What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of Avalon: A Fantasy Romance
When I touched the Door, I felt her fear.
When she touched it, she felt the part of me that’s been dying.
I’m Hawke Stormblood—cursed Fae prince and Knight of the Round Table. Every day, the fracture widens. Every night, the darkness claws deeper at my mind.
And then she appears across the realms.
Melinda Mayweather believes in magick—
because magick took everything from her.
Her family.
Her safety.
Her entire life on Earth.
She’s terrified.
Alone.
Hiding from a world that wants her dead.
But she carries the missing shard of my soul in her chest…
and even from a world away, I feel her grief, her strength, her fight to survive.
She’s my fated mate.
My anchor to sanity.
The one person who can stop the curse from destroying me—
and the one woman who has every reason not to trust anything magickal at all.
Secrets of Avalon is a steamy, trope-filled fantasy romance featuring:
* Fated mates
* A traumatized heroine with dangerous, unwanted power
* A cursed Fae prince who falls first, hard, and forever
* Realm travel, soul-shard magick, and ancient enemies
* Emotional tension, destiny bonds, and found family
* Healing through brokenness
Perfect for readers who crave tender heroines, tortured heroes, forbidden magic, and fantasy romance that hits straight in the heart.
★★★★★ "This book has so much I love! King Arthur AND the Fae?? Greek gods?? Romance and adventure? Check, check and check. All delivered in a fast-paced, tightly plotted story with gorgeous world building and a deeply felt romance. Fantastic and highly recommended!" --Amazon Reviewer
When she touched it, she felt the part of me that’s been dying.
I’m Hawke Stormblood—cursed Fae prince and Knight of the Round Table. Every day, the fracture widens. Every night, the darkness claws deeper at my mind.
And then she appears across the realms.
Melinda Mayweather believes in magick—
because magick took everything from her.
Her family.
Her safety.
Her entire life on Earth.
She’s terrified.
Alone.
Hiding from a world that wants her dead.
But she carries the missing shard of my soul in her chest…
and even from a world away, I feel her grief, her strength, her fight to survive.
She’s my fated mate.
My anchor to sanity.
The one person who can stop the curse from destroying me—
and the one woman who has every reason not to trust anything magickal at all.
Secrets of Avalon is a steamy, trope-filled fantasy romance featuring:
* Fated mates
* A traumatized heroine with dangerous, unwanted power
* A cursed Fae prince who falls first, hard, and forever
* Realm travel, soul-shard magick, and ancient enemies
* Emotional tension, destiny bonds, and found family
* Healing through brokenness
Perfect for readers who crave tender heroines, tortured heroes, forbidden magic, and fantasy romance that hits straight in the heart.
★★★★★ "This book has so much I love! King Arthur AND the Fae?? Greek gods?? Romance and adventure? Check, check and check. All delivered in a fast-paced, tightly plotted story with gorgeous world building and a deeply felt romance. Fantastic and highly recommended!" --Amazon Reviewer
544 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
16 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Krystal Shannan
86 books1,431 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan lives in a sprawling ranch style home with her husband, teenage son, and two almost teenage daughters. Her home is full of love and laughter and lots of animals. In fact the welcome mat warns visitors that it’s a zoo inside—chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, dogs and fish! You name it, they’ve probably had it in their home at some point.
Krystal writes stories filled with magick, fantasy, passion, and just enough humor to make you laugh out loud. Join the fun and escape to a whole new world.
Krystal writes stories filled with magick, fantasy, passion, and just enough humor to make you laugh out loud. Join the fun and escape to a whole new world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 13, 2024
A mash up of Arthurian legends and Greek mythology. Lovers who need to come together to restore his soul and help control her magic that causes harm when used. I like the storyline, and the characters are well written, there are a few typos, that don’t detract from the story but it felt like to much to soon on the love front, and to many different mythos put together in one story. That being said I will be looking to read about the other books in this series. 4✨’s
October 13, 2024
It’s thick …and quick…like what happens next? What new character is waiting in the next chapter?! Who needs sleep and now I’m hungry for book 2. Literally! The author must be a foodie. This newest romantasy novel needs to be on your shelf if you think the “princess bride”, top chef, and the Greek gods were put in a blender and Merlin himself pushed the start button. So why not 5 stars? It got a little wordy, over descriptive in some places where the author (and characters) could quite flow into the next scene.
November 1, 2025
Great start to a new series about what exactly happened to Avalon and the Knights. Great world-building and characters. There is a little bit of several worlds in this one. Fae, sirens, dragons, even Ares, Hades, and Valkyrie. Hawke and Melinda are the first soul match in centuries, but will it be enough? This one takes some concentration to keep everyone straight. Can't wait for more! You will love it. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
October 7, 2024
I am super thankful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!
Sadly though, I don't think this book was for me. It was ok, but I found the FMC to be way too immature and needy which is the opposite of what I prefer in my female leads. She's constantly scared of her magic and relying on others to protect her and that's just not my thing. After a bit it got really repetitive. Melinda says she feels like she's more in control of her power by the end, but we never once get to see her truly in control of it and this book is over 400 pages! I'm also normally a sucker for Fated Mates, but I just didn't feel it on this one. Maybe because Melinda feels like such an immature character. I'm all for the prince swooping in to save the day, but I never once felt like they were equals or well matched.
I was really excited about this book for the first handful of chapters. It started out strong. The world was really cool and I loved seeing the variety of different magical races and how they tied into the Knights of the Round Table and Camelot. It had a really cool premise. I loved Kellen and Siva! For side characters, they were my favorite part of the book. I would love my own dragon guardian! But after awhile I just got bored because everything felt too easy and I wasn't invested in it. I am still so curious about the mystery behind the witch in the tower and Melinda's magic. I really wanted so much more of that part of the plot than we got.
Will I read the next book? I'm not sure. I have to think about whether the world, mysterious things happening, and cliffhanger ending is enough to hook me because I just didn't love the main characters.
Sadly though, I don't think this book was for me. It was ok, but I found the FMC to be way too immature and needy which is the opposite of what I prefer in my female leads. She's constantly scared of her magic and relying on others to protect her and that's just not my thing. After a bit it got really repetitive. Melinda says she feels like she's more in control of her power by the end, but we never once get to see her truly in control of it and this book is over 400 pages! I'm also normally a sucker for Fated Mates, but I just didn't feel it on this one. Maybe because Melinda feels like such an immature character. I'm all for the prince swooping in to save the day, but I never once felt like they were equals or well matched.
I was really excited about this book for the first handful of chapters. It started out strong. The world was really cool and I loved seeing the variety of different magical races and how they tied into the Knights of the Round Table and Camelot. It had a really cool premise. I loved Kellen and Siva! For side characters, they were my favorite part of the book. I would love my own dragon guardian! But after awhile I just got bored because everything felt too easy and I wasn't invested in it. I am still so curious about the mystery behind the witch in the tower and Melinda's magic. I really wanted so much more of that part of the plot than we got.
Will I read the next book? I'm not sure. I have to think about whether the world, mysterious things happening, and cliffhanger ending is enough to hook me because I just didn't love the main characters.
September 12, 2024
With a novel take on the Arthurian Myths, let's go visit Avalon in a pocket dimension of space where the Fae, dragon shifters, dream vampires and unicorns roam!
Hawke may be a Fae warrior but even he is struggling after losing part of his soul a few centuries ago. He and his fellow Knights thought it a worthy cause but they're losing their grip on their faculties and he is worried that others are beginning to notice.
Melinda is a magic user from Earth but she's not exactly human. She has been hunting for Camelot since her mother's murder but did not realise the further loss she would suffer along the way. When a Siren offers her a way to safely she never thought it would suck her into another dimension. One where Camelot, Avalon and Knights are all very real!
Melinda and Hawke are drawn together intensely but each is fearful of hurting the other. But they soon realise the hurt will be greater if they part. Hawke and his fellow knights are giving all the found family vibes and Nimue...well I still don't know which way she'll blow!
Kellan is giving big brother energy from the start but I love the way he innocently or not so innocently still likes to give Hawke pause for concern! Hawke's brother - I really hope that he's not playing a long con but he's feeling really...Machiavellian to me so far!
Really loving the fresh take on Avalon and all the world building is well crafted but didn't feel as though i was overloaded with information. Roll on the next book!
Hawke may be a Fae warrior but even he is struggling after losing part of his soul a few centuries ago. He and his fellow Knights thought it a worthy cause but they're losing their grip on their faculties and he is worried that others are beginning to notice.
Melinda is a magic user from Earth but she's not exactly human. She has been hunting for Camelot since her mother's murder but did not realise the further loss she would suffer along the way. When a Siren offers her a way to safely she never thought it would suck her into another dimension. One where Camelot, Avalon and Knights are all very real!
Melinda and Hawke are drawn together intensely but each is fearful of hurting the other. But they soon realise the hurt will be greater if they part. Hawke and his fellow knights are giving all the found family vibes and Nimue...well I still don't know which way she'll blow!
Kellan is giving big brother energy from the start but I love the way he innocently or not so innocently still likes to give Hawke pause for concern! Hawke's brother - I really hope that he's not playing a long con but he's feeling really...Machiavellian to me so far!
Really loving the fresh take on Avalon and all the world building is well crafted but didn't feel as though i was overloaded with information. Roll on the next book!
September 12, 2024
A few minor issues that would have been caught by an editor. Things like "a" instead of "an" and "to" instead of "too". At one point, a paragraph is written twice with odd changes as if the author was editing it but didn't delete the original part. A professional editor would have caught this.
Whilst the characters are well rounded and interesting, clearly with backstories we have yet to unravel, the author seems to struggle with continuity. When talking about the MMC's eyes it gets slightly ridiculous! On one page it says: "In the Amber depths of his eyes..." On the very next page, it says: "In the depth of his crystal blue eyes..." Then a few pages later: "His whiskey-brown eyes..." Later still: "His icy-blue gaze..." Then: "His eyes darkening almost to black..." And: "Deep, blue eyes..." This continues throughout the book, and no, this is not a species whose eyes change colour. Seriously! Make up your mind lol!
If you can get passed the numerous editorial mistakes this really is a great story. I'm enjoying the plot, as well as the characters, and I'm also looking forward to reading more about the other Knights throughout future books. I'll be tuning in for the next instalment, but if I could request anything from the author it would be to get it professionally edited; it would take this from a great read to a favourite I would read time and time again. Four stars this time.
Whilst the characters are well rounded and interesting, clearly with backstories we have yet to unravel, the author seems to struggle with continuity. When talking about the MMC's eyes it gets slightly ridiculous! On one page it says: "In the Amber depths of his eyes..." On the very next page, it says: "In the depth of his crystal blue eyes..." Then a few pages later: "His whiskey-brown eyes..." Later still: "His icy-blue gaze..." Then: "His eyes darkening almost to black..." And: "Deep, blue eyes..." This continues throughout the book, and no, this is not a species whose eyes change colour. Seriously! Make up your mind lol!
If you can get passed the numerous editorial mistakes this really is a great story. I'm enjoying the plot, as well as the characters, and I'm also looking forward to reading more about the other Knights throughout future books. I'll be tuning in for the next instalment, but if I could request anything from the author it would be to get it professionally edited; it would take this from a great read to a favourite I would read time and time again. Four stars this time.
September 12, 2024
Terrific Intro to this Exciting Series!!
A parallel world - based on the King Arthur and Knights of the Roundtable tales. If that makes you want to grab this story, great. If this makes you want to shy away - do not be fooled. this is a complete, well created, well presented excellent story on its own. (sometimes I avoid fairytale retelling).
We have knights who gave up a piece of their soul to save their world. Now the loss of those pieces are wreaking havoc. We have Melinda Mayweather who is hunted on Earth as she displays some magick. She also contains a shard of a soul from this alternate world.
Soulmates, politics, assassins, magickal creatures, dragons, unicorns, guardians and finally someone who will have your back.
Thoroughly enjoyable, I can’t wait to read each main character's story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
A parallel world - based on the King Arthur and Knights of the Roundtable tales. If that makes you want to grab this story, great. If this makes you want to shy away - do not be fooled. this is a complete, well created, well presented excellent story on its own. (sometimes I avoid fairytale retelling).
We have knights who gave up a piece of their soul to save their world. Now the loss of those pieces are wreaking havoc. We have Melinda Mayweather who is hunted on Earth as she displays some magick. She also contains a shard of a soul from this alternate world.
Soulmates, politics, assassins, magickal creatures, dragons, unicorns, guardians and finally someone who will have your back.
Thoroughly enjoyable, I can’t wait to read each main character's story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
September 7, 2024
This is a different take on the knights of the round table and had my attention from page 1. I was completely hooked and just had to keep turning the page to find out what was going to happen next. The way the story unfolded had my emotions all over the place, much like a rollercoaster, i didnt know whether to close my eyes and hope for the best or scream at the characters.
It was fast paced but not so fast that you got whiplash and you didnt miss details that were crucial for the story. I enjoyed the characters and the unique view of souls and soulmates - i liked how this was woven into the plot and had me rooting for Hawke from the get go. I hope that we get to see Hawke and Melinda develop and overcome all the challenges put before them to finally get their happy ending!
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what happens next!
It was fast paced but not so fast that you got whiplash and you didnt miss details that were crucial for the story. I enjoyed the characters and the unique view of souls and soulmates - i liked how this was woven into the plot and had me rooting for Hawke from the get go. I hope that we get to see Hawke and Melinda develop and overcome all the challenges put before them to finally get their happy ending!
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what happens next!
September 18, 2024
A whole new look at Avalon and all the legends surrounding it. The story has so many wonderful characters that I just love. It is told in two view. Melinda is from Earth and has a dangerous magic. She is the type of woman to try and help others but keeps herself apart to protect them. She is very sweet even with all that she has faced. Then there is Hawke. His point of view shows us about Avalon and Camelot. He is only slightly stubborn but has not let power control him or corrupt him. The story has an amazing plot with several surprises. Adventure and danger are a constant. The romance is slightly instant but also builds. This is the first book and I can’t wait for the next as it does have a slight cliffhanger.
November 2, 2025
Secrets of Avalon, book one in the Shattered Souls series follows Hawke Stormblood, and Melinda Mayweather. Hawke is a Fae warrior, who is also the prince, and heir to the throne of Avalon, is starting to go mad, searching for the missing piece of his soul. Melinda, a human woman capable of using magick, is being hunted by the same people who killed her mother and is drawn to the hidden doorway to Avalon where she meets Hawke. When Hawke realizes that Melinda is his soulmate, holding the shard of his soul he’s been searching for for centuries, he must help her choose him and in the process learn to control her magick.. all while protecting each other and preventing a war. No pressure, right? What could possibly go wrong?
October 12, 2024
This is a mixed bag fr me. For one the length is a lot. I like a slow burn just as much as the next person but this got stretched to the limit. I did think the premise was super cool. I’m a huge fan of Arthurian Legends and this mixes that with modern day paranormal fantasy. The world building is pretty epic. What really gives me pause is the characters. I’m just not sure I liked them. We’re promised strong hero and heroine but it’s more of a fated mates and he saves her from herself kinda situation. Which is a bit confusing. If you’re a big fantasy fan I think this will be your speed, if not I think you’ll struggle through.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
October 5, 2024
This is a well described love story. The world is beautifully described and easy to picture in my head as well as the food. Oh my goodness the food descriptions made me hungry! I feel like this story has the potential to be really good and gripping but with the first book there’s quite a bit of confusion and much of the story is taken up with fmc and mmc’s undying love and devotion. I’m not really a fan of instant love. They are soulmates and fated to be together so I understand that but they both took on these roles way too fast and easy for my liking.
November 8, 2025
I love Arthurian stories: the history, the drama, the loyalty, the tests of men and of honour. While Secrets of Avalon is a more fantasy/para story, Ethan Stormblood personifies those ideals. When tested, he takes the choice that seems to be the most righteous, but is that choice really the honourable one? With his slow descent to madness, not everything he sees is real. Does he know the true from the false, the honest from the false? Can he be persuaded to overlook the political machinations that threaten the kingdom?
September 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and am very excited to continue this series. Great world building and a cast of intriguing characters along with a fresh twist on The Knights of The Round Table created a very seductive tale that seizes hold of your attention and keeps a fierce hold of it. Hawke and Melinda's story is a real rollercoaster ride that has you experiencing the full spectrum of feels as you cling to the edge of your seat.
October 7, 2024
He just knew she was out there, coming gor him. She often dreamt of him, but couldn't get to him. Until......they found the doorway to Avalon. He felt her through the door, and could see her.....wonderful tale of love and magic, fae, the Greek gods, the knights of the round table....a swoon worthy hero and his beloved from earth.....Kudos Krystal Shannan. A fabulous fae/paranormal fantasy romance. I loved it!
November 6, 2025
That was awesome!! It was really different and unique compared 2 what she usually does. It takes it up 2 the next level of intrigue. I loved it!! Its sad at the beginning but it changed once she got 2 avalon. The only problem I c with it is that nobody seems 2 know what exactly she is still. Through the whole thing they just keep saying she's not human and she's different but nobody says what exactly she is.
September 18, 2024
Breathtakingly epic
This book has so much I love! King Arthur AND the Fae?? Greek gods?? Romance and adventure? Check, check and check. All delivered in a fast-paced, tightly plotted story with gorgeous world building and a deeply felt romance. Fantastic and highly recommended!
This book has so much I love! King Arthur AND the Fae?? Greek gods?? Romance and adventure? Check, check and check. All delivered in a fast-paced, tightly plotted story with gorgeous world building and a deeply felt romance. Fantastic and highly recommended!
September 25, 2024
wow what a great read
I lost sleep last night because I couldn’t put this book down. What an intricate plot with intensely complicated characters! I really need too read the rest of this series and see what happens with the other shattered souls.
I lost sleep last night because I couldn’t put this book down. What an intricate plot with intensely complicated characters! I really need too read the rest of this series and see what happens with the other shattered souls.
October 26, 2024
I received an ARC Copy of this book, and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is a well written story with awesome characters. Please take your time with this one. I couldn't put it down. This is not an easy read, but it is worth your time. I would encourage everyone to go get this one and enjoy.
November 13, 2024
I love it!
This book contains murder, mystery, fantasy, and romance. It has an excellent cast of characters. Heros, villains, and so much more. It is definitely one of my top 5 favorite books. I love it.
This book contains murder, mystery, fantasy, and romance. It has an excellent cast of characters. Heros, villains, and so much more. It is definitely one of my top 5 favorite books. I love it.
November 12, 2025
I'm not usually up for books with King Arthur vibes and all. But I must say this was a very good and interesting book. I really like the plot and the fast paced storyline. Love all the characters and can't wait for the next one.
September 8, 2024
Hawk and Melinda face a conspiracy of lies, a death curse and unknown enemies everywhere. They hope their soul bond is strong enough to withstand the veritable mountain of threats against them.
September 11, 2024
I loved this book! Cannot wait to read the next one!
September 27, 2024
The romance moved a little too far for my liking. I wish the book focuses more on the plot
September 28, 2024
I loved everything about Secrets of Avalon, from the characters to the plot. Everything about this story was engaging. I could not put it down. Wonderful read. Can not wait for the next book
January 31, 2026
Why have I never heard of this author! Unbelievable, thank you reddit!
Good book, I've been struggling to find a book that I could stick with, and boy did this hit the spot!!
Good book, I've been struggling to find a book that I could stick with, and boy did this hit the spot!!
November 11, 2025
Fantastic series beginning
Wow. Just wow. This book. Is. So. Good. The characters. The emotions. The world building. The suspense. The romance. The plot twists. All woven together perfectly to create an epic storyline. I am always a fan of uber protective alpha males being paired with smart brave capable females who need loving more than they need rescuing. This story of warrior Fen and warrior Astrid does that beautifully. Expect a crazy roller coaster of a story because there is no slow ratcheting up of the danger and suspense here. The story starts with intensity and just never lets up. It’s one of those stories that the ratcheting up of the tension is so subtle you don’t realize how tense the story is making you until you’re clenching your teeth and low key yelling at the characters. Astrid hunts monsters/magick users on Earth as a member of Global Unit of Inquisitors and Defense Enforcers’ (GUIDE) elite response unit. But, she’s not fully human. She has magick and on Earth those with magick are hunted. She’s a monster hunting monsters. Fenrir is an Asgardian fae wolf shifter and a Knight of the Round Table. His soul has been fractured for millennia and as a result he is losing control of his inner beast. In hopes of healing the fracture, he and his fellow knights have traveled to earth to find their mates who carry the soul shards. The Knights need to find a them in order to heal themselves, Yggdrasil and all the realms. Fen knows the instant he sees Astrid that she has his soul shard but the fact that she’s GUIDE complicates things. To get to their HEA and heal Fen’s soul will take careful and gentle wooing along with truth telling. Of course, the wooing is mixed in with chasing monsters, rescuing innocents, and figuring out nefarious plots. In other words, wooing warrior style. I am so invested in this world and these characters. Since the issue is not just a Fen problem, I appreciated glimpses of Hawke and Melinda (from Secrets of Avalon) along with the rest of the Knights and what is happening in some of the other realms. I can’t wait to read more of the Knight’s stories.
Wow. Just wow. This book. Is. So. Good. The characters. The emotions. The world building. The suspense. The romance. The plot twists. All woven together perfectly to create an epic storyline. I am always a fan of uber protective alpha males being paired with smart brave capable females who need loving more than they need rescuing. This story of warrior Fen and warrior Astrid does that beautifully. Expect a crazy roller coaster of a story because there is no slow ratcheting up of the danger and suspense here. The story starts with intensity and just never lets up. It’s one of those stories that the ratcheting up of the tension is so subtle you don’t realize how tense the story is making you until you’re clenching your teeth and low key yelling at the characters. Astrid hunts monsters/magick users on Earth as a member of Global Unit of Inquisitors and Defense Enforcers’ (GUIDE) elite response unit. But, she’s not fully human. She has magick and on Earth those with magick are hunted. She’s a monster hunting monsters. Fenrir is an Asgardian fae wolf shifter and a Knight of the Round Table. His soul has been fractured for millennia and as a result he is losing control of his inner beast. In hopes of healing the fracture, he and his fellow knights have traveled to earth to find their mates who carry the soul shards. The Knights need to find a them in order to heal themselves, Yggdrasil and all the realms. Fen knows the instant he sees Astrid that she has his soul shard but the fact that she’s GUIDE complicates things. To get to their HEA and heal Fen’s soul will take careful and gentle wooing along with truth telling. Of course, the wooing is mixed in with chasing monsters, rescuing innocents, and figuring out nefarious plots. In other words, wooing warrior style. I am so invested in this world and these characters. Since the issue is not just a Fen problem, I appreciated glimpses of Hawke and Melinda (from Secrets of Avalon) along with the rest of the Knights and what is happening in some of the other realms. I can’t wait to read more of the Knight’s stories.
November 1, 2024
Secrets of Avalon is book 1 of Krystal Shannan's amazing new series Shattered Souls. Congratulations Krystal on a truly remarkable new version of the story of Avalon and the Knights of the round table. From start to finish you'll be hooked. The characters are wonderfully written, both the ones you'll cheer for and the ones you'll hate and distrust from the start. By placing Avalon and Camelot within the different realms the story takes on a whole new life. Having to wait for the next book will have us all desperate for more.
November 1, 2025
This is a fast paced fantasy with lots of side characters and lots of intrigue. This story is gripping and full of emotions, you will laugh, cry, cheer for the good guys, wonder about who the bad guys are, and fall in love with the knights. The world is beautifully crafted and you get lost in the majesty of Avalon. A different take on the knights of the round table and I can't wait to read more of this series.
November 1, 2025
I loved this book. Start to finish I had trouble putting it down. The amazing world building and characters. The sirens and their ability to travel surprised me and the surprises continued through the book. Destrian has his own agenda and I need the next book to find out what it is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews