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Remnant Archives #1
Shadows Lost
A curse that drove a queen mad.
The heroine that failed to stop her.
A shifter that refuses to give up.
A world that needs them both again.
One hundred years after the Queen of Faerie sacrificed her own people in the name of salvation, the fae are on the verge of extinction and a suspicious power is on the rise. Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark, the once legendary war general, is the last of the shadow fae. Living in exile, only she holds the power to save the kingdom of Faerie. Enter Emon, a tempting shifter fae they call The Golden One who has been hunting for Remnant for the past century. When an unnatural power comes for them both, they must join together to reset the wrongs of the past in order to heal the future, not only for the world of Faerie but also for themselves.
Be warned. Remnant and Emon will journey through desolate lands long abandoned, to the shadowy underworld of the ocean, and into the dangerous kingdom of the shifters. This is no innocent adventure story. This is the world of the fae—power, vengeance, and half truths are the laws of the land. And the worst monsters are the ones hidden within.
The heroine that failed to stop her.
A shifter that refuses to give up.
A world that needs them both again.
One hundred years after the Queen of Faerie sacrificed her own people in the name of salvation, the fae are on the verge of extinction and a suspicious power is on the rise. Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark, the once legendary war general, is the last of the shadow fae. Living in exile, only she holds the power to save the kingdom of Faerie. Enter Emon, a tempting shifter fae they call The Golden One who has been hunting for Remnant for the past century. When an unnatural power comes for them both, they must join together to reset the wrongs of the past in order to heal the future, not only for the world of Faerie but also for themselves.
Be warned. Remnant and Emon will journey through desolate lands long abandoned, to the shadowy underworld of the ocean, and into the dangerous kingdom of the shifters. This is no innocent adventure story. This is the world of the fae—power, vengeance, and half truths are the laws of the land. And the worst monsters are the ones hidden within.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2024
47 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 29, 2025
4 Stars – Come for the cursed queen and fae drama, stay for the tortured Remnant with a sword and more emotional baggage than an airport carousel.
Okay, let’s not even pretend—this book grabbed me by the collar and said, “You’re not here for fluff, you’re here for blood-soaked redemption arcs and slow-burn angst so thick you could cut it with a dagger.” And I ate. it. up.
This is dark fantasy romance with teeth. Literally. Fangs, claws, curses, and deeply broken people trying to do right in a world that’s been shattered by the mistakes of its ruling class. The world of Faerie isn’t glitter and wings—it’s sharp, savage, and full of monsters, some of whom wear very pretty faces and whisper very pretty lies.
Let’s talk about our girl Ezra Solaire Dark—because what a name first of all—and what a character. She’s a legend, a war general, the last of the shadow fae, and so wrapped in guilt, trauma, and razor-wire vulnerability that you can’t help but root for her even when she’s emotionally shutting everyone out (and honestly? same). She’s the embodiment of “touch her and die,” but also “don’t touch me because I will emotionally implode.” LOVE.
Enter Emon, aka The Golden One. Aka the walking contradiction of sunshine-and-smirk shifter energy and deep emotional wreckage. He’s been hunting Ezra for a century (a century!), and now that he’s found her, he is not letting go—even if she keeps trying to stab him with both words and weapons. Their chemistry? 🔥 Slow-burn. Gritty. Painfully earned. Full of tension and tenderness and a million unsaid things that will absolutely make you scream into a pillow.
The plot? Twisted, epic, and full of murky morality. You’ll be dragged across wastelands, under oceans, and through political schemes that are more toxic than a dragon’s breath. Nothing is as it seems. Everyone’s hiding something. And the past? Refuses to stay buried.
Now, fair warning: this book goes dark. It doesn't pull punches—there are heavy themes, violence, and a brutal realism to the way trauma, survival, and vengeance are handled. But it’s also deeply human under the layers of magic and blood. These characters are aching for redemption, for healing, for something worth fighting for—and watching them try (and sometimes fail) is powerful.
Why 4 stars instead of 5?
Some pacing hiccups in the middle, and a few scenes that felt slightly overwritten or meandering, but nothing that dulled the emotional blade it was aiming for.
Shadows Lost is brutal, beautiful, and brimming with broken fae who refuse to bow to fate. If you like your fantasy with heavy trauma, slow-burn romance, found family vibes (the damaged variety), and the kind of world-building that feels as dangerous as it is dazzling—this one’s got you.
Just… maybe keep a glass of wine and a stress ball handy.
Okay, let’s not even pretend—this book grabbed me by the collar and said, “You’re not here for fluff, you’re here for blood-soaked redemption arcs and slow-burn angst so thick you could cut it with a dagger.” And I ate. it. up.
This is dark fantasy romance with teeth. Literally. Fangs, claws, curses, and deeply broken people trying to do right in a world that’s been shattered by the mistakes of its ruling class. The world of Faerie isn’t glitter and wings—it’s sharp, savage, and full of monsters, some of whom wear very pretty faces and whisper very pretty lies.
Let’s talk about our girl Ezra Solaire Dark—because what a name first of all—and what a character. She’s a legend, a war general, the last of the shadow fae, and so wrapped in guilt, trauma, and razor-wire vulnerability that you can’t help but root for her even when she’s emotionally shutting everyone out (and honestly? same). She’s the embodiment of “touch her and die,” but also “don’t touch me because I will emotionally implode.” LOVE.
Enter Emon, aka The Golden One. Aka the walking contradiction of sunshine-and-smirk shifter energy and deep emotional wreckage. He’s been hunting Ezra for a century (a century!), and now that he’s found her, he is not letting go—even if she keeps trying to stab him with both words and weapons. Their chemistry? 🔥 Slow-burn. Gritty. Painfully earned. Full of tension and tenderness and a million unsaid things that will absolutely make you scream into a pillow.
The plot? Twisted, epic, and full of murky morality. You’ll be dragged across wastelands, under oceans, and through political schemes that are more toxic than a dragon’s breath. Nothing is as it seems. Everyone’s hiding something. And the past? Refuses to stay buried.
Now, fair warning: this book goes dark. It doesn't pull punches—there are heavy themes, violence, and a brutal realism to the way trauma, survival, and vengeance are handled. But it’s also deeply human under the layers of magic and blood. These characters are aching for redemption, for healing, for something worth fighting for—and watching them try (and sometimes fail) is powerful.
Why 4 stars instead of 5?
Some pacing hiccups in the middle, and a few scenes that felt slightly overwritten or meandering, but nothing that dulled the emotional blade it was aiming for.
Shadows Lost is brutal, beautiful, and brimming with broken fae who refuse to bow to fate. If you like your fantasy with heavy trauma, slow-burn romance, found family vibes (the damaged variety), and the kind of world-building that feels as dangerous as it is dazzling—this one’s got you.
Just… maybe keep a glass of wine and a stress ball handy.
December 14, 2024
✨Shadows Lost✨
“Do not f**k with my unicorn slippers, your majesty.”
Holy cow. In this first book of the Remnant Archives, @cavaleri.archive.author Immediately throws into the action and chaos of the repercussions of an evil queen, an exiled shadow fae, and a golden shifter king. It starts with a lot of questions, but hold tight: the answers come in the best way and at the right time!
We enter into a fae world of elemental, water, shadow, and shifter fae cursed with infertility and dying out. After the destruction of the queen who had been attempting to harvest for faelings, we follow the first person POVs of Remnant and Emon and their reluctant alliance to find out why their land is dying. So many questions. So many hidden identities. So much history that brings us to this moment. A bond. A child. A found family. A dark power that is unlike any they’ve seen before. Cavaleri wastes not a single moment in the pages. Each is action packed and intentional.
The relationship and romance in this book is just so precious in its protectiveness, its grace, and its support. The chosen family is faithful and utterly hilarious. It had me swooning and grinning the whole time and was a nice balance to the fierceness that is Shadows Lost.
Tropes you may find are fated mates with a twist, all kinds of fae, water dragon, hidden identities, he soothes her panic attacks, banter banter banter, medium spice, cinnamon roll MMC, shadow mommy FMC, shadow pets, chosen family, forced proximity, plot twists, he falls first and SO hard.
The ending was so good and I am diving immediately into book two!
#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #fantasy #darkromance #fantasyromance #romantasy #booktok #arcreader #indieauthors #spicyromance #epicfantasy #darkfantasy #mentalhealthrep
“Do not f**k with my unicorn slippers, your majesty.”
Holy cow. In this first book of the Remnant Archives, @cavaleri.archive.author Immediately throws into the action and chaos of the repercussions of an evil queen, an exiled shadow fae, and a golden shifter king. It starts with a lot of questions, but hold tight: the answers come in the best way and at the right time!
We enter into a fae world of elemental, water, shadow, and shifter fae cursed with infertility and dying out. After the destruction of the queen who had been attempting to harvest for faelings, we follow the first person POVs of Remnant and Emon and their reluctant alliance to find out why their land is dying. So many questions. So many hidden identities. So much history that brings us to this moment. A bond. A child. A found family. A dark power that is unlike any they’ve seen before. Cavaleri wastes not a single moment in the pages. Each is action packed and intentional.
The relationship and romance in this book is just so precious in its protectiveness, its grace, and its support. The chosen family is faithful and utterly hilarious. It had me swooning and grinning the whole time and was a nice balance to the fierceness that is Shadows Lost.
Tropes you may find are fated mates with a twist, all kinds of fae, water dragon, hidden identities, he soothes her panic attacks, banter banter banter, medium spice, cinnamon roll MMC, shadow mommy FMC, shadow pets, chosen family, forced proximity, plot twists, he falls first and SO hard.
The ending was so good and I am diving immediately into book two!
#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #fantasy #darkromance #fantasyromance #romantasy #booktok #arcreader #indieauthors #spicyromance #epicfantasy #darkfantasy #mentalhealthrep
March 30, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I was so lucky to win a physical copy of this book from an instagram giveaway. One of my booksta friends had been posting about how incredible this book is, so I finally gave my hard copy a whirl. And wow. I absolutely loved it.
Let me start with the world. The underwater world was so unique and incredible. I truly loved the part of the book set in some place different. There is a hierarchy system with gods to include death gods and fae queen we learn LOTS about.
The characters. The MMC and his shifter “cat” have the BEST banter back and forth resulting in great inner dialogue. Our FMC is a strong woman who has excellent character development. I’m excited to see where the next 2 books take us in this trilogy.
Read this book if you like
🐆fated mates
🖤shadow mommy
🐆world with shifters, water fae, shadow fae, and gods
🖤strong world building
🐆a hilarious inner dialogue
🖤dark themes and healing from them
🐆gnomes
🖤strong dislike to lovers
🐆book 1 in a soon to be completed triology
January 12, 2025:
Holy shit. This was soo. Damn. Good. Full review to come.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I was so lucky to win a physical copy of this book from an instagram giveaway. One of my booksta friends had been posting about how incredible this book is, so I finally gave my hard copy a whirl. And wow. I absolutely loved it.
Let me start with the world. The underwater world was so unique and incredible. I truly loved the part of the book set in some place different. There is a hierarchy system with gods to include death gods and fae queen we learn LOTS about.
The characters. The MMC and his shifter “cat” have the BEST banter back and forth resulting in great inner dialogue. Our FMC is a strong woman who has excellent character development. I’m excited to see where the next 2 books take us in this trilogy.
Read this book if you like
🐆fated mates
🖤shadow mommy
🐆world with shifters, water fae, shadow fae, and gods
🖤strong world building
🐆a hilarious inner dialogue
🖤dark themes and healing from them
🐆gnomes
🖤strong dislike to lovers
🐆book 1 in a soon to be completed triology
January 12, 2025:
Holy shit. This was soo. Damn. Good. Full review to come.
July 20, 2024
I loved this book! I was in B.K.'s DMs multiple times because the stuff in this book had me feeling so many ways. This story follows Remnant and Emon, and what a journey it was. The banter between hit just right. I could tell right off that Emon was going to be a charmer and swoony, and he was all that and more. Remi was feisty and strong. I think my jaw was open throughout most of the book because the twists and turns kept coming. It was action-packed, yet also had lighter moments that had you laughing out loud.It is truly a page-turner, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it.
✨️“You are worth it. You are worth every single obstacle, scar, and heartache I may incur so that you have more than just what you need.”✨️
✨️“Little umbra, nothing about you is easy but you are worth it no matter how long or how hard I have to work for it. Let us see if I can repeat that lovely sound.”✨️
✨️“It isn’t. Life is a game, healer. Play or be played. You’re looking at a fae who has unfortunately survived both.”✨️
✨️“You are worth it. You are worth every single obstacle, scar, and heartache I may incur so that you have more than just what you need.”✨️
✨️“Little umbra, nothing about you is easy but you are worth it no matter how long or how hard I have to work for it. Let us see if I can repeat that lovely sound.”✨️
✨️“It isn’t. Life is a game, healer. Play or be played. You’re looking at a fae who has unfortunately survived both.”✨️
November 4, 2025
How do you escape the demons of your past? Those dark and twisting thoughts plaguing your every waking (and sleeping) moment? Those haunting dreams and invisible chains that keep you bound?
Can you ever truly outrun them? Do you run from them, or do you face them head-on?
There are no "right" ways to confront one's trauma, and that's exactly what Remnant and Emon show us. You can run. You can hide. You can shut down your heart. But still, those demons linger, lurking and waiting. Waiting to pull you under. Waiting to keep you forever suspended, forever haunted. Simply waiting.
Even amid chaos, with old and new evils rising, those demons never rest. But neither do Remnant and Emon. They are both strong and powerful in their own ways. Both fearful of love, yet desperate for it. Both needing it like the air they breathe. And once they finally accept these feelings, accept they deserve them, that they are worthy of being cherished and loved, there is no going back.
Shadows Lost, Book 1 of B.K.'s Remnant Archives, explores complex and difficult themes. It digs deep into the darkest and brightest parts of one's soul. It delves into dark themes with dignity and compassion. It gifts us a dark and grim story steeped in regret and self-deprecation. But it also gifts us a story of love that transcends time and space. A tale of healing, of finding a home in one another, of support not owed, but earned. A tale of chosen family, bound by devotion. A tale of shadows and light mixing and twirling together, showing a path ahead.
Remnant and Emon's story has only just begun. And I can't wait to see where it leads next.
Can you ever truly outrun them? Do you run from them, or do you face them head-on?
There are no "right" ways to confront one's trauma, and that's exactly what Remnant and Emon show us. You can run. You can hide. You can shut down your heart. But still, those demons linger, lurking and waiting. Waiting to pull you under. Waiting to keep you forever suspended, forever haunted. Simply waiting.
Even amid chaos, with old and new evils rising, those demons never rest. But neither do Remnant and Emon. They are both strong and powerful in their own ways. Both fearful of love, yet desperate for it. Both needing it like the air they breathe. And once they finally accept these feelings, accept they deserve them, that they are worthy of being cherished and loved, there is no going back.
Shadows Lost, Book 1 of B.K.'s Remnant Archives, explores complex and difficult themes. It digs deep into the darkest and brightest parts of one's soul. It delves into dark themes with dignity and compassion. It gifts us a dark and grim story steeped in regret and self-deprecation. But it also gifts us a story of love that transcends time and space. A tale of healing, of finding a home in one another, of support not owed, but earned. A tale of chosen family, bound by devotion. A tale of shadows and light mixing and twirling together, showing a path ahead.
Remnant and Emon's story has only just begun. And I can't wait to see where it leads next.
May 6, 2025
I. AM. OBSESSED.
This book deserves so much more recognition!
The story gripped me from the start and I have so many amazing quotes to share. It's been a while since I've highlighted so much in one book.
If you have to know one thing about me it's that I LOVE broken characters. And Shadows Lost is full of them. Every single one has their own burden to bear. But you shouldn't mistake their trauma as a weakness. They all used their pain, grief and regrets to fuel their power.
We have a badass shadow mommy and a strong shifter fae as main characters, both are loveable and well developed. The dislike to love aspect created such a good tension between these two. The book is nominated for wittiest banter in the Indieverse Awards and let me tell you it definitely deserves this nomination! The banter had me giggling, snorting and kicking my feet!
B.K. Cavaleri created a unique world, with it's own history and believable social structures.
The story flowed effortlessly with an action packed plot and thrilling twists.
I'm excited to start Shadows Ascend soon. From what I've heard the second book will put you in a hole of despair and I'm ready to get hurt!
Tropes:
🌑 Shadow Mommy
☀️ Shifter MMC
🌑 Trauma Healing
☀️ Found Family
🌑 Witty Banter
☀️ Dislike-To-Love
This book deserves so much more recognition!
The story gripped me from the start and I have so many amazing quotes to share. It's been a while since I've highlighted so much in one book.
If you have to know one thing about me it's that I LOVE broken characters. And Shadows Lost is full of them. Every single one has their own burden to bear. But you shouldn't mistake their trauma as a weakness. They all used their pain, grief and regrets to fuel their power.
We have a badass shadow mommy and a strong shifter fae as main characters, both are loveable and well developed. The dislike to love aspect created such a good tension between these two. The book is nominated for wittiest banter in the Indieverse Awards and let me tell you it definitely deserves this nomination! The banter had me giggling, snorting and kicking my feet!
B.K. Cavaleri created a unique world, with it's own history and believable social structures.
The story flowed effortlessly with an action packed plot and thrilling twists.
I'm excited to start Shadows Ascend soon. From what I've heard the second book will put you in a hole of despair and I'm ready to get hurt!
Tropes:
🌑 Shadow Mommy
☀️ Shifter MMC
🌑 Trauma Healing
☀️ Found Family
🌑 Witty Banter
☀️ Dislike-To-Love
August 22, 2025
Rating - 5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - July 27, 2025
Publication Date - Available Now!
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @cavaleri.archive.author and @netgalley!
I love everything about Shadows Lost! From the first page to the last, B.K’s writing reached through the pages and held onto me. Especially after getting to know the author, you can tell that she pours so much of herself into her stories and the tone of her writing is uniquely hers. I enjoyed the introduction and I think it set the stage perfectly. I love the journal excerpts and the added touch of personalization is provides. I am obsessed with the banter between all the characters, this is a series where you will fall in love with every type of character. Emon is my new MMC crush! He gives me butterflies, like everything he is saying to Rem is being said to me and I love his yearning!
If you enjoy romantasy, bada$$ FMCs, and queer rep, you have to read Shadows Lost and the rest of the series!
Get excited to read Shadows Lost, available now! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - July 27, 2025
Publication Date - Available Now!
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @cavaleri.archive.author and @netgalley!
I love everything about Shadows Lost! From the first page to the last, B.K’s writing reached through the pages and held onto me. Especially after getting to know the author, you can tell that she pours so much of herself into her stories and the tone of her writing is uniquely hers. I enjoyed the introduction and I think it set the stage perfectly. I love the journal excerpts and the added touch of personalization is provides. I am obsessed with the banter between all the characters, this is a series where you will fall in love with every type of character. Emon is my new MMC crush! He gives me butterflies, like everything he is saying to Rem is being said to me and I love his yearning!
If you enjoy romantasy, bada$$ FMCs, and queer rep, you have to read Shadows Lost and the rest of the series!
Get excited to read Shadows Lost, available now! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
July 26, 2024
So I started this book around the same time I fell into a reading slump and I knew it wasn't getting my full attention so I set it off to the side to pick up when I felt more like reading. And boy was that ever the best decision I could have made. It took me a week to read 25% of the book during the slump. When I picked it up recently I read about 75% in one day. I was then compelled to stay up way past my bedtime to finish as I was hooked. I absolutely adore books that have me so entranced I will willingly give up some sleep so I know how it ends.
Emon and Remnant ... one of the greatest couples to ever grace the pages. I do not normally enjoy fated mates as it usually also means insta love. But this was done so well; the characters are still given the choice to fall in love despite it being written in the stars. Emon's handling of the bond made me fall so much more for him; he knew but respected his soulmate enough to give her the choice to accept or reject without any influence from him. I am a sucker for a man that stands next to a woman and lets her choose her path; supporting her no matter the outcome. Emon is a wonderful blend of raw male power mixed with a soft, teasing side. I continue to think of him as a collector of lost souls, as he would give them a place where they could heal, be safe, and become family.
Remnant is one of those lost souls. A former general and all-around badass, she was betrayed, tortured, and left broken. She believes herself to be beyond any redemption and undeserving of kindness and love. I felt Remnant's tortured soul and broken past deeply. She is a fierce warrior and getting to watch her softer side emerge was a journey in and of itself and one that I truly enjoyed witnessing. She has a snarky wit and I looked forward to her chapters as much as Emon's.
I will forever be a sucker for secondary characters and this cast is perfection. I love Shen Shen the water dragon and his cryptic way of passing on information. I love the found family that Emon created and while each personality adds to the whole it wasn't complete until Remnant. While I would love some POVs from the additional characters, I think they would be best handled in their own novellas. All told, each component of this book while great separately mixes together to make a debut novel that is tops above the rest.
If you like ...
Dual POVs
Found Family
Fated Mates
Touch her and Die vibes
Female Empowerment
Snarky Wit
Amazing Banter
and a story you can lose yourself in
This is the book for you!
Pairs perfectly with a yummy snack, a cozy blanket, and an afternoon free to lose yourself!
Happy Reading.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s 0104 and I just finished so my full review will come shortly.
But quickly. Omg the ending was *chefs kiss*
I was expecting a cliffhanger and she did not disappoint.
I’m not sure what that says about me but I loved the whole scene.
Also, this will absolutely make the reread list. I cannot get enough of Remnant and Emon.
Emon and Remnant ... one of the greatest couples to ever grace the pages. I do not normally enjoy fated mates as it usually also means insta love. But this was done so well; the characters are still given the choice to fall in love despite it being written in the stars. Emon's handling of the bond made me fall so much more for him; he knew but respected his soulmate enough to give her the choice to accept or reject without any influence from him. I am a sucker for a man that stands next to a woman and lets her choose her path; supporting her no matter the outcome. Emon is a wonderful blend of raw male power mixed with a soft, teasing side. I continue to think of him as a collector of lost souls, as he would give them a place where they could heal, be safe, and become family.
Remnant is one of those lost souls. A former general and all-around badass, she was betrayed, tortured, and left broken. She believes herself to be beyond any redemption and undeserving of kindness and love. I felt Remnant's tortured soul and broken past deeply. She is a fierce warrior and getting to watch her softer side emerge was a journey in and of itself and one that I truly enjoyed witnessing. She has a snarky wit and I looked forward to her chapters as much as Emon's.
I will forever be a sucker for secondary characters and this cast is perfection. I love Shen Shen the water dragon and his cryptic way of passing on information. I love the found family that Emon created and while each personality adds to the whole it wasn't complete until Remnant. While I would love some POVs from the additional characters, I think they would be best handled in their own novellas. All told, each component of this book while great separately mixes together to make a debut novel that is tops above the rest.
If you like ...
Dual POVs
Found Family
Fated Mates
Touch her and Die vibes
Female Empowerment
Snarky Wit
Amazing Banter
and a story you can lose yourself in
This is the book for you!
Pairs perfectly with a yummy snack, a cozy blanket, and an afternoon free to lose yourself!
Happy Reading.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s 0104 and I just finished so my full review will come shortly.
But quickly. Omg the ending was *chefs kiss*
I was expecting a cliffhanger and she did not disappoint.
I’m not sure what that says about me but I loved the whole scene.
Also, this will absolutely make the reread list. I cannot get enough of Remnant and Emon.
November 18, 2024
Where to begin…
Pissing gnomes…
Unicorn slippers…
Cream cheese pastries…
Let’s be honest, I was sold right from the beginning. Shadows Lost felt so new to me, fresh concept, fresh characters, fresh setting under lavender skies… Fresh magic, really. And I was on the ride for every bit of it!
I’ve talked before about how cool their sentient fae powers were. And to give us a sexy shadow mommy? J’adore 😘 I’m not going to spoil the dark twisty backstory or unveil all of the wonderous creatures awaiting us inside. That’s for you to uncover;)
2 🌶️
This was new. Questy. Trope-flipping. And your new favorite book 😘 Can’t wait to start in on the next one, Shadows Ascend, available now!
Pissing gnomes…
Unicorn slippers…
Cream cheese pastries…
Let’s be honest, I was sold right from the beginning. Shadows Lost felt so new to me, fresh concept, fresh characters, fresh setting under lavender skies… Fresh magic, really. And I was on the ride for every bit of it!
I’ve talked before about how cool their sentient fae powers were. And to give us a sexy shadow mommy? J’adore 😘 I’m not going to spoil the dark twisty backstory or unveil all of the wonderous creatures awaiting us inside. That’s for you to uncover;)
2 🌶️
This was new. Questy. Trope-flipping. And your new favorite book 😘 Can’t wait to start in on the next one, Shadows Ascend, available now!
February 28, 2025
I freaking loved this book. I love a strong FMC and if it has shadows, sign me the fuck up. This was such a well written story and I immediately picked up book two and started while waiting for my dinner to cook. 11/10 recommend this book. Also extra points for naming the MMC Daemon 😏
February 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | Yes, you should read this book!
I really enjoyed the world and characters that Cavaleri is building. I’m ALWAYS going to love a shadow mommy and cat dad, Remnant and Emon are no exception.
This was a FUN read. It was spicy, the plot kept moving, and I stayed engaged throughout. This story is dark yet so hopeful and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
The best thing about it? It has ALL the tropes:
-He Falls First
-Fated Mates
-Touch her and you’ll die (this is 75% of the book)
-Evil Queens
-Found Family (literally)
-I could go on and on - this book has it all.
I really enjoyed the world and characters that Cavaleri is building. I’m ALWAYS going to love a shadow mommy and cat dad, Remnant and Emon are no exception.
This was a FUN read. It was spicy, the plot kept moving, and I stayed engaged throughout. This story is dark yet so hopeful and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
The best thing about it? It has ALL the tropes:
-He Falls First
-Fated Mates
-Touch her and you’ll die (this is 75% of the book)
-Evil Queens
-Found Family (literally)
-I could go on and on - this book has it all.
March 11, 2025
In one sentence: This book deserves more hype, and you should pick it up now!
It was incredible. I haven’t read many books, but this one definitely earns its place as a dark fantasy romance (it’s not a dark romance though). It explores several sensitive topics, so be sure to check the content warnings before reading.
The strongest point of this novel is in its characters, especially the main ones. I loved both Remnant and Emon. They are broken, yet they remain strong and powerful, loving fiercely. The novel is character-driven, so having two main characters this well-developed makes it very engaging and intense.
The plot itself is thrilling and fast-paced. It starts off light, and with each chapter, the stakes rise higher, until the end, where I was literally devouring every page.
The author clearly put all of herself into this novel, and while I know every author does this, as someone who often struggles to connect with other people’s emotions, it was a wonderful experience.
I’m so glad I found this book and I can’t wait to start reading Shadows Ascend: Remnant Archives.
It was incredible. I haven’t read many books, but this one definitely earns its place as a dark fantasy romance (it’s not a dark romance though). It explores several sensitive topics, so be sure to check the content warnings before reading.
The strongest point of this novel is in its characters, especially the main ones. I loved both Remnant and Emon. They are broken, yet they remain strong and powerful, loving fiercely. The novel is character-driven, so having two main characters this well-developed makes it very engaging and intense.
The plot itself is thrilling and fast-paced. It starts off light, and with each chapter, the stakes rise higher, until the end, where I was literally devouring every page.
The author clearly put all of herself into this novel, and while I know every author does this, as someone who often struggles to connect with other people’s emotions, it was a wonderful experience.
I’m so glad I found this book and I can’t wait to start reading Shadows Ascend: Remnant Archives.
September 11, 2025
This was the best start to a series! BK Cavaleri created an insanely magical world with several layers. I absolutely love all the references to mythology and mythological creatures! If you like in-depth magic and world building, plus two characters that give of black cat energy and golden retriever energy, this is the book for you.
December 13, 2024
This has a good idea for plots and characters, so I gave it an extra star. However, execution and editing just didn’t hit right for me.
