The Eldentree Realm

The Ruined Lands, Book 1

By: Julian Reaux

Narrated by: Matt Van Hove, Jessie Van Hove

An inherited cottage. A hidden world. A passionate adventure.

When Jesse, a down-on-his-luck former Marine, inherits a secluded cottage deep in the Oregon woods, he never expects it to come with a mystical secret. Hidden among its relics, he discovers an ancient amulet and a strange compass—one that doesn’t just shimmer with forgotten magic, but transports him to another world: the Ruined Lands.

Here, magic breathes through towering forests and lost cities. Jesse’s journey soon entangles him with Liriel, a fierce elven beauty and outcast among her kind, and Inayah, a playful sylph with a tragic past and a sharp tongue. In this untamed realm, alliances are forged in passion as much as in battle, and Jesse quickly finds himself at the center of a growing harem—each woman drawn to him by fate, desire, and the mystery surrounding his arrival.

Between selling ancient treasures on Earth and training for the dangers ahead, Jesse prepares to face the brutal ogre warlord, Grunkar Ironhide, whose reign of terror over the town of Woodbreeze threatens everything. With his Marine instincts, modern firepower, and the fierce devotion of his lovers, Jesse must rise—not just as a warrior, but as a leader, protector, and partner in a world that bends to his will as much as his touch.

A thrilling fantasy adventure filled with danger, desire, and immersive worldbuilding.

©2025 Julian Reaux (P)2025 Royal Guard Publishing LLC

Interesting

Overall, I loved the MC backstory and general direction of the plot. I gave the 4 stars across the board because 3.5 isn't possible. Why not more stars you ask? I’m not sure voice actor got the MC right; it didn’t prevent me from finishing. After the backstory of the MC is told the story feels a bit hollow like the world building, peril/angst and plot were cut. I finished the book feeling like there could've been a little more to the story.

just nitpicking

the author has never bought a gun, mc walked out the store the same day he bought them. I'll give him credit for doing his research tho, I've never heard of a rhino revolver, and after doing my own research I'm going to buy 2. narrators have a weird cadence, how one talks slow while they're talking fast ill never know, but that's what they do. I know the mc will have a harem judging by the description so I'm very happy the author gives us listeners time to fall in love with luriel too. reminds me of metal mage and fight town, this is rare.

Great

Took a chance with this one because I hadn't read the author before. It was well worth it. And the narrators did a great job!

amazing

Definitely recommend this book !! it does have all the good stuff in it. The author did an amazing job and the narration was awesome!!

The rise of a great Adventure!

This book was such a fun listen from the main character down on his luck to having several of everything a guy could want. One of the most fun parts other than the spicy chapters was how he impacted the people around him in a positive way.