Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Legacy #2

by Melissa K. Roehrich

This is book 2 of 4 in The Legacy Series and will end on a cliffhanger. This is new adult, dark fantasy romance series and includes elements that may be triggering to some readers.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Romance, Dark Romance, Audiobook

658 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2024

About the author

Melissa is a dark fantasy romance author who loves coffee, dragons, and constantly rearranging her bookshelves. She spends her time writing, reading, and homeschooling her three boys in the Middle-of-Nowhere, North Dakota, where she lives with her boys, husband, dogs, multiple barn cats, and chickens on a small farmstead. She is constantly trying to convince her husband they need to add goats and ducks to the mix, and one day, she'll succeed.

She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:

*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich

Reviews

[SK · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many thoughts but I'm loving the direction the story is taking. Like yes please, give me that vengeance and give me that feminine rage- always love when a fmc is wronged that she enters her villain arc.

The way the plot is developing and the amount of foreshadowing being done is insane. The writing is quite brilliant in detailing things out even if execution comes across as a bit repetitive in the form of arguments or secrets. Repetition was my only issue in the first book and it still is the same in this one. Other than that, it's turning out to be quite a perfect series for me.

Tessa is such a baddie, I'm looking forward to her villain arc. She's been through so much and honestly, she deserves to level everyone in front of her and make them grovel. Groveling takes me to Theon, I want that man on his knees confessing and making her finally believe how much he loves her. Like yes, he has a ton of issues but I'm rooting for him. Luka, on the other hand, far simpler in his motivations but so well written. He is a rock and a balance to the chaos the characters bring. As for Axel and Kat? I want more of them. They have such brilliant chemistry and stand out independently.

I'm not opposed to the MFM romance at all. Not when the chemistry between Theon, Tessa and Luka is so amazing. The slow burn, the forbidden is all chef's kiss. Especially paired with angst, betrayals and the constant push and pull between the bond. The longing and unspoken emotions/words are so frustrating at times but I just know it's going to be worth it. On the other hand, Axel and Kat are far more stable (as much as they can be in a fantasy world). The need to protect and possess, the constant battle to keep safe and yet push away is well written.

Oh boy, how I loved the ending. The plot twists, the action and the vengeance had my jaw on the floor- everything tying up yet leaving one with more questions. To end it on a cliffhanger like that was criminal. Can't wait to read the next one.


~•~•~
When the dedication alone is enough to make you emotional- "For those who have shoved down their light so others could shine, it's time to fight for you."

Oh, this is going to be GOOD 😌

[Mira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate theon. I hate theon. I hate theon. I highlighted all the parts where he was an asshole which were plenty. I had hopes for Luka or our mystery man, but the whole book made it clear that this rapist, abuser, liar, possessive, aggressive asshole was here to be the main man. I was fuming throughout reading this shit hoping we would finally get to the point where we get rid of him.

She was already very tuned to how much of shitty person he is but the ending just made it clear that she will be running right back in book 3 because she was tricked and "death is her salvation" even though he is literally such a despicable person.

This wasn't hot or romantic or anything like that, and the relationship between the main characters made me feel violated. Can we stop romaticising "you are mine, I own you, you belong to me" possessive assholeness because it's not cute. It's creepy, and stop pissing in your territory when someone says no for the thousandth time.

I love Luka and Ax/Kat and hopefully, we just kill Theon and move on.

I will probably continue this rant later, but whoa, what a shitty character that I hate wholeheartedly.

[Marianna Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. This series officially has my whole heart and I just know it’s going to end up being one of my all time favorites. Book two continued to deliver, absolute perfection. Mentally we are unwell, but in the best way. THAT ENDING?!!!! Thank god book 3 comes out in October because I don’t think I could survive any longer. Dare I say this was somehow better than book 1??

The world continues to expand and it is done so effortlessly, you can’t help but be captivated by every single word on the page. The plot pacing was perfect, there was never a moment where I felt like the story was dragging or had unnecessary filler. No second book syndrome over here.

Our characters go THROUGH it in this one…. The emotional roller coaster Melissa puts you on, it hurts SO GOOD. This is still a very character driven story but oh my god does the plot THICKEN! So much is revealed but there are still so many god damn secrets! This magic system continues to have me so enamored the more I learn about it the better it gets!

Ugh the love I have for Tessa is soul deep. She is definitely an FMC that is not going to be for everyone but she is for me. A lot of her characteristics remind me of Nesta so of course I have a soft spot for her. After being so manipulated and tossed around and used she does shut down in this book and her numbness is something I can relate to all too well. But I do understand how that can frustrate some people. However personally I think her actions make so much sense for what she’s been through and the author makes it so clear that she has so much fight left in her. The foreshadowing for her VILLAIN AND VENGEANCE ERA IS EVERYTHING!!

Oh Theon…. If you have no fans I’m simply dead. His actions continue to make me feel so conflicted and I personally love how many emotions his characters makes me feel. His thought process and how he views relationships and try’s to show love is so incredibly fucked up and rooted in so much abuse it actually breaks my heart. I know he’s got a lot of work to do and there’s gotta be some serious groveling but I do know his redemption arc coming and IM ROOTING FOR YOU SWEETIE!!

However when it comes to the romance…. I will only accept Theon ending up with Tessa if she gets Luka too… there is simply no other option at this point. If this doesn’t turn into a why choose situation I SIMPLY DONT WANT IT!! But I love how in this book Tessa never fully gives in to Theon and continues to keep him at arms length and puts him in his damn place in the end! Yes there is miscommunication between Theon and Tessa but this is the ONLY type of miscommunication that doesn’t bother me whatsoever. When two characters have so much trauma and have never truly known how to trust and show/receive love, of course their relationship is going to be messy. It’s so much bigger than “if they just talked everything would be fine”. I would honestly be so confused if the two of them knew how to communicate, that is not at all how their relationship was set up and it would be so out of character for them both. ITS TOXIC AND I LOVE IT!!

Don’t even get me started on Luka, he is my favorite he can do no wrong and we love our broody, emotionally mature dragon shifter. PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS!!!

The additional POV from Axel was PERFECT! God I love him so much and I am so scared for him 😭😭. The way he made me SOB! I’m so emotionally attached to each an every one of these characters.

Oh and does Melissa know how to write her villains. The visceral rage and disgust I feel towards them is so believable. But at the same time I’m questioning who the true villain is at points. Yeah I’m obsessed.

I need book 3 like yesterday. Starting her lady of darkness series to fill the void.

[évieane (holidays semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ㅤㅤ "But when the scales tip, and Chaos rains, who will fight? And who will fall?"

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ━ 2.9 - 3.2 ☆ ━
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ(updated to 3 stars)
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊱ ──── might contain spoilers ────⊰

ㅤㅤThe second instalment in the Legacy series is surely bound to bring to light and to force you to endure the greatest frustration ever by bringing you right back into the doomed world of Devram, a world of villains where even the most noble of intentions must first endure the test of betrayals, lies and deception.

ㅤㅤWhat I did come to realise while reading Storm of Secrets and Sorrow is definitely that this is not a series for those weak of heart. Do not start reading this series expecting to find some beautiful and pure romance blooming in a world surrounded by darkness and ill intentions and do not expect villains to turn into heroes too soon. This book made it very clear that everyone is a morally-grey character, everyone has their own agenda and secrets are the best currency. But what I regrettably also found while reading this book is a pretty big letdown, demonstrating that when the characters aren't given enough attention and are completely unreasonable and infuriating, even a fantastic universe, a compelling story, and a fascinating prophecy are insufficient to elevate a work of fiction. It was a great tragedy that this book, regrettably, appeared to suffer from the infamous "second book syndrome."

ㅤㅤAfter highly enjoying the first book, I was completely disappointed with this sequel. I debated giving this a better rating because I didn’t want to base my review strictly on my personal taste, but I feel like the disappointment was so great that I just couldn’t bring myself to rate this higher. Therefore let me starts my, hopefully not too long (it will definitely be long because I have a lot of things to say), more in depth review of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow and explain my final rating of this book.


ㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ world building, writing and action ༺ ˎˊ-

ㅤㅤI will try to keep this part not too long, because I literally don’t have many comments to make in this regard. I fell in love with Melissa’s incredible talent in terms of world building ever since Lady Of Darkness series. You are immediately drawn back into the sinister and gloomy world of Devram as soon as you open this book because everything about it has been so painstakingly and expertly constructed, down to the last detail. I appreciated that this second book didn't stagnate in terms of providing more knowledge about the world and that you got to see a tonne more locations that help to create the whole picture of this dreadful world. I am constantly looking for comprehensive details about a world in a book so that I can create the perfect vision in my mind, and this book did wonders for the foundation that was laid with the first book in the series.
ㅤㅤI did enjoy the multi-POVs we get since this book introduces the POVs of Axel and Luka apart from the two protagonists. I found myself enjoying Axel’s POV probably more than anyone else’s and I think it was such a great addition to the story. And, as a great fan of Lady of Darkness, I cannot pass and not mention the incredible easter eggs caused with the appearance of some really beloved and dear characters for me. (My babies Scarlett and Sorin are just as delicious and beautiful as ever. And how much I enjoyed to see Razik and Eliza again in the epilogue 😭😭) Melissa has developed a wonderful universe, and it is just amazing to witness these worlds come together and make you hold your breath in anticipation of what will happen next and how they will collide.

ㅤㅤIn terms of action I have to admit I was not as intrigued as I had wished to be. Between the constant fights and banters and the small glimpses of whatever these characters are trying to achieve, not much transpired, making the book seem a little lengthy and dull at points. I have to admit that there were certain pages that I was just reading through and skipping over because there weren't many exciting events going on. I understand Melissa's desire for the reader to be confused since the characters maintain secrets all the time, and the reader is not offered the kindness of knowing these secrets until the characters deliberately choose to reveal them. Normally, I would find this fascinating since I enjoy theorising and speculating about the future action in the books I read, but there were so many unknown features and well-kept secrets here that the action felt too languid at times.

