What do you think?
Rate this book
Scattered Destinies #1
Beneath the Shatter
The fall of magic led to the rise of corruption.
Twelve years ago, Cassandra left Verastarr, the land she had grown to love. Shortly after, she watched the Vanaiyer realm fall to the Nordak. The Vanquishing tore apart the five regions, brought about by Seefers—creatures born of corrupt magic—and the banishment of powers.
Shadows are creeping in closer than ever.
Entrapped in a mist of time, Cassandra finds herself back in Verastarr. The region is different. Darker. Sinister. Is it the presence of wolvyn Commander, Prince Sébastien Capetian, or something more ominous?
Don’t play with the big, bad wolf, unless you want to get bitten.
Monsters prowl under the darkness of night, but the dangers hiding in broad daylight are even more treacherous. In a time where those with ancient magic are hunted, can Cassandra trust those around her?
A destiny fabricated of secrets and lies.
As truths are revealed, Cassandra is forced to take a stab at destiny before she falls prey to the terrors of the Nordak. But it would mean giving up the present … and her future.
Is the sacrifice worth the inevitable outcome?
Twelve years ago, Cassandra left Verastarr, the land she had grown to love. Shortly after, she watched the Vanaiyer realm fall to the Nordak. The Vanquishing tore apart the five regions, brought about by Seefers—creatures born of corrupt magic—and the banishment of powers.
Shadows are creeping in closer than ever.
Entrapped in a mist of time, Cassandra finds herself back in Verastarr. The region is different. Darker. Sinister. Is it the presence of wolvyn Commander, Prince Sébastien Capetian, or something more ominous?
Don’t play with the big, bad wolf, unless you want to get bitten.
Monsters prowl under the darkness of night, but the dangers hiding in broad daylight are even more treacherous. In a time where those with ancient magic are hunted, can Cassandra trust those around her?
A destiny fabricated of secrets and lies.
As truths are revealed, Cassandra is forced to take a stab at destiny before she falls prey to the terrors of the Nordak. But it would mean giving up the present … and her future.
Is the sacrifice worth the inevitable outcome?
340 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2023
235 people are currently reading
2867 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Reilly
3 books78 followersT.A. Reilly is an author of NA fantasy romance with equal levels adventure, time travel, and romance mixed in.
Reading came naturally to her at a young age, and the words began flowing shortly after that. She has traveled all over the world from a young age and is constantly counting down the days until her next trip! After graduating with a master’s in Professional Communications, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream … bringing time-travel to life on paper.
Currently, she and her husband call Florida home. In her free time, she loves rewatching Friends, going to the beach, and staying up too late lost in a good book.
Reading came naturally to her at a young age, and the words began flowing shortly after that. She has traveled all over the world from a young age and is constantly counting down the days until her next trip! After graduating with a master’s in Professional Communications, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream … bringing time-travel to life on paper.
Currently, she and her husband call Florida home. In her free time, she loves rewatching Friends, going to the beach, and staying up too late lost in a good book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
October 5, 2024
As a child, Cassandra is given an amulet by an older woman. When she is older, said amulet sends her and her sister into the past. The setup has a lot of potential: history, fantasy werewolves, time travel, and sibling love.
The time travel twist added an unexpected layer and I appreciated the unique take on shifters. There are flashes of creativity that show T.A. Reilly’s potential for crafting engaging and dynamic stories. I liked the tropes chosen and I adored the sibling and familial aspect of this story.
However, the plot has a tendency to advance because the story demands it rather than through organic character actions or well-constructed rules around magic. The magical elements felt arbitrary, lacking a clear structure or set of rules to ground them, which made it hard to fully invest in the stakes. The world-building also feels a bit uneven. There are fascinating elements, but they don’t come together in a way that feels cohesive or necessary to the story. At times, it reads like a collection of fantasy tropes rather than a fully realized world. I was excited by the promise of sisterhood as a core element, but Cassandra’s relationship with her sister seems underdeveloped—there are long stretches where she seems to forget her sister exists. It was hard to believe in their bond when it wasn’t given the time and attention it deserved.
The bond between Cassandra and Sébastien has some compelling moments, but overall, Sébastien feels like a cliché alpha male—commanding, controlling, and often overbearing. He has little regard for consent, and his personality doesn't feel fresh or unique compared to other brooding love interests in the genre. The secondary characters as a whole could have used more depth; they often felt interchangeable and one-dimensional.
Overall, this is a light, quick read. There’s absolutely lots of love here. I am just not sure that it was for me in particular. If you're in the mood for an easy read with some interesting ideas, this might be worth picking up. Especially if you're into the traditional alpha males.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
The time travel twist added an unexpected layer and I appreciated the unique take on shifters. There are flashes of creativity that show T.A. Reilly’s potential for crafting engaging and dynamic stories. I liked the tropes chosen and I adored the sibling and familial aspect of this story.
However, the plot has a tendency to advance because the story demands it rather than through organic character actions or well-constructed rules around magic. The magical elements felt arbitrary, lacking a clear structure or set of rules to ground them, which made it hard to fully invest in the stakes. The world-building also feels a bit uneven. There are fascinating elements, but they don’t come together in a way that feels cohesive or necessary to the story. At times, it reads like a collection of fantasy tropes rather than a fully realized world. I was excited by the promise of sisterhood as a core element, but Cassandra’s relationship with her sister seems underdeveloped—there are long stretches where she seems to forget her sister exists. It was hard to believe in their bond when it wasn’t given the time and attention it deserved.
The bond between Cassandra and Sébastien has some compelling moments, but overall, Sébastien feels like a cliché alpha male—commanding, controlling, and often overbearing. He has little regard for consent, and his personality doesn't feel fresh or unique compared to other brooding love interests in the genre. The secondary characters as a whole could have used more depth; they often felt interchangeable and one-dimensional.
Overall, this is a light, quick read. There’s absolutely lots of love here. I am just not sure that it was for me in particular. If you're in the mood for an easy read with some interesting ideas, this might be worth picking up. Especially if you're into the traditional alpha males.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2024
DNF @ 75%…
Really wanted to like this book, because there seemed to be a lot going on, but I eventually became too frustrated to continue. The first cardinal sin in this book happens in the first few pages, because it starts off with a lengthy exposition about the history of the FMC’s world, which is then re-explained at least 3 more times later on.
Knowing the FMC is going to be sent into the past, a good writer could’ve reworked a lot of the earlier passages to hint at what FMC knows about the world without outright stating it, and then filled that explanation out more fully with her conversations to the people she meets in the past, keeping the reader’s interest as more is revealed.
One of the standard tropes of the “sent back in time” genre is the main characters having foreknowledge of historical events that is helpful in a crisis. The story handwaves this crucial detail by stating that all knowledge of magic is forbidden, which could have led to an interesting dynamic where she had to compare her learned (non-magical) knowledge with the new experiences gained in the past, but it doesn’t. It’s frustrating that the loss of knowledge happened within FMC’s lifetime and yet she is completely naive to all magic, and it’s even more frustrating that “magic is forbidden” apparently means “all history is canceled” and so we don’t get any of that delicious dichotomy. It’s like the writer didn’t trust us to be able to separate fact from fiction, and she would rather FMC come off as uneducated and oblivious instead.
A large portion of the dialogue in this book is in French, which was an extremely confusing choice in light of the fact that there is no language barrier between any of the characters and the entire story that I’ve seen takes place in only one fictional country. The MMC has a French name, but all of the other characters have more “typical” fantasy genre names like Dravyn and Emalyee (the latter of which is a tragedeigh). It’s annoying to see whole lines written out in French and then the translation in parentheses next to it. What’s the point of using a second language if the reader and the characters are meant to understand? It just comes off like the writer wanted to use her high-school French classes for something and thought this would be a cool, unique touch.
