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Seeds and Shadows #1
Drained: Dark fantasy romance
One touch and it’s over.
Sarlona trained too long to spend the rest of her life captive and drained. But to the lorkai—monsters who feed on magical energy and can control mortals with a caress—her extraordinary power makes her the perfect prey. There’s no escaping a magic-dampening chamber. Even if there was, she’d still have to evade that guardsman with the hungry stare and spell-sucking sword.
Benton has a good deal—he shoves his enchanted blade where he’s told, and he never has to return to the gallows. Until the lorkai drag home a young woman whose eyes are just as dangerous as her magic. If one of her spells doesn’t kill him, her smile might. Or he’ll survive like he always does—at someone else’s expense.
Sarlona trained too long to spend the rest of her life captive and drained. But to the lorkai—monsters who feed on magical energy and can control mortals with a caress—her extraordinary power makes her the perfect prey. There’s no escaping a magic-dampening chamber. Even if there was, she’d still have to evade that guardsman with the hungry stare and spell-sucking sword.
Benton has a good deal—he shoves his enchanted blade where he’s told, and he never has to return to the gallows. Until the lorkai drag home a young woman whose eyes are just as dangerous as her magic. If one of her spells doesn’t kill him, her smile might. Or he’ll survive like he always does—at someone else’s expense.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 11, 2023
50 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 20, 2023
Action-packed and fast-paced to the max! A lot of cool magic being thrown around in very well-crafted fights. The characters were interesting and had their own personalities and agendas that resulted in some very nice twists and some hot and steamy romance!
The only things that didn't work for me were how much Sarlona cried (keep it together, gurl) and substituting f&ck with c#ck (as in "c#ck off" and "he wanted to c#ck her so bad). I just couldn't take it seriously and it ruined some of the steamier scenes somewhat.
The only things that didn't work for me were how much Sarlona cried (keep it together, gurl) and substituting f&ck with c#ck (as in "c#ck off" and "he wanted to c#ck her so bad). I just couldn't take it seriously and it ruined some of the steamier scenes somewhat.
September 10, 2024
Spoilers Below:
Sarlona is a druid, with the potential to become a very powerful caster. She spends most of her time doing rituals either in the sea or the forest, content to use her powers and worshipping her deity and shapeshifting into whatever animal pleases her. When a man comes asking for aid to save his granddaughter, she goes to the sea solo to do a ritual, and she is promptly abducted and taken to said man’s fortress and routinely drained. The man is Glaucus and he is a Lorkai, a leader of a monstrous race who feed off magic and the very force of life itself. She’s been on his sights for years, and he holds her captive in his stronghold for a very specific purpose. She is guarded by a drunken swordsman sworn to Glaucus service, sparks fly as she tries to escape and return to her natural element.
I don’t normally go for these sorts of plots because the ‘I’m a captive’ narrative really limits what the protagonists choices are and, I’m the first one to roll my eyes at people falling in love with their captors. This is not a romantasy but a dark fantasy with romantic elements.
The author does a great job at making it evident that Sarlona is a wild druid and doesn’t do well in captivity, as opposed to a more crunchy-granola hippy and she has no problem stabbing her way out of a problem although her preferred technique is injure and run. She’s physically weak and depends on her abilities to try to get out, and to make matters worse, the Lorkai almost immediately bond her and can wield her like a puppet if they’re conscious enough, and they’ve hired a wizard to prevent her from being able to draw much of anything. She still uses her wits to attempt to escape and comes close several times, the story is character driven and it’s easy to feel bad for her even if you don’t like her personally.
Spoilers! The scheme, as it were, is to turn Sarlona into a Lorkai because her magic potential will translate into her abilities in that Lorkai form, and the baddies get away with it. Sarlona is cut off forever from her magic and has to deal with a sort of magic that’s the antithesis to everything she stood for. She’s distraught and on the upwards side of angry about it, and becomes desperate to have her humanity restored.
The Lorkai are portrayed as unnatural creatures, it’s hinted that they belong in another realm but I kept imagining them more like viruses; alien and foreign to the way most living things operate. I can’t call them the same as say, Tolkien’s Corrupted elves or vampires, basically they’re a form of undead. Their powers are horrible and they’re considered dark creatures, but the author also does a great job at making the antagonists, Glaucus and his daughter Dagmar somewhat sympathetic in trying to save their species, even though what he’s forcing Sarlona to go through is worse than rape. They’re essentially killing and then raising her back as a creature most view with extreme hostility, knowing she’s going to take a few decades to adjust and cutting her off not only from her magic but her realm: The natural world which, as a druid is specifically terrifying.
It wasn’t a perfect novel for me but I think all of my issues could stem back from that the novel was a little too tight – I like world building and waxing rhetorical about what sorts of music is popular and what factions eat what foods and other fluff many other readers don’t care about, because if I’m going to a new world I don’t want a generic one that’s interechangable. The author doesn’t hold your hand and that’s fine, you figure out a lot just by how the characters act but that being said a little bit of padding would have explained my other issues.
For instance, the Lorkai are capable of turning people into beings like them, and there’s limitations or else they’d just turn everyone and swell their numbers. Sarlona is later revealed to be a person of interest to the magic council because of her potential; it would have made more sense for one of them to acknowledge, “We don’t want this chick getting corrupted or even compromised.” And her to be behind walls in a gilded cage – all we need is to hint that in order for her to reach her potential, that she needs to be in her element (the sea/woods) and that they’ve stunted many a druid trying to protect them. There are sort of Inquisitors who specialize in hunting down Lorkai, but we don’t really get into how they’re handled in society.
At one point, Sarlona goes to her mentor for help, he had a vision of it occurring, didn’t warn her, and and as she’s a creature of darkness and a blight on the land he’s protecting he turns on her, saying, “I thought you’d be strong enough to resist.”
Bro, important people have body guards because anyone can get overwhelmed and you kind of knew something was coming. Again, a little bit of padding you can have Sylvanus be distrusting of everyone, especially the council, and a recluse who gave her some sort of magic ward or charm or whatever and he blame her changing on a lack of faith or character flaw because he’s old school or, more hints that the Lorkai are greatly misunderstood by everyone. I blamed him more than the council because 1) Glaucus was on your land and when she goes missing for weeks you do... NOTHING? 2) You had a vision and didn’t give her any training/magic charms to help her 3) Did your vision include more that you didn’t tell us? IE, you wanted it to happen for reasons hitherto unknown until the sequel? We don’t spend much time with him, so basically her mentor just comes across as Chaotic Neutral, which might be an allegory for nature but I can only speculate.
Who will like it? I think if you’re looking for a darker fantasy to sink your teeth into, this is a good story but it’s probably not for a first time fantasy reader as it gets violent but I’d say it’s not overly graphic; Sarlona is depicted as naked, has sex, and gets mutilated but it’s honestly pretty tasteful compared to some I’ve read. The story’s character driven and you won’t get bogged down by details, so if you’re worried about a big thick novel and keeping track of a hundred characters, this is definitely be easier for a novice to fantasy to enjoy.
Sarlona is a druid, with the potential to become a very powerful caster. She spends most of her time doing rituals either in the sea or the forest, content to use her powers and worshipping her deity and shapeshifting into whatever animal pleases her. When a man comes asking for aid to save his granddaughter, she goes to the sea solo to do a ritual, and she is promptly abducted and taken to said man’s fortress and routinely drained. The man is Glaucus and he is a Lorkai, a leader of a monstrous race who feed off magic and the very force of life itself. She’s been on his sights for years, and he holds her captive in his stronghold for a very specific purpose. She is guarded by a drunken swordsman sworn to Glaucus service, sparks fly as she tries to escape and return to her natural element.
I don’t normally go for these sorts of plots because the ‘I’m a captive’ narrative really limits what the protagonists choices are and, I’m the first one to roll my eyes at people falling in love with their captors. This is not a romantasy but a dark fantasy with romantic elements.
The author does a great job at making it evident that Sarlona is a wild druid and doesn’t do well in captivity, as opposed to a more crunchy-granola hippy and she has no problem stabbing her way out of a problem although her preferred technique is injure and run. She’s physically weak and depends on her abilities to try to get out, and to make matters worse, the Lorkai almost immediately bond her and can wield her like a puppet if they’re conscious enough, and they’ve hired a wizard to prevent her from being able to draw much of anything. She still uses her wits to attempt to escape and comes close several times, the story is character driven and it’s easy to feel bad for her even if you don’t like her personally.
Spoilers! The scheme, as it were, is to turn Sarlona into a Lorkai because her magic potential will translate into her abilities in that Lorkai form, and the baddies get away with it. Sarlona is cut off forever from her magic and has to deal with a sort of magic that’s the antithesis to everything she stood for. She’s distraught and on the upwards side of angry about it, and becomes desperate to have her humanity restored.
The Lorkai are portrayed as unnatural creatures, it’s hinted that they belong in another realm but I kept imagining them more like viruses; alien and foreign to the way most living things operate. I can’t call them the same as say, Tolkien’s Corrupted elves or vampires, basically they’re a form of undead. Their powers are horrible and they’re considered dark creatures, but the author also does a great job at making the antagonists, Glaucus and his daughter Dagmar somewhat sympathetic in trying to save their species, even though what he’s forcing Sarlona to go through is worse than rape. They’re essentially killing and then raising her back as a creature most view with extreme hostility, knowing she’s going to take a few decades to adjust and cutting her off not only from her magic but her realm: The natural world which, as a druid is specifically terrifying.
It wasn’t a perfect novel for me but I think all of my issues could stem back from that the novel was a little too tight – I like world building and waxing rhetorical about what sorts of music is popular and what factions eat what foods and other fluff many other readers don’t care about, because if I’m going to a new world I don’t want a generic one that’s interechangable. The author doesn’t hold your hand and that’s fine, you figure out a lot just by how the characters act but that being said a little bit of padding would have explained my other issues.
For instance, the Lorkai are capable of turning people into beings like them, and there’s limitations or else they’d just turn everyone and swell their numbers. Sarlona is later revealed to be a person of interest to the magic council because of her potential; it would have made more sense for one of them to acknowledge, “We don’t want this chick getting corrupted or even compromised.” And her to be behind walls in a gilded cage – all we need is to hint that in order for her to reach her potential, that she needs to be in her element (the sea/woods) and that they’ve stunted many a druid trying to protect them. There are sort of Inquisitors who specialize in hunting down Lorkai, but we don’t really get into how they’re handled in society.
At one point, Sarlona goes to her mentor for help, he had a vision of it occurring, didn’t warn her, and and as she’s a creature of darkness and a blight on the land he’s protecting he turns on her, saying, “I thought you’d be strong enough to resist.”
Bro, important people have body guards because anyone can get overwhelmed and you kind of knew something was coming. Again, a little bit of padding you can have Sylvanus be distrusting of everyone, especially the council, and a recluse who gave her some sort of magic ward or charm or whatever and he blame her changing on a lack of faith or character flaw because he’s old school or, more hints that the Lorkai are greatly misunderstood by everyone. I blamed him more than the council because 1) Glaucus was on your land and when she goes missing for weeks you do... NOTHING? 2) You had a vision and didn’t give her any training/magic charms to help her 3) Did your vision include more that you didn’t tell us? IE, you wanted it to happen for reasons hitherto unknown until the sequel? We don’t spend much time with him, so basically her mentor just comes across as Chaotic Neutral, which might be an allegory for nature but I can only speculate.
Who will like it? I think if you’re looking for a darker fantasy to sink your teeth into, this is a good story but it’s probably not for a first time fantasy reader as it gets violent but I’d say it’s not overly graphic; Sarlona is depicted as naked, has sex, and gets mutilated but it’s honestly pretty tasteful compared to some I’ve read. The story’s character driven and you won’t get bogged down by details, so if you’re worried about a big thick novel and keeping track of a hundred characters, this is definitely be easier for a novice to fantasy to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
Oh wow. I absolutely hated that. And worse yet, I hate that I hated it.
The storyline could have been so good! I love dark romance and darker books in general but boyyyyy there wasn’t a single fuckin win in that whole book. There was no love, there was simply characters forced into horrible tragic situations.
The writing style is beautiful, the world build is great and the characters are certainly able to pull and manipulate your emotions. I gave it 3 stars purely because if they wanted it to be a devastatingly sad story they nailed it.
I’m still so upset that the main characters couldn’t have a single good event. Also, I’m not sure I’d classify it as romance, what exactly was romantic? There was two sexual scenes, the rest is a series of unfortunate events and clinging to a broken human that just wanted to “cock” you while you cling to the dream of being loved someday.
Im so mad. 🙃😭
The storyline could have been so good! I love dark romance and darker books in general but boyyyyy there wasn’t a single fuckin win in that whole book. There was no love, there was simply characters forced into horrible tragic situations.
The writing style is beautiful, the world build is great and the characters are certainly able to pull and manipulate your emotions. I gave it 3 stars purely because if they wanted it to be a devastatingly sad story they nailed it.
I’m still so upset that the main characters couldn’t have a single good event. Also, I’m not sure I’d classify it as romance, what exactly was romantic? There was two sexual scenes, the rest is a series of unfortunate events and clinging to a broken human that just wanted to “cock” you while you cling to the dream of being loved someday.
Im so mad. 🙃😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Drained: Seeds and Shadows is a dark, intoxicating masterpiece that had me completely enthralled from start to finish. K. W. Bernard doesn’t just write a romance—she creates an entire universe where desire, danger, and magic collide in the most thrilling way. The tension in this book is electric, and the chemistry between the characters practically leaps off the page. Every glance, every touch, every whispered word carries a delicious, almost unbearable heat that keeps you completely invested in their connection.
The protagonist is compelling and vulnerable yet fierce, and the male lead (or leads) are deliciously dark, powerful, and dangerously seductive. Bernard perfectly balances the thrill of dark fantasy with the pull of raw, sensual romance. The magic system itself is wickedly enticing, where energy, power, and desire intermingle—raising the stakes not just emotionally, but physically. The way magic flows through the story, amplifying the intimacy and danger, makes each scene feel alive and urgent.
What makes Drained stand out is how unapologetically it leans into its darker, spicier side. The sexual tension is almost tangible; the romance is passionate, commanding, and sometimes shocking in its intensity. But it’s never gratuitous—the sensuality is fully integrated into the plot and character development, heightening the stakes and deepening the reader’s immersion. Every interaction pulses with desire, every moment in the shadows feels laden with both risk and irresistible temptation.
There are moments where the darkness presses in and the intensity feels overwhelming—but for me, that’s part of the allure. Bernard doesn’t hold back, and that fearless approach makes this book utterly addictive. The pacing is perfect, moving between high-stakes conflict, pulse-pounding sensuality, and emotional depth, giving the story a rhythm that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.
In short, Drained is bold, dangerously sexy, and breathtakingly immersive. It’s a five-star read for anyone who craves a romance that’s dark, intense, and utterly irresistible. K. W. Bernard has delivered a book that leaves you both thrilled and breathless, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
The protagonist is compelling and vulnerable yet fierce, and the male lead (or leads) are deliciously dark, powerful, and dangerously seductive. Bernard perfectly balances the thrill of dark fantasy with the pull of raw, sensual romance. The magic system itself is wickedly enticing, where energy, power, and desire intermingle—raising the stakes not just emotionally, but physically. The way magic flows through the story, amplifying the intimacy and danger, makes each scene feel alive and urgent.
What makes Drained stand out is how unapologetically it leans into its darker, spicier side. The sexual tension is almost tangible; the romance is passionate, commanding, and sometimes shocking in its intensity. But it’s never gratuitous—the sensuality is fully integrated into the plot and character development, heightening the stakes and deepening the reader’s immersion. Every interaction pulses with desire, every moment in the shadows feels laden with both risk and irresistible temptation.
There are moments where the darkness presses in and the intensity feels overwhelming—but for me, that’s part of the allure. Bernard doesn’t hold back, and that fearless approach makes this book utterly addictive. The pacing is perfect, moving between high-stakes conflict, pulse-pounding sensuality, and emotional depth, giving the story a rhythm that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.
In short, Drained is bold, dangerously sexy, and breathtakingly immersive. It’s a five-star read for anyone who craves a romance that’s dark, intense, and utterly irresistible. K. W. Bernard has delivered a book that leaves you both thrilled and breathless, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
November 23, 2025
Sarlona is a druid of potentially staggering power, who is kidnapped by Glaucus, the ruthless leader of the Lorkai, a race that feeds on magic and the very essence of life. Trapped in his stronghold, Sarlona is drained of her magic over and over again, pushing her to the edge of her sanity. The Lorkai want to remake her into one of their own, turning her gifts into something monstrous. The author does a brilliant job of depicting her horror, her fury, and her desperate fight to hold onto her humanity. Her guard, Benton, a washed-up, drunken swordsman bound to Glaucus, initially seems like little more than another obstacle. But sparks fly fast, and as Sarlona strives for freedom and a return to her natural element, Benton’s loyalty becomes far more complicated. I wasn’t sold on him at first, but I love a well-done bad-boy redemption arc. Then there’s Amenduil, the dark mage hired to keep Sarlona cut off from her magic. He’s slippery, secretive, and not aligned with anyone’s agenda but his own. And while Glaucus and his daughter Dagmar believe they’re fighting to save their endangered species, what they force Sarlona to endure is nothing short of horrifying. All Sarlona wants is to be human again—to heal rather than destroy. But is reclaiming that identity even possible? The book is full of action—relentless, sharp, and full of brutal turns that barely give you time to breathe, with events shifting so fast it’s almost dizzying. Danger lies every corner and trust is a rare, fragile commodity. Overall, I loved the characters’ ambiguity. No one is exactly who they seem; everyone carries secrets, hidden motives, and masks shaped by fear or survival. Just when you think you’ve got someone figured out, the narrative twists, revealing more layers or darker truths. That unpredictability makes the book hard to put down. In short, this is a gripping tale full of twists, betrayal, messy loyalties, and characters you love, hate, or both at once. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2025
In ‘Drained’, author KW Bernard gives us an intensely disturbing, twisted, troublesome event filled tale—I am not ashamed to admit it left me feeling as if I had been grabbed by the ankle and drug kicking and screaming through mud and brambles. I believe it is mostly sympathy pains for Sarlona-and possibly Benton as well. After the hints on what book 2 will bring and that cliffhanger, I am going to be stressed for Sarlona and Benton until I get it in my hot little hands.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Benton
FMC:
✨Sarlona
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Cliffhanger, to be continued
Series:
✨ Book 1 of Seeds and Shadows
Tropes:
👉dark romantasy
👉monster romance
👉enemies to lovers
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex : graphic, explicit
💥violence
* graphic, mutilation, gore, threats, torture, dark magic,
💥death
* Attempted Suicide, ref to executions/hangings,
💥immuring
💥abduction
💥body snatching
💥harm to wild animals
💥mental
* mental invasion, mind control, possession
💥reanimated children
💥supernatural parasitism
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨fast - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
✨MF
✨FF.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Benton
FMC:
✨Sarlona
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Cliffhanger, to be continued
Series:
✨ Book 1 of Seeds and Shadows
Tropes:
👉dark romantasy
👉monster romance
👉enemies to lovers
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex : graphic, explicit
💥violence
* graphic, mutilation, gore, threats, torture, dark magic,
💥death
* Attempted Suicide, ref to executions/hangings,
💥immuring
💥abduction
💥body snatching
💥harm to wild animals
💥mental
* mental invasion, mind control, possession
💥reanimated children
💥supernatural parasitism
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨fast - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
✨MF
✨FF.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2025
While I initially liked the set up of this book, the battle at the shore was epic.. I just didn't vibe the way I should have.
I'm really not a fan of the idea of being shared. That is a major part of this book. I didn't read far enough to find out if it went physical between the characters, the idea of being used/drained of power by touching and knowing the intentions of the villains was just nope.
So although I would have liked this book given that element wasn't there, I have to follow my heart on this and say this is a definite DNF and I won't reattempt this one later down the line..
Just my personal opinion mind, I don't want anyone thinking I'm judgy or prudish. I just can't click with that sort of nature.
The magic system was awesome though, so I'm a little sad about not enjoying it.
Giving it a 3 star simply because what i have read of this one, was quite fun, the FMC is a badass and has abilities with nature that were epic to read.
This one is not for me, but maybe it's for you.
For me? I can't recommend.
3 stars for you.
I'm really not a fan of the idea of being shared. That is a major part of this book. I didn't read far enough to find out if it went physical between the characters, the idea of being used/drained of power by touching and knowing the intentions of the villains was just nope.
So although I would have liked this book given that element wasn't there, I have to follow my heart on this and say this is a definite DNF and I won't reattempt this one later down the line..
Just my personal opinion mind, I don't want anyone thinking I'm judgy or prudish. I just can't click with that sort of nature.
The magic system was awesome though, so I'm a little sad about not enjoying it.
Giving it a 3 star simply because what i have read of this one, was quite fun, the FMC is a badass and has abilities with nature that were epic to read.
This one is not for me, but maybe it's for you.
For me? I can't recommend.
3 stars for you.
July 1, 2023
Great characters.
All of the characters are well-rounded and unique in their own way. Druids. Lorkai. Dark mages.
Sarlona is kidnapped and kept against her will. She is kept in a magic-dampening chamber. She is very powerful and the Lorkai, who are monsters, want to turn her into a Lorkai to combine with her powers.
The rage Sarlona feels toward being caged, used, abused, and turned into a monster who sucks the life force out of people is very well depicted. Her guard, Benton, will protect her at all costs. And those costs come with a high price.
Amenduil, the dark mage, has his own agenda and throws in quite a few monkey wrenches. Those monkey wrenches are disastrous for many people.
Sarlona wants to be human again so she can heal people instead of killing them. But can it be accomplished? And what is the cost to the others around her if it could be done?
All of the characters are well-rounded and unique in their own way. Druids. Lorkai. Dark mages.
Sarlona is kidnapped and kept against her will. She is kept in a magic-dampening chamber. She is very powerful and the Lorkai, who are monsters, want to turn her into a Lorkai to combine with her powers.
The rage Sarlona feels toward being caged, used, abused, and turned into a monster who sucks the life force out of people is very well depicted. Her guard, Benton, will protect her at all costs. And those costs come with a high price.
Amenduil, the dark mage, has his own agenda and throws in quite a few monkey wrenches. Those monkey wrenches are disastrous for many people.
Sarlona wants to be human again so she can heal people instead of killing them. But can it be accomplished? And what is the cost to the others around her if it could be done?
October 31, 2025
Seeds and Shadows is a refreshingly original story with excellent world-building and plenty of action. The twists, betrayals, and hidden motives kept me turning the pages, and the layered storytelling really stands out.
That said, the pacing sometimes felt rushed—almost dizzying—and a few repetitive “lesson moments” made the character development feel stalled. Personally, I also found some stylistic choices (like substituting certain words) distracting and hard to take seriously in key scenes.
Still, it’s an engaging read with strong potential, and I’ll likely pick up the next book to see where the story goes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That said, the pacing sometimes felt rushed—almost dizzying—and a few repetitive “lesson moments” made the character development feel stalled. Personally, I also found some stylistic choices (like substituting certain words) distracting and hard to take seriously in key scenes.
Still, it’s an engaging read with strong potential, and I’ll likely pick up the next book to see where the story goes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2025
Drained hooked me from the very first chapter. The magic energy is exciting and well executed, and gosh did I despise nearly every character in a "love to hate them" way. This book is dark in a compelling way, with themes of nonconsent and broken boundaries over and over. I rooted for Sarlona to escape her captivity with my whole heart, and the outcome was not what I expected...! This book ends on a cliffhanger, and fans will be eager to find out what happens next.
November 3, 2025
Seeds and Shadows book one, Drained is a dark fantasy romance with teeth! Heed those warnings, or go in blind, the choice is yours. Dark fantasy horror that’s twisted and delectable at the same time. The characters are impossible to ignore, and Benton? Whoa! A page turner I liked so much I bought the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
I don't know what I thought this book would be, but it certainly wasn't what I read. This book wasn't for me at all. It was well written; I simply didn't vibe with the characters or the plot. I can see others loving it, though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2025
This book took me by surprise, in the best way. The author takes you into this world of magic and strange powers, Druids, Humans, & Lorkai - a race that feeds off magic and the very force of life itself. It is action packed, full of twists and betrayal and will have you wanting more thanks to that cliffhanger.
July 15, 2023
so great! truly fun and original.
I was sucked in from the start. I love the language and descriptions, original story and character development. I was drawn to Dagmar as a strong secondary female character!
I was sucked in from the start. I love the language and descriptions, original story and character development. I was drawn to Dagmar as a strong secondary female character!
July 26, 2023
This was such a surprising book, in a good way.
The characters were complex and the world lore is interesting. The author has written an intriguing story with twists, turns, betrayal and complicated relationships. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
The characters were complex and the world lore is interesting. The author has written an intriguing story with twists, turns, betrayal and complicated relationships. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
August 25, 2025
This book was definitely not what I expected. Weird characters, strange powers and a wicked storyline made for a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2025
This is book one for Seeds and Shadows and boy does it make you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Nicely done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
This first installment was also very good, I devoured this one also! Characters and worldbuilding was very good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2023
Thank you to my fellow CBG author for gifting me a copy of this fantastic book.
This was a deliciously dark fantasy romance that had me hooked from the very first page. Poor Sarlona - the bad stuff just kept coming and I was rooting for her the whole way through. Wasn't sure about Benton at the start but I am a sucker for a bad boy epiphany and redemption situation and this delivered.
Can't wait for the next book!
This was a deliciously dark fantasy romance that had me hooked from the very first page. Poor Sarlona - the bad stuff just kept coming and I was rooting for her the whole way through. Wasn't sure about Benton at the start but I am a sucker for a bad boy epiphany and redemption situation and this delivered.
Can't wait for the next book!
November 23, 2025
Spice: 4/5
Genre: Romantasy, Dark Romance
Content Warnings: Violence, death, kidnapping
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts:
Drained by K.W. Bernard is a refreshing and innovative original narrative that stands out for its imaginative world-building and layered storytelling. Bernard crafts a story full of action driven sequences, high stakes confrontations and hidden motives. Everyone has secrets, motives hidden behind layers of charm, fear, or survival. Just when you think you understand someone, Bernard twists the narrative, revealing new depths or darker truths. At times, however, the pace verges on disorienting, with events cascading so rapidly that one scarcely has a moment to breathe. Overall, Drained’s unpredictability makes the book difficult to set down.
Genre: Romantasy, Dark Romance
Content Warnings: Violence, death, kidnapping
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts:
Drained by K.W. Bernard is a refreshing and innovative original narrative that stands out for its imaginative world-building and layered storytelling. Bernard crafts a story full of action driven sequences, high stakes confrontations and hidden motives. Everyone has secrets, motives hidden behind layers of charm, fear, or survival. Just when you think you understand someone, Bernard twists the narrative, revealing new depths or darker truths. At times, however, the pace verges on disorienting, with events cascading so rapidly that one scarcely has a moment to breathe. Overall, Drained’s unpredictability makes the book difficult to set down.
September 22, 2023
Each time I opened this book I couldn’t stop reading!! Sarlona is very relatable and I really liked following her story. Gotta say that Dagmar is my favorite:p
The characters are all complex and we get to know them through the events in the book (and not just because the author ‘told us’), which is often lacking in many of the ARCs I read. The story itself is also very creative. I’m not sure if the author wrote other books before but this is truly impressive! Every sentence is well crafted and intentional. I really enjoyed this book and I will read anything Kerry Bernard writes :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are all complex and we get to know them through the events in the book (and not just because the author ‘told us’), which is often lacking in many of the ARCs I read. The story itself is also very creative. I’m not sure if the author wrote other books before but this is truly impressive! Every sentence is well crafted and intentional. I really enjoyed this book and I will read anything Kerry Bernard writes :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 15, 2025
What a rollercoaster!! I loved every bit of this. :)
The fight scenes are exceptional. Can’t wait for the sequel soon!
The fight scenes are exceptional. Can’t wait for the sequel soon!
May 7, 2025
A conundrum for me
I both liked and was frustrated by this book. Think there are going to be people that love this book and those who hate it, I fall somewhere just left of center. For me it seemed the characters never learned the lessons taught by the drama, this repeated the same “learning moments” over and over. It is well written but for me it just offered too much bad book frustration to trust the next one. Still you review reader might absolutely love it were all different ya know.
I both liked and was frustrated by this book. Think there are going to be people that love this book and those who hate it, I fall somewhere just left of center. For me it seemed the characters never learned the lessons taught by the drama, this repeated the same “learning moments” over and over. It is well written but for me it just offered too much bad book frustration to trust the next one. Still you review reader might absolutely love it were all different ya know.
July 23, 2025
This is packed with action from start to finish. I did enjoy it, but the romance elements are not as strong as I normally like to read. Warning: it ends on a slight cliffhanger.
You’ll enjoy this if you love dark fantasy and you’re ok with the romance taking a back seat rather than being more central to the plot.
You’ll enjoy this if you love dark fantasy and you’re ok with the romance taking a back seat rather than being more central to the plot.
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