Book: Where Dreams Fall by R.L. Caulder
Reviewed by Michele (spicysithreads)
Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Podium Publishing, and Podium Entertainment for the gifted ebook and audiobook copies!
This is the first time I have listened to an audiobook and read the book along with it. I loved doing this! I feel like the story stuck in my head better and I was able to comprehend a lot more this way. Furthermore, I listened at 1.8x speed and felt like that was perfect for me to read-along with.
This world is one where human dreams and nightmares feed the elves who live in the cloud-kingdoms above. The Dromin elves feed off of the dreams; the Nithrin elves feed off of the nightmares The elves choose a queen from all the human women through a series of trials. Elysia (FMC) is a human woman who starts dreaming of the same elf over and over again, and later she is chosen from her village to go to the trials to become the next queen. As the story unfolds, it is clear that there is much more here at stake - a forbidden attraction, political intrigue, hidden loyalties, and a very disturbing history which keeps repeating itself.
Rhune (MMC) is pretty dreamy (ha ha see what I did there), mysterious and broody. The connection between him and Elysia is very strong and angsty. I loved their connection and how protective Rhune is. Elysia is kind and strong, and becomes attached to Rhune very quickly.
The world-building is wonderful, depicting the elves world in the clouds above us. It is dreamy and beautiful. The first half of the book is world-building and setting up the trials. I wish this part had been longer, it felt rushed to me. The trials moved very quickly and I felt like it was over way too soon. The rest of the story is dedicated to more to the romance and the intrigue happening behind the scenes. And of course, we have the dreaded cliffhanger! Argh! Just makes me want to read the next book even more!
I loved the audiobook duet narration. I love Jacci Prior - she is my absolute favorite, so I was so happy to hear here on this book! Anthony Palmini is amazing as always! I love how they both narrate, they really sell the emotions and the drama of the storyline. I listened at 1.8x speed and it was perfect, clear, and concise.
Not only that, but I am definately going to have to read this way more often. I really enjoyed both the ebook and the audiobook, and I cannot wait for the next one in this series!
Tropes:
Dark romantasy
Slow burn
Forbidden love
Possessive MMC
Dream and nightmare magic
Soulmates
Dangerous trials
Elves
4.5 / 5 stars
0.5 / 5 spice