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Shades of Aura #2
The Calamities of Toterrum
Power awakens. The mind unravels. The war isn’t waiting.
Yaron Meek barely survived the events of Toterrum, but peace was never the end of this journey.
Now hiding in Labyrintha—the stronghold of the Mentality Aura—Yaron is fraying at the edges. Guided by a powerful Mentalist known as the Soothsayer, he dives deeper into the mysteries of Aura while forming unexpected new bonds… including one with Ricochet, whose loyalty runs deeper than Yaron ever imagined.
But the war outside is only getting worse. Officers are closing in on the last Aura sanctuaries. And somewhere across Biome, the fabled city of gold—long tied to the mysterious Luck Aura—whispers to Yaron with promises of power no one fully understands.
To protect Biome and those he loves, Yaron must face the storm within before it consumes everything.
Book Two in the Shades of Aura series — perfect for readers who love slow-burn fantasy, found family, elemental magic, and rich explorations of mental health through magic.
Yaron Meek barely survived the events of Toterrum, but peace was never the end of this journey.
Now hiding in Labyrintha—the stronghold of the Mentality Aura—Yaron is fraying at the edges. Guided by a powerful Mentalist known as the Soothsayer, he dives deeper into the mysteries of Aura while forming unexpected new bonds… including one with Ricochet, whose loyalty runs deeper than Yaron ever imagined.
But the war outside is only getting worse. Officers are closing in on the last Aura sanctuaries. And somewhere across Biome, the fabled city of gold—long tied to the mysterious Luck Aura—whispers to Yaron with promises of power no one fully understands.
To protect Biome and those he loves, Yaron must face the storm within before it consumes everything.
Book Two in the Shades of Aura series — perfect for readers who love slow-burn fantasy, found family, elemental magic, and rich explorations of mental health through magic.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Kamphuis
3 books31 followersBenjamin Kamphuis writes fantasy for readers who crave magic systems with meaning, creatures with heart, and characters who confront the storm within. A mental health advocate and former anxiety survivor, Benjamin crafts young adult stories that celebrate community, neurodivergence, and personal power.
Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and RuPaul’s Drag Race will feel right at home in his worlds. Lyrical in tone and emotionally rich, his novels are written to remind young readers that their inner world matters just as much as the outer one.
When he’s not writing, Benjamin draws inspiration from musicians like Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift, and Noah Kahan, blending emotion with epicness.
Visit him at https://benkamphuis.com
Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and RuPaul’s Drag Race will feel right at home in his worlds. Lyrical in tone and emotionally rich, his novels are written to remind young readers that their inner world matters just as much as the outer one.
When he’s not writing, Benjamin draws inspiration from musicians like Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift, and Noah Kahan, blending emotion with epicness.
Visit him at https://benkamphuis.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 15, 2025
I think I liked book 2 better than book one and I loved book one. Yaron is still my guy but I added to my favorites the Soothsayer and Ricochet.
Yaron deals with a lot in this book. Changing relationships, betrayal, hidden secrets, depression, anxiety and the continual learning about the auras are all in this novel.
There are so many hidden jewels of wisdom and life within the pages of this book if you open up your eyes and heart to them.
The author has created something special with different layers within the story. Seems looked bleak and then there seems to be some peace for the young man, but I’m not so sure book 3 is going to be smooth sailing for him or his friends.
I want to thank BookSirens and the author for the free e-book arc. This review is voluntary.
Yaron deals with a lot in this book. Changing relationships, betrayal, hidden secrets, depression, anxiety and the continual learning about the auras are all in this novel.
There are so many hidden jewels of wisdom and life within the pages of this book if you open up your eyes and heart to them.
The author has created something special with different layers within the story. Seems looked bleak and then there seems to be some peace for the young man, but I’m not so sure book 3 is going to be smooth sailing for him or his friends.
I want to thank BookSirens and the author for the free e-book arc. This review is voluntary.
March 6, 2025
Where to start with this incredible novel...READ IT ! I absolutely love the whole Pokémon vibe ! The main character, Yaron, and his fantastic companion, Ricochet, are a pair to be reckoned with. I do wish there was more that happened between them, but that is a personal preference.
Secondly, the personal journey that Yaron goes on is done stunningly well. The way in which dissociation is explained makes it easy to comprehend. It is also done beautifully. I love how the events of the first book in the series have truly significant impacts that carry over.
Thirdly, our other characters are struggling in their own way, but they can all come together at the end of the day. You have the mother figure, Heritia, the 2 best friends, Aurora and Naso, and a new friend, the Soothsayer. (Plus later, a new friend called, Trigger.) The character development for all them is done extremely well. At one point, I thought they'd jump off the page as they felt that real.
Lastly, the magic or Aura, is a really cool concept. To have magic be a type of Aura is a really interesting take on magic, and one, I'm glad this series explores. The different types of Aura definitely give off Divergent vibes, but also a fresh and new vibe all on their own.
Read this series! You won't regret it! Thank you to the author, Benjamin Kamphuis, for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I cannot wait for the 3rd book !
Secondly, the personal journey that Yaron goes on is done stunningly well. The way in which dissociation is explained makes it easy to comprehend. It is also done beautifully. I love how the events of the first book in the series have truly significant impacts that carry over.
Thirdly, our other characters are struggling in their own way, but they can all come together at the end of the day. You have the mother figure, Heritia, the 2 best friends, Aurora and Naso, and a new friend, the Soothsayer. (Plus later, a new friend called, Trigger.) The character development for all them is done extremely well. At one point, I thought they'd jump off the page as they felt that real.
