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Cyndicate: Eminence of Whispers and Shadows
In the shadow-drenched halls of a Hollyhock teeming with concealed sins, Pym wades deeper into the murky waters of vengeance and betrayal in the Claret Queens Court. Her psyche as shattered as her world, cloaked in the remnants of tragedies too cruel to bear.Haunted by the taunting echoes of Ryker's malice, Pym's existence is a dance on the razor's edge of sanity. Every shadow whispers threats, and every face conceals a potential betrayer. Hollyhock, the one flicker of decency left in a world bereft of mercy, hangs in the balance, a delicate pawn in the hands of a mysterious network with tendrils stretching into the darkest corners of society.
As Pym delves into the underbelly of Orbis, she is forced to confront not just the external entities that seek to destroy her but also the internal tempests of doubt and fear. The path is fraught with sinister alliances and deadly encounters with figures who move like wraiths, their intentions as elusive as the shifting fog.
As Pym delves into the underbelly of Orbis, she is forced to confront not just the external entities that seek to destroy her but also the internal tempests of doubt and fear. The path is fraught with sinister alliances and deadly encounters with figures who move like wraiths, their intentions as elusive as the shifting fog.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
47 people want to read
About the author
Arianna Isabella
11 books37 followersArianna Isabella is an author of gothic and whimsical dark fiction whose work explores the tangled roots of betrayal, identity, and survival.
Known for plot-driven narratives wrapped in poetic prose, her stories linger at the edge of the forbidden, where relationships unravel, power is never clean, and desire rarely comes without consequence.
Writing through a Black, queer, polyamorous, and AuDHD lens, Arianna crafts emotionally rich fiction that resonates with readers who crave depth, danger, and beautifully complicated characters. Inspired by her love of reading of visionaries of fiction, who shaped her belief that fantasy is political power, and that power must be personal
Her body of work includes the Cyndicate series, a cinematic dark academia thriller exploring institutional power and interpersonal fracture, and Neverwraith, a haunting fantasy reimaging that casts lost boyhood in shadow.
In addition to her work as a writer, Arianna is a junior lecturer and the force behind Ink & Rebellion, a dark fiction brand built on intellect and defiance. She lives in the UK, building worlds where the fantasy is lush, the danger is real, and the politics are never background noise.
Known for plot-driven narratives wrapped in poetic prose, her stories linger at the edge of the forbidden, where relationships unravel, power is never clean, and desire rarely comes without consequence.
Writing through a Black, queer, polyamorous, and AuDHD lens, Arianna crafts emotionally rich fiction that resonates with readers who crave depth, danger, and beautifully complicated characters. Inspired by her love of reading of visionaries of fiction, who shaped her belief that fantasy is political power, and that power must be personal
Her body of work includes the Cyndicate series, a cinematic dark academia thriller exploring institutional power and interpersonal fracture, and Neverwraith, a haunting fantasy reimaging that casts lost boyhood in shadow.
In addition to her work as a writer, Arianna is a junior lecturer and the force behind Ink & Rebellion, a dark fiction brand built on intellect and defiance. She lives in the UK, building worlds where the fantasy is lush, the danger is real, and the politics are never background noise.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 15, 2024
This is a 4.5 for me. OMG what did I just read?!?!?! I literally just finished this book and had to run to write this review and I have not had time to fully process that ending. I am still in shock!
The author's writing style might not be for everyone or every type of story but for this book, it was just beautiful. Her style of writing combined with the venetian and queen of hearts/Alice motifs and inspirations, just left me breathless as I pictured the scenes as I read them. Her writing style is something I have not really read before but in the first book I was just blown away by these beautiful descriptions and the way the characters interacted with their dialogue. It all just made it seem other worldly, so to take that style and combine it with these new elements/images in book 2 just took that otherworldly feeling to a whole nother level.
I will say at times that same feeling of breathlessness also took on a feeling of being overwhelmed at times especially when you take into account the plot itself. This is definitely a dark thriller and with all the twists, secrets, plots and many POVs that at times it did get a little overwhelming. It is like being on the world's tallest roller coaster and you just keep rising and rising and rising and the finally you get to the end and bang you get the biggest drop ever. It's exciting for sure but I do wish that there had been small moments where we could get little rewards/breaks just so we can catch our breath and level out a little.
As I said this book had a shocking cliff hanger of an ending and I can't wait to see what happens next, but I honestly don't know how she can top this book.
This book is about Prym who is trying to process what just happened to the woman she loved, orchestrated by the man she thought she had unalived. In order to process what happened she finally gives into the dark whispers in her head and retreats into her mind. It is at this time that they find out the Queen is dead, and Prym/Breanna & their team has been assigned to go to court to uncover who is responsible for the Queen's death while also providing support to the princess who is now to inherit the throne. But the kind of secrets that are contained within the walls of Hollyhock have nothing on the secrets, mysteries and political dealings of those at court. As she and her team try to uncover the mystery surrounding the queen's death and trying to maneuver through the court, alliances will be tested, trusted allies may turn into bitter enemies and enemies might become allies in battle.
Now, excuse me while I go and try to process what I just read 🤯
The author's writing style might not be for everyone or every type of story but for this book, it was just beautiful. Her style of writing combined with the venetian and queen of hearts/Alice motifs and inspirations, just left me breathless as I pictured the scenes as I read them. Her writing style is something I have not really read before but in the first book I was just blown away by these beautiful descriptions and the way the characters interacted with their dialogue. It all just made it seem other worldly, so to take that style and combine it with these new elements/images in book 2 just took that otherworldly feeling to a whole nother level.
I will say at times that same feeling of breathlessness also took on a feeling of being overwhelmed at times especially when you take into account the plot itself. This is definitely a dark thriller and with all the twists, secrets, plots and many POVs that at times it did get a little overwhelming. It is like being on the world's tallest roller coaster and you just keep rising and rising and rising and the finally you get to the end and bang you get the biggest drop ever. It's exciting for sure but I do wish that there had been small moments where we could get little rewards/breaks just so we can catch our breath and level out a little.
As I said this book had a shocking cliff hanger of an ending and I can't wait to see what happens next, but I honestly don't know how she can top this book.
This book is about Prym who is trying to process what just happened to the woman she loved, orchestrated by the man she thought she had unalived. In order to process what happened she finally gives into the dark whispers in her head and retreats into her mind. It is at this time that they find out the Queen is dead, and Prym/Breanna & their team has been assigned to go to court to uncover who is responsible for the Queen's death while also providing support to the princess who is now to inherit the throne. But the kind of secrets that are contained within the walls of Hollyhock have nothing on the secrets, mysteries and political dealings of those at court. As she and her team try to uncover the mystery surrounding the queen's death and trying to maneuver through the court, alliances will be tested, trusted allies may turn into bitter enemies and enemies might become allies in battle.
Now, excuse me while I go and try to process what I just read 🤯
March 1, 2024
Another absolutely amazing dark and thrilling read by Arianna Isabella. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint. It also ripped my heart out and left me in a puddle of tears.
Eminence of Whispers and Shadows picks right up where book one ends. The story is filled with mystery and riddles that will keep you guessing until the last page. Readers are reacquainted with their favourite Shadows of Hollyhock and introduced to the Whispers of Nexus Academy and the members of the Claret Court. Halstead is my favourite of the new characters we are introduced to. My favourite part of Arianna's books though, is her prose. It is beautifully descriptive and incredibly immersive.
The found family in this story continues to be one of my favourites. They have an unbreakable bond full of love, loyalty, and unwavering that is so heartwarming. Pym, Killian, and Silas continue to be my favourite characters in this story. Readers get to see a completely different, (more) unhinged side to Pym while she processes grief and is on a war path of revenge.
I could honestly talk about this book and my theories all day. Even with all the emotional damage it left me with, I can't wait for Ari to continue to break my heart again with the next book in the series. For now, I will be sitting here trying to figure out exactly where the characters' loyalties lie and what book three has in store for readers. I seriously have a lot of questions, and I can't wait for more.
Happy Release Day to Arianna Isabella! I am so excited that the second book in the Cyndicate series is out in the world for everyone to read 🖤
I received an ARC copy of Cyndicate Eminence of Whispers and Shadows. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Eminence of Whispers and Shadows picks right up where book one ends. The story is filled with mystery and riddles that will keep you guessing until the last page. Readers are reacquainted with their favourite Shadows of Hollyhock and introduced to the Whispers of Nexus Academy and the members of the Claret Court. Halstead is my favourite of the new characters we are introduced to. My favourite part of Arianna's books though, is her prose. It is beautifully descriptive and incredibly immersive.
The found family in this story continues to be one of my favourites. They have an unbreakable bond full of love, loyalty, and unwavering that is so heartwarming. Pym, Killian, and Silas continue to be my favourite characters in this story. Readers get to see a completely different, (more) unhinged side to Pym while she processes grief and is on a war path of revenge.
I could honestly talk about this book and my theories all day. Even with all the emotional damage it left me with, I can't wait for Ari to continue to break my heart again with the next book in the series. For now, I will be sitting here trying to figure out exactly where the characters' loyalties lie and what book three has in store for readers. I seriously have a lot of questions, and I can't wait for more.
Happy Release Day to Arianna Isabella! I am so excited that the second book in the Cyndicate series is out in the world for everyone to read 🖤
I received an ARC copy of Cyndicate Eminence of Whispers and Shadows. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 21, 2024
Wow! She did not hold back! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 1, 2024
I fell in love with Arianna Isabella's beautiful storytelling in book one- Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadows, so I was beyond excited when it came time for this magical book to be released.
Starting immediately where book one ends, the reader is thrust back into the action.
Can't lie, it was a bit sad to relive some moments, but it is necessary for the story.
Where book one focuses on Hollyhock, book two is centered around Nexus, their Whispers, and how they are vastly different in their appearance and theatricality.
Eminence of Whispers and Shadows is no stranger to twists, turns, emotions, and intrigue.
One thing I have to mention is the author's unique prose. She has an incredible talent for weaving a stunning tale and allowing the reader to be engulfed by the elaborate detailing she puts into her words.
What held this book back for me was even though the prose is not often used and I enjoy it, it can also be a bit smothering at times. It doesn't leave much room for the reader to come up for air between scenes and soften some of the blows of the story. I also felt at times she latched onto certain phrases and words and relied too heavily on them. It personally took me out of the moment at times.
Overall, it was a fantastic story that I certainly recommend, as well as this author and her other stories.
Starting immediately where book one ends, the reader is thrust back into the action.
Can't lie, it was a bit sad to relive some moments, but it is necessary for the story.
Where book one focuses on Hollyhock, book two is centered around Nexus, their Whispers, and how they are vastly different in their appearance and theatricality.
Eminence of Whispers and Shadows is no stranger to twists, turns, emotions, and intrigue.
One thing I have to mention is the author's unique prose. She has an incredible talent for weaving a stunning tale and allowing the reader to be engulfed by the elaborate detailing she puts into her words.
What held this book back for me was even though the prose is not often used and I enjoy it, it can also be a bit smothering at times. It doesn't leave much room for the reader to come up for air between scenes and soften some of the blows of the story. I also felt at times she latched onto certain phrases and words and relied too heavily on them. It personally took me out of the moment at times.
Overall, it was a fantastic story that I certainly recommend, as well as this author and her other stories.
February 17, 2024
I got the opportunity to read this as an ARC and was just blown away! I read the first book and became completely obsessed with the world of Orbis and its dark characters. I was left wanting more but at the same time couldn't fathom how Arianna Isabella was going to top Sins of the Shadows. BUT SHE DID.
The book starts immediately after the mind blowing events of the first book, so the reader isn't left trying to remember or piece together the story from the start. I found this to be especially helpful as the story is very face paced and the reader is taken on a journey of secrets, darkness, and vengeance. Just when you think you've got the story or a character figured out, Arianna Isabella proves you wrong with an unsuspecting twist.
I won't spoil this book for future readers, but what I will say is that I am STILL in recovery from that ending. Not quite sure what to do with myself until the next book is released. Definitely a must read!!!
The book starts immediately after the mind blowing events of the first book, so the reader isn't left trying to remember or piece together the story from the start. I found this to be especially helpful as the story is very face paced and the reader is taken on a journey of secrets, darkness, and vengeance. Just when you think you've got the story or a character figured out, Arianna Isabella proves you wrong with an unsuspecting twist.
I won't spoil this book for future readers, but what I will say is that I am STILL in recovery from that ending. Not quite sure what to do with myself until the next book is released. Definitely a must read!!!
March 1, 2024
I was given the chance to ARC read this book and this is my honest review.
Arianna Isabella does it again!
This was action packed, thrilling to read, had a plot twist I did not see coming and yes it is SPICY. This was a story that left me feeling twisted and torn in the end!
This story picks up from where book 1 leaves off but there is a new mission for the shadows that takes place in a whole new setting outside of Hollyhock. It was nice to learn more about the dystopian world of Orbis and to learn fresh new faces and the return of familiar characters from book 1. In a court that was undeniably charming, yet riddled with secrets, and sprinkled with a dash of madness I found myself immersed in the new world Arianna Isabella had created for her readers. I am still recovering from this book as it had me shedding a few tears and racking my brain trying to guess what could possible happen in the next book. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
Arianna Isabella does it again!
This was action packed, thrilling to read, had a plot twist I did not see coming and yes it is SPICY. This was a story that left me feeling twisted and torn in the end!
This story picks up from where book 1 leaves off but there is a new mission for the shadows that takes place in a whole new setting outside of Hollyhock. It was nice to learn more about the dystopian world of Orbis and to learn fresh new faces and the return of familiar characters from book 1. In a court that was undeniably charming, yet riddled with secrets, and sprinkled with a dash of madness I found myself immersed in the new world Arianna Isabella had created for her readers. I am still recovering from this book as it had me shedding a few tears and racking my brain trying to guess what could possible happen in the next book. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
February 29, 2024
I liked this book. This one has some mind benders in it, which was cool. The ending also left my mind blown so there that lol.
This Dark Academia is an intense, and exciting book 2 in the Cyndicate series. The book continues on where book 1 left off. Starting a new, and exciting adventure for the group of Shadows.
This is a dark academia, so please check trigger warnings before jumping into the story.
The book has several spicy scenes to break up the darker parts of the book.
The book moves quickly adding in twists, and turns that will have your brain whirling.
The world building is complex, and continues to grow more complex as the story goes on.
This Dark Academia is an intense, and exciting book 2 in the Cyndicate series. The book continues on where book 1 left off. Starting a new, and exciting adventure for the group of Shadows.
This is a dark academia, so please check trigger warnings before jumping into the story.
The book has several spicy scenes to break up the darker parts of the book.
The book moves quickly adding in twists, and turns that will have your brain whirling.
The world building is complex, and continues to grow more complex as the story goes on.
April 17, 2024
And here we are again, took me a while to write this review just because of the emotions that this book made me feel. Arianna has definitely collected my tears over the past 2 books but I wouldn’t have it any other way. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. But if you are looking for a book with a STRONG leading FMC then look no further, if you are looking for a book where each character plays an intricate part in the story then look no further because this is it right here. This is a must read!
February 29, 2024
This author and her style of writing is absolutely fanstatic. The details and emotions she puts into these scenes and these characters are just phenomenal. The way she captures the essence of the nuisances and the environment is magical. The tension and anticipation had me craving more and more. The bonds she creatures and the way her narrative is so description is just perfect. She is definitely on my autobuy list.
August 14, 2025
Another brilliant book in series. I followed directly on from Sins of Shadows and this did not disappoint. Whispers and Shadows is all about politicking in the Queens Court while devising plans against the enemy, with some perfectly placed action sequences. the introduction of new characters especially Halstead are now among my favourites in the series, I cannot fault anything in this book series highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
Arianna Isabella does it again. We pick up right where we left off in the first book. I was excited to get back into the realm of Orbis and the characters that I love & the author didn’t disappoint. Our FMC is still unhinged and unpredictable.
🖤why choose🖤
🖤dark academia🖤
🖤found family 🖤
🖤secrets & betrayal🖤
🖤why choose🖤
🖤dark academia🖤
🖤found family 🖤
🖤secrets & betrayal🖤
May 16, 2024
Let's talk about this!. WOW.....I loved the first book, and this is no different! Ariana Isabella is a genius at creating the perfect balance between plot, spice, twists and turns. This will be in my top 10 books.
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
10/10 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
and let's not forget the fire in this book....... whew you had me melting 🔥🫠🔥🫠🔥
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
10/10 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
and let's not forget the fire in this book....... whew you had me melting 🔥🫠🔥🫠🔥
February 15, 2024
My jaw is permanently on the floor!!! I just love this author she gives the absolute best descriptions, the dark academia vibes, and the wtf moments. Omg. I did not want this book to end at all. Guess I'll be staring into the void until the next book...ARIANNA I'm shook!
February 20, 2024
The second book in the Cyndicate series receives a raving review! Suspense, tension, mind games, spice and so much action. Eminence of Whispers and Shadows will keep you on your toes. So grab your masks and enjoy the ride of your life!
August 5, 2024
I loved this book but… ummmm
I’m at a loss for words, there had to be more right? I really need more. I need answers. There are too many questions.
I’m at a loss for words, there had to be more right? I really need more. I need answers. There are too many questions.
February 28, 2025
I loved getting to read book one so I was excited to get to read the second book. The spice and tension were amazing. This one definitely kept me turning the pages and I devoured this one just like I did cyndicate sins of shadows. It was fun getting to read and dive back into the same world again
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews