Crystal Iris and The Solenscint in the Mirror

by Blair M. Shadows

Welcome back to the Crystal Iris series.

I hope you like your magic dirty—and your men even worse.
Because The Solenscint in the Mirror is anything but light.

Nightmares that bleed into daylight.
Mirrors that show you more than your own reflection.
A secret society watching from the shadows.
And a craving she’ll do anything to satisfy.

I ran to Paris to disappear. To keep him safe.
But this isn’t an escape. Not really.
It’s a sinking—the prism’s presence only growing stronger,
a little less of me in control every day.

And when I close my eyes—I see him.
The dreams give and take in equal measure.
And when I wake, there’s nothing left but to forget.

How long can I outrun the lies I left behind
before they reach through the dark and pull me under?

“I should stop. Instead, I beg for more, pretending it’s the last time.”

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Blair Shadows writes mystical love stories packed with forbidden tension, devastating men, and heroines who don’t beg—they bite. Crowned Queen of Mystical Romance (but she prefers Host of Bad Decisions), Blair is known for slow burns, sharp turns, and books that leave a mark.

Find her on Instagram and TikTok @authorblairshadows—or join the Shadows Society, where bad decisions are served on ice.

Reviews

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kinda insane?! It was kinda torture in a good way?!
You ever read a book that you just keep yelling about and getting so angry over and scream at the walls about? It was me today while reading book 2.

I quite literally couldn’t put this down. I was too busy trying not to throw my kindle every 3 seconds yet still needed to keep reading because I NEEDED TO. I JUST HAD TO KEEP GOING.

Hoyt, the mmc, truly kept pissing me off because the miscommunication trope goes HARD in this book. Like real hard. Iris didn’t make me feel any better. BUT I HAD TO KEEP GOING because I literally love this story and plot, ya know?! Like they’re pissing me off so good 💀🤣

Both book 1 and book 2 are wild rides but they’re worth it if you’re a vibey mood reader. It’s a different concept than I’ve ever read so I love it honestly.

The last sentence though?! THE LAST SENTENCE ?!?!
Miss Blaire we are gonna have ISSUES 🙂‍↔️

Thank you so much to Blaire and team for an advanced copy and audio of this!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review – Crystal Iris #2 by Blair Shadow ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finally got my hands on the second Crystal Iris book — and I couldn’t put it down!!

The beginning? Pure torture 😭 I didn’t even need time to get back into the story; I was completely sucked in again within minutes. Magic, found family, dark twists, friendship, spicy moments… and such amazing characters! We meet a few new ones too — and I loveee them all 🖤

I’m trying not to spoil anything, but pleaseeee READ this book so we can talk about it!! This is honestly the first book that made me want to organize a little book meeting just to discuss everything that happened — because it needs to be discussed 😭

That ending?! I’m both happy and sad the story isn’t over yet — what a cliffhanger! The downside of reading the e-book version: you don’t realize you’ve only got a few pages left… so here I am, a bit mad that the book is finished but the story isn’t 😅 On the other hand — more Iris and her chaotic, wonderful found family to look forward to!

Thank you, Blair, for letting me read this book again. I can’t wait to see what’s next! 💜

#arc #bookreview #crystaliris #blairshadow #fantasybooks #urbanfantasy #bookishlove #booktok #bookstagram #foundfamily #fantasyseries #arcreader #booklover

[destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review to come 🖤

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Solenscint in the Mirror

by Blair M. Shadows

🎧 Narrated by Rachael Franco & Devon Braithwaite

Book two absolutely turns up the heat, the tension, the yearning, and the emotional damage.

Now that I understand the magic and the prism lore more clearly, the stakes felt even higher. The nightmares bleeding into reality, the secret society watching from the shadows, everything felt darker, heavier, and more intriguing. Iris is losing control in subtle and terrifying ways, and I found myself yelling at the MCs for a good portion of this book because the choices hurt…
The craving. The pull. The inevitability of it all. The yearning in this installment is intense, and the spice definitely kicks it up a notch. And let me just say… fire.

And that ending? I was not ready. I desperately wish book three was already in my hands because I am officially impatient and need to know what happens next.

The narration elevated this even more. Rachael Franco continues to be incredible, she carries Iris’s unraveling and emotional intensity so well. Adding Devon Braithwaite for the MMC’s POV was such a great choice. The dual POV and dual narration made the tension sharper and the connection more immersive. It added depth and made the story feel even more consuming.

⭐️ Story: 4.5 stars

🎧 Narration: 5 stars

🌶️ Spice: 3 chilis

Thank you Blair M. Shadows for the review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook 5⭐️
Spice 2🌶️
Story 5⭐️

Crystal Iris TSitM by Crystal Blair is book two in the series. Blair we have to have a serious talk about you very unhealthy for my mental health cliffhangers. Blair came in strong after book one with a very powerful story filled with darkness, unique magic, secret societies (and if u know me I’m a sucker for those), raw and powerful emotions that led to betrayals, forbidden romance, slow burn and stolen touches and with the most delicious spice sprinkled just right.
Blair, the FMC, her arc is developing is well, growing in her brilliance, and curiosity. Her journey because a beautiful history of art. This is an emotional journey that will sank into your soul and hook you with its uniqueness.
Audiobook: Narrated in dual style by Rachel Franco and Devon Braithwaite, i just simply count get enough. Bringing Devon for the male POV provided so much depth to this story. Both narrators did such an amazing job bringing all the characters to life. Matching each other cadence and making this performance flawless. This is a dark, raw, emotional story that was done realistic, captivating and absolutely addictive.
That cliffhanger is absolutely BRUTAL!!! Where it did even came from???
I cant even wait for book three!!!!!

[Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!

Ok so if you are good with emotional torture, MCs who ache for each other, the miscommunication trope going hard (but in the right way), and a writing style that sucks you in completely..... yes, definitely recommend. Also, if you are an audiobook listener, this was great. A majority of this story is done from Iris' POV, but there are some chapters in Hoyt's with a male narrator stepping in for those. They both did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.

Some of the things I loved besides the actual tension and emotional struggles were the elements of mystery, the found family, the inner monologue of both MCs, and how this is truly a unique take on "magic" in a fantasy. Love that I've found a new author that I enjoy and excited to continue this story... counting down the days for the next book!

Big thanks to the author for the ALC and opportunity to dive into this story.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Crystal Iris absolutely put me through it.

The spice? Spicy. 🔥🔥🔥
The slow burn? Agonizing in the best and worst way. And not in the way you’d expect. This isn’t a slow burn of physical connection but a slow burn of love. Watching them circle their feelings, refuse to fully claim each other, and emotionally hold back was frustrating, painful, and incredibly well done. It bothered me. I loved it. I hated it. All at once.

We’re officially deeper into the magic realm now, and I really enjoyed learning more about the supernatural elements and how everything is connected. It feels like the story finally cracked open and said, okay, now we’re doing this. That said… I’m torn.

I love Iris, but she is weak right now, and I desperately need her to buck the fuck up. I want strength. I want backbone. I want growth. And while I hope that’s where this is headed, the ending left me with BIG questions.

That final moment—her putting on the mask, stepping into the villain’s lair, pretending to play the game to trick him—confused me. Not because it was poorly written, but because I don’t know if I believe she’s strong enough yet to wear that mask and survive it. Is this strategy… or self-destruction? I honestly don’t know, and that uncertainty is both compelling and stressful.

Overall, this book was emotional, spicy, frustrating, and immersive. I’m invested, I’m questioning everything, and I need answers. Patiently waiting on the next one with cautious hope and a lot of side-eye.

[Amber Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One minute I’m getting k!dn@pped and p0!soned, the next I’m on a haunted island with my ex-fiancée telling me magic is real. F**k me.”

“F***ing burn me. I’ll wear your marks like hickeys. Go on—brand me.”

What I do know is that somehow, in a house with two of my exes, I’m sleeping alone. Someone should hand me a medal. Or a drink. Probably both.

Nightmares that bleed into daylight. mirrors that show you more than your own reflection, and a secret society watching from the shadows.

Man what Hoyt and Iris go through.
Their chemistry is crazy the tension off the charts! If you like angst this is for you!
This series is so freakin good 🔥🥵 and to leave us on that cliff hanger! I can’t wait for book 3!
The voice actors did absolutely fantastic! Loved how they brought their characters to life and with depth! The unique magic, the found family, and to find out who was going after the prisms!
The emotion of when the main characters come back together! The raw realness! I felt for Iris.
This book will put you through the wringer. I know I was on the edge of my seat!
I can’t wait for the next book!!

The narrators did fantastic truly sucked me into the story! I couldn’t get enough! Narrators are by Rachael Franco as Iris and Devon Braithwaite as Hoyt. The yearning the voice actors brought, loved the depth they brought to the characters!
I listened to the first one and I am consumed and obsessed and can’t wait for the next audio! The writing flowed smoothly and I absolutely can’t wait for the next book/audio!! 😍😍😍

[Shaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Blair M Shadows for the ALC to review. I like the idea of how different this book is from other fantasy books I have read. Unfortunately I didn't stay as connected through book 2 as I did for book 1. I absolutely loved Devon Braithwaite and Rachael Franco's narration. The audio was so good.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have tried (unsuccessfully) to write this review more than once without it containing a bunch of spoilers, but I will try again. After the ending of Crystal Iris left me questioning myself and my irrational anger with characters in books, I was really excited to see what happened next for Iris.

Again, trying to keep this spoiler free, I thought the second in the series did a great job of expanding upon the world with the prisms in a way that felt natural but true to the story. I thought that Blair created such an in-depth vision of how she expected them to work, how it affected those around the prisms, as well as how running can only get you so far from what scares you.

Crystal Iris and the Solenscint in the Mirror was not a book I was ever really ready to put down. I was lucky enough to listen on audio, so I could take it with me otherwise I probably would've sat on the couch and devoured this in a single sitting. I also really, really liked that this audiobook had a male narrator for Hoyt's chapters. It added another layer of depth to the storytelling that I really appreciated.

That being said, I thought this series was a duet, so as the ending was near, I had no idea how they would wrap it up so I'm VERY glad that there will be a third book. I'll just be impatiently waiting until then.

Thank you to Blair M. Shadows for an ALC of this audiobook. It was so enjoyable that I physically cannot put into words that don't ruin it how much I am looking forward to the third in the series!!

[Ashley Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was a creative and imaginative read with a unique world and interesting magic system. The concept itself was really intriguing, especially the mystery surrounding the mirror and Iris’s journey.

That said, some parts felt a little slow, and I found myself wanting deeper character development and clearer emotional connections in certain moments. The pacing picked up toward the end, which helped pull everything together, but a few scenes could’ve had more impact.

Overall, it’s a solid fantasy with a lot of potential. If you enjoy magical worlds, mysterious artifacts, and a touch of adventure, this one is worth checking out.

[Ilze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique magic system, and this is the second book in the series.

Miscommunication trope is not my favorite, but did enjoy the found family.

The book ends on a cliffhanger as did the first one in the series. Looking forward to seeing what s next in this story

Thank you to Blair Shadows team for ALC

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard for me to formulate words.

This book was a complete 180 from the first, but in the best possible way. There was darkness and grit in the book. The pleasantries and niceties we experienced in the first one, were not found here. Our characters are broken and haunted and lost.

We come back to Iris (FMC) dealing with the fall out of her decision to leave her whole life in order to protect the ones she loves from the scrutiny of the crystal she bares. It's raw and real and she is alone in her head and in her heart. Women make decisions daily, to forgo our own wants and desires to keep those around us safe. The heartbreak of trying to handle the issues alone is relatable because it's the idea that alone is best because no one else will be able to do it.

Iris's dreams though, the ones that tie her to Hoyt (MMC), are intense. They're a collective of desire and intrigue and mystery along with things they both wish could say and do in real life. Here is where I felt like Hoyt stepped more into his own and his character development became less of a sweet cowboy and more of a man aching to have a say in his life with Iris. The dreams are shared between Hoyt & Iris, and I felt like Iris took the backseat in them. He navigated them, set the tone, and she followed. The role reversal was different for their characters.

The introduction of Leon, as like an elder with a literal lifetime of knowledge on the prisms was helpful in knowing the purpose for them. It gave more story to the story as to what life would or could look like down the road for our characters. It also set the tone as to what the plan is for the next books. The End Game. Although I am sure the author has more bombs to throw in along the way!

I was thrown off when the main characters came back into each other's lives. It was random, but not random and I guess I was expecting more back story of how Leon wrangled Hoyt into their quest. BUT the explosion of the main characters coming back together? That emotion? That realness? The idea that their hearts were absolutely shattered and yet neither stopped loving the other? I was team Hoyt here. Iris left him, for his own good or not, she left. But then I floundered when they were in the cabin and their little nighttime encounter happened. Sheesh, to be so close to the love of your life and yet so far away. Knowing you broke them and every time you are with them, they can't help but kick you down with honesty and feelings. I felt bad for Iris because she felt they made headway and then he walked out. She was exposed. In more than one way.

The book ends up the way it began. Iris, alone and making decisions for everyone else without consulting or planning with them. In my head I was like woman did you NOT learn your lesson??? I wanted to scream!! I do feel somewhat better with this ending though, because Iris is a little more knowledgeable and seems like she has a plan. The cliffhanger was cliffhanging, but not in the sense that Iris had no idea what came next.

This book hit me in all the right places. The questions I was left with in book 1, were answered for the most part in book 2. But of course, I was given more questions to ponder for book 3.

[Marissa McCrady - reezzareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really good! And the ending of this book got me! I really enjoyed the first book and I loved that we get so much more in the second. The prism magic is unique and I’m so curious about what’s to come.

If you like…
Slow burn
Unique magic
Secret society
She can’t touch him
High stakes
Sexy dreams

Alc review:

I finished this audiobook in just two day! I couldn’t not stop listening I was consumed from the first chapter. The narration really brought depth to the characters which made me love this story even more! And with that cliffhanger I need the next book asap.

What I loved:
The angst & yearning between Iris and Hoyt. I love the prism magic in this book series. It’s so unique & intriguing and I can’t wait to learn more about it in the next book.

In this series…
MCs in their 30s
Forbidden Touch
Slow Burn Romance
Betrayal & Secrets
Cursed Magic
Blood-Bound Prisms
Yearning
Sexy Dreams

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She doesn’t even need to touch me. She could bring me to my knees with a look. And if I don’t fall willingly, she’ll burn me down anyway."

Holy sequel! Crystal Iris had a bit of a foreboding, eerie feel to it, with an innocent hint of darkness surrounding the story. This book took that spark of darkness and turned it into fear incarnate, with shadows looming around every corner. I listened to this on audio, and I absolutely love how twisted this story became!

Iris is enraged, and it's palpable. She's isolated, scared, depressed, confused and she doesn't know where to turn. You can feel her drowning in her own circumstances and it's painful. New and old friends join her on her journey, and the plot went in a direction I did not expect, but loved. It was really interesting listening to the events unfold.

The tension between Hoyt and Iris is on fire - literally🔥. The turmoil of emotions they both experience is felt in every interaction and had my insides twisting in apprehension. There were moments I wanted to scream at them like a football game and I'm pretty sure I actually yelled "WHAT!" a few times while listening. 🤭 These two had me at the edge of my seat, and I absolutely devoured the scenes narrated by Devon Braithwaite from Hoyt's POV.

"Our lips crash together, desperate and uncoordinated, mouths open like we’re both trying to breathe each other in. It’s too much. It’s like drowning from the inside out, like kissing someone who already owns every inch of you."

Blair is the queen of leaving you wanting more in the best way. THE ENDING, ugh! 🤌 I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you so much for sharing an ALC with me, Blair. I absolutely loved every minute of it.

[Rae Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a book, this is fantastic. As a romance, this is also great. It’s fun to read, and the narrators for the book are wonderful.

But I keep finding myself frustrated by the lack of world building for the magic. What did exist of it felt like it came mostly in the form of info-dumping from a side character. And it’s mostly so frustrating because as a concept it’s SO interesting. I feel like this could be really incredible if that was dived into more. I had this same complaint through book one, and was disappointed to still feel lost in the sauce at the end of book two.

However, if I treat this more like a romance than magical realism, it’s still enjoyable. I will say the FMC drove me crazy this book, though. She’s a Harvard professor! She’s established and smart… but she acts so dumb sometimes and quite naive. This isn’t poor writing, it’s definitely by design I think, but she’s just a character I want to grab by the shoulders and shake.

The MMC though?! 🥵🥵🥵 That man knows how to talkkkk LOL. This was definitely more angsty in the relationship department, and I feel like it really built the sexual tension and there were some great scenes in this one. Part of the magic system allows the characters to dream walk…. I won’t say anything more on that. We love it lol.

The mystery is also incredibly interesting, and I can’t wait to see how it wraps up in the next book. Again, the FMC makes some questionable choices and I find myself frustrated with her for that. But because she keeps doing dumb shit we are now set up for a wild time next book and I can’t wait to keep reading.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your books serving emotional pain with purpose, hi, this one is for you. The slow burn is disrespectful, the yearning is LOUD, and the miscommunication had me stressed but in a “trust the process” way. I was hooked immediately.

I read this as an ARC back in October and clearly never recovered, because when the ALC hit my inbox I said yes without hesitation. And I’m so glad I did. The audiobook elevated everything the dual POV for Iris and Hoyt? Dangerous. Every feeling hit harder, every moment lingered longer.

The prism magic is very different,the found family has my heart, and the forbidden touch tension should honestly come with a warning label. I finished this in two days and that ending had me staring into space like my life choices were being questioned.

Huge thanks to the Blair Shadows for the ALC. I am seated, emotionally compromised, and counting down to the next book.
✨ Slow burn
✨ Forbidden touch
✨ Secret societies
✨ Cursed magic
✨ High stakes & sexy dreams

[youcan_callmej · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Blair’s books and the way her mind works.
I love this type of fantasy! Romance, magic. It’s so unique and different. This was definitely a lot darker than the first book.
I am so happy to learn more about the necklace and how the prisms work, what they can and cannot do.
I do enjoy the love triangle-ish between Iris, Holt and Aaron.
There were some slower moments and some moments I had trouble connecting with Iris
but nothing that didn’t keep me on my toes and wanted to read/know more.
I LOVED the audio. The actors did such a great job! I think that they made the whole book. Especially putting a voice to Holt.
The end definitely my mouth fall open, some turns I was not expecting.
Blair, you definitely know how to leave a girl hanging...
Overall, I did love the first book more, I will continue to think about Iris and Holt until the third book comes out.

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An atmospheric, mystic romance with hints of fantasy and magic that kept me fascinated from the start. The characters oscillated between likable and unlikable, always captivating and intriguing. The plot picked up where book one left off, drawing be back into the world where a woman escapes her one true love to protect him, but is still connected to him through nightmares and crystals, mirrors and a secret society. It’s hard to say too much without spoiling the enigmatic sorcery that this story is. Iris and Hoyt’s journey is dark and gritty: haunting and magical, passionate and frustrating. The prose was beautiful, the story answering some of the mystery but bringing a slew of new questions—I’m ready for the next book!
The dual audiobook narration from Rachel Franco and Devon Braithwaite was fantastic, their voices bringing to life the atmospheric mystery of the plot and the passion and pain of the romance.
4.25 stars
Thanks to the author for the ALC.

[Bookmomma2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok so i alc this amazing book and let me tell you i was sucked right back in the story within seconds of reading. Blair just has this style that carches your attention the mintue you start to listen. Get ready to fall in love with the old and new dark twists and turns, found family, spicy moments as you listen or read along.
i will warn yall this is a cliff hanger but dont worry theres more to come and the wait will have you desperately anticipating whats to come next.

[Kaleigh Shabdue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just tear my heart out and step on it, but no this was so good! I wanted to scream, rip my hair out, beat up some characters lol… but all in all I truly enjoyed reading this so much! I will be sticking around for the next book because I CANNOT be left hanging like that

[Paige Fulford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total PERFECTION! I am so addicted to this story and I’m actually upset that I’m left wanting more (in the best way), AGAIN!!! Blair has created such an incredible magic system here and her characters are amazing! I can’t wait for the next installment because D@mn!t I NEED MORE ANSWERS!!!!!

[Novellaworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but WOW—this series really said “trust me” and then emotionally body-slammed me. 😮‍💨✨

I dipped my toes into the Crystal Iris world thinking I knew the vibe… I did not. The Solenscint in the Mirror is dark, seductive, and deeply unsettling in the best way. This isn’t shiny magic and harmless fantasies—this is magic with teeth. Nightmares that blur into reality, mirrors that expose more than reflections, secret societies lurking, and desires that refuse to stay buried. Paris isn’t an escape—it’s a slow unraveling.

Iris continues to be an incredible heroine. Brilliant, curious, and layered, she turns every step of her journey into a history- and art-soaked experience. I loved how much I learned alongside her while still being completely swept up in the mystery. The worldbuilding is immersive, vivid, and pulls you in until you forget where you are.

What really hit hard was Iris’s emotional journey. The depiction of depression—especially when tangled with trauma and guilt—felt painfully real. It was raw, heavy, and handled with so much care. The new characters added depth and tension, and the story only grew darker and more compelling.

And can we talk about the audiobook? Because WOW. The narrators absolutely nailed it. Having a male narrator for the male POV chapters added so much intensity and authenticity. Every emotion landed exactly where it was supposed to.

That ending? Jaw. On. The. Floor. Completely wrecked.

If you love immersive worlds, shadowy magic, sizzling romance, and stories that aren’t afraid to go dark—this series needs to be on your list immediately.

Huge thank you to Blair M. Shadows for the ALC and for breaking my heart so beautifully. 💔✨

[Alaina Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg omg omg this was soooo good! Iris's time in Paris made me so sad but omfg it was so worth it.

THE TENSION????? Immaculate. I can't stop thinking about Hoyt and Iris.

This book reminds me why I love love triangles 🤣🤣 we know nobody but Hoyt would be good enough but I love seeing jealous Hoyt barely contained.

I love this magic system and the prisms. It was so interesting in the first book but this book was a whole new level. Leon and Mel were such a great addition too.

I am SO EXCITED for the next book😭

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“F***ing burn me. I’ll wear your marks like hickeys. Go on—brand me.”

This is book 2 in the Crystal Iris series. Filled with darkness and raw emotion, unique and cursed magic, high stakes and secret societies, found family and betrayals, slow burn romance with forbidden touch and spicy moments sprinkled in just right, twists that will rock your world and of course blood-bound prisms.

I read this book in audio format and I cannot get enough. The dual narration is beautifully done. Having the male narrator for the appropriate parts really provided a depth to the story that brings it all to life. The darkness and grit of this installment is emotional and raw but was done in a way that isn’t burdensome to the reader all while keeping it realistic and captivating. Iris’s pain is devastatingly beautiful. That cliffhanger got me though, watch out… it’s a doozy.

“She’s far too happy for someone heading into a city of bones.”

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal Iris and the Solenscint in the Mirror by Blair M. Shadows is the second book in the Crystal Iris series. I had the audiobook version of this title and the narration was fantastic.

Iris has fled to Paris in the hopes of keeping herself and those she loves safe. She’s told no one where she’s going and she’s broken the heart of the one she loves the most.

And yet she cannot stay away…

Using her prism, Iris is able to check in periodically on Hoyt and starts creating friendships with those around her. But the past has a way of catching up and Iris can’t run forever.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I suppose theoretically it could be read as a standalone but to do that would be missing out on some of the essential backstory that came in Book One. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series as this book ended on a big cliffhanger.

[Ida · Rating 4 out of 5]

once again wow!

I did this book as a arc read-audio..I read book 1 first to get the main plot and dove into book 2 I craved wanting answers. This one had a dual audio narrative Again loved the quotes at the beginning of Iris’ chapters. Loved the plot and story loved the characters loved how current was mixed with past and magic . I want more of Hoyt and Iris’ chemistry the scenes were hot! Please tell me there’s a book 3 another cliffhanger I need more

[Becky Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ALC Review:

This is book two of Crystal Iris and I found myself wanting to throw my phone/computer several times. This blew me away!!!

Iris is left reeling and tormented after book one. She has left everyone and everything that she knows to attempt to keep everyone save. However, everyone gets pulled back in to try to save her from the individuals that are after her prism that she wears around her neck.

I was not as shocked as some might be when we find out who the actual person is that is coming after the prisms for nefarious reasons. Let's just say that we met the individual in Book One!

I loved this book, but hated the angst....Lol.
The torture and pain that both Iris and Hoyt experience in this book left me wanting the next book ASAP!!! I am not going to spoil this for anyone so you'll just have to read/listen to it yourself.

The narration was spot on, I do wish that we got a little more of Hoyt's voice but it did not take away from my experience.

Cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you @authorblairshadows for this wonderful ALC opportunity.

Story: 6⭐️
Characters: 6⭐️
Narration: 6⭐️
Angst: 6⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m constantly awed by the sheer brilliance of this series!! Iris shines as a dazzling heroine who turns every adventure into a master class in history and art, and I find myself learning alongside her at every turn. The storytelling transports me straight into a richly imagined world, making me feel like I’m with the characters. If you crave immersive settings, mystery, magic, and romance that sizzles, this series should be your next literary escape.

Receiving an advance listening copy let me experience the magic early, and I’m grateful to the author for trusting me with an honest review. The narrators, pure perfection, brought the characters to life and authentically represented them! Thank you, Blair M. Shadows, for this wonderful opportunity!

[Lady Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well…this was a ride! The ending of this book had my jaw on the floor. Iris had a heartbreaking journey in this book. The way depression was depicted in this book is so realistic. Especially if that depression was stirred by something traumatic that triggers guilt. I liked the new characters in this book as well.

I loved the narrators in this book. I was happy that we got a male narrator for the male POV chapters. Both narrators brought depth to the characters and story.

Thank you Blair M Shadows for the ALC.