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Soul Stealer Saga #2
Of Shadows and Ruin
After weeks of recuperating from helping one of the lost heirs to the Dark Throne, the time has come for elven assassin Arayna Gamon to follow through on her promise to the Dark King Kyrell Eilish-to find the remaining lost heirs. Two more sisters to hunt down, to drag to the Underworld. But when the darkness of her past overlaps with her burgeoning new reality, Arayna loses her grasp on the power she had only just begun to revel in, threatening everything she has worked for-and her mission for the Underworld crown.
404 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2022
25 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Belle Manuel
11 books246 followersRaised in the Deep South, Manuel is an author who revels in creating new worlds. As a general book addict and wordsmith, Manuel often finds herself lost in daydreams and plot trees. She's also an editor for other fantasy writers, so her whole world is books, books, books!
The Firenian universe now spans six books—the Twisted Fates trilogy, completed in 2022, and the ongoing Soul Stealer Saga.
Flames Like Darkness is a new series co-authored with the incomparable Angelina J. Steffort. The third and final installment is expected late 2025.
The Broken Court, the second book in the Shyal Chronicles trilogy, was released in late 2024 to eager readers.
The Firenian universe now spans six books—the Twisted Fates trilogy, completed in 2022, and the ongoing Soul Stealer Saga.
Flames Like Darkness is a new series co-authored with the incomparable Angelina J. Steffort. The third and final installment is expected late 2025.
The Broken Court, the second book in the Shyal Chronicles trilogy, was released in late 2024 to eager readers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 10, 2023
Belle Manuel does it again with Of Shadows And Ruin! This might have been my favorite book in the series and I can not wait to see where this series goes with book 3! With most trilogies, which is what this currently is, you have the dreaded middle book syndrome. But this second book blew all expectations that I had when it came to middle books out of the water.
I will say that this start out a little slow but I feel like when Ari got back with her group that I grew to love in book one, it was like “okay now the book really starts” due to the fact that I know that with all of them together I know that it is going to be an emotional roller coaster. And boy this was an emotional roller coaster. I will say that with some of the things that happen to Ari and her partner near the 75% mark you will probably want some tissues because it is heartbreaking.
The writing was fantastic and it seemed like the more that the series goes on the more that you learn about the characters. Especially Pri and Ari because of the fact that they arent the same people who they were when they last met. They have become different people who are finding their ways back to each other and figure out how to make sure that everyone stays safe.
Even when Ari has a hard time staying out of trouble and thinks along the lines of that she doesnt deserve anything due to horrid situations that she has found herself in. And yes my heart broke for her because she didnt deserve the the majority of the shit that she went threw. I understood why that Ari had to go threw the trauma that she had to go threw but at the same time I just wanted to give her a big hug because of the fact that she didn’t deserve being tortured.
Just everything about this book was wonderful and this is easily becoming one of my favorite series. But please keep an eye out for triggering situations (IE Violence, Sexual Content, etc) that you would normally find in a dark fantasy book.
I will say that this start out a little slow but I feel like when Ari got back with her group that I grew to love in book one, it was like “okay now the book really starts” due to the fact that I know that with all of them together I know that it is going to be an emotional roller coaster. And boy this was an emotional roller coaster. I will say that with some of the things that happen to Ari and her partner near the 75% mark you will probably want some tissues because it is heartbreaking.
The writing was fantastic and it seemed like the more that the series goes on the more that you learn about the characters. Especially Pri and Ari because of the fact that they arent the same people who they were when they last met. They have become different people who are finding their ways back to each other and figure out how to make sure that everyone stays safe.
Even when Ari has a hard time staying out of trouble and thinks along the lines of that she doesnt deserve anything due to horrid situations that she has found herself in. And yes my heart broke for her because she didnt deserve the the majority of the shit that she went threw. I understood why that Ari had to go threw the trauma that she had to go threw but at the same time I just wanted to give her a big hug because of the fact that she didn’t deserve being tortured.
Just everything about this book was wonderful and this is easily becoming one of my favorite series. But please keep an eye out for triggering situations (IE Violence, Sexual Content, etc) that you would normally find in a dark fantasy book.
November 29, 2022
Holy freaking crap, Belle Manuel has done it again!!! I’ve been obsessed with this world and her writing ever since I read the first book in the Soul Stealer saga, and this second book definitely starts off with a bang!!! The story of Arayna Gamon, our fierce heroine, continues in this exhilarating and utterly epic sequel to “Of Blades and Shadows.” Ari is such a complex, morally grey kind of character, and I loved that about her. She’s bold and sassy, but she also hides her emotions behind snarky comments and eye rolls.
I also really adore the absolutely obvious tension and sizzling chemistry she has with Priamos. Pri is definitely a favorite for me in this series, and I found myself looking forward to every one of their interactions. I love Pri because he’s a very sensual character, even if he’s not trying to be, but also because he gives off these “don’t mess with me” vibes. I also love how protective he is of Ari. The action scenes were brilliant, and there were other times where I just kind of wanted to scream into the abyss. I’m very much so looking forward to the next one, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!!!
I also really adore the absolutely obvious tension and sizzling chemistry she has with Priamos. Pri is definitely a favorite for me in this series, and I found myself looking forward to every one of their interactions. I love Pri because he’s a very sensual character, even if he’s not trying to be, but also because he gives off these “don’t mess with me” vibes. I also love how protective he is of Ari. The action scenes were brilliant, and there were other times where I just kind of wanted to scream into the abyss. I’m very much so looking forward to the next one, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!!!
June 8, 2022
I am just obsessed with this series! It really is a gem! Ari is such a strong, yet broken character and I absolutely adore her. Her absolute blindness to Pri's feelings for her makes for such good tension. The story drew me in from the first chapter. In this book we get to see Ari pushed almost to the brink. Her big heart gets her and her friends in more trouble than she expects time and again. I love reading about a character who's been through the ringer and still has a good heart!
June 1, 2022
Well-developed characters. Detailed world-building. Soul Stealers & Wardens. Search for sisters. Filled with adventure, intrigue, desire, secrecy, danger, and banter.
"The key"
"One child promised to the gods. One child promised to the throne. One child promised to the mortal realms. One mate to keep the world divided."
"A messenger of death to aid in life."
"The key"
"One child promised to the gods. One child promised to the throne. One child promised to the mortal realms. One mate to keep the world divided."
"A messenger of death to aid in life."
June 5, 2023
Blew me away..this book was a step up from the first and I completely devoured it! You know it’s a great book when you forget to even eat all day because you were so consumed with the world lmao
I absolutely adored it and the characters grew so much and even the world building was so much mor 😍! I cannot wait for the next one!
I absolutely adored it and the characters grew so much and even the world building was so much mor 😍! I cannot wait for the next one!
June 5, 2023
I enjoyed the book and how it didn't slow down like most middle books for trilogy books.
August 13, 2023
Great sequel, no dip. Which is usually a provlem with book 2 in series.
Arayna grows so much, and i enjoy that. I loved the development with Pri, and the whole cast really shines in this one. The plot was much clearer, and I knew what was going on through the entire read. So that is a bonus.
Arayna grows so much, and i enjoy that. I loved the development with Pri, and the whole cast really shines in this one. The plot was much clearer, and I knew what was going on through the entire read. So that is a bonus.
July 22, 2023
Amazing.
I laughed, cried and smiled. That’s all I want in a book.
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WAS RIGHT ABOUT PRI AND ARAYNA.
Also huge thank you to the author for answering my questions on her Facebook group, it was a big help.
I laughed, cried and smiled. That’s all I want in a book.
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WAS RIGHT ABOUT PRI AND ARAYNA.
Also huge thank you to the author for answering my questions on her Facebook group, it was a big help.
January 5, 2024
Much clearer and more focused than book 1. I really enjoyed it. Still hate Thayer. I read these back to back to back so I can't remember what exactly happens in book 2 and what happens in book 3 so I'll refrain from talking too much about that. It was much better than book 1
July 1, 2023
This books was sooo good! I liked book one a lot but book 2 steals the show honestly. The growth of Ari is so fun to actually watch in this one but also the demons they are all having to overcome from their past and present are just something special to witness.
I am guilty of wanting to rush to the end because I know how I want something to end and I have that feeling here but also I just want to witness the evolution and cannot wait to read book three to continue this journey.
I am guilty of wanting to rush to the end because I know how I want something to end and I have that feeling here but also I just want to witness the evolution and cannot wait to read book three to continue this journey.
August 5, 2023
I was beyond excited to dive back into this world!
Arayna Gamon, is a badass. Sassy, skilled and a give 'em hell attitude. She's the sort of character you read and bond with immediately.
In this action packed sequel, Arayna has to hold up her end of a bargain to the Dark King Kyrell. Along her journey to locate the the heirs to the throne, Arayna is forced to deal with the consequences of her rebellious actions, and faces the ghosts of her past- not all are welcomed returns.
This trilling tale is a whirlwind of epic action, inner conflict, swooning romance and gasping cliff hanger moments that kept me coming back for more.
A must read! :)
Arayna Gamon, is a badass. Sassy, skilled and a give 'em hell attitude. She's the sort of character you read and bond with immediately.
In this action packed sequel, Arayna has to hold up her end of a bargain to the Dark King Kyrell. Along her journey to locate the the heirs to the throne, Arayna is forced to deal with the consequences of her rebellious actions, and faces the ghosts of her past- not all are welcomed returns.
This trilling tale is a whirlwind of epic action, inner conflict, swooning romance and gasping cliff hanger moments that kept me coming back for more.
A must read! :)
February 24, 2025
📖 Of Shadows and Ruin
★★★★
Okay but where did that come from!? 😍😍
I am so glad I carried on with this series because WOW.
The first part of this book was a little slow, I wasn’t sure which direction it was going in but then all of a sudden it did a complete U-Turn and blew my mind!
The writing in this book is so much better than the first one. There’s just a lot more to this book, for starters you get to know the characters more and read about their backstory which I really enjoyed.
There was a lot more action, and we all know I love a scene that has me on the edge of my seat wanting to bite my nails or grip on to something and you get all of that and more!!
Not only that but this book hits you right in the feels, with a few tear jerking moments.
I’ve never heard of this author before I started these series but honestly I am really glad I have found her because I’m really enjoying this series!
★★★★
Okay but where did that come from!? 😍😍
I am so glad I carried on with this series because WOW.
The first part of this book was a little slow, I wasn’t sure which direction it was going in but then all of a sudden it did a complete U-Turn and blew my mind!
The writing in this book is so much better than the first one. There’s just a lot more to this book, for starters you get to know the characters more and read about their backstory which I really enjoyed.
There was a lot more action, and we all know I love a scene that has me on the edge of my seat wanting to bite my nails or grip on to something and you get all of that and more!!
Not only that but this book hits you right in the feels, with a few tear jerking moments.
I’ve never heard of this author before I started these series but honestly I am really glad I have found her because I’m really enjoying this series!
September 17, 2023
Now this is what a plot should be!
Action-packed, unpredictable, utterly alluring!
This is exactly what I was looking for in this second installment of the Soul Stealer Saga. The characters have developed a backbone, their motives and morals shining through. A sense of a bigger picture is clear as day, and I have no doubt that the immense potential of this saga will be executed perfectly.
I am in this series for the long run now. Immersed from the first page, it truly shows that the author knows what they are playing at. Everything is unfolding, revealing itself to the reader in a beautiful way. I feel the world in my hands, and I know that anything can be changed at any moment here- it is enticing to say the least. The conflicts and plot twists are what keep me glued to the page: they are what keep me engaged in the story, actively thinking about what is going to happen next.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance reader copy, Of Shadows and Ruin.
Action-packed, unpredictable, utterly alluring!
This is exactly what I was looking for in this second installment of the Soul Stealer Saga. The characters have developed a backbone, their motives and morals shining through. A sense of a bigger picture is clear as day, and I have no doubt that the immense potential of this saga will be executed perfectly.
I am in this series for the long run now. Immersed from the first page, it truly shows that the author knows what they are playing at. Everything is unfolding, revealing itself to the reader in a beautiful way. I feel the world in my hands, and I know that anything can be changed at any moment here- it is enticing to say the least. The conflicts and plot twists are what keep me glued to the page: they are what keep me engaged in the story, actively thinking about what is going to happen next.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance reader copy, Of Shadows and Ruin.
August 1, 2023
Ara’s journey continues as she’s opening herself up to the possibilities of letting others in. She is understanding that she’s made mistakes and grows stronger in an admirable sense. Story is solid and the characters are witty and fun. Pri is an amazing guy, and I love how his character shines in this installment. With Ara and Pri, it’s rather beautiful.
It’s admirable how Belle’s characters begin to develop wonderfully throughout, I had a lot of laughs along the way with them all.
The ending was crazy good. Can’t wait to read book 3
It’s admirable how Belle’s characters begin to develop wonderfully throughout, I had a lot of laughs along the way with them all.
The ending was crazy good. Can’t wait to read book 3
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews