Where Dreams Fall: A Romantasy

Defying Fate, Book 1

De: R.L. Caulder

Narrado por: Anthony Palmini, Jacci Prior

In a world in which dreams are guarded and nightmares are unsanctioned, one woman's unraveling mind may hold the key to everything the empire fears.

Elysia has spent her life thus far beneath the white clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from nightmares and the Nithrin elves that feed on them—until now. Her dreams have begun to twist into haunting scenes of ancient creatures, death . . . and a mysterious figure cloaked in light and shadow. Elysia suspects he's a Dromin elf breaking multiple laws to appear to her, and his whispered words and lingering touch ignite a spark between them that the gods themselves will soon fear.

When the queen dies and a brutal selection process to replace her begins, Elysia quickly realizes the waking world is fracturing alongside her sleeping one. Women across the empire are offered to the elven high priestess, put forward as potential heads for a crown drenched in blood and lies. Elysia finds herself at the center of the trials, and if she's to survive them, she'll have to decide what she's willing to fight for—and if she can live with the choices she's forced to make. Because only one will be chosen as queen, but all will be broken in the process.

Elysia eventually ascends into the elven world to find the one who stirred her heart is waiting there, but his true identity is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Choosing each other will mean forsaking the world they're trying to save . . .

Sweeping, perilous, and aching with forbidden passion, Where Dreams Fall is the first book of a dark romantasy series in which love is the most dangerous rebellion of all.

Narrated in duet style.

©2026 R.L. Caulder (P)2026 Podium Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The romantasy book of the year! Where Dreams Fall is the kind of book that consumes you. Caulder is a master at transporting her readers to a lush and sexy fantasy world with a nonstop plot and hot-as-sin romance. If this is a dream, please don’t wake me up.”—Sara Cate, New York Times-bestselling author of the Salacious Players’ Club and Wilde Boys series

"A fierce romantasy that's not afraid to show its claws. Pulse-pounding intrigue, delicious romance, and an ending that left me speechless! Where Dreams Fall is everything I want in fantasy romance."—L J Andrews, USA Today-bestselling author of The Ever King and Broken Souls and Bones

“A pulse-pounding descent into a world where nightmares bleed into reality and salvation comes cloaked in starlight. R. L. Caulder weaves terror and tenderness with masterful precision. Elysia’s desperate flight will leave your heart in your throat, only for a velvet-voiced dream-keeper to steal it entirely. Dark, seductive, and utterly addictive, this is fantasy romance at its fiercest. Dive in . . . if you dare wake up.”—C. R. Jane, USA Today-bestselling author of the Spartan Flame and Pucking Wrong series

Excellent romantasy

The world R.L. Caulder has created here was incredible! The characters were strong and likable and the storyline had me hooked early on. I can't wait for book two!

Really good but a little lacking in substance

Maybe I’m just use to longer books but I felt a lack of emotional build up and world building. The narrators, especially Jacci, did a lot of the heavy lifting for emotional connection and experienced turmoil. It just felt a little flat although the characters are good, the world is interesting and I quite like the FMC. I love that’s it elves although they fall in line with our faerie outline. It’s truly a good story just need a little more. I’m still invested because what a great cliff hanger but I hope to get more detail of the world and experience in the next book. 🩵

The audio is what kept me

Anthony is what makes this worth it. Don’t think I will continue unfortunately. I wanted to like this so we’ll see. 2.75-3

Duet Narration

Good narration but extremely depthless story. The romance was immediate before we even knew either of the main characters and the world building was very small. The magic is cool and it has an interesting ending but this was just not my type of writing.

NEED BOOK TWO

This audiobook was SO WELL DONE! Jacci & Anthony are a powerhouse team. The story was beautiful. The world building, just enough to paint the picture. Not so much you get lost. And after that ending, I’m absolutely feral for what happens next! Ahh!!