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The Fire and Silence Trilogy #1
He Who Holds My Soul
Daisy Sandoval's life was never perfect, but it was hers. Until the night her soul was sold to the devil by the one man meant to protect her.
Korithax is no ordinary devil. He's the Prince of Hell, heir to a shattered throne, and bound by ancient laws that require a queen to claim his crown.
Dragged into a world of monsters, gods, and burning kingdoms, Daisy must survive court politics, celestial enemies, and the demons of her past.
As she heals, an unlikely connection blooms between her and the dark prince sworn to never care.
But something ancient stirs within her.
To take the throne, Korithax needs a queen.
To survive, Daisy must become one.
But love was never part of the deal.
And the gods are watching.
Korithax is no ordinary devil. He's the Prince of Hell, heir to a shattered throne, and bound by ancient laws that require a queen to claim his crown.
Dragged into a world of monsters, gods, and burning kingdoms, Daisy must survive court politics, celestial enemies, and the demons of her past.
As she heals, an unlikely connection blooms between her and the dark prince sworn to never care.
But something ancient stirs within her.
To take the throne, Korithax needs a queen.
To survive, Daisy must become one.
But love was never part of the deal.
And the gods are watching.
Paperback
Published April 3, 2026
About the author
Shannon V. Velzen
3 books60 followersShannon V. Velzen is a dark romance and romantasy author from North Yorkshire, writing stories where love is dangerous, power is intoxicating, and nothing comes without a cost.
A disabled mum of two with a degree in psychology, she weaves emotionally intense narratives filled with morally grey characters, obsession, and the kind of love that borders on ruin.
When she’s not writing, she’s either lost in a dark book, blasting music to sing out of key too, or attempting to keep snacks hidden from her feral children.
She likes to call her readers her freaky f*cks alongside her street team, the chaos demons
Follow her online @ShannonV.VelzenAuthor
A disabled mum of two with a degree in psychology, she weaves emotionally intense narratives filled with morally grey characters, obsession, and the kind of love that borders on ruin.
When she’s not writing, she’s either lost in a dark book, blasting music to sing out of key too, or attempting to keep snacks hidden from her feral children.
She likes to call her readers her freaky f*cks alongside her street team, the chaos demons
Follow her online @ShannonV.VelzenAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 29, 2026
Thank you so much Shannon for sending me this book! This is a DARK dark romantasy (check your triggers) following Daisy our Human FMC who ends up striking a deal with the demon and soon to be King of Hell Korithax to become his bride in exchange for being able to escape the trauma of her life in the human world. The world building in this was fun and I enjoyed getting to experience the different realms and get to know such a wide cast of characters. This was definitely a wild ride! It really felt like a step up from Shannon’s first book and I can tell she’s put her heart into this story.
January 20, 2026
FIRSTLY OMGG! What have I just read?! This book was absolutely amazing! I had the privilege of being sent this ARC read (my very first arc read hehehe) and my god I’m so glad I read this. 5⭐️ from me!!
Let me tell you something, I went through all sorts of emotions while reading this book. Happiness, sadness, frustration! I was really going through it, and I kept saying ‘What on earth is happening here’ lol. I absolutely love Daisy and Korithax😭😩they’re the cutest things ever! And I really loved Daisy’s relationship with her best friends Talia and Ezra. AHH how can I forget the spice scene pls 😏 THE SPICE WAS SPICY he’s a 7ft demon… 7ft… so I’ll let you do what you will with that information👀 Those scene did NOT disappoint😉🌶️
This book holds a special place in my heart! He who holds my soul deserves all the hype honestly 🤭 The details of literally everything is chefs kiss 🤌🏾 This was a really good fantasy read ✨
So please go and get He who holds my soul! Which is out in April 2026! You better believe imma get the book… multiple copies 👀🥰🖤🖤 ps I can’t wait for book 2😉
Let me tell you something, I went through all sorts of emotions while reading this book. Happiness, sadness, frustration! I was really going through it, and I kept saying ‘What on earth is happening here’ lol. I absolutely love Daisy and Korithax😭😩they’re the cutest things ever! And I really loved Daisy’s relationship with her best friends Talia and Ezra. AHH how can I forget the spice scene pls 😏 THE SPICE WAS SPICY he’s a 7ft demon… 7ft… so I’ll let you do what you will with that information👀 Those scene did NOT disappoint😉🌶️
This book holds a special place in my heart! He who holds my soul deserves all the hype honestly 🤭 The details of literally everything is chefs kiss 🤌🏾 This was a really good fantasy read ✨
So please go and get He who holds my soul! Which is out in April 2026! You better believe imma get the book… multiple copies 👀🥰🖤🖤 ps I can’t wait for book 2😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
To start off if I could give this book a million stars I would!! I was very lucky to get this book as a ARC and I'm not sure if I regret it as now I have to wait even looonger for book 2.
This book had me crying, kicking my feet, frustrated everything! The way that my soul was ripped out of my body is not even a joke. That being said, I freaking loved this book! I loved Daisy and Korithax (their spicy scenes was chefs kiss 😘) I did not expect the book to end the way it ended so trust me when I say, be prepared.
I'm so excited for book 2 I can't think of anything else. He Who Holds My Soul deserves all the love! Everything was so amazingly detailed but not in a way that it burns your brain where I found some fantasy books do. I found this easy to follow and definitely felt like I was there with them.
He Who Holds My Soul is out April 2026 and YOU MUST BUY!!! TRUST ME PLEASE
This book had me crying, kicking my feet, frustrated everything! The way that my soul was ripped out of my body is not even a joke. That being said, I freaking loved this book! I loved Daisy and Korithax (their spicy scenes was chefs kiss 😘) I did not expect the book to end the way it ended so trust me when I say, be prepared.
I'm so excited for book 2 I can't think of anything else. He Who Holds My Soul deserves all the love! Everything was so amazingly detailed but not in a way that it burns your brain where I found some fantasy books do. I found this easy to follow and definitely felt like I was there with them.
He Who Holds My Soul is out April 2026 and YOU MUST BUY!!! TRUST ME PLEASE
Review of advance copy received from Author
review of advance reader copy by author.
"I might rule Hell," I whisper, "but you rule me".
I have no words! Shannon what have you done to me! I usually dont read these type of books but WOW, I was hooked from the start.
The world building is perfection and you can imagine yourself being there. I want to live in that world!!!
Daisy's growth through the book really came through and I cannot wait to see her in book 2.
Kori - my sweet Prince of Hell. I want one of you!
Aran - Okay I had my doubts about you but I love you!
Honestly how this is Shannon's second book i do not know! The plot is something else entirely. plus the added 🌶 is 😋😈🤤🥵
Not going to lie the ending is a cliffhanger and half! I internally screamed and wept.. I AM NOT OKAY!
CAN BOOK 2 BE RELEASED ASAP PLEASE?
"I might rule Hell," I whisper, "but you rule me".
I have no words! Shannon what have you done to me! I usually dont read these type of books but WOW, I was hooked from the start.
The world building is perfection and you can imagine yourself being there. I want to live in that world!!!
Daisy's growth through the book really came through and I cannot wait to see her in book 2.
Kori - my sweet Prince of Hell. I want one of you!
Aran - Okay I had my doubts about you but I love you!
Honestly how this is Shannon's second book i do not know! The plot is something else entirely. plus the added 🌶 is 😋😈🤤🥵
Not going to lie the ending is a cliffhanger and half! I internally screamed and wept.. I AM NOT OKAY!
CAN BOOK 2 BE RELEASED ASAP PLEASE?
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader
I devoured this book! I was (and still am) spiralling with theories, kicking my feet laughing, gasping at the twists and turns and I am so ready for book 2 and 3!
I loved the friendships; the plot and the menu...
''...It's f**king perfect because it's been made from her, by her'' - Korithax
✨️ Ezra is my bestie ✨️
I devoured this book! I was (and still am) spiralling with theories, kicking my feet laughing, gasping at the twists and turns and I am so ready for book 2 and 3!
I loved the friendships; the plot and the menu...
''...It's f**king perfect because it's been made from her, by her'' - Korithax
✨️ Ezra is my bestie ✨️
July 12, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark romantasy, it had the perfect balance of spice, romance, darkness and fantasy/paranormal elements. The world building was phenomenal right down to even describing the scents of each realm and of the characters which I appreciated the amount of thought that went into immersing the reader into the story.
Korithax! What a guy!
"And when it secured into place when you became immortal, the strength of it dropped me to my knees. You are my beginning and my end, Daisy."
From the constant push and pull and fighting the inevitable to protect Daisy from harms way. He was just perfect!
The traumas Daisy faced in this book are unfortunately events that occur in real life and Shannon navigated it so well and with so much respect.
I am lost for words at the ending and I might be slightly broken but I cannot wait to get into the rest of the story with She Who Holds My Wrath.
Korithax! What a guy!
"And when it secured into place when you became immortal, the strength of it dropped me to my knees. You are my beginning and my end, Daisy."
From the constant push and pull and fighting the inevitable to protect Daisy from harms way. He was just perfect!
The traumas Daisy faced in this book are unfortunately events that occur in real life and Shannon navigated it so well and with so much respect.
I am lost for words at the ending and I might be slightly broken but I cannot wait to get into the rest of the story with She Who Holds My Wrath.
January 28, 2026
This was an ARC read and I feel HONOURED to be in the first group of people to ever lay eyes upon this story.
To start off: I’m an INCREDIBLY slow reader, and I ate up all 527 pages of this in ONE WEEK (coming from a girl who usually struggles to finish 200-300 pages in a MONTH)
Secondly: I am not by any means a fantasy girlie, but I repeat… I FINISHED THIS IN A WEEK. I just couldn’t get enough.
Shannon just has such a charm about her writing, you can’t help but love it. She makes it easy!
The world building was just incredible. Beautiful worlds and creatures and people detailed so delicately that I almost want to die and wake up there.
The characters are just amazing. Daisy ~ the walking sunshine, and Korithax ~ grumpy chaos incarnate. Adding to that, Talia, Ezra and Aran ~ best friends and right hand men that EVERYONE needs in their life.
The Spice was SPICING:
“he’s 7ft, of course it’s big”
“hold my horns”.
Oh. My. God.
The story of this book is EVERYTHING and will have you feeling hot, cold, giggly, frustrated (very, in my case) and trying to guess ahead what’s going to happen, and trust me, you won’t ever figure it out until it happens.
This book broke me in the best way possible. I feel shattered internally and both love and hate Shannon for allowing me to read this early, because now I have a looongg wait before book 2. But I know when the time comes, she will smash that one too.
Book 1 of the Fire and Silence trilogy releases April 3rd. You have to be there.🥀🖤
To start off: I’m an INCREDIBLY slow reader, and I ate up all 527 pages of this in ONE WEEK (coming from a girl who usually struggles to finish 200-300 pages in a MONTH)
Secondly: I am not by any means a fantasy girlie, but I repeat… I FINISHED THIS IN A WEEK. I just couldn’t get enough.
Shannon just has such a charm about her writing, you can’t help but love it. She makes it easy!
The world building was just incredible. Beautiful worlds and creatures and people detailed so delicately that I almost want to die and wake up there.
The characters are just amazing. Daisy ~ the walking sunshine, and Korithax ~ grumpy chaos incarnate. Adding to that, Talia, Ezra and Aran ~ best friends and right hand men that EVERYONE needs in their life.
The Spice was SPICING:
“he’s 7ft, of course it’s big”
“hold my horns”.
Oh. My. God.
The story of this book is EVERYTHING and will have you feeling hot, cold, giggly, frustrated (very, in my case) and trying to guess ahead what’s going to happen, and trust me, you won’t ever figure it out until it happens.
This book broke me in the best way possible. I feel shattered internally and both love and hate Shannon for allowing me to read this early, because now I have a looongg wait before book 2. But I know when the time comes, she will smash that one too.
Book 1 of the Fire and Silence trilogy releases April 3rd. You have to be there.🥀🖤
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026the plot of this book sounds so interesting and i’m obsessed with the character art and quotes i’ve seen on instagram however this book was a tad too dark for me, i don’t normally read dark romance books (i sometimes read dark romantasy books but the aren’t too dark) and i tend to read up to 3🌶️ books so i wont give this book a star rating as i only made it 85 pages in and i don’t think it would be fair🖤
July 2, 2026
4.5 stars! This dark Romantasy was EVERYTHING! This book had me locked in the entire time and I loved almost everything about it haha of if I had to be nit picky I just would have gotten rid of the insta list between Daisy and Kori and made it more of a real enemies to lovers vibe to fit the dark Romantasy better but other than that I felt so immersed in this world and if he end up in hell one day this is the hell I want to end up in. The way all of these realms were described was beautiful (for the most part)! There is still so much lore to uncover and the way this ended was insane and I need book two IMMEDIATELY!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am still shocked that i was fortunate enough to receive this arc @shannonv.velzenauthor
This book completely wrecked me—in the best way. It was funny, sad, and packed with so much tension that I couldn’t put it down. One minute, I was giggling and kicking my feet, and the next, my heart was absolutely shattered. The emotional whiplash was real.
The characters felt alive, the chemistry was deliciously painful, and the story knew exactly when to be soft and when to hit hard. That ending? Heartbreaking. Unfair. Rude. I’m still thinking about it.
I’m obsessed, emotionally compromised, and counting down the days until book two because I need answers, and I need them now.
Phenomenal writing and everything a book should be ❤️👏
This book completely wrecked me—in the best way. It was funny, sad, and packed with so much tension that I couldn’t put it down. One minute, I was giggling and kicking my feet, and the next, my heart was absolutely shattered. The emotional whiplash was real.
The characters felt alive, the chemistry was deliciously painful, and the story knew exactly when to be soft and when to hit hard. That ending? Heartbreaking. Unfair. Rude. I’m still thinking about it.
I’m obsessed, emotionally compromised, and counting down the days until book two because I need answers, and I need them now.
Phenomenal writing and everything a book should be ❤️👏
May 7, 2026
I didn't expect this book be THIS GOOD! The plot twists, the grump x sunshine, THE ENDING?! Need book 2 now please and thanks!
April 22, 2026
Daisy Sandoval. WHAT A WOMAN. In the face of soul crushing grief and a horrific assault, she clawed her way back. Did someone say plus size representation?! WE LOVE TO SEE IT.
I was hooked, from the very first chapter. The way Shannon writes, will tear your soul (😏) from your body. And you’ll thank her for it too.
Korithax…. What is there to say about our 7ft, Demon Prince of Hell? 👀. Granted, at first, he tried to push our girl Daisy away (and believe me, I cursed him for it too!). But, as their story unfolds, you can see his walls being torn down by our Sunshine Queen 👸🏼. And, vice versa. Their love just becomes so palpable.
THAT ENDING?! Trust me, you will go on the biggest rollercoaster emotionally. And you will love every single second.
Shannon, THANK YOU for creating something that will stay with me for a long, long time.
Easily one of the best 1st in Series, Dark Fantasies I’ve read. Ever 🖤.
I was hooked, from the very first chapter. The way Shannon writes, will tear your soul (😏) from your body. And you’ll thank her for it too.
Korithax…. What is there to say about our 7ft, Demon Prince of Hell? 👀. Granted, at first, he tried to push our girl Daisy away (and believe me, I cursed him for it too!). But, as their story unfolds, you can see his walls being torn down by our Sunshine Queen 👸🏼. And, vice versa. Their love just becomes so palpable.
THAT ENDING?! Trust me, you will go on the biggest rollercoaster emotionally. And you will love every single second.
Shannon, THANK YOU for creating something that will stay with me for a long, long time.
Easily one of the best 1st in Series, Dark Fantasies I’ve read. Ever 🖤.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
⋆｡°✩ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : He Who Hold’s My Soul
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Shannon V Velzen
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 529
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 3rd of April 2026
Omg this book gave me the FEELS so hard! I pretty much spent the whole book in tears! Whether that was happy, sad or simple because something sounded so beautiful!
Now firstly I want to say that I felt an immediate connection with Daisy the FMC. There was so many similarities between me and her. Blonde and Blue eyes? Check. Ray of Sunshine on the outside, ball on stress on the indies? Check. Stunt Cheerleader? (While at uni) Check. Same weight? (During cheerleading) Check. Dead Mother? Check. One dark hair besties one ginger bestie? Check. All this made me feel so connected and attached to Daisy from the get go.
Daisy is all sunshine and rainbows, she lights up people’s day and is all about positivity on the outside. When in fact her life isn’t fantastic at all. She’s running on fumes, living paycheck to paycheck and her father is a drunk who always asks for money. To top it off she gets home one day to find a 7ft demon in her living room letting her know her dad sold her sole to him, Korithax the prince of Hell.
One thing I love about this book is how Shannon didn’t just up and move Daisy to Hell there and then as you would expect in some books. She did an amazing job at blending both worlds gradually to the point Daisy wanted to go there of her own will.
Daisy goes through a tragic event which utterly breaks my heart. I was so happy with how Korithax dealt with it. The aftermath was devastating and I’m so sad it all happened but glad it brought her and Korithax closer together.
When Daisy finally moves to Hell I loved exploring this world and learning the lore of it all. I was really excited when we went on adventures over the realms and met all the leaders. I found it fascinating! Shannon did an incredible job at her descriptions! It made you feel as if you was in the realms yourself seeing everything the characters could. Plus wearing those absolutely stunning dresses! Omg I need me one of those!!!
Now I really enjoyed the the subtle drops throughout the book of people true identity’s and how this went down in the past. Of course I was frustrated right along with Daisy and Korthax with all the criptic stuff but it was so worth it!
I was so happy for them towards the end. UNTIL THE END!!! WTF SHANNON! Omg I can’t believe it! I need book 2 asap because what do you mean that just happened?
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : He Who Hold’s My Soul
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Shannon V Velzen
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 529
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 3rd of April 2026
Omg this book gave me the FEELS so hard! I pretty much spent the whole book in tears! Whether that was happy, sad or simple because something sounded so beautiful!
Now firstly I want to say that I felt an immediate connection with Daisy the FMC. There was so many similarities between me and her. Blonde and Blue eyes? Check. Ray of Sunshine on the outside, ball on stress on the indies? Check. Stunt Cheerleader? (While at uni) Check. Same weight? (During cheerleading) Check. Dead Mother? Check. One dark hair besties one ginger bestie? Check. All this made me feel so connected and attached to Daisy from the get go.
Daisy is all sunshine and rainbows, she lights up people’s day and is all about positivity on the outside. When in fact her life isn’t fantastic at all. She’s running on fumes, living paycheck to paycheck and her father is a drunk who always asks for money. To top it off she gets home one day to find a 7ft demon in her living room letting her know her dad sold her sole to him, Korithax the prince of Hell.
One thing I love about this book is how Shannon didn’t just up and move Daisy to Hell there and then as you would expect in some books. She did an amazing job at blending both worlds gradually to the point Daisy wanted to go there of her own will.
Daisy goes through a tragic event which utterly breaks my heart. I was so happy with how Korithax dealt with it. The aftermath was devastating and I’m so sad it all happened but glad it brought her and Korithax closer together.
When Daisy finally moves to Hell I loved exploring this world and learning the lore of it all. I was really excited when we went on adventures over the realms and met all the leaders. I found it fascinating! Shannon did an incredible job at her descriptions! It made you feel as if you was in the realms yourself seeing everything the characters could. Plus wearing those absolutely stunning dresses! Omg I need me one of those!!!
Now I really enjoyed the the subtle drops throughout the book of people true identity’s and how this went down in the past. Of course I was frustrated right along with Daisy and Korthax with all the criptic stuff but it was so worth it!
I was so happy for them towards the end. UNTIL THE END!!! WTF SHANNON! Omg I can’t believe it! I need book 2 asap because what do you mean that just happened?
April 19, 2026
I’m gonna need book 2 IMMEDIATELY because wtf was that ending?!
At first I was going to rate this a 3 because I didn’t like how hot and cold Korithax was or how mean he was to Daisy but then once he stopped lying to himself, I was like okayyy 3.5. THEN the ending came and blew everything up. I’m still reeling
The plot was really good and quite unique. At times it did feel like copy and paste but tbh, these days, what isn’t copy and paste?? However, what this book did well was expand off of that and create something more and something creative
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t like writing spoiler reviews but this book was delicious! It’s interesting enough for you to keep going and the pay off is worth it
At first I was going to rate this a 3 because I didn’t like how hot and cold Korithax was or how mean he was to Daisy but then once he stopped lying to himself, I was like okayyy 3.5. THEN the ending came and blew everything up. I’m still reeling
The plot was really good and quite unique. At times it did feel like copy and paste but tbh, these days, what isn’t copy and paste?? However, what this book did well was expand off of that and create something more and something creative
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t like writing spoiler reviews but this book was delicious! It’s interesting enough for you to keep going and the pay off is worth it
Did Not Finish
April 3, 2026There are some phrases like this that made me think it was done with ai:
"My building smells like burnt toast with a lovely undertone of regret"
If I'm wrong, then the writing is not for me.
"My building smells like burnt toast with a lovely undertone of regret"
If I'm wrong, then the writing is not for me.
May 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐
YES YES YES
This book is everything I wanted and needed!
I need to know what happens, I need the next book ASAP!!
YES YES YES
This book is everything I wanted and needed!
I need to know what happens, I need the next book ASAP!!
July 3, 2026
I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait for the second book 😍
July 21, 2026
OH MY GOD. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?! HWHMS WRECKED ME IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY.
I’ma need a minute to gather my thoughts. Shannon is 100% my new favorite author.
I’ma need a minute to gather my thoughts. Shannon is 100% my new favorite author.
July 11, 2026
AMAZING
If I could give this 10 stars I would ! I couldn’t stop reading once I started . I can’t wait for book two
If I could give this 10 stars I would ! I couldn’t stop reading once I started . I can’t wait for book two
July 26, 2026
Shannon love, I am sending you my therapy bill lovely because who gave you permission to rip my heart out like that😂
This book is addictive, and I loved it more the second time round of reading it. Daisy’s backstory is heartbreaking but my god is she a resilient girl. This girl faces soooooo much in a space of a short period and yet still is strong, determined and a bad ass. No wonder Korithax loves her so much, because I would too.
Then Korithax… 7ft demon who loves breakfast 👀 yes frikin please! The overly grumpy demon but with a squidgy centre for his queen. SOLD.
ALSO… horns for handlebars 😈 what a trope.
If you want to be sad, horny, sad, happy, horny again, frustrated, intrigued, horny again, heartbroken and gobsmacked… then this is a book for you. Its worth the rollercoaster of emotions, promise. Xoxo
This book is addictive, and I loved it more the second time round of reading it. Daisy’s backstory is heartbreaking but my god is she a resilient girl. This girl faces soooooo much in a space of a short period and yet still is strong, determined and a bad ass. No wonder Korithax loves her so much, because I would too.
Then Korithax… 7ft demon who loves breakfast 👀 yes frikin please! The overly grumpy demon but with a squidgy centre for his queen. SOLD.
ALSO… horns for handlebars 😈 what a trope.
If you want to be sad, horny, sad, happy, horny again, frustrated, intrigued, horny again, heartbroken and gobsmacked… then this is a book for you. Its worth the rollercoaster of emotions, promise. Xoxo
April 16, 2026
Shannon’s latest fantasy romance is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat, drags you into the depths of hell, and somehow makes you fall in love while you’re there.
At the heart of the story is Daisy; soft, bright, and heartbreakingly human. She’s the kind of “sunshine” character who feels almost too pure for the brutal world she’s thrown into, which makes her emotional spiral all the more devastating. One of the most gut-wrenching scenes comes early on: Daisy in the shower, swallowing pills, apologising to her mother for “failing.” It’s raw, painful, and impossible to forget. Shannon doesn’t shy away from trauma, and more importantly, she doesn’t trivialise it.
Then there’s Korithax; seven feet tall, terrifying, and destined to be the next demon king. Korithax is the definition of grumpy, dangerous power. But beneath that? A fiercely possessive, almost feral devotion that simmers from the moment he meets Daisy. His protection isn’t gentle, it’s consuming. When he says, “If you leave, I will burn this entire fucking universe to ash,” you believe him. And honestly? You kind of want to see it.
Their relationship is intense, messy, and deeply emotional. Korithax’s rage is unforgettable especially when he kills Ethan (a truly vile character whose fate feels entirely deserved) after Daisy’s assault. It’s brutal, yes, but it also marks a turning point: this is a story about reclaiming power, not just surviving loss.
The moment Korithax takes Daisy to hell after her overdose is where the book truly shines. Hell, in Shannon’s hands, is not just fire and suffering. It’s layered, complex, almost beautiful. It feels like a living kingdom with its own rules, culture, and strange sense of wonder. You experience it the same way Daisy does: with fear, awe, and eventually, a strange sense of belonging.
And then there’s the romance.
Slow-burning, emotionally charged, and laced with tension, it builds toward moments that feel earned. The shower kiss is one of them, intimate, powerful, and complicated by Korithax’s insistence that it “meant nothing.” His reasoning? To prove that Daisy’s first time wasn’t stolen from her. It’s messy and morally complex, but it fits his character: protective to a fault, even when it hurts her.
The supporting cast adds even more intrigue. Ezra is pure glittering chaos, extravagant, unapologetically queer, and a joy whenever he’s on the page. Talia exudes confidence and mystery, while Sariya brings warmth and maternal love that balances the darker tones of the story.
Then there’s Aran… and something is definitely off. Suspicious from the start, his presence lingers like a question you can’t quite answer. And The Divine Six? Utterly detestable—but clearly not as simple as they seem. There’s a deeper game being played here, and Shannon drops just enough hints to keep you hooked.
The biggest twist is Daisy’s true identity as a creator of the universe alongside her sister. It is the kind of reveal that reframes everything. Suddenly, her fragility and her strength make sense in a completely different way.
If there’s one criticism, it’s the repetition of certain language (you’ll definitely notice one word in particular making frequent appearances), which can pull you out of the moment at times. But honestly? It’s a small flaw in an otherwise gripping read.
This book is dark, emotional, and unapologetically intense. It’s about trauma and healing, power and identity, love and destruction. It asks a dangerous question: what happens when the softest soul becomes the centre of something cosmic, and the most dangerous being in existence decides she’s his?
And the answer is: chaos, fire… and something that feels a lot like love.
The ending left me feeling strangely empty in the best and worst way possible. It’s the kind of ending that makes you immediately crave more, even though you know you’ll have to wait. I don’t think I can wait much longer for the second book, but I guess I have no choice. This story strikes the perfect balance between spice and chaos, and the character development is genuinely one of its strongest elements. Korithax may come across as the “Child of Ruin,” but that assumption doesn’t last long, and Daisy? She begins as a delicate flower and evolves into something far more powerful… a whole damn goddess. And honestly? I need more.
At the heart of the story is Daisy; soft, bright, and heartbreakingly human. She’s the kind of “sunshine” character who feels almost too pure for the brutal world she’s thrown into, which makes her emotional spiral all the more devastating. One of the most gut-wrenching scenes comes early on: Daisy in the shower, swallowing pills, apologising to her mother for “failing.” It’s raw, painful, and impossible to forget. Shannon doesn’t shy away from trauma, and more importantly, she doesn’t trivialise it.
Then there’s Korithax; seven feet tall, terrifying, and destined to be the next demon king. Korithax is the definition of grumpy, dangerous power. But beneath that? A fiercely possessive, almost feral devotion that simmers from the moment he meets Daisy. His protection isn’t gentle, it’s consuming. When he says, “If you leave, I will burn this entire fucking universe to ash,” you believe him. And honestly? You kind of want to see it.
Their relationship is intense, messy, and deeply emotional. Korithax’s rage is unforgettable especially when he kills Ethan (a truly vile character whose fate feels entirely deserved) after Daisy’s assault. It’s brutal, yes, but it also marks a turning point: this is a story about reclaiming power, not just surviving loss.
The moment Korithax takes Daisy to hell after her overdose is where the book truly shines. Hell, in Shannon’s hands, is not just fire and suffering. It’s layered, complex, almost beautiful. It feels like a living kingdom with its own rules, culture, and strange sense of wonder. You experience it the same way Daisy does: with fear, awe, and eventually, a strange sense of belonging.
And then there’s the romance.
Slow-burning, emotionally charged, and laced with tension, it builds toward moments that feel earned. The shower kiss is one of them, intimate, powerful, and complicated by Korithax’s insistence that it “meant nothing.” His reasoning? To prove that Daisy’s first time wasn’t stolen from her. It’s messy and morally complex, but it fits his character: protective to a fault, even when it hurts her.
The supporting cast adds even more intrigue. Ezra is pure glittering chaos, extravagant, unapologetically queer, and a joy whenever he’s on the page. Talia exudes confidence and mystery, while Sariya brings warmth and maternal love that balances the darker tones of the story.
Then there’s Aran… and something is definitely off. Suspicious from the start, his presence lingers like a question you can’t quite answer. And The Divine Six? Utterly detestable—but clearly not as simple as they seem. There’s a deeper game being played here, and Shannon drops just enough hints to keep you hooked.
The biggest twist is Daisy’s true identity as a creator of the universe alongside her sister. It is the kind of reveal that reframes everything. Suddenly, her fragility and her strength make sense in a completely different way.
If there’s one criticism, it’s the repetition of certain language (you’ll definitely notice one word in particular making frequent appearances), which can pull you out of the moment at times. But honestly? It’s a small flaw in an otherwise gripping read.
This book is dark, emotional, and unapologetically intense. It’s about trauma and healing, power and identity, love and destruction. It asks a dangerous question: what happens when the softest soul becomes the centre of something cosmic, and the most dangerous being in existence decides she’s his?
And the answer is: chaos, fire… and something that feels a lot like love.
The ending left me feeling strangely empty in the best and worst way possible. It’s the kind of ending that makes you immediately crave more, even though you know you’ll have to wait. I don’t think I can wait much longer for the second book, but I guess I have no choice. This story strikes the perfect balance between spice and chaos, and the character development is genuinely one of its strongest elements. Korithax may come across as the “Child of Ruin,” but that assumption doesn’t last long, and Daisy? She begins as a delicate flower and evolves into something far more powerful… a whole damn goddess. And honestly? I need more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2026
"...𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑨 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓.”
I devoured this book and went through a whirlwind of emotions - there were fun, sad, sassy, and heartwarming moments but there's also lot of dark, intense, and heartbreaking themes that were slightly triggering but nevertheless, this book consumed me alive.
The main characters were two polar opposites but when they met and interacted, it was immediate sparks fly, palpable tension and electrifying chemistry, and their banter's great too!! The overall romance and spice were top-tier and it did not disappoint. 👌 I also love the introduction of the other realms and its respective leaders which were all descriptively vivid and very much different from one another. And, the side characters such as the best friends and the right-hand demon were just few of the best ones too! *chef's kiss*
I'm absolutely obsessed with this book and at the same time... especially with that ending?!! I'm emotionally wrecked! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! PLEASE, I'M BEGGING!
Aaaah, I cannot wait to devour She Who Holds My Wrath (Book 2) as well once it's ready!! For now, I will be emotionally and mentally preparing myself for whatever's about to happen. 🫶
So, if you love a dark fantasy romance that breaks your heart into million little pieces like it broke mine and all the other people who've already read this then, don't you dare miss this one out! Highly recommended! ✨️
I devoured this book and went through a whirlwind of emotions - there were fun, sad, sassy, and heartwarming moments but there's also lot of dark, intense, and heartbreaking themes that were slightly triggering but nevertheless, this book consumed me alive.
The main characters were two polar opposites but when they met and interacted, it was immediate sparks fly, palpable tension and electrifying chemistry, and their banter's great too!! The overall romance and spice were top-tier and it did not disappoint. 👌 I also love the introduction of the other realms and its respective leaders which were all descriptively vivid and very much different from one another. And, the side characters such as the best friends and the right-hand demon were just few of the best ones too! *chef's kiss*
I'm absolutely obsessed with this book and at the same time... especially with that ending?!! I'm emotionally wrecked! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! PLEASE, I'M BEGGING!
Aaaah, I cannot wait to devour She Who Holds My Wrath (Book 2) as well once it's ready!! For now, I will be emotionally and mentally preparing myself for whatever's about to happen. 🫶
So, if you love a dark fantasy romance that breaks your heart into million little pieces like it broke mine and all the other people who've already read this then, don't you dare miss this one out! Highly recommended! ✨️
April 13, 2026
This book was not my cup of tea. The plot was interesting and had a good foundation, the book just needed an editor. I’m not convinced it had one. If it did, they should be fired. The amount of errors in the book that should have been caught by an editor or at the very least a friend test reading it was abhorrent.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’m coming, little flower,” I growl into the night sky. And I swear to every god that ever existed—I will burn this entire fucking realm down if they have hurt her.
OMFGGGGG SHANNON!!!!!! I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP.
what do you get with a 7ft broody demon heir to the throne of Hell & a 21 year old woman who's life is a shit show who suffers in silence but puts on a smile for society? A marriage of convenience!
Daisys' life is nothing but chaos. All she has is her 2 best friends. When she returns home a demon is waiting, waiting to tell her that her soul has been sold to him by someone she never thought would. This is just the beginning for Daisy & Korithax.
This book was EVERYTHING & MORE.
Definitely check triggers with this. your mental health matters 🖤
Release date early April
🩸 Marriage of convenience
🩸Demon prince
🩸Curvy FMC
🩸Abandonment
🩸Mental health
🩸SA (not by MMC)
🩸Suicide attempt
🩸Alcohol abuse
🩸Depression
🩸Unaliving
🩸Twists
🩸Blood play
🩸Bondage
OMFGGGGG SHANNON!!!!!! I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP.
what do you get with a 7ft broody demon heir to the throne of Hell & a 21 year old woman who's life is a shit show who suffers in silence but puts on a smile for society? A marriage of convenience!
Daisys' life is nothing but chaos. All she has is her 2 best friends. When she returns home a demon is waiting, waiting to tell her that her soul has been sold to him by someone she never thought would. This is just the beginning for Daisy & Korithax.
This book was EVERYTHING & MORE.
Definitely check triggers with this. your mental health matters 🖤
Release date early April
🩸 Marriage of convenience
🩸Demon prince
🩸Curvy FMC
🩸Abandonment
🩸Mental health
🩸SA (not by MMC)
🩸Suicide attempt
🩸Alcohol abuse
🩸Depression
🩸Unaliving
🩸Twists
🩸Blood play
🩸Bondage
June 24, 2026
The plot is interesting, had lots of potential. But unfortunately the writing is not up to par. I thinks there where no editor, as they are many mistakes and over use of words ( like obsidian ) that takes you out of the story. I was never emotionally engaged with the characters as the story moves too fast, the descriptions of the world are lengthy and detailed, whereas the emotions and turmoil of the characters are skimmed through and way too cliche. Felt like I was reading a B series movie plot, had to finished it but would not recommend.
Read
July 8, 2026let me just say, i gave this book a 5 star rating which i rarely ever give books.
this was an amazing read of 2026 considering it just came out THIS MONTH! but i loved the found family energy in this book and the love that they have for each other. the relationship love was 😘 chefs kiss, a 7ft demon?? excuse me, but yes 🤏🏼🤏🏼 also the nicknames?? also yes 🤏🏼🤏🏼. the writing in this book was also spectacular also loved how the author was so descriptive with the scenes and characters i felt like i was in the book and was so so connected to these characters! absolutely devoured this book!
anyways loved it you should definitely read this book!!
this was an amazing read of 2026 considering it just came out THIS MONTH! but i loved the found family energy in this book and the love that they have for each other. the relationship love was 😘 chefs kiss, a 7ft demon?? excuse me, but yes 🤏🏼🤏🏼 also the nicknames?? also yes 🤏🏼🤏🏼. the writing in this book was also spectacular also loved how the author was so descriptive with the scenes and characters i felt like i was in the book and was so so connected to these characters! absolutely devoured this book!
anyways loved it you should definitely read this book!!
May 11, 2026
BEST THING I'VE READ YET THIS YEAR. I am utterly broken, in the very best way from the ending. I can't wait for book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
He Who Holds My Soul is a dark enemies-to-lovers romantacy with intense, emotional and physical supernatural elements written by a talented Indie author named Shannon V. Velzen, If I’m being completely transparent, I can’t actually remember signing up for the ARC but I’ve never been so F**KING thankful that I did, but also p**sed at myself at the same time lol. It didn’t necessarily feel slow paced but it didn’t come across fast paced either, it just felt steady, consistent & absolutely perfect. The spice didn’t come straight away like I was suspecting but it was constantly building, suspenseful and really fricking confusing. I instantly fell in love with both our FMC (Daisy Sandoval) a mere mortal who radiates sunshine & our MMC (Korithax) the prince of hell himself shrouded in shadows.
From the get go you can tell this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18 due to its graphic & explicit content and throughout, from violence, strong language, rape & that naughty spice that has our mouths-watering. Whenever I start a new series, I like to compare to others I’ve read to slot it into the perfect slot of what it reminds me of and this had a unique vibe, reminded me of multiple series including:
From Blood & Ash
Kingdom of the Wicked
Tragic Bonds
A Dark version of Throne of Glass.
It was like all of these books were in a why choose romances and had the ultimate baby!
I will warn you because the beautiful Shannon didn’t warn me but I suspected it was going to happen regardless lol, the cliffhanger was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced! Was it still worth reading even if my soul was ripped completely in half? Hell yes! Do I want to become a stalker & stalk the s**t out of Shannon for spoilers? F**K yes, but apparently, I wouldn’t be allowed these books in prison so I’ll restrain myself, well at least try anyway lol.
My emotions were through the roof even from the beginning when things were only starting to build, I swear my blood pressure reached a new high. I laughed, I was in complete shock, confused and even ugly cried. Spice for me was about 3 but I melted into the book like a masterpiece. Book 1 in the Fire & Silence Trilogy is truly powerful!
From the get go you can tell this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18 due to its graphic & explicit content and throughout, from violence, strong language, rape & that naughty spice that has our mouths-watering. Whenever I start a new series, I like to compare to others I’ve read to slot it into the perfect slot of what it reminds me of and this had a unique vibe, reminded me of multiple series including:
From Blood & Ash
Kingdom of the Wicked
Tragic Bonds
A Dark version of Throne of Glass.
It was like all of these books were in a why choose romances and had the ultimate baby!
I will warn you because the beautiful Shannon didn’t warn me but I suspected it was going to happen regardless lol, the cliffhanger was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced! Was it still worth reading even if my soul was ripped completely in half? Hell yes! Do I want to become a stalker & stalk the s**t out of Shannon for spoilers? F**K yes, but apparently, I wouldn’t be allowed these books in prison so I’ll restrain myself, well at least try anyway lol.
My emotions were through the roof even from the beginning when things were only starting to build, I swear my blood pressure reached a new high. I laughed, I was in complete shock, confused and even ugly cried. Spice for me was about 3 but I melted into the book like a masterpiece. Book 1 in the Fire & Silence Trilogy is truly powerful!
April 26, 2026
Man, oh man...what a ride. I really enjoyed this, I'm excited to see what this trilogy becomes. This first book is such a solid foundation. I adored the world both the mortal and infernal. The characters felt very alive and tangible to me even though this is very much a fantasy book. The antagonists felt like a real threat to our characters. There are dark aspects to the story were not handled with any kind of sugar coating, but with a empathetic and compassionate hand. It was very real and painful to watch happen and every single tragedy and awful experience our fmc went through I wanted to weep for her, I wanted to hold her hand. I loved damn near every single character and the few I didn't is because the author did an excellent job at showing why I shouldn't love them. I have so many questions that I can not wait to see the answers to in the upcoming books. There's so many tiny details I want to get into with this, but don't want to spoil things! Regardless, this story was a delight to read. While its not the first book I've read with demons, how Shannon has written this whole world and it's lore was refreshing, intriguing, and beautiful. There wasn't a moment for me where I wasn't completely immersed. I absolutely devoured this! I find myself really anticipating this next book because that ending had me gasping loudly and shaking my head in denial.
4.5 ☆ it is! I think for spice level I'm gonna give it a 4🌶. Please, please check your triggers warnings, besties. There is some really tough things within the story. All in all, this was such a divine story and I can not wait for the next installment.
4.5 ☆ it is! I think for spice level I'm gonna give it a 4🌶. Please, please check your triggers warnings, besties. There is some really tough things within the story. All in all, this was such a divine story and I can not wait for the next installment.
Review of advance copy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was lucky enough to be able to ARC read He who holds my soul, and what can I say? This was a 5⭐️ read for me! (Although 5 stars doesn’t seem enough!) Shannon has smashed it again with the first installment of her 3 part ‘the fire and silence’ trilogy.
This book has destroyed me (in a good way), and I am not okay - I am already DESPERATE for book 2, I have so many questions 🙈 after reading her debut book no mercy in red, I knew he who holds my soul was going to be incredible, but honestly… this book went above and beyond my expectations.
This book will have you crying, guessing, hot (and flustered) and screaming, while being completely in awe with all of the friendships surrounding Daisy (especially Talia & Ezra - because my god, every girl needs friends like those two) 🥰 The chemistry between Daisy and Korithax was unmatched and the spicy scenes? *chefs kiss*
I don’t want to give too much away!! But I will tell you this, it is a must read for any dark romance lovers who like a 7ft demon price and mortal, grumpy x sunshine, forbidden romance. Because, honestly.. wow! This was my first demon x mortal read, and i know now that it won’t be my last!
Shannon has done an amazing job with her character and realm building throughout this book, i felt like I was on the journey with Daisy and Korithax the whole way through. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this trilogy and I’m just so thankful to be given the opportunity to support and cheer her on!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was lucky enough to be able to ARC read He who holds my soul, and what can I say? This was a 5⭐️ read for me! (Although 5 stars doesn’t seem enough!) Shannon has smashed it again with the first installment of her 3 part ‘the fire and silence’ trilogy.
This book has destroyed me (in a good way), and I am not okay - I am already DESPERATE for book 2, I have so many questions 🙈 after reading her debut book no mercy in red, I knew he who holds my soul was going to be incredible, but honestly… this book went above and beyond my expectations.
This book will have you crying, guessing, hot (and flustered) and screaming, while being completely in awe with all of the friendships surrounding Daisy (especially Talia & Ezra - because my god, every girl needs friends like those two) 🥰 The chemistry between Daisy and Korithax was unmatched and the spicy scenes? *chefs kiss*
I don’t want to give too much away!! But I will tell you this, it is a must read for any dark romance lovers who like a 7ft demon price and mortal, grumpy x sunshine, forbidden romance. Because, honestly.. wow! This was my first demon x mortal read, and i know now that it won’t be my last!
Shannon has done an amazing job with her character and realm building throughout this book, i felt like I was on the journey with Daisy and Korithax the whole way through. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this trilogy and I’m just so thankful to be given the opportunity to support and cheer her on!
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