Lastly, the magic or Aura, is a really cool concept. To have magic be a type of Aura is a really interesting take on magic, and one, I'm glad this series explores. The different types of Aura definitely give off Divergent vibes, but also a fresh and new vibe all on their own.
Read this series! You won't regret it! Thank you to the author, Benjamin Kamphuis, for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I cannot wait for the 3rd book !
April 25, 2025
4.5 stars! This is the second book in the Shades of Aura series. I haven't read the first book and although this did not stop me from enjoying this by any means, I would recommend that you start with book one. I intend to read it!
I loved the complexity of the main character Yaron. He is battling anxiety whilst also dealing with grief and a coming to terms with betrayal. I thought the author portrayed his conflicting emotions and mental state really well. Yaron was well developed and believable as a character. It was great to see his journey alongside an interesting cast of other characters who all felt they had something to add to the story.
The world building, creatures and magical elements were also cleverly written and the story had me completely hooked. That ending has me needing to read book three!
If you enjoy a fantasy read with magical elements and a delightful cast of creatures this might be the next series you've been looking for.
Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
I loved the complexity of the main character Yaron. He is battling anxiety whilst also dealing with grief and a coming to terms with betrayal. I thought the author portrayed his conflicting emotions and mental state really well. Yaron was well developed and believable as a character. It was great to see his journey alongside an interesting cast of other characters who all felt they had something to add to the story.
The world building, creatures and magical elements were also cleverly written and the story had me completely hooked. That ending has me needing to read book three!
If you enjoy a fantasy read with magical elements and a delightful cast of creatures this might be the next series you've been looking for.
Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
May 13, 2025
This is not one of my typical reads (aka dark romance) but I loved it all the same! This series has been and continues to be so adaptable into my daily life and in my outside work with autistic children and their families! In ABA therapy sometimes one thing some clients love to do in down time is read together!! The first book in this series I read a few weeks ago with one of my clients! (I mean I did the reading and my client sat with me and mostly paid attention to my voice and some toys but that’s besides the point!) I am so glad that I stepped out of my reading comfort bubble to break into a different subset of the fantasy genre because not only did I thoroughly enjoy both of the books in this series, I also was able to utilize them to create such special moments at work!!
I cannot wait to bring this book with me next week to work and read it with my client! I was a bit greedy with it and read it by myself first so shhhh no one tell the kiddos.
This story is just such a fun exciting adventure with many twists and turns, new characters, and massive ‘bomb’ drops!! It lightly discusses topics of inclusivity, mental health, and the importance of friendship in a way that is both informative and digestible, which is why I think it’s such a good story for the YA crowd!!
Thank you so much to this incredible author for sharing this story with me early!! The kiddos are going to be so very pumped when I bring this into sessions with me instead of hiding out and reading it on breaks…
I cannot wait to bring this book with me next week to work and read it with my client! I was a bit greedy with it and read it by myself first so shhhh no one tell the kiddos.
This story is just such a fun exciting adventure with many twists and turns, new characters, and massive ‘bomb’ drops!! It lightly discusses topics of inclusivity, mental health, and the importance of friendship in a way that is both informative and digestible, which is why I think it’s such a good story for the YA crowd!!
Thank you so much to this incredible author for sharing this story with me early!! The kiddos are going to be so very pumped when I bring this into sessions with me instead of hiding out and reading it on breaks…
March 26, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ (Come on Goodreads let us have partial stars already!) Well friends, when Benjamin Kamphius named this book The Calamities of Toterrum he MEANT it and I loved it! I really enjoyed the first book, The Walls of Toterrum following Yaron Meek and his quest to find his origin and understand his aura with all its world building, twists, turns, found family, Aura type magic reminiscent of Avatar the Last Airbender, Pokemon vibes partner animals, mental health representation and overall great fantasy themes! Those things are all present in this second book and amplified x a million. The flawed characters you love or love to hate get deeper and grow immensely in this book as does the world building, mystery, new magical auras and really society building. All the societies we’ve been introduced to so far have wonderful, magical qualities juxtaposed with really flawed ideas and biases. You are reading about a fantasy world, but there are so many parallels to apply to and get you thinking about the real world and how they came to be. I love that the characters are all very relatable neither all hero or all villain (well mostly). Just flawed characters trying to figure things out like we all do through the ups and downs. It was a wild ride and I’m SO READY for book 3! Thanks for trusting me with this ARC! I recommend to anyone that loves a great well paced, can’t put down story! Available now from the author’s website if you want some signed copies like me and also all the usual places!
March 21, 2025
This is a fantastic follow up to the first book in this series (The Walls of Toterrum). It introduces new characters and places, raises the stakes, and continues to build a vivid, imaginative world. It’s definitely a strong step in what was already a great direction.
Yaron Meek is a boy out of place. He’s been ripped from his home, and the only family he had has been taken from him. This story starts with him a little bit lost, unsure how he fits in a society that values Aura manipulation. But Yaron doesn’t manipulate like everyone else. In fact, he can’t even figure out how he does manipulate Aura. On top of that, he’s haunted by a strange dream of a falling star.
One of this books biggest strengths is the way in which it addresses real world problems. Though the world is very different from ours, the author tackles themes of mental health, prejudice, and many more.
The world of Biome is beautiful in so many ways. I’m absolutely in love with the magic and the beasts. It’s a compelling world that leaves me eager for more.
You’ll love this book if you like stories with whimsy. I think it’s suited well for middle grade audiences. It’s a unique story that touches on the classic feelings of family, betrayal, and exploration that I remember keeping me hooked when I read stories like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter in middle school.
Yaron Meek is a boy out of place. He’s been ripped from his home, and the only family he had has been taken from him. This story starts with him a little bit lost, unsure how he fits in a society that values Aura manipulation. But Yaron doesn’t manipulate like everyone else. In fact, he can’t even figure out how he does manipulate Aura. On top of that, he’s haunted by a strange dream of a falling star.
One of this books biggest strengths is the way in which it addresses real world problems. Though the world is very different from ours, the author tackles themes of mental health, prejudice, and many more.
The world of Biome is beautiful in so many ways. I’m absolutely in love with the magic and the beasts. It’s a compelling world that leaves me eager for more.
You’ll love this book if you like stories with whimsy. I think it’s suited well for middle grade audiences. It’s a unique story that touches on the classic feelings of family, betrayal, and exploration that I remember keeping me hooked when I read stories like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter in middle school.
April 30, 2025
This book was special and a pleasure to read. I adore this trilogy. Calamities is the second installment and it certainly did not disappoint. I'd even say it was superior to Walls.
The book is just so perfectly written. It was descriptive and the continual world building was absolutely second to none. There were no plot holes or unanswered questions at all.
The characters were fantastic as always. Yaron, was a wee bit petulant at first but he got over that thankfully. Naso. He disappointed me. There were a lot of new characters. I adored The Soothsayer. She really spoke to me! The rest of the characters were well written and worked brilliantly in the story.
The book was written in first person from Yaron's POV. The epilogue was the exception. It was written another character's POV. This worked fantastically. We got to continue our journey with Yaron which was excellent.
There is a little glossary at the end which is extremely handy for check out the auras and the beats
I cannot recommend this book enough! It is such a good read and I read it more than once to get this review! If you check any trilogy out this year, this should be it!
The book is just so perfectly written. It was descriptive and the continual world building was absolutely second to none. There were no plot holes or unanswered questions at all.
The characters were fantastic as always. Yaron, was a wee bit petulant at first but he got over that thankfully. Naso. He disappointed me. There were a lot of new characters. I adored The Soothsayer. She really spoke to me! The rest of the characters were well written and worked brilliantly in the story.
The book was written in first person from Yaron's POV. The epilogue was the exception. It was written another character's POV. This worked fantastically. We got to continue our journey with Yaron which was excellent.
There is a little glossary at the end which is extremely handy for check out the auras and the beats
I cannot recommend this book enough! It is such a good read and I read it more than once to get this review! If you check any trilogy out this year, this should be it!
October 12, 2025
It wasn’t clear at least to me after reading book 1, that this series is Harry Potter on steroids. It has a protagonist (Yaron) who is somewhat clueless and needs the help of his friends in order to survive the evil deed doers (just like Harry). There are also other characters that can be compared to other characters from The Potter books. That’s not say the book isn’t entertaining and worth reading to get your fantasy fix. It has magic, an evil villain, actually more than one villain. It has several people who betray or deceive Yaron. Then there is Aurora who reminds me of Hermione. She is Yaron’s girlfriend and is also the one who helped them after they escaped in book 1, The Walls of Toterrum. Yaron and company are searching to figure out which aura Yaron belongs to. So far they have tried 3 out of the 5 aura’s and none seem to fit. They are attacked by the Officers from Toterrum who want to bring them back to Toterrum to make an example out of them to show their citizen there is no escape. Yaron and Naso are the first to escape in recent history and the Baron is angry. There are happy times and heartbreaking events. Relationships are formed and family is found. This trilogy is definitely worth reading. Getting ready to start Book 3 The Hopes of Toterrum. Can’t wait to see how it all ends.
April 2, 2025
This is book two in the Shades of Aura series and I'm still rooting for Yaron and Ricochet. I love how Ricochet is always sensing if Yaron is in danger and comes running. I also really like the Soothsayer, she is a powerful being and a close friend to Yaron. They get closer in this installment but you can she means well.
We were promised Calamities and Calamities we got! Full of action, keeps you hooked and we are introduced to a few other new characters, some have good intentions, some not so. But it's hard to know who to trust. We find out more about Yaron in this one, he's still trying to find his Aura and as they can show elements of the other aura's, it makes it hard to tell which his is. Luck, mentality, empathy, perception and vigor. I also love the idea of the beasts of Biome, their connection to their person ie strong once formed.
I'm intrigued to see where book three goes after that ending!
We were promised Calamities and Calamities we got! Full of action, keeps you hooked and we are introduced to a few other new characters, some have good intentions, some not so. But it's hard to know who to trust. We find out more about Yaron in this one, he's still trying to find his Aura and as they can show elements of the other aura's, it makes it hard to tell which his is. Luck, mentality, empathy, perception and vigor. I also love the idea of the beasts of Biome, their connection to their person ie strong once formed.
I'm intrigued to see where book three goes after that ending!
April 24, 2025
What a wonderful continuation in the Shades of Aura series!
The Calamities of Toterrum is the second book and while it can be read without having read the first book, I HIGHLY recommend that you start at the beginning!
The character development (for main and side characters) is wonderful and well done. The world building continues to be incredibly well done and well paced.
The magic system in this book is fascinating and gets more intriguing the more we learn about it! I love the Aura concept and the different ways that it works. I can’t wait to learn more about it!
Calamities is full of interesting characters and creatures and I love the drawings in the back of the book of all the creatures (Ricochet is definitely the best character!)!
Calamities of Toterrum is a well paced, easy to follow, really enjoyable read and I recommend if you want a unique magic systems and a book with a lot of heart!
The Calamities of Toterrum is the second book and while it can be read without having read the first book, I HIGHLY recommend that you start at the beginning!
The character development (for main and side characters) is wonderful and well done. The world building continues to be incredibly well done and well paced.
The magic system in this book is fascinating and gets more intriguing the more we learn about it! I love the Aura concept and the different ways that it works. I can’t wait to learn more about it!
Calamities is full of interesting characters and creatures and I love the drawings in the back of the book of all the creatures (Ricochet is definitely the best character!)!
Calamities of Toterrum is a well paced, easy to follow, really enjoyable read and I recommend if you want a unique magic systems and a book with a lot of heart!
April 25, 2025
Thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for my copy of this book.
I loved it, just as I loved the first one in the trilogy. The world-building, the magic system, and the huge range of characters - all brilliant. Despite there being so many people, it's not difficult to keep track of them, and I feel like you get to know them all pretty well. Some of the characters surprised me in this book - Herita! - but that's no bad thing. I was very sceptical of the Luckists (according to the author's quiz, I would be a Mentalist), and Luck is definitely my least favourite Aura so far.
One of the things that I think is particularly lovely about this series is that it feels suitable for a wide age range. Despite having a young protagonist, there are a lot of serious topics, and the overall theme is a system of corruption that would be at home in any dystopia.
The ending of this book has left me desperate for the next one!
I loved it, just as I loved the first one in the trilogy. The world-building, the magic system, and the huge range of characters - all brilliant. Despite there being so many people, it's not difficult to keep track of them, and I feel like you get to know them all pretty well. Some of the characters surprised me in this book - Herita! - but that's no bad thing. I was very sceptical of the Luckists (according to the author's quiz, I would be a Mentalist), and Luck is definitely my least favourite Aura so far.
One of the things that I think is particularly lovely about this series is that it feels suitable for a wide age range. Despite having a young protagonist, there are a lot of serious topics, and the overall theme is a system of corruption that would be at home in any dystopia.
The ending of this book has left me desperate for the next one!
March 15, 2025
3.75
I enjoyed this book more than the first. I really appreciated all the visuals and hierarchies listed in the back! It helped tremendously to keep everything straight for me.
I have enjoyed the bits of mental health and stability put forth in both books. As well as the inclusion aspect in this one and seeing the characters grow in their acceptance of such, since it is stated where they come from no such thing exists and is frowned upon.
I feel like from the very beginning we got the ground rolling with action and adventure. More emotion was shown in this book which I appreciated, and in a not so robotic sort of way.
This is such a fun read for action and adventure. Not to mention character development and growth. The characters are never afraid to learn new things and try new things in their surroundings using aura and I really appreciated that.
The characters/items with similar name were still throwing me off quite a bit.
I enjoyed this book more than the first. I really appreciated all the visuals and hierarchies listed in the back! It helped tremendously to keep everything straight for me.
I have enjoyed the bits of mental health and stability put forth in both books. As well as the inclusion aspect in this one and seeing the characters grow in their acceptance of such, since it is stated where they come from no such thing exists and is frowned upon.
I feel like from the very beginning we got the ground rolling with action and adventure. More emotion was shown in this book which I appreciated, and in a not so robotic sort of way.
This is such a fun read for action and adventure. Not to mention character development and growth. The characters are never afraid to learn new things and try new things in their surroundings using aura and I really appreciated that.
The characters/items with similar name were still throwing me off quite a bit.
March 16, 2025
This is book 2 of a trilogy, I hadn't read book 1 and while yes reading book 1 would give you some insight into the various Auras that are referred to, it was still perfectly readable as a standalone novel.
The heart of this story is the relationships between the characters and what they teach each other. I really loved seeing them interacting and meeting new people.
The Auras and their countries politics are fascinating, I can't wait to learn more in book 3.
There's so many twists and turns, and it still feels like there is so much to explore. The pace never lets up, so despite this being a longer than average read, it doesn't feel that way.
I love the glossaries at the end explaining a little about the auras, the cities, and especially the beasts with the diagrams - they look so cute!!
Fantasy is not my go-to genre, but I definitely need to read the final book in this trilogy!
The heart of this story is the relationships between the characters and what they teach each other. I really loved seeing them interacting and meeting new people.
The Auras and their countries politics are fascinating, I can't wait to learn more in book 3.
There's so many twists and turns, and it still feels like there is so much to explore. The pace never lets up, so despite this being a longer than average read, it doesn't feel that way.
I love the glossaries at the end explaining a little about the auras, the cities, and especially the beasts with the diagrams - they look so cute!!
Fantasy is not my go-to genre, but I definitely need to read the final book in this trilogy!
April 24, 2025
The Calamities of Toterrum is book two in the Shades of Aura series, and having previously read book one, I was looking forward to this, and let me tell you, it certainly did not disappoint.
Following the after-effects of book one, we are back again with Yaron, Ricochet, and Co, in a fast paced young adult dark fantasy romance.
It's a story full of magic, magical fight scenes and emotions. There's action galore, we're introduced to some great new characters, and there's twists and turns by the bucket load.
I really appreciated the glossary at the back of the book, detailing the magic, people, creatures and more. It's always useful to refer to as you read along.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Following the after-effects of book one, we are back again with Yaron, Ricochet, and Co, in a fast paced young adult dark fantasy romance.
It's a story full of magic, magical fight scenes and emotions. There's action galore, we're introduced to some great new characters, and there's twists and turns by the bucket load.
I really appreciated the glossary at the back of the book, detailing the magic, people, creatures and more. It's always useful to refer to as you read along.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
March 17, 2025
ARC READ!! ••• I enjoyed this book!! Yes there was a continuation of the characters seemingly switching between personalities from the first book… However! There’s a lot more improvements as well compared to the first book. The speed at which combat began and ended were well paced. It may feel like it was going too fast but I personally think this matches the sense of urgency that the book portrays. Also, I was hooked and fascinated by how Biome plays such a big role within the kingdoms! And the ending is definitely worth the wait!
April 24, 2025
The Calamities of Toterrum by Benjamin Kamphuis.
This was a good read. It was a little slow to start. I wasn't sure how I felt about Yaron. I loved his companion, Ricochet. How he was described. I didn't like how he was. I did like Soothsayer, Naso, Trigger, Aurora, Herita. King Resin, i wasn't sure about either. I wasn't sure about Mel. The forest scene was unusual. I didn't see that coming. I was surprised. I am looking forward to the next book.
This was a good read. It was a little slow to start. I wasn't sure how I felt about Yaron. I loved his companion, Ricochet. How he was described. I didn't like how he was. I did like Soothsayer, Naso, Trigger, Aurora, Herita. King Resin, i wasn't sure about either. I wasn't sure about Mel. The forest scene was unusual. I didn't see that coming. I was surprised. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 31, 2025
I just finished Arc read:
I JUST JUMPED RIGHT BACK IN THE STORY WITH YARON MEEK AND FRIENDS DEALING WITH CORRUPT HISTORY, PARTNER BEASTS, EXOTIC LANDSCAPES, BETRAYAL, BUDDING ROMANCE, DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH, AND WAR.
THIS BOOK HAD ME GOING UP AND DOWN WITH ALL MY EMOTIONS, POOR YARON CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. THE BETRAYAL AND THE TWIST HAD ME ON MY TOES. I GIVE BOOK TWO OF THIS SERIES 4 STARS!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVE LOVES YA FANTASY. I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3 TO COME
I JUST JUMPED RIGHT BACK IN THE STORY WITH YARON MEEK AND FRIENDS DEALING WITH CORRUPT HISTORY, PARTNER BEASTS, EXOTIC LANDSCAPES, BETRAYAL, BUDDING ROMANCE, DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH, AND WAR.
THIS BOOK HAD ME GOING UP AND DOWN WITH ALL MY EMOTIONS, POOR YARON CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. THE BETRAYAL AND THE TWIST HAD ME ON MY TOES. I GIVE BOOK TWO OF THIS SERIES 4 STARS!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVE LOVES YA FANTASY. I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3 TO COME
March 17, 2025
Great world building and character development love this unique style. Can’t wait to read the next one!
March 24, 2025
Again, this book series delivers! I believe that this book has a premise unlike any other. The world building and descriptions are amazing! Get ready to be transported!
March 7, 2025
Back to the world of Biome we go to follow the journey of Yaron Meeks along with his friends Aurora and Naso in The Calamities of Toterrum. The first book leaves us in the wake of tragic events and does a great job setting us up for everything in store for Yaron.
Amongst the tragedies and the betrayals Yaron has to learn how to push through for himself, his friends, and the people of Toterrum. I love the mental health themes that Kamphuis advocates for. I find this makes the characters more relatable. As Yaron grows and develops, we also get to see how much Kamphuis has grown as an author in his writing style and storytelling abilities.
I also loved how much more we got to learn about the relationships with the partner beasts. This was one of my favorite aspects. The bond with Yaron and Ricochet was unique.
Can’t wait to see how everything plays out in book 3!
Thank you to Benjamin Kamphuis for this ARC. This is an honest review.
Amongst the tragedies and the betrayals Yaron has to learn how to push through for himself, his friends, and the people of Toterrum. I love the mental health themes that Kamphuis advocates for. I find this makes the characters more relatable. As Yaron grows and develops, we also get to see how much Kamphuis has grown as an author in his writing style and storytelling abilities.
I also loved how much more we got to learn about the relationships with the partner beasts. This was one of my favorite aspects. The bond with Yaron and Ricochet was unique.
Can’t wait to see how everything plays out in book 3!
Thank you to Benjamin Kamphuis for this ARC. This is an honest review.
March 5, 2025
I just finished Arc read: The Calamities of Toterrum by Benjamin Kamphuis
I JUST JUMPED RIGHT BACK IN THE STORY WITH YARON MEEK AND FRIENDS DEALING WITH CORRUPT HISTORY, PARTNER BEASTS, EXOTIC LANDSCAPES, BETRAYAL, BUDDING ROMANCE, DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH, AND WAR.
THIS BOOK HAD ME GOING UP AND DOWN WITH ALL MY EMOTIONS, POOR YARON CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. THE BETRAYAL AND THE TWISTS HAD ME ON MY TOES. I GIVE BOOK TWO OF THIS SERIES 4 STARS!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVE LOVES YA FANTASY. I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3!!
I JUST JUMPED RIGHT BACK IN THE STORY WITH YARON MEEK AND FRIENDS DEALING WITH CORRUPT HISTORY, PARTNER BEASTS, EXOTIC LANDSCAPES, BETRAYAL, BUDDING ROMANCE, DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH, AND WAR.
THIS BOOK HAD ME GOING UP AND DOWN WITH ALL MY EMOTIONS, POOR YARON CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. THE BETRAYAL AND THE TWISTS HAD ME ON MY TOES. I GIVE BOOK TWO OF THIS SERIES 4 STARS!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVE LOVES YA FANTASY. I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3!!
February 21, 2025
The series really starts to hit its stride in this book. The growth the characters experience and the struggles they have to deal with builds to an exciting climax. It sets up well for the next book and i am excited to see this series through to the end
May 23, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book after reading the first in the series. So excited to jump back in to the wonderfully imaginative and colourful world Kamphuis has created as we catch up with Yaron and his friends on their latest misadventure. The plot is fast moving from the get go, full of action and magical fight scenes as Yaron learns to use his new aura manipulations to save this he cared about. The author has filled the book full of emotion as Yaron comes to grips with who he is, discovers new family and friends, and really grows the relationships he has with those who care for him. And just when I thought I knew what the plot twist would be I was left with whiplash as the group are betrayed and forced to find yet another hidden city with the hope of saving those they love… already can’t wait for the final installment!
February 23, 2025
“We do desperate things when those we love are threatened.”
4.50 / 5.00 stars
This review contains spoilers for the first book, so reader proceed with caution if you have not finished The Walls of Toterrum. We’re back in Biome to continue Yaron’s journey of self-discovery, picking up not long after the tragic ending of Book One. A rift has formed between Yaron and his companions, brought about mostly by Yaron witnessing his mother’s death and his subsequent plunge into depression. In this book, Yaron must learn to come to terms with tragic events and work through interpersonal relationships while moving toward the ultimate goal of bringing a free society to Toterrum. Thank you to the author for gifting me a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The first book was a great set-up to where this book takes us, but this second installment in The Shades of Aura series was fantastic! Kamphuis definitely found his voice as an author and matured in his storytelling. Yaron has become such a relatable character – from sitting in his misery to eventually learning to work through the tough circumstances life has thrown at him, he becomes a character I think a lot of younger (and maybe not so young!) readers will identify with. I appreciated that we got to hear about different methods to dealing with those circumstances, and the point was brought home that not everybody will respond to circumstances in the same way, and that’s okay.
One thing I love about these books is how complex they are. Yaron and his companions face one gut punch after another, the “ugly duckling” discovery has turned into a full-blown Goldilocks situation, and #GrowingUpIsHardToDo. We get to explore the Mentality and Luck Auras pretty extensively in this book, and we get the same level of great adventure and Biome Beasts we’ve come to know and love. There’s also a few extra treats at the end of the book that give us an overview of all the Auras and Beasts we’ve met thus far.
The only drawback in this story for me was that even though I loved the diversity Kamphuis brought to this volume, some of it felt a bit forced. There were times it felt like Kamphuis decided he no longer wanted to explore the diversity he created and abruptly ended the storylines of those characters. The good news is, it leaves plenty of room for him to explore new ideas and new peoples in the next volume (which I’m very much looking forward to reading!).
On to the music! This is such a great match to the song Big Feelings by Arkells. Both the song and the book are dealing with life changing quickly, whether for better or worse. “Don’t go running for shelter, come on / Are you afraid of big feelings?” Yes, Yaron was definitely afraid of them at first, but we get to see him grow so much as he works his way through those big feelings. The beat of the song is such a great anthem for Yaron’s crew to keep their eyes on the prize as they make their way across Biome.
Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!
4.50 / 5.00 stars
This review contains spoilers for the first book, so reader proceed with caution if you have not finished The Walls of Toterrum. We’re back in Biome to continue Yaron’s journey of self-discovery, picking up not long after the tragic ending of Book One. A rift has formed between Yaron and his companions, brought about mostly by Yaron witnessing his mother’s death and his subsequent plunge into depression. In this book, Yaron must learn to come to terms with tragic events and work through interpersonal relationships while moving toward the ultimate goal of bringing a free society to Toterrum. Thank you to the author for gifting me a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The first book was a great set-up to where this book takes us, but this second installment in The Shades of Aura series was fantastic! Kamphuis definitely found his voice as an author and matured in his storytelling. Yaron has become such a relatable character – from sitting in his misery to eventually learning to work through the tough circumstances life has thrown at him, he becomes a character I think a lot of younger (and maybe not so young!) readers will identify with. I appreciated that we got to hear about different methods to dealing with those circumstances, and the point was brought home that not everybody will respond to circumstances in the same way, and that’s okay.
One thing I love about these books is how complex they are. Yaron and his companions face one gut punch after another, the “ugly duckling” discovery has turned into a full-blown Goldilocks situation, and #GrowingUpIsHardToDo. We get to explore the Mentality and Luck Auras pretty extensively in this book, and we get the same level of great adventure and Biome Beasts we’ve come to know and love. There’s also a few extra treats at the end of the book that give us an overview of all the Auras and Beasts we’ve met thus far.
The only drawback in this story for me was that even though I loved the diversity Kamphuis brought to this volume, some of it felt a bit forced. There were times it felt like Kamphuis decided he no longer wanted to explore the diversity he created and abruptly ended the storylines of those characters. The good news is, it leaves plenty of room for him to explore new ideas and new peoples in the next volume (which I’m very much looking forward to reading!).
On to the music! This is such a great match to the song Big Feelings by Arkells. Both the song and the book are dealing with life changing quickly, whether for better or worse. “Don’t go running for shelter, come on / Are you afraid of big feelings?” Yes, Yaron was definitely afraid of them at first, but we get to see him grow so much as he works his way through those big feelings. The beat of the song is such a great anthem for Yaron’s crew to keep their eyes on the prize as they make their way across Biome.
Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!
September 12, 2025
In Book Two of this fascinating series,
the author really throws you right into the “calamities” from Go.
That being said, I’ll admit it had a slightly darker vibe than the first one. Yaron in the beginning is still reeling from the end of book 1, sinking deep into his feelings of grief and betrayal, while also combatting a relentless deluge of anxiety, (a very formidable opponent), as anyone with experience knows all too well.
He starts out in the land of Labyrintha, home of the Mentality manipulators. Throughout the book we get the opportunity to move onto the lost city of Hallow as well, where dwell those who manipulate Luck.
As he learns about the these two new auras and the distinct cultures of these lands, he battles trusting those already close to him, as well as letting new people in.
He adds some very interesting and vibrant characters to his found family tribe, and the side characters in this story battle just as much as Yaron himself does (from both a mental health standpoint, as well as from the impending war, that simply won’t wait), no matter how heavy the burdens are that our beloved characters are already shouldering.
As much as this book is riddled with betrayal and loss and intense mental health struggles, it also possesses underlying themes of hope and resilience and love that keep the reader holding on.
The continued insight into the beasts of Biome and the relationships between partner beats and their chosen people is absolutely compelling, and the most enthralling part of this world by far!
On the author’s TikTok, you can take a quick little quiz and find out which aura you manipulate and which land you would hail from. This really helps you see yourself in the story, and adds a fun element into jumping into this new fantasy world.
I am grateful Book 3 is coming soon, because I’ve simply got to have more of these characters(both human and beastie), and get all my questions answered on the conclusion of the war, and Yaron’s destiny!
the author really throws you right into the “calamities” from Go.
That being said, I’ll admit it had a slightly darker vibe than the first one. Yaron in the beginning is still reeling from the end of book 1, sinking deep into his feelings of grief and betrayal, while also combatting a relentless deluge of anxiety, (a very formidable opponent), as anyone with experience knows all too well.
He starts out in the land of Labyrintha, home of the Mentality manipulators. Throughout the book we get the opportunity to move onto the lost city of Hallow as well, where dwell those who manipulate Luck.
As he learns about the these two new auras and the distinct cultures of these lands, he battles trusting those already close to him, as well as letting new people in.
He adds some very interesting and vibrant characters to his found family tribe, and the side characters in this story battle just as much as Yaron himself does (from both a mental health standpoint, as well as from the impending war, that simply won’t wait), no matter how heavy the burdens are that our beloved characters are already shouldering.
As much as this book is riddled with betrayal and loss and intense mental health struggles, it also possesses underlying themes of hope and resilience and love that keep the reader holding on.
The continued insight into the beasts of Biome and the relationships between partner beats and their chosen people is absolutely compelling, and the most enthralling part of this world by far!
On the author’s TikTok, you can take a quick little quiz and find out which aura you manipulate and which land you would hail from. This really helps you see yourself in the story, and adds a fun element into jumping into this new fantasy world.
I am grateful Book 3 is coming soon, because I’ve simply got to have more of these characters(both human and beastie), and get all my questions answered on the conclusion of the war, and Yaron’s destiny!
April 24, 2025
" [...] As for the darkness, it will never fully disappear. It is a part of you. [...]"
This was my first reading encounter with the work of Benjamin Kamphuis. "The Calamities of Toterrum" is the second volume in the "Shades of Aura" series. Unfortunately, I do not know the first part. Despite everything, I found myself very well in this story.
At the beginning of the book I found a great map.
The main character is Yaron. He could sense deceit in people. He studied and trained intensively. He suffered and experienced life trauma. He experienced a huge betrayal. He had to learn to live with it. I liked this character, and I was rooting for him a lot. I also met his friends and took an active part in their development and transformation.
This is a very exciting story. There is no boredom here. The action is fast-paced. The plot is captivating and impossible to put down. Thanks to the surprising ending, I will gladly reach for the third volume. In fact, I have no choice. I have to know the content of the third part. And definitely reach for the first part.
Warning! This novel may move you.
"The Calamities of Toterrum" is an interesting fantasy novel. I recommend it to older teenagers and adults.
Unfortunately, the cover of this book did not make a huge impression on me. Fortunately, the content is much better.
At the end of the book, the author describes, among other things: all the Auras that you will meet here and the beasts of the Biome.
This was my first reading encounter with the work of Benjamin Kamphuis. "The Calamities of Toterrum" is the second volume in the "Shades of Aura" series. Unfortunately, I do not know the first part. Despite everything, I found myself very well in this story.
At the beginning of the book I found a great map.
The main character is Yaron. He could sense deceit in people. He studied and trained intensively. He suffered and experienced life trauma. He experienced a huge betrayal. He had to learn to live with it. I liked this character, and I was rooting for him a lot. I also met his friends and took an active part in their development and transformation.
This is a very exciting story. There is no boredom here. The action is fast-paced. The plot is captivating and impossible to put down. Thanks to the surprising ending, I will gladly reach for the third volume. In fact, I have no choice. I have to know the content of the third part. And definitely reach for the first part.
Warning! This novel may move you.
"The Calamities of Toterrum" is an interesting fantasy novel. I recommend it to older teenagers and adults.
Unfortunately, the cover of this book did not make a huge impression on me. Fortunately, the content is much better.
At the end of the book, the author describes, among other things: all the Auras that you will meet here and the beasts of the Biome.
November 16, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” The calamities of Toterrum. Power stirs, and the mind begins to fracture. The war presses on. Yaron Meek may have escaped the destruction of Toterrum, but peace was never meant to be the end of his story. Now concealed within Labyrintha the domain of the Mentality Aura Yaron finds himself unraveling. Under the guidance of a gifted Mentalist known as the Soothsayer, he delves deeper into the complexities of Aura, forging new and unexpected connections along the way, including a profound bond with Ricochet, whose loyalty proves far greater than Yaron anticipated.
Beyond Labyrintha’s walls, the conflict escalates. Officers tighten their grip on the remaining Aura sanctuaries, and Biome edges closer to collapse. Meanwhile, the legendary golden city long associated with the enigmatic Luck Aura begins calling to Yaron with promises of a power few can comprehend.
To safeguard Biome and the people he holds dear, Yaron must confront the turmoil growing within him before it consumes everything. As the second installment in the Shades of Aura series, this book offers an engaging slow-burn fantasy rich with themes of found family, elemental magic, and nuanced explorations of mental and emotional resilience through the lens of Aura. A beautiful second book of this series!💛
Beyond Labyrintha’s walls, the conflict escalates. Officers tighten their grip on the remaining Aura sanctuaries, and Biome edges closer to collapse. Meanwhile, the legendary golden city long associated with the enigmatic Luck Aura begins calling to Yaron with promises of a power few can comprehend.
To safeguard Biome and the people he holds dear, Yaron must confront the turmoil growing within him before it consumes everything. As the second installment in the Shades of Aura series, this book offers an engaging slow-burn fantasy rich with themes of found family, elemental magic, and nuanced explorations of mental and emotional resilience through the lens of Aura. A beautiful second book of this series!💛
August 20, 2025
I just finished The Calamities of Toterrum, and I have to say, it really surprised me. What stood out most was how vividly the author captured the sense of a world in turmoil. Toterrum itself feels heavy with history—almost like the land is carrying its own scars—and that atmosphere kept me hooked from the start.
The characters were layered, and I appreciated that they weren’t painted as simply “good” or “bad.” Their choices often felt messy, human, and sometimes frustrating—but in a way that made them believable. I also liked how the book tackled bigger questions about survival, power, and the cost of rebuilding after disaster.
If I had to nitpick, a few sections dragged a little, and some characters could have been fleshed out more. But overall, the writing was strong, and the plot had enough twists and emotional weight to keep me engaged. The ending in particular left me thinking long after I put it down—it wasn’t neat or predictable, but it felt right for the story.
For me, this was a solid 4-star read. It’s not perfect, but it has depth, atmosphere, and heart. I’m really curious to hear what you all thought, especially about how the book handled the theme of resilience in the face of calamity.
The characters were layered, and I appreciated that they weren’t painted as simply “good” or “bad.” Their choices often felt messy, human, and sometimes frustrating—but in a way that made them believable. I also liked how the book tackled bigger questions about survival, power, and the cost of rebuilding after disaster.
If I had to nitpick, a few sections dragged a little, and some characters could have been fleshed out more. But overall, the writing was strong, and the plot had enough twists and emotional weight to keep me engaged. The ending in particular left me thinking long after I put it down—it wasn’t neat or predictable, but it felt right for the story.
For me, this was a solid 4-star read. It’s not perfect, but it has depth, atmosphere, and heart. I’m really curious to hear what you all thought, especially about how the book handled the theme of resilience in the face of calamity.
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed the first book of this series, so I went into this read with very high hopes. The author has not let us does. This is an excellent continuation , as book two of the series.
The author took the time to introduce new characters to us, as well as really diving deep into the characters we already know, and giving them levels of depth and personalities, which is perfect for a fantasy style series. It's got fantastic world building in this book as well, really bringing to life the actions and relationships of the book.
I really felt the book flowed nicely and gave us substance and adventure to really cling to and enjoy.
I really liked the interactions between characters and the relationships built and lost. I also reallu just enjoyed the continued story for the series. It is written well and very enjoyable.
The author took the time to introduce new characters to us, as well as really diving deep into the characters we already know, and giving them levels of depth and personalities, which is perfect for a fantasy style series. It's got fantastic world building in this book as well, really bringing to life the actions and relationships of the book.
I really felt the book flowed nicely and gave us substance and adventure to really cling to and enjoy.
I really liked the interactions between characters and the relationships built and lost. I also reallu just enjoyed the continued story for the series. It is written well and very enjoyable.
November 16, 2025
This was such a great follow up to the first book. I loved the way the addition of Mentality Manipulators changed everything and how they helped Yaron to grow and become more sure of himself. There were definitely times when I was like dude you need to appreciate what you have before you can’t. Something super sad happens towards the middle of the book that had me so shocked and it didn’t hit me until a certain scene and then I was sobbing. The journey to the Luck Manipulators was crazy and while Yaron and company were there I loved seeing him connect with his friends and some new people who really helped him to be even more confident. There’s a huge betrayal at the end that honestly didn’t surprise me because I kind of expected a specific character to do something like that but it was still pretty upsetting. There’s two new characters introduced at the very end and I can’t wait to see who they are and why they’re capable of.
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