Tensions are high in Beyond the Gloaming Pass by Rebecca Holmes when Molindra, an unlicensed mage, keeps losing control of her powers and constantly causes problems for herself and Rubriel. Considering how hard it is to find work as a blacksmith, things aren’t looking good until Molindra remembers a poster she saw with a reward of up to six thousand gold coins. Seeing no choice but to go for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Molindra finds herself in the land of Langlythe. Seemingly having no choice, Rubriel follows suit, and the two become involved in something much bigger than they could ever have imagined.

Beyond the Gloaming Pass by Rebecca Holmes is the type of fantasy book I can immerse myself in for hours without realizing it. The world-building is so wonderfully done with such descriptive scenes and an alluringly complex world. I also really enjoyed how the book focused on the friendship between Molindra and Rubriel instead of having a romantic focal point. Don’t get me wrong, I am a sucker for romance, but you want a change of pace every now and then, and Beyond the Gloaming Pass was exactly what I needed. The resilience of these two women and their ability to overcome all the hardships that come their way, even though they don’t necessarily feel like it at times, made them so inspiring and relatable. I enjoyed their contrasting personalities and the fact that both women were stubborn in their own way, making reading their perspectives much more interesting. This was such a great book, and I’d highly recommend it.

Since Molindra’s family disowned her for accidentally destroying a laboratory with her powers, she has stayed with her friend, Rubriel. The duo left Celessil, their home city, and settled in Bantria, trying hard to stay afloat with meager earnings. One day, a minor argument escalates the tension between the friends, and Molindra decides to earn her living by venturing into the forbidden city of Langlythe, beyond the Gloaming mountains, as a part of a scout team. A worried Rubriel tries to follow her friend but cannot locate her. At Langlythe, unbeknown to either of them, they become pawns in a sinister power plot. Will Molindra and Rubriel reunite? Can they stop a brewing war that threatens to tear apart everything they hold dear? Find out in Beyond the Gloaming Pass, the first book of an epic fantasy series by Rebecca Holmes.

This book amazed me with its exceptional world-building. The storyline, full of forbidden cities, formidable mages, and vengeful spirits, was captivating. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was watching a movie. I could easily picture the night sky pulsating with eerie green lights or the dark and meandering caves. I loved how Rebecca Holmes portrayed the contrast between easily manipulated Molindra and steadfast Rubriel, who became worthy heroines. Their true strength was overcoming doubts and insecurities and rising to the challenge. The two friends dared to enter a battle they had every possibility of losing out of sheer determination to right a wrong. I loved that their friendship survived through many seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Holmes highlighted the eternal battle between good and evil in this tale of friendship, betrayal, greed, and corruption. Despite having their fair share of questionable decisions and shameful memories, our heroines believed in their inherent goodness. Beyond the Gloaming Pass is a must-read for the fans of A Song of Ice and Fire saga.