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Crystal Iris and The Solenscint in the Mirror
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.”
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
11 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Blair M. Shadows
4 books71 followers 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.
Find her on Instagram and TikTok @authorblairshadows—or join the Shadows Society, where bad decisions are served on ice.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 29, 2025
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 of this!
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 of this!
October 25, 2025
✨ 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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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
October 31, 2025
arc review to come 🖤
November 1, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
Blessed to have been an arc reader for such an amazing author.
Blair did it again with weaving a story that gripped me from start to finish. I spent the majority of the time screaming and cussing and by the end I sat there disappointed it was all over again. Literally by the end of it I was typing this sentence out to a friend, BUT. NO. THATS NOT HOW THAT ENDED. NO. I REFUSE. NOPE. TAKE ME BACK TO THE ROOM. THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS DIDNT HAPPEN
You got to see the world build a little bit more, and we learned more about the way the magic works within the prisms. The new characters are both loving and infuriating all in one, but they grow on you first the care that they provide to Iris when she needs it most.
Can’t wait for the next book of the series next year 😍
Favorite Quote:
“She’s far too happy for someone heading into a city of bones.”
(Which respectfully Iris, I disagree😘)
Blair did it again with weaving a story that gripped me from start to finish. I spent the majority of the time screaming and cussing and by the end I sat there disappointed it was all over again. Literally by the end of it I was typing this sentence out to a friend, BUT. NO. THATS NOT HOW THAT ENDED. NO. I REFUSE. NOPE. TAKE ME BACK TO THE ROOM. THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS DIDNT HAPPEN
You got to see the world build a little bit more, and we learned more about the way the magic works within the prisms. The new characters are both loving and infuriating all in one, but they grow on you first the care that they provide to Iris when she needs it most.
Can’t wait for the next book of the series next year 😍
Favorite Quote:
“She’s far too happy for someone heading into a city of bones.”
(Which respectfully Iris, I disagree😘)
November 4, 2025
A fantasy/paranormal read and the second book in the Crystal Iris series and the story picks up with the heroine Iris now in Paris, leaving the hero Hoyt behind for his own safety but alone, with only her dreams, Iris was spiralling, under the influence of the prisms and unsure what is real anymore.
This is one of those books you really need to lock yourself away and give it your full attention. The plot is so intricate and complex, laden with twists, turns and intrigue. And the introduction of new characters brings a new dynamic to Iris and Hoyt’s relationship. I do wish I’d re-read the first book to refresh my memory as it has been quite a gap between the first and second books. Hopefully, the next instalment won't be as long a wait.
This is one of those books you really need to lock yourself away and give it your full attention. The plot is so intricate and complex, laden with twists, turns and intrigue. And the introduction of new characters brings a new dynamic to Iris and Hoyt’s relationship. I do wish I’d re-read the first book to refresh my memory as it has been quite a gap between the first and second books. Hopefully, the next instalment won't be as long a wait.
October 5, 2025
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and I don't know if it's just me or not, but I didn't care for this one. I was excited to continue this story and learn more about the necklaces and what would happen between Iris, Aaron and Hoyt. I was intrigued with the secret society and the shadows but ultimately I felt like this was a completely different story from the first and I couldn't connect with it.
I don't know if it's my current state of mind or the story itself so please take this review with a grain of salt.
Thank you NetGalley and Leblon Publishing for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know if it's my current state of mind or the story itself so please take this review with a grain of salt.
Thank you NetGalley and Leblon Publishing for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
I want to thank the author for giving us this world to live in! Iris and Hoyt are everything, they’re dark, mysterious, supernatural and so in love!
This series is soooo good! I am chomping at the bit for book 3! I loved all of it! Learning about the Solenscint, meeting Leon and Mel. Having Aaron & Hoyt interact and the hatred and jealousy they share towards each other is just everything!
This book really gets into the crystals, powers and controlling them, learning about others who have them and what other people know about them. The significance to each specific crystal. I liked meeting Tom and Marie and Iris in Paris.
This series is soooo good! I am chomping at the bit for book 3! I loved all of it! Learning about the Solenscint, meeting Leon and Mel. Having Aaron & Hoyt interact and the hatred and jealousy they share towards each other is just everything!
This book really gets into the crystals, powers and controlling them, learning about others who have them and what other people know about them. The significance to each specific crystal. I liked meeting Tom and Marie and Iris in Paris.
October 31, 2025
The wait for this book was torture but after I devoured it I am not that mad. After the last book I was wondering how Iris and Hoyt were going to meet up again. This read was pure magic and trying to understand just what is happening between those that possess the prisms. Then there are the dreams...oh the dreams brought more longing and spice to the table. Let's talk about the dark twist and turns...there were so many that caught me off guard. After the last chapter I was speechless and well now I need book 3.
Blair just has a way with words that she will make you think about her books for days and even months. Now get cracking and finish the next book!!!
Blair just has a way with words that she will make you think about her books for days and even months. Now get cracking and finish the next book!!!
November 14, 2025
OMG, book 2 is better than book 1. I thought book one ended on a cliffhanger but nope, book 2 truly did. This book was deliciously darker. Iris and Hoyt are such a complicated pairing, but man their back and forth is this book was nuts. I devoured this book, cannot wait for book 3. 10/10! If you enjoy secret society books, you need to add this and book 1 to your TBR!
Spoiler below:
“You know what you taste like?” I can’t speak. I can barely breathe. “Mine,” he whispers. 🔥🔥🔥
Spoiler below:
“You know what you taste like?” I can’t speak. I can barely breathe. “Mine,” he whispers. 🔥🔥🔥
October 16, 2025
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
If you like…
Slow burn
Unique magic
Secret society
She can’t touch him
High stakes
Sexy dreams
October 22, 2025
I received an eARC from the author for an honest review
Oh my…
Slow burn with a mystery and some excellent quotes along the way. This book is sure to keep you engaged and entertained but be warned. You’re going to go through the motions with this one. Grab a blanket, a glass of wine and enjoy.
Oh my…
Slow burn with a mystery and some excellent quotes along the way. This book is sure to keep you engaged and entertained but be warned. You’re going to go through the motions with this one. Grab a blanket, a glass of wine and enjoy.
October 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this one! The writing style and mystery are addicting, the magic is taken up 20 notches, and things get more complicated on every front. Highly recommend this series, & I will need the next ASAP.
October 31, 2025
I love Blair's writing in this book for poetic and there are more spicy scenes on this one!!! I always love the quotes on the begining of each chapter. I love how the story continues right where we left off from the first book. My favororite part is when Iris finds out she is the seven possessor. We find out the back story of the amulet and that she might have a power but it is still unknown.
October 23, 2025
These cliffhangers have me wishing the next book was in my hands 🥃🕯️ I love how we got more info and backstory on the crystals in this one 💎
Thank you to the author for the ARC 🖤
Thank you to the author for the ARC 🖤
October 29, 2025
This was a good book.
It was a slow burn with some mystery. I think this is better than the first book.
It was a slow burn with some mystery. I think this is better than the first book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews