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Shadow's Fate
Aurelia is the only child of the head of the noble House Marszalek, and has spent most of her eighteen years locked in her bedroom from sundown to sunup, hiding a beastly secret to protect her father’s reputation. Kasper dutifully leads the band of thieves known as Shadow’s Bastion–alleged to be the most vicious criminals in the city of Skala, thanks to a collection of rumors and half-truths spread by the Shadows themselves to keep people looking in the wrong direction.
A jewel heist gone awry puts Kasper and his team at the mercy of the young head of House Zuraw, Tytus, who coerces him into participating in a staged kidnapping scheme to help him win Aurelia’s hand in marriage. Auri, however, sees this as a perfect opportunity to escape her father’s clutches and live life on her own terms, leaving Kasper stuck striking ill-advised bargains with a lonely dragon, a mob boss’s son, and Aurelia herself to fulfill his end of the deal with Tytus and get the rest of his crew back unharmed.
In a realm haunted by incomprehensible gods and monsters, with Auri’s previously well-kept secret complicating matters, the thief and the noble have to learn to trust each other–and fast–if either of them are going to get what they want.
The hard part is figuring out exactly what that is.
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Spot a typo? Contact the author at skelebunstudios@gmail.com!
A jewel heist gone awry puts Kasper and his team at the mercy of the young head of House Zuraw, Tytus, who coerces him into participating in a staged kidnapping scheme to help him win Aurelia’s hand in marriage. Auri, however, sees this as a perfect opportunity to escape her father’s clutches and live life on her own terms, leaving Kasper stuck striking ill-advised bargains with a lonely dragon, a mob boss’s son, and Aurelia herself to fulfill his end of the deal with Tytus and get the rest of his crew back unharmed.
In a realm haunted by incomprehensible gods and monsters, with Auri’s previously well-kept secret complicating matters, the thief and the noble have to learn to trust each other–and fast–if either of them are going to get what they want.
The hard part is figuring out exactly what that is.
--------
Spot a typo? Contact the author at skelebunstudios@gmail.com!
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Louder
2 books1 followerE.L. Louder, known in some corners of the net as Skelebun Studios or simply “Hazu” is an artist, author, on-hiatus visual novel dev, and a host of other less significant things. One part event manager, one part cave troll, they can often be found hiding in their apartment for days on end, glued to a computer screen or arguing with their cats. The cats usually win. They may occasionally venture out to meet you in the pit of some band who peaked in popularity in 2005.
Hazu is a fan of pop punk, things with big teeth, fantasy adventures, weird horror, and cute animals. They can be won over with chocolate, blueberry muffins, or bagels. They will throw money at the Pokemon, Digimon, and Zelda franchises until they die. They may bite if provoked.
Hazu is a fan of pop punk, things with big teeth, fantasy adventures, weird horror, and cute animals. They can be won over with chocolate, blueberry muffins, or bagels. They will throw money at the Pokemon, Digimon, and Zelda franchises until they die. They may bite if provoked.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 6, 2025
Easiest 5 star I've given this year.
This book was fantastic, from the great writing, the fantastic cast of characters, the DRAGON, and the unique take on Beauty & the Beast (where she's both!). I loved every minute of reading this.
The plot was unique, with a blend of heists, kidnapping, and a series of interrelated quests that emerge as the characters try and fail to achieve what was supposed to be a 'simple' mission. This author is the master of implementing the 'everything that can go wrong WILL go wrong' technique, and it was refreshing to see the characters not get what they want and have to scramble to come up with new resourceful plans. Nothing felt convenient, it was all based on the character's established skill sets and knowledge base, and every event led on from a previous event that had occurred in the book, so it all tied in together and it was very satisfying to watch it unfurl.
The characters were all fantastic. They had their own histories, and secrets and struggles, but also their own strengths and skillsets that shaped them into very three-dimensional people that I could easily grow attached to while reading. Even the side characters who we didn't see as much of still had their own unique, distinguishable personalities that made them likeable or at least realistic.
Kasper and Auri are obviously my faves. I loved how they both had their own strengths and insecurities based on their personal histories that somehow both contrasted and complimented each other in a way that made their interactions very heartwarming and endearing to read. I was rooting for them the whole way through! I was glad we got the multi POV to see from both their perspectives.
Emil is hilarious. Can't keep his mouth shut, but why would you want him to when it spouts forth nothing but comedy gold?
Vavel is the BEST dragon to have ever kidnapped a maiden. Fierce and protective, while also being a plush, feathery goofball? Yes please! I love Vavel so much.
I also actually liked Tytus, and was glad we got his POV too. I know he was supposed to be one of the villains of this book (along with Auri's dad, who was, in contrast, an unlikeable man in every possible regard), but I felt kind of sorry for Tytus. I know he's supposed to be a bit of a spoiled brat, but it was clear that he did really like Auri since they were childhood friends, and actually had a lot better plans for improving the life of people Skala than Auri's father has been implementing. I know we were supposed to be rooting against him, but he was making a lot of sense! Like just a bit of a personality adjustment, and he could be a stand-true hero! I hope we'll see more of him in the 2nd book.
Honestly, it's a crime how underrated this book is. It's laugh-out-loud hilarious, emotionally deep and angsty, adventurous and thrilling, and has DRAGONS. What more can I say? It deserves all the love, and I will forever recommend it to any fantasy reader, lover of dragons, and advocate for damsels who CAUSE distress. I cannot wait for Book 2!!
This book was fantastic, from the great writing, the fantastic cast of characters, the DRAGON, and the unique take on Beauty & the Beast (where she's both!). I loved every minute of reading this.
The plot was unique, with a blend of heists, kidnapping, and a series of interrelated quests that emerge as the characters try and fail to achieve what was supposed to be a 'simple' mission. This author is the master of implementing the 'everything that can go wrong WILL go wrong' technique, and it was refreshing to see the characters not get what they want and have to scramble to come up with new resourceful plans. Nothing felt convenient, it was all based on the character's established skill sets and knowledge base, and every event led on from a previous event that had occurred in the book, so it all tied in together and it was very satisfying to watch it unfurl.
The characters were all fantastic. They had their own histories, and secrets and struggles, but also their own strengths and skillsets that shaped them into very three-dimensional people that I could easily grow attached to while reading. Even the side characters who we didn't see as much of still had their own unique, distinguishable personalities that made them likeable or at least realistic.
Kasper and Auri are obviously my faves. I loved how they both had their own strengths and insecurities based on their personal histories that somehow both contrasted and complimented each other in a way that made their interactions very heartwarming and endearing to read. I was rooting for them the whole way through! I was glad we got the multi POV to see from both their perspectives.
Emil is hilarious. Can't keep his mouth shut, but why would you want him to when it spouts forth nothing but comedy gold?
Vavel is the BEST dragon to have ever kidnapped a maiden. Fierce and protective, while also being a plush, feathery goofball? Yes please! I love Vavel so much.
I also actually liked Tytus, and was glad we got his POV too. I know he was supposed to be one of the villains of this book (along with Auri's dad, who was, in contrast, an unlikeable man in every possible regard), but I felt kind of sorry for Tytus. I know he's supposed to be a bit of a spoiled brat, but it was clear that he did really like Auri since they were childhood friends, and actually had a lot better plans for improving the life of people Skala than Auri's father has been implementing. I know we were supposed to be rooting against him, but he was making a lot of sense! Like just a bit of a personality adjustment, and he could be a stand-true hero! I hope we'll see more of him in the 2nd book.
Honestly, it's a crime how underrated this book is. It's laugh-out-loud hilarious, emotionally deep and angsty, adventurous and thrilling, and has DRAGONS. What more can I say? It deserves all the love, and I will forever recommend it to any fantasy reader, lover of dragons, and advocate for damsels who CAUSE distress. I cannot wait for Book 2!!
March 3, 2025
I received an ARC from the author & am leaving this review voluntarily.
I mean... a bunch of thieves who've fallen upon hard times kidnap a girl from the nobility......... who also shapeshifts into a beast at sundown....... what could go wrong, am I right?
This book made me clutch my face, LAUGH OUT LOUD, and attempt to imitate a dragon (not in order). It's been SO long since a book has been able to elicit these responses from me. I read it twice for all the feels!
It is not just a tale of romance & fantastical beings—it is a gritty portrayal of the very real corruption, class system, and poverty that so many people face on a daily basis. Oligarchy. Injustice. A sheltered young aristocrat being exposed to the stark reality of what her class has done to the people of Skala. Grim, but hopeful & has you cheering them on. Like, literally, I kept pumping my fist in the sky.
I love the characters—they felt like real people right off the first page—and I was especially curious about & drawn to Emil, because, like... bro has a past. And Vavel (the dragon), who was just adorable. Tytus I felt like punching. And ofc, Auri & Kasper... the sweetest, most awesome romance I've ever read in the past few years.
The flow was perfect, absolutely gripping. I had to step away to prepare and eat lunch, the duration of which I spent thinking about the world of Skala. Also, the descriptions of food made me really hungry lol.
I cannot wait for the next book! Brb gonna dissociate until it comes out ;)
I mean... a bunch of thieves who've fallen upon hard times kidnap a girl from the nobility......... who also shapeshifts into a beast at sundown....... what could go wrong, am I right?
This book made me clutch my face, LAUGH OUT LOUD, and attempt to imitate a dragon (not in order). It's been SO long since a book has been able to elicit these responses from me. I read it twice for all the feels!
It is not just a tale of romance & fantastical beings—it is a gritty portrayal of the very real corruption, class system, and poverty that so many people face on a daily basis. Oligarchy. Injustice. A sheltered young aristocrat being exposed to the stark reality of what her class has done to the people of Skala. Grim, but hopeful & has you cheering them on. Like, literally, I kept pumping my fist in the sky.
I love the characters—they felt like real people right off the first page—and I was especially curious about & drawn to Emil, because, like... bro has a past. And Vavel (the dragon), who was just adorable. Tytus I felt like punching. And ofc, Auri & Kasper... the sweetest, most awesome romance I've ever read in the past few years.
The flow was perfect, absolutely gripping. I had to step away to prepare and eat lunch, the duration of which I spent thinking about the world of Skala. Also, the descriptions of food made me really hungry lol.
I cannot wait for the next book! Brb gonna dissociate until it comes out ;)
May 9, 2026
LOVE this book!!! I had an absolute blast reading it. The artwork by the author was incredible. And the story itself! It was such a fun, campy romp with fantastic characters. I would recommend this for anyone 13+ who loved Six of Crows and wants a light, fast-paced book that never feels like homework to read. There are more books but this one can be enjoyed as a standalone, with the story wrapping up in a satisfying way at the end. I was up late reading it and I bought book 2 after reading the first three chapters, I was that obsessed. Highly recommend!!!
December 23, 2025
This was one of the most unique Beauty & the Beast takes I’ve ever read. I loved everything about this book: the spin on the retelling, the writing, the plot, the characters ... Highly recommend!
March 7, 2026
One word… DAMN.
I’m seriously blown away by this book. The worldbuilding, the characters, the writing and not to mention the cover and the design of the e-book AND paperback…
So let me dive right into it. This review contains no spoilers. I received a review copy (thank you to the author) but 30% in I realised how amazing it was, so I bought the paperback on Amazon.
The worldbuilding
The worldbuilding is top notch. It’s clear, visually very easy to imagine yet very well built out, and it’s written in a way that makes it easy to understand and not overwhelming or confusing.
I’m a big fan of dragons and the fact that there were also dragons in this world? SOLD.
The characters
Auri and Kasper were obviously my favourites (the characters on the cover, beautifully drawn by the author) but I liked Tytus a lot as well (surprisingly). I love villains that aren’t completely sure of themselves, hanging between corruption and doing good. It feels realistic and makes a character beautifully complicated.
The found family in this book was done so well. It wasn’t forced, felt natural, and took its time to develop. If I were in this world, I’d definitely want to join them, even though I’d be a VERY bad thief. (One can learn tho.)
The writing
The writing was good, nice pacing and felt smooth. There was a good balance of inner thought, worldbuilding, and story progression. The flashback near the end was the only part I kind of skimmed through, but that’s on me. I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
Quick yap
I’m really surprised this author has so few ratings and reviews. This book is going on my 2025 favourites shelf and I really hope more people find it, because it’s genuinely so good.
This story felt like a movie, it was entertaining yet pointed out very important societal problems, which I really commend the author for. I love it when someone's personality and opinions shine through their story. I could feel the anger behind the writing and it made me feel heard.
The world is turning into a very dark place, and books are more important than ever to teach us empathy and make us see other perspectives. This is one of those books that does that without giving you a heavy feeling.
It’s truly a talent to be able to write something that entertains and makes you laugh as well as think about deeper issues at the same moment.
The cover and design
Normally I don’t review the cover, formatting, or design, but I had to mention the absolute art the author put into this. I have the paperback, and to know the author designed it, as well as the design in the book and chapter headings, makes me proud to be able to put it on my shelf.
In short (as this review is already a book in its own) I can’t wait for book two and to discover more about certain characters and where the story is going. The ending was conclusive, yet there are some interesting plotlines left open, so it’s hard to guess where it’s going next.
If you’ve read this far into my review, what are you doing here? Click that Amazon button!
I’m seriously blown away by this book. The worldbuilding, the characters, the writing and not to mention the cover and the design of the e-book AND paperback…
So let me dive right into it. This review contains no spoilers. I received a review copy (thank you to the author) but 30% in I realised how amazing it was, so I bought the paperback on Amazon.
The worldbuilding
The worldbuilding is top notch. It’s clear, visually very easy to imagine yet very well built out, and it’s written in a way that makes it easy to understand and not overwhelming or confusing.
I’m a big fan of dragons and the fact that there were also dragons in this world? SOLD.
The characters
Auri and Kasper were obviously my favourites (the characters on the cover, beautifully drawn by the author) but I liked Tytus a lot as well (surprisingly). I love villains that aren’t completely sure of themselves, hanging between corruption and doing good. It feels realistic and makes a character beautifully complicated.
The found family in this book was done so well. It wasn’t forced, felt natural, and took its time to develop. If I were in this world, I’d definitely want to join them, even though I’d be a VERY bad thief. (One can learn tho.)
The writing
The writing was good, nice pacing and felt smooth. There was a good balance of inner thought, worldbuilding, and story progression. The flashback near the end was the only part I kind of skimmed through, but that’s on me. I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
Quick yap
I’m really surprised this author has so few ratings and reviews. This book is going on my 2025 favourites shelf and I really hope more people find it, because it’s genuinely so good.
This story felt like a movie, it was entertaining yet pointed out very important societal problems, which I really commend the author for. I love it when someone's personality and opinions shine through their story. I could feel the anger behind the writing and it made me feel heard.
The world is turning into a very dark place, and books are more important than ever to teach us empathy and make us see other perspectives. This is one of those books that does that without giving you a heavy feeling.
It’s truly a talent to be able to write something that entertains and makes you laugh as well as think about deeper issues at the same moment.
The cover and design
Normally I don’t review the cover, formatting, or design, but I had to mention the absolute art the author put into this. I have the paperback, and to know the author designed it, as well as the design in the book and chapter headings, makes me proud to be able to put it on my shelf.
In short (as this review is already a book in its own) I can’t wait for book two and to discover more about certain characters and where the story is going. The ending was conclusive, yet there are some interesting plotlines left open, so it’s hard to guess where it’s going next.
If you’ve read this far into my review, what are you doing here? Click that Amazon button!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews