A god unleashed. A kingdom on the edge of ruin. War is coming and time is running out.
Prince Callen will do anything to save his war ravaged kingdom. With Innesvale’s forces in shambles, the marble city stands vulnerable to invasion. An old foe rallies in the North. It’s only a matter of time before the Ice Fall seizes the opportunity to crush their greatest enemy.
Caedrin, the God of Chaos, returns his gaze to Elyria. She is the key to releasing the magic that binds the Goddess of Death. Her return promises to be a reckoning, not solely for Innesvale, but all of Venterra. Caedrin’s path of destruction will not end until his sister freed or the god is dead.
Cal and Elyria’s only hope lies in a cursed forest of myth. Few who enter the Blood Birches ever return. But the infamous forest holds more than salvation—secrets of Elyria’s past lurk amid the trees, and what they uncover threatens to change everything.
Chaos is rising.
Can they find the answers they need before Caedrin brings the world to ruin?
“Silver Shard” propels readers on an unforgettable adventure, filled with immersive worlds, intense romance, and breathtaking magic. This thrilling third installment of the Sun Serpent Saga will captivate fans of epic fantasy series like “From Blood and Ash,” “Fourth Wing,” and “Throne of Glass.” The Sun Serpent Saga is a five book series and it’s recommended to begin this journey with book one, “Sun Serpent.”
Most days, you can find Geneva wandering the streets of her small colonial town or snuggling up beside a fire with her husband, son, and two cats. No matter the location, she probably has a book in one hand and a macchiato in the other.
If you know Geneva from her Dark Oz series and are new to the Sun Serpent Saga, I will give you the same heads up that I gave Saga readers who went to Oz. These two series are written VERY differently. Sun Serpent Saga is an epic fantasy, Dark Oz is dark romance. Both are fabulous, because everything Gen touches turns to gold, but don’t expect them to have the same feel.
Onto the good stuff. My gods, OG Saga readers have been at the edges of our seats for a year and a half waiting to find out what happens next in Venterra and I promise it was worth every second of the wait. I finished the book last night and my head is STILL spinning. The twists and turns, the lore, the characters. All are masterful.
Pro tip when reading anything by Gen: have tissues and something you can throw without breaking close by. Don’t say I didn’t warn you 😉
This is one of my favorite series and I don’t think it gets as much recognition as it deserves. I was thrown off by the new POVs in this one at first. I like getting to see a new side a Xoc but Reis chapters were harder to read for me until the end. I’m praying in the next book we get more happy moments between Cal and Elyria The ending was diabolical
This feels like coming home, reuniting me with the charming, incredible characters I’ve grown to love from the earlier books. Having devoured the first two installments, I was thrilled to return to this world. I must say, Geneva Monroe excels at creating a sense of found family. The book is brimming with joyful moments amidst the escalating danger, and the relationships are given the time they deserve rather than being rushed forward—it truly feels like spending a warm, comforting evening with dear friends.
I also loved the themes of grief and the need for control explored throughout Elyria's journey. The couples are well-written, especially Cal and Elle. There are quite a few possible love triangles here, though as a sucker for a good triangle-turned-pansexual relationship, I can’t help but dream of that possibility. A girl can dream.
That said, it feels like too much happens in this installment. The narrative seems to lack a traditional story structure, which causes the pacing to drag toward the end. With so many separate events unfolding, the story can feel somewhat disjointed and less cohesive. Additionally, some characters receive much less screen time, so their POVs don’t always allow for deep emotional investment. Though honestly, I'm so attached to these characters, I didn't really mind.
Overall, though, I had a fantastic time with Silver Shard. It’s an immersive, character-driven epic that I wholeheartedly recommend—especially if you’re a fan of good world-building and rich relationship dynamics. It is a solid continuation of the story and I'm eager to see what happens next - especially after that cliffhanger.
Thanks so much to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Fated Mates Touch Him and 💀 Dragon Magic Cadre of Rebellious Women Queer Normative Forbidden Love
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Friendly reminder that this is Book 3 of the Sun Serpent Saga and the books must be read in order.