February 7, 2025
Fans of Fantasy with a unique world building and a good slow burn will love Shadows Lost. While this book doesn't have a shadow "daddy" it does have a shadow LADY whose sentient shadows provide some comic relief in how they "swoon" over the MMC.
Remnant (shadow lady) is the last of her kind, the Shadow Fae. Emon (the MMC) may not wield shadows but he is THE GOLDEN ONE from the Shifter Court. Emon has been hunting for Remnant for 100 years. Once he finds her, they become reluctant allies in their hunt for the cause of spreading death and desiccation. Oh, and they may be destined to break a separate curse...
The Journal Excerpt by the Head Researcher of the National Fertility Institute is an excellent intro that had me scratching my head and diving in to figure out what the heck was going on!! As I re-read it to write my review, I felt it was such a great catalyst for the story....
"The Golden One's roars shake the very walls of this facility. His strength is insurmountable and his golden eyes, so unique in their color, are always watching, burning, hunting. I feel that he has marked me as his next prey. If he survives this, I know I will be a dead man.
Then there is the one who resembles the moon in the blackest of nights. Darkness surrounds her, calls to her, defines her. Her quiet strength and graceful beauty is something of which I have never seen before and it has broken the fog I have been living in these past few months.
Unlike all the others, these new prisoners might be the saviors the silver haired angel has been searching for. Except this displeases her... it enrages her. She is determined to make them suffer while taking from them both the very essence that will create a new race. She is fanatical about destroying them, the very quintessence of light and dark, and I find I can not allow that to happen."
This was a great story by indie author B. K. Cavaleri and I have already snagged my KU copy of Shadows Ascend. Can't wait to dive in.
Tropes include: found family, shadow magic, reluctant allies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, he falls first, dark power on the rise, quests through perilous lands, cliff hanger
Spice: 2 chili peppers
"Te amo mon lidi ubra. I love you, my little shadow."
Remnant (shadow lady) is the last of her kind, the Shadow Fae. Emon (the MMC) may not wield shadows but he is THE GOLDEN ONE from the Shifter Court. Emon has been hunting for Remnant for 100 years. Once he finds her, they become reluctant allies in their hunt for the cause of spreading death and desiccation. Oh, and they may be destined to break a separate curse...
The Journal Excerpt by the Head Researcher of the National Fertility Institute is an excellent intro that had me scratching my head and diving in to figure out what the heck was going on!! As I re-read it to write my review, I felt it was such a great catalyst for the story....
"The Golden One's roars shake the very walls of this facility. His strength is insurmountable and his golden eyes, so unique in their color, are always watching, burning, hunting. I feel that he has marked me as his next prey. If he survives this, I know I will be a dead man.
Then there is the one who resembles the moon in the blackest of nights. Darkness surrounds her, calls to her, defines her. Her quiet strength and graceful beauty is something of which I have never seen before and it has broken the fog I have been living in these past few months.
Unlike all the others, these new prisoners might be the saviors the silver haired angel has been searching for. Except this displeases her... it enrages her. She is determined to make them suffer while taking from them both the very essence that will create a new race. She is fanatical about destroying them, the very quintessence of light and dark, and I find I can not allow that to happen."
This was a great story by indie author B. K. Cavaleri and I have already snagged my KU copy of Shadows Ascend. Can't wait to dive in.
Tropes include: found family, shadow magic, reluctant allies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, he falls first, dark power on the rise, quests through perilous lands, cliff hanger
Spice: 2 chili peppers
"Te amo mon lidi ubra. I love you, my little shadow."
January 14, 2025
This book. THIS BOOK. I finished it two days ago, and I’m still lying on my floor, staring at the ceiling, wondering how I’m supposed to exist after reading it. Shadows Lost didn’t just steal my heart—it shattered it, stitched it back together with shadow threads, and handed it to Remnant like, “Here, you dropped this.”
Speaking of Remnant... Where do I even BEGIN? She’s not just a character; she’s a whole-ass vibe. Imagine walking into a room and immediately being struck by the sheer force of someone’s presence. That’s her. Beautiful, untouchable, and a little terrifying in the best way possible. Her shadows? Yeah, they’re cool. But it’s her soul—that raw, jagged, beautiful mess—that left me breathless. She’s the kind of character that makes you want to dive into her world and fight her demons right alongside her.
And then we have Emon. Oh, Emon. Sweet, relentless, chaos incarnate Emon. If love could burn you alive, that’s what his feels like. He doesn’t just love Remnant; he reveres her. Worships her. And honestly? SAME. Every scene with him had me alternating between giggling like a lunatic and clutching my chest because MY GOD, the man is obsessed in the way we all deserve to be loved.
But let’s talk about the world. The food? I could taste it. The shadows? They were practically creeping off the pages. And the battles? Let’s just say I’m surprised my kindle didn’t burst into flames from the sheer INTENSITY of it all.
And the twists? You know when something happens, and you just have to sit there in silence because your brain needs a minute to process the absolute genius of it? Yeah. That.
Oh, and the humor? Unicorn slippers. I’ll say no more.
Here’s the thing: Shadows Lost isn’t just a book. It’s an experience. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that throws you into the abyss and doesn’t let you crawl out until you’ve felt everything.
Would I recommend it? No. I’d DEMAND you read it. Right now. Go. Your life will never be the same, and you can thank me (and the author’s unhinged brilliance) later.
Final thoughts: This is Rem’s world. We’re all just shadow-dusted extras. 👑
Speaking of Remnant... Where do I even BEGIN? She’s not just a character; she’s a whole-ass vibe. Imagine walking into a room and immediately being struck by the sheer force of someone’s presence. That’s her. Beautiful, untouchable, and a little terrifying in the best way possible. Her shadows? Yeah, they’re cool. But it’s her soul—that raw, jagged, beautiful mess—that left me breathless. She’s the kind of character that makes you want to dive into her world and fight her demons right alongside her.
And then we have Emon. Oh, Emon. Sweet, relentless, chaos incarnate Emon. If love could burn you alive, that’s what his feels like. He doesn’t just love Remnant; he reveres her. Worships her. And honestly? SAME. Every scene with him had me alternating between giggling like a lunatic and clutching my chest because MY GOD, the man is obsessed in the way we all deserve to be loved.
But let’s talk about the world. The food? I could taste it. The shadows? They were practically creeping off the pages. And the battles? Let’s just say I’m surprised my kindle didn’t burst into flames from the sheer INTENSITY of it all.
And the twists? You know when something happens, and you just have to sit there in silence because your brain needs a minute to process the absolute genius of it? Yeah. That.
Oh, and the humor? Unicorn slippers. I’ll say no more.
Here’s the thing: Shadows Lost isn’t just a book. It’s an experience. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that throws you into the abyss and doesn’t let you crawl out until you’ve felt everything.
Would I recommend it? No. I’d DEMAND you read it. Right now. Go. Your life will never be the same, and you can thank me (and the author’s unhinged brilliance) later.
Final thoughts: This is Rem’s world. We’re all just shadow-dusted extras. 👑
June 26, 2025
“A curse that drove a queen mad.
The heroine that failed to stop her.
A shifter that refuses to give up.
A world that needs them both again.”
OMG! This story was brilliant. It has officially brought me back out of my book slump and made me fall in love with dark fantasy stories all over again.
Let’s start with how creative, descriptive and imaginative the world building and imagery is. This author has woven words uniquely in a way that brought each kingdom or place to life right before my eyes. I was transported with the characters to sprawling forests, a deep underwater kingdom, desolated lands, and to a cold and violent world.
The characters are incredibly well written, unique, and each and everyone of them stands out on their own. But our MMC Emon and FMC Remnant had me absolutely falling in love with them both.
Emon and Remnant took me on one hell of a journey/adventure that was both intense and exhilarating. There was always constant danger, drama and chaos surrounding them but in the midst of it all, they find a way to open up to each other to reveal what exactly has been kept from them and how much they mean to one another.
The banter was fantastic and had me gasping, laughing and sobbing. And the intensity of Emon and Remnant’s connection was insane. I could feel their bond and chemistry. It just oozed off the pages and seeped into my heart and soul.
“You are worth it. You are worth every single obstacle, scar, and heartache I may incur so that you have more than just what you need.”
Brilliantly written! This was definitely a story that kept me glued to the pages while on the edge of my seat, and shocked by all of the twists and turns that kept leaping off the pages. There were so many jaw dropping moments that made me stop reading and just stare at the wall. And that ending – WOW – I can’t wait to dive into book two as soon as possible.
LOVED IT!!!
The heroine that failed to stop her.
A shifter that refuses to give up.
A world that needs them both again.”
OMG! This story was brilliant. It has officially brought me back out of my book slump and made me fall in love with dark fantasy stories all over again.
Let’s start with how creative, descriptive and imaginative the world building and imagery is. This author has woven words uniquely in a way that brought each kingdom or place to life right before my eyes. I was transported with the characters to sprawling forests, a deep underwater kingdom, desolated lands, and to a cold and violent world.
The characters are incredibly well written, unique, and each and everyone of them stands out on their own. But our MMC Emon and FMC Remnant had me absolutely falling in love with them both.
Emon and Remnant took me on one hell of a journey/adventure that was both intense and exhilarating. There was always constant danger, drama and chaos surrounding them but in the midst of it all, they find a way to open up to each other to reveal what exactly has been kept from them and how much they mean to one another.
The banter was fantastic and had me gasping, laughing and sobbing. And the intensity of Emon and Remnant’s connection was insane. I could feel their bond and chemistry. It just oozed off the pages and seeped into my heart and soul.
“You are worth it. You are worth every single obstacle, scar, and heartache I may incur so that you have more than just what you need.”
Brilliantly written! This was definitely a story that kept me glued to the pages while on the edge of my seat, and shocked by all of the twists and turns that kept leaping off the pages. There were so many jaw dropping moments that made me stop reading and just stare at the wall. And that ending – WOW – I can’t wait to dive into book two as soon as possible.
LOVED IT!!!
May 13, 2025
3.75 stars!
There's a lot I enjoyed about this book. The plot had some great, unique elements to it and the ending was a strong finish with lots of action and big moments that I'm interested to flush out in book 2. The idea of infertility plaguing the Fae felt new to me and I really loved how children/the idea of children are viewed as something so sacred and hopeful. Family and the desire for connection is a strong underlying theme throughout the story and seeing those pieces come together was really sweet.
I enjoyed Emon, the MMC the most, but there are parts of Remnant, the FMC that I appreciated as well. Both of them have gone through hell and survived, are unmatched in their own powers, and have the witty, competitive sides of their personality that make for good banter and tension. They are the light to each other's darkness.
That said, there was something(s) missing for me overall. The way the dialogue and interactions took place didn't always flow right for me, so I felt at times that prohibited me from being fully immersed in the book. I'm also all for pet names and the stage of a relationship/dynamic they can show between characters, but something about the multiple names/titles/references used just wasn't hitting right for me. I don't know. But like I said, there are a lot of really good elements and juicy plot points that can be expanded on in future books, so I look forward to seeing where the series goes.
There's a lot I enjoyed about this book. The plot had some great, unique elements to it and the ending was a strong finish with lots of action and big moments that I'm interested to flush out in book 2. The idea of infertility plaguing the Fae felt new to me and I really loved how children/the idea of children are viewed as something so sacred and hopeful. Family and the desire for connection is a strong underlying theme throughout the story and seeing those pieces come together was really sweet.
I enjoyed Emon, the MMC the most, but there are parts of Remnant, the FMC that I appreciated as well. Both of them have gone through hell and survived, are unmatched in their own powers, and have the witty, competitive sides of their personality that make for good banter and tension. They are the light to each other's darkness.
That said, there was something(s) missing for me overall. The way the dialogue and interactions took place didn't always flow right for me, so I felt at times that prohibited me from being fully immersed in the book. I'm also all for pet names and the stage of a relationship/dynamic they can show between characters, but something about the multiple names/titles/references used just wasn't hitting right for me. I don't know. But like I said, there are a lot of really good elements and juicy plot points that can be expanded on in future books, so I look forward to seeing where the series goes.
June 15, 2024
Where do I even begin. Your life will never be the same before this book. I was SCREAMING, out here fighting for my LIFE.
So we follow the story of the beautiful and forever witty Queen Dark, do I care that she isn’t a queen? No, she’s queen of my heart. As well as the very needy obsessed shifter Emon (I’m so here for it cause praise be to my queen).
My girl just wants to be alone in peace, Emon doesn’t give two shits and good on him for standing his ground and practically begging her to come with him, I would be on my knees too.
Obviously she needs to save the world, but she is already waging war with her own thoughts and self loathing for what she’s done. (Not deserved, my girly has been through hell and back, give her a break)
This book is filled with wit, hilarious moments (cue the unicorn slippers), intense longing, burning desire and the most amazing portrayal of friendship I’ve ever read. I loved every character I met (except one 😒) and they all had such a unique vibe which is so hard to do when every character is vying for attention. It’s done PERFECTLY. The whole book is perfection. And the TWISTS, the SECRETS, the JAW DROPPING FINALE. It was *chefs kiss* cherry on the top.
I would give 100 stars if I could. I dare anyone to say otherwise. This is Rem’s world and we just live in it 👑
So we follow the story of the beautiful and forever witty Queen Dark, do I care that she isn’t a queen? No, she’s queen of my heart. As well as the very needy obsessed shifter Emon (I’m so here for it cause praise be to my queen).
My girl just wants to be alone in peace, Emon doesn’t give two shits and good on him for standing his ground and practically begging her to come with him, I would be on my knees too.
Obviously she needs to save the world, but she is already waging war with her own thoughts and self loathing for what she’s done. (Not deserved, my girly has been through hell and back, give her a break)
This book is filled with wit, hilarious moments (cue the unicorn slippers), intense longing, burning desire and the most amazing portrayal of friendship I’ve ever read. I loved every character I met (except one 😒) and they all had such a unique vibe which is so hard to do when every character is vying for attention. It’s done PERFECTLY. The whole book is perfection. And the TWISTS, the SECRETS, the JAW DROPPING FINALE. It was *chefs kiss* cherry on the top.
I would give 100 stars if I could. I dare anyone to say otherwise. This is Rem’s world and we just live in it 👑
Read
May 11, 2025“Shadows Lost” is the first book in the Remnant Archives Series centering on first person POV from main characters Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark, legendary war general and last of the shadow fae, and Daemon “Emon” Ash Strider, “Golden One” of the shifter fae and King of the West Isles. This story follows Remnant and Emon’s adventure from Faerie all the way to the West Isles as they sort through their own traumas of the past, as well as, working towards the future of the Fae. I am a sucker for good banter between characters and this tale has tons of witty banter, sometimes seductive and other times sarcastic. There was an impressive amount of intricate world and story building by author B.K. Cavaleri, that really set this series up for what I believe will be a quite successful story. Additionally, there were lots of secondary fantastical and mythological creatures of all sorts that added flair and whimsy to the narrative, my favorite being a tie between the gnomes and Shen, the water dragon. My favorite overall favorite parts of this book though, was the brightness that was literally born out of darkness and the slow burn passion that simmered from page to page. I can’t wait to dive into the next book to find out what happens next and I would definitely recommend to any lovers of dark romantasy!
December 11, 2024
Great book- really sucks you in and leaves you snorting with laughter!
I really enjoyed the writing of this one! It had some really dark elements (some of which weren't my favorite- check the triggers), but it really sucked you in and made you want to watch Remnant rip everyone to shreds!
I loved all the characters and the found family they created! Everyone was hilarious and I felt like a part of the circle interacting with them. They all had such strong personalities and I can't wait to see what hijinks they get up to in the next couple books!
The author did a good job creating an entire world and got to showcase different areas of it: sort of haunted woods (um Weretrees are some of my new favorite creatures), Undersea, and other cities. I feel like the whole world was drawn out for me and I could picture it so vividly.
The characters struggle with such real issues and manage to build connections, while also still keeping the levity and sarcasm I like.
Also, Remnant? Hello new Shadow mommy. I hate that term, but she is such a bada$$ and wields her shadows so well.
Read if you love:
-Shadow wielding FMC
-Shifters
-Fated mates
-Touch her and d!e
-He falls first
I really enjoyed the writing of this one! It had some really dark elements (some of which weren't my favorite- check the triggers), but it really sucked you in and made you want to watch Remnant rip everyone to shreds!
I loved all the characters and the found family they created! Everyone was hilarious and I felt like a part of the circle interacting with them. They all had such strong personalities and I can't wait to see what hijinks they get up to in the next couple books!
The author did a good job creating an entire world and got to showcase different areas of it: sort of haunted woods (um Weretrees are some of my new favorite creatures), Undersea, and other cities. I feel like the whole world was drawn out for me and I could picture it so vividly.
The characters struggle with such real issues and manage to build connections, while also still keeping the levity and sarcasm I like.
Also, Remnant? Hello new Shadow mommy. I hate that term, but she is such a bada$$ and wields her shadows so well.
Read if you love:
-Shadow wielding FMC
-Shifters
-Fated mates
-Touch her and d!e
-He falls first
September 22, 2025
First, the yearning!
Second, Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark is a badass, shadow-wielding, no-nonsense, dark princess who stole my heart!
Third, I am down bad for Emon!
Fourth, the tropes in this book were done so well! **
Fifth, dare I say that I didn’t hate this slow burn because the slow burn was burning slow in the best way! Ugh, Emon is the sweetest!
Lastly, I’m not often surprised by plot twists anymore (sad for me), but THE ENDING!!
** Slow burn, fated mates, found family, shadow mommy, touch her and die, he falls first, forced proximity
I enjoyed how delicately the difficult topics in this story were handled. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before you dive into this story because they are heavy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to starting book two after that ending!
There were a few things that I didn’t love: the pacing was a bit off, and although I loved the story, I found myself struggling to pick it up once I put it down. At times, it felt like this 400 page story was 800 pages and the dialogue was a little rough and at times a bit clunky. The editing seemed rushed.
Second, Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark is a badass, shadow-wielding, no-nonsense, dark princess who stole my heart!
Third, I am down bad for Emon!
Fourth, the tropes in this book were done so well! **
Fifth, dare I say that I didn’t hate this slow burn because the slow burn was burning slow in the best way! Ugh, Emon is the sweetest!
Lastly, I’m not often surprised by plot twists anymore (sad for me), but THE ENDING!!
** Slow burn, fated mates, found family, shadow mommy, touch her and die, he falls first, forced proximity
I enjoyed how delicately the difficult topics in this story were handled. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before you dive into this story because they are heavy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to starting book two after that ending!
There were a few things that I didn’t love: the pacing was a bit off, and although I loved the story, I found myself struggling to pick it up once I put it down. At times, it felt like this 400 page story was 800 pages and the dialogue was a little rough and at times a bit clunky. The editing seemed rushed.
October 18, 2025
This book is so incredible it literally left me speechless for a bit. The world building is amazing and it continues to evolve throughout the whole book.
The magic and the fantastical creatures are such a wild, mind blowing adventure! I love the side characters as much as Remnant and Emon! Their family they formed and how they always have each other’s backs is so heart warming. There were several heart pounding moments as well as really hard, gut wrenching times but B.K. Cavaleri has a way of taking all of the emotions from one extreme to the other and wrapping them up beautifully. It will suck you in, nothing else matters and you will live in this crazy, dangerous fantasy world and thankfully this was just the first book! The second one is readily available (Shadows Ascend) and the third one (Shadows Eternal) is releasing Oct 28!! There’s also a novella that is just as amazing. It’s called Shadows of Air and Earth.
🖤Shadow Fae
👑Shifters
🖤Meddling gods
👑A Prophecy
🖤Found family
👑Soulmates
The magic and the fantastical creatures are such a wild, mind blowing adventure! I love the side characters as much as Remnant and Emon! Their family they formed and how they always have each other’s backs is so heart warming. There were several heart pounding moments as well as really hard, gut wrenching times but B.K. Cavaleri has a way of taking all of the emotions from one extreme to the other and wrapping them up beautifully. It will suck you in, nothing else matters and you will live in this crazy, dangerous fantasy world and thankfully this was just the first book! The second one is readily available (Shadows Ascend) and the third one (Shadows Eternal) is releasing Oct 28!! There’s also a novella that is just as amazing. It’s called Shadows of Air and Earth.
🖤Shadow Fae
👑Shifters
🖤Meddling gods
👑A Prophecy
🖤Found family
👑Soulmates
January 28, 2025
I finished this book after Onyx Storm, and it actually was perfect to read after!
The writing flowed well. I loved the main characters and their growing relationship with one another. I love the bits of humor in an otherwise very heavy laden book.
There are quite a lot of triggers, but I thought the author did a good job talking about the subject (such as rape and torture) There are two whole chapters of explicit scenes. Along with very descriptive gore. There is a war and a crazy Faerie Queen so that is to be expected.
The plot just kept having moments strewn throughout the story where you never got bored. There was always something to learn about the characters, the world, or the magic. The flashback was very dark, but also necessary for the relationship to progress further.
The curse of infertility for the fae really plays a big role in the whole story. Which is why a little plot twist comes and I love it!
Amazing debut novel!
The writing flowed well. I loved the main characters and their growing relationship with one another. I love the bits of humor in an otherwise very heavy laden book.
There are quite a lot of triggers, but I thought the author did a good job talking about the subject (such as rape and torture) There are two whole chapters of explicit scenes. Along with very descriptive gore. There is a war and a crazy Faerie Queen so that is to be expected.
The plot just kept having moments strewn throughout the story where you never got bored. There was always something to learn about the characters, the world, or the magic. The flashback was very dark, but also necessary for the relationship to progress further.
The curse of infertility for the fae really plays a big role in the whole story. Which is why a little plot twist comes and I love it!
Amazing debut novel!
August 18, 2025
This story has a concept I really liked: a character on the run after a terrible event, while a much bigger danger threatens their world. The bones of the plot definitely have promise, and I enjoyed the underlying themes of identity, guilt, and betrayal.
Where it fell short for me was in the execution. The characters often felt a little too powerful for the challenges they faced, only to suddenly be outmatched when the villain appeared. The romance leaned into fated mates, possessive love, and insta-connection — tropes that some readers will love, but they weren’t my favourite here. Some plot choices, like certain secrets being accepted too easily or characters thought lost returning, pulled me out of the story a bit.
That said, I can see the potential in the ideas, and with refinement the author could really build something strong from this foundation.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book.
Where it fell short for me was in the execution. The characters often felt a little too powerful for the challenges they faced, only to suddenly be outmatched when the villain appeared. The romance leaned into fated mates, possessive love, and insta-connection — tropes that some readers will love, but they weren’t my favourite here. Some plot choices, like certain secrets being accepted too easily or characters thought lost returning, pulled me out of the story a bit.
That said, I can see the potential in the ideas, and with refinement the author could really build something strong from this foundation.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book.
February 7, 2025
At times I felt a little lost with this book due to a lot of world building and character introductions but the way it was written kept me captive!
Emon and his ‘beasts’ inner dialogue was great and giving Tairn from Fourth wing 😂
The storyline was a little easy to guess with where it was going but I am intrigued to see where book 2 and 3 go.
For a first novel it was very succinct, all the characters stayed true to themselves there was just some times where things were a little rushed and other times a little slow but overall very enjoyable
I do wish there was less emphasis on Emon being a ‘shifter’ the word is said a lot! In fact 471 times… it reads a little young with the repetition so hoping that settles in continuing books since we know the characters now.
✨✨✨✨
🌶️ (one scene light description)
Emon and his ‘beasts’ inner dialogue was great and giving Tairn from Fourth wing 😂
The storyline was a little easy to guess with where it was going but I am intrigued to see where book 2 and 3 go.
For a first novel it was very succinct, all the characters stayed true to themselves there was just some times where things were a little rushed and other times a little slow but overall very enjoyable
I do wish there was less emphasis on Emon being a ‘shifter’ the word is said a lot! In fact 471 times… it reads a little young with the repetition so hoping that settles in continuing books since we know the characters now.
✨✨✨✨
🌶️ (one scene light description)
July 28, 2025
This book! I was hooked from the beginning - the plot kept me on my toes the entire time. Every twist had me holding my breath, and the pacing was spot-on. Intense, but never overwhelming. The world-building was amazing and the tension was so good. I loved the banter between all the characters, it gave it such a warm and exciting feeling. That ending ? I am excited to read book2!!
🖤Remnant & Daemon
Ughh I loved them ! Their dynamic is everything- intense chemistry, emotional pull, and the slow unraveling of their relationship- perfect mix of angst and softness. Yes there is one spicy 🌶️ scene and it absolutely delivers. 🔥
If you’re into:
🖤Forbidden tension & magical danger
💭Quick wit and bantery moments
💥Fast-moving, twisty plots that keep you guessing
🔥A swoony, slowburn payoff
🫶🏽Romantasy
Then Shadows Lost belongs on your TBR.
>>Trigger Warning: a dark romantasy with themes of rape and infertility complications<<
🖤Remnant & Daemon
Ughh I loved them ! Their dynamic is everything- intense chemistry, emotional pull, and the slow unraveling of their relationship- perfect mix of angst and softness. Yes there is one spicy 🌶️ scene and it absolutely delivers. 🔥
If you’re into:
🖤Forbidden tension & magical danger
💭Quick wit and bantery moments
💥Fast-moving, twisty plots that keep you guessing
🔥A swoony, slowburn payoff
🫶🏽Romantasy
Then Shadows Lost belongs on your TBR.
>>Trigger Warning: a dark romantasy with themes of rape and infertility complications<<
December 18, 2025
This book is greats! The MMC and his "cat" have the best banter, I love it. FMC is strong and MMC is a cinnamon roll, it made me laugh and giggle and I loved the romance and love in this book, I found the spice level perfect, but you may want more peppers. There are death gods, a fae queen, fated mates, water fae, shadow fae, elemental fae, and gnomes. What more could you want? oh... a dragon? of course there is one... you want enemies to lovers? well.... they are not quite enemies, but they aren't friends... and they get to be lovers in the best slow burn way. There are hidden identities, action, found family (my fave), forced proximity, he falls first, plot twists, emotional baggage, and morally gray themes. There are great quotes that are going to stick with you and I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
October 3, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
You know the old saying don't judge a book by its cover? Well for me, that statement has never rung truer.
Shadows Lost is a story of loss, tragedy, abuse and above all love. I'm honestly at loss for words for everything B.K. Cavaleri has put into this book, you know when you can tell an author has put their own heart, soul and personal losses to make a beautiful book? Well that's clearly what's happened here. Because it was just phenomenal in every sense of the word. You love fantasy, soulmates, shifters, Fae, loss and survival? Then this is truly the book for you. Even better? It's available on Kindle Unlimited. Honestly I implore you to read it. It's just been everything.
Review:
You know the old saying don't judge a book by its cover? Well for me, that statement has never rung truer.
Shadows Lost is a story of loss, tragedy, abuse and above all love. I'm honestly at loss for words for everything B.K. Cavaleri has put into this book, you know when you can tell an author has put their own heart, soul and personal losses to make a beautiful book? Well that's clearly what's happened here. Because it was just phenomenal in every sense of the word. You love fantasy, soulmates, shifters, Fae, loss and survival? Then this is truly the book for you. Even better? It's available on Kindle Unlimited. Honestly I implore you to read it. It's just been everything.
January 27, 2025
Dark fantasy at its finest! This book weaves a hauntingly atmospheric tale filled with curses, forbidden experiments, and a century-old struggle for redemption. From the very first page, the story grips you with its ominous tone, transporting you into a world of shadowy fae, ruthless queens, and a fate that refuses to be rewritten.
If you love dark fantasy that leans into the eerie, the tragic, and the epic, this is definitely one to add to your shelf. A gripping, brutal, and breathtaking adventure.
Instagram ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Blog ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Linktree
If you love dark fantasy that leans into the eerie, the tragic, and the epic, this is definitely one to add to your shelf. A gripping, brutal, and breathtaking adventure.
Instagram ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Blog ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Linktree
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