among Mena and her people is really lovely to read. Even the more challenging parts. The yearning that Azrael has for Mena is so wonderful. He certainly falls first and hard.
Where I struggled with this book was in the middle. There’s some pacing issues (likely cause of the time jumps) and some of the time spent on character interpersonal relationships that ended up not needing that much time spent on it. It really slowed down the pace of the story and didn’t keep my attention.
This is an arc review. Arc received from the author. All opinions are my own.
There’s a couple things that this book does really well. The found family vibe among Mena and her people is really lovely to read. Even the more challenging parts. The yearning that Azrael has for Mena is so wonderful. He certainly falls first and hard.
Where I struggled with this book was in the middle. There’s some pacing issues (likely cause of the time jumps) and some of the time spent on character interpersonal relationships that ended up not needing that much time spent on it. It really slowed down the pace of the story and didn’t keep my attention.
This is an arc review. Arc received from the author. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have a love/not love relationship with this book. I loved the found family dynamics. I loved a lot of the characters. I didn’t really love the plot.
The plot lost me somewhere along the way. It dragged at times, felt jumbled at others, and other times things felt so fast that I lost my way. Overall, it was solid, but I didn’t love it nearly as much as I hoped I would.
I thought about writing a super long review detailing what I didn’t love it, but I ultimately decided to keep it short and sweet because I have a feeling this book will grow on me over time and that my review will change.
Thank you very much to Erica Jean for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The plot lost me somewhere along the way. It dragged at times, felt jumbled at others, and other times things felt so fast that I lost my way. Overall, it was solid, but I didn’t love it nearly as much as I hoped I would.
I thought about writing a super long review detailing what I didn’t love it, but I ultimately decided to keep it short and sweet because I have a feeling this book will grow on me over time and that my review will change.
Thank you very much to Erica Jean for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2026
A debut romantasy centered arounds gods, angels & revenge.
This was such an easy & fun read! The magic system itself and the distribution of powers is so unique. I also love a forbidden love moment, and you do get that in this story. I feel like the forbidden love aspect takes a different approach in this story as reluctant allies to lovers. Most of the forbidden romance I have read, is enemies to lovers, so this was a fun & different twist to it! Azrael yeaaaarns for Mena, even when she is unaware and it's so wholesome.
The found family among this cast of characters is also sweet & notable. They grew up underground, forced to carry out orders and heinous acts, which brought them closer to each other. I am interested to see where their story leads!
This was such an easy & fun read! The magic system itself and the distribution of powers is so unique. I also love a forbidden love moment, and you do get that in this story. I feel like the forbidden love aspect takes a different approach in this story as reluctant allies to lovers. Most of the forbidden romance I have read, is enemies to lovers, so this was a fun & different twist to it! Azrael yeaaaarns for Mena, even when she is unaware and it's so wholesome.
The found family among this cast of characters is also sweet & notable. They grew up underground, forced to carry out orders and heinous acts, which brought them closer to each other. I am interested to see where their story leads!
March 9, 2026
This dystopian romantasy was unlike anything I’ve ever read before and I ate it up! I loved the plot, the world building, the characters, the romance… just everything!
The way Azrael yearns for Mena?🫠 it’s safe to say that I love him! Mena was also a great FMC, she was strong and full of sass!
I absolutely loved the found family element in this book. The characters faced devastating times together and it only brought them closer. Erica really makes you feel for each character and I loved it.
And that cliffhanger?! What do you mean I have to wait for book 2 for answers?! I need it now😅
The way Azrael yearns for Mena?🫠 it’s safe to say that I love him! Mena was also a great FMC, she was strong and full of sass!
I absolutely loved the found family element in this book. The characters faced devastating times together and it only brought them closer. Erica really makes you feel for each character and I loved it.
And that cliffhanger?! What do you mean I have to wait for book 2 for answers?! I need it now😅
Review of advance copy received from Author
VERYYY strong start! This book definitely had me hooked in the first 100 pages, but it started going downhill in about the middle. We got a lot of characters and history all jumbled into the book, so to be honest I was getting very confused. By the end of the book, however, all of the jumbling came together to create an AMAZING finish! Really enjoyed this, thank you so much to Erica Jean and her team for providing me with an ARC copy of this book 💝
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given this book as an ARC and I am so honored.
This book was incredible. The mix of dystopian and fantasy was so seamless and new and was unlike anything I've ever read.
The world building was amazing. The characters were fantastic. Mena was such a unique and strong character. Azreal is top tier. All of Mena's friends were perfect to pull this entire story together.
AND THAT ENDING?!?! I cannot wait for book 2 to find out what on Erth is going on!
This book was incredible. The mix of dystopian and fantasy was so seamless and new and was unlike anything I've ever read.
The world building was amazing. The characters were fantastic. Mena was such a unique and strong character. Azreal is top tier. All of Mena's friends were perfect to pull this entire story together.
AND THAT ENDING?!?! I cannot wait for book 2 to find out what on Erth is going on!
March 5, 2026
One of my favorite parts of this book was the found family trope!!! Watching this group of characters grow closer after everything they had suffered together made the story even more meaningful. Their loyalty and bond really stood out to me a lot . I loved Mena and Azrael. Their connection was one of my favorite parts of the book. Azrael YEARNS. Loved it!
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