The personalities of the two main characters are Grumpy and Grumpier, neither of them seeming to have any real desire to work together throughout the story. The MMC is a genre-typical alphahole shadow daddy, but the FMC appears to find his pushiness a complete turn-off, which makes it super-confusing when she turns around and starts making out with him two seconds later. I just don’t feel it, babes! While I appreciate the attempt to subvert the genre by having FMC not immediately agree with everything the MMC says (Feyre >.>) she takes it to such an extreme degree that it comes off as TSTL… like, she genuinely does not understand that a prince can, actually, boss people around and is SHOOK when he does it to her and everyone else is fine with it.
The mating bond aspect of the story is, as far as I can tell, overpromised and underdelivered. Honestly, FMC seems not attracted to MMC at all? Nothing changes as the bond progresses. And the defining moments when the bond changes are lacking in emotional punch.
I know it’s crazy to stop reading a book at 75%, but I just didn’t wanna waste one more minute of my life on this.
Really wanted to like this book, because there seemed to be a lot going on, but I eventually became too frustrated to continue. The first cardinal sin in this book happens in the first few pages, because it starts off with a lengthy exposition about the history of the FMC’s world, which is then re-explained at least 3 more times later on.
Knowing the FMC is going to be sent into the past, a good writer could’ve reworked a lot of the earlier passages to hint at what FMC knows about the world without outright stating it, and then filled that explanation out more fully with her conversations to the people she meets in the past, keeping the reader’s interest as more is revealed.
One of the standard tropes of the “sent back in time” genre is the main characters having foreknowledge of historical events that is helpful in a crisis. The story handwaves this crucial detail by stating that all knowledge of magic is forbidden, which could have led to an interesting dynamic where she had to compare her learned (non-magical) knowledge with the new experiences gained in the past, but it doesn’t. It’s frustrating that the loss of knowledge happened within FMC’s lifetime and yet she is completely naive to all magic, and it’s even more frustrating that “magic is forbidden” apparently means “all history is canceled” and so we don’t get any of that delicious dichotomy. It’s like the writer didn’t trust us to be able to separate fact from fiction, and she would rather FMC come off as uneducated and oblivious instead.
A large portion of the dialogue in this book is in French, which was an extremely confusing choice in light of the fact that there is no language barrier between any of the characters and the entire story that I’ve seen takes place in only one fictional country. The MMC has a French name, but all of the other characters have more “typical” fantasy genre names like Dravyn and Emalyee (the latter of which is a tragedeigh). It’s annoying to see whole lines written out in French and then the translation in parentheses next to it. What’s the point of using a second language if the reader and the characters are meant to understand? It just comes off like the writer wanted to use her high-school French classes for something and thought this would be a cool, unique touch.
The personalities of the two main characters are Grumpy and Grumpier, neither of them seeming to have any real desire to work together throughout the story. The MMC is a genre-typical alphahole shadow daddy, but the FMC appears to find his pushiness a complete turn-off, which makes it super-confusing when she turns around and starts making out with him two seconds later. I just don’t feel it, babes! While I appreciate the attempt to subvert the genre by having FMC not immediately agree with everything the MMC says (Feyre >.>) she takes it to such an extreme degree that it comes off as TSTL… like, she genuinely does not understand that a prince can, actually, boss people around and is SHOOK when he does it to her and everyone else is fine with it.
The mating bond aspect of the story is, as far as I can tell, overpromised and underdelivered. Honestly, FMC seems not attracted to MMC at all? Nothing changes as the bond progresses. And the defining moments when the bond changes are lacking in emotional punch.
I know it’s crazy to stop reading a book at 75%, but I just didn’t wanna waste one more minute of my life on this.
September 20, 2024
3.5⭐️
What a unique story! I was immediately sucked it and could not put it down. The whole plot was so original and I loved the time traveling aspect. It was such a fun read!
I really loved the found family and I’m hoping we get even more of them in the next book. I want to see and learn more about their different kingdoms! Also please please tell me we’ll see more of the sister!!! I’m dying for the side characters to get more attention!
The banter between Cassandra and Sébastien was fantastic. I loved the tension between them! The only thing I didn’t like was how hard Cassandra fought him in the beginning. I felt like she was being unnecessarily stubborn for silly things.
I loved how unique wolvyn bonding is. Honestly one of my absolute favorite elements of the story. The whole process was just so cool, especially at the end with the ink swirling around them and the crazy wind.
The ending was perfect. A tiny little touch of a cliffhanger but not enough to make you lose your mind that you have to wait for the next book. I’m so excited to see what happens next!
Overall this book was really good and such a unique read! Perfect if you love…
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Shapeshifting
🖤Time travel
🖤Lots of banter
🖤Found family
🖤Possessive MMC
Thank you so much to the author for providing me an arc to review!
What a unique story! I was immediately sucked it and could not put it down. The whole plot was so original and I loved the time traveling aspect. It was such a fun read!
I really loved the found family and I’m hoping we get even more of them in the next book. I want to see and learn more about their different kingdoms! Also please please tell me we’ll see more of the sister!!! I’m dying for the side characters to get more attention!
The banter between Cassandra and Sébastien was fantastic. I loved the tension between them! The only thing I didn’t like was how hard Cassandra fought him in the beginning. I felt like she was being unnecessarily stubborn for silly things.
I loved how unique wolvyn bonding is. Honestly one of my absolute favorite elements of the story. The whole process was just so cool, especially at the end with the ink swirling around them and the crazy wind.
The ending was perfect. A tiny little touch of a cliffhanger but not enough to make you lose your mind that you have to wait for the next book. I’m so excited to see what happens next!
Overall this book was really good and such a unique read! Perfect if you love…
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Shapeshifting
🖤Time travel
🖤Lots of banter
🖤Found family
🖤Possessive MMC
Thank you so much to the author for providing me an arc to review!
October 28, 2023
⚔️🐺𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪🐺⚔️
⚔️𝙱𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙷 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝙷𝙰𝚃𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙱𝚈 𝚃.𝙰. 𝚁𝙴𝙸𝙻𝙻𝚈
⚔️𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//𝟱
⚔️𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝙲𝙰𝚃𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙴𝙳 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
Thank you so very much to T.A, Reilly for my gifted eARC! This was such an excellent debut novel and I really enjoyed reading it!
The world building of Vanaiyer is done very, very well. T.A. did a fantastic job of creating and building a really intricate and beautiful fantasy world, without the information dump you can find in other fantasy books. I loved all the different realms and the different fantasy beings that live in each territory. I thought that was an awesome way to incorporate all of our favorite beings into the book! I really hope we get to explore more of these territories throughout the series!
The characters were all AMAZING. I love the way they were all written. Cassandra and Sebastien were absolute, enemies-to-lovers, PERFECTION. The tension between these two was palpable through the book from the get-go. I loved their banter and I loved watching their relationship and bond progress throughout the book. They both fought it SO MUCH, but it just made it that more delicious when the enemies finally become lovers! I loved the side characters, too. The brotherhood was absolutely everything to me and I loved the sisterly bond between Kat and Cassandra. I really hope we get to see more Kat in the rest of the series!
The plot of this book was really well-paced and kept my attention throughout the entirety of the book. It sent me on a wild ride of emotions but I loved every single minute of it. This was a really excellent debut novel and a perfect series starter! I can just see all the moving parts and I have so many questions about how everything is gonna play out!
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance then you definitely need to check this book out! You’ll absolutely love it if you love:
🐺Time-Travel
🐺Broody, Alpha/Possessive MMC
🐺Feisty and Strong FMC
🐺Fated Mates
🐺Found Family
🐺Enemies to Lovers
🐺Witty Banter
🐺Shifters and Magic
★☆★
⚔️𝙱𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙷 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝙷𝙰𝚃𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙱𝚈 𝚃.𝙰. 𝚁𝙴𝙸𝙻𝙻𝚈
⚔️𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//𝟱
⚔️𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝙲𝙰𝚃𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙴𝙳 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
Thank you so very much to T.A, Reilly for my gifted eARC! This was such an excellent debut novel and I really enjoyed reading it!
The world building of Vanaiyer is done very, very well. T.A. did a fantastic job of creating and building a really intricate and beautiful fantasy world, without the information dump you can find in other fantasy books. I loved all the different realms and the different fantasy beings that live in each territory. I thought that was an awesome way to incorporate all of our favorite beings into the book! I really hope we get to explore more of these territories throughout the series!
The characters were all AMAZING. I love the way they were all written. Cassandra and Sebastien were absolute, enemies-to-lovers, PERFECTION. The tension between these two was palpable through the book from the get-go. I loved their banter and I loved watching their relationship and bond progress throughout the book. They both fought it SO MUCH, but it just made it that more delicious when the enemies finally become lovers! I loved the side characters, too. The brotherhood was absolutely everything to me and I loved the sisterly bond between Kat and Cassandra. I really hope we get to see more Kat in the rest of the series!
The plot of this book was really well-paced and kept my attention throughout the entirety of the book. It sent me on a wild ride of emotions but I loved every single minute of it. This was a really excellent debut novel and a perfect series starter! I can just see all the moving parts and I have so many questions about how everything is gonna play out!
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance then you definitely need to check this book out! You’ll absolutely love it if you love:
🐺Time-Travel
🐺Broody, Alpha/Possessive MMC
🐺Feisty and Strong FMC
🐺Fated Mates
🐺Found Family
🐺Enemies to Lovers
🐺Witty Banter
🐺Shifters and Magic
★☆★
October 15, 2023
I thank the author for an opportunity to read eARC and for including me in the street team!
I am eagerly anticipating this book, as it is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance with a shifter twist. I thoroughly enjoyed and devoured it.
The story begins in a modern world, but suddenly, Cassandra and her sister find themselves transported back in time to a world that existed centuries ago. Cassandra is bewildered by this unexpected turn of events and struggles to understand why they have been sent to a place she only knows from history books. In the midst of her confusion, a brooding and grumpy character named Sèbastian comes to their rescue. Cassandra shares everything she knows about the situation with him, but he remains skeptical and takes them to the castle where she discovers a prophecy and a truth that shatters her entire world.
As war looms on the horizon, Cassandra and Seb do everything in their power to locate a pendant that will transport Cassandra back to her own world, in order to prevent the impending conflict. Despite their undeniable attraction, their interactions shift from witty banter to heated exchanges and hateful glances, all while hidden desires simmer beneath the surface. The accidental wolvyn bond they share poses a constant threat, as ancient powers come into play.
I absolutely adored this story. The author's skillful world-building, well-developed characters, gripping romance, and thrilling action kept me captivated throughout. I particularly loved the dynamic of the found family and the bond between sisters. The range of emotions I experienced while reading this book was akin to being caught in a whirlpool. I experienced a range of emotions while reading about the characters - from laughter to anger, from being captivated to shedding tears. The final chapters were filled with intense action and deep emotions, and although the ending was good. I'm eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel!
This captivating story has something for everyone who enjoys shape-shifting, enemies turned lovers, the concept of found family, time travel, slow-burning romance, thrilling action, and prophecies.
I am eagerly anticipating this book, as it is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance with a shifter twist. I thoroughly enjoyed and devoured it.
The story begins in a modern world, but suddenly, Cassandra and her sister find themselves transported back in time to a world that existed centuries ago. Cassandra is bewildered by this unexpected turn of events and struggles to understand why they have been sent to a place she only knows from history books. In the midst of her confusion, a brooding and grumpy character named Sèbastian comes to their rescue. Cassandra shares everything she knows about the situation with him, but he remains skeptical and takes them to the castle where she discovers a prophecy and a truth that shatters her entire world.
As war looms on the horizon, Cassandra and Seb do everything in their power to locate a pendant that will transport Cassandra back to her own world, in order to prevent the impending conflict. Despite their undeniable attraction, their interactions shift from witty banter to heated exchanges and hateful glances, all while hidden desires simmer beneath the surface. The accidental wolvyn bond they share poses a constant threat, as ancient powers come into play.
I absolutely adored this story. The author's skillful world-building, well-developed characters, gripping romance, and thrilling action kept me captivated throughout. I particularly loved the dynamic of the found family and the bond between sisters. The range of emotions I experienced while reading this book was akin to being caught in a whirlpool. I experienced a range of emotions while reading about the characters - from laughter to anger, from being captivated to shedding tears. The final chapters were filled with intense action and deep emotions, and although the ending was good. I'm eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel!
This captivating story has something for everyone who enjoys shape-shifting, enemies turned lovers, the concept of found family, time travel, slow-burning romance, thrilling action, and prophecies.
March 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! There was definitely a lot going on, but I was able to follow it pretty easily! I loved all of the characters so much and I felt like this storyline is really unique! I’m anxious to find out what happens next!
July 17, 2024
A solid easy read, but some of the world building didn’t make a lot of sense and some of it read like a 2011 fan fiction (icy blue eyes were mentioned at least 47 times). Enjoyable enough but some parts had me scratching my head lol.
October 29, 2023
Beneath the Shatter
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
~Enemies-to-Lovers
~Found Family
~Possessive MMC
~Shifters
~Slow-burn
Review:
Cassandra and Sebastien chef’s kiss. Their banter, the tension perfectly done.
Enemies-to- Lovers is truly one of my top five favorite tropes. Found Family is also up there on my list of top five favorite tropes.
There is time-traveling, magic, shifters, banter, tension, and more.
The world-building was great, the characters were well thought out, the romance was perfect. All in all, I was captivated throughout the entire book, so much so that I finished in a day.
There is a slightly small cliffhanger, but not one that will have you in tears while waiting for the next book to come out; although, I am eager to read what happens next and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
*I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
~Enemies-to-Lovers
~Found Family
~Possessive MMC
~Shifters
~Slow-burn
Review:
Cassandra and Sebastien chef’s kiss. Their banter, the tension perfectly done.
Enemies-to- Lovers is truly one of my top five favorite tropes. Found Family is also up there on my list of top five favorite tropes.
There is time-traveling, magic, shifters, banter, tension, and more.
The world-building was great, the characters were well thought out, the romance was perfect. All in all, I was captivated throughout the entire book, so much so that I finished in a day.
There is a slightly small cliffhanger, but not one that will have you in tears while waiting for the next book to come out; although, I am eager to read what happens next and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
*I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
March 24, 2024
This book took me 3.5 weeks to read when a book this length would typically take me 3 days to read. I kept waiting for it to get better, but it didn’t. The only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because I’m stubborn.
I did not care about a single character. The FMC was so unlikeable. She constantly whined, complained, argued, and made everything difficult for no reason. She was unbearable.
The MMC was just a possessive asshole. He had no redeeming qualities, and was just manipulative. The MMC and FMC had no chemistry. There seemed to only be physical attraction between them and no emotional connection.
The story seemed unique at first, but was just needlessly confusing and not executed well.
The amount of times the MMC called the FMC princesse was so excessive, literally almost every sentence he spoke to her had it.
I know this review is harsh, but I’m always going to be honest. I will not be continuing this series.
I did not care about a single character. The FMC was so unlikeable. She constantly whined, complained, argued, and made everything difficult for no reason. She was unbearable.
The MMC was just a possessive asshole. He had no redeeming qualities, and was just manipulative. The MMC and FMC had no chemistry. There seemed to only be physical attraction between them and no emotional connection.
The story seemed unique at first, but was just needlessly confusing and not executed well.
The amount of times the MMC called the FMC princesse was so excessive, literally almost every sentence he spoke to her had it.
I know this review is harsh, but I’m always going to be honest. I will not be continuing this series.
April 28, 2024
This is the first book in the Scattered Destinies series, a new adult fantasy romance with time travel, wolven shifters and a looming war. Tropes include fated mates, one horse, found family, time travel, forced proximity, alphahole MMC and hate to love. There are a couple spicy scenes, neither of which are very graphic.
The Lovely: I loved the plot of this story and how it progressed. I thought the tension was even and enough to keep me reading. There was a lot going on in terms of magic, alliances disputes between kingdoms and the FMC’s time travel/necklace issues. I a,do enjoyed the world building, especially the different types of magical beings (I.e. shifters, faeries, vampires, griffins). This was then deftly woven into the political structure of the world.
The Mundane: Oh the characters, normally my favorite part of stories. I never did feel invested in the main characters or their relationship, and this made me struggle to finish the book. The FMC just seemed confused most of the time (which is fair) but it felt like she was more of an observer of the story, rather than a participant. The MMC is continually gruff and abrasive to the FMC, even well into the story when things happen to suggest change. He’ll be semi-gentle to her one moment, then immediately back to being an alphahole. I don’t generally have issues with alphahole MMCs but it’s a stretch in this case to imagine them together in a romantic relationship given how they act towards each other, even at the end of the book.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I do plan to continue the series as I want to see how the story progresses and how the world is woven in. I hope we get more growth in the MCs relationship such that it feels more romantic and solid.
The Lovely: I loved the plot of this story and how it progressed. I thought the tension was even and enough to keep me reading. There was a lot going on in terms of magic, alliances disputes between kingdoms and the FMC’s time travel/necklace issues. I a,do enjoyed the world building, especially the different types of magical beings (I.e. shifters, faeries, vampires, griffins). This was then deftly woven into the political structure of the world.
The Mundane: Oh the characters, normally my favorite part of stories. I never did feel invested in the main characters or their relationship, and this made me struggle to finish the book. The FMC just seemed confused most of the time (which is fair) but it felt like she was more of an observer of the story, rather than a participant. The MMC is continually gruff and abrasive to the FMC, even well into the story when things happen to suggest change. He’ll be semi-gentle to her one moment, then immediately back to being an alphahole. I don’t generally have issues with alphahole MMCs but it’s a stretch in this case to imagine them together in a romantic relationship given how they act towards each other, even at the end of the book.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I do plan to continue the series as I want to see how the story progresses and how the world is woven in. I hope we get more growth in the MCs relationship such that it feels more romantic and solid.
October 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
*To those who would rather fight the big, bad wolf than ride off into the sunset with a knight in shining armor*
*No one asks to play with fire-it just happens*
Sisters Cassandra & Kateya magically get sucked out of present day from the airport and appear in the past….Verastarr in 578….all because of a random necklace given to Cassandra in passing by a random stranger lady…who knew said necklace could be full of magic
Enter Sebastian, Dravyn, Ryker, Kodrayn and Kairon…..these 5 are their own side show…..they were so much fun…..full of muscles and humor…they were the best of friends/blood brothers & all belonged to the Kings Army…oh did I mention Sebastian & Kairon are Princes & actual brothers
I laughed, I cried, I was mad and excited the more I read….several emotions I felt back to back….I still have so many questions though….the ending to this book was great even though a little sad…..and a slight cliff hanger….this book could be read as a standalone but why would you want to….I need more….I need to know all of the things
*To those who would rather fight the big, bad wolf than ride off into the sunset with a knight in shining armor*
*No one asks to play with fire-it just happens*
Sisters Cassandra & Kateya magically get sucked out of present day from the airport and appear in the past….Verastarr in 578….all because of a random necklace given to Cassandra in passing by a random stranger lady…who knew said necklace could be full of magic
Enter Sebastian, Dravyn, Ryker, Kodrayn and Kairon…..these 5 are their own side show…..they were so much fun…..full of muscles and humor…they were the best of friends/blood brothers & all belonged to the Kings Army…oh did I mention Sebastian & Kairon are Princes & actual brothers
I laughed, I cried, I was mad and excited the more I read….several emotions I felt back to back….I still have so many questions though….the ending to this book was great even though a little sad…..and a slight cliff hanger….this book could be read as a standalone but why would you want to….I need more….I need to know all of the things
November 13, 2023
Enter a realm where magic is not what it seems and rulers are fighting to preserve their power.
I thought this was a really unique take on a power struggle for magic. The magic system that you learn about has familiar elements but is still new and fresh. The world building in this book was just incredible. I was transported to a new world without feeling like I was overwhelmed or not given enough detail to understand what was happening. The FMC, Cassandra, does not play the damsel in distress; she is badass even when thrown into a world that she doesn't know. I was really satisfied with the ending... there was enough of a resolution to leave me feeling happy until the next book, but there was enough suspense that I also can't wait for the next one!
If you're looking for a good fantasy that feels immersive but still approachable, this is the book for you!
I thought this was a really unique take on a power struggle for magic. The magic system that you learn about has familiar elements but is still new and fresh. The world building in this book was just incredible. I was transported to a new world without feeling like I was overwhelmed or not given enough detail to understand what was happening. The FMC, Cassandra, does not play the damsel in distress; she is badass even when thrown into a world that she doesn't know. I was really satisfied with the ending... there was enough of a resolution to leave me feeling happy until the next book, but there was enough suspense that I also can't wait for the next one!
If you're looking for a good fantasy that feels immersive but still approachable, this is the book for you!
August 14, 2024
3.5⭐️
This book had good bones. The story line was interesting. However I wasn't as captivated by it as I had hoped.
Things I enjoyed:
The bonded brothers
The side characters
The time travel
Bonded mates
Things I didn't enjoy:
The FMC she was like a petulant child
The mix between modern day in a fantasy realm. It's a personal preference but I don't enjoy it and find it hard to read. In a world of magic I feel like throwing in modern age stuff confuses things.
The tension between the FMC and MMC also seemed more I hate you and I'm irritated by you than sexual tension. So everything that happened in the course of their relationship felt forced and like it came out of nowhere. She went from barely tolerating him to loving him.
Overall the story had so much potential but felt rushed in parts. I am interested to see where book 2 takes things.
This book had good bones. The story line was interesting. However I wasn't as captivated by it as I had hoped.
Things I enjoyed:
The bonded brothers
The side characters
The time travel
Bonded mates
Things I didn't enjoy:
The FMC she was like a petulant child
The mix between modern day in a fantasy realm. It's a personal preference but I don't enjoy it and find it hard to read. In a world of magic I feel like throwing in modern age stuff confuses things.
The tension between the FMC and MMC also seemed more I hate you and I'm irritated by you than sexual tension. So everything that happened in the course of their relationship felt forced and like it came out of nowhere. She went from barely tolerating him to loving him.
Overall the story had so much potential but felt rushed in parts. I am interested to see where book 2 takes things.
November 10, 2023
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC copy!!!!
First let me start off by saying if you love these trope you should read this book:
~ Possessive MMC
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Shapeshifting
~ Lots of banter
~ Found family
~ Time travel
~ Shapeshifting
~ Slow Burn
I absolutely enjoyed this story. I really cherished the dynamics with found family. Throughout the entire book, I was engrossed in the author's compelling romance, exciting action, well-developed characters, and deft world-building. This was a very unique story, I was hooked on it right away and couldn't put it down. My favorite part had to be the time traveling, which was a great touch. Overall, the entire plot was really inventive.
I'm excitedly awaiting the sequel's arrival!
First let me start off by saying if you love these trope you should read this book:
~ Possessive MMC
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Shapeshifting
~ Lots of banter
~ Found family
~ Time travel
~ Shapeshifting
~ Slow Burn
I absolutely enjoyed this story. I really cherished the dynamics with found family. Throughout the entire book, I was engrossed in the author's compelling romance, exciting action, well-developed characters, and deft world-building. This was a very unique story, I was hooked on it right away and couldn't put it down. My favorite part had to be the time traveling, which was a great touch. Overall, the entire plot was really inventive.
I'm excitedly awaiting the sequel's arrival!
August 31, 2024
I loved the push and pull between Cass & Sebastien. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes especially in a fantasy setting. The world building was perfection, not too much and not too little. I had a clear vision of what was going on throughout. The bond between Cass & Kateya was beautiful, I loved how protective Cass was as the older sister. The ending had me very excited for the next book! I would absolutely recommend if you’re interested in fantasy, time travel, shape shifting and a strong FMC & MMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
This was a unique & fun fantasy read! I liked the concept and the storytelling! You can expect:
-romance
-found family
-forced proximity
-shapeshifters
-time travel
-enemies to lovers (although in my opinion it was more just a grumpy alpha-male who was in denial)
The world building was hard to follow at times and the pacing of the story was a little up & down. Overall, this was a great debut that I would recommend for fantasy lovers & fans of time travel stories!
-romance
-found family
-forced proximity
-shapeshifters
-time travel
-enemies to lovers (although in my opinion it was more just a grumpy alpha-male who was in denial)
The world building was hard to follow at times and the pacing of the story was a little up & down. Overall, this was a great debut that I would recommend for fantasy lovers & fans of time travel stories!
August 29, 2024
I wasn’t initially sure about the time traveling but holy moly if I was mistaken! I loved the intricate world building and characters dynamics.
Overall this was so much fun and I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two !!
Overall this was so much fun and I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two !!
October 6, 2024
While I enjoyed the time travel (sorta), the bonded mates, and the side characters... it took me a really long time to become invested in this story. I didn't love the FMC. I did love the bonded brothers.
February 28, 2024
Rating 3.75 ⭐️
I did feel this book had a slower start. It had a lot of information dump for how short it is BUT by the end I was excited to learn more about the world and characters. I feel this book was set to pave the way for book 2 to be action packed! I am hopeful for book 2!
I did feel this book had a slower start. It had a lot of information dump for how short it is BUT by the end I was excited to learn more about the world and characters. I feel this book was set to pave the way for book 2 to be action packed! I am hopeful for book 2!
March 3, 2024
I don’t understand… like the ending great but like the next book is about her sister??? And it sounds like it’s the same plot so now I’m confused because I can see how it would end there but it simply shouldn’t
October 30, 2023
What you can expect:
-Found Family
-Enemies to Lovers
-Possessive Mmc
-Time Travel
-Badass Fmc
-shapeshifting
-Found Family
-Banter
For a debut book this was so good, from the uniqueness of the plot, to the world building and the characters. I especially liked the time travel aspect and how it was interwoven into the story.
I love enemies to lovers and this one didn’t disappoint Cassandra is a badass fmc and the possessive mmc who is this brooding, grumpy alpha who slowly becomes obsessed with her.
One of my favourite parts is the relationship between the sisters and the found family the banter between them which was written so well and all the emotions you go through at certain moments.
I’m really looking forward to the next book as the ending really built up the story and while not being a major cliffhanger it sets up for an interesting continuation for what’s to come.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an arc.
-Found Family
-Enemies to Lovers
-Possessive Mmc
-Time Travel
-Badass Fmc
-shapeshifting
-Found Family
-Banter
For a debut book this was so good, from the uniqueness of the plot, to the world building and the characters. I especially liked the time travel aspect and how it was interwoven into the story.
I love enemies to lovers and this one didn’t disappoint Cassandra is a badass fmc and the possessive mmc who is this brooding, grumpy alpha who slowly becomes obsessed with her.
One of my favourite parts is the relationship between the sisters and the found family the banter between them which was written so well and all the emotions you go through at certain moments.
I’m really looking forward to the next book as the ending really built up the story and while not being a major cliffhanger it sets up for an interesting continuation for what’s to come.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an arc.
January 27, 2024
Book Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Book Review (Light Spoilers):
I enjoyed this book. There were things that I really liked, and some things that I didn’t. But overall, I enjoyed it. I definitely got more into it about half way through…that’s when I was invested. I think that this book was setup so well for Book 2 and I think that the ending & timing of the cliffhanger were great!!
The beginning of the book didn’t really suck me in. I love the concept of time travel in a book, but was a little confused about why that was her first question upon arriving back in time. I will say, it was easy to follow…time travel can sometimes get super confusing, but this was very easy (like Outlander).
I was a little underwhelmed with them being mates…I wanted more passion and surprise and excitement with it since she wasn’t a wolvyn and he was. However, I liked that there was different stages to becoming mates; that people could choose to not be mates; and that in the end they both chose each other.
I was definitely surprised starting with the visit to the Elder in the cave…I think his answers were not what I was expecting. And after that, the epic battle scene at the end of this book was AMAZING!!!! Definitely made me tear up (no spoilers! IYKYK) with the deaths at the end 😢
I liked that this book wasn’t super spicy, there was tension and some romance and one spicy scene, but that was not the driver of this story. The point was Cassandra learning her history and choosing her future.
Tropes/Labels: forced proximity, enemies to lovers (light on the enemies), grumpyxsunshine, time travel, shifting, magic, & mates
Thank you for the copy of your book T.A. Reilly. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Book Review (Light Spoilers):
I enjoyed this book. There were things that I really liked, and some things that I didn’t. But overall, I enjoyed it. I definitely got more into it about half way through…that’s when I was invested. I think that this book was setup so well for Book 2 and I think that the ending & timing of the cliffhanger were great!!
The beginning of the book didn’t really suck me in. I love the concept of time travel in a book, but was a little confused about why that was her first question upon arriving back in time. I will say, it was easy to follow…time travel can sometimes get super confusing, but this was very easy (like Outlander).
I was a little underwhelmed with them being mates…I wanted more passion and surprise and excitement with it since she wasn’t a wolvyn and he was. However, I liked that there was different stages to becoming mates; that people could choose to not be mates; and that in the end they both chose each other.
I was definitely surprised starting with the visit to the Elder in the cave…I think his answers were not what I was expecting. And after that, the epic battle scene at the end of this book was AMAZING!!!! Definitely made me tear up (no spoilers! IYKYK) with the deaths at the end 😢
I liked that this book wasn’t super spicy, there was tension and some romance and one spicy scene, but that was not the driver of this story. The point was Cassandra learning her history and choosing her future.
Tropes/Labels: forced proximity, enemies to lovers (light on the enemies), grumpyxsunshine, time travel, shifting, magic, & mates
Thank you for the copy of your book T.A. Reilly. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 10, 2023
This was definitely an adventure filled experience! The pacing was great and it kept me tuned in. I loved the time travel element, that was different from what I’ve read before in fantasy. Cassandra and her sister Kateya who live in a time where power/ magic is basically banned and the history of where they came from is wiped away for the most part. They find themselves back in time and have no idea of the impact they will have by being there. I also liked that by going back in time they were able to learn about the true history of Vanaiyer. Oh and let’s talk about Sébastien 🤤 a broody, alphahole, Wolvyn commander who has this mysterious vibe to him. I just loved that Cassandra seemed to be the only person to get under his skin the way that she did and the fact that she knew that and continued to give him a run for his money was so funny lol the side characters were great and the plot twists were amazing. If you love a good enemies to lovers, slow burn, shapeshifting, romantasy pick this one up! Beneath The Shatter releases 10/28 🙌🏼 This book does end on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
I want to say thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review, I truly appreciate it!
I want to say thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review, I truly appreciate it!
April 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The world building was really good and had a good plot throughout the book. The rivals to lovers was also a bonus. The story was very engaging and I loved trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The way it also left off at the end, I can't wait. I'm excited to see what happened to the sister and more of the lovers story.
I can't wait for the second book to come out, I will 100% be getting the second book once it comes out!
February 2024 Fable Book Club Read!
4.55/5 stars!!
Format: Kindle Unlimited/Paperback.
I can't wait for the second book to come out, I will 100% be getting the second book once it comes out!
February 2024 Fable Book Club Read!
4.55/5 stars!!
Format: Kindle Unlimited/Paperback.
February 20, 2024
I got through chapter 3 when I decided I couldn't finish this book.
Pros:
-interesting world building (mix of unique fantasy world combined with modern tech)
-plot potential
Cons:
-a unique fantasy world but they speak... French?
-THE WRITING. It needs to be heavily edited. This isn't an essay you don't need all these extra unnecessary words, it doesn't sound natural.
Pros:
-interesting world building (mix of unique fantasy world combined with modern tech)
-plot potential
Cons:
-a unique fantasy world but they speak... French?
-THE WRITING. It needs to be heavily edited. This isn't an essay you don't need all these extra unnecessary words, it doesn't sound natural.
September 10, 2024
Found it to be an enjoyable read. However, it falls short in terms of world-building and character development. The setting is intriguing as I’m a sucker for time travelling but lacks the depth needed to fully get into it. I believe it shows promise, so I am looking forward to reading the next book.
February 27, 2024
2.5 stars
Spoilers
The interactions between everyone felt really forced and the relationships were so rushed I got whiplash multiple times. The MC argued just to hear herself talk, she passes out after each chapter, the writing was more like fanfic and the story itself was also super rushed but I'm honestly here for it. For all the negatives it was a genuinely interesting story and I had a fun time reading it.
And I'm just going to say I really love this particular scene
"Is it truly so bad to remain here? I saw the forming of a wolvyn bond inked on your skin. Would love not be a reason to stay?”
“Love?” I laughed. “Love is what I have for my sister. My parents. My friends. All in the future. This band marks a moment of weakness. Not love,” I bit out."
So often in books they have attraction for someone and it envelopes their entire life and they willingly give up everything for that person. It's really refreshing to see a character that's just like "it was a kiss for a guy I kinda like! I have family I need to get back to!" I really love everything about this and feel that it says so much about the character and her priorities.
What I do hate is that just a few short pages after that (and every moment from then on in the future) she lets him boss her around, keep her uniformed and naive and disrespects her every time he bites her ear or kisses her. Like girl! There's a literal war going on outside your window that he didn't tell you about, leaving you defenseless and unprepared, and you forget about it cause he kissed you?? No kiss is that good.
Both of their inabilities to bend, halt the progression of their relationships
"“Wait.” I growled. “We accepted this bond. Without you even telling me what we were doing?!” I shrieked. “Don’t you think I at least deserved to know that?”"
But then she just goes along with his plan anyway. She whines about it but doesn't do anything about it.
Then towards the end of the book this happens
“That’s it,” I snapped, glaring at the group. “Enough with the secrecy. Do you all really think I can’t see beyond closed doors? All the late-night meetings, whispered voices, the plotting. I know something’s going on.
Ryker chuckled under his breath. “Who had two days?” Ry muttered as he reached into his pocket, pulling out some coins.
“And that would be me.” Dravyn smirked as the two men paid up, amusement floating across the air from everyone but me.
“What the hell?” I groaned as I sat back down. “You guys seriously took bets on me?”
“Of course.” Dravyn laughed. “Sébastien was an idiot to think he could get away with everything without you realizing something was up.”
Ryker added. “Sébastien will be declaring war. Tonight.”
“WHAT?!” I shrieked,
And this is why their relationship doesn't ever develop past sexual attraction. Because he hides things like a FULL DECLARATION OF WAR, one that she's the MAIN WEAPON for.
As much as I enjoyed the randomness of this story, and I honestly really did enjoy parts of it, I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series. I need to be able to relate and connect with the characters, or at least witness some character/ relationship development and there just isn't any here.
Spoilers
The interactions between everyone felt really forced and the relationships were so rushed I got whiplash multiple times. The MC argued just to hear herself talk, she passes out after each chapter, the writing was more like fanfic and the story itself was also super rushed but I'm honestly here for it. For all the negatives it was a genuinely interesting story and I had a fun time reading it.
And I'm just going to say I really love this particular scene
"Is it truly so bad to remain here? I saw the forming of a wolvyn bond inked on your skin. Would love not be a reason to stay?”
“Love?” I laughed. “Love is what I have for my sister. My parents. My friends. All in the future. This band marks a moment of weakness. Not love,” I bit out."
So often in books they have attraction for someone and it envelopes their entire life and they willingly give up everything for that person. It's really refreshing to see a character that's just like "it was a kiss for a guy I kinda like! I have family I need to get back to!" I really love everything about this and feel that it says so much about the character and her priorities.
What I do hate is that just a few short pages after that (and every moment from then on in the future) she lets him boss her around, keep her uniformed and naive and disrespects her every time he bites her ear or kisses her. Like girl! There's a literal war going on outside your window that he didn't tell you about, leaving you defenseless and unprepared, and you forget about it cause he kissed you?? No kiss is that good.
Both of their inabilities to bend, halt the progression of their relationships
"“Wait.” I growled. “We accepted this bond. Without you even telling me what we were doing?!” I shrieked. “Don’t you think I at least deserved to know that?”"
But then she just goes along with his plan anyway. She whines about it but doesn't do anything about it.
Then towards the end of the book this happens
“That’s it,” I snapped, glaring at the group. “Enough with the secrecy. Do you all really think I can’t see beyond closed doors? All the late-night meetings, whispered voices, the plotting. I know something’s going on.
Ryker chuckled under his breath. “Who had two days?” Ry muttered as he reached into his pocket, pulling out some coins.
“And that would be me.” Dravyn smirked as the two men paid up, amusement floating across the air from everyone but me.
“What the hell?” I groaned as I sat back down. “You guys seriously took bets on me?”
“Of course.” Dravyn laughed. “Sébastien was an idiot to think he could get away with everything without you realizing something was up.”
Ryker added. “Sébastien will be declaring war. Tonight.”
“WHAT?!” I shrieked,
And this is why their relationship doesn't ever develop past sexual attraction. Because he hides things like a FULL DECLARATION OF WAR, one that she's the MAIN WEAPON for.
As much as I enjoyed the randomness of this story, and I honestly really did enjoy parts of it, I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series. I need to be able to relate and connect with the characters, or at least witness some character/ relationship development and there just isn't any here.
October 31, 2023
Beneath The Shatter is the first book in the Scattered Destinies series. This is a fantasy based story featuring Cassandra (Cass) and Sébastien.
The story starts with Cassandra and her family enjoying the beauty of Verastarr before departing. Cass was stopped by an elderly woman who forced a ruby red rectangular pendant on simple gold chain in her hand telling her that it was a memory, for when you most desire it. Cass didn't understand why it was given to her, but the woman simply disappeared. Cass wore the necklace every day.
We then jump ahead 12 years. Cass is now 24 years old and works as a journalist for Destined Magazine. She has her own column where she writes about travel trends and hotspots. The CEO of the magazine was invited to attend a royal coronation ceremony by the royal family of Verastarr. As she cannot attend, she sends Cass in her stead. Cass is at the airport saying goodbye to her sister Kateya before boarding their flight. Both reminisce about their time in Verastarr and wish Kateya was going too. Suddenly, the pendant heats up around Cass' neck. They try to remove it, but it isn't coming off easily so together they grab at the chain to break it. As the pendant goes flying off, some kind of magic occurs and the two find themselves elsewhere... and else...when?
They have been transported to Verastarr, but the year is 578. This is when Cass meets Prince Sébastien Capetian, second son of Adrastan Capetian, King of Verastarr, and Commander of the wolvyn guard. She can't tell anyone they're from the future because they'll think she's crazy so in addition to keeping this secret, they need to find the pendant and hope that it can somehow bring them home.
I had so much fun reading this book. The dynamic between Cass and Sébastien is wonderful. He's a prince who is used to people listening to him and following every directive without question. That is not Cass. She wants to be treated with the respect she deserves, and she doesn't want to be underestimated or treated as a weak woman. His attitude drives her up the wall, and she gives as good as she gets. The two push each other's buttons at every opportunity. Their mutual attraction definitely grows as they spend more time together. (Definitely a sort of enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance situation.)
The author did a fantastic job building this world where there are shifters, vampires, fairies, and more. The characters move around the kingdom, and each setting is well described. There are multiple kingdoms and alliances and magic and powers. There is so much going with a plethora of intriguing side characters.
Knowing this is only the first book in the series, with a total of four planned, I knew that there would be some kind of cliffhanger ending. I have now finished this amazing book and all I know is that I need more! If I'm not mistaken, this is also Reilly's debut. Amazing!
My #NewToMeWord is destrier which is a medieval knight's warhorse.
The story starts with Cassandra and her family enjoying the beauty of Verastarr before departing. Cass was stopped by an elderly woman who forced a ruby red rectangular pendant on simple gold chain in her hand telling her that it was a memory, for when you most desire it. Cass didn't understand why it was given to her, but the woman simply disappeared. Cass wore the necklace every day.
We then jump ahead 12 years. Cass is now 24 years old and works as a journalist for Destined Magazine. She has her own column where she writes about travel trends and hotspots. The CEO of the magazine was invited to attend a royal coronation ceremony by the royal family of Verastarr. As she cannot attend, she sends Cass in her stead. Cass is at the airport saying goodbye to her sister Kateya before boarding their flight. Both reminisce about their time in Verastarr and wish Kateya was going too. Suddenly, the pendant heats up around Cass' neck. They try to remove it, but it isn't coming off easily so together they grab at the chain to break it. As the pendant goes flying off, some kind of magic occurs and the two find themselves elsewhere... and else...when?
They have been transported to Verastarr, but the year is 578. This is when Cass meets Prince Sébastien Capetian, second son of Adrastan Capetian, King of Verastarr, and Commander of the wolvyn guard. She can't tell anyone they're from the future because they'll think she's crazy so in addition to keeping this secret, they need to find the pendant and hope that it can somehow bring them home.
I had so much fun reading this book. The dynamic between Cass and Sébastien is wonderful. He's a prince who is used to people listening to him and following every directive without question. That is not Cass. She wants to be treated with the respect she deserves, and she doesn't want to be underestimated or treated as a weak woman. His attitude drives her up the wall, and she gives as good as she gets. The two push each other's buttons at every opportunity. Their mutual attraction definitely grows as they spend more time together. (Definitely a sort of enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance situation.)
The author did a fantastic job building this world where there are shifters, vampires, fairies, and more. The characters move around the kingdom, and each setting is well described. There are multiple kingdoms and alliances and magic and powers. There is so much going with a plethora of intriguing side characters.
Knowing this is only the first book in the series, with a total of four planned, I knew that there would be some kind of cliffhanger ending. I have now finished this amazing book and all I know is that I need more! If I'm not mistaken, this is also Reilly's debut. Amazing!
My #NewToMeWord is destrier which is a medieval knight's warhorse.
August 19, 2024
“Time, Magic, and Bonded Fates: Beneath the Shatter by T.A. Reilly”
Why Beneath the Shatter by T.A. Reilly is Your Next Must-Read Fantasy Adventure! ⏳✨
Hold onto your swords, fantasy lovers, because Beneath the Shatter by T.A. Reilly is about to transport you into a world where time is twisted, magic is corrupt, and destinies are anything but certain. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with a dark twist, like From Blood and Ash, then this book is the perfect addition to your TBR list.
Here’s why Beneath the Shatter needs to be your next read:
⏳ Time Travel Trope with a Dark Fantasy Twist: Cassandra, our fierce heroine, finds herself hurled back into a land she once loved—only to discover it’s been twisted by darkness. Time travel has never been more thrilling or dangerous.
🐺 Bonded Mates & Enemies-to-Lovers: Enter Prince Sébastien Capetian, the brooding wolvyn commander. Their connection is as electrifying as it is complicated, leading to a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked.
🌌 Intricate Plot & Enchanting Writing: T.A. Reilly weaves a story that’s rich with intricate world-building, multi-layered characters, and an enchanting writing style that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
📚 A New Author to Fall in Love With: If you’re like me, this might be your first T.A. Reilly book, but trust me—it won’t be your last. Beneath the Shatter introduces us to a new voice in fantasy that’s sure to make waves in the genre.
Synopsis Recap:
Beneath the Shatter takes us on a journey with Cassandra, who twelve years ago, fled Verastarr just before the magical Vanaiyer realm fell to the Nordak. The Vanquishing shattered the five regions, corrupted by dark forces and the terrifying Seefers—beings born of twisted magic.
Now, trapped in a mist of time, Cassandra is pulled back into the land she once knew, only to find it darker, more sinister. As she navigates this treacherous world, she encounters Prince Sébastien Capetian, a wolvyn commander who may be as dangerous as the shadowy forces creeping closer.
In a realm where monsters prowl in the night and ancient magic is hunted, Cassandra must decide who she can trust. But as the truth of her destiny is unveiled, she faces a perilous choice—risk everything to change the future or succumb to the terrors that await.
With the fate of Verastarr hanging in the balance, Beneath the Shatter delivers an unforgettable adventure full of danger, romance, and the ultimate test of courage.
Why You Should Pick Up Beneath the Shatter Right Now:
⏳ Time Travel Adventure: Dive into a thrilling time-bending journey that keeps you guessing at every turn.
🐺 Bonded Mates & Brooding Heroes: If you love complex, slow-burn romances, this one’s for you!
✨ Magical World-Building: Get lost in a world rich with dark magic, ancient secrets, and deadly creatures.
🗡️ High-Stakes Plot: With corruption, war, and betrayal at every corner, the tension never lets up.
📚 Discover a New Fantasy Author: T.A. Reilly’s debut will have you eagerly awaiting her next book.
Why Beneath the Shatter by T.A. Reilly is Your Next Must-Read Fantasy Adventure! ⏳✨
Hold onto your swords, fantasy lovers, because Beneath the Shatter by T.A. Reilly is about to transport you into a world where time is twisted, magic is corrupt, and destinies are anything but certain. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with a dark twist, like From Blood and Ash, then this book is the perfect addition to your TBR list.
Here’s why Beneath the Shatter needs to be your next read:
⏳ Time Travel Trope with a Dark Fantasy Twist: Cassandra, our fierce heroine, finds herself hurled back into a land she once loved—only to discover it’s been twisted by darkness. Time travel has never been more thrilling or dangerous.
🐺 Bonded Mates & Enemies-to-Lovers: Enter Prince Sébastien Capetian, the brooding wolvyn commander. Their connection is as electrifying as it is complicated, leading to a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked.
🌌 Intricate Plot & Enchanting Writing: T.A. Reilly weaves a story that’s rich with intricate world-building, multi-layered characters, and an enchanting writing style that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
📚 A New Author to Fall in Love With: If you’re like me, this might be your first T.A. Reilly book, but trust me—it won’t be your last. Beneath the Shatter introduces us to a new voice in fantasy that’s sure to make waves in the genre.
Synopsis Recap:
Beneath the Shatter takes us on a journey with Cassandra, who twelve years ago, fled Verastarr just before the magical Vanaiyer realm fell to the Nordak. The Vanquishing shattered the five regions, corrupted by dark forces and the terrifying Seefers—beings born of twisted magic.
Now, trapped in a mist of time, Cassandra is pulled back into the land she once knew, only to find it darker, more sinister. As she navigates this treacherous world, she encounters Prince Sébastien Capetian, a wolvyn commander who may be as dangerous as the shadowy forces creeping closer.
In a realm where monsters prowl in the night and ancient magic is hunted, Cassandra must decide who she can trust. But as the truth of her destiny is unveiled, she faces a perilous choice—risk everything to change the future or succumb to the terrors that await.
With the fate of Verastarr hanging in the balance, Beneath the Shatter delivers an unforgettable adventure full of danger, romance, and the ultimate test of courage.
Why You Should Pick Up Beneath the Shatter Right Now:
⏳ Time Travel Adventure: Dive into a thrilling time-bending journey that keeps you guessing at every turn.
🐺 Bonded Mates & Brooding Heroes: If you love complex, slow-burn romances, this one’s for you!
✨ Magical World-Building: Get lost in a world rich with dark magic, ancient secrets, and deadly creatures.
🗡️ High-Stakes Plot: With corruption, war, and betrayal at every corner, the tension never lets up.
📚 Discover a New Fantasy Author: T.A. Reilly’s debut will have you eagerly awaiting her next book.
December 3, 2023
✨𝓑𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 – 𝓢𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓓𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓮𝓼 #1 – 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
“𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘’𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓷𝓸 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓮. 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓼𝓽. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓞𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓾���𝓾𝓻𝓮. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾… 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼."
“𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓸 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽?”
“𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓲𝓰, 𝓫𝓪𝓭 𝔀𝓸𝓵𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.”
Author: T.A. Reilly
Couple: Cassandra & Commander, Prince Sébastien Capetian
Tropes: enemies to lovers, time travel, hidden prophecies, fated mates, wolf shifters, shadow powers, found family, dark romance
“𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓾𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓮 𝓭𝓸 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷, 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼?”
“𝓘 𝓽𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮, 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮, 𝓘 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓾𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓷𝓸 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮. 𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮”
Review: Cassandra and Sébastien left me in a book hangover to rival all fantasy hangovers. BTS is the first book in an all new series of interconnected standalones and has everything you need for a swoon worthy enemies to lovers dark fantasy romance. The story is told from Cass’ POV and includes a unique magical system, an age old prophecy and a fiery heroine who travels back in time!
“𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓪 𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓶 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘, 𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓫𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮, 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓻.”
Cassandra was everything I expected and more! She is feisty, strong-willed, sassy, brilliant and independent. Her story is filled with strife at the beginning since it centers around her being thrust back into a time where magic was everywhere and danger lurked around every corner. T.A. Reilly did a phenomenal job with developing her character and story line and I could not get enough of it! I cannot wait to see where her story goes and adored how her refusal to bend to Sébastien is what draws his interest from the get-go. The meet-hate she has with him is perfect and I felt like it fit the two of them to a T since both are rulers in their own right either by blood or family roles.
“𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓸𝓷𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓪, 𝓫𝓸𝓽𝓱 𝓱𝔂𝓹𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓲𝔃𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱”
Sébastien was the man crush in this book and the complexity of his character astounded me. I loved all the broody, antagonistic alphahole male he exuded and lived to see the tension spark on the pages between him and Cassandra. His inner wolvyn fit his persona seamlessly and I enjoyed getting to learn about his unique powers (SHADOW DADDY anyone!!?) and shifting ability. The blood bond that he shares with the other Princes of the realms was also a huge hint drop for me and I loved getting to meet all of them and his brother Kairon. The friendships he had with them added a layer to his character that we would of not gotten with Cass since the two of them are explosive when together.
“𝓦𝓮’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽, 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮. 𝓘 𝓰𝓾𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓘’𝓶 𝓭𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾”
This is a dark romance book and it is a slower burn fated mate’s story. Cassandra and Sébastien have the angst and chemistry in spades. While their spice and steam happen later in the book, the build-up between them starts right away and is hidden between a lot of sass and wit. Sébastien is the epitome of a dirty talking alphahole once they take it to the next level and I swooned over his words so many times towards the end. He was just the right amount of possessive and loving.
“𝓦𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓾𝓹 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼. 𝓞𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓹𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮. 𝓦𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓶.”
While this book is the introduction into the series, it sets up the conflict super well. Sébastien sticks up for Cassandra to his father and when the schemes his father was plotting come out I loved how he stood his ground and protected Cass. T.A. Reilly also does a good job with beginning to introduction to the different magical powers, beings and bond types. Cassandra’s thirst for knowledge was a huge point in her favor since it allowed for a smooth transition of vital information. This book ends on a cliffhanger and will pick up with the next Prince’s story in book 2. I hope to see more of these two in the future books and cannot wait to see how Cassandra’s sister plays a role in future books since we know she is coming back! I was in shock over a few of the vital deaths that happen right at the end but understood why they had to happen so the looming war is set in motion for the next part of the story.
Rating: 10/10, Cass and Sébastien are slow burn goals!
“𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘’𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓷𝓸 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓮. 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓼𝓽. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓞𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓾���𝓾𝓻𝓮. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾… 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼."
“𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓸 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽?”
“𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓲𝓰, 𝓫𝓪𝓭 𝔀𝓸𝓵𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.”
Author: T.A. Reilly
Couple: Cassandra & Commander, Prince Sébastien Capetian
Tropes: enemies to lovers, time travel, hidden prophecies, fated mates, wolf shifters, shadow powers, found family, dark romance
“𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓾𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓮 𝓭𝓸 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷, 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼?”
“𝓘 𝓽𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮, 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮, 𝓘 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓾𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓷𝓸 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮. 𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮”
Review: Cassandra and Sébastien left me in a book hangover to rival all fantasy hangovers. BTS is the first book in an all new series of interconnected standalones and has everything you need for a swoon worthy enemies to lovers dark fantasy romance. The story is told from Cass’ POV and includes a unique magical system, an age old prophecy and a fiery heroine who travels back in time!
“𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓪 𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓶 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘, 𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓫𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮, 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓻.”
Cassandra was everything I expected and more! She is feisty, strong-willed, sassy, brilliant and independent. Her story is filled with strife at the beginning since it centers around her being thrust back into a time where magic was everywhere and danger lurked around every corner. T.A. Reilly did a phenomenal job with developing her character and story line and I could not get enough of it! I cannot wait to see where her story goes and adored how her refusal to bend to Sébastien is what draws his interest from the get-go. The meet-hate she has with him is perfect and I felt like it fit the two of them to a T since both are rulers in their own right either by blood or family roles.
“𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓿𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓸𝓷𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓪, 𝓫𝓸𝓽𝓱 𝓱𝔂𝓹𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓲𝔃𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱”
Sébastien was the man crush in this book and the complexity of his character astounded me. I loved all the broody, antagonistic alphahole male he exuded and lived to see the tension spark on the pages between him and Cassandra. His inner wolvyn fit his persona seamlessly and I enjoyed getting to learn about his unique powers (SHADOW DADDY anyone!!?) and shifting ability. The blood bond that he shares with the other Princes of the realms was also a huge hint drop for me and I loved getting to meet all of them and his brother Kairon. The friendships he had with them added a layer to his character that we would of not gotten with Cass since the two of them are explosive when together.
“𝓦𝓮’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽, 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮. 𝓘 𝓰𝓾𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓘’𝓶 𝓭𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾”
This is a dark romance book and it is a slower burn fated mate’s story. Cassandra and Sébastien have the angst and chemistry in spades. While their spice and steam happen later in the book, the build-up between them starts right away and is hidden between a lot of sass and wit. Sébastien is the epitome of a dirty talking alphahole once they take it to the next level and I swooned over his words so many times towards the end. He was just the right amount of possessive and loving.
“𝓦𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓾𝓹 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼. 𝓞𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓹𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮. 𝓦𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓶.”
While this book is the introduction into the series, it sets up the conflict super well. Sébastien sticks up for Cassandra to his father and when the schemes his father was plotting come out I loved how he stood his ground and protected Cass. T.A. Reilly also does a good job with beginning to introduction to the different magical powers, beings and bond types. Cassandra’s thirst for knowledge was a huge point in her favor since it allowed for a smooth transition of vital information. This book ends on a cliffhanger and will pick up with the next Prince’s story in book 2. I hope to see more of these two in the future books and cannot wait to see how Cassandra’s sister plays a role in future books since we know she is coming back! I was in shock over a few of the vital deaths that happen right at the end but understood why they had to happen so the looming war is set in motion for the next part of the story.
Rating: 10/10, Cass and Sébastien are slow burn goals!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews