Eldmoor: Hollow of Shadows

Ascension #2

by J.P. Feather

After a failed mission, Clara's life changes. Lazarus’s the Ascension Games training now may cost the participants their lives before they even reach the starting line.

A new enemy lurks in the night, and unseen magic forces two teams to become one with common goal—survival.

With her father's voice ringing in her head, Clara is determined to uncover the truth about the dragon-human war, punish the real culprits, and change the future of Eldmoor.

In a crumbling city, Clara faces an enraged society and traitors who were once friends. As the new voice of justice, her choices between life and death may be humanity’s last hope.

Will the new title belong to a wise leader or a cold-blooded killer? Will Clara choose to save humanity or betray the dragons?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Dystopia

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2024

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picked up right after the last but turned the story up and hooked me! The twist at the end is crazy and I can’t wait for the next one. There is further plot and relationship development in this book, which is what I was missing with the first one.

I received an ARC of this book and it’s 100% worth the read. The only thing that brought it down and took me out of the story a bit were the typos and editing errors, with one more round of proofreading it would be chef’s kiss.

[Asher Wyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the writer and read Book 1 and Book 2. Book 2 gave me what I was missing from the first. The romance felt more real. The stakes were higher. This book really pulled me back in to Clara’s story. And it left me wanting more. Please hurry up and release the next book. If you haven’t read this series please take a moment to read the trigger warnings if you have any specific ones you like to avoid. The description I was given for this book was Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing and I definitely got that vibe.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eldmoor: Hollow of Shadows is the second book in the Ascension series. Following right after the events of book one, Clara Merkins' life is drastically changing. Surviving her first Ascension games was only the beginning as she is uncovering more mysteries as she searches for the answers to what happened to their society that originally caused the collapse of humanity.

I found myself enjoying Eldmoor: Hollow of Shadows even more than the first book. Much like book one, this was a fast paced read with even more action than before. It gave me exactly what I was looking for, the deepening of relationship. Seeing the bond between Clara and Desmond grow as they are tied together in their shared objective. At times the scenes were overwhelming with so much new information that painted a clearer picture of why everything was happening.

Overall, Eldmoor: Hollow of Shadows is a captivating read with plenty of action, dragons, evolving romance, and yes—even some spice. It was a great continuation of the series with has me excited to see where it goes from here.

✨I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨

[Tara Bouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, good continuation of story line and character development from book one, however there were many times that it felt like scenes were skipped and we just jumped ahead in the story and missed something important in the process. I am still looking forward to the final book in the series to see how it will all play out. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Apitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC reader. I got swept into this storyline a lot quicker than the first one and was very excited to see where it took me. This book definitely highlights a lot of the missing information from the first story, but presents with its own problems. This series has a ton of potential and I’m really glad I got to experience it.

There are a lot of the same editing issues as the first one, plus some pretty big problems that caused a bit of confusion for me. Spelling, grammar, and missing quotations that made some sentences hard to track. Teirac is a white flame dragon and was called such but then was described as having crimson scales (making him red, thus contradicting the white dragon Clara talked about all through the first book). I don’t remember the exact chapter but they were describing the day vs night dragons and Teirac was mentioned twice (Xaran wasn’t mentioned at all). The tribes people the group conflicts with was the Blue Thunder Tribe in most chapters but then is referred to as the White Thunder Tribe (I went back and checked because I was very confused and felt like I missed something).

I also felt like there was a ton of stuff happening all at once with very little explanation or recovery time in between. Clara was tortured, Olin gave her up (the why to this felt rushed and not fully realized; it went entirely against his character), Clara’s now the leader of a rebellion, they went to kill Lazarus but he suddenly had bomb, and Desmond was suddenly communicating with Aldrax pretty much out of nowhere? I felt like I was skipping chapters unknowingly.

[Kendra Boof · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in an ARC read and let me just say I ate it up!

The drama. The voices. The dragons. The mystery of it all. Very demure. Very excellent. Very mind-blowingly engaging. 😂🤩

The world building on this series might be one of my favorites because I absolutely love the hunger games feels that this world gives off but with two of my favorite things…dragons and magic.

Alright I love a good dragon tale, I love fighting, I love magic, and I especially love a good shadow daddy so this one was right up my alley.

The way the relationships developed in this one were fantastic and I loved that the story picked right up from the first book because I was internally screaming when I finished that first book. This book is highly engaging like took me a day and a half to read which is unheard of for me because I’m literally the world’s slowest reader!

Everytime I read a book my mind immediately starts imagining what is coming so I am always pleasantly surprised when I am wrong and this one had some fun developments I hadn’t even considered! Like the first book I would be biting my nails with my nerves wound up tight during a good action scene and then at other times I was dying of laughter. It is such a good continuation of the first book and I love the writing style.

Sometimes I felt things seemed to almost skip some steps or move faster than I was ready for (I had this same opinion on the first one) which isn’t a bad thing at all just made me stop for a moment to ponder.

I am not so patiently waiting for the next book because I NEED IT NOOOOOWWWW I need so so much more of these because I absolutely love this world! 🥲🤩

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thankful to have received this book from the author as an ARC and my honest review is below as promised!

I so badly want to include spoilers that made me want to throttle the FMC!

This book picks up right at the end of the first. It’s fast paced and added a little bit of spice this go around.

I liked seeing more of the developing relationship between Desmond and Clare even if some parts were a bit cheesy. The conversations sometimes felt a bit like one of those times you thought back on what you would have said in the moment but didn’t think of on the spot.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the way things went down in a few instances and the ending is another cliffhanger with a giant twist.

Overall this was an easier and better read than book 1. I would definitely read the next book and hope for some reconciliation as well.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read/watched the Hunger Games and Divergent years ago, I knew they would be some of my all time favs… then came Fourth Wing, but this book… HAS THEM ALL! If you loved any of these series, these are the books for you! Interesting from the start and kept me guessing all the way through. Do yourself a favor and read this ASAP!

I couldn’t wait to read the second book in this series… I knew we were in for some big reveals and shocking moments and J.P. did not disappoint! If you thought you loved the first one, be prepared for this second one to be at the top of your favs list!

J.P.’s writing may not suit all, cause if your one of those who likes to figure things out before they happen, then you can forget that! Who wants a boring book like that?? Their writing was suspenseful and kept me on my toes! I was definitely never bored with this one… looking forward to the next book!


🌟I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review🌟

[Emily Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book series as part of an ARC program! I love this book so much! I loved the world building, banter, fights, love and betrayal that this book contains!

I was on the edge of my seat with every chapter! Now I’m DYING knowing I’m going to have to wait so long for book 3! It ended on such a serious cliff hanger that I did NOT expect!

Some things I have feelings about:
-I’m so sad about Olin’s betrayal
-I love Danikas and Vivaans blooming relationship
-I want more scenes with Morgana!

10/10 will be reading book 3 as soon as it comes available

[Lauren Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader - OMG what can I say, I absolutely loved this. I was hooked from the first page. I started this straight after finishing Origins of Blaze and I just couldn’t put it down. If you love books about Dragons and Magic and enjoyed the Hunger Games then this is for you.
I need more 😊 I already can’t wait for more in this series

[Nichole D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen to be apart of the ARC team for this and it did not disappoint! Some questions were answered, while more popped up. This had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! My jaw dropped a few times and I mentally made a lot of “wtf” comments because of how surprising some of these turns took, but it was so good!!!

[Barresa Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you JP Feather for allowing me to be ARC for the Eldmoor Ascension series. I read Blaze of Origins earlier in the year and immediately fell in love with the Hunger Games/enemies to lovers/dragons. It gave me all the feels and I was so looking forward to this second book and you did NOT disappoint. I stayed on the edge of my seat for the entire book. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing that would steer me away. This series is an action packed quick read and I LOVED it!!

[Aisling Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it picks up directly from the end of the last book. The characters and their relationships are well developed. I really enjoyed reading it and finding out what happened next.

There are some small typos in the text but they don’t take away from the story. Similar to the last book this is something of a slow burn, at times, too slow but it’s well worth continuing. I’m looking forward to the author’s next book.

I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.

[Dillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased the book, and so i felt obligated to read it. As per my review of book one, the spelling and grammar are less than ideal and you really have to think to keep the story connected. The MMC name was even spelled wrong. Did anyone proofread this? The story was broken, choppy, and rushed.

As an example, (SPOILER) when escaping Eldmoor due to Lazarus self destruction, it was written that 14 minutes until detonation. Yes a single paragraph later, the city detonated. To me the store as previously mentioned seemed rushed.

With my own creativity I was able to piece together the story, make it work and found SOME enjoyment.

Another disappointing space, was the ending when MMC is all of a sudden one with the enemy. There was no lead up, foreshadowing or any hint to this even being a direction of the storyline.. This felt very Star Wars where Anakin turns dark side.. Except, instead of progressively turning evil, he just dawns the red lightsaber and calls it a day.

I will finish this series out of personal obligation, not out of enjoyment. And I would strongly recommend the author take some writing classes to make the story more coherent and immersive.

[Danielle Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! It picked up right where book one ended. I could not put it down!

There was fighting, happiness, sadness, betrayal, love, and devotion. There were moments when I laughed so hard about a fire that I was crying and moments when i could not believe what happened and said what!?!? This is a must read if you like fantasy, dragons, magic, and a bit of chaos🤣

I loved getting to know Clara and Desmond more. The plot was amazing and kept me on the edge the entire story. Truths are revealed and people's true colors are shown.


✨ I received this as an ARC for an honest review ✨

[Anna Widell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the story of this series, but I wish it was more detailed. It feels rushed and many scenes are missing or things can be much more explained and described. Then there are some mistakes that could easily have been avoided by more attentive editing, he becomes she and the tribes name varies.
Still I look forward to the next book, I need to know what happens to the characters

[Michelle Boere · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Aanbeveling voor *Eldmoor Hollow of Shadows***

*Eldmoor Hollow of Shadows* is een meeslepende duik in een wereld vol mysterie, magie, en duistere geheimen. Het boek combineert een rijke fantasiewereld met spannende intriges die je van begin tot eind in hun greep houden. Zonder te veel weg te geven (geen zorgen, deze aanbeveling bevat geen spoilers!), is het veilig om te zeggen dat de opbouw van het verhaal zorgvuldig is opgebouwd. Elke pagina bouwt de spanning verder op, waardoor je telkens weer verlangt naar meer.

Wat dit boek bijzonder maakt, is de manier waarop het langzaam lagen van de wereld en de personages onthult. De schrijfster weet een sterke sfeer neer te zetten, waarbij de lezer zich ondergedompeld voelt in de donkere, mysterieuze setting van Eldmoor Hollow. De personages zijn levendig en complex, met hun eigen geheimen en motivaties, die stukje bij beetje worden blootgelegd.

Als je hebt genoten van *Fourth Wing*, zul je waarschijnlijk ook *Eldmoor Hollow of Shadows* waarderen. Beide boeken delen een vergelijkbare mix van fantasie en avontuur, met sterke hoofdpersonages die zich door gevaarlijke en onvoorspelbare situaties heen slaan. Toch heeft *Eldmoor Hollow of Shadows* zijn eigen unieke toon en sfeer, die iets duisterder en mysterieuzer aanvoelt in vergelijking met de epische en actievolle stijl van *Fourth Wing*.

Voor fans van fantasie met een vleugje duisternis en een goed opgebouwde verhaallijn is *Eldmoor Hollow of Shadows* een absolute aanrader. Bereid je voor op een reis door een wereld vol verborgen waarheden en onverwachte wendingen!

[Alimay · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-STARS FOR THE ASCENSION SERIES

The Ascension Series continues with Eldmoor: Hollow of Shadows continues where Book One, Origins of Blaze finished. Where the stakes are higher than ever, our characters are faced with greater, more deadly challenges to themselves and their loved-ones. With a gripping narrative that left me on the edge of my seat, or bed in the wee hours of the morning, I was happily dragged back into Eldmoor. J.P. Feather has expanded on the world she created in Book One with so much more lore, weaving a tale of past conflicts, ruined civilisations and a belief of something better. As the main characters and supporting players, interact and evolve, there is surprise and at times heartbreak in their motivations and emotions.

This book is a thrilling and detailed continuation that left me in utter shock at the end, with a cliffhanger that answered questions but left so many in there place. The twists and turns, the rich descriptions and character development makes this series for fan of dystopian fantasy. If you loved Book One you will not be disappointed in Book Two, Hollow of Shadows.

[Randi Jacobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book even more than the first book! I feel like it really answered questions that I had in the first book and made it a lot more easy to follow. I loved Clara and Desmond and the dynamic that they have and can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next! I really liked how dystopian it felt; I was always a huge fan of these types of stories and am a huge fan of dragons and fantasy books. I loved that we went more in depth with Clara and Desmond’s relationship which I felt was kind of lacking in the first book. The reason I’m giving it four stars is because I can’t get over the typos and editing mistakes that weren’t found; I’m a grammar freak 😂 but overall I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the third book! It was left on a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Lacey Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book! I received it as an ARC copy and I literally devoured it just like the first one!

I really enjoyed how the book picked up where the first one left off. I was really shocked with some of the curve balls like having more humans actually living on the surface with different tribes. I really felt like this book had a lot more background about the surface and how the dragons and people used to live together and really dug into what causes the war.

I loved how the relationship between Cara and Desmond developed more and how their love kept them going. I was not expecting the ending. Desmond how fucking could you!

I’m excited to see where the tribes will lead Desmond as well as what Cara will do to either get her revenge or fight for the man she loves.

But the cliffhanger??? Come on! I want book 3 now!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[vickies_corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the first book. And was lucky to receive the second book as an Arc reader. The story continues for Desmond and Clara. There is a lot of information given in this story to proces. How the war started. The understanding in how to communicate with the dragons. From were the magic comes. The importance of the dragons and their magic. The politics with the humans. When reading you do not know who to trust. And trigger warming for when Clara Gets captured. There is a bit of vanilla spice. And oh man the ending. I need to know how that is going to be explained in the next book. The emotions Clara went through . And there is definitly something going on with Deskmond. So this is for people that love dragons and wargames, fantasy politics and plots.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very thankful to have received an arc copy of this book. I felt that this story and plotline had so much potential but had fallen just shy of achieving it. The writing felt still, though not as stiff as the first book, and in some areas a little repetitive and unnecessary. I enjoyed seeing the growth in the characters' relationships but some interactions still felt very forced. There were times in the book when I felt as though it had jumped ahead and missed some key information and maybe that was the whole point of the writing. Overall the flow of this book felt smoother, unlike the first book which felt rocky. I did enjoy that it started right where the first book ended and didn't have a big time jump and the cliffhanger at the end. This book is worth giving a shot.

[Annamarie Frankovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very sad to say I wasn’t as impressed with this book as I was the first. The author is fantastic I just felt like this book was rushed and could have been written with more detail/explanation. It felt like one page was about one thing and the next page felt like it skipped a few things and was onto the next ( it felt like there was gaps) It also ended with a cliffhanger which could be taken in so many different directions and so I want to see what happens next but I hope it will be more like the first book written with detail but still keeps your attention. Again the author is fantastic and I hope they aren’t upset with my review I was just hoping for more within this book. Highly recommend this series.

[Charlotte KillahMisaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollow of Shadows deepens the Eldmoor series by leaning into darker themes, higher stakes, and the consequences of choices made in book one. The atmosphere is heavier and more tense, with secrets finally starting to surface and trust becoming a rare commodity.

Clara growth is noticeable here—stronger, more conflicted, and forced to confront the shadows both around and within them. The magic feels more dangerous, the enemies more personal, and the lines between right and wrong increasingly blurred.

The pacing is sharper than the first book, and the ending leaves you reeling, setting the stage for an even more intense continuation. If you enjoyed the foundation laid in Origins of Blaze, this sequel delivers a darker, more emotionally charged experience.

[lizface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

This is book 2 in the Eldmoor Ascension Series.

The story really picks up in this book. I love the growth of Clara and Desmond’s relationship. As well as their understanding of their connections to their dragons. As they go through another Ascension Games things in Eldmoor take a wild turn. Soon they all are above ground working to start over. But something isn’t right, but what is it? Or who is it?

I received an ARC copy for an honest review.

There were a handful of typos, easy fix, nothing to deter you from the story.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants a fast paced story with dragons and Hunger Games vibes.

[ShantellyRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and rate this ARC.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The way the story was written really made me want to see what would happen next. Therefore, I finished the book in one day. I wish the characters had a little more depth to them, and the writing felt cheesy at times to me. But overall, this was a fun series to read. If you really like dragons, this is a good book. I haven’t read a book with dragons in it just yet, and this was a great place to start.



I didn’t love the fact that the dragon was her dad. I wish he could have been a separate person who lived with the dragons, instead of being tied to one.

[✨🍃Britt🍃✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book MUCH more than the first. There are some editing issues, but you can get past that for this story. The ending though. WTF! I need more immediately.

The storyline really develops in this book. There are new enemies and game changes all coming at you at once. Just like the first book, this ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger.

All and all, if the storyline was a bit more cohesive, this could be a 5 star read. It has all the makings of becoming a hit.

Spice level is 1/5
*touch her and die vibes
*dragons, dark romance
*survival games
*trigger warnings

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

We continue the second instalment with the story of Clara in her fight to survive the ascension games. This picks up right where the previous book left off. A plot full of twists, turns and intrigue. Clara discovers more secrets as we progress through the pages and you see some amazing friendships continue to grow and bond. Let’s not forget Desmond, the dark and mysterious coach who now following a change in circumstances is playing a different part in the games.
A definite must read if you love a good romantasy and oh my word that cliffhanger at the end! Can.not.wait for the next book!!

[Shalei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eldmoor definitely gives off The Hunger Games and Divergent vibes. The first book made me iffy if I would continue the series and let me say I’m glad I did! There were big reveals and “no way” moments.
Clara and Desmond’s relationship is crazy the steps his dad takes to try to destroy it, shake my head. But Desmond doesn’t back down and Clara! She definitely comes through a lot and the discoveries she makes! The dragons come more to life and you find out their secrets and why everything started to begin with! Definitely a read you CANNOT pass up!!

[Leigha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know how to begin with this book. Before and once Eldmoor exploded it was giving me “The 100” vibes. When Desmond betrayed Clara at the end it literally broke my heart even though the ending sets up perfectly for a THIRD book?!! There’s no point in the book I didn’t absolutely fall in love with. Olin’s betrayal hurt but there wasn’t much of a why it happened. That’s my only complaint. I did feel the writing gave me a good sense of most of the characters and made me grow an attachment to them. I would love to have the ability to reread this for the first time again.