After the earth shattering ending to Star Spear, I was not sure how I was going to handle this book. I am glad that I waited to start this series until I knew this book was coming out. If you've read anything from Geneva, you know she loves her cliffhangers. She's also 100% in her villain era right now, and I both love and hate it. lol For better or worse, I am hanging on the next cliff with the rest of her readers now. 😭 But it was absolutely worth it. This book was magnificent. I love this world, and it's characters. I'm completely invested the fate of Venterra and Cal and Elyria. Tbh, Xoc is probably my favorite with Darien being a close second. Xoc is just absolutely exhausted with all of them, but I adore him and his loyalty. I also especially love that we get so much of this story from his perspective in this book. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes with him, and it was fun to be able to see that. Plus, we get a little glimpse into Xoc's love life and *sigh* I am invested in Xoc getting his HEA. HE DESERVES IT, SO HELP ME, GENEVA! *ahem* As I was saying... Xoc is a great side character, and I adore him so much. 🥰 Darien is an annoyingly handsome and charming addition to the group. He gets under your skin, but you can't help but love him. In the midst of all the chaos, his comedic relief is needed and very much welcomed.
I don't know where we're going with this story. I'm scared for our heroes and the fate of Venterra, but I'm excited to jump back in when the next book comes!
I couldn't wait to read this third installment in the Sun Serpent series and be reunited with Elyria, Cal, and let's be real, mainly Xoc... and Silver Shard exceeded my already-high expectations! Just like the first two books, I couldn't put it down, and was immediately immersed back into the world of fire, ice, and (perhaps best of all) slow burn romance. I love the feisty FMCs throughout the series, and was happy to see a lot more of a certain sassy princess in this book. If you have time, I do recommend rereading or refreshing your memory on the first two books, because this one picks up right where they left off and doesn't do much rehashing. The whole series is available on Kindle Unlimited!
*For full transparency, I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of Silver Shard!
Silver Shard was like coming home for the first time after living on the other side of the country for years. I have missed these characters so so much!
We get some new POVs in this book, which was unexpected, but I really enjoyed getting inside their heads! We also meet some new characters, and there is additional world building.
In typical Geneva fashion (honestly guys, I should expect it at this point. Idk why it catches me by surprise every time 🤦🏻♀️) I felt all the emotions, I wanted to throw my kindle, I was crying, yelling. Twists and turns and a cliffhanger 😭😭
This series holds such a big place in my heart, I cannot wait for the next book! Highly recommend this series!!
+ Two books later, Xoc is STILL my son, must be protected at all costs, and deserves THE WORLD + XOC/KAELI 5EVER + I ... am actually starting to feel really bad for Mal. He was a marionette with Caedrin pulling his strings, and now he has to live with the memories of everything he's done. Maybe he started out down that path for malicious reasons, but it stopped being his fault the moment Malvat no longer had control over his actions. (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier feelings, anyone?) + Elyria fighting Ventania in order to get her aunt to listen to her and Cal's request for aid - WHAT. A. BAMF. + Elle's dad was one of Indemira's best wind singers? Elle might have a latent talent? How many more plot twists can my brain handle? I'm only 20% through the book! + Darien riling Cal up JUST FOR LAUGHS. I LOVE HIM & WE'RE TOTALLY ADOPTING HIM. + and I can't believe I'm saying this, but thanks to Darien, we've finally got somebody crazier than Cal. 😂 + ...I think Darien is the Jack Harkness of Indemira. + Elyria has so many Elle Woods "what, like it's hard?" moments and I literally could not be more delighted about this. + KA-JIGGA-JIGGA I am deceased + "Wait, how many of the people I gushed to about meeting griffins actually were one?" "Nearly all." SNARKY GRIFFONS FTW. + Morgan and Rei give me ALL THE FEELS. (Also, every world needs more sapphic relationships. Thanks for doing our world a solid, Gen.) + Kaeli having the tailor make her running shorts with a design on the ass JUST SO XOC WOULD BE UNABLE TO LOOK AWAY - this girl is an icon + I think Gen just came up with a better name for a super long trope - "flirtation chicken." I am absolutely here for this. + OH NO Caedrin still has some mental link to Rei. Oh stars, poor Rei... + Gen, please do not do what I think you're about to do. Please don't do it. + WHAT?! MORGAN?! WHAT?! + Each time I think Gen is gonna zig, she zags. Gotta keep readers on their toes! + THE AUDACITY OF CAEDRIN + EXCUSE ME, BELHEMETH IS WHAT NOW?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS? NO, GEN. NO. + NO. GEN, I REFUSE TO LET YOU FUCK WITH XOC AND KAELI. I WILL LITERALLY GIVE YOU ANYTHING NOT TO DO IT. + FIX THIS, GEN. FIX THEM. RIGHT NOW. + also, the "maybe I'll make my own set of children" skies above, how about we do NOT do that + If this is leading up to a core team member or multiple members sacrifice to save the world in book five, I am going to throw all of Gen's spare books at her face while sobbing hysterically. + NO NO NO I REFUSE TO LET YOU DO THIS, GEN + gods, can somebody cut Xoc a break PLEASE? He deserves NICE things, remember? + Sparky batting around a spare cannonball for fun, I love this cat SO MUCH + The distance between Xoc and Kaeli is BREAKING ME + CAL, YOU ARE THE BIGGEST ASSHOLE, ACCUSING XOC OF NOT CARING FOR KAELI. YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY BLIND AND YOU OWE THAT MAN ONE HELL OF AN APOLOGY. + Xoc's monologue is KILLING ME SLOWLY. This poor man. I said he deserves the world and I was right. + THE FLIGHT. IYKYK + omg Xoc is Kaeli's anchor, isn't he? MY FEELS. SEND HELP. + THE SHEER AUDACITY OF AXIA. I DON'T CARE IF SHE'S CAL'S MOTHER; I'M GONNA THROW HER OFF THE STEPS MYSELF. + and if Elyria runs to put the good of Innesvale before herself, I'm gonna SCREAM. + BEFORE MY FAMILY AND YOURS ❤️😭😍 + gods, this whole family is just cookie cutters of one another. WILL DO ANYTHING TO SAVE ONE ANOTHER, ESPECIALLY IF IT COMES AT THE COST OF MY OWN HAPPINESS. GEN, WHY??? + The final performance of the Golden Dragon - GODSDAMNED WELL DONE, ELYRIA. + The whole garden and swing scene. WOWZA. + I understand WHY Rei needs space, but damn, did you really have to do that to me, Gen? + 79% done and I think this just became Geoff Johns' *Blackest Night* Green Lantern event for DC comics. Legit one of my favorite comic storylines EVER. Which means I'm gonna suffer, but I'll be happy about it. Also known as how to make the Planeteers get along to form Captain Planet and fight a greater threat while they're all still trying to fight each other because they hate each other.
THIS IS GONNA BE SO GOOD. + WHAT. WHAT. IS THAT AURUS?! WHAT THE ACTUAL - I CANNOT EVEN - IS IT 2026 YET?!
Each time my mind goes to say something, it splinters off into another tangent. I'm just...here. I am literally speechless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“This book is dedicated to everyone who said farewell to the person they were in order to embrace the person they are.”
My friend, be prepared to leave the old you behind because this book is gonna pull out a whole new version of you. One who breathes and lives adrenaline and cortisol!
Callen and Elyria thought they defeated the villain who killed both of their fathers only to find out that the big bad was bigger and badder than they ever imagined.
The entire kingdom, possibly the world, is at risk and Cal and Elyria travel to find unlikely allies in the looming war. Cal has to face his reluctance to become king and Elyria needs to learn how to master a new magical skill.
In the meantime, Xoc is grappling with his feelings for Kaeli, Callen’s sister and the princess of his realm. When a prince from a neighboring kingdom offers a marital alliance between the prince and Princess Kaeli, Xoc faces his toughest battle yet - one with his own heart.
Everyone is thrust into a fight against a god they have no hope of winning but hold on to a possible future that defies all odds.
Because “sometimes the cost of peace requires acts of violence to protect it. A peaceful future is worth defending, and it’s worth dying for.”
If you’ve not read Sun Serpent and Star Spear yet, please go do that now! The world building, character interactions, and romance are all here - and true to form, the author delivers a ride that leaves you breathless and wondering what the hell just happened!
Ok, I finished last night, but I needed time to think about how to write my review on this complete mastery.
First off, the additional POVs were *chef kiss.* What a wonderful way to get us to know these characters on a deeper level while still progressing the story from their perspective. They were written with purpose, poise, and true to the characters who we only otherwise had an outside view of.
Secondly, I'm always a fan of traveling. I know most aren't, but I believe it's just as important to see the rest of the world we're in rather than just staying in this one corner the entire time. It's a saga, we have more than enough room to travel to other places for a bit.
Thirdly, THAT ENDING. What in the name of Kraav was that ending!?!?!? (All in the best way). I kept waiting for the ball to drop. Thinking this plan was way to easy but boy I did not expect the way it would be dismantled. I was left devastated and with so many more questions, I'm still reeling.
Overall, what Monroe does in the third installment is keep us interested and engaged in our characters, keeps the plot progressing without the sacrifice of her writing technique, and keeps us on a cliffhanger for what's to come next.
This is a master class of writing for a fantasy series, in my opinion. RUN don't walk to read. Seriously.
I was beyond excited to dive back into the world of Venterra and catch up with our beloved characters after that HUGE cliffhanger Geneva left us on in Star Spear and this book was everything I could’ve hoped for and more! Geneva delivered and she slayed it with the banter, world building, character growth and development. You will also be introduced to new characters that will make you cringe or they will steal your heart you like a certain pigeon brain did!! 💜
Geneva is a master at keeping you on the edge of your seat while simultaneously making you go through all the emotions and she’ll even make you want to toss your kindle while uttering a string of choice words.
If you think the cliffhanger for Star Spear was brutal, you better clutch your pearls because this one will rip your heart out and your jaw will be on the floor because the last few chapters are insanely diabolical!!!
I loved the focus on some of the side characters, especially Xoc and Rei. Treating them like full people if you will. Xoc is what I wish some romantasy writers would actually take the time to do with their lead love interests. He's got his flaws but one of them isn't dropping every moral or belief he has to give in to lust. The way the author took care with Rei's recovery and obvious PTSD was applaudable. You see real change in the character and for better or worse she will never be the same. I appreciate the reality brought into the story that way. My knit pick for this volume is the ending coming up too quickly. By chapter 40 I knew it was going to have to stop abruptly with how many threads were open and I was right. The ending is heartbreaking and the return of a certain character made me smile though. I will be happy to wait for the fourth book and the prequel novella.
This book beautifully progresses the story of Cal, Elyria, and Xoc while they fight to free Venterra of the evil that wants to kill them all. Each character goes through their own growth, and we get a couple of new points of view. Some are rediscovering themselves after their trauma, while others are learning to be true to themselves while being what people need.
Geneva had me gasping, laughing, and crying while I read this. I became completely invested in the lives of the characters that they live rent-free in my mind now. The steam was inspirational, and we see some interesting new ways that Cal and Elyria express their love to each other. The cliffhanger had me going back and putting clues together. The next book is going to be so good. I can't wait.
What a ride! We've been waiting for so long for the next installment & Geneva delivered! I loved it! But make sure you have tissues.
I loved Elyria in this one even more. I was sad for her in trying to deal with her grief and fears still. And I loved that being represented. But I loved seeing her become more of herself in this one and be more confident. And when she fought her aunt...badass!
We got multiple povs this time compared to the other 2 books, and I loved it. And Xoc...my heart breaks for him. And the way the book ended with him. Uugghhh I can't wait for the next book! He better be ok! I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters more in this one. And I'm not sure what I feel about Mal. I really hated him. But knowing that he was under the control of Caedrin, makes me understand that he couldn't help what he did. So I'm on the fence.
We also got to meet new characters. And Darien is my new favorite! I absolutely love him! And the banter between him & Cal, amazing!
So many secrets came out in this one. And the ending...ugh how could you do that to us Geneva?! I need the next book asap! Broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Long overdue review but thank you to Geneva Monroe for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC!
I really enjoy this series and I'm so glad Silver Shard maintained the same action-packed momentum. One of my wishes from reading the last book was to see more of Xoc and Rei. Cue to my excitement when we don't just see more of them, but we get POV chapters for them! It really added depth to the emotional aspect of the story for me, which I feel was more pronounced in this book as opposed to the first two books. The balancing of themes was done extremely well, specifically the grief and trauma from Rei's chapters to the longing of Xoc back to the upbeat and funny Elyria chapters that we are familiar with. Absolutely adored the new characters (specifically Darien) and the additional world-building.
What a cruel and wicked cliffhanger. Thanks for the stress Geneva!
This author has my heart in a choke hold. I was laughing, swooning, and then crying and holding my breath by the end of this book. I absolutely love every character she introduces to us. There is always good banter and I love it!
My only complaint with this book is that we got more POVs this book which isn't my favorite just because it can get a little overwhelming. I think it was 4 instead of just the two main leads. It made it feel like we were going into 3 different love stories, but I also understood need the information from multiple POV since things were happening simultaneously and in different places. I still enjoyed all the different POV, probably because I love every character.
That CLIFFHANGER! LIKE WHAT! I am crying and need to know what is going to happen. I can not wait until the next book comes out. I am so invested in these characters and this story.
My lord.... what a thrilling, emotional Rollercoaster of a book that this was. I did recieve this book as an ARC for my honest feedback. Let me just say this book was by far my favorite of the series. I loved the new characters and the new places that were introduced. Xoc is still my FAV character. He will forever be my book boyfriend! He is just a lovable warrior with a heart of gold and he deserves so much love ❤️ 😍. Cal and Elyria are such a power couple. Dang that Man is smitten with her and Im here for it! Geneva you out did yourself girl!! It was a beautifully written book that was so worth the whirlwind of emotions I had reading it!
First, I’m so happy to go back into this world after the long wait. And now having to wait again is going to kill me.
But what a Gen book. All the Gen styles of ripping my heart out, making me laugh, making me cry, falling in love, and of course leaving me on a cliffhanger that makes me pull all my hair out and scream into a pillow. You know, classic Gen traits.
This book felt a little different from the first two, but it was overall a good pace for this part of the story. I enjoyed reading from the multiple POVs, and Darien might be my new bestie (I’d sleep with you bud, don’t worry).
Overall, another great read from the wonderful mind of Geneva Monroe.
Amazing, just as great as the previous 2 in this series
I really enjoyed this book. I have reread the previous two in the series and they are even better than I remember. The banter is top notch. The romance is chef's kiss and the characters are so well developed. Normally in this genre once the main couple is established the romance can get a bit boring. Not with Cal and Elle, they take it to the next level. The story is getting more ambitious in this book with new places, new characters and more big events happening. Be warned it ends with lots of cliffhangers. I guess I will have to read all three books again when the next one comes out.
Geneva did it again with more great storytelling, continuing Elyria and Cal's quest. I loved the new characters and how they fit with the returning ones. Spreading the story through more character viewpoints worked really well to show all the threads coming together. Too bad it's such a long wait for the continuation. Especially with the way this one ended.
I don't typically reread books, but this saga is one I feel I can again and again. Not only because of the great way it was written, but it brings out so many emotions, I just know I'll find more and more things every time I read it.
I am new to Geneva’s books and made sure I read the first two in the series before diving into The Silver Shard. I loved how the story races us through all the emotions - elation, horror, heartbreak and hope. We learn so much more about Xoc, his unbreakable honor and boundless heart, and I kicked my feet watching Cal and Elyria’s love story continue to unfurl. You will be gobsmacked as you read this third installment in the Sun Serpent saga, and like me, you will look forward to rereading as we (impatiently) wait for our next Sun Serpent fix. Well done, Gen!!!
Both Sun Serpent & Star Spear were 5 star reads for me, so I was beyond excited to jump back into this world again! The characters are incredible, I love Elyria & Cal ... but Xoc is my fav!! The story was action-packed, and the banter did not disappoint! This book did give us multiple POV's this time, which I was not expecting & there is a lot more world building compared to the 1st 2 books. Well done & laid out, just made the story a bit slower for me. We do pick up where the 2nd book left off, so make sure that you read this series in order. And be prepared for one hell of a cliffhanger!!
This series itself is mind blowingly good! The world Geneva has built is amazing and I love and hate how it keeps me on edge! This book was a roller coaster of emotions that kept me wanting more. I screamed at my kindle many times and don’t think I’ve ever had this range of emotions over a book before! The love the characters share is something I’ve never felt more connected to in a book before. The magic in this book is unbelievable and makes you wish you could live in the world (maybe at a different time lol). I am going to need the next book immediately!!
Ugh!! I both love and hate this ending! There is a slight spark of hope, but if there was ever a fictional character to hate, it’s Caedrin! I’m going to go curl up into a ball and cry now for our heroes - Callen and Elyria — well I guess I should include Xox and Kaliana too because lord only knows where this is going to go next!! While the Griffins added humor to the book - Darien was hysterical - Caedrin and Rhorin suck the life and humor right out of the book. I’m completely blown away by this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Silver Shard by Geneva Monroe Book 3 in The Sun Serpent Saga Callen and Elyria are one of my favorite couples!!!! Geneva knows how to write an amazing fantasy adventure with plenty of magical characters! The world building through this series has also been beautifully portrayed and I can literally see the scenery in my head! We were introduced to Griffins in this particular book as well and the personalities had me giggling! If you like fantasy/Romantasy with dragons, magic, and a great plot then snatch this series up!!!!!!!
I enjoyed this book, but in terms of the first two, this one fell a bit short for me. I don't know if it was because I just was not in the mood or what, but it took me forever to read. The story kept seeming like it was just dragging at some points and I found myself putting the book down a lot. Even with that, when I hit about 60% I seemed to really get into it. The action, the worry for the characters, the pain, all the emotions were there. The spice between Cal and our girl was amazing and there was a good amount of it through the book, but this story was still all about the plot. I know this series has a good amount of books planned, but after that ending my hope is a bit shot. I literally dropped my kindle and cried.
Oh My! This series continues to suck me in and hold on tight. It is action packed and emotional, with unexpected twists and turns, fun banter, and that cliffhanger! What?!! Did I mention emotional? Oh the heartache in this book! Lastly, I love Cal and Elyria's love story, BUT not only is Xoc my favorite character but he better get a happily every after or I will riot. Highly recommend. I received an arc of this book and all opinions are my own.
Really enjoyed this next instalment! I liked the deeper fantasy elements and seeing more of the world develop. Really loved the sassy side character introductions (Darien I’m looking at you 👀) took me a bit longer than I expected to read but that is definitely because it is moving away from the romance and more into fantasy but that’s my jam so overall a fun read and I’ll be continuing this series!
First, I absolutely love this series! The characters, their journey and the connection between each are amazing.
Book 3 is no exception. The emotional stress and awestruck moments were all there. I even felt so happy when one scene unfolded that I got goosebumps!!
The story just keeps building and revealing and I'll now be sitting waiting another year to finally find out what happens next!
I am SO pissed. EVERYWHERE this is listed as a 3 book saga! BUT that is such a lie! You get to the end of Book 3 only to find out there will be a novella and THEN a book 4 but not until 2026!!! YET, there is no release date or even the name of the next book. This is as bad as series on Netflix with 2+ years between seasons. If I had known I would have just waited until all were out. I AM SO MAD!!