“We are friendship. Strong, yet human. Logical, yet brimming with passion.” So declares Lady Josella “Josie” Spade deep into this adventure that blends a quintessential hero’s journey with elements of romantasy, some dark and spiritual themes, a rousing sense of camaraderie, and a challenge to the realm of the dead—“a rather lively place,” readers will learn. Josie’s words about her friends could be describing the novel she stars in, as Levato’s standalone follow-up to The Islands of Rune digs deeply into that book’s world, magic, and most especially its richly drawn, wholly engaging characters. Levato’s storytelling pulses with yearning, desire, and action-packed subplots as Josie—a powerful high priestess, noble, and leader—seeks to reclaim her lovers, Kal and Cai, from the grip of a death that she feels an unrelenting guilt for.
Joining her are the companions that are the novel’s heart. Among this surprising, deeply connected cohort: the half-demon Malachi who rules a neighboring kingdom; her best friend, Johanna, the warrior queen who is Malachi’s wife; Lily, Josie’s adopted daughter and a budding priestess; and Jameson, a half-angel who harbors immense feelings for Josie. Jameson’s self-doubt keeps him from pursuing Josie while also preventing his own angelic powers from coming into the fullness of their strength, one of many ways in which Levato connects intimate feelings with the grander fantasy of the world being built here.
The slow-burn romance between Josie and Jameson is touching—“I haven’t stopped loving them, but I’ve started loving him,” she muses—though the novel is ultimately more fantasy than romance. When Josie is drawn into the spirit realm and an ancient war, her ragtag group of supernatural allies will be deeply challenged, forging strained alliances and facing overwhelming dangers and political complexities. Levato never lets a chapter lull, even as they shift perspectives, laying bare hearts and minds, what sets Journey to Rallem apart, though, is its rich empathy, its commitment to inviting readers to inhabit a host of perspectives, each singular.”
Booklife Reviews
“Maria Levato’s Journey to Rallem is a beautiful masterpiece of and by far my favorite fantasy series of all-time. The diversity and polyamory within the love and romantic dynamic within this series is beautifully written and has taken my absolute breath away! I’m so shocked and in awe, at how Josie has navigated her feelings for Jameson, the Angel who’s madly and helplessly in love with her, whilst trying to desperately find her way back to Cal and Kai!
Journey to Rallem overall is deeply and beautifully written and has kept me in a blissful chokehold and I am in awe with this entire series in a way I have never felt about a fantasy book series before.
I 1,000% from the bottom of my cold heart absolutely with every FIBER OF MY BEING would recommend this book and BOOK 1: The Islands of Rune to anyone who loves a good love story, but especially those of you that are fantasy book lovers!!! There’s so much diversity within this book and it is captivating in the best of ways. I’ve been in a reading slump for MONTHS and have been trying to read this book but couldn’t get past a few chapters at a time because of severe depression and mental illness keeping my reading at a distance for months… But today, I took the time and actually read and took my friends advice by reading in 10-15 minute increments, using a timer and taking a break at the end of the timer IF NEEDED, and it’s how I finished the book today! Best fantasy series ever!”
Goodreads
“This was such a fun book to read! I loved the character development and how we got to know and see how the characters reacted to one another. I liked how the main character “journaled” what they were doing and what the day entailed. It really helped set up how their journey went and how they were doing. This story was super fun and made you not want to put it down! I would definitely recommend checking it out!”
Goodreads
“Oh, to have an angel yearn for you!
Thanks to a compelling concept and strong main character, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this story. As someone new to the fantasy genre, I loved how easy the world-building was to understand. I do wish we had gotten a chapter or two from Kai's point of view, just to see how he and Jameson's relationship progressed. My only critique is that the book's second half felt rushed in comparison to the first half. I hope the author plans to continue the story!
Thank you to the author for providing an eARC for review! I am posting this unbiased review voluntarily.”
Goodreads
“What a wild ride. Beautiful world building and relationship dynamics lead to a solid read that makes you want more. Highly recommend.”
Goodreads
“Such an amazing story and wonderful journey! I love this book so much. Definitely worth a read!”
Goodreads
“This book was very good. The world building was good. The character dynamic was well written and the journey the characters take played out well through the story. There was enough details throughout that you weren’t left with a ton of questions for lack of things. I finished this book rather quickly because i couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know what happens next. I would recommend this book!”
Goodreads
“Maria Levato’s Journey to Rallem is a beautifully crafted fantasy tale that explores grief, devotion, and the boundaries between life and death. The novel follows Josie, a priestess unable to move forward after the tragic loss of her lovers, Kai and Cal. When she learns of a way to possibly bring them back, she embarks on a treacherous journey into the unknown, joined by loyal companions, including Jameson—a half-angel silently carrying his own affections for her.
Levato builds an immersive world teeming with ancient rivalries and divine interventions. The conflicts that arise between characters are not just external battles but deeply personal struggles, making the emotional stakes just as compelling as the physical dangers. The slow burn of Josie and Jameson’s evolving relationship adds an extra layer of complexity, making their journey all the more heartfelt.
The novel stands out for its nuanced character development and intricate world-building. Levato’s experience as a traveler and veteran is evident in the way she constructs a richly detailed setting, lending authenticity to the adventure. The emotional weight of Josie’s grief is palpable, making her quest feel urgent and deeply personal.
Journey to Rallem is a compelling, well-paced read that will resonate with fans of high fantasy and character-driven storytelling.”
Goodreads
“Maria Levato’s Journey to Rallem is an incredible piece of fantasy that explores loss of loved ones, determination, and what lies between life and death. Josie, being unable to continue without Kai and Cal and longing for them to return, had me emotional. The desperate want and desire she had to find a way to bring her lovers back had me in a chokehold. After learning she can bring them back she embarks on an adventure that is filled with danger, love, friendship and much more.
Maria was able to set a world that you can fully immerse yourself in. I like the build-up to Josie and Jameson’s relationship, while battling her own struggles of still missing and wanting Kai and Cal she is able to find comfort in Jameson, which shows that a broken heart can mend.
Journey to Rallem overall is deep and heartfelt, the struggles all characters face not only internally but throughout the journey itself is captivating, showing that Maria can connect with personal relations and has a deep understanding of the value of friendships and bonds.
I full heartedly would recommend this book and The Islands of Rune to any readers who are just starting off on their fantasy reading journey!”
Goodreads
“This fantasy novel takes a creative approach to exploring grief, grudges, and both the awesome and terrible power of love.
Josie is a priestess who lost both her lovers and is on a quest to revive their souls. Along the way, she releases a demon which triggers a war among humans, demons, and angels.
The second half of the book moved more quickly than the first. The ending sets up the next book in the series.
The Journey to Rallem deftly explores themes of leadership, alliances, and generational differences in a well-built out fantasy world.
Favorite Quote: Is he asking a question or are his thoughts just leaking from his mouth because they overflow from his mind? - Josie”
Goodreads