ㅤㅤWhen it comes to the writing in this book, once again I find myself not really having any complaints. The writing is undoubtedly appropriate for this very brutal and horrible environment, as well as the fantasy genre and its characters. I'm not a big lover of modern aspects in fantasy tales, but I didn't mind them because they didn't detract from the plot or the overall tone. Melissa's writing was as beautiful as I'd come to anticipate, and I love her ability to adjust her writing style to the novels and stories she's producing. There were a few times that made me wince while reading because of how bizarre they sounded in the particular context, but they were too infrequent and inconsequential to influence my review.


ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ characters ༺ ˎˊ-

ㅤㅤI would advise to grab some popcorn and a comfortable chair because what will come next is a complete rant over the characters of this book and how they are built. Let me begin by expressing that I did not anticipate to see these characters transform into moral and value-driven heroes as the story progressed. But I did start this book hoping to learn more about these individuals' backgrounds, what drove them to become the horrible beings capable of harming everything and everyone without remorse in order to achieve their goals. However, this did not occur. This book provided practically no new information that made you feel anything other than aggravation for these individuals, and by the conclusion of the book, I felt as if we had just gone around in circles with nothing fresh to bring to the table.

ㅤㅤ🗲 Tessalyn - Despite the fact that she has every right to be as angry and irritated as she is, I was forced to label a character completely dumb and foolish for the first time. She is continuously confused because she can't determine her identity, and people who seem to want to help her keep information about herself hidden from her. She is right to be resentful and angry. However, she does such an amazing job at also making these people have all the reasons to not want to share this information with her. She is struggling, yet she refuses to accept aid. She vows not to be swayed and affected by pretty words, yet she does just that. She is absolutely naive and too infantile to realise that the people she says desire what is good for her, actually want to use her just as much. She is a tragic character forced to submit in a selfish world, but she makes the worst decisions ever. She refuses to accept or seek help from those who care about her, and her lack of trust, which was initially understandable, became increasingly illogical and stupid as the story progressed. I've never been more annoyed with the main character in my life.

ㅤㅤ🗲 Theon - I think him to be a very extraordinary individual, one who was subjected to several torturous experiences by his own father and was continuously told that he would never be good or strong enough. He was so tightly controlled and overpowered by his father that he now seeks control over everything, for only through control is he able to protect those around him; and he can control anything as long as he has information. However, he does not communicate with anybody. He refuses to offer his thoughts until the most vital moment, and he strives to address everyone's issues while failing to recognise his own flaws and faults. He becomes so consumed by his need for control that he becomes harsh to people he cares about. I was frequently annoyed by his desire to suppress facts, to maintain power, and the fact that no one seemed to call him out on it. I can see how his trauma shaped him, but he makes mistakes that were as dumb and infuriating as Tessa's throughout the novel, making it difficult for everyone to sympathise with him.

ㅤㅤAnd while I'm here, I'd want to point out that I've seen a lot of people hate and criticise Theon while not treating Tessa the same way. I think everyone forgets that both Theon and Tessa are intended to be equally evil and cruel as characters, which I noticed and passionately felt throughout the entire book. These two are both very terrible characters; they are so dark, irritating, and difficult to empathise with that I couldn't pick one over the other. I understand the reasons for some of their behaviours, but I couldn't sympathise with any of them, and I therefore won't condemn Theon any less than I would Tessa. Are they intriguing exactly because of how awfully morally-grey they are as characters? Absolutely. But I also had to stop myself and take deep breaths to not just throw the book out of the window at times because of them.

ㅤㅤ🗲 Luka - I have practically nothing to say about Luka because he has no personality other than being there for Theon and Tessa at all times. While I absolutely respect his loyalty, I was continuously bothered by his presence in every scene and his participation in every minor conversation. It would be nice to see some development in his character, and I have a guess about his future role, but up to this point, he's definitely the character in this book that I can't tolerate. And I will also, of course, mention the newly-introduced three-way bond which made an appearance in this book. I'm not a fan of poly-relationships appearing in books, especially when they're inserted just for fan service, so you can understand my dismay when I saw the growth of this type of relationship here. Especially with someone like Luka, who isn't adding anything fascinating to the story yet. I hope Melissa has an excellent plan for this in the future, because she has repeatedly demonstrated that she never does anything without a plan, but this relationship will undoubtedly play a significant role in my dislike of this story.

ㅤㅤ🗲 Axel - Despite being very briefly portrayed in the book, Axel completely captivated my interest and rapidly became my favourite character in the series. He is really kind and committed, and his desire to just do the right thing is quite lovely. Unfortunately, I don't have much to say about him at this time, but his POVs were my favourites, and he quickly became my favourite character in the series. I am thrilled to see more of him.



ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ ending and conclusions ༺ ˎˊ-

ㅤㅤThe ending of the book is mind-blowing. Tessa’s reveal in the end of the book is both revelatory and cryptic which sets the perfect foundation for the development of the future books. The epilogue brought all the necessary information for some really interesting theories to start circulating and I honestly think the ending was really well-crafted and chosen for this second book in the series. And specifically because the ending managed to pique my interest completely and make me curious, I will probably keep reading the future 2 books in this series as well. (Not to mention that it was really so endearing and nice to see Eliza and Razik once again 🥺)

ㅤㅤI have to admit my excitement and expectations for this book were really, really huge. And unfortunately, the disappointment it brought is probably the reason for which I think I will not feel the same excitement for the following books in the series. What I am trying to say it that, despite being curious about the further development of the story, I'm not dying to read the third book. At this point, I will probably continue to read this series just because I absolutely love the universe that Melissa managed to create. I love the lore, I love the world building, I love the mystery of the book, but I am not sure they will be enough to make me consider this series one of my favourites in the future. I might increase this to a full 3-star rating once my feelings towards this book settle down and I have some time to digest what I read, but I am feeling too petty at the moment. A really sad case of a terrible sequel to a really amazing first book.

[Madison Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

speechlessss

[Olga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really really REALLY wanted to love this, but you can't just keep a series going based on "everybody is keeping secrets".

It doesn't even make sense that Tessa wouldn't test down the bond to check how everyone felt about her. It is not plausible, and when you lose plausibility... what then?

She has the tool to figuring people out and yet she keeps lashing at everyone, she is becoming one of the most abbrassive FMC I have ever encountered. She is not cool and wild, she is plain stupid and making decisions that hurt everybody.

Theon is also a trauma survivor, he arguably had it just as bad as her and yet, we are to either pretend to hate him like Tessa? Or understand him and then want to throw this book to the fire cause the author keeps overcomplicating everything?

"I write where the characters lead me" is at this point acknowledging you have no idea where this is story is going.

[giulsxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

➼ 4.5★

“I crave destruction at your hands, clever tempest. If that’s what it takes to keep you, then so be it.”

this was better than the first one. the world building is expanding page after page. the pace is fast and many things happen.
regarding the characters, i have to say that i kinda dislike tessa. honestly, i was getting more and more frustrated by tessa’s behavior. i can’t stand her most of the time. she has the kind of attitude that makes me want to punch her in the face.
also, istg if the author fucks theon up more than what she has already done, it’ll be my 13th reason—mark my words. my heart ached for theon. so pls, don’t ruin him! and pls, give axel a little peace for gods sake!!! ughhhh
onto the next💋

Because the dark still plagued her, and time spent in pleasure at his hands still managed to drive it away, and fuck him for being both her destruction and salvation.

But it would be nice, just once, to know what it was like to be so important to someone that they chose her above all else.

He let her find a shred of control in a world where she had none.

“You’ll still be mine, Tessa.”
“I hate you too much to ever be yours,” she whispered bitterly.

“I’m sorry I loved you too late. But I’m yours. Every piece of me.”

Only you get to decide how long you’re going to feel sorry for yourself before you decide to do something about it.

“I’m saying you need to decide you’re worth it. Even on the hard days. Even on the days you feel like giving up. Even on the days where it feels pointless. You need to decide you are worth it.”

Theon found himself wishing he had just a few more seconds, another minute. He was constantly wishing for a little more time these days, which was ironic considering he was essentially immortal.

She didn’t realize just how much he was willing to bleed for her.

“I am your distraction from a life you never wanted.” A kiss to the corner of her mouth. “I am everything you hate about this world.” A kiss to the other corner. “I am your villain that has taken everything from you.” A nip to her jaw. “So take from me, Tessa. Take what you need. That’s what you want, right? That’s all you want from me, so take it.”

“I will never stop fighting for you.”

“Where do we stand, little storm?”
“Where we always have. On the precipice of destruction or salvation.”

His darkness surrounded her, protecting her the only way he knew how—by controlling. It was why Theon valued control so much. When he had control, he could protect those he loved. Control meant safety, and safety meant love. It was what he’d done with her from the beginning.

“I will always fight for you, Tessa. I will always come for you. You will forever be mine.”

“Nothing has been logical from the moment I laid eyes on you, Katya. Claiming you wasn’t logical. Letting you have my room wasn’t logical. Arguing with you, sleeping beside you, kissing you. None of it is logical. And it sure as fuck isn’t logical that you consume me just by godsdamn existing, but you do, Katya. I cannot explain why. I’ve stopped trying. I’m a disappointment to many people on so many levels, but please, Kat. Please let me do this. Please let me keep you safe because it is the only mercy I can offer you in this godsforsaken realm.”

“How much will you let me take, Theon?” she murmured, her words vibrating against his skin.
“Whatever you want. All of it.”

“Your love,” he blurted, unable to stop himself. “Will it matter if I say I love you, little storm?”

[✨Julie✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✩ 3.75 stars ✩

What to Expect:
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Morally Gray MMC
➼ Enemies w/Benefits
➼ Special Snowflake FMC
➼ Reluctant Allies of Sorts
➼ Kingdom Politics
➼ Secondary Romance
➼ Hints at a Love Triangle
➼ Third Person Multi POV

There’s honestly a lot about the plot and characters in this series that I strongly dislike, but there’s no denying the readability of these books. I have flown through them and they have consistently held my interest. My favorite addition to this story was the secondary romance between Axel and Katya. Theon has very few redeeming qualities so Axel’s goodness was a welcome and needed addition to the story. I’d frankly much rather read their story than the impending throuple that is likely on the way between Tessalyn, Theon, and Luka. Let’s just push Theon and his dad off a cliff and call it a day. 😜 Tessalyn seems to be entering her villain era which I’m never a fan of, so I don’t have the highest of hopes for book three, but I plan to see this series through to the end, even if I do hate throuples… Sorry, but they’re not romantic at all IMO. 😅

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

Pre-read: Ready for another problematic good time. 😜

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ☆

“If you were my Match, I wouldn’t call you such a thing,” he said and her eyes darted to the side. Until he said, “I would call you my wife, my partner, my light. Anything but my Match.”

i still can’t get past my dislike of Tessa and her victim complex despite having the means to change her situation now. the saving grace in this book that made me enjoy it more than the previous one was the inclusion of Luka and Axel’s povs (they’ve been my favorites from the start). im especially invested in Axel’s romance and this new three way bond between Tessa, Luka and Theon. i feel like a big chunk of the story was a rehash of the first book and Tessa’s dreams/ visions and it has too many moments that drag. i’m glad Tessa finally grew a backbone at the end though and gave Theon a taste of his own medicine for once, it was about damn time let’s be for real. im basically reading for the side characters still but i have hope that the next book might finally make me more invested in this series due to how the last 20% went down.. let’s see i guess.

[LainieLibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, leaving this as more of a warning to others and a reminder to myself. And no I do not think this is a spoiler, it's something that every other book hashes out immediately.

But first - I loved and hated the first book - there was so much potential, but Theon is the worst MMC I've ever come across. He deserves to die for all he's done to Tessa. To me this series doesn't even read as dark - it's truly just Theon abusing Tessa over and over again. Ok stopping now because I do have a review up for book one.

Now - I'm mainly coming here to note that guys, this isn't a love triangle/Theon isn't going away. I see so many reviews acting like this is a love triangle and maybe Theon isn't endgame. The author has confirmed and posted on her website that the main relationship in this series is MFM and that Theon is part of it. Ignoring my thoughts on that (I'm personally not a fan) I think it is SO deceiving that this isn't clear in the description, in the GR tags, in the STORY, anywhere. It's hidden away on the trigger warning page of her website.

I almost almost convinced myself to read this - but now there's no way.

[Emma Halbrook]

I’m not rating this bc I didn’t finish it, but I’m done with this series. I gave it my best shot 🫠

[Bailee Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I am SPIRALING at this ending and the theories that are spiraling around in my brain like a freaking tornado right now. Are you kidding me? WOW. Phenomenal. This series is definitely going to be in my top reads of the year list. I am obsessed.

If you want feminine rage, pick up this series. If you want character growth? Pick up this series. If you want ACTUAL morally grey characters? PICK UP THIS SERIES. The Gods and Goddesses, the magic system, the prophecies and betrayals and secrets and truths, all of it is insane and amazing and all of the things. My thoughts are all running together because I am currently trying to process how I am feeling about the way this one left off.

All I know is that book 3 can’t get here soon enough, and I am going to be thinking about these characters for a LONG TIME. Beautifully written, something worth getting emotionally invested in. Loved it.

[ms.Violetg Likes To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you were my Match, I wouldn't call you such a thing... would call you my wife, my partner, my light. Anything but my Match.

"But you asked what it would have been like. What a casual night in would be like if you were those things to me."

"Our nights wouldn't be spent like this"

"Our nights would be soft words instead of barbed ones to deflect and protect. Our nights would be intimate touches rather than frantic ones of uncer-tainty. Our nights would be my hands in your hair instead of your fingers pulling on the strands."

"Our nights would be dark, but you'd love it there because you'd realize we need your light as much as you crave the dark."

This series, this book, these characters, Gods, they are everything! I've taken a good bit of time to attempt to process all my thoughts and feelings on reading Storm of Secrets and Sorrow, book two in the Legacy series.

Nearly a week later, and I still don't feel like I have the words to adequately convey how much I loved it! I was utterly consumed by these characters and devoured this story.

The incredibly rich world building, the historical context we received in this book about our FMC, the relationship developments, the emotional complexities, the character development and growth, all of it was phenomenal!

This story was captivating, it had political intrigue, love, betrayal, multiple POV, exploration of side characters, familial revelations, accurate mental health representation, banter, grief, and the romantic relationships are full of palpable tension and chemistry.

I genuinely felt transported to Devram in this read, feeling every moment of longing, hurt, the glimpses of tender swoon, betrayal, all of it.

I highly recommend Storm of Secrets and Sorrow. It's available

[Abbey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

I found this second instalment a bit annoying and boring. I really loved the first book but unfortunately Tessa is becoming insufferable for me and the whole book felt like her and Theon were bickering nonstop and I needed her to simply listen and not be so reactive. Also, the fact that she is attached to Luka is weirding me out, and if we’re truly to believe that her relationship with Theon is more than a bond the whole Luka storyline is NOT helping…

I did give this an extra .5 star because I like the idea of the potential direction the third book could go in. I do find that a lot of second books can be fillers if this is to be a trilogy. Also, I have absolutely NO idea how this is going to end which keeps me somewhat interested in this story.

The new characters from other realms are fun additions, especially if you read the Lady of Darkness series. 🖤

Unfortunately if you are interested in reading a novel by Melissa K. Roehrich I would absolutely recommend the Lady of Darkness series instead of this one. Lady of Darkness was a 5⭐️!!

[Neja Inge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book. What did I even read? The whole book was just them gathering information and I still don’t know whats going on

[౨ৎ emily ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa you beautiful, elegant, VENGEFUL, badass bitch. You also really know how to piss me off.

Theon, babe just stop keeping secrets? have you learned nothing?

Luka, when you f*ck her for the first time, can you be in your dragon form? pretty please..

These books have a chokehold I truly didn’t see coming.
💚💚💚💚

If you want a very unique plot TO me, which I feel like i’ve read a good amount of romantasy to see when a plot is special and not like the others. (kinda hard to do atp) This one actually is insane. The fae are beneath everyone in this and that is just something i’m not used to.

This series has its hooks into me, i truly never saw it coming, I saw some of my top fantasy readers on booktube and goodreads and was like BET. This was a random ass pick up. I had it downloaded and was like ya know WTH? fuck it. IM SRY BUT WHY IS THIS BECOMING ONE OF MY TOP ROMANTASYS EVERRRR. (sorryyyy but you haven’t topped ACOTAR) that’s my bbby right there, BUT this is a solid soliddddd fucking contender to being in the top 5. Also This could be the TOO dark romantasy (so I guess she can win tooooo) YOU ARE THE MOMENT (I think i’m funny, i’m prolly cringe, and IDC LOL)

This book is going to making you excited and not want to put the book down while simultaneously wanting to throw it across the room. I’ve giggled, i’ve cried, i’ve almost shit my pants, what more can a book girly want?

The characters in this are so complex. Tessa’s trauma is intense and so deep rooted. The has enough trauma for 10 fucking people allll bottles up in 1, and then you gotta add practically being someone’s little “pet” im saying that becuase theon does that (honestly he doesn’t really know any different) but that’s how fae are suppose to be in this, servants, bow to your lord, fuck who they say, don’t open your mouth unless spoken to, eat last, and be happy about it. Tessa has always been wild and untamed and this is no
different, but one things for sure is you’re going to eventually feel her wrath and it’s not going to be prettty.

Theon has just as much trauma, he just hides it better. His father is such a disgusting human being and father is a very (loose term) what he has done to theon and axel is the worst of the worst alll to get them to heel and make his ego bigger. So all them knows is to protect the way he knows how and maybe sometimes he doesn’t do it the best way? also he has a secret keeping problem and he’s gotta nip the in the butt cuz baby got himself into a precarious position and it was kindaaaaaa fault.

Lukaaaa I love him, i’m obsessed with him, I want a love triangle. i’m getting more POVS from and so I truly don’t know his thoughts that well yet but from what I know he’s such a big dragon teddy bear and honesty if theon wasn’t there (whom i love ) i’d be like THEON WHO BABE? He’s so special and I can’t wait to get know him more on a deeper level.

I have so many more words but can’t really say much without giving anything away!

[BookishByTammi · Rating 3 out of 5]

5⭐️ for Axel/Kat
They are what I wanted Theon/Tessa to be.

Tessa and Theon were more infuriating than the first book, they spoke in circles while revealing nothing every conversation.
I am still intrigued by the story and really enjoyed the fantasy aspects but I was hoping for some answers at the end of the book.
I am someone that needs some satisfaction at the end of a book while also still having questions. Unfortunately this one didn’t satisfy any of my needs.
The constant speaking in riddles drove me slightly mad.

I love Luka, why can’t he be the MMC! At this point if Theon is end game I hate it here

I will be reading book 3 because I still have so many questions but I need the characters to speak plainly and not be so cryptic all the time. Its ok to reveal SOMETHING to me

[Beyond_thebindings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm of Secrets and Sorrows
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
3💧💧💧

Our 2nd book in The Legacy Series!

If you like VERY morally grey, complex characters, romantasy, and plotting/politics then this fantasy book is for you.

I loved the Lady of Darkness series, and I am still grieving not being connected to those characters since the series ended - BUT this is quite possibly becoming my new favorite fantasy series. These characters are even more layered and have the best character development.

What I liked:
You give me a character AND plot driven book - I will bow down.

Not only do we get characters with multifarious complexities to who they are, but the plotting and scheming with the politics is just outstanding.

The world building and writing - THE LITERAL MOVIE IN MY HEAD that was transpiring while reading this was unmatched. I read this for hours straight and felt like I was in this fantasy world with the characters.

THE DARK ROMANCE ELEMENT - you are not getting a classic fairytale, and you are going to scream, cry, be frustrated, and yet also just melt - Melissa is the best at writing redemption arcs and I simply cannot wait to see where the romance plot is going !!

I am 10000% attached to the characters, all of them - you get to really know a lot of characters and the author does a really great job of getting you invested in all their stories without it being overwhelming.

The suspense was wild - I just kept getting the feeling more and more was going to happen, and my goodness, it was just action packed !! My girl Tessa in the last 20% of the book was giving Danny from GOT vibes.

What I didn’t like:
That the next book is not out yet for me to devour.


Overall, this is a book series that is living rent free in my head. I really enjoy complex characters. My villains always turn into my favorites when it comes to Melissa! I simply cannot wait for the next book!!

A book that leaves you staring at the wall for hours !!

[Corallyne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listen, book 1 was slow. I forgave that. High fantasy book 1s usually have a lot of info dumping.

But book 2 was a downright slog. It greatly suffered from the same disease as Harry Potter and the Extended Camping Trip. It took everything I had not to DNF it.

The like 4 POV shifts are too many. 2, max. Axel's was downright unnecessary, and Luka was nearly the same. It's very difficult to follow as a result.

Theon: Asshole. Prick. Literally one of the most unlikable characters I've ever read. He's worse than even Nesta "self-centered covert narc" Archeron. All this talk of all the effort he's putting in to make Tessa comfortable and safe. Is the effort in the room with us? But he has secrets! Okay, and? Cause it reads like "whoopsie daisy, here's a gaping plot hole. Let me patch it with 'secrets.'"

Tessa: Also unlikable, yet somehow doesn't have a personality. Well, she does if angry counts as a personality. She suffers from FMC Disease. Somehow so clever yet startlingly obtuse at the same time. May have been better if more of the book was spent in her pov and less time in secondary character POVs.

The miscommunication or half-truths trope is literally one of my least favorite. And it's everywhere. 85% of the problems could be solved by just someone opening their mouths and finishing a sentence. These are supposed to be mid to late 20s aged characters. I had to keep reminding myself of that because I kept thinking they were all 16.

I had high hopes. Was let down. Will likely not bother continuing the series because I'm sure book 3 will also be 700 pages of fluff and nothing with the last 100 being where things actually happen.

[Aiste Tauras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knyga, kuri turėjo viską! Įtraukianti taip giliai, kartais niūri ir tamsi, visiškai nenuspėjama, nes nuo siužeto iki santykių… aš vis dar nežinau kur einam.

FMC tiesiog tobula savo netobulumais, kažkodėl labai ji man patinka, gal kiek primena Aelin. Jos vienintelis troškimas meilė ir rūpestis, kuris būtų be savanaudiškų tikslų. O deja…
Ir dar tai, KAS ji yra.

MMC (?) Theon - tokio komplikuoto veikėjo senai nemačiau. Love / Hate santykiai tarp mūsų 😁 Kartais veda iš proto, kartais atrodo nenorom jį supranti, bet tuo pat metu smerki. Gal tuo jis ir įdomus, o tai, kad vis dar nežinau kur stovim su juo 👀

Luka. 🫠🫠🫠 Čia užteks šito. Niekad side (?) veikėjo nebuvau taip įsimylėjus, kaip jo. Broody dragon. Tiek scenų privertė giggling and kicking my feet ✨

Every character is morally grey, and that’s exactly my thing. I’m obsessed!♥️

[fatima · Rating 1 out of 5]

WHY ISN‘T THERE A TAG THAT THIS IS A MFM ROMANCE… dnf at 32%

[Taylor ◡̈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

✩ ✩

𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍 𝖿𝖾𝗐 𝗁𝗎𝗇𝖽𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗉𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗌 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗓𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗓𝖾𝖽. 𝖪𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗓𝖾𝖽. 𝖫𝗎𝗄𝖺 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗓𝖾𝖽. 𝖠𝗑𝖾𝗅 𝖺𝗅𝗌𝗈 (𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵) 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗓𝖾𝖽. 𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗇…𝖽𝗋𝗎𝗆 𝗋𝗈𝗅𝗅…𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌. 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇.

𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗌 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗆 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖼𝖾𝗋𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗈𝗐. 𝘠𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸.

𝖯𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝖾𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖺𝗇𝖽…
𝖥𝖬𝖢 𝖺𝗌𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌. 𝖬𝖬𝖢 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝗌𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌. 𝖥𝖬𝖢 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁𝖽𝗋𝖾𝗐 𝖾𝗂𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗐𝖺𝗒. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗒𝖼𝗅𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝖾𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗍𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝗂𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝗌𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝖾𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗏𝗈𝗅𝗎𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖨 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈… 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗍, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦. 𝖮𝗄𝖺𝗒, 𝖨’𝗆 𝗃𝗈𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖨 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗈𝗈 𝖾𝗑𝗁𝖺𝗎𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗎𝗉 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗌𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗈𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝖼𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖨 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗇𝗈 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇’𝗍 𝗌𝗎𝗉𝗉𝗈𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈.

𝖭𝗈, 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝗈𝗎𝗌𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖺 𝗅𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝖺𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇. 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗀𝗀𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖥𝖬𝖢. 𝖲𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗌 𝗉𝗈𝗈𝗋 𝗃𝗎𝖽𝗀𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝗎𝗇𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗆𝗌. 𝖧𝖾𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝖺𝖼𝗄𝗌 𝖺 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗂𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗒. 𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗂𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗆𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝖿𝖾𝖼𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖨 𝖽𝗈 𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖥𝖬𝖢 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗇𝖺𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝗌𝗈 𝖨’𝗆 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝖾𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖽𝖾𝖾𝗆𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author has done an incredible job of creating a character with absolutely no redeeming qualities

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa never ceases to amaze with her writing. She just gets better and better and the stories get deeper and hit harder. The way she addresses trauma and mental illness is top notch and not something I see often enough in books. You may not agree with a choice a character makes but it fits for THAT character and their world that she built. One minute you can be fuming at a character and the next when you see it from their angle it all makes sense. If you want a series to make you feel seen as someone who has always been told they're "too much"...this is the perfect one. Also, there are hot guys with shadow magic and dragons. Let's not forget that.

The character arcs are arc-ing. I can't wait to see where everyone ends up. Ideally, some six feet under but I'm not picky. This will forever be my top series in this genre.
Bring on the chaos!

[Sue Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much is happening and I’m so sat. I actually think third person POV is perfect for this book because you don’t actually know how each character feels or what they know and you’re finding it all out as it’s happening. there are so many secrets and trauma and no one trusts anyone and it’s hard to heal from the trauma in the middle of chaos and !!!!

[Michelle L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Won’t continue this series as I cannot stand when authors suddenly throw a poly situation at a story involving a supposed male who doesn’t want to share but then is all like hey here “bond” with my buddy though it’s cool 🙄 just wrote a story interesting enough that you don’t have to pull the let’s make the sex more icky card to attract readers. My issue is that you create 2 main characters with the Male lead being possessive and clearly in love with the female and only then later he’s like here I’ll share her with you, isn’t this so deep of us and exciting? No, it’s NOT. It has absolutely nothing to do with sexuality or gender. Liv Zander is one of my top 5 authors. I’m seeing this trend more and more to last throw another warm body in these stories. It’s never let me bring more depth and connection with my current plot or the characters themselves. Poly centered story lines deserve to be the main driver and accepted into the plot at the fore front not as a titillating by story teaser to keep you reading.

[Haley Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ The Legacy Series is a DARK contemporary fantasy set in Devram, a realm that has been forgotten by the gods where everyone is a villain and at times you don’t know who to root for. check tw

good but not quite great. tho it was def an upgrade from the first book.

im still a theon hater. luka is fine. loved the addition of axel’s POV. i understand why tessa was so numb this book but i didn’t enjoy her pov as much this time around, ready for her revenge in book 3 🙏

i really appreciate that these books include recaps at the beginning !! we need more of that in fantasy series LOL

[AndaReadsTooMuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC - that did not end how I thought it would! Much better than book 1, though!

NOW we start getting a taste of the chaos. The MMCs are still a pain in the ass, but we’re seeing Tessa start to come out and break the mold a little here. MUCH better than the first book, but man… most of these people are still awful. Valter makes my skin crawl, and so does Rordan. He’s just icky. And Dex… ugh. The ending on this one didn’t end like I thought it would though! Onto the next!

[Eilidh · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 50%

counting this as read because i can’t believe i managed to slog through half of this.

writing is amateurish, characters are all unbearable. theon especially is just one of the most unlikable MMCs i’ve ever had the displeasure of reading about.

he’s just straight up abusive, throughout the entire first book he just keeps finding new ways to abuse and manipulate her physically and emotionally. he even thinks about SAing her at one point, which, boy. isn’t that just heartwarming. what a romance, fellas.

this isn’t a dark romance or whatever the fuck the author wants to tout it as, it is actually just abuse, and the author has confirmed that this pairing is endgame.

not doing it, thanks 👍

[Amber Salazar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate Theon
I hate Tessa

I hated this book