Beyond the Bloom (Book One of The Gloomborne Series)
Her magic is stirring. Wavecrest is breaking.
Beyond the Bloom is a slow-burn romantic fantasy of dangerous magic, hidden truths, and a second chance at love.
On the day of her mother’s funeral, Thea Xander pushed Keio away. Nine months later, he walks back into her life just as her power awakens.
As Thea delves deeper into her late mother’s hidden tenebral research, she realizes it may be Wavecrest’s only hope against the gloom surges tearing the town apart.
All the while, the pull between her and Keio becomes harder to deny. The more she lets herself fall for him, the more she risks drawing him into danger. Though leaving the only home she has ever known to train her unstable magic will keep Keio safe, it also means losing any future she might have with him.
Book One of the Gloomborne Series.
Reader Reviews
★★★★★"I went into Beyond the Bloom expecting a simple fantasy romance, but it surprised me with its emotional depth... It’s one of those books that builds quietly and leaves you wanting the next one right away."
— Reading Therapy, Amazon
★★★★★"Most fantasy novels spend pages on dry history, but this one just drops you right into the heart of the Gloom. It’s got this eerie, almost "organic" horror vibe that reminded me of why I fell in love with the genre in the first place... If you like your fantasy with a side of mystery and a heavy dose of "what is actually going on here?" tension, you’re going to fly through this."
— Melinda C., Amazon
★★★★★"I liked how the world-building unfolds naturally, especially around the magic and the looming threat... A strong start to a series—easy to get into and hard to put down."
— Armando E., Amazon
★★★★★"This story felt quiet but heavy, like something slowly breaking and healing at the same time. I really felt Thea’s confusion and the bittersweet pull between her past and what she’s becoming."
— Michael C., Amazon
★★★★★"A gentle, slow-burn fantasy that leans into atmosphere and emotion. Thea’s awakening powers and grief-driven choices feel grounded... The mystery around her mother’s research adds intrigue, making this a promising and heartfelt start to the series."
— Kindle Customer, Amazon
★★★★★"Thea and Keio have a palpable chemistry. Looking forward to book two, because this one rocks!"
— Jay B., Amazon
★★★★★"I didn't really expect to get dragged in so fast, but the blend of magic, mystery, and slow-burn romance performs really nicely."
— LA, Amazon
★★★★★"The world building is a really cool change from any book I've ever read."
— Diana K., Amazon
★★★★★"What I liked most was the atmosphere—it has a slightly dark and mysterious tone that keeps things intriguing."
— Torthell R., Amazon
★★★★★"If you like fantasy with mystery and strong world building, this is a good start."
— Wren, Amazon
★★★★★"A magical read."
— Tanya, Goodreads
W.D. MUELLER
W. D. Mueller writes contemporary slow-burn fantasy where love, magic, and legacy collide. She is the author of Beyond the Bloom, book one in the Gloomborne series.
For inquiries, contact: contact@wdmueller.com