Shadows of Air and Earth

Remnant Archives #2.5

by B.K. Cavaleri

An alliance of shadows, air, and earth.
A reckoning of fractured lands and hidden truths.
A general that hunts for more than what was stolen.
A bond that may heal the world or be its ruin.

Two hundred years after the Blood Wars, the land of Faerie is fractured. You either serve the Queen or you risk extinction of all you hold dear. Driven by their duty to save their court, two elementals, Riley Dragoon and Xi Chin, step out of the shadows to take back what was stolen. After years of careful strategizing, they finally make their move, smuggling their only hope for the future away in the middle of the night.

But all is not what it may seem, and when the war general of the Faerie throne, Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark, crashes into their lives with a deadly proposition, Xi and Riley are left with no choice but to trust her. Together shadow, air, and earth must embark on a quest to recover the key to preventing another war. Bonds will be forged, blood will be spilled, and the meaning of family and friendship will be tested. For in order to win the games of the fae, you first have to conquer the heart within.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2025

Reviews

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

"When she inhales, you're the only air she wants to breathe, when she touches you, you're her earth to stay grounded, when she speaks your name, you're the only ruler she will bend a knee for." (Ch 1)

Dark Romantasy | Epic Fantasy | Found Family

Elemental powers, disjointed families, an alliance between enemies in the face of dangerous threats as they search for an object that could determine the fate of the world. Invigorating, thrilling... a touch spicy.

Love the heat, sexual tension, friction, and back and forth bittersweet interactions between Xi and Riley. Delighted in Riley's protectiveness over Xi and winced sympathetically over his burning secret. Was bewitched by the shadows and mysterousness of Remnant Dark. This book is full of action and power, watery eyes (mine), love...

"You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and I hate the air for keeping the space between us" (Ch 22)

and a bit of wry-humor.

"....could have used your pants, they are longer and also leather but I thought you’d rather not have your swinging balls exposed in a jungle of gnomes and the siren-like revelry of the flower nymphs." (Ch 15)

Ends with a twisty epilogue!

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Air and Earth by B.K. Cavaleri

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

This novella started out with action and some spice out the gate which are key to keeping me engaged with a fantasy novella! This prequel novella gave us some excellent insight into our FMC from the rest of the series General Remnant Dark as well as our MMC and FMCs in this novella which are the elemental twins of Riley and Xi. I really enjoyed this book and think it is perfect to read as book 2.5 in the series. I’m a little mad at BK for the ending 😒 but I certainly can’t wait until book 3!

Read this if you like:

💙forced proximity
💙friends to lovers
💙found family
💙soul friendship
💙elemental magic

Thank you to BK for the free ebook copy as a newsletter subscriber!

[Lucy Cress · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again!
Yet another masterpiece I can’t wait to tell you all about.
This is enemies to lovers: best friends edition, where we find out the backstory of our beautiful bestie trio Remnant, Xi & Riley. That’s not all, it wouldn’t be a B.K book without periodically ripping your heart out, the best spicy scenes & falling in love with every character she creates. This story is so beautifully woven in their history, finding out the turning point that bonds them for life, and it really makes you root for the individual relationships that are formed. Until Bri throws a spanner in the works at the end like she always does 😒 I’m still mad.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everything: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

That damn epilogue: ⭐️ 😤

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of heart to the author, the publisher and QP Book tours for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I truly appreciate it!

I've yet to have the privilege of being able to read books 1 and 2 in the 'Remnant Archives' series but I promise you, I know I will be. Due to not yet reading them I believe the ending to this one ties into the ending of the 2nd, but I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that I really loved the dedication and that I had my heart utterly broken reading the epilogue! I need to know what happened and whether the third and final book will have a happy ending or not. I need a happy ending for this incredible band of characters! They've stolen my heart and I've claimed them, they've become my Amici Animes!

Remnant, Riley, and Xi are such real beings and I honestly loved each of them as their own selves, and truly loved when they were together. They are the truest embodiment of friendship I've ever read. They each have gone through so much and to see what happens and what they overcome at the end was breathtaking! I honestly also haven't laughed as much as I did with this book in ages. That spice! My gosh is it good too! Despite the heartbreak at the end this is honestly the most beautiful book. I also loved that despite this world already existing in technically previous novels, that I was able to understand everything and picture it all, I can't wait to read the other books and to experience more of the world this series contains. For a novella to do all that it has done is outstanding, there's so much contained in such a small book and it's not too much or too little, it's perfect.

Thank you so much again from the bottom of my heart for the privilege I've been given through being able to read this book! Its given me new friends and a fantastic world to love and a book that makes me feel at home! I truly appreciate it!

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think few things can top a prequel novella, one that allows us to dig deeper into the characters and their pasts and one that lets us see how it all came together. This is exactly what Shadows of Air and Earth is. And I loved every second of it.

Shadows of Air and Earth offers us a glimpse into the past and highlights the moment when Remnant met and formed a strong bond and friendship with Xi and Riley, powerful elementals and fighters. It is the story of three lonely souls finding strength in numbers and shared goals.

Oh, but the road to that fierce devotion was far from easy. There was so much mistrust and so many unknowns. And yet, in the midst of it all, what shone the most was the relationship between Xi and Riley.

Two fae elementals, each carrying their own emotional burdens. Two broken souls finally finding home in one another. Finally choosing who to love. Because choice was key. Choosing to love, to forgive, to move forward. And then choosing to follow General Remnant, choosing to believe in her and her vision for Faerie.

Nothing is more powerful than the freedom of choice. So, choose wisely and love wisely.

[Escaping in Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - 5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - August 7, 2025
Publication Date - Already Published!

*I received an E-copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @cavaleri.archive.author and @qpbooktours!

Shadows of Air and Earth is a novella in the Remnant Archives series and probably my favourite novella ever! They are so hard to do well because they require all the things we love about regular books in a shorter page count and B.K. Cavaleri knocked it out of the park! I highly recommend reading this book after reading book 1 or book 2 because it hits harder and means more after getting to know the characters in the present. I loved getting the origin story of the relationships between Rem, Xi and Riley, plus better understanding them individually. It made me sad to see how Rem used to be before everything happened but it also made me admire her character even more because of her strength and resilience. I wish I read this series when the first book came out because I was missing out on amazing books and an amazing writer for way too long! In a way it's a good thing I started reading the series when the first books were already published because it would have been too hard to wait for each following release!

If you are looking for a fantasy with lots of action, banter and strong found family, you have to try Shadows of Air and Earth and the rest of the series!

Get excited to read Shadows of Air and Earth, available now! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Shadows of Air and Earth✨

One of the most fun novellas I’ve ever read and the romance 🥹🥹🥹. I’m just blown away. I always know that when I read something from Bri I will laugh and swoon and be completely entertained with whimsical, dark action and she did NOT disappoint.

SOAAE is a prequel novella following our shadow mommy FMC from Shadows Lost and Shadows Ascend, General Remnant Dark. It is the story of how she met her legendary shadow forces and their coming together is one of such beauty and delight, it made me smile the whole way through. I completely adore our elemental twins, Xi and Riley, and getting to be in their heads and see their relationship has to be one of my favorites. While the story is lower stakes than the main storyline, this no less keeps us glued to the pages. I really struggled to put it down.

I loved the unconditional love and friendship. The goofy humor amidst the past traumas and current insecurities. The fight for those you care about and sacrifices you make to keep them with you. It was beautifully done. I think you can read this before the series or after book two and find yourself seamless.

Tropes you may find in this novella are friends to lovers, forced proximity, foreshadowing, mental health rep, elemental magic, chosen family, monsters, revenge, medium spice and that ending!

So thankful to be a part of your team, Bri, and get to journey with you through this series. Thank you for this gifted arc. I can’t wait for book three!

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Air and Earth is a lush, heart-wrenching, and masterfully crafted tale that blends high-stakes adventure with raw emotional depth. Set two hundred years after the Blood Wars, the story throws readers into a Faerie realm on the brink of collapse—fractured by tyranny, haunted by loss, and quietly hoping for rebirth.

At its core, this book is about resistance, legacy, and trust. Riley Dragoon and Xi Chin are two powerful elementals driven not by vengeance, but by love for their dying court. Their mission? To reclaim a stolen future and smuggle hope to safety. But their journey is anything but straightforward. Enter Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark—Faerie war general, shadow fae, and a force of nature. Ezra’s deadly proposition shatters the elementals’ carefully laid plans and births an unlikely alliance that could either mend the world… or doom it entirely.

Cavaleri’s worldbuilding is stunning. Faerie is layered with political intrigue, haunting beauty, and quiet heartbreak. The tension simmers with every scene, and the interplay of elemental magic—shadow, air, and earth—feels both mystical and deeply symbolic. But it’s the characters who truly shine. Each one is flawed, fiercely loyal, and unforgettable. Ezra is an enigmatic powerhouse, both feared and broken. Riley is fiercely protective with a vulnerability that sneaks up on you. And Xi? She’s the steady fire, the quiet strength that holds everything together.

This book doesn’t shy away from hard truths. It explores what it means to fight for a future when the past still bleeds, and whether bonds forged under pressure can hold when tested by betrayal, grief, and love.

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Air and Earth was a quick yet powerfully impactful novella of the Remnant Archives series. The story follows the elemental twins of the plains Xi Chin and Riley Dragoon, as well as, our favorite leading lady Remnant Dark as they decide whether they are friend or foe, and whether or not they will join forces to set out on what’s sure to be a perilous journey to recover an artifact that will prevent further destruction of their world. Can they overcome preconceived notions of who each other are and dealings of the past for the good of Faerie? This novella has so much much going for it from the moment you open to page one. It shares the sultry yet devoted chemistry between Xi and Riley while also diving a bit into their trauma-ridden and painful pasts. These stories within the overall story really give you a sense of who they are deep down and why they are who they are as individuals. The story as a whole also dives deep into the epitome of what a true friendship is, thriving on the deep bonds of what it actually is to be ‘friends of the soul’. We see these examples over and over again with not only the love conveyed between our trio, but also the loyalty and trust shared through their unbreakable bond. This was a hard one to put down if I’m being honest. I was enraptured in all the moments of action, seduction, pain, and triumph. I’m looking forward to seeing what fate has in store for these characters in the future!

[Nikolett Berkiné Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is one of the best freaking novellas I’ve ever read. Literally. B.K. Cavaleri is such a talented writer her words hit deep every single time. She made me laugh, cry, swoon, and fall even more in love with her world and characters.

Shadows of Air and Earth gives us the backstory of our shadow force trio Remnant, Xi, and Riley and it’s absolutely amazing. It’s enemies to lovers… except more like enemies to best friends, to family. They’ve been through so much together and individually, and seeing how their relationship began made me love them even more.

Xi, an Earth elemental, and Riley, an Air elemental, are both powerful and complex. They’re driven to help their dying court, and through it all, their bond grows through trust, loyalty, and unconditional love.

This story is powerful. The world-building is rich and immersive, the tension and emotional depth are spot on, and the writing… wow. B.K. Cavaleri’s way with words is unmatched raw, beautiful, and deeply moving.

The spice, the heart, the friendship like everything is perfectly balanced. And that ending though?! Bri loves to give us endings that throw us right off the loop, and this one was no exception. I’m still not over it.

If you want a story that makes you feel everything from laughter to heartbreak to awe this one’s for you.

[Lindsey C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella in the Remmant Archives series. It started off right away with action and spice. I was engaged through the whole book. You follow Xi and Riley as they end up meeting General Remmant. I have not red the other books in the series, but now I need to. I will say I was not confused at all reading this. The ending has me confused. Buttttt I know once I read the other books, it will tie in

Xi is an earth elemental and Riley is an Air elemental. They have been friends forever. Riley has always had a pull to Xi that he thought she didn’t feel a well. In comes Remmant. The queens general, a bad ass shadow elemental. She is known for being ruthless. The 3 of them end up on a quest together. Man do they find trouble. Trolls. fairies, near death experiences. Yah know. Just a normal day in their world.

This is a story about finding friendship in the most unlikely places. About learning to love. Forgiveness. And taking care our your mental health I loved the banter between Remmant and Riley. I loved seeing Riley and Xi open about their feelings. And the spice was perfect. It was so cute. I know need to read the rest of this series.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a stunning prequel novella for the Remnant Archives series!

I recommend reading at least after Remnants Lost to avoid any sort of spoilers and give you more context on the characters. However, this can be read before or after Shadows Ascend. I personally read it after Shadows Ascend and I think there were a few easter eggs I caught in this novella that I wouldn't have picked up otherwise.

This is a wonderful tale of the bonds of friendship and how to let yourself open up to others. How strong found family bonds can be when your own familial bonds are fractured. I loved getting more backstory to Riley and Xi and seeing how their relationship with Remnant developed.

As always, there are some hard events referenced. However, there are also numerous happy and hilarious times.

Read if you love:
-Bonds of friendship
-Beasts and other creatures
-Friends to lovers
-Elemental abilities

Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 2/2/25, Release date: 2/8/25

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how Ezra first met Riley Dragoon and Xi Chin? This novella takes us back in time, to two hundred years after the Blood Wars before Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark’s story begins. I loved getting to see a different side of Ezra, a more trusting side, knowing exactly what is going to happen to her.

We meet Riley and Xi, who are on a mission to steal the Empedolces staff from the Queen. Their friendship takes center stage, but along the way, they uncover secrets that could tear them apart. They also have to confront their family that broke them when they were younger. There is a complicated bond between them. Riley has always been Xi’s protector, whether she likes it or not, and though he’s in love with her, she doesn’t realize her own feelings until it’s almost too late.

This novella has heartbreak, sacrifice, and the realization that even if they aren’t soulmates, they still belong to each other. The epilogue ties back into the main series when Ezra destroys Morta. This is where they meet Emon and Tyr. And that ending, you will scream at your book, I promise you that.

[K.B. D' · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5
🔥 2
🎭Characters: 10/10
🎞 Plot: 9/10
🏞 World: 10/10
✍ Writing Style:9/10
🤔 Logic 10/10
🤩 Enjoyment 10/10
😥 Emotion: tissues required

I was so excited when I read that this between-books novella was the twin’s story. Their banter throughout the story and chemistry made me like Remanent more. She is not always a likeable character, but that is part of what makes her a great character. That Xi and Ri were so fiercely loyal made me wonder what they had experienced together to build that connection. Shadows of Earth and Air was waiting to reveal the answer.

Once again, through her characters, B.K. pulls us through the emotional roller coaster of the trials and tribulations of complex relationships. She shows us what unconditional love truly looks like. About friends and found family and the depths one will go to for those they love. While simultaneously making you laugh.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me. I found this book very captivating. You have a faerie world on the verge of total destruction and ruin. Riley and Xi were phenominal characters. I love that they were driven by a sense of loyalty, duty, and obligation to everything they held dear. These characters are met with twist and turns, evil and darkness but I love that no matter how hard it gets, they don't give up.


The writing in this book is very descriptive. To me that's important when you're a world building.Because I want to be able to picture everything clearly in my head. The magic system and the elements within it were very well developed.

For me, this book shows that we can all be debilitated by the scars of our past but it's how we deal with them that can change the future.

I give this a solid four out of five stars.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced and entertaining novella in the Remnant Archives world. This was actually my first read of the series (will I be diving into more? Absolutely!!) I loved getting into Riley, Xi, and Remnant Dark’s story. The elemental magic, found family dynamics, and friends to lovers tension were the highlights for me. Y'all know I'm a sucker for friends to lovers 🙂‍↕️ The author balanced action, humor, and spice while also digging into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and healing from the past.

At times, I did want the pacing to slow down just a littleeee bit so I could sit with the emotional parts a little longer, but overall this was a super captivating and well written story. & that ending??? Definitely left me wanting more

Perfect for readers who enjoy:
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Found Family
✨ Elemental Magic

[Jess Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well.. what can I say about this novella! This was an amazing story of friendship! I'd recommend to read this after Shadows Lost as it gives you more context on the characters involved in the Remnant Archives Series.
This was a perfect story of the bonds of friendship and how to let yourself open up to others. I loved hearing the back story of Riley and Xi and how their relationship with Remnant developed!

I cannot wait to read the last book in the Remnant Archives Series, I think it will be an emotional one😢

[Robyn Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella of the Remnant Archives by BK Cavaleri.
This didn’t feel like a novella. It starts off spicy which quickly pulls you in then it’s action packed to the very last page. It’s a beautifully written story about love, loyalty and true friendship
I’m in love with the three main characters! Each one brings something special to the story. I highly recommend this book if you love shadow magic, good conquering evil romantasies! I will definitely be reading the Remnant Archives series because I need more!!!

[Britishandbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a minute to get going with this book but once they got going on their quest to retrieve an artifact that could change the course of their kinds futures, I was obsessed. there were parts where I wanted to cry, I laughed out loud, outwardly gasped at Rileys deepest secret. I also love the friendship that blossoms between the 3 characters. can't wait for the next book after the cliff hanger.

overall a really fun read, likeable MMCs, found family trope, seductive elemental powers and troll bowling (IYKYK)

[Casey Hera-Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved this novella. Sometimes I forget about novellas between series but this one is a must read. I loved reading about how Xi, Riley and Rem became friends. And I love Riley so much more now. And that ending with Riley, Xi and Tyr. Stop it right now I am shook! Cannot recommend this book and series enough, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this series is criminally underrated!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the prompt to read this after Shadows Lost before Shadows Ascent I was so pleased to jump back into the story of the elemental twins and their bond with Remnant. It solidified the feelings I couldn’t quite place.

The ending brought me light and then the epilogue made me jump! I am loving the series and will be excited to continue on!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staring down at his pale face with the god of death hovering just beyond, my voice was hard, "Tell me what I need to do. How do I save him?"


The rollercoaster of heartbreak and unconditional love was addictive. I am fully into the Remnant Archives. Deep in it.

[Thistle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a beautiful dance of fate, trust, and the power of chosen bonds—with just the right mix of danger, betrayal, and healing magic. My heart latched onto the themes of redemption, found family, and the kind of love that could either save the world… or unravel it. 💔➡️💖

[Owen Hera-Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait. What?
Excuse me?

They’re who?!
He’s what?!

What in the fucking world just happened?!
Bri - you’re a fucking genius and I love it!
Take your well deserved 5 star review, before you destroy me with book 3 😅😂

[tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I have WHIPLASH in the best way from this novella. 😭😭

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I dont want to give away anything and spoil the book for anyone but you want to add this to your TBR 😉

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley, Xi and Remnant 😍🥰🥹 what a fantastic novella this was! I didn't know I needed this book but I'm so glad I've read it now 🥰🥰🥰

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts:
Definitely read the first two books in the Remnant Archives before diving into this one!! The origin story of Xi, Riley, and Remnant is absolutely captivating. It made me admire the characters even more before things happened. I loved watching the friendship between the trio form and their witty banter. It has action, elemental magic, quests, and strong found family. Plus the love Xi and Riley have for each other! 🥹 Be prepared for some spicy scenes! 🔥

[Justina Bascombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to QP Book Tours and author BK Cavaleri for a gifted copy of the ebook.

This was a really good short book. This is a novella to the Remnants Archives series.

This story has a lot of what I love in a fantasy. Action, battles, and found family. The MCs find the level of friendship that is soul deep. And I love a strong FMC.

There was also some spice.
The main series is one I have to read soon!

[Byraxis is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished Shadows of Air and Earth (Remnant Archives #5) 🌌✨
What a ride—elementals, fae courts, shadows and secrets woven into such a beautiful story.
5/5 ⭐ and definitely one of my favorite fantasy reads this season.
Now I’m left with that bittersweet “book hangover” feeling… 🖤