Winner of the 2024 Moonbeam Award for Young Adult Fantasy Fiction and the PenCraft Award for Literary Excellence, Forgotten Realm of Secrets introduces a groundbreaking fantasy adventure series that captivates readers of all ages. With Rose M. Delorane’s masterful storytelling, this tale weaves together magic, mystery, and the supernatural into a fast-paced epic saga that draws readers from middle grade to adult. Step into immersive worlds, encounter unforgettable characters, and brace yourself for twists that reveal a world where nothing is as it seems.
He was an outcast. Born into a distant, isolated realm, Lit was different from everyone around him—in both body and spirit. This paranormal world, frozen in another time, demands uniformity, while everything remains hauntingly unchanged. Lit struggles to find his place among the inhabitants of this realm, yet he dreams of discovering his true world.
But leaving this realm has never been possible. The people of this forgotten land believe their border marks the very edge of existence.
Beyond the border lies what the inhabitants believe to be a vast, bottomless void—an abyss from which none have returned. Convinced no one can survive beyond this boundary, the realm forbids anyone from leaving. Bound by ancestral fears and tales of doom, no one has dared to defy the warnings…except Lit.
Driven by a relentless need to uncover his identity and the secrets hidden by the realm, Lit dreams of a world beyond the limits of this harsh and dismal boundary. Determined to find answers, he shrugs off warnings of the evil and malevolent dangers that may exist, and makes a life-altering choice that will change his fate, as well as the realms, forever.
In this coming-of-age paranormal fantasy, Lit must summon all the courage he can, to face terrifying enemies and supernatural forces. Unlocking the mysteries of his heritage and the true power of magical artifacts that connect him to his ancestors and an uncertain future will require not only courage and bravery but an unwavering heart.
An excerpt from Forgotten Realm of Secrets: Book One:
Though the stranger sitting on the bench was older, there was no denying who it was. “But how… you’re a ghost,” Square shouted, his breath coming in short bursts.
“Hardly a ghost. I assure you,” the stranger whispered. “What you are glimpsing is merely my reflection, though I am alive a few centuries in your past.”
Square’s mouth felt dry, and his anxiety left him speechless. Not a ghost, but a reflection from the past, he thought, feeling confused.
The stranger continued. “I still do not fully understand the magic of the Looking Glass. But what I’ve come to believe is that it somehow allows one to glimpse their youngest descendant—a thread, woven through time, connecting the past to the future."
Forgotten Realm of Secrets: Book One by Rose M. Delorane is a captivating journey into a world where magic, danger, and self-discovery intertwine.
The story follows Lit Square, a boy who begins as a curious soul, yearning for something more, and who boldly dives into the unknown despite countless warnings. As he crosses into a realm where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur, Lit quickly realizes that the quest to uncover his destiny is far more perilous than he ever imagined. What begins as an innocent thirst for discovery soon becomes a test of courage and survival. Is the price of uncovering his true self worth the perilous journey he now faces?
Delorane has crafted a deeply imaginative fantasy world, filled with vivid details and richly developed characters. The book transports readers to a supernatural realm brimming with wonder and danger. The world-building is exceptional, painting every scene with a haunting beauty that draws the reader in.
The author's skill in creating an atmosphere that feels both magical and foreboding is remarkable, setting the stage for Lit Square's transformative journey. From the very first page, you can feel the weight of destiny pressing upon the protagonist as he navigates a world filled with enemies and enchantments. At the heart of the narrative is Lit Square himself. As a protagonist, he embodies the tension between ordinary life and extraordinary fate, making him highly relatable. His journey from a boy full of questions to a brave hero rising to face his destiny is a testament to the themes of courage, growth, and self-identity. The slow and deliberate character development is one of the novel's greatest strengths. As Lit's challenges mount, readers become deeply invested in his transformation, rooting for him as he evolves from a hesitant youth to a formidable hero. Delorane's pacing allows this growth to feel natural, with each step of his arc building anticipation and emotional depth. The plot is as intricate as it is thrilling. Delorane expertly balances suspense and excitement with moments of introspection. The story brims with supernatural mysteries, eerie encounters, and magical artifacts that keep readers on edge. Twists and turns are placed with precision, ensuring that the suspense never wanes. Yet, beneath the action, there's a layer of deeper moral questions—about fate, choice, and the sacrifices one must make to discover their true self. This delicate interplay between fast-paced adventure and reflective moments is handled with finesse, giving the novel a depth that elevates it beyond typical fantasy fare.
Forgotten Realm of Secrets is an exhilarating blend of adventure, magic, and mystery. Its compelling mix of suspenseful plot twists and slow-burning character arcs make it an appealing read for fantasy lovers of all ages. Delorane's world-building prowess, combined with her ability to craft complex, relatable characters, ensures that readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment. Whether you're seeking a tale of magical adventure or a journey of personal discovery, this book offers both in spades.
- Literary Titan.
