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What Blooms From Death #2
What Echoes in the Dark
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26Book two of the What Blooms From Death trilogy. Cover and blurb coming soon.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 27, 2026
13 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
28 books2,055 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email (smgaitherbooks@gmail.com) anytime!
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐
December 22, 2025
✨What Echoes in the Dark✨
Gosh, this was PAINFUL. Gaither slowly wrecked me over these 400+ pages and it hurt so good and left me aching…. How long until book three????
We begin weeks after the cliffhanger from book 1, joining the POVs of our incredible MCs once again, Aleks and Nova. Gaither seductively reels us in with waves of hope and despair as our MCs battle new magic and a sudden, mysterious wedge between them. One that could possibly be more dangerous and destructive than the villainous Lorien... One that is rumored to be specifically designed to tear them apart.
So many memories, answers, and revelations are unveiled through these pages and it felt like I, along with the characters, walked a tenuous and weak tight rope. Secrets are kept. Unstable magic is blooming. Alliances are flimsy. Communication is thread bare (if friend, why no talk?). Bargains are made. And a new enemy has sprung forth, one with claws dig so deep within our MMC that we wonder if his previous line “we are not a tragedy” was a lie or false hope all along. But with our found family; this strong love between Aleks and Nova; and this new reluctance alliance, we are brought to a climax that left me shattered yet… with a desperate grasp on hope. I could barely put the book down even knowing it would be my own demise.
I am just so amazed with Gaither’s writing and how it continues to progress and evolve and never fails to drag me in with romance that breaks and mends my heart, banter that always makes me smile, spice that is just so primal yet precious, and a storyline that keeps me entertained.
Tropes you may find in WEITD are enemies to reluctant allis, new magic, broadened world building, found family, medium-high spice, plot twists and reveals, betrayals, political intrigue, “eyes on me”, 🔥 the world for her/him, mirror scene, banter, magical bonds, enemies to lovers to star crossed lovers?, and a cliffhanger.
It is such an honor to continue to be on your street team, Gaither. Thank you for this gifted arc. I’m dying for book three!!
Gosh, this was PAINFUL. Gaither slowly wrecked me over these 400+ pages and it hurt so good and left me aching…. How long until book three????
We begin weeks after the cliffhanger from book 1, joining the POVs of our incredible MCs once again, Aleks and Nova. Gaither seductively reels us in with waves of hope and despair as our MCs battle new magic and a sudden, mysterious wedge between them. One that could possibly be more dangerous and destructive than the villainous Lorien... One that is rumored to be specifically designed to tear them apart.
So many memories, answers, and revelations are unveiled through these pages and it felt like I, along with the characters, walked a tenuous and weak tight rope. Secrets are kept. Unstable magic is blooming. Alliances are flimsy. Communication is thread bare (if friend, why no talk?). Bargains are made. And a new enemy has sprung forth, one with claws dig so deep within our MMC that we wonder if his previous line “we are not a tragedy” was a lie or false hope all along. But with our found family; this strong love between Aleks and Nova; and this new reluctance alliance, we are brought to a climax that left me shattered yet… with a desperate grasp on hope. I could barely put the book down even knowing it would be my own demise.
I am just so amazed with Gaither’s writing and how it continues to progress and evolve and never fails to drag me in with romance that breaks and mends my heart, banter that always makes me smile, spice that is just so primal yet precious, and a storyline that keeps me entertained.
Tropes you may find in WEITD are enemies to reluctant allis, new magic, broadened world building, found family, medium-high spice, plot twists and reveals, betrayals, political intrigue, “eyes on me”, 🔥 the world for her/him, mirror scene, banter, magical bonds, enemies to lovers to star crossed lovers?, and a cliffhanger.
It is such an honor to continue to be on your street team, Gaither. Thank you for this gifted arc. I’m dying for book three!!
December 24, 2025
An epic installment in this series! I love the world, magic, and sentient beings that the author has created. The dangerous quests, betrayals, reveals, and uncovering of secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat. As truths are uncovered, the alliances that these characters form because of a new common enemy had some characters starting to win me over!
Aleks goes through so much and my heart was in tatters for him! The tender moments between Aleks and Nova and the way they trust and only want the best for each other had my heart melting! Their relationship will make you experience every emotion with all the ups and downs, which just made it feel so much more real! Zayn and Phantom continue to bring levity with their wit and grumpiness. I adore every single character Nova has in her found family.
The events leading up to the ending have me anxiously awaiting how all the pieces will fall to give these characters the HEA they absolutely deserve after everything they have been through! I cannot wait!! 4.5 stars.
“Don’t underestimate what a drop of hope can do in an ocean of despair.”
“It’s more than a f***ing want. You should know that by now.” The words left me in a rasp. “I need you, Nova.”
Aleks goes through so much and my heart was in tatters for him! The tender moments between Aleks and Nova and the way they trust and only want the best for each other had my heart melting! Their relationship will make you experience every emotion with all the ups and downs, which just made it feel so much more real! Zayn and Phantom continue to bring levity with their wit and grumpiness. I adore every single character Nova has in her found family.
The events leading up to the ending have me anxiously awaiting how all the pieces will fall to give these characters the HEA they absolutely deserve after everything they have been through! I cannot wait!! 4.5 stars.
“Don’t underestimate what a drop of hope can do in an ocean of despair.”
“It’s more than a f***ing want. You should know that by now.” The words left me in a rasp. “I need you, Nova.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Never underestimate what a drop of hope can do in an ocean of despair."
This book put my emotions through the washing machine on the highest spin setting… then somehow hung them out to dry in the sunshine and said, “See? There’s still hope.”
I went into this book ready for the stakes to rise, and it absolutely delivered. This sequel feels darker, sharper, and even more immersive, with writing so atmospheric you can practically breathe the magic in the air.
What I loved most is how imperfect everyone is. No character feels untouchable. Nova makes mistakes, she struggles, she doubts, yet she never stops fighting for what she believes in and those she loves.
"What if I fail? What if..?"
"Then you fail." His answer was immediate, unflinching, as he dropped to his knees before me and again started to cut me free. "You try, and you fail, and you get back up and you try again."
The story had my emotions acting like they were on a caffeine high; never settling, and always bracing for the next disaster. I could never fully relax, because there was always a sense that something was about to shift, break, or erupt into drama. The tension builds naturally and it kept me glued to the book from start to finish.
Things I loved:
🌘 Lush, atmospheric writing that completely immerses you in the world
⚔️ Characters who are flawed and vulnerable, never truly safe, and keep you guessing about who you can trust or whether they are really on Nova’s side
🔥 Nova’s continued growth. She becomes stronger and more self-assured while staying deeply human, making mistakes and fully owning them
📜 Deeper lore and revelations that change how you see everything
💬 Aleks and Nova’s relationship shines despite all their challenges, especially their banter. I love whenever he calls her “chaotic little beast” or affectionately just “chaos”
🐾 Goodest boy Phantom still stealing scenes every time he appears!
✨ The layered and complex character of Lorien: discovering there is much more to his and Calista’s story than we first realised, and enjoying the ever-changing dynamics of his character
💔 Twists that hurt, heal, and leave you desperate for the next installment
What Echoes in the Dark does more than continue the story; it deepens it. The shadows feel heavier, the emotions cut deeper, and the hope shines brighter because of everything the characters endure. The story feels layered and heartfelt, offering big twists alongside quiet moments of growth. I left the book glad I had followed the characters deeper into this world, even if they put me through an incredible amount of emotional turmoil! 😂
This book put my emotions through the washing machine on the highest spin setting… then somehow hung them out to dry in the sunshine and said, “See? There’s still hope.”
I went into this book ready for the stakes to rise, and it absolutely delivered. This sequel feels darker, sharper, and even more immersive, with writing so atmospheric you can practically breathe the magic in the air.
What I loved most is how imperfect everyone is. No character feels untouchable. Nova makes mistakes, she struggles, she doubts, yet she never stops fighting for what she believes in and those she loves.
"What if I fail? What if..?"
"Then you fail." His answer was immediate, unflinching, as he dropped to his knees before me and again started to cut me free. "You try, and you fail, and you get back up and you try again."
The story had my emotions acting like they were on a caffeine high; never settling, and always bracing for the next disaster. I could never fully relax, because there was always a sense that something was about to shift, break, or erupt into drama. The tension builds naturally and it kept me glued to the book from start to finish.
Things I loved:
🌘 Lush, atmospheric writing that completely immerses you in the world
⚔️ Characters who are flawed and vulnerable, never truly safe, and keep you guessing about who you can trust or whether they are really on Nova’s side
🔥 Nova’s continued growth. She becomes stronger and more self-assured while staying deeply human, making mistakes and fully owning them
📜 Deeper lore and revelations that change how you see everything
💬 Aleks and Nova’s relationship shines despite all their challenges, especially their banter. I love whenever he calls her “chaotic little beast” or affectionately just “chaos”
🐾 Goodest boy Phantom still stealing scenes every time he appears!
✨ The layered and complex character of Lorien: discovering there is much more to his and Calista’s story than we first realised, and enjoying the ever-changing dynamics of his character
💔 Twists that hurt, heal, and leave you desperate for the next installment
What Echoes in the Dark does more than continue the story; it deepens it. The shadows feel heavier, the emotions cut deeper, and the hope shines brighter because of everything the characters endure. The story feels layered and heartfelt, offering big twists alongside quiet moments of growth. I left the book glad I had followed the characters deeper into this world, even if they put me through an incredible amount of emotional turmoil! 😂
December 28, 2025
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
This book took an entirely different path than I originally expected and I LOVED IT! The pacing was a bit too quick at the start for me but it evened out eventually. The plot was twisty and filled with tension so it kept me on my toes!
TROPES
The Chosen One
Magical Bonds
Star-Crossed Lovers
Plot Twists
THE CHARACTERS
I really resonated with Nova’s character development in this book. While she does feel very different from her self in book one, it definitely speaks to what she has been through. To me, it feels like the struggles of a gifted child or a prodigy that is forced to take on too much and then suffers from extreme burnout. Nova was so confident in book one, and then all of her learnings there caused her to take on too many responsibilities and she is just TIRED. So while she is way less persistent and dedicated to her cause in this book, it 1000% tells a powerful story about her character and her not wanting to take risks in case more things go wrong.
Aleks has so much yet so little going on, so while his character had changes related to spoilers, he continued to try his hardest to stay true to himself. I’m really excited to see what happens to his character in the next book - I have a feeling he will have a LOT of plot happening!
The side characters are all fine and are each distinguishable from one another. I would love more of their backstories and their personalities to shine in book 3!
THE ROMANCE
The star-crossed lovers trope is really well done here! I love the continued repetition of “we are not a tragedy” mixed with so many tragedies. It feels moving and emotionally charged without feeling like a cliche of the trope, which I think can be hard to do. It helps make the story feel original which I love.
I found a lot of tension in the romance and a touch of yearning. While Aleks had less banter in this book (for obvious spoiler reasons) he still had his moments. I’m glad that the romance didn’t just settle down when they fell in love, so it makes me want to know how their story ends.
QUOTES:
"Don't underestimate what a drop of hope can do in an ocean of despair."
"She isn't fragile," I reminded him.
"No. But strong things break, too."
“It's a dangerous thing, to not know who you are.”
"I love you," he repeated. “No matter how the light and shadows shift."
“Staring into my reflection's eyes, unflinching, I realized I truly didn't fear those things any longer. Because I'd learned to carry my shadows—to wear them like armor and wield them as weapons rather than hiding them away.”
This book took an entirely different path than I originally expected and I LOVED IT! The pacing was a bit too quick at the start for me but it evened out eventually. The plot was twisty and filled with tension so it kept me on my toes!
TROPES
The Chosen One
Magical Bonds
Star-Crossed Lovers
Plot Twists
THE CHARACTERS
I really resonated with Nova’s character development in this book. While she does feel very different from her self in book one, it definitely speaks to what she has been through. To me, it feels like the struggles of a gifted child or a prodigy that is forced to take on too much and then suffers from extreme burnout. Nova was so confident in book one, and then all of her learnings there caused her to take on too many responsibilities and she is just TIRED. So while she is way less persistent and dedicated to her cause in this book, it 1000% tells a powerful story about her character and her not wanting to take risks in case more things go wrong.
Aleks has so much yet so little going on, so while his character had changes related to spoilers, he continued to try his hardest to stay true to himself. I’m really excited to see what happens to his character in the next book - I have a feeling he will have a LOT of plot happening!
The side characters are all fine and are each distinguishable from one another. I would love more of their backstories and their personalities to shine in book 3!
THE ROMANCE
The star-crossed lovers trope is really well done here! I love the continued repetition of “we are not a tragedy” mixed with so many tragedies. It feels moving and emotionally charged without feeling like a cliche of the trope, which I think can be hard to do. It helps make the story feel original which I love.
I found a lot of tension in the romance and a touch of yearning. While Aleks had less banter in this book (for obvious spoiler reasons) he still had his moments. I’m glad that the romance didn’t just settle down when they fell in love, so it makes me want to know how their story ends.
QUOTES:
"Don't underestimate what a drop of hope can do in an ocean of despair."
"She isn't fragile," I reminded him.
"No. But strong things break, too."
“It's a dangerous thing, to not know who you are.”
"I love you," he repeated. “No matter how the light and shadows shift."
“Staring into my reflection's eyes, unflinching, I realized I truly didn't fear those things any longer. Because I'd learned to carry my shadows—to wear them like armor and wield them as weapons rather than hiding them away.”
December 23, 2025
What.an.ENDING.
Oh my god this book was everything. What a sequel 👏🏼 it was full of action, betrayal, spice, magic…and so much more woven into this absolute gem of a book. Aleks and Nova are just perfection, I absolutely love their relationship. I find it so refreshing that’s it’s not ‘lovey dovey’ as my mother would say, it feels real and raw and utterly all consuming. Phantom is still the best shadow doggie and all the other side characters add their own touch to the story. Nova and Thalia’s sisterly relationship is lovely, as well as Bastian’s overbearing older brother vibe and it was nice to have Zayn back too for the banter!
This book had my heart breaking and racing within the space of half an hour, I loved everything about this book. I am a HUGE lover of S.M. Gaithers work and this book is no exception, brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliant book! Set up amazingly well for the next book in the series which I shall be impatiently awaiting!!
Oh my god this book was everything. What a sequel 👏🏼 it was full of action, betrayal, spice, magic…and so much more woven into this absolute gem of a book. Aleks and Nova are just perfection, I absolutely love their relationship. I find it so refreshing that’s it’s not ‘lovey dovey’ as my mother would say, it feels real and raw and utterly all consuming. Phantom is still the best shadow doggie and all the other side characters add their own touch to the story. Nova and Thalia’s sisterly relationship is lovely, as well as Bastian’s overbearing older brother vibe and it was nice to have Zayn back too for the banter!
This book had my heart breaking and racing within the space of half an hour, I loved everything about this book. I am a HUGE lover of S.M. Gaithers work and this book is no exception, brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliant book! Set up amazingly well for the next book in the series which I shall be impatiently awaiting!!
December 28, 2025
Arc provided by the author.
Yall when I tell you my head is SPINNING from emotional damage. Now THIS is how you write a sequel - higher stakes. Emotionally tense. Plot twists and devastating truths revealed, all pointing towards what is bound to be an epic conclusion when the third book is complete.
Fans of S. M. Gaither will NOT be disappointed by her newest installment.
Absolutely stunning work. 10/10 for the plot, character development, and yes, for those asking, the spice 🌶️.
Yall when I tell you my head is SPINNING from emotional damage. Now THIS is how you write a sequel - higher stakes. Emotionally tense. Plot twists and devastating truths revealed, all pointing towards what is bound to be an epic conclusion when the third book is complete.
Fans of S. M. Gaither will NOT be disappointed by her newest installment.
Absolutely stunning work. 10/10 for the plot, character development, and yes, for those asking, the spice 🌶️.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to S. M. Gaither for an eARC of this book!
4.25 ⭐️
This picked up right where we left off & the ride didn't leave room for breathing the whole way! We got so many more answers (& now more questions) which added even more depth to the characters. I look forward to what the next installment has for us!
4.25 ⭐️
This picked up right where we left off & the ride didn't leave room for breathing the whole way! We got so many more answers (& now more questions) which added even more depth to the characters. I look forward to what the next installment has for us!
December 26, 2025
[4.5 stars] Review to follow.
December 29, 2025
5⭐️ I am dead inside. The only word I would use to describe this book is pain. I stayed up till 1:30 in the morning to finish it and then I proceeded to spend an hour afterward crying and just starring at the wall. This book made me feel so many emotions. All that the characters go through, the choices they are forced to make, just killed me. I’m going to need some of the characters to share their optimism with me because all I feel is pain and sorrow. I just don’t have words to express how I’m feeling, I’m literally just numb.
Aside from the absolute depression this book put me in, it has, what I personally think, one of my top 3 spicy scenes I’ve read in any book. Gaither just knows how to write romance and boy does it hit. She just doesn’t know how to miss!
I made 612 annotations… almost 3x the amount I made in the first book. This book was awful but so good, I don’t even know.
A HUGE thank you, to Rachel Cass and S.M. Gaither for gifting me this Arc. It was one heck of a Christmas Present!!! Expect my therapy bill in the mail.
Aside from the absolute depression this book put me in, it has, what I personally think, one of my top 3 spicy scenes I’ve read in any book. Gaither just knows how to write romance and boy does it hit. She just doesn’t know how to miss!
I made 612 annotations… almost 3x the amount I made in the first book. This book was awful but so good, I don’t even know.
A HUGE thank you, to Rachel Cass and S.M. Gaither for gifting me this Arc. It was one heck of a Christmas Present!!! Expect my therapy bill in the mail.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To say I’m obsessed is an understatement! I LOVED What Blooms From Death, and I wasn’t sure how it could be topped, but S.M. said “hold my beer” and did just that!
This sequel is much more angsty than the previous, and while I don’t usually care for angst, in this case, it was so well, I loved it!
I’m not great at reviews, so I just typically give a gist, otherwise, I know I’ll get spoilery. Let me just say, I LOVE Nova and Aleks, Phantom is the bestest boy still, and the found family, they just keep getting better! I can’t wait for the last book in this trilogy!
This sequel is much more angsty than the previous, and while I don’t usually care for angst, in this case, it was so well, I loved it!
I’m not great at reviews, so I just typically give a gist, otherwise, I know I’ll get spoilery. Let me just say, I LOVE Nova and Aleks, Phantom is the bestest boy still, and the found family, they just keep getting better! I can’t wait for the last book in this trilogy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC provided by the author. Thank you thank you!!
Wow wow wow 4.5 rounded up.
S. M. Gaither knows how to build worlds and intricately woven plots. If you liked the first story you will love this next installment. The stakes just keep building. The tension and love between the characters is beautiful and that ending is PAINFUL. I will absolutely be reading and waiting for book 3.
Wow wow wow 4.5 rounded up.
S. M. Gaither knows how to build worlds and intricately woven plots. If you liked the first story you will love this next installment. The stakes just keep building. The tension and love between the characters is beautiful and that ending is PAINFUL. I will absolutely be reading and waiting for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews