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The Curse of Ophelia #2
The Shards of Ophelia
The quest is over, but the curse has only just begun.
During her journey to the Mystique Mountains, Ophelia uncovered twisted secrets of love and war. Now, she’s left to pick up the pieces while stepping into her new role. But when a chancellor of a minor clan delivers a destructive premonition, Ophelia’s appointment is challenged, forcing her into a trial period–one that heightens the tensions already brewing in her relationships.
Amid the battles for alliances, the Angel, Damien, returns with more prophetic musings and threats. In order to defeat her political enemies, prove her worth, and solve the Angel’s message, Ophelia must fight to unravel the secrets of her opponents and heal her own wounds. But with war looming and scars of the past surfacing, can she find answers before time runs out?
The second installment in the The Curse of Ophelia series is rife with trials of growth, challenges of love, and games of politics. The Shards of Ophelia is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Raven Kennedy, and Carissa Broadbent.
During her journey to the Mystique Mountains, Ophelia uncovered twisted secrets of love and war. Now, she’s left to pick up the pieces while stepping into her new role. But when a chancellor of a minor clan delivers a destructive premonition, Ophelia’s appointment is challenged, forcing her into a trial period–one that heightens the tensions already brewing in her relationships.
Amid the battles for alliances, the Angel, Damien, returns with more prophetic musings and threats. In order to defeat her political enemies, prove her worth, and solve the Angel’s message, Ophelia must fight to unravel the secrets of her opponents and heal her own wounds. But with war looming and scars of the past surfacing, can she find answers before time runs out?
The second installment in the The Curse of Ophelia series is rife with trials of growth, challenges of love, and games of politics. The Shards of Ophelia is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Raven Kennedy, and Carissa Broadbent.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2023
298 people are currently reading
9229 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Platania
11 books393 followersNicole Platania was born and raised in Los Angeles and completed her B.A. in Communications at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After two years of working in social media marketing, she traded Santa Barbara beaches for the rainy magic of London, where she completed her Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London. Nicole harbors a love for broken and twisty characters, stories that feel like puzzles, and all things romance. She can always be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in hand, ready to discuss everything from celebrity gossip to your latest book theories.
Connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @bynicoleplatania or at www.nicoleplatania.com.
Connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @bynicoleplatania or at www.nicoleplatania.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
August 20, 2023
I guess it's time I say my little thing before I hide from this space. This book was very healing to write. It tested me and pushed every facet of my writing. There were many moments that I thought I wasn't going to pull it off, but I think - at the end of the day - I'm proud of it. It's a story that I would have needed to read when I was going through a dark time, even if it was not necessarily the one I would have wanted. I hope it finds the readers who need it, too.
May 23, 2024
♾️⭐
I am blown away. This series is immaculate and I just want MORE.
The way I gasped over and over again reading this. I loved Ophelia in book one but I love her even more in book two.
Okay, chapter 20 broke me into a million pieces. I cried so hard. This was so beautifully done.
I am so shocked that this is Nicole Platania's debut series because it is absolute perfection. The plot, the twists, the characters, the romance.. it's just everything.
If you like Throne of Glass and The Bridge Kingdom.. I highly suggest you try this series!
THE LAST SENTENCE 🥹🥹🥹
Quotes:
"From now until the end of time, I am indefinitely yours."
"I like seeing my blade on you." 😏😏😏
"His love was the glue between my broken glass. The fire forging me anew. And I'd never stopped to realize."
"You have to live for yourself before you can live for anyone else."
"Some endings weren't meant to be happy." 😭😭
-new adult fantasy
-badass fmc
-magical tattoos
-found family
-slow burn
-"it's always been you"
**no spice and so worth it.
I am blown away. This series is immaculate and I just want MORE.
The way I gasped over and over again reading this. I loved Ophelia in book one but I love her even more in book two.
Okay, chapter 20 broke me into a million pieces. I cried so hard. This was so beautifully done.
I am so shocked that this is Nicole Platania's debut series because it is absolute perfection. The plot, the twists, the characters, the romance.. it's just everything.
If you like Throne of Glass and The Bridge Kingdom.. I highly suggest you try this series!
THE LAST SENTENCE 🥹🥹🥹
Quotes:
"From now until the end of time, I am indefinitely yours."
"I like seeing my blade on you." 😏😏😏
"His love was the glue between my broken glass. The fire forging me anew. And I'd never stopped to realize."
"You have to live for yourself before you can live for anyone else."
"Some endings weren't meant to be happy." 😭😭
-new adult fantasy
-badass fmc
-magical tattoos
-found family
-slow burn
-"it's always been you"
**no spice and so worth it.
August 18, 2023
This is how you do a second book in a series 👏🏻
The first book landed somewhere between 3.5-4⭐️’s for me. It was really good but tended to be quite slow and I was unsure where it was all going. But the bones were there and I was intrigued to keep going.
Thank frick I did, because this was absolutely phenomenal. I’m finding it difficult to find anything to critique without being nitpicky.
I LOVE a strong female main character and Ophelia is IT! Not only that, but she is overprotective, with touch HIM and die energy. And HE thinks she’s so hot when she kills her enemies. I love it all so much.
This is one of those Romantasy series’ that is heavy on the character development with a slow building plot and I really really enjoy it. The romance is set up to be quite steamy and adventurous and I cannot WAIT. The adventure that all the found family is about to go on has me so hyped too.
