The crown called her queen. Now the magical world wants her dead.
Bree Holloway thought touching an ancient crown was the end of her story. Turns out, it was just the beginning of her nightmare.
The Council of Five has ruled the magical realm for centuries—and they didn’t survive this long by sharing power. When shockwaves ripple through their carefully balanced world, they dispatch their most expendable weapon to investigate: Thane, a Feeder who’s spent his entire life being treated as disposable.
His mission? Assess the threat. Eliminate if necessary.
But Bree isn’t the power-hungry heir he expected. She’s a trauma survivor who just wants to keep her found family safe.
And when her Ether starts awakening dormant magic in Gray, Rhett, Jace, Theo, and Wes, everything Thane thought he understood—about loyalty, control, and survival—starts to unravel.
Now they’re all running. From the Council. From magic-hunters. From anyone who sees Bree’s bloodline as a weapon—or a threat.
And some truths about who Bree really is may be more dangerous than anything hunting her.
The mist is rising. Bonds are forming. And the magical world is about to learn: Some queens don’t ask for a throne. They take it.
Into the Ether is the second book in The Ether Chronicles, a slow-burn why choose fantasy romance featuring:
A reluctant queen discovering her true power
Five protective men with awakening magic
A morally gray Feeder questioning everything he’s been taught
Centuries-old political secrets with explosive consequences
Found family becoming chosen family (with some very pretty complications)
Perfect for fans of reluctant royalty, enemies-to-lovers slow burns, and magic that demands everything you’re willing to give.
Zora Stone writes romantasy for readers who want magic with a sense of humor, men with too many feelings, and at least one creature making poor decisions in the background. Her books are full of banter, slow-burn tension, found family, and the kind of chaos that only happens when you put a sarcastic heroine in a realm she didn't ask to visit.
She believes the best love stories are the ones that make you laugh out loud, then ruin you three chapters later. She also believes houseplants can be plotting against you. (Hers definitely is.)
Zora lives in the Midwest with her two kids, a cat who has opinions about everything, and a coffee habit she refuses to examine too closely.
Picks up from where the last book left off. All the relationships are continuing to grow with some nice drama mixed in. Can’t wait for the next release !
The crown had called Bree queen. After that, the entire magical world wanted to see her dead.
All Bree Holloway had done was simply touch an ancient crow and she thought that was the end of her story. As it turns out, touching that crown was just the start of her nightmares.
For centuries the Council of Five have been the rulers of the magical realm – and they didn't survive this long by sharing their power with anyone. The Council of Five had carefully kept the world balanced but when shockwaves ripple through the world they dispatch their most expendable weapon to investigate what was going on. Thane is a Feeder who's spent his entire career and his entire life being treated as disposable.
Thane's mission? Find and assess the threat and then eliminate the threat if he found necessary.
But when Thane finds Bree, she isn't the power-hungry heir that he had expected to find. Instead, Thane finds that Bree is a trauma survivor who just wants to keep the family that she has found for herself safe.
Then Bree's Ether starts awakening dormant magic in Gray, Rhett, Jace, Theo, and Wes, and everything that Thane thought he had understood – about loyalty, control, and survival – suddenly starts to unravel around her.
Now suddenly they are all on the run. Not only from the Council. But also from magic-hunters. And they are also running from anyone who sees Bree's bloodline as a weapon they can use and wield – or a threat they have to destroy.
There are some truths about who Bree really is that may be way more dangerous than anything and anyone hunting her.
The mist is now rising. Bonds are forming and getting stronger. And the entire world is about to learn: Some queens don't ask for a throne. They just stand up and take it.
Into the Ether is the 2nd book in The Ether Chronicles, this is a slow-burn why why-choose fantasy romance featuring:
A reluctant queen who is discovering her true powers.
Five protective men who have their own awakening magic.
A Morally Grey Feeder who is questioning everything that he has been taught.
Centuries-old political secrets that are going to have explosive consequences.
A found family who are becoming a chosen family (that will have some very difficult complications)
This book is perfect for fans of reluctant royalty, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burns, and magic that will demand everything that you have and are willing to give.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There are scenes and content in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for other readers. Please remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Why Choose (Slow), Multiple POV, Fated Mates, Shifters, Fantasy, Morally Grey MMCs, Protective MMCs, FMC Coming Into Power, MMCs Coming Into Power, Found Family, and Secrets.
Into the Ether is the 2nd book in the Ether Chronicles by Zora Storm. And this book started right where Crown of the Mist concluded.
Bree has to acknowledge that things have changed in her and for her, and it is obvious that her friends have all gone through something as well, and that there is something that is awakening in them as well. The tensions are high, and the dynamics between all the guys are all starting to shift as they are all starting to adjust to their new normal. The only thing that really has to change for all of them is that they all need to work on their communication skills.
I adore the way that Bree is finally starting to find herself and her place in this new world that she finds herself in, and I know that she's the Queen and I honestly can't wait to see her evolve into that role with the strength and grace I know she has. You know that there's going to be ups and downs for her and the guys (and we have already seen that in this book) but in the end, I think that everything that Bree and the guys have left to go through will be worth it in the end and will make Bree the best Queen she possibly can be.
I loved the introduction of Thane and man oh man is he an interesting character, and while I find him interesting, I know that he's hiding things, and that has left me wary of him. Sure, you can tell that he's obsessed with Bree from the moment that he meets her. But, he needs to open up to her more and he definitely needs to be honest with her. I think if he opens up and is honest, he just might be Bree's 7th. But, then again I could be wrong. I do hope it happens though because I think that Thane and Bree would be incredible together and you can tell that they have this amazing chemistry together.
I really do think that things are going to get super complicated in the 3rd book. And I am here for it and I can't wait to see it all unfold.
Into the Ether is an amazing read and if you haven't started this series yet then you need to get on it. But, you have to read this series in order. These are not standalone books. I really do recommend this series and I can't wait to get my hands on the 3rd book.
Thank you Zora Storm for sharing this amazing series with me and allowing me to read it. I am just so grateful. I love your writing and your books and I can't wait to read more of your books.
We jump right back into this as soon as Crown of the Mist concludes.
Not only does Bree acknowledge that something has definitely changed for herself, but it's pretty clear that her best friend's also went through something/ something that was awakened in them. Tensions are high, and the dynamics between the guys and themselves start to shift as they adjust to their new normal. I am so here for that. But their communication skills need improvement for sure.
I love that Bree is starting to find herself and her place in this new world, and I can't wait to see how she evolves into the Queen I know she'll be. There's going to be ups and downs (which definitely occurred in this instalment), but I think it'll be worth it.
We are indeed introduced to Thane, which was interesting. I'm still a little unsure about him because he for sure is hiding things. Yes, he is obsessed with Bree, but i think he needs to be more truthful. Could there also be a 7th? I hope there is, because that would be incredible. I think i like him a little more than Thane at this point....
Things are about to get even more complicated, I need book 3 now, please 😊😊😊
It's such a great read. Thank you, Zora and your beautiful team, for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶
🌸 why choose (slow) 🌸 multiple pov 🌸 fated mates 🌸 shifters 🌸 fantasy 🌸 morally grey mmc's 🌸 protective mmc's 🌸 fmc coming into power 🌸 mmc's coming into power 🌸 secrets 🌸 so much more
Into the Ether is the second book in this series, and it completely swept me up with its originality. Bree and her guys are faced with the shocking realization that their lives are far from what they always believed, and that discovery pulls the reader into a story that’s unlike anything I’ve read before.
This book is definitely a slow burn. . in the best possible way. Watching Bree and her men circle each other, hesitate, and retreat creates a delicious tension that had me turning the pages, waiting for that moment when everything finally clicks. The push and pull feels authentic and keeps the romance simmering just below the surface.
What stood out most to me, though, was the worldbuilding. The introduction to the magic of this world is fascinating, layered, and woven seamlessly into the story. Zora Stone’s storytelling is top notch, balancing mystery, magic, and character dynamics in a way that feels fresh and captivating. While I adored the uniqueness and the immersive setup, I’ll admit—I’m really looking forward to the romance ramping up in future books. This series has all the makings of something epic, and I can’t wait to see where Bree and her guys go from here.
This book definitely gives us more information about what is happening to Bree and her guys in an interesting way. I'm looking forward to finding out more in the next book, it kept me interested and enjoying the small plot twists that are happening. I'm intrigued to learn more about the Ether, sources and how whatever Bree is will change the current world as it stands. Plus the sanctuary evolving is a great aspect that I liked and how it adapts to the wants and needs of Bree. Can't wait for the next book!
There is a lot of focus on the growing relationships with Bree and her guys, some of them growing at different paces but mostly slow burn. We've had more development of the guys' personalities and I do enjoy the different point of views. We get introduced to two new love interests in Thane and Stellan but it is still quite new. Wes and Grey had an interesting development between them which I can't wait to see more of. Jace is coming more out of his shell which is great to see.
I am loving reading about Bree and her men. Things become a little clearer during this book, about how both Bree and her men are being changed, waking up, I’m not sure which it is. I love how much more confident Bree is becoming, showing her scars, choosing her path. I am still not sure who the bad guys are, yes the council, but I want to know exactly what they’re scared of happening if Bree’s powers continue and if she bonds to them. I wasn’t sure what to make of Thane to begin with, but by the end, I certainly knew where his loyalties lay. I still don’t know about Stellan. But the guys, for all that they have said that they want her, they’re making a right pigs ear out of working together to help and support and care for her. I honestly wanted to shake all of them, including Bree and tell them to communicate with each other. Things at the end are also getting tense with players behind the scenes working to contain, control and perhaps destroy Bree. Need book 3! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️
This book was a fantastic continuation of Bree’s journey. Watching her and the guys come to terms with how much their lives have changed was both emotional and engaging. Zora masterfully writes their relationship dynamics as a slow burn that keeps you turning the pages, eager for more. We’re given deeper insight into Bree’s powers, the mysterious Ether, and the evolving sanctuary—which adapts beautifully to her needs. The lore is expanding in intriguing ways, and I’m excited to see how Bree’s role might change the world around her. The growing relationships are a big focus, with each guy developing at a different pace. I especially loved the added POVs, the introduction of Thane and Stellan, and the deepening bonds between Wes, Grey, and a more confident Jace. With small twists, emotional depth, and evolving romance, this book had me hooked. I can’t wait for the next one!
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this book!! There is still soooo much left up in the air, but more is settling. Thane and Stellan are great additions as well. Book 2 shared more about how all of the guys are also insecure that they don’t matter and that everyone else won’t notice if they slip away. They are able to relate to Bree in that way. I love seeing the relationships between them all deepen and look forward to seeing more of that in Book 3.
— “ Some bonds don't come from blood or magic or scars. Some are quieter than that. But no less real. And sometimes the only way to say it is with a kiss you don't expect——and don't want to live without. “ —
I’m honestly really sad that the next one isn’t out yet.
We pick up exactly where we left off and book one. And if you’re wondering if you have to do a reread, the author gives us a recap before she starts the book. Which was awesome.
We finally meet Thane and he brings along someone else that I’m not sure if he’s fitting into this picture like the other ones yet
I think Thane is the most like her in terms of past trauma. We know exactly what the guys are now well the name for them not necessarily what exactly they are.
She makes a new friend and people betray her. It’s also sad to see how the council acts since obviously they don’t want her around. She’s a threat to them and their power simply and they won’t let that stand
I’m excited to see how the series continues from here
This was a fab continuation of Bree's journey and it shows her deeper insight of her powers. We also get more info on the mysterious Ether and how it adapts to her needs. Her growing relationship with the guys is showcased but it's quite apparent that they're developing at different rates. Love the multiple POVs! We also got some new guys to add to the romance ;P It's still a slow burn and I'm hopeful the romance aspect will really take off in the next book. This is a story of emotional depth, great world building, twists, deepening bonds and evolving romance. I was madly flipping pages to see how things would unfold and can't wait for the next book :D
Into the Ether is the second book in this fantasy RH book. I really like this unique, creatively built world. Add in a little mystery and it becomes so much better.
One touch and Bree's whole world changed. Not just hers but Gray, Rhett, Jace, and Wes' will never be the same again. Bree is a threat to the Council and they'll do whatever it takes to make sure she never discovers who and what she is.
Danger, love, and betrayal are all mixed together in one great fantasy world. A new addition will definitely spice things up. And I'm hoping Bree is ready for the hurt that's coming her way.
This series is addicting so far. You just can’t help but be sucked in and you never want the book to end. Book 2 finishes right where book 1 left off, and we’re introduced to many new characters. First of all, LOVE Thane. Stellan confuses me but hopefully we see more of him in the next book! Bree herself is continuing to work on healing and discovering who she is. I still have so many questions and am so ready to devour the rest of this series when it’s ready!
This series has an original and slow developing plot line that leaves you guessing throughout. The spice is also slow burn, which isn’t entirely unreasonable for someone with a traumatic history, but I would love to see the spice turned up a notch. Book 2 sees our FMC finding herself in their new reality, and finally brings us to Thane, which I was very much looking forward to. I hope to see more of Stellan and Thane in Book 3.
Things are different for Bree after she touched the crown as well as for her men. We see how they are all changing in this story. Bree's powers are developing as the Ether knows what Bree wants. Her relationships with each guy are developing slowly with the introduction of two new men. We are also introduced to the Council. A really intriguing and enjoyable series. Looking forward to the next book.
the male leads were so annoying in this book, they also never apologize & start avoiding her. Also they kept being annoyed at the Fmc lying in the first book only for them to do the same thing here. I really hate hypocritical authors & double standards. The fact that none of the guys even ran out after her & never apologized makes me drop this series. Also adding MM when their relationship with the Fmc is going nowhere is just stupid. they will never deserve her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An enjoyable continuation to the Ether Chronicles. The book picks up straight after book 1 ends, and introduces two new characters Thorne and Stellan. It was good to see Bree starting to embrace the Ether and how the Ether knows what Bree wants before she does. I'm very much looking forward to see how the rest of the series goes.
Couldn’t put it down. Seeing Bree accept her crown and found family is a great feeling. Watching how everyone interacts, especially with a newcomer, and challenging his views to keep everyone safe. A great read, can’t wait for the next book!
It was fascinating to watch Bree and the guys realise that their lives have drastically changed and I love how Zora has written their relationship dynamic to be a delicious slow burn that entices the reader to keep turning the page to see when they will finally give in.
I adore this series, and it just keeps getting better! I love seeing the bonds growing and changing between Bree and the guys. We get to see Bree starting to come into her own. I can’t wait to get ahold of the next book!!
Ah this storyline is brilliant! I love the way it’s unfolding and how the characters are learning each other. The performance is outstanding, so so good!
ARC REVIEW: I really love this whole stories concept...its new and refreshing and also a super easy read! there are a few things here and there, like maybe some details are missing for full reader understanding or characters not introducing themselves and now the others know thier names but those are super small and far between and dont take away the enjoyment of the story. so curious to see where this story goes!