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Dancing with Death

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I knew my final would change my life but not like this.

I’m devastated as I lead my first collected soul to Scythe Academy. My heart is shattered, left in pieces on the floor next to the cold, dead body.

It’s finally time for me to reveal my plan of vengeance to my mates. I know they won’t like it, but I’m hoping they love me enough to help me. Because it’s clear I can’t do this on my own.

Plus, there’s what The Fates told us. I could have more mates out there, and we still have no idea what destiny The Fates were referring to. There’s so much uncertainty in my life right now.

With my mates by my side, will I be able to find my path forward? Or am I doomed before I’ve even begun?

Dancing with Death is the second book in a why-choose paranormal academy romance trilogy and will end on a cliffhanger. Our main female character will not have to choose between her love interests, and there is MM within the harem. This book is intended for readers 18+ due to language and content.

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403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

34 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Miranda May

47 books531 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,151 reviews22 followers
May 28, 2025
With the second book we see more of Audrey and her mates. This one starts off basically where book 1 ends. This book doesn’t have a ton of action, but, the drama that surrounds her is so attention grabbing that you absolutely cannot put it down. You have to find out what happens. I honestly love these characters and their personalities. The story definitely takes some turns I wasn’t expecting. The story as with all of Miranda May’s work is extremely well written and developed. The story/series pulled me in and didn’t let go. Then we get to this extremely major cliffhanger and oh my goodness I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Amanda Large.
184 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2025
I read the first book almost a year ago. So, trying to remember who the characters were was a process. The author did give a small recap of the first book for that reason. Eventually, it all did come back to me. Aubrey- witch, Wraith- Death a four horseman, Donovan- hellhound, Brendan- vampire. We meet her other two mates in this book.

Have you ever paid attention to TV shows and how they do their episodes? Some episodes progress the plot heavily and some are just filler episodes, so the show isn't super short. This book felt like a mix of that. There was a little plot development with a lot of filler. Now, did I enjoy the filler? Absolutely. We got a look into their day to day lives and how much some of her mates are struggling. There were some amazing (and not so amazing) side characters we got to meet. Plus, the plot gradually got thicker and thicker towards the end of the book. Then you hit that cliffhanger,and you scream because WHY WOULD YOU END IT RIGHT THERE?! I laughed and cried and maybe threw a pillow.

I still think there's something off with Wren. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'm not convinced it isn't bad. I also have a theory about who Audrey and Wren's father is. I dont want to say in case it ends up being a spoiler, but if I'm correct, this next book is going to be GOOD!

My favorite scene would have to be when Audrey develops a new power and walks into a wall. Or two. I giggled at that scene.

I did feel like this book went in circles a couple of times. Which is fine if it helps progress the story. There's a lot of fighting, a lot of storming off, but we learn there's a reason for it which progresses the story.

If PNR with a side of MM tickles your fancy, it's worth sinking your teeth into.
Profile Image for Josmely.
657 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2025
AHHHHHH now that I got that scream about the ending out of the way let me say how much I love these characters. I've been dying for this book after crazy cliffhanger we got for the first book. I do feel like a lot happens in this one but also nothing😭

Romantically A LOT happened. I honestly have no idea how Audrey is able to deal with everything. If it's not finding a new mate, or one of the mates not wanting TO mate or dealing with her sister dying and planning for revenge it's always something 😭😭😭. This one was a lot more focused on her relationships i feel which is why nothing really happened until the very end.

Dont get me wrong I absolutely LOVE that the author wrote it like this. It was too much she had to deal with to add a bunch of action and unnecessary shit when her world (mate wise) is crumbling. I also liked it a lot bc one thing this author is gonna do right is not rush a story. The revenge and everything else that needs to happen is gonna happen at it's own time. I would much rather wait to read about it then get something rushed.

I still love the relationship she has with the 3 mates she's bonded with. They all love and care about each other and it's very obvious. We got to meet a brand new mate who i loveeeee. I need everything to get fixed bc my baby deserves a happy ending.

Audrey and her sister had a good relationship but after everything settles and gets resolved I would love to see them start to built that bond they had before they died. Also wren and the horsemen???🫣. I am also super excited to meet Lucifer. Dont ask me why I'm just over here giggling with my heart racing over a character we haven't even been introduced to😭😭

Anyways this book was worth the wait. Loved it from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Sierra Mackenzie.
Author 5 books129 followers
June 17, 2025
THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!
Now I understand why some people say cliffies can be brutal, because that one right there had me sulking once I realized that I reached the ending. That was mean, LOL!
Overall, this was a REALLY good book! Miranda sucked me in right from the beginning and kept me locked in! I absolutely loved all the characters. How can you NOT? Audrey's got such a **yummy** group of mates. Who could complain about the horseman of death, a hellhound and a vampire?! (NOT ME! LOL). Only now we've got a few more thrown our way. Again, no complaints XD
We're hit with some twists right from the beginning. Starting with the very soul she was sent to reap. (Nope, not giving it away!) The mysterious don't end there! Nor do the complications/problems. With two more mates offered up, as per the Fates' prophecy. Nothing's ever easy.
Especially when you have one that's locked in panic mode over it.
Audrey is doing her best to take each hit in stride. She needs her mates now more than ever. It's only going to get harder from here.
There was plenty of steam packed into this book (& I love how it was used to help work out some kinks for a specific pair -- again, not mentioning who ;) ). PLENTY for me to enjoy ^.^
I could NOT stop reading this. It was such a wild ride with Audrey and I am beyond eager to find out the answers to some of these questions!! I can't WAIT to read the next book!!
Fantastic job, Miranda!!

Whew... Now I need to process everything XD
Profile Image for Chante Heaven.
865 reviews20 followers
May 30, 2025
Audrey didn't want to die, she didn't want to become a reaper and be sent to reap her twin sister's soul, but here she was, at least she had her three mates to help her, Wraith or Death as he's known, Donovan a hellhound shifter and Brenden a vampire and reaper like her.


I can’t express enough how much I'm connecting with this series. Audrey’s fighting spirit resonates deeply, as does her sincere quest for vengeance. It’s inspiring to see her stand up for herself.


The pacing of this book is relentless, and the twists and turns, along with the emotional weight, really keep you engaged. The pain that Audrey and Brenden experience is palpable, and I honestly wish Donovan had had more of a chance to address the situation in his own way.


Seeing Audrey Reuniting with Wren, introduces a touching element to the story, though the circumstances surrounding both of their deaths are truly tragic.


Nex, on the other hand, is portrayed as a coward, and by the end of the book, it’s hard not to dislike him. I really hope that Audrey finds the strength within herself to confront him as she deserves to stand tall.


And that cliffhanger ending! The emotional intensity of those final twists has left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for the next installment.

Profile Image for Whitney Moore.
133 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2025
"I knew my final would change my life but not like this." And damn if that line didn’t grip me by the throat and drag me straight into a world of shadows, vengeance, and soul-binding passion.

This book is a wicked cocktail of heartbreak and heat, and I devoured every page like it was laced with sin. Watching the heroine crumble as she collects her first soul—only to rise sharper, darker, more determined—was nothing short of intoxicating. She’s shattered, yes, but not broken. And when she finally bares her soul—and her deadly plan—to her mates? Whew. Let’s just say the tension isn’t just emotional.

The mates? Yes Please! Every single one is magnetic, fierce, and undeniably hers. And the promise of more? The Fates are teasing us, and I’m not even mad about it.

If you crave morally grey magic, dangerous desires, and a heroine who walks the line between vengeance and vulnerability, this is your next obsession. Scythe Academy just became my new dark fantasy addiction, and I am begging the universe for the next book.

Surrender to the shadows—you won’t regret it.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,107 reviews36 followers
May 28, 2025
Heartbreak, plotting and discoveries oh my

So of course we start this one by finding out who her first soul was and everything takes off from there.
We also find out who the other two possible mates are and why the fates told her three or five. This was a very interesting discovery and there is a lot to unpack with the extra two.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. I devoured it in one sitting and am so glad book three is only a month away because I can not wait to see what happens next. That ending is monumental and leaves us falling over the cliff unsure of what is at the bottom.

I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see how this all plays out. What is her purpose and who will be helping her along the way? This is sure to have all sorts of revelations yet to be revealed and I am so here for it. The last book can't come soon enough.

Tropes:
Why Choose
MM
Unexpected Mates
Reluctant Mates
Paranormal Academy
Mixed Species Harem
Demons
Angels
"What am I"
751 reviews18 followers
May 31, 2025
Dancing With Death is the second book in the Shadow of Death series by Miranda May.

💜 reapers
💜 found family
💜 mystery
💜 fated mates
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice

This book picks right up where the last book leaves of with Audrey doing her first reaping for her final to become a reaper. She can’t believe what’s happening and how was assigned to this particular person. Here she is trying to keep it together when all she wants is to fall apart and ask so many questions. Will she be able to figure everything out. What about the Fates saying she will have either three or five mates? Will she have to deal with that too?

This was a good addition to this storyline. Audrey has to deal with so much and figure out so much. Her mates want to help as much as possible, but it’s still overwhelming for her. I liked how there was more character growth as well. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next one to release.
Profile Image for Emmi (bookish_redpanda).
829 reviews43 followers
May 30, 2025
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

So psyched to finally read the next part of Audrey's story after the cliffhanger May left us on last year.

DwD picks up from the moment book one left off, but May gives us a quick recap before diving in. And hoo boy, she does not hold the punches with this one. Action, suspense, angst, romance, character growth and development and just so much packed into a small book; I absolutely adored returning to this world.

May once more leaves us on an epic cliffhanger which has me so excited for book three, needing to know where the story is going from here. I cannot wait to read the conclusion to Audrey's story - I have theories, but I need the next book to see if my hunches are correct.

Thank you to the author and Dragonfire Teams for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ange Bennetts.
865 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2025
I was so excited to see book 2 pop up in my kindle! The first book was so good - a reaper academy, figures of mythology and religion interacting, an FMC that is supposedly a witch, but no one can explain her powers. The first book showed her identifying 3 of her mates and although not a walk in the park, theyve got it together now. Book 2 picks up with Audrey reaping her first soul as her final exam. Unfortunately it turns out to be her twin sister. Thats when things start to go a bit screwed up. Suddenly Audrey's overwhelming need for vengance is super important, things start to get tense at home and drama ensues! This is a super steamy book, which I found to be the perfect amount, lots of love too. The world expands a bit now that Audrey isnt confined to the academy and more side characters turn up. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Alimay.
500 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2025
REAPING THE BENEFITS

School's finished for Audrey, but she still has a lot to learn from her mates and those in her life after death. Picking up straight after On Death's Door, book 2, Dancing with Death is just that, a dance between the characters as they navigate new bonds, reconnecting familial ties and balancing the need for vengeance and staying alive or is it dead. Miranda May has continued this fantastic series with great writing, plenty of intrigue and characters with strength, devotion and steam. The bonus Obsession at the end of the book, totally worth jumping into as well. If you've read book 1, grab book 2 but be warned, our author has done it again with a cracker of a cliffhanger, thank the Devil book 3 is just around the corner.
Profile Image for veronika_21.
193 reviews17 followers
May 28, 2025
I couldn't wait to read this book after the brutal cliffhanger and I have to say Miranda dealt with this perfectly. I’m happy for Audrey, she sure deserves this and I have a feeling there is a spin-off brewing.
But back to this book, this one was a tearjerker since it was more focused on relationships than action. I’m very curious to see how this will all wrap up and I know I should trust Miranda to make me like a character I hate, she has done it multiple times already, but I just don’t see it here with the fifth mate.
Also this cliffhanger wasn’t as bad as the last one, I would say I’m more curious than afraid and I have my suspicions about who the father is.
The only thing I had a bit of a hard time with is the constant time jump.
Profile Image for Ashly.
291 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2025
I have been waiting for this one and really looking forward to getting my hands on the second part of this story. The first book was amazing, such a fantastic read!
The cliffy we got in book one is answered first thing in this book, which is very nice - so we are off on a great start. There is a bit of a slow section I think in the middle where we get some back and forth and spice for fun, but the plot is at a standstill.
Once we get past that though, the story picks up and then we are left with another cliffy.
I’m just as excited for that third book now!
This was a really fun read and I love these characters. Looking forward to the third book and the finale to this trilogy. Very much recommend!!!
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
Profile Image for Payton.
351 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2025
wow

This book picks right back up where the last one left off. Saved us from the cliffy we were dangling from after that last one…. Don’t worry though! We get a cliffy at the end of this book too. Some of Aubrey relationships develop and grow, while others are drowning in self sabotage. This book is def a bit of a roller coaster and I swear the rage I feel at one of the MMCs by the end of this book is unmatched. I want to kick his butt to kingdom come… if that’s possible ya know since they’re already in the afterlife. I really liked this continuation of the story and will be waiting on pins and needles until the last book comes out.
Profile Image for French Press Bookworm Blog.
948 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2025
This band of merry misfits are sugary sweet with a spicy treat at the center, I love how supportive and steadfast Brenden is… the little psycho kinda stills the show when he comes out on page. Nex and Cassian were pleasant addition to the trio. Cassian whew that woods scene… IYKYK… read it just for that alone! My heart breaks for Nex but I swear if he doesn’t get himself together by the next story I’m gonna riot! The overall vibe I get when reading this book is and odd feeling of sugary sweet, heartbreak, and hot summer nights!

I can’t wait to find out the morsel that was a cliffhanger! What a way to end it. Great addition to this series
Profile Image for Milena.
420 reviews
June 3, 2025
So book 2 is amazing and it starts where book 1 left off and we finally get to know who Audrey is reaping! Total surprise when we find out. Apparently we have now met 5 hot guys that can be her mates and 1 of them keeps running from her; cue the whyyyyyy? Well, we find out and um… yes please, even more mystery to the ongoing mystery that is Audrey. We find out a new thing and learn another that has us going ‘what?!’ What a trip book 2 is and oh, yes the cover and the flame is wow! ‘What kind of idiot walks into a house?’ I absolutely love this line from Audrey. Man, that cliffhanger is well written making you just want to throw your book across the room! Luckily book 3 is coming soon!
Profile Image for Sylvia Pelletier.
457 reviews28 followers
May 28, 2025
Umm that cliffhanger was even more brutal than the first one! I was right on who Audrey found for her final and it looks like we have even more questions now. Things with her mates are progressing, but unfortunately she's got a few problems with the last two. One believes he's been cursed and is afraid to try and end up hurting Audrey and the other is an ex of Wraith and Donovan. But whew those group scenes were hot af. I really can't wait for the next book! I have an idea of who Audrey's other parent could be and I cant wait to see if I'm right.
Profile Image for Amanda Graham.
608 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2025
It keeps getting better

This is book two in the series and must be read in order. I loved Audrey and her guys in book one and my love for them only has grown. We get a couple of additions in this book, one I currently hate and one I really like. There are also some side characters introduced that I predict will get a story in the future. The spice level in this story is high and stays high which I love. We get different pairings and groups so there is lots of variety. The cliffhanger is just as bad as book 1 and I cannot wait for book 3!!
Profile Image for Kylee.
626 reviews
May 29, 2025
enjoyed!!

I was excited to get this book after the cliffhanger from the first one. It was good to be back in this world I really enjoyed getting to read more about these characters.

This book made me cry, smile and at times laugh lol. I was excited for Audrey to finally get her relationships to grow a little more throughout this book. There are times with some mates I’m ready to scream but others I want to grin so big lol.

Overall, I really enjoyed this beauty and can’t wait for what’s next! This definitely left me wanting to read more and I can’t wait!
67 reviews
May 30, 2025
Such a great second book for this series! After the cliffhanger in book 1 I could not wait to get my hands on the next one and oh boy did i devour it. There's love, joy, pain, and heartaches in this story but it was written wonderfully. We get to see the characters struggle but also bloom and grow stronger. I truly cannot wait for the final book in this series, I NEED to know more, especially after the cliffhanger and possible unresolved mate bonds. I cant recommend this book enough, its just addictive. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Laura Beltran.
1,024 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2025
Fantastic

This is the second book of Shadow of Death. It picks up where book one left off and one again I was hooked start to finish and completely drawn in. Miranda May does a fantastic job with continued world building and bringing amazing characters to life. She makes you feel their emotions. I love Audrey and her men (well most of them anyway - one has a long way to go). Her twin, her friends and the other horseman are great too. There is mystery, spicy times and of course a cliffhanger at the end. I can't wait to find out what happens in book three.
2,600 reviews15 followers
June 30, 2025
This! I love Audrey and her mates and we get to know them more. The story is beginnen where the previous one ended so we dive right in. I love the writing here so much it is easy to get lost in the story and I couldn't put this one down at all. The turns this story takes are unexpected but perfect too! Now this isn't the series end so now I definitely need the next book I tell you. The harem grows in this book and I do enjoy that fact for sure. The story is more on the relationship side of things this time and I can't wait to see what the next one will bring.
Profile Image for Lily Kanojia.
115 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2025
Once again, I read this book very fast. It was amazing in the sense that it helped to clear up things from the cliffhanger before but at the same time it leaves on another cliffhanger! But I’m just glad the next book is coming out soon as well. But once again, this is a complete love for me. There was so much detail within the book and some parts made me laugh. There’s just so much entertainment bundled up into this book! Love!
Profile Image for Donna Zug.
590 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2025
Miranda sure enjoys her cliffhangers, and this book picks right up at that point and of course she gives us another cliffy. This story is so good, with plot twists that will mess with you and your emotions will be all over the place. There's humor, working on relationships with her mates, finding two more - OMG- and Aubrey's reaction to collecting her first soul - very powerful writing. Read the trigger warnings
Profile Image for Kassie.
349 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2025
ARC Review

This book starts right where book one is left off. But now we got to meet her last mate.

Cassian is a fallen angel. He had a past with Wraith and Donovan. Which i love that Donovan got to be with Cassian again. Now.if Wraith can get over his hiccup, then omg, I would love it.

now Nex pissed me off. What he did you, Brenden and Audrey, really upset me. Cause I was rooting for him to change.

#dancingondeathsdoor #book2 #cliffhanger #MirandaMay #reapers
69 reviews
May 31, 2025
Audrey is shocked about who her first soul is. She also wants revenge on Michael, who killed her. They find out who here other 2 mates are, but things get a bit complicated. Nex is one of them, and he is cursed to never love and keeps pushing Audrey away. Without him, the fates keep messing up things with Cassian because she will have either 3 of 5 mates, not 4. Will her plan of revenge work, or will it only cause more trouble for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
211 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2025
This book picks up right at the cliffy that Miranda left us hanging on in On Death’s Door. I had a feeling the first soul Audrey reaped was that person. Of course there is mate drama in this book. Will she have three mates or five? Lots of relationship building happens in this book and the continuation of the plan for Michael’s downfall. The cliffy in this book was more intriguing than the first. I can’t wait to find out more about Audrey’s father and what happens with her mates.
Profile Image for Laura Jones.
388 reviews82 followers
June 6, 2025
I have been waiting for this book since I finished the first one last year. Miranda did not disappoint. in this book, we see more of Audrey and her guys and the new guys. we also see how other relationships are formed within the harem that aren't just centred around their fated mate, so there is MM. Audrey is a very busy woman with 5 fated mates (one has been incredibly stubben and keeping his distance) while she is also trying to navigate her new life and seek revenge for her and her sister.
this book does end on a cliffhanger, but I'm so glad I don't have to wait long for book 3.
Profile Image for ChristiLovesBooks_smut.
1,785 reviews43 followers
May 28, 2025
Dancing With Death, book 2 of the Shadow of Death series, by Miranda May @mirandamatauthor. Please read the trigger warnings!

I absolutely loved this 2nd book about Audrey, Wraith, Nex, Cassian, Donovan & Brendan! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal, Why Choose, MM, Death, Hellhound, Incubus, Vampire, Fated Mates, Brat Vibes, Daddy Vibes 🥵, Found Family & A Cliffhanger!
55 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
Omg I loved this book even more than first one...

Audrey and her mates are so funny that I could hardly put the book down. With so many new characters added that made me just fall in love with the story even more.

But the cliff-hangers in this series are definitely big ones .

If you haven't started this series yet... what are you waiting for!!!
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