TLDR;
- elite found fam
- strong female MC
- MMC who loves FMC and all her rage and sharp bits
- medium/slow paced plot
- character development driven
- adventurous
- queer normative world
- dark magic
- angels/curses/fae
- spice is building 🌶️🌶️
- touch HIM and die
- subverts your Romantasy expectations
- unresolved ending!!!!! WTF NICOLE I NEED IT TO BE OK
The first book landed somewhere between 3.5-4⭐️’s for me. It was really good but tended to be quite slow and I was unsure where it was all going. But the bones were there and I was intrigued to keep going.
Thank frick I did, because this was absolutely phenomenal. I’m finding it difficult to find anything to critique without being nitpicky.
I LOVE a strong female main character and Ophelia is IT! Not only that, but she is overprotective, with touch HIM and die energy. And HE thinks she’s so hot when she kills her enemies. I love it all so much.
This is one of those Romantasy series’ that is heavy on the character development with a slow building plot and I really really enjoy it. The romance is set up to be quite steamy and adventurous and I cannot WAIT. The adventure that all the found family is about to go on has me so hyped too.
TLDR;
- elite found fam
- strong female MC
- MMC who loves FMC and all her rage and sharp bits
- medium/slow paced plot
- character development driven
- adventurous
- queer normative world
- dark magic
- angels/curses/fae
- spice is building 🌶️🌶️
- touch HIM and die
- subverts your Romantasy expectations
- unresolved ending!!!!! WTF NICOLE I NEED IT TO BE OK
July 27, 2023
♾️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
so you like fantasy? and you like romance? ok ok. add some slow burn with sarcastic witty humor, a golden retriever-like mmc, over-protective fmc, one bed trope, oh one horse trope as well. TOUCH HIM AND YOU DIE. forehead kisses. slow dances. love confessions. *screams*
betrayals. lies. messy relationships. loss. found family. raw friendships.
this book has it all and I devoured it. this is my formal plea—everyone should read this series. 🫶🏻
so you like fantasy? and you like romance? ok ok. add some slow burn with sarcastic witty humor, a golden retriever-like mmc, over-protective fmc, one bed trope, oh one horse trope as well. TOUCH HIM AND YOU DIE. forehead kisses. slow dances. love confessions. *screams*
betrayals. lies. messy relationships. loss. found family. raw friendships.
this book has it all and I devoured it. this is my formal plea—everyone should read this series. 🫶🏻
July 17, 2023
will be posting an official review on ig, but for now you get my brain dump of thoughts ~eNjOy~
first off, AHHHHHHHHHH-
now that we’ve gotten that out of the way-
readers of the curse of ophelia that are on the edge of their seats for this book will be FED. i never would have foreseen where we ended up by the end of tsoo but BOY am I buckled up and along for the ride.
my favorite part of this series continues to be the deep relationship we as the reader form with each character. their journeys of grief, trauma, and healing are so raw and palpable that we go on that journey with them, and seeing how each character realizes each others’ place in that is so beautiful.
as far as romance goes, THE SLOW BURN IS SLOW BURNING (in the best way). i was over here screaming, giggling, punching the wall demanding more (cough, one horse trope, cough, one bed trope, cOUGH), but let me tell you, THOSE LOVE CONFESSIONS??!?!🥹😭
all in all, i’m so thankful i dove into this series. ophelia has a piece of my heart and always will 🫶🏼✨🩷
first off, AHHHHHHHHHH-
now that we’ve gotten that out of the way-
readers of the curse of ophelia that are on the edge of their seats for this book will be FED. i never would have foreseen where we ended up by the end of tsoo but BOY am I buckled up and along for the ride.
my favorite part of this series continues to be the deep relationship we as the reader form with each character. their journeys of grief, trauma, and healing are so raw and palpable that we go on that journey with them, and seeing how each character realizes each others’ place in that is so beautiful.
as far as romance goes, THE SLOW BURN IS SLOW BURNING (in the best way). i was over here screaming, giggling, punching the wall demanding more (cough, one horse trope, cough, one bed trope, cOUGH), but let me tell you, THOSE LOVE CONFESSIONS??!?!🥹😭
all in all, i’m so thankful i dove into this series. ophelia has a piece of my heart and always will 🫶🏼✨🩷
January 17, 2024
5 stars
For fear of accidentally spoiling things, I’ll make this brief.
I loved it. I adore all of these characters. Ophelia is still cursed, but it’s fine, everything is fine. *cue GIF of the house on fire*
If certain characters don’t get the happiness they deserve in the next book I’m grabbing my pitchforks and we’re going on a riot. Read this series. Please. It’s amazing in my opinion.
For fear of accidentally spoiling things, I’ll make this brief.
I loved it. I adore all of these characters. Ophelia is still cursed, but it’s fine, everything is fine. *cue GIF of the house on fire*
If certain characters don’t get the happiness they deserve in the next book I’m grabbing my pitchforks and we’re going on a riot. Read this series. Please. It’s amazing in my opinion.
July 30, 2023
Rating: 5 forever shining ✨
Spice: 1.25🌶 but 1000x swoon-worthy, leg melting steam!
⚠️ This review does contain a spoiler for book 1, The Curse of Ophelia ⚠️
I would first like to thank the author for this eARC opportunity. As always, this review will be voluntary & honest.
If I was left speechless & in awe of the story & the author's writing in book 1, this book surpassed all of that & made me fall even more in love with the story, the series, & the author's writing. Seriously, The Shards of Ophelia was filled with writing of poetic beauty that made you feel DEEPLY. Nicole truly puts all emotions the characters are feeling on paper & finds a way to make you feel them while reading it too.
Now, let's start with Ophelia, my Queen that I adore wholeheartedly. I am so proud of her. The journey she went on & the Ophelia that came out in the end of it was an Ophelia I would go to war for. Not even being dramatic. She is wholly selfless & always put her wants & needs last. She was the support & hope others needed. Her "burdens", she always kept to herself. Never wanting to accept help if there was a chance others could get hurt, but always being the one to run head first into danger to help those she loves. I loved seeing her learn that it is not selfish to put yourself & your happiness first. Seeing her allow herself to go after what she wants & letting go of the guilt that was weighing her down. I am in awe of her & her story.
Malakai. His journey was also one that was heartbreakingly beautiful. Because the Malakai we saw through memories in book 1 was not the Malakai who we get to know more deeply in this book. He remains haunted from the pain & terror of his recent past. He was forever changed & his journey in this book was not only finding himself once again, but also meeting the new parts of himself. The parts that were born from years of never-ending pain & torment. I truly loved getting to know him.
Tolek Vincenzo aka the love of my life. This book made me fall further in love with this man, seriously. If I thought Tolek was an incredible character in book 1, this book solidified that & showed just how loving & selfless he truly is. He is someone who also puts those he loves & their happiness above all else, including himself, with no regrets. He is so in-sync with emotions, especially Ophelia's, & is always there to be the support others need. He is a fearless warrior, an absolute force in battle but a man with a heart of gold who loves wholeheartedly. His goofy & teasing side stole my heart & I live for the moments where he smirks & smiles.
Cypherion, what an absolute leader he has grown into. He found his passion & utilized his talents in battle, weapon & blades & has become a pivotal key in this war. Jezebel, what a QUEEN just like her sister & an absolutely legend with everything she has accomplished & I love how fiercely loyal she is. Santorina, my love for her grew further & I just cannot stop rooting for her & her story and the growth I know we will continue to see for her too. We do see some unlikely allies enter as well & they have found their ways into my heart. Seriously, the found family trope in this series is unmatched & will have your heart growing warm from the happiness.
This book is truly among my top faves of the year! If book one's biggest theme was healing, book two takes that healing to another level & adds incredible growth as well. I truly felt like I went on each characters' journey with them & came out a completely different person myself. I cannot recommend this book & series enough. Take this as your sign to read it & fall in love with this world with me 🤍
Spice: 1.25🌶 but 1000x swoon-worthy, leg melting steam!
⚠️ This review does contain a spoiler for book 1, The Curse of Ophelia ⚠️
I would first like to thank the author for this eARC opportunity. As always, this review will be voluntary & honest.
If I was left speechless & in awe of the story & the author's writing in book 1, this book surpassed all of that & made me fall even more in love with the story, the series, & the author's writing. Seriously, The Shards of Ophelia was filled with writing of poetic beauty that made you feel DEEPLY. Nicole truly puts all emotions the characters are feeling on paper & finds a way to make you feel them while reading it too.
Now, let's start with Ophelia, my Queen that I adore wholeheartedly. I am so proud of her. The journey she went on & the Ophelia that came out in the end of it was an Ophelia I would go to war for. Not even being dramatic. She is wholly selfless & always put her wants & needs last. She was the support & hope others needed. Her "burdens", she always kept to herself. Never wanting to accept help if there was a chance others could get hurt, but always being the one to run head first into danger to help those she loves. I loved seeing her learn that it is not selfish to put yourself & your happiness first. Seeing her allow herself to go after what she wants & letting go of the guilt that was weighing her down. I am in awe of her & her story.
Malakai. His journey was also one that was heartbreakingly beautiful. Because the Malakai we saw through memories in book 1 was not the Malakai who we get to know more deeply in this book. He remains haunted from the pain & terror of his recent past. He was forever changed & his journey in this book was not only finding himself once again, but also meeting the new parts of himself. The parts that were born from years of never-ending pain & torment. I truly loved getting to know him.
Tolek Vincenzo aka the love of my life. This book made me fall further in love with this man, seriously. If I thought Tolek was an incredible character in book 1, this book solidified that & showed just how loving & selfless he truly is. He is someone who also puts those he loves & their happiness above all else, including himself, with no regrets. He is so in-sync with emotions, especially Ophelia's, & is always there to be the support others need. He is a fearless warrior, an absolute force in battle but a man with a heart of gold who loves wholeheartedly. His goofy & teasing side stole my heart & I live for the moments where he smirks & smiles.
Cypherion, what an absolute leader he has grown into. He found his passion & utilized his talents in battle, weapon & blades & has become a pivotal key in this war. Jezebel, what a QUEEN just like her sister & an absolutely legend with everything she has accomplished & I love how fiercely loyal she is. Santorina, my love for her grew further & I just cannot stop rooting for her & her story and the growth I know we will continue to see for her too. We do see some unlikely allies enter as well & they have found their ways into my heart. Seriously, the found family trope in this series is unmatched & will have your heart growing warm from the happiness.
This book is truly among my top faves of the year! If book one's biggest theme was healing, book two takes that healing to another level & adds incredible growth as well. I truly felt like I went on each characters' journey with them & came out a completely different person myself. I cannot recommend this book & series enough. Take this as your sign to read it & fall in love with this world with me 🤍
August 14, 2023
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
SOPHOMORE SUCCESS.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Excuse me? THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING.
From the beginning I was wrapped up into this story. I enjoyed book one, and this blew it out of the water. I am officially attached to these characters, the plot and everything else in-between.
I loooove that it was dual POV. There’s a lot of complex emotions and hard choices to make. It all tore at my heart and made me ache. I love how this was written though. It felt real, with flawed characters doing their best, trying to take that next step forward and realizing what things you have to let go.
The romance picked up in ways I had been hoping for and I am HERE FOR IT. I love this found family and the new people that are being taken into the group. The other subtle relationships that may be popping up. The intensity at which I hate the antagonists. How the plot moves through fast and quiet times seamlessly. THE ANGST AT WHICH THIS ROMANCE BRINGS ME TO MY KNEES.
It’s all here, it’s all fantastic. Time to read this series.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: 1-2 open – low/moderate explicit
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, near death experiences, torture, physical and magical altercations, battle themes
SOPHOMORE SUCCESS.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Excuse me? THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING.
From the beginning I was wrapped up into this story. I enjoyed book one, and this blew it out of the water. I am officially attached to these characters, the plot and everything else in-between.
I loooove that it was dual POV. There’s a lot of complex emotions and hard choices to make. It all tore at my heart and made me ache. I love how this was written though. It felt real, with flawed characters doing their best, trying to take that next step forward and realizing what things you have to let go.
The romance picked up in ways I had been hoping for and I am HERE FOR IT. I love this found family and the new people that are being taken into the group. The other subtle relationships that may be popping up. The intensity at which I hate the antagonists. How the plot moves through fast and quiet times seamlessly. THE ANGST AT WHICH THIS ROMANCE BRINGS ME TO MY KNEES.
It’s all here, it’s all fantastic. Time to read this series.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: 1-2 open – low/moderate explicit
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, near death experiences, torture, physical and magical altercations, battle themes
July 10, 2023
4.5 stars
This series is such a comfort to me. The Curse of Ophelia broke my months long slump and The Shards of Ophelia kept me company while I was sick. It’s a really easy to read series and hits all the things I love. Slow burn romance character development, found family, sibling relationships and of course fantasy!!
The slow burn was immaculate. I love love slow burns but OMG the torture with this series 😭😭😭 I want a machine where I can have all the knowledge of the self development and can skip to the couple moments 😂
I was really surprised how much I loved the new POV. It really helped me root for all the characters rather than being frustrated and upset with the character who provides the new POV.
I’m really interested to see where the new characters take the story next book. I’m so happy with the character development for 2 of our mains in TSOO. I hope to see the other 4 of the main group explored in the remaining books because I love all these characters so much I need more!!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
This series is such a comfort to me. The Curse of Ophelia broke my months long slump and The Shards of Ophelia kept me company while I was sick. It’s a really easy to read series and hits all the things I love. Slow burn romance character development, found family, sibling relationships and of course fantasy!!
The slow burn was immaculate. I love love slow burns but OMG the torture with this series 😭😭😭 I want a machine where I can have all the knowledge of the self development and can skip to the couple moments 😂
I was really surprised how much I loved the new POV. It really helped me root for all the characters rather than being frustrated and upset with the character who provides the new POV.
I’m really interested to see where the new characters take the story next book. I’m so happy with the character development for 2 of our mains in TSOO. I hope to see the other 4 of the main group explored in the remaining books because I love all these characters so much I need more!!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
August 21, 2023
Calling all fantasy romance lovers - if you want a story of a FMC that is relatable, raw, and real... look no further.
Ophelia really annoyed me in the first book. No, seriously, I was yelling at her a lot. By the end of this book, I was proud of how far she's come. She still has things to figure out (don't we all?) but I loved how true she stuck to herself.
All my issues with the pacing and world building in the first book are gone by this book. You're so immersed in the world and uniqueness of the characters and their cultures.
Please, please, please read this!!!
Ophelia really annoyed me in the first book. No, seriously, I was yelling at her a lot. By the end of this book, I was proud of how far she's come. She still has things to figure out (don't we all?) but I loved how true she stuck to herself.
All my issues with the pacing and world building in the first book are gone by this book. You're so immersed in the world and uniqueness of the characters and their cultures.
Please, please, please read this!!!
February 23, 2025
The Shards of Ophelia
By @bynicoleplatania
♾️/5⭐️
Nicole really put meaning to the quote “you’re gonna suffer, but you’re gonna be happy about it.” This book gave everything that we needed.
We not only got to watch the fall out of Ophelia’s revelations in Book 1, but you started the healing journey with both Ophelia and a certain someone (who shall not be named for the sake of spoilers).
This book opens your eyes to this marvelous world in a whole new way. Book 1 focuses on the terrain, the wild, and the journey Ophelia and her friends make.
But Shards introduces you to the politics, the traditions, and the “normal” life of the Mystique Warriors. There’s training and balls and festivals. It truly feels like you’re experiencing it yourself.
And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my one true love, Tolek. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that @lbcreads and I are in a battle to be Tolek’s wife (but I’m pretty sure I’m winning).
His care, love, and support for Ophelia and the rest of their friends is truly unmatched. It’s like he was made to perfectly counter his friends in every way.
This book also made me love Cypherion more. He is the group dad and I think we all need someone like him in our life.
So once again, I will plead with you to go read The Curse of Ophelia, and if you already have, then tomorrow, you can dive straight into Shards!
(ARC read)
By @bynicoleplatania
♾️/5⭐️
Nicole really put meaning to the quote “you’re gonna suffer, but you’re gonna be happy about it.” This book gave everything that we needed.
We not only got to watch the fall out of Ophelia’s revelations in Book 1, but you started the healing journey with both Ophelia and a certain someone (who shall not be named for the sake of spoilers).
This book opens your eyes to this marvelous world in a whole new way. Book 1 focuses on the terrain, the wild, and the journey Ophelia and her friends make.
But Shards introduces you to the politics, the traditions, and the “normal” life of the Mystique Warriors. There’s training and balls and festivals. It truly feels like you’re experiencing it yourself.
And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my one true love, Tolek. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that @lbcreads and I are in a battle to be Tolek’s wife (but I’m pretty sure I’m winning).
His care, love, and support for Ophelia and the rest of their friends is truly unmatched. It’s like he was made to perfectly counter his friends in every way.
This book also made me love Cypherion more. He is the group dad and I think we all need someone like him in our life.
So once again, I will plead with you to go read The Curse of Ophelia, and if you already have, then tomorrow, you can dive straight into Shards!
(ARC read)
March 12, 2024
The Shards of Ophelia, the second book in The Curse of Ophelia series, seamlessly picks up after the events of the first novel. Ophelia faces a new set of challenges as she assumes (or attempts to assume) her newfound role. The expansion of world-building and the heightened political intrigue are considerable in this second book. As tensions escalate, Ophelia struggles to untangle secrets and prove herself to the other leaders.
I really enjoyed the character arcs in this book. The relationships feel realistic and genuine and the found family aspect is top-notch. One notable aspect is the portrayal of a relationship where love coexists with an inability to heal together. The depth and realism injected into the characters add layers to the storyline, making it more than a simple romantic fantasy. The pacing allows for a nuanced exploration of the characters' struggles, providing a refreshing take on relationships within the genre.
This not only builds upon the strengths of its predecessor but also elevates the narrative with increased depth, intricate politics, and a nuanced exploration of relationships. Deeply enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed the character arcs in this book. The relationships feel realistic and genuine and the found family aspect is top-notch. One notable aspect is the portrayal of a relationship where love coexists with an inability to heal together. The depth and realism injected into the characters add layers to the storyline, making it more than a simple romantic fantasy. The pacing allows for a nuanced exploration of the characters' struggles, providing a refreshing take on relationships within the genre.
This not only builds upon the strengths of its predecessor but also elevates the narrative with increased depth, intricate politics, and a nuanced exploration of relationships. Deeply enjoyed it!
October 18, 2023
A great follow up to Curse of Ophelia! I loved the plot twists and emotional journey the characters went through.
New adult fantasy lovers, this is for you if you enjoy:
One horse, one bed, badass fmc, angels, fighting, war, political intrigue, and romance full of pining/ slow burn 🤍
New adult fantasy lovers, this is for you if you enjoy:
One horse, one bed, badass fmc, angels, fighting, war, political intrigue, and romance full of pining/ slow burn 🤍
January 13, 2025
Ok, this book was SO MUCH BETTER than book on.
What the hell Nicole, you tore my heart out so many times I want it back please? This book was devastating. Honestly, what the fuck. I can’t even write a proper review.
What the hell Nicole, you tore my heart out so many times I want it back please? This book was devastating. Honestly, what the fuck. I can’t even write a proper review.
July 24, 2023
*I received a free arc, spoilers below*
I love this story so much. I love Ophelia, I love how flawed she is - like trust, she is flawed but means well.
Nicole does such an amazing job of making you both hate and empathize with characters at the same time. The duel POV from first-person works perfectly.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a friends to lovers trope, but I lovedddd it. How can you not love him??
There’s also a formality to Nicole’s writing and it places itself perfectly into this world. It helps immerse me into the story by making the characters more formal themselves. They aren’t civilians, they’re powerful leaders in their communities and were born knowing this, so to me it really emphasizes their status just by how they think and talk.
Overall loved this book and am really curious how the story will go! Lots of twists that I don’t see coming. So truly will be a surprise!
I love this story so much. I love Ophelia, I love how flawed she is - like trust, she is flawed but means well.
Nicole does such an amazing job of making you both hate and empathize with characters at the same time. The duel POV from first-person works perfectly.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a friends to lovers trope, but I lovedddd it. How can you not love him??
There’s also a formality to Nicole’s writing and it places itself perfectly into this world. It helps immerse me into the story by making the characters more formal themselves. They aren’t civilians, they’re powerful leaders in their communities and were born knowing this, so to me it really emphasizes their status just by how they think and talk.
Overall loved this book and am really curious how the story will go! Lots of twists that I don’t see coming. So truly will be a surprise!
July 12, 2023
This was an excellent follow-up to the Curse of Ophelia. We continue to get internal dialogue from Ophelia as she works to overcome grief and resentment. Those moments were my favorite parts of the book. I also thoroughly enjoyed how we began to get more information on the political side of the world and found the dialogue fascinating in these areas.
AND LET'S NOT FORGET TOLEK! It made my heart warm that we got more of his heart in the Shards of Ophelia. It hurt not to have a physical copy in front of me because all I wanted to do was highlight so many of the things he said.
AND LET'S NOT FORGET TOLEK! It made my heart warm that we got more of his heart in the Shards of Ophelia. It hurt not to have a physical copy in front of me because all I wanted to do was highlight so many of the things he said.
July 24, 2024
Thissss was a whirlwind of battles, emotions and plot twists.
Anytime I thought I knew what would happen, something completely different did so I stopped with any predictions and now I'm just along for the ride ✌️🎢.
The only thing I was right about was becoming more invested/giving higher ratings as the story continues because 🤯.
Starting book three as we speak and hoping hoping hoping it has a Tol POV chapter 🙏.
Anytime I thought I knew what would happen, something completely different did so I stopped with any predictions and now I'm just along for the ride ✌️🎢.
The only thing I was right about was becoming more invested/giving higher ratings as the story continues because 🤯.
Starting book three as we speak and hoping hoping hoping it has a Tol POV chapter 🙏.
February 16, 2024
Loved this book and it’s characters. My heart felt so much for the FMC and all they go through. This book had more world building, more character growth, some answers given to questions but also more questions. I can’t wait for book three.
October 21, 2023
You know how sometimes a series gets slow in the middle and you just kind of have to slog through to the next book for the action?
NOT THE CASE HERE, MY FRIENDS. Nicole gave us tender moments, thoughtful moments, angsty and tense and tearful moments, action packed moments, and sweet romantic moments. There's a little bit of everything in this book and each element hits the spot just right. I don't know how it's possible to nail each emotion and part of this story but it's been done.
This is truly one of the best books I've ever read. It's heartfelt and emotional and has helped me through some hard mental stages; i can see myself in Ophelia so much and it makes me feel like I too can overcome the bad things and come out stronger on the other side. She is such a special character and she means so much to my sad little heart.
The side characters shine; Cyph in particular is an absolute gem in this book and I enjoyed that we still followed the main 2 POVs and didn't lose their stories at all, but got to explore much more about the other characters. New ones were added and felt natural.
It was all just so well done. I find it hard to describe how much this book meant to me when I read it the first time, but the crying selfies Nicole received might be a hint. Thank you to Nicole for allowing me to read early copies of this book, and for creating a story that allows me to feel seen and supported and lifted up. It's such a gift.
*****My original review lol*****
Not rating this because it’s still on draft one but….wow. Love. We’re in for a treat with this.
NOT THE CASE HERE, MY FRIENDS. Nicole gave us tender moments, thoughtful moments, angsty and tense and tearful moments, action packed moments, and sweet romantic moments. There's a little bit of everything in this book and each element hits the spot just right. I don't know how it's possible to nail each emotion and part of this story but it's been done.
This is truly one of the best books I've ever read. It's heartfelt and emotional and has helped me through some hard mental stages; i can see myself in Ophelia so much and it makes me feel like I too can overcome the bad things and come out stronger on the other side. She is such a special character and she means so much to my sad little heart.
The side characters shine; Cyph in particular is an absolute gem in this book and I enjoyed that we still followed the main 2 POVs and didn't lose their stories at all, but got to explore much more about the other characters. New ones were added and felt natural.
It was all just so well done. I find it hard to describe how much this book meant to me when I read it the first time, but the crying selfies Nicole received might be a hint. Thank you to Nicole for allowing me to read early copies of this book, and for creating a story that allows me to feel seen and supported and lifted up. It's such a gift.
*****My original review lol*****
Not rating this because it’s still on draft one but….wow. Love. We’re in for a treat with this.
July 8, 2023
I have been sitting on this review all week trying to find the right words.
Nicole has taken her writing to a whole new level with The Shards of Ophelia. The characters, the plot, the writing; it was all spectacular. My heart was being put back together, only to be ripped back apart, and then it started healing again only to be ripped to shreds in the end (I’m just gonna pretend that ending didn’t happen or I won’t make it to book 3)
The true shining star in this book was our main girl Ophelia. She’s started to pick up the broken shards of herself and move forwards, forging a new version of herself as she moves through everything shes survived. Her journey through this book was heart-achingly beautiful. It’s a journey of heartbreak, growth, and healing. You can’t help but love Ophelia with your whole heart. She’s my favorite kind of character 🖤
And of course, we got plenty of the rest of the gang. Our favorite book boyfriend Tolek gets some real good moments 😏 as do the rest of the gang. I’m 100% a Cyph girlie now too 🤭
In Shards, Nicole continues to share more of her unique world with us. I love getting to learn more about the different clans and their unique abilities. The world building is done so well and it’s never overwhelming.
Okay I should really stop now or I might just continue on forever.
Nicole has taken her writing to a whole new level with The Shards of Ophelia. The characters, the plot, the writing; it was all spectacular. My heart was being put back together, only to be ripped back apart, and then it started healing again only to be ripped to shreds in the end (I’m just gonna pretend that ending didn’t happen or I won’t make it to book 3)
The true shining star in this book was our main girl Ophelia. She’s started to pick up the broken shards of herself and move forwards, forging a new version of herself as she moves through everything shes survived. Her journey through this book was heart-achingly beautiful. It’s a journey of heartbreak, growth, and healing. You can’t help but love Ophelia with your whole heart. She’s my favorite kind of character 🖤
And of course, we got plenty of the rest of the gang. Our favorite book boyfriend Tolek gets some real good moments 😏 as do the rest of the gang. I’m 100% a Cyph girlie now too 🤭
In Shards, Nicole continues to share more of her unique world with us. I love getting to learn more about the different clans and their unique abilities. The world building is done so well and it’s never overwhelming.
Okay I should really stop now or I might just continue on forever.
February 10, 2024
WONDERFUL! I really liked book one, but this book catapulted the series to favorite status. Nicole Platania is a beautiful writer and an excellent storyteller. TSOO ripped by heart and tore it into a million little pieces again and again…and I couldn’t get enough of it. Top 3 books that made me cry in 2023 EASY.
The relationships (found family and romantic)I and emotional journeys make this series. Characters grieving and growing and making difficult decisions to do the right thing. UGH MY HEART!
Not to mention, the politics, the action, the prophecy, the mystery of it all! What are those angels up to???
I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait for more Tolek in book 3!
Blog | Instagram
The relationships (found family and romantic)I and emotional journeys make this series. Characters grieving and growing and making difficult decisions to do the right thing. UGH MY HEART!
Not to mention, the politics, the action, the prophecy, the mystery of it all! What are those angels up to???
I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait for more Tolek in book 3!
Blog | Instagram
January 2, 2024
Wow. Just wow. Here I am, just barely 2 days after finishing The Curse of Ophelia and I sit, just staring at my fire. I think this may be one of the best love stories I’ve ever read. And not because it’s sweet or flawless or full of morally grey or even Prince Charming. So, how then, you ask? Because it’s REAL. It’s what REAL looks like. It’s raw and broken and fallible and selfish and yet selfless and joy filled despite the hardship. It’s a CHOICE. It’s not magic. It’s hard decisions and humility and hard 👏 work 👏. That’s what love is. And Nicole pictures that perfectly. Broken people accepting each other’s pieces (“shards”) and working together to become whole.
Broken. Broken. That’s what we all are, traipsing through the earth filled space. And the moment we acknowledge that we are broken, we are finally free to heal. I just… I just adore how vivid and true this story follows what our walk through time is like. Yes, this novel is full of BEAUTIFUL and intricate magic, lore, plot twists, witty banter, and amazing action scenes. But it’s also such an exquisite picture of the internal battle we all fight here in reality. Rarely do I find someone who speaks of their brokenness with transparency and openness- a trait I try to hone in myself and seek in others. So, what I love most about this book is the POSSIBILITIES. The possibility that whoever has this in their hand has an opportunity to realize they are not alone in their brokenness and to accept it, love it, and then wield it. With truth and grace and love and HOPE that it does not define us or our future. It has simply brought us to where we are. But it is NOT who we are.
Read this for the romance. Read it for the amazing cast. Read it for the fantasy and fun. Read this for the lessons. Read it to know we all hurt, but we don’t hurt alone.
2nd in a trilogy. Moderate language. 🌶️🌶️ spice rating. Worth every second of avoiding daily chores. 🙃
IG: Fantasybook.adventurer
Broken. Broken. That’s what we all are, traipsing through the earth filled space. And the moment we acknowledge that we are broken, we are finally free to heal. I just… I just adore how vivid and true this story follows what our walk through time is like. Yes, this novel is full of BEAUTIFUL and intricate magic, lore, plot twists, witty banter, and amazing action scenes. But it’s also such an exquisite picture of the internal battle we all fight here in reality. Rarely do I find someone who speaks of their brokenness with transparency and openness- a trait I try to hone in myself and seek in others. So, what I love most about this book is the POSSIBILITIES. The possibility that whoever has this in their hand has an opportunity to realize they are not alone in their brokenness and to accept it, love it, and then wield it. With truth and grace and love and HOPE that it does not define us or our future. It has simply brought us to where we are. But it is NOT who we are.
Read this for the romance. Read it for the amazing cast. Read it for the fantasy and fun. Read this for the lessons. Read it to know we all hurt, but we don’t hurt alone.
2nd in a trilogy. Moderate language. 🌶️🌶️ spice rating. Worth every second of avoiding daily chores. 🙃
IG: Fantasybook.adventurer
August 10, 2024
Title: The Shards of Ophelia
Author: Nicole Platania
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🫑
In the second book in this series, Ophelia is finding her place as a newly ascended warrior. She is taking her place as Revered and working to restore the livelihoods of the Mystique warriors. We find that Kakias has plans to destroy the Mystiques, with Ophelia directly in her sights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is exactly what I needed in a second book to keep me interested in the series. This book was more enticing to read and didn’t have the slowness that made me somewhat disinterested in the first. I was actually surprised by some events and found that Damien’s riddle that Ophelia needs to solve isn’t as straight forward as the riddle presented in the first book. THANK YOU.
Protect Tolek at all costs. That is all.
“I’ll tell you every hidden truth darkening my heart if it’s what you want—it belongs to you anyway.”
The found family gets stronger and all characters definitely get the build that was needed. Malakai struggles with his PTSD but I was relieved that he starts to break free of his chains. Surprising new allies emerge and this story has all the intrigue. I’m truly interested to see what comes next.
Author: Nicole Platania
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🫑
In the second book in this series, Ophelia is finding her place as a newly ascended warrior. She is taking her place as Revered and working to restore the livelihoods of the Mystique warriors. We find that Kakias has plans to destroy the Mystiques, with Ophelia directly in her sights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is exactly what I needed in a second book to keep me interested in the series. This book was more enticing to read and didn’t have the slowness that made me somewhat disinterested in the first. I was actually surprised by some events and found that Damien’s riddle that Ophelia needs to solve isn’t as straight forward as the riddle presented in the first book. THANK YOU.
Protect Tolek at all costs. That is all.
“I’ll tell you every hidden truth darkening my heart if it’s what you want—it belongs to you anyway.”
The found family gets stronger and all characters definitely get the build that was needed. Malakai struggles with his PTSD but I was relieved that he starts to break free of his chains. Surprising new allies emerge and this story has all the intrigue. I’m truly interested to see what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2023
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this sequel. We got more quests, more prophecies, more emotions, more Tolek, more everything. Pieces started coming together, questions were answered, more questions were raised. I adore Ophelia and her strength and her ability to keep going through hardships. I adore Tolek and his steady presence, always knowing exactly what Ophelia needs, always smiling. I love all of our characters so much and I am so eager to see what happens in the next installment of this story.
I really enjoyed this sequel. We got more quests, more prophecies, more emotions, more Tolek, more everything. Pieces started coming together, questions were answered, more questions were raised. I adore Ophelia and her strength and her ability to keep going through hardships. I adore Tolek and his steady presence, always knowing exactly what Ophelia needs, always smiling. I love all of our characters so much and I am so eager to see what happens in the next installment of this story.
January 7, 2025
This was great! I love the characters, and the plot is fast-paced, striking a great balance between drama and action.
My only critique is that I wished the characters went on more of a journey together. They remained in the same setting for most of the book, which did lead to some good interactions, but I missed the dynamic of seeing them out on an adventure. While we get some standout moments with individual characters, this book lacked some of the elements that made the previous book so compelling. I hope the next two books delve deeper into the side characters' perspectives, as they felt a bit sidelined in this one.
My only critique is that I wished the characters went on more of a journey together. They remained in the same setting for most of the book, which did lead to some good interactions, but I missed the dynamic of seeing them out on an adventure. While we get some standout moments with individual characters, this book lacked some of the elements that made the previous book so compelling. I hope the next two books delve deeper into the side characters' perspectives, as they felt a bit sidelined in this one.
July 28, 2025
Nicole put something in these books because !!!!
I had so much fun reading this and especially because one of my best friends has already read this series so she gets to see me live react to it for the first time. I love Ophelia and I can't wait to see what her story arc becomes and the cliffhanger was so foul because WDYM!! I can't wait for book 3!!
That air would be enough for me to survive on when his life had become my own. It hadn’t. It wouldn’t ever have because every one of my breaths at that point had been for him. Now, they were for me.
I had so much fun reading this and especially because one of my best friends has already read this series so she gets to see me live react to it for the first time. I love Ophelia and I can't wait to see what her story arc becomes and the cliffhanger was so foul because WDYM!! I can't wait for book 3!!
That air would be enough for me to survive on when his life had become my own. It hadn’t. It wouldn’t ever have because every one of my breaths at that point had been for him. Now, they were for me.
December 20, 2023
This series. 🤌🏼😮💨✨
I absolutely ate this up, devoured it, I loved it! I’m so obsessed with this world and all of these characters and I cannot wait for book 3! If you love any of these tropes, you’d love this book!! 🌸⚔️🖤
- fantasy
- slowburn
- angels / fae / curses
- betrayals
- touch him and you die
- one bed / one horse
- found family
- strong overprotective FMC
- kidnapping
- dark magic
It has everything you could imagine and it is definitely one of my favourite series of 2023. 🌿✨📖
I absolutely ate this up, devoured it, I loved it! I’m so obsessed with this world and all of these characters and I cannot wait for book 3! If you love any of these tropes, you’d love this book!! 🌸⚔️🖤
- fantasy
- slowburn
- angels / fae / curses
- betrayals
- touch him and you die
- one bed / one horse
- found family
- strong overprotective FMC
- kidnapping
- dark magic
It has everything you could imagine and it is definitely one of my favourite series of 2023. 🌿✨📖
March 25, 2024
I didn’t think I could love a book more than I loved The Curse of Ophelia, yet here I stand, after finishing The Shards of Ophelia and I love it even more than the first. It feels as if my heart has entwined itself with the story. I didn’t just read about Ophelia’s adventures and pains, but I lived through them all. I have never read a book that reads as easily, almost as if it’s reading my soul, but this series feels exactly like that. As if, Ophelia’s story somehow is mine as well. I have hurt the way she did, and everyday I am fighting to become whole once again, and this journey by Ophelia’s side is so healing.
The following will contain spoilers.
After reading the first book, I was so invested in the story, yet I was certain it could not possibly captivate me as much as the first did. To be honest, the beginning was slow for me, and in a way, I know now it was slowly building up to what was to come in the rest of the book. After finishing it, I know that those slow moments at the beginning were to show us how Ophelia and Malakai were navigating their new life, because, let’s be honest, what they went through was simply life changing.
I think what grounded me most to the story was Tol. I was constantly searching for him as my eyes read the words written on each page. I needed more moments with him, and when these finally started happening, my heart was so happy. I must say that it kills me that Tol’s absent now. There physically, but not mentally and I am already heartbroken to think that Ophelia’s story will continue on without him, at least for a while probably, in the next book.
What broke and healed me the most out of the entire book was Ophelia and Malakai's breakup. I sobbed so much and for so long as I went through it with them, feeling as if I was living through the same thing myself. To be honest, I kind of was, because I know what it feels like to love someone so much yet to know that you’re probably not good for each other as you used to be before.
I still can’t describe the emotional hold this series has on me. I don’t know how I got so invested, but I know for sure that I can’t wait to continue discovering Ophelia’s challenges but mostly, I can’t wait to keep mending what has been broken inside of me by Ophelia’s side.
The following will contain spoilers.
After reading the first book, I was so invested in the story, yet I was certain it could not possibly captivate me as much as the first did. To be honest, the beginning was slow for me, and in a way, I know now it was slowly building up to what was to come in the rest of the book. After finishing it, I know that those slow moments at the beginning were to show us how Ophelia and Malakai were navigating their new life, because, let’s be honest, what they went through was simply life changing.
I think what grounded me most to the story was Tol. I was constantly searching for him as my eyes read the words written on each page. I needed more moments with him, and when these finally started happening, my heart was so happy. I must say that it kills me that Tol’s absent now. There physically, but not mentally and I am already heartbroken to think that Ophelia’s story will continue on without him, at least for a while probably, in the next book.
What broke and healed me the most out of the entire book was Ophelia and Malakai's breakup. I sobbed so much and for so long as I went through it with them, feeling as if I was living through the same thing myself. To be honest, I kind of was, because I know what it feels like to love someone so much yet to know that you’re probably not good for each other as you used to be before.
I still can’t describe the emotional hold this series has on me. I don’t know how I got so invested, but I know for sure that I can’t wait to continue discovering Ophelia’s challenges but mostly, I can’t wait to keep mending what has been broken inside of me by Ophelia’s side.
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