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Shadows in Bloom
What sort of flower do you suppose blooms in the shadows, watered with sorrow and death?
Nairu, a young Saintess raised to restore her God to his former glory and lift the curse from their lands, has never questioned her role. She set out upon her pilgrimage with determination in her heart to succeed, her protector and Keeper, Kallistra at her side. Only once this journey begins does Nairu discover how abnormal her sheltered and isolated upbringing has been.
When Kallistra and Nairu partner up with a unique set of adventurers to earn some much-needed coin to fund their pilgrimage, Nairu has the opportunity to train her magic with the Elven mage, Alandris. After days and nights spent at his side; she discovers something far more dangerous- a desire of her own.
But as Nairu begins to unravel the dark truth of her God and magic, will she be able to pursue that desire? Or will something far more sinister threaten her chance at a life of her own?
Shadows in Bloom is the first book in the Hallowed Hearts series, a romantic tale with a deliciously dark atmosphere and the excitement of a high fantasy adventure. The story follows our heroine Nairu on her journey to understand herself and her magic amidst the tension of an ever-growing threat that could ruin everything she has ever worked towards. This series is written in single, 1st person POV, perfect for readers who've enjoyed books like Daughter of No Worlds, One Dark Window, To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, and Godkiller.
Nairu, a young Saintess raised to restore her God to his former glory and lift the curse from their lands, has never questioned her role. She set out upon her pilgrimage with determination in her heart to succeed, her protector and Keeper, Kallistra at her side. Only once this journey begins does Nairu discover how abnormal her sheltered and isolated upbringing has been.
When Kallistra and Nairu partner up with a unique set of adventurers to earn some much-needed coin to fund their pilgrimage, Nairu has the opportunity to train her magic with the Elven mage, Alandris. After days and nights spent at his side; she discovers something far more dangerous- a desire of her own.
But as Nairu begins to unravel the dark truth of her God and magic, will she be able to pursue that desire? Or will something far more sinister threaten her chance at a life of her own?
Shadows in Bloom is the first book in the Hallowed Hearts series, a romantic tale with a deliciously dark atmosphere and the excitement of a high fantasy adventure. The story follows our heroine Nairu on her journey to understand herself and her magic amidst the tension of an ever-growing threat that could ruin everything she has ever worked towards. This series is written in single, 1st person POV, perfect for readers who've enjoyed books like Daughter of No Worlds, One Dark Window, To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, and Godkiller.
- GenresFantasy
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
26 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 6, 2025
amazing
This book was amazing. I’ve been in a book slump for months and this book has brought me back. Every word was written so beautifully, the story was amazing and I can’t wait to continue the series 😊
This book was amazing. I’ve been in a book slump for months and this book has brought me back. Every word was written so beautifully, the story was amazing and I can’t wait to continue the series 😊
September 13, 2024
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book and I
enjoyed it so much! It gave me D&D vibes for sure and I’m a sucker for a good found family trope. I love all the characters and I hope as the series continues we get more of them all, I could read a book with any of them as the focus. Without giving any spoilers, I really liked the concept of the book, the Saintess and her Keeper, it’s different than anything I’ve read before. What Nairu learns about herself was a great reveal, not predictable at all and the cliffhanger ending? Girl get that second book out, my wife asked me if I was okay from down the hallway because she heard me yell lol.
enjoyed it so much! It gave me D&D vibes for sure and I’m a sucker for a good found family trope. I love all the characters and I hope as the series continues we get more of them all, I could read a book with any of them as the focus. Without giving any spoilers, I really liked the concept of the book, the Saintess and her Keeper, it’s different than anything I’ve read before. What Nairu learns about herself was a great reveal, not predictable at all and the cliffhanger ending? Girl get that second book out, my wife asked me if I was okay from down the hallway because she heard me yell lol.
September 22, 2024
Talk about going for a ride. And I mean that in the best way! This book had a wonderful weave of romance and story. A blend I, personally, enjoyed. One element was not placed above the other. No spice in this one.
Now, let's talk about the FMC!!! I have to be careful not to give too much away, but I can say that the journey of self-empowerment was beautiful. I loved watching Nairu choose to become someone for herself and not just a mindless puppet. Her growth was endearing, and watching her choose who to become despite what she learns was so relatable and warming.
And let's not forget dear Alandris. He is such a sweet man. Hello, new book boyfriend. His unending support and love for Nairu is one of my favorite things. And while he will protect her, he also allows her to be her own person.
We also have Kaz and Zorinna. I grew to love them as well! No character was created just to be fodder or filler. The author did a wonderful job weaving these characters in and making them matter, giving them depth. In fact, it's hard for me to really choose who I like most. Minus one person, but you will have to read to see why.
My only wish is that there would have been a little more in-between build-up for the romance of Nairu and Alandris. A little more exchange between them, perhaps?
But my biggest gripe....sitting here having to wait for the next one! I am left in agony waiting to see more. So many things were unveiled little by little, and I loved the way it was done. But there's soooo much more. And just....aggggghhhh the ending. I need the next one already..... Come join me on the ride!
Now, let's talk about the FMC!!! I have to be careful not to give too much away, but I can say that the journey of self-empowerment was beautiful. I loved watching Nairu choose to become someone for herself and not just a mindless puppet. Her growth was endearing, and watching her choose who to become despite what she learns was so relatable and warming.
And let's not forget dear Alandris. He is such a sweet man. Hello, new book boyfriend. His unending support and love for Nairu is one of my favorite things. And while he will protect her, he also allows her to be her own person.
We also have Kaz and Zorinna. I grew to love them as well! No character was created just to be fodder or filler. The author did a wonderful job weaving these characters in and making them matter, giving them depth. In fact, it's hard for me to really choose who I like most. Minus one person, but you will have to read to see why.
My only wish is that there would have been a little more in-between build-up for the romance of Nairu and Alandris. A little more exchange between them, perhaps?
But my biggest gripe....sitting here having to wait for the next one! I am left in agony waiting to see more. So many things were unveiled little by little, and I loved the way it was done. But there's soooo much more. And just....aggggghhhh the ending. I need the next one already..... Come join me on the ride!
September 18, 2024
First off I just want to say HAPPY new release! This was one amazing debut book and I loved it. This was one amazing, well written read. I devoured this book, couldn’t put it down. It was such a quick read but with so much to the story and it didn’t feel like it was rushed.
I absolutely love and adore Alandris and Nairu! When we first met Alandris I knew I was going to love him. He’s so sweet and caring but has that side to him that of you get on his bad side or do something wrong he’s gonna get angry and defend what he loves/cares for
Nairu was super sweet. I loved her journey. She’s strong caring and just trying to figure who she is. She’s put through this journey and man is it a wild one. I loved everything about this book!
But will say I’m gonna need book 2 asap because that ending!!
If you like
🖤Found family
🍄Allies to lovers
🖤Hot elves
🍄Mental Heath rep
And so much more! This book is for you!!
I absolutely love and adore Alandris and Nairu! When we first met Alandris I knew I was going to love him. He’s so sweet and caring but has that side to him that of you get on his bad side or do something wrong he’s gonna get angry and defend what he loves/cares for
Nairu was super sweet. I loved her journey. She’s strong caring and just trying to figure who she is. She’s put through this journey and man is it a wild one. I loved everything about this book!
But will say I’m gonna need book 2 asap because that ending!!
If you like
🖤Found family
🍄Allies to lovers
🖤Hot elves
🍄Mental Heath rep
And so much more! This book is for you!!
September 17, 2024
Calling all romantasy readers. Are you looking for a new series that involves an MMC with a sense of justice, a sense of humor, and an unfailing sense of resolve? A FMC shrouded in mystery and on a journey of personal growth? Then please, don’t walk, run to click Buy Now.
Aria Lockley’s debut novel, Shadows in Bloom, blends all the elements of a romantasy with just the right hint of mystery, angst, and action. Nairu and Alandris is 🤌. But wait until you meet Kaz. Kaz might be one of my favorite secondary characters to date. The existing and new relationships in this book are dynamic and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.
But. That ending? Roller. Coaster. Enjoy!
Aria Lockley’s debut novel, Shadows in Bloom, blends all the elements of a romantasy with just the right hint of mystery, angst, and action. Nairu and Alandris is 🤌. But wait until you meet Kaz. Kaz might be one of my favorite secondary characters to date. The existing and new relationships in this book are dynamic and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.
But. That ending? Roller. Coaster. Enjoy!
December 16, 2024
What a great debut book, I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. The story is so captivating and I just couldn't put it down.
Nairu is such a strong woman and seeing her journey to figure out who she really is was just amazing.
Sweet Alandris always so caring and kind except when it comes to defending those he loves, you really don't want to get on his bad side.
Every character was so well thought and adds something important to the story.
I need book two because that cliffhanger...aghhhh
Nairu is such a strong woman and seeing her journey to figure out who she really is was just amazing.
Sweet Alandris always so caring and kind except when it comes to defending those he loves, you really don't want to get on his bad side.
Every character was so well thought and adds something important to the story.
I need book two because that cliffhanger...aghhhh
April 12, 2025
captivating
A quick but substantial read, it didn’t feel rushed.
Found family
Allies to lovers
Hot elves
Mental health rep
I love a strong FMC and a MMC who supports her. The side characters weren’t just fillers but had substance and were woven into the story quite well. Speaking of side characters Kaz just might be my favorite side character book boyfriend.
A captivating story that isn’t entirely predictable! Refreshing. Super excited for book 2!
A quick but substantial read, it didn’t feel rushed.
Found family
Allies to lovers
Hot elves
Mental health rep
I love a strong FMC and a MMC who supports her. The side characters weren’t just fillers but had substance and were woven into the story quite well. Speaking of side characters Kaz just might be my favorite side character book boyfriend.
A captivating story that isn’t entirely predictable! Refreshing. Super excited for book 2!
March 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
July 4, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
April 11, 2025
Shadows in Bloom is an Adult Dark Fantasy Romance with Fae, Elves, Magic & Madness!
This is the first book in the Hallowed Hearts series, a romantic tale with the excitement of a fantasy adventure to find out who she is.
There are ⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️ for this series.
I really enjoyed this story! I am super stoked to read the next book in this series to continue the story!
I honestly thought that this book was a little slower pace than what I usually read, BUT the author did a really good job at keeping the story interesting and kept the twists coming! I loved the dynamics between all of the characters. They were all unique in their own ways, and they definitely made a great found family.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good magical fantasy adventure!
This is the first book in the Hallowed Hearts series, a romantic tale with the excitement of a fantasy adventure to find out who she is.
There are ⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️ for this series.
I really enjoyed this story! I am super stoked to read the next book in this series to continue the story!
I honestly thought that this book was a little slower pace than what I usually read, BUT the author did a really good job at keeping the story interesting and kept the twists coming! I loved the dynamics between all of the characters. They were all unique in their own ways, and they definitely made a great found family.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good magical fantasy adventure!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews