Sanctum of the Soul

The Shroud of Prophecy #3

by Kel Kade

The epic conclusion to the genre-bending series, Shroud of Prophecy (Fate of the Fallen and Destiny of the Dead) from New York Times bestselling author, Kel Kade.

The chosen one is dead, the powerful have abandoned their subjects, and Death has come for them all.

Aaslo, the reluctant new Chosen One, and Teza, a failed magus healer, lead a small group of broken people who continue to hold back the tide of a war between the gods. They gather what forces they can scrape together for a final battle. Their band of unlikely warriors' grit and bravery in the face of staggering odds, however, has strengthened all of them as they come into their power and their destiny.

Aaslo stands at a crossroad where he must embrace all of what he has become even in the face of losing the war, his friends, and his world.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Science Fiction Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Kel Kade lives in Texas and occasionally serves as an adjunct college faculty member, inspiring young minds and introducing them to the fascinating and very real world of geosciences. Thanks to Kade’s enthusiastic readers and the success of the King’s Dark Tidings series, Kade is now able to create universes spanning space and time, develop criminal empires, plot the downfall of tyrannous rulers, and dive into fantastical mysteries full time.

Growing up, Kade lived a military lifestyle of traveling to and living in new places. These experiences with distinctive cultures and geography instilled in Kade a sense of wanderlust and opened a young mind to the knowledge that the Earth is expansive and wild. A deep interest in science, ancient history, cultural anthropology, art, music, languages, and spirituality is evidenced by the diversity and richness of the places and cultures depicted in Kade’s writing.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

MAssive decline in quality with this book. Between this and the last dark tidings books, almost seems like Kel has lost interest in writing and rushed these out. Massive shame.

[Michele M · Rating 5 out of 5]

has to be the best out of the 3. it had me from beginning to end. Dolt the horse is still the best character but you really grow to love most of them. After the first book I almost didn't continue with the series but I truly am glad I stuck with it.

[Hank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying and sappy end to a trilogy. Everything was wrapped up, some small tragedies but mostly good. The humor worked for me as well as the head in a bag theme throughout.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ending to the series

[Phantom_fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun series. It was tied up nicely at 3.

[˗ˏˋ maddie ˊˎ˗ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like nearly all of the side characters who got to shine so prettily in the last books were shoved aside in favor of a romance that doesn't even make sense. Sedi doesn't complement Aaslo at all. The things that Aaslo values: steadfastness, loyalty, resolve are all things that Sedi not only doesn't value but are also pretty diametrically opposed to her whole deal. Like. I can't think of two people who are less well-matched. Also, I don't consider immortality to be a reward (especially when that reward is compounded by: also this woman who it makes zero sense for you to be interested in is gonna be there the whole time too, isn't that great?! Uh, no?) so that didn't appeal at all.

Mathias was great, Aaslo when he wasn't being pushed into this nonsensical romance was wonderful, Teza when she got to exist was lovely, Peck and Mory too but everything else was a big huge fail.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kel Kade is so underappreciated. And I feel that Kade deserves so much more recognition. This series was so original and creative. Kel Kade told this story with ease. The whole cast of characters was a breath of fresh air, each having their own voice and perspectives. The way Kade was able to weave their stories together into one at the end was chef's kiss. Please, if you haven't tried this series, The Shroud of Prophecy or Kade's first series and still on going, King's Dark Tidings, do so. Kade has my whole heart and has cemented their name in my God Tier of Authors.

[Amaie · Rating 4 out of 5]

!ARC Provided by publisher and NetGalley!
A Triumphant Conclusion to an Unconventional Fantasy Saga!

Kel Kade masterfully brings The Shroud of Prophecy trilogy to a satisfying and well-earned conclusion with Sanctum of the Soul. This final installment ties together the threads of Aaslo’s reluctant journey, delivering an adventure that is both compelling and deeply rewarding.

From the very beginning, Aaslo was never meant to be the Chosen One he though to be destined to live his days as a well regarded Forester and he reminds us how much he's yearned for it—yet fate had other plans. As his path unfolds, we witness his remarkable growth, both as a warrior and as a leader, all while his best friend—the actual Chosen One—continues to live rent-free in his mind, offering his signature brand of wry commentary. Kade balances humor with high-stakes tension, as new allies emerge, fresh enemies rise, and the battle for survival escalates beyond clashing armies into a war of gods.

The journey takes unexpected and thrilling turns, with revelations that challenge everything Aaslo and his companions believed to be true. As the stakes grow ever higher, his path forward requires more than just skill or determination—it demands the acceptance of the power he once resisted. Only by embracing his true potential can he continue on the course destiny has laid before him.

This book is an unforgettable conclusion to an extraordinary trilogy. Kade delivers an intricate and satisfying finale filled with surprises, character growth, and a resolution that honors the story’s themes of fate, free will, and the burden of power. Fans of epic fantasy will not be disappointed. If you are on edge with this series I highly recommend it and believe you will not be disappointed.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I'm a big fan of King's Dark Tidings but just can't get into this series. Even at the trilogy's end, I can't particularly recommend this series.

The women in this book annoy me. Things happen but I don't feel like anything actually happened. The MC dragging around a decapitated head never got unweird.

The whole forester thing was a unique concept that ultimately didn't seem to tie into the universe that well.

Axis' motivations seemed very one dimensional.

Peck's ascension from thief to emperor is very similar to Brandon Sanderson's Yanagawn the First, and not done as well.

Romance was awkward and had zero chemistry.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was disappointing.

I enjoyed the first one quite a lot, enough to put the second and third on my automatic preorder list.

This entry felt rushed--very much like a rough draft where things were being entered at top speed with little revision. Everyone's point of view sounded like everyone else's point of view and the text was flat, declarative sentences with no grace to it.

And it just wasn't satisfactory as a conclusion. Things just happened because they had to happen; I haven't reread the other two books, but I remember the assorted skills and events seeming earned. This read very much like "Well, I have to finish the novel. I will move the pieces around until they are where I want them."

Too bad!

[Julie Knaub · Rating 3 out of 5]

I...cannot explain this series or tell if it was good or not. It was just so WEIRD. I did feel compelled to finish it though, and even tagged it in Libby to alert me when the last book was released, sooo...I liked it that much.

In all seriousness, this series was entertaining and the characters were easy to like. The realm of the gods definitely upped the ante and was a good addition. I started the first one: Fate of the Fallen because it sounded epic, and in a way it was. Spoiler! (for the first book) I never in a million years thought I'd read a series where the main character would carry the magically preserved decapitated head of his best friend around for three books. Nope. Not on my bingo card. Yet I kept reading. I...fear for my judgement.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a bit of a slow build but holy cow the final battle. I was a bit surprised with the love story involved since I hadn't picked up on it before. I loved the way the story ended for Mory and Peck. Aaslo's adventure - his mother, his love life. I didn't see any of that coming. I am wondering where Dolt went after all of this. It was nice to see that Ijen continued writing his prophecies. But what about Tesza? What role in the rebuilding did she have? Still a great ending to a great trilogy!

[Suzanne Capitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. I have read other reviews where people say you can compare it to Lord of the rings if Frodo had died and somebody else had taken over, I have also heard it say that it is many stores recycled and spun into a new story. All I can say is, I enjoyed the fantasy of entirely new worlds being created of May borrowing perhaps from Greek or Roman gods and just having a fun story I enjoyed the writing, I enjoyed the emotion in the comedy, and I like how it was wrapped it up in three books.

[Pieter van der Ploeg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Rushed Conclusion That Falls Short

I enjoyed the first installments of The Shroud of Prophecy series, but this final book didn’t meet my expectations. Too many problems were resolved too easily, rushing the story to its conclusion. The ending felt abrupt, and the epilogue was disappointingly short—many characters deserved more.

A decent read, but not impressive, and it doesn’t live up to the promise of the previous books.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad I saw this through, but I don't understand the sudden romance that happens in the plot. It did not make sense at all, and it didn't even feel like kt was a good plot device...the pacing was weird in the middle, it almost felt like the ending was written long before and the middle part was written to just match that ending somehow. While the ending was very good, because of the pacing and the lack of details that just skips in the middle, I was a bit saddened when I finished the book.

[Zach Castinado · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most fulfilling ending to a story I have ever read. Filled with twists and turns that really solidify Kel Kade as a writer who isn’t afraid to break the status quo and mess with her readers. Aaslo’s story and adventure with so many legendary characters couldn’t have concluded in a better way, from the individual conclusions to the grand scheme of things, this will be a book to rave about for the rest of my days!

[Justin Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong conclusion to the series and a lovely wrapup for these characters. The first three-quarters of the book held lots of fun moments, cool plot development, and great action scenes; the climax and denouement were surprisingly poignant, and I really liked how everything tied together and (generally) worked out. Adventuring with these characters was a good time overall. Very happy with how the series ended.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly decent ending although I do feel like some things were kind of shoved to the side at the end.

not a spoiler but what some might think is a spoiler, for as much as prophecy is stressed and emphasized as unavoidable I feel like we didn't really see all of the prophecy stuff really come to fruition. it's entirely possible something went over my head though.

[Toussaint · Rating 5 out of 5]

A swift but satisfying ending

Kel made you have done it again. Some how taken the most overplayed storyline that has been written time and time again and warped it into something new and fresh. the internal battle of your characters never ceasing to draw me in. thank you for your wonderful works.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I was preoccupied for the past couple of weeks, so I couldn't write a detailed review if I tried. This sorry excuse for a review will have to suffice!

This is the last book in a trilogy, and all of the questions have been answered. Except one: whatever happened to the aunt? Did I miss something?

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This wasn’t a BAD book by any means, but it was the weakest of the trilogy for me. There were a lot of good ideas, but Cade just didn’t seem to have the passion behind this book as the others.

Dialogue felt forced, scenes seemed to happen to fill pages, but the ideas behind these were good.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. I was on the edge of my seat and very satisfied by the end. I came to really love the characters . I loved it and will definitely reread the whole trilogy again.

[Joy Nardini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I really liked the ending but had a hard time staying focused on the plot. If I were to recount what I remember, it’s a really original story! I might’ve liked it more if I read it rather than listened to the audiobook so my mind wouldn’t wander as much 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kel Kade is terrific. I enjoyed this series ... but not as much as the King's Dark Tidings series. I think, perhaps, I like a little more Grim Dark in my fantasy. This series literally has nothing go wrong for any of the main characters ... though that's not the way it started:)

[Xavier Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, but was missing something from earlier books in the series. The gang hanging out together? The surprising and incredible growth in power by Aaslo? (He got wings, but they weren't very useful. Mostly just a joke. And his growth in power was just that. He was more powerful.)

[Sigurd Langseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noen fantasybøker trenger man å lese over tid. Brukte 4 måneder på Brandon Sandersons siste. Da er det fint å kunne sluke to Kel Kade bøker på en uke etterpå.
Fin konklusjon på en fin serie. Ikke stor litteratur, men akkurat den rette mengden underholdning, humor og kamp mot guder og ondskap.

[Rose Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

This was another great book by an amazing author.
Every book written just gets better and better, and characters that would make David gemmell weep, if you haven't read Kel's work you're missing out.

[Sa'id · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good series conclusion. Overall the series went well. Some of the characters weren't that strong but it all worked. I just think some of the encounters leading up to the boss fight weren't that good.

[Jennifer Utech · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Enjoyable, no real complaints. Entertaining characters and satisfying outcome.

[Miles · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25☆