Death and Shadow: A Forbidden Paranormal Romance

The Chaos Series #0.5

by A.E. Cosby, Anissa Cosby, Julia Stephens (Illustrator)

(This book is related to The Chaos Series and while it is a prequel, it should be read between Book 1 and Book 2)Relationships between Deities and Angels are forbidden in the six realms. When chaos stirs on Euhaven, and the number of deaths increase; Orcus is flooded with animas that need processing. Axton, the Deity of Death and War, must work closely with his executive partner, Sarandiel, the Angel of Night and Shadows. Even after knowing each other for centuries, they’ve fought their growing attraction to each other. One spark could end it all. Their world is full of chaos. Their love is forbidden. But they would risk it all because love is the only thing that matters. They’re two swirling supernovas bound for impact and they weren’t sure they wanted to stop it. How will they move forward knowing that their relationship could result in death or worse; the destruction of the realm?

Death and Shadow is a forbidden paranormal romance between a Deity and an Angel who decide to risk it all, even destruction, for their love. It is a companion novel to The Chaos Series and a prequel.



✨ He falls first

✨ Forbidden romance

✨ Monster romance (ahem, he’s got some Venom-like goodies)

✨ Fated mates

✨ Touch her and ☠️

✨ Who did this?

✨ Breeding schmink

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2024

About the author

Author also writes under Anissa Cosby

Reviews

[Connie Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It does take place in the same world as the Chaos Wielder and gives some more insight to that world and how the deities and angels influence and interact with the plot of that series. It was a fun read, very focused on the romance between the two main characters. I enjoyed the Chaos Wielder a lot more than this book but this is meant to a short story in the series and doesn’t need to further the overall plot and is enjoyable as its own short story. I received an early copy of the book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[GoldenEyeOfHorus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this. The only reason I finished it was because the concept and world the author made were really fascinating.

The parts that weren't spicy were the only decent parts.

The regular dialogue and dirty talk were very corny. It just wasn't natural, people don't word things that way.

Constantly calling each other "my devastation" or saying "you devastate me", that's just one example.

The spice, which there is a ton of, was not written well. The scenes were long but the same things happened every time and they said the same things every time.

[C.A. Chaplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fortunate enough to have read an advance copy of this book. Death & Shadow is a super spicy and fun romp. It’s fast burn between a monstrous god and his angelic employee for a unique take on forbidden office romance. The smut is inventive, the characters fleshed out, and it’s placed in the rich world of the author’s first book, “The Chaos Wielder.” I would recommend reading that first for some context, but it isn’t strictly necessary, and I can’t wait to see what the author does with the lore we’re introduced to here.

[Mrs. Pendragon Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, sexy, and delicious. This fast-paced novella is classic A.E. Cosby best enjoyed with the soundtrack and footnote prompts for a fully immersive experience
A must-read prequel to the Chaos Wielder series and its best read in the author’s suggested order, before Wrath’s Daughter.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for an eARC of this novella! This review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.

So if you know me, then you know that one of my top reads last year that I couldn't stop talking about was The Chaos Wielder (TCW). I loved it. It will forever live in my brain and heart and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Well, Death and Shadow is a prequel novella that tells the forbidden love story of Axton (the Deity of Death and War) and Sarandiel (the Angel of Night and Shadows), and takes place before the events of TCW. However, you really don't need to have read TCW prior to reading this book. Honestly, if you haven't read TCW yet, this book would be a fabulous place to start your Chaos series journey! Cosby's mind is an incredible place to be able to create these realms/worlds and the way they have written these stories makes me just want to hop on a ship and travel there indefinitely. I want to know these characters inside and out and by the end of it, I have fallen in love with them and their world.

This book was such a beautiful, sexy, and exciting read. Axton and Sarandiel have been working together for centuries, always secretly pining for one another, but knowing that they are forbidden from ever being together by the laws that govern their realms. Eventually, their chemistry and magnetic pull to each other is undeniable and they decide to act on it. Their connection is incredible and powerful and the spice in this is GIVING, y'all! Like I had to legit take breaks, it was so piping HOTT! 😂😂😂 Axton is that sexy/sweet dommy type with a dirty mouth who is going to do anything and everything for his Angel, no matter who or what he has to go through. Sarandiel (who I freakin loved) seems so sweet and innocent at first, but boy does she come into her power! Really gettin her switch on there at the end, YES MA'AM!!!! Not to mention Sarandiel is a badass, intelligent, tech-savvy angel who just happened to INVENT THE INTERNET!!! Like, HELL YEA!!! OH! AND SHE'S A SHADOW MOMMY!!!!!! 🥵🔥 But these two are also something special in the fact that they are both just so sexually free with each other, not necessarily conforming to specific sexual roles or expectations. Rather, they just let themselves feel what they want to feel and express that however they want, while also taking whatever the other gives with all the love and affection for each other. It was really beautiful and incredibly hot to read. If you like heavy smut, you're gonna love this one.

But how was the plot? Oh it was definitely there! Mind you, this was the Axton and Sarandiel show, first and foremost. But there was definitely the bigger plot always looming in the background from the start of the book. So the reader is always reminded and updated on what's going down with the larger issues brewing. If you're reading this after TCW, you already know what's happened, so it's not really a plot that you need much more info about because more will be revealed in the next full-length novel of the series. But if you're reading this before TCW, it kind of gives you a gentle preview of what to expect from the overarching plot that ultimately unfolds at the start of TCW.

DEFINITELY recommending this one! And of course The Chaos Wielder as well if you haven't already picked that up! If you're a fan of urban fantasy/fantasy romance or even old world lore involving angels and gods AND you enjoy a healthy dose of smut, you're gonna devour this. 😉

Enjoy and happy reading friends! 🤙🏼💕

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

i know this is a prequel to The Chaos Wielder series that is recommended between the first and second book. i haven't read it, but i jumped into this one anyway and i enjoyed it! it's such a quick and exciting read. gives you an idea of what you can expect in the series pertaining to the world and characters. definitely planning to start the series as a whole just to see the continuation of the story and how everything connects from this one.

i have to say... there is a great plot & interesting characters, but the spice had me audibly gasping. forbidden love has always been one of my favorite tropes, because when written well... it's always explosive once the characters come together. and the author did well in having these fated loves come together. 😏 also, venomous TONGUE!? 👅🥵

all in all, this was a fun read. quick. interesting. the playlist is always a wonderful touch. some may enjoy this more prior to reading the first book in this series, but i had no problem diving into it. looking forward to starting this series as intended tho. from this book alone, i def recommend!

i received this book as an ARC and leave my honest review voluntarily.

[Marley Ghostfern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I liked it.
I was going in without having read 'Chaos wielders', however I still enjoyed it.
It was fun to read about all the different beings and I am very happy there was a list of all of the name pronounciations in front of this book. I love it when that's there. There's also a playlist and a map. We love a map.

It was a quick read and it did make me wat more. So maybe I'll have to go and read Chaos Wielders now. I feel like I got an idea of what is going on with who and why, but I still have questions. Obviously! It's clear that there's more story to be told and I didn't mind the book ending the way it did. All in all: I liked the book! Their writing style was fun and well...if there's a venom-ish tongue involved..count me in!

Things to expect in the book:
💫 Paranormal romance
💫 Forbidden romance
💫 Monster romance
💫 Workplace romance
💫 Shadow mommy
💫 Morally grey MMC
💫 Fated mates
💫 Spice. Fast burn spice 🔥
💫 Special shmexy skills
💫 Touch her and bye bye
💫 Br33ding k!nk
💫 He falls first

[Beauty_bydebrosse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.67 stars. I just wanna start off by saying that I LOVEDDDDDD the first book and even though I didn’t give this a high rating, it does not reflect back on the story. I think this is a talented writer. I’ve just been in a weird reading mood and don’t know what I’m in the mood for. I really liked the space elements but I was just expecting more about the other characters in the first book when this is its own story. So that is totally on me. The smut scenes were fire and hell sexy. I’m conflicted about Axtons disconnecting jaw but also intrigued lol. Micheal and even the Seraphs futrasted me to no end and I wish someone would have cussed them out but overall the story was fun. I felt it was a little long in terms of some of the smut scenes starting feelings a little repetitive but other than that this story was solid. Overall, I’d still recommend the story because it was a fun time and nice reprieve before the next book and I can’t wait until the next book is finally out!!! I need to know what happened to YOU KNOW WHOOOOO!!!

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥Forbidden Romance
❤️‍🔥Fated Mates
❤️‍🔥Shadow Magic
❤️‍🔥Butt Stuff
❤️‍🔥Venom-like Tongue
❤️‍🔥Touch Her and Stop Living
❤️‍🔥Office Romance

Honestly for such a quick read, there was so much in this book! The setting: immaculate. The romance: to die for. The smut: oh lord. The plot: Holy F#ck, there was one (beyond the smut). The characters are engaging, the stakes are realistic, it ties in beautifully to "The Chaos Weilder" and will leave you wanting more while filling in some blank spaces between books. You don't need to have read the first book to get into this one, but the added context is delicious.

I really vibe with AE Cosby's writing style, and am obsessed with their characters. I really enjoyed this read, and if you enjoy monster romance, paranormal cyberpunk/futuristic settings, urban fantasy, Venom, men that'll beat up your ex, and powers used during sexy-times this might just be the book for you!

[J L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really frustrated with this book, especially after the buildup in the first book of the Chaos Series. It hurts me to write this review.

The book feels heavy on one element (sex) and lacks the plot or character development that I was hoping for. Since it is recommended that you read this book between the first and second, I am disappointed that the story shifted focus in a way that did not resonate with me.

Don't get me wrong, I do not have a problem with sex in books; far from it. However, sex needs to have meaning. In stories, especially when there's a lot of it, it should ideally contribute to character development, the plot, or the overall themes. It can become tedious if it's just there for the sake of titillation without adding depth to the narrative. And when it's repetitive or feels like filler, it can distract from the parts of the story that should be engaging.

I was hoping this book would serve as a bridge to more meaningful events later in the series, especially with the cliffhanger that was left at the end of book one. But instead, it felt like it was stalling. That being said, I think the same way, even if this book is read as a standalone.

Hopefully, the next installment in the Chaos Series, Wrath's Daughter, will offer more of the plot and character development I crave and bring the story back into focus.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Now to start this was my first encounter with Cosby's world. Going in without story background or reading book one, "Chaos Wielders," of the series (it is author noted this is a prequel to be read between books 1 and 2) I enjoy this companion novel and getting an outline of the world that is being built and how it is run. It was a refreshing take on a world system with different beings and how they came to be. Did I want more? Of course. Did I know enough to get an idea of what is going on and the bigger issue at hand? Yes. Is it possible the ending left me hanging because of there being more to be revealed? Most definitely. It was a quick, enjoyable read, and since forbidden romance is a favorite trope of mine, I was ready and definitely rooting for our two main characters.

[Charlotte Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That was rather satisfying”

Axton I couldn’t have said it better myself.
After AE Cosby broke us with the Chaos Wielder, they are back with this beautifully written companion novel to try and mend our hearts.

This companion novel has everything a person could need a book, you have an incredible story that really sets the stage for the chaos wielder ( if you read this first ) as well as book 2 ( wrath’s daughter). But it’s also uniquely itself with new characters , new setting and a whole new set of rules! This novel had characters you loved and found yourself rooting for such as daddy Axton and shadow mummy Sarandiel to defy the odds and be as one! There were side characters you couldn’t help but love too and found yourself engrossed every time they appeared on the page like Etis and Sortis ( Cosby knows I need more) there were also the characters you really .. really .. really did not like too and Cosby knows my opinions on the peasant.
Also did I mention there’s monster smut ?! Daddy Axton ( who is very British ) has a venom tongue and an extendable jaw as well as other VERY interesting things which makes the smut scenes all the more delicious.
The story it’s self was amazing and truly you didn’t know what was going to happen next , everything sort of revolves around their forbidden relationship and I caught myself screaming at the book not wanting them to be caught !
As one of Cosbys Alpha readers I am privileged and I feel so lucky to have watched this novel blossom and grow into the masterpiece that it is and watch as Cosby has also grown more comfortable and confident in their writing !
This is truly not a book you want to miss out on
PSA- this can be read before or after the Chaos Wielder .

[Jennys_library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella and part of the chaos wielder stories. This one follows Axton and Sarandiel, a Demon of Death and an Angel of Shadows. They have to work together to figure out the increase in deaths, which only ignites the chemistry they already had. The problem is that love between a Demon and Angel is forbidden.

I enjoyed this novella. It showed us a different part of the Chaos world. And it gave us more information on the Deities. The romance was so passionate and forbidden. There's shadow magic. The demon Axton is everything! His tongue?!?!? IYKYK. This series has a hold on me, and I can't wait for the 3rd book!

“You are mine. I am yours. Nothing can change that.”

[Katelyn D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a prequel to the Chaos Wielder. It was a short read, but it was so good! Although it’s a prequel, I do think you would have lots of questions if you haven’t read Chaos Wielder yet (the author recommends reading it between books 1 and 2), as that really gives you more information on the world building. I thought that this addition to the series was great! It really added a lot to the overall story, and definitely left me wanting more.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book! This book is set in the same world as the chaos wielder. It’s a fast paced spicy story between Axton the deity of death & Sandriel. They’ve known each other for years and have always fought their attraction for each other until one night where one spark could end it all!

This book is best read between books one & 2 in the series.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!

[Noriboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella.

I haven't read the previous book in the series, despite that the story wasn't hard to understand.
Axton reminded me of Hades, with him being the deitie that rules the afterlife and being lonely. The romance developed quickly. Due to Sarandiel and Axton already being acquainted with each other for decades and their fun rapport, this didn't feel rushed.
I enjoyed this story and will probably pick up the rest of the series at some point.

[Shirley Monas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for it…

This book is very steamy…so, if you are not ready for this type of book then I don’t suggest it. It does give you a little bit of background on the deities in the series, but the story is about an angel and deity and how this is forbidden and how the Demi’s are retaliating and chaos is ensuing. Great in between read for book 1 and book 2.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, Cosby knows how to write the spice 🥵

This was a short n sweet beauty of a read. The balance between plot and smvt was well done and the tension build up for the two mc’s pre-smash was actually managed SO well despite it being a fast burn? I’m wholly impressed with this author and loved these characters.

I need more p3gging in my books lmao that was an amazing little scene

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy peek into the life of the Dieties. Prequel to the Chaos Wielder, this novella gives a look at some of the happenings before the events of the Chaos Wielder in the life of the world's Dieties. A beautiful love story full of passion and spice

[Shannon Bond-Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a good origin story. And Bayyybaaayyyyyy the spice was spicing!!

Big Fan of The Chaos Wielder and love diving deeper into the universe! Can not wait to read the next installment, Wrath's Daughter!!! Too excited!!!

[McKenzi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed The Chaos Wielder, you’re going to go nuts over Axton and Sarandiel. Picture Venom as a god. And his precious dark skinned, tech savvy assistant who can match him in all the good ways. Definitely stop what you’re doing and read this prequel to The Chaos Wielder!

[Sheila Osmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Steamy and great characters. If you love paranormal romances you must read this one!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, great characters, great story. It flowed like you’d hope a book would and caught you in its emotional web while the smut gets you all hot and bothered.

[Silvita Wake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super quick read that managed to be incredibly sexy while providing a good prequel and setting for the rest of the series.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy. Eventful. Wow-factor.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Great prequel to The Chaos Series to show the dynamic between the Deities, Angels and Demons.. and the background behind what’s to come next in this series’ world.
Plot additions to The Chaos Series and so much information and development for the future of these characters and the others in their world! ANNDDD let’s not forget about the amount of steamy spice between these two characters!! *chefs kiss*
Once again, Cosby knocks it out of this world with their writing!!
-Can be read before or after The Chaos Series without impact to the overall story.
P.S. don’t skip the bonus chapter (Take my Aggression), it is sooooo good!!

[CarlysGrowingTBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book from the author, and I want to give my honest and thoughtful review now.

I was a big fan of the Chaos Wielder, which is the first book in this series. This is a prequel novella that is meant to be read between book 1, and book 2 in the Chaos Wielder series. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I do highly recommend it is read after the first book in the series because you do get a lot of context from that novel when reading the prequel. I felt like the writing was consistent from book one to this prequel as well as the overall theme and storyline of the books.

This is a dark paranormal forbidden romance story of a deity and an angel who are not supposed to mix romantically. In fact, there can be cataclysmic repercussions with those two beings having a romantic relationship. And it is punishable by torture and death. There are some great tropes at work in this novella we have a shadow mommy FMC, a morally gray MC, touch her and die vibes, Workplace romance and a fast burn start to the smut. And speaking of the smut, it is expertly done. I found none of it cringe. All of it believable and extremely well done to the story.

This prequel made me even more excited to get book two in the Chaos Wielder series. I love when authors come out with little in between Novella between two major Book releases to keep us wanting more. And this book absolutely left me wanting more.

[Wanika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

Ok first of all how is a short story this damn good?! This is recommended to read after The Chaos Wielder but it can be read at any time. It’s a good story complete with mystery, forbidden romance, so much smut you’d think it was pure erotica but also a fully fleshed storyline that just gets better with each page. I absolutely loved it and wouldn’t mind an entire spin off series about Axton and Sarandiels life moving forward!