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What Blooms From Death #2
What Echoes in the Dark
Book two of the What Blooms From Death trilogy. Cover and blurb coming soon.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
58 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
27 books2,095 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email (smgaitherbooks@gmail.com) or reach out to my PA, Rachel (rachel@smgaitherbooks.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 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 7, 2026
It is truly an honor to be part of S.M. Gaither’s street team and receive an ARC of the book. Once again, she completely delivered.
I love these books. I love this series. And I love these characters.
Coming back to Nova and Aleks felt like coming home and immediately having my heart put through the wringer. Their connection, their struggles, and the way their relationship continues to grow in this installment had me so emotionally invested. Every scene with them made my chest ache in the best way.
This sequel is everything I want in a continuation: higher emotional stakes, deeper character work, and moments that genuinely made me stop and feel. S.M. Gaither has such a gift for creating characters you don’t just root for you care about. The found family surrounding Nova and Aleks only made that emotional pull even stronger.
This series means so much to me, and What Echoes in the Dark only reinforced why I adore S.M. Gaither’s storytelling. An incredible sequel to an already amazing series, and I am so impatient for the next book.
I love these books. I love this series. And I love these characters.
Coming back to Nova and Aleks felt like coming home and immediately having my heart put through the wringer. Their connection, their struggles, and the way their relationship continues to grow in this installment had me so emotionally invested. Every scene with them made my chest ache in the best way.
This sequel is everything I want in a continuation: higher emotional stakes, deeper character work, and moments that genuinely made me stop and feel. S.M. Gaither has such a gift for creating characters you don’t just root for you care about. The found family surrounding Nova and Aleks only made that emotional pull even stronger.
This series means so much to me, and What Echoes in the Dark only reinforced why I adore S.M. Gaither’s storytelling. An incredible sequel to an already amazing series, and I am so impatient for the next book.
January 18, 2026
“And I know that he’ll fight to get back to you, no matter what it takes.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
What Echoes in the Dark was an incredible and emotional sequel. It picks right up where book 1 left off and don’t get too comfy because the devastation is just as intense.
Sometimes I struggle to review a sequel because I don’t want to spoil anything. However, I will say that I have had the honor and privilege of arc and beta reading for many of S.M. Gaither’s books over the past few years. She is a must read romantasy author. Her strength lies in creating intricate fantasy worlds with strong plots while weaving in the best tension, spice, and romance.
Thank you to S.M. Gaither for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
What Echoes in the Dark was an incredible and emotional sequel. It picks right up where book 1 left off and don’t get too comfy because the devastation is just as intense.
Sometimes I struggle to review a sequel because I don’t want to spoil anything. However, I will say that I have had the honor and privilege of arc and beta reading for many of S.M. Gaither’s books over the past few years. She is a must read romantasy author. Her strength lies in creating intricate fantasy worlds with strong plots while weaving in the best tension, spice, and romance.
Thank you to S.M. Gaither for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
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!!
January 28, 2026
“i didn’t need to carve this truth into stone. because it was already carved into my very being, deeper than any blade could cut. i loved him, and i wouldn’t let him go. no matter how the light and shadows shift.”
—
this sequel was absolutely perfect! after picking up exactly where book 2 left off, we see nova’s struggles with loss, and how she tries to drown out the pain. i love her so much as an fmc because while she suffers, she is strong and a figurehead for her people. nova isn’t afraid to make mistakes and sacrifices for the ones she loves.
straight pain is what i felt most of this book. can we give aleks a break oh my god? like i genuinely need them to be happy for more than 2 seconds bc my heart can’t take it anymore. especially the last few chapters that had me screaming at my kindle and sobbing over these characters.
also the fact you start questioning the villain’s morals has me gagged?? like do i hate him or love him idk but i’m feeling LOTS of things.
once again i am insanely in love with the magic system in this world, and the way it advanced was done so well! i am so excited for the final book in this trilogy after that cliffhanger, as i am dying to see how aleks & novas story concludes.
thank you so much s.m. gaither and her team for this e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒌𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆, 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒅.”
—
this sequel was absolutely perfect! after picking up exactly where book 2 left off, we see nova’s struggles with loss, and how she tries to drown out the pain. i love her so much as an fmc because while she suffers, she is strong and a figurehead for her people. nova isn’t afraid to make mistakes and sacrifices for the ones she loves.
straight pain is what i felt most of this book. can we give aleks a break oh my god? like i genuinely need them to be happy for more than 2 seconds bc my heart can’t take it anymore. especially the last few chapters that had me screaming at my kindle and sobbing over these characters.
also the fact you start questioning the villain’s morals has me gagged?? like do i hate him or love him idk but i’m feeling LOTS of things.
once again i am insanely in love with the magic system in this world, and the way it advanced was done so well! i am so excited for the final book in this trilogy after that cliffhanger, as i am dying to see how aleks & novas story concludes.
thank you so much s.m. gaither and her team for this e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒌𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆, 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒅.”
January 25, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athenafreya... )
Initial thoughts:
About the book:
What I liked 🤩:
What I didn’t like 🙃:
Overall:
SE info:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athenafreya... )
Initial thoughts: I absolutely loved the first book, and I looked forward to reading the sequel!
About the book: Nova struggles to fulfill all her duties: as a Valora, as a future queen, and as a woman who lost the man she is so desperately in love with. She has the support of her friends, but without Aleksander, she struggles. When we do get Aleks back, he is not the same man. (not saying more because we hate spoilers here) Aleks does everything he can for himself, for Nova, for the world, and when his world turns upside down, he makes a choice: to surrender or to fight.
What I liked 🤩: I liked everything!! I love how the author shows great character development, amazing worldbuilding, and spectacular plot that keeps surprising us. A prose that makes me want to devour the entire book at once and yet, the author keeps a perfect balance between fantasy and romance without sacrificing character arc. I am really in awe of this author, and I am currently going through her backlist.
Nova is a firecracker, but she learns to pick her battles when it comes to politics. She loves Aleks, and she figures out what she would choose: the world or him. For a person who has been isolated, Nova is now surrounded by supporting friends, and while she feels their support, she sometimes feels lonely, especially when Aleks was gone. I really loved how the author portrayed Nova. It felt genuine given Nova's circumstances.
Aleks, our Light King, oh this book has not been kind to him. If you thought he had a rought time in the first book, holy moly, he was tortured in this book. I felt so sorry for him. I want to hug and protect him. I can't say much here because SPOILERS but I love him so much and I love him all the more after this book. Book 3 better give him the respect and love he deserves because I will riot!
What I didn’t like 🙃: There's not really something I didn't like, I would have wished that one character had talked to her father and gotten closure, but how things happened heightened the suspense and stakes.
Overall: Amazing sequel!! I loved the first, and I love the second book!!! Now waiting impatiently for book 3!
SE info: AuroraCrate has had a gorgeous SE of the first book, and they will do a matching edition of the sequel, as well.
Initial thoughts:
About the book:
What I liked 🤩:
What I didn’t like 🙃:
Overall:
SE info:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athenafreya... )
Initial thoughts: I absolutely loved the first book, and I looked forward to reading the sequel!
About the book: Nova struggles to fulfill all her duties: as a Valora, as a future queen, and as a woman who lost the man she is so desperately in love with. She has the support of her friends, but without Aleksander, she struggles. When we do get Aleks back, he is not the same man. (not saying more because we hate spoilers here) Aleks does everything he can for himself, for Nova, for the world, and when his world turns upside down, he makes a choice: to surrender or to fight.
What I liked 🤩: I liked everything!! I love how the author shows great character development, amazing worldbuilding, and spectacular plot that keeps surprising us. A prose that makes me want to devour the entire book at once and yet, the author keeps a perfect balance between fantasy and romance without sacrificing character arc. I am really in awe of this author, and I am currently going through her backlist.
Nova is a firecracker, but she learns to pick her battles when it comes to politics. She loves Aleks, and she figures out what she would choose: the world or him. For a person who has been isolated, Nova is now surrounded by supporting friends, and while she feels their support, she sometimes feels lonely, especially when Aleks was gone. I really loved how the author portrayed Nova. It felt genuine given Nova's circumstances.
Aleks, our Light King, oh this book has not been kind to him. If you thought he had a rought time in the first book, holy moly, he was tortured in this book. I felt so sorry for him. I want to hug and protect him. I can't say much here because SPOILERS but I love him so much and I love him all the more after this book. Book 3 better give him the respect and love he deserves because I will riot!
What I didn’t like 🙃: There's not really something I didn't like, I would have wished that one character had talked to her father and gotten closure, but how things happened heightened the suspense and stakes.
Overall: Amazing sequel!! I loved the first, and I love the second book!!! Now waiting impatiently for book 3!
SE info: AuroraCrate has had a gorgeous SE of the first book, and they will do a matching edition of the sequel, as well.
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.”
January 28, 2026
I love getting back to the characters from What Blooms and meeting everyone again. I feel so terrible for what Alekx was going through and their journey together was so emotional. I was glad Zayn retained his charm because I adore him. I love the found family. The first half was a little slow while building up and moving through the lore. I think it had to happen but it was harder to stay engaged than the first book. However, at 50% we get new twists and a whole lot more tension that makes the rest of the book entertaining and also a bit heartbreaking and emotional. I can't wait to see where the story is going in book 3.The twists were wild.
January 22, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author and MTMC tours, thank you!
This book has a lot more action in it that the first one did and I loved that, though there were times where it felt like we were going in circles when it came to Nova and Alex and them trying to discover where the pieces of Lorien are.
There was a lot of tension between all of the main characters but I was really glad that Zayn came back from being possessed with his typical easygoing personality intact. I would liked to have seen more interactions between him and Alexs but with everything going on it was understandable that we didn’t, though I have hopes of a heart to heart conversation between him and Aleks in the next book.
I am a true ‘villain gets the girl, enemies to lovers, soft spot for the tortured souls’ type of reader so I am very conflicted because I absolutely want Nova and Lorien to be end game. They have a Vaeloran bond and a soul connection which I am weak for and he kept stepping in to save her but it was him handing her sword to her that did me in. I love Aleks and I want him to be happy, but I think I might like Lorien more, so that’s a problem because I feel like Aleks in the actual endgame for Nova.
I’m excited to see what happens next and I’m hoping for a Lorien novella!
This book has a lot more action in it that the first one did and I loved that, though there were times where it felt like we were going in circles when it came to Nova and Alex and them trying to discover where the pieces of Lorien are.
There was a lot of tension between all of the main characters but I was really glad that Zayn came back from being possessed with his typical easygoing personality intact. I would liked to have seen more interactions between him and Alexs but with everything going on it was understandable that we didn’t, though I have hopes of a heart to heart conversation between him and Aleks in the next book.
I am a true ‘villain gets the girl, enemies to lovers, soft spot for the tortured souls’ type of reader so I am very conflicted because I absolutely want Nova and Lorien to be end game. They have a Vaeloran bond and a soul connection which I am weak for and he kept stepping in to save her but it was him handing her sword to her that did me in. I love Aleks and I want him to be happy, but I think I might like Lorien more, so that’s a problem because I feel like Aleks in the actual endgame for Nova.
I’m excited to see what happens next and I’m hoping for a Lorien novella!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
4.5⭐️ (rounded up) Absolutely fantastic second book of this series. Following the events of What Blooms from Death, Nova and Aleks have a lot to cope with. Couple this with an undercurrent of uncertainty around who exactly can be trusted, the stakes feel impossibly high. The world building is vibrant and deep. We continue to uncover more and more about the past and how our heroes can impact the future. Nova and Aleks love for each other is so achingly beautiful. The characters are rich and complex and I adore the found family this series has developed. I will be waiting for the next installment with bated breath.
Highlights:
✨Slow Burn
✨Shadow Mommy x Light Daddy
✨Found Family
✨Captivating World Building
✨Dangerous Bargains
Thank you to the author for this advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.
Highlights:
✨Slow Burn
✨Shadow Mommy x Light Daddy
✨Found Family
✨Captivating World Building
✨Dangerous Bargains
Thank you to the author for this advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.
Read
January 9, 2026DNF but mostly due to a me problem. I had a hard time getting into the book due to mostly my mental health/mood. I will absolutely be picking this up again when the time is right! I love S.M. Gaither's writing and worldbuilding, so I think readers should give this trilogy a chance.
Thank you to the author for sending me an early copy!
Thank you to the author for sending me an early copy!
January 28, 2026
What Echoes in the Dark
What Blooms from Death #2 by @authorsmgaither
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t get over this book. S.M. Gaither knows how to rip open your heart and then piece it back together again. Her books are so addicting and this book is no different. The world building, political intrigue, yearning, hopeless love, and devastating magic is enough to put my world into a tailspin. I loved it and I need the third book as soon as possible.
What Blooms from Death #2 by @authorsmgaither
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t get over this book. S.M. Gaither knows how to rip open your heart and then piece it back together again. Her books are so addicting and this book is no different. The world building, political intrigue, yearning, hopeless love, and devastating magic is enough to put my world into a tailspin. I loved it and I need the third book as soon as possible.
January 31, 2026
No Matter How the Light & Shadows Shift
| fantasy romance | paranormal romance | dual POV | shadow mommy | life x death | god magic | mystery | forbidden romance | chosen one | animal companion | SPICY |
I could not wait for the continuation of the What Blooms From Deathseries. Given how layered this fantasy is, I found myself revisiting my highlights and reviewing my notes from Book 1 to fully reorient myself. Where did the story leave off? Where did I hope for it to go? How did I expect this series to evolve? So many questions were left for me to resolve.
What Blooms From Death was rich with depth, worldbuilding, and character introductions, so it wasn’t surprising that I often had to reference it to recall specific details and nuances. That level of complexity is expected in an immersive fantasy.
Overall, I thought the pacing worked well for me, though there were moments of intimacy and spice that felt slightly forced or unnecessary given the circumstances and high stakes. More than once, I wanted to shake the FMC and remind her that this was not the moment to lose herself in someone who was quite literally fraying at the edges.
The overarching storyline carried itself well, even if I found myself wanting more angst in the romance rather than spice. I struggled to fully engage with the intimate scenes because the world around the characters felt constantly on the brink of collapse. With so many unknowns and looming dangers, those moments of indulgence felt misplaced, like worrying about something inconsequential in the middle of a war, when danger surrounds you from all sides.
That said, looking back, I understand why those moments existed and recognize their importance to the romance as a whole. Even if they didn’t fully land for me in the moment, they served a purpose in the larger emotional arc of the relationship.
The worldbuilding, magic system, characters, and overall fantasy elements are truly exceptional. I enjoyed so much about this story, especially the intrigue and complexity woven throughout. S.M. Gaither has a clear talent for crafting fantasy filled with tension, critical choices, and long, sweeping plotlines that keep you guessing.
While I had some frustration with the placement of the romance during pivotal, high-stakes moments, the series remains deeply compelling. Around every corner lies an unexpected enemy, alliance, or revelation, making this an intriguing and immersive continuation of the story.
I think the best of this series is yet to come. I can't wait to see what S.M. Gaither does with this series. For me, the prospect of spin-off stories is even more compelling.
happy reading, friends xx
| fantasy romance | paranormal romance | dual POV | shadow mommy | life x death | god magic | mystery | forbidden romance | chosen one | animal companion | SPICY |
I could not wait for the continuation of the What Blooms From Deathseries. Given how layered this fantasy is, I found myself revisiting my highlights and reviewing my notes from Book 1 to fully reorient myself. Where did the story leave off? Where did I hope for it to go? How did I expect this series to evolve? So many questions were left for me to resolve.
What Blooms From Death was rich with depth, worldbuilding, and character introductions, so it wasn’t surprising that I often had to reference it to recall specific details and nuances. That level of complexity is expected in an immersive fantasy.
Overall, I thought the pacing worked well for me, though there were moments of intimacy and spice that felt slightly forced or unnecessary given the circumstances and high stakes. More than once, I wanted to shake the FMC and remind her that this was not the moment to lose herself in someone who was quite literally fraying at the edges.
The overarching storyline carried itself well, even if I found myself wanting more angst in the romance rather than spice. I struggled to fully engage with the intimate scenes because the world around the characters felt constantly on the brink of collapse. With so many unknowns and looming dangers, those moments of indulgence felt misplaced, like worrying about something inconsequential in the middle of a war, when danger surrounds you from all sides.
That said, looking back, I understand why those moments existed and recognize their importance to the romance as a whole. Even if they didn’t fully land for me in the moment, they served a purpose in the larger emotional arc of the relationship.
The worldbuilding, magic system, characters, and overall fantasy elements are truly exceptional. I enjoyed so much about this story, especially the intrigue and complexity woven throughout. S.M. Gaither has a clear talent for crafting fantasy filled with tension, critical choices, and long, sweeping plotlines that keep you guessing.
While I had some frustration with the placement of the romance during pivotal, high-stakes moments, the series remains deeply compelling. Around every corner lies an unexpected enemy, alliance, or revelation, making this an intriguing and immersive continuation of the story.
I think the best of this series is yet to come. I can't wait to see what S.M. Gaither does with this series. For me, the prospect of spin-off stories is even more compelling.
happy reading, friends xx
Review of advance copy received from Author
”I wasn’t sure when it had happened, but my internal compass didn’t point north, any longer; it pointed to her.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
What you’ll find in this book:
- Epic Romantic Fantasy
- Magical Bonds
- Enemies to Star-crossed Lovers
- A Curse
- A Dangerous Bargain
- Secrets
- Banter
- Shadow Mommy
I loooved What Blooms from Death and What Echoes in the Dark was no exception. S. M. Gaither has continued to build on the amazing world building and character development that we discovered in book one. This book twists and turns beautifully, and with the stakes being so continuously high that it had me on the edge of my seat and not going to lie absolutely stressed. As weird as it sounds I actually thoroughly enjoyed how this book pulled the rug out from under me just when I had found my feet. Throughout it all you can’t help but root for the characters, as they journey to not only protect their world but also each other.
We go through it with the characters in this book, and S. M. Gaither is not afraid to pull the punches when it comes to delivering those hard hitting moments that punch you in the gut but make you come back begging for more. Nova has definitely established herself as my favourite character within this series (followed closely by Phantom), I just can’t help but enjoy watching her develop into the character we experience during this book, how defiant she and unwilling to give up on those she cares for. I love that in this book unlike so many others that we have a shadow mommy and a light wielding daddy, and that this is such a core important part of the story. Aleks becomes such a diverse character within this story pulled between what he was made to be, and what his present desires. One thing I will say is that the love between Aleks and Nova is so very hard fought for and I am here for what I’m hoping will be a final happy ending for them when we can get our hands on the last book in the series.
The continued worldbuilding in this book is absolutely phenomenal, we get to journey to where the light shines and the shadows play always exploring and uncovering more which makes for a gripping story. There are more than a couple of surprises throughout this book and I was here for every single one of them. Pacing of this book was perfect for the content, fast paced and relentless, just as the characters get no break from the threats coming after them neither do we. Naturally this only adds to the gripping nature of the story, how I couldn't look away even for a second for fear of missing something and needing to inhaled more of this book as quickly as possible.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.
Author: S.M. Gaither
Series: What Blooms From Death
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 9th, 2026
Pages: 316
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
What you’ll find in this book:
- Epic Romantic Fantasy
- Magical Bonds
- Enemies to Star-crossed Lovers
- A Curse
- A Dangerous Bargain
- Secrets
- Banter
- Shadow Mommy
I loooved What Blooms from Death and What Echoes in the Dark was no exception. S. M. Gaither has continued to build on the amazing world building and character development that we discovered in book one. This book twists and turns beautifully, and with the stakes being so continuously high that it had me on the edge of my seat and not going to lie absolutely stressed. As weird as it sounds I actually thoroughly enjoyed how this book pulled the rug out from under me just when I had found my feet. Throughout it all you can’t help but root for the characters, as they journey to not only protect their world but also each other.
We go through it with the characters in this book, and S. M. Gaither is not afraid to pull the punches when it comes to delivering those hard hitting moments that punch you in the gut but make you come back begging for more. Nova has definitely established herself as my favourite character within this series (followed closely by Phantom), I just can’t help but enjoy watching her develop into the character we experience during this book, how defiant she and unwilling to give up on those she cares for. I love that in this book unlike so many others that we have a shadow mommy and a light wielding daddy, and that this is such a core important part of the story. Aleks becomes such a diverse character within this story pulled between what he was made to be, and what his present desires. One thing I will say is that the love between Aleks and Nova is so very hard fought for and I am here for what I’m hoping will be a final happy ending for them when we can get our hands on the last book in the series.
The continued worldbuilding in this book is absolutely phenomenal, we get to journey to where the light shines and the shadows play always exploring and uncovering more which makes for a gripping story. There are more than a couple of surprises throughout this book and I was here for every single one of them. Pacing of this book was perfect for the content, fast paced and relentless, just as the characters get no break from the threats coming after them neither do we. Naturally this only adds to the gripping nature of the story, how I couldn't look away even for a second for fear of missing something and needing to inhaled more of this book as quickly as possible.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.
Author: S.M. Gaither
Series: What Blooms From Death
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 9th, 2026
Pages: 316
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.”
January 17, 2026
What Echoes in the Dark by S.M. Gaither picks up shortly after the end of the previous book in the series and the action starts up almost immediately as Nova is faced with a multitude of tasks with her new position as ruler of the underworld.
The characters even more real and relatable in this second book in the series, as they are faced with extremely trying circumstances that force them to face their emotions and weaknesses. From the very beginning of the book, we see Nova dealing with her grief over the events that took place at the end of the What Blooms from Death, on top of the struggles that come with being a new ruler in a Kingdom that has been steadily deteriorating for years. Despite everything she is faced with, Nova remains strong and makes for a well-fleshed out protagonist. She is by no means perfect, but the flaws are what make for a more realistic character and show her growth as the series progresses. Even more intriguing is this book’s ability to flip the villain on his head, leaving the reader questioning whether he is as bad as previously thought, and if there might not be an even greater threat to come. And of course I adore Aleks, as I have from the beginning, and my heart hurts for everything he is forced to endure.
There is so much that occurs in this book that creates so many questions and kind of turns the direction of the story on its head with how it makes you question everything you thought you knew which made for such an intriguing read. A new threat enters the picture in What Echoes in the Dark which leaves both Nova and the reader uncertain where to direct their energies. I am very much looking forward to the next book to get some of these answers and to figure out what is really going on and what the events of the past have to do with the current situation Nova and the others are dealing with.
This book also manages to bring the heartbreak. Seeing Nova and Aleks experience happiness just so constantly have things turned around on them hurt my heart and I just want the two of them to be able to catch a break. I can only hope that break comes in the third book because these two have been put through it and deserve the chance to actually hold onto that.
I cannot wait for the next book after the way things ended here, and I will be eagerly awaiting it to see how things turn out and what is truly going on. I highly recommend this series and the second book was not a disappointment.
The characters even more real and relatable in this second book in the series, as they are faced with extremely trying circumstances that force them to face their emotions and weaknesses. From the very beginning of the book, we see Nova dealing with her grief over the events that took place at the end of the What Blooms from Death, on top of the struggles that come with being a new ruler in a Kingdom that has been steadily deteriorating for years. Despite everything she is faced with, Nova remains strong and makes for a well-fleshed out protagonist. She is by no means perfect, but the flaws are what make for a more realistic character and show her growth as the series progresses. Even more intriguing is this book’s ability to flip the villain on his head, leaving the reader questioning whether he is as bad as previously thought, and if there might not be an even greater threat to come. And of course I adore Aleks, as I have from the beginning, and my heart hurts for everything he is forced to endure.
There is so much that occurs in this book that creates so many questions and kind of turns the direction of the story on its head with how it makes you question everything you thought you knew which made for such an intriguing read. A new threat enters the picture in What Echoes in the Dark which leaves both Nova and the reader uncertain where to direct their energies. I am very much looking forward to the next book to get some of these answers and to figure out what is really going on and what the events of the past have to do with the current situation Nova and the others are dealing with.
This book also manages to bring the heartbreak. Seeing Nova and Aleks experience happiness just so constantly have things turned around on them hurt my heart and I just want the two of them to be able to catch a break. I can only hope that break comes in the third book because these two have been put through it and deserve the chance to actually hold onto that.
I cannot wait for the next book after the way things ended here, and I will be eagerly awaiting it to see how things turn out and what is truly going on. I highly recommend this series and the second book was not a disappointment.
January 13, 2026
“Don’t underestimate what a drop of hope can do in an ocean of despair.”
The central theme in this book is hope, and boy, did it resonate with me. “We are not a tragedy,” she whispered. “Isn’t that what you told me?” <…> And then we’d faced tragedy after tragedy, uncertainty after uncertainty. But somehow, we were still here.
I fell in love with Nova and Aleks in WBFD, and that love continued to burn brightly throughout What Echoes in the Dark as they fought the evil that tried to keep them apart. My heart ached as their love was blocked and tested time and again, but they refused to accept an ending without them together and their worlds at peace. They continue to be confronted with hard truths that could make or break them. Nothing breaks, nor binds, so completely as the truth.
In WEitD, S.M. Gaither expands the world of the Below. We learn more about Vaeloran history, including Loren and Calista's past and what drove them apart. Much is shrouded in mystery and lies, some of which are brought into the light, but there’s more hidden beneath the surface. Be prepared for twists and for original opinions to be challenged.
Friendship/found family is central to the story, a favorite of mine. We get more Thalia, Zayne, Bastian, Loren, Eamon, and Phantom, and this is where WEitD soars. I just adore Nova's fiercely loyal sidekick, Phantom, and Thalia and Zayne—there has to be something going on there! One relationship I’ve been highly invested in is Thalia and Nova's, and watching Thalia warm up to Nova over time has me giddy. I may have developed a bit of a girl crush on Thalia because I adore her don’t-touch-me exterior and soft center.
Other prevalent themes are resilience, strength, courage, and perseverance:
Once upon a time, I might have been afraid of giving up. But no longer. I couldn’t afford to be afraid.
This is how we make our way through the dark.
This is how we find our way back to each other.
That all said, I'm currently none too happy with S.M. Gaither because of THAT ending. However, all will be forgiven once Nova and Aleks find their way back to each other.
Other Favorite Lines:
But home was more than a place. For me, home was a person. And now that person was gone.
I wasn’t sure when it had happened, but my internal compass didn’t point north, any longer; it pointed to her.
The central theme in this book is hope, and boy, did it resonate with me. “We are not a tragedy,” she whispered. “Isn’t that what you told me?” <…> And then we’d faced tragedy after tragedy, uncertainty after uncertainty. But somehow, we were still here.
I fell in love with Nova and Aleks in WBFD, and that love continued to burn brightly throughout What Echoes in the Dark as they fought the evil that tried to keep them apart. My heart ached as their love was blocked and tested time and again, but they refused to accept an ending without them together and their worlds at peace. They continue to be confronted with hard truths that could make or break them. Nothing breaks, nor binds, so completely as the truth.
In WEitD, S.M. Gaither expands the world of the Below. We learn more about Vaeloran history, including Loren and Calista's past and what drove them apart. Much is shrouded in mystery and lies, some of which are brought into the light, but there’s more hidden beneath the surface. Be prepared for twists and for original opinions to be challenged.
Friendship/found family is central to the story, a favorite of mine. We get more Thalia, Zayne, Bastian, Loren, Eamon, and Phantom, and this is where WEitD soars. I just adore Nova's fiercely loyal sidekick, Phantom, and Thalia and Zayne—there has to be something going on there! One relationship I’ve been highly invested in is Thalia and Nova's, and watching Thalia warm up to Nova over time has me giddy. I may have developed a bit of a girl crush on Thalia because I adore her don’t-touch-me exterior and soft center.
Other prevalent themes are resilience, strength, courage, and perseverance:
Once upon a time, I might have been afraid of giving up. But no longer. I couldn’t afford to be afraid.
This is how we make our way through the dark.
This is how we find our way back to each other.
That all said, I'm currently none too happy with S.M. Gaither because of THAT ending. However, all will be forgiven once Nova and Aleks find their way back to each other.
Other Favorite Lines:
But home was more than a place. For me, home was a person. And now that person was gone.
I wasn’t sure when it had happened, but my internal compass didn’t point north, any longer; it pointed to her.
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 instalment
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 instalment
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! 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a review for the second book in the What Blooms From Death series and contains spoilers for book one.
Nova escapes from Nerithys after battling Lorien after he possessed Aleksander. Months have gone by since then. Aleks is gone amd Nova makes regular trips back to Nerithys and the ruined palace to look for any lost information she can get. She also takes time to monitor the Aetherstone's condition and she tries to give it magic in hopes that it will get better.
Also during this time, Nova is working closely with her brother, trying to revive Noctaris. The realm is showing signs of improvement, but it is very slow going. During one of Nova's trips to Nerithys, she runs into Lorien in Aleks's body. He convinces her to meet with him. Despite their previous hostility, Lorien needs Nova and her magic. She is the only one who can find the shattered pieces of his soul. Nova agrees on the condition that Lorien immediately releases Aleks. Lorien agrees.
This was a wild ride. Nova gets Aleks back, despite making a possibly terrible deal with Lorien with unknown consequences. I am still obsessed with Nova and Aleks in this book, though. Nova is coming into her own more and more and I loved to see it. I am in desperate need of the next book after that heartwrenching ending.
Thank you to author SM Gaither for the gifted eARC.
Nova escapes from Nerithys after battling Lorien after he possessed Aleksander. Months have gone by since then. Aleks is gone amd Nova makes regular trips back to Nerithys and the ruined palace to look for any lost information she can get. She also takes time to monitor the Aetherstone's condition and she tries to give it magic in hopes that it will get better.
Also during this time, Nova is working closely with her brother, trying to revive Noctaris. The realm is showing signs of improvement, but it is very slow going. During one of Nova's trips to Nerithys, she runs into Lorien in Aleks's body. He convinces her to meet with him. Despite their previous hostility, Lorien needs Nova and her magic. She is the only one who can find the shattered pieces of his soul. Nova agrees on the condition that Lorien immediately releases Aleks. Lorien agrees.
This was a wild ride. Nova gets Aleks back, despite making a possibly terrible deal with Lorien with unknown consequences. I am still obsessed with Nova and Aleks in this book, though. Nova is coming into her own more and more and I loved to see it. I am in desperate need of the next book after that heartwrenching ending.
Thank you to author SM Gaither for the gifted eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
What Echoes in the Dark really pulls you back into this world with higher stakes, darker vibes, and way more emotional weight. Nova is under nonstop pressure—trying to save Noctaris while also doing everything she can to get Aleksander back—and that tension carries through the entire book. The deal with Lorien adds this constant feeling of dread, but I really liked how we get more of him this time around and start to see that he’s not quite the villain we’re initially led to believe. The morally gray choices made everything feel more layered and interesting.
The lore expansion was one of my favorite parts. Learning more about Nova’s past, the Vaeloran cycle, and the fanatical order made the world feel deeper and more dangerous. Aleksander’s arc was especially compelling—his Light changing and something darker waking up kept me fully invested and slightly stressed in the best way. Some sections did feel a little dense with all the information being introduced, which slowed the pacing here and there, but it never fully pulled me out of the story.
Overall, this was a dark, emotional, and immersive read that delivered on world-building and character development!
The lore expansion was one of my favorite parts. Learning more about Nova’s past, the Vaeloran cycle, and the fanatical order made the world feel deeper and more dangerous. Aleksander’s arc was especially compelling—his Light changing and something darker waking up kept me fully invested and slightly stressed in the best way. Some sections did feel a little dense with all the information being introduced, which slowed the pacing here and there, but it never fully pulled me out of the story.
Overall, this was a dark, emotional, and immersive read that delivered on world-building and character development!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The emotional damage What Echoes In The Dark has done to me will linger and fester long after I've finished this ARC. S.M. Gaither writes incredibly flawed, imperfect characters so well that they seem almost like real people. Their emotions are so complex and rooted in traumas of the past, dangers of the present, and the unknown of the future.
The duality of someone wielding such strong magics rendered weak by the yearnings of one's heart is so heartbreakingly painful because the characters persist in chasing hope and face endless adversaries and unforeseen consequences that only further hurt them. Nova and Aleks' knowing that they'll never be the people they were before after what they've gone through is so incredibly sad. Even more sad is that they fight on regardless, trying to claw their way back to rightness.
I just loved this book, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. The end will surely be so epic.
and.. Lorien.. 👀👀👀
Thank you so much to S.M Gaither and her team for access to this ARC.
The duality of someone wielding such strong magics rendered weak by the yearnings of one's heart is so heartbreakingly painful because the characters persist in chasing hope and face endless adversaries and unforeseen consequences that only further hurt them. Nova and Aleks' knowing that they'll never be the people they were before after what they've gone through is so incredibly sad. Even more sad is that they fight on regardless, trying to claw their way back to rightness.
I just loved this book, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. The end will surely be so epic.
and.. Lorien.. 👀👀👀
Thank you so much to S.M Gaither and her team for access to this ARC.
January 26, 2026
6/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to Expect:
💀Book 2 in the Series
💙Enemies to Lovers
💀AMAZING Animal Sidekick
💙Light vs. Dark Magic
💀Magical Bonds
💙Secrets & Bargains
💀Curses
💙Dangerous Order
💀Desperate, but STRONG FMC
First off, I am 100% SCREAMING HAPPY RELEASE DAY to SM GAITHER. I cannot believe that this day is finally here, and What Echoes in the Dark is FINALLY OUT in the World. We FINALLY have our hands on more of Nova and Aleks story, and I know that everyone is going to EAT THIS ONE UP!!!! I am forever grateful and truly honored to be on Team SMG and have a chance to not just ARC this one, but give it ALL the hype it deserves!
Sooo, we pick right back up after the devastation of WBFD’s ending, throwing us straight back into Nova and Aleks’s world where nothing is stable and the emotional stakes are SKY FRICKIN HIGHH!!!! Nova is juggling grief, power, and responsibility as she struggles to not just learn to lead, but dealing with her emotions of missing the man she loves, and when Aleks reenters the story, he’s changed in ways that make everything SOOOO much more complicated.
As the story continues to unfold, the tension only GROWS… DRAMATICALLY. Between Nova and Aleks, within the magic system itself, and across a world teetering on the edge of complete collapse… We're all just one hiccup or reactive retaliation away from full blown war and chaos. As we start to lean hard into the bonds Nova builds around her, turning friendship into survival as every choice demands loyalty, sacrifice, and trust… we begin to see the power plays, risky deals, and shocking truths collide with those glorious nonstop twists; leading us up to an ending that hits like a total wrecking ball!!! We were left hanging on a cliff, with a ripped up parachute, a single piece of thread, and hopes that someone might be coming to help us. I’m still not alright. I flipped back and forth on the end pages, questioning where the frick the rest of the book was… I just knew there was NO WAY she was leaving us hanging like that… (jokes on us, they are 100% not coming, and she 100% left us hanging by a thread!!!)
-
6⭐️ - I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT HANDLE THAT ENDING. I NEED BOOK 3. 😭😭😭 - RTC
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to Expect:
💀Book 2 in the Series
💙Enemies to Lovers
💀AMAZING Animal Sidekick
💙Light vs. Dark Magic
💀Magical Bonds
💙Secrets & Bargains
💀Curses
💙Dangerous Order
💀Desperate, but STRONG FMC
First off, I am 100% SCREAMING HAPPY RELEASE DAY to SM GAITHER. I cannot believe that this day is finally here, and What Echoes in the Dark is FINALLY OUT in the World. We FINALLY have our hands on more of Nova and Aleks story, and I know that everyone is going to EAT THIS ONE UP!!!! I am forever grateful and truly honored to be on Team SMG and have a chance to not just ARC this one, but give it ALL the hype it deserves!
Sooo, we pick right back up after the devastation of WBFD’s ending, throwing us straight back into Nova and Aleks’s world where nothing is stable and the emotional stakes are SKY FRICKIN HIGHH!!!! Nova is juggling grief, power, and responsibility as she struggles to not just learn to lead, but dealing with her emotions of missing the man she loves, and when Aleks reenters the story, he’s changed in ways that make everything SOOOO much more complicated.
As the story continues to unfold, the tension only GROWS… DRAMATICALLY. Between Nova and Aleks, within the magic system itself, and across a world teetering on the edge of complete collapse… We're all just one hiccup or reactive retaliation away from full blown war and chaos. As we start to lean hard into the bonds Nova builds around her, turning friendship into survival as every choice demands loyalty, sacrifice, and trust… we begin to see the power plays, risky deals, and shocking truths collide with those glorious nonstop twists; leading us up to an ending that hits like a total wrecking ball!!! We were left hanging on a cliff, with a ripped up parachute, a single piece of thread, and hopes that someone might be coming to help us. I’m still not alright. I flipped back and forth on the end pages, questioning where the frick the rest of the book was… I just knew there was NO WAY she was leaving us hanging like that… (jokes on us, they are 100% not coming, and she 100% left us hanging by a thread!!!)
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6⭐️ - I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT HANDLE THAT ENDING. I NEED BOOK 3. 😭😭😭 - RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Since this is a book by S.M. Gaither, I'm not going to bother talking about how amazing the worldbuilding is, because that's a GIVEN with this author. In my mind, it's what she's known for. Nor will I talk about how incredibly awesome of a sequel this is, because that also is a given with me. Gaither has never written anything I didn't love, and this book is no exception.
What readers need to know is this:
- You MUST read the first book, What Blooms From Death, before this one. This book is not a standalone! It's definitely a sequel, and begins shortly after the first book ends.
- This book has so many elements to it, that all come together beautifully. There's character development, banter, tension, anxiety, magic (of course), enemies-to-reluctant-allies, lovers-to-kind-of-enemies-to-? (it's hard to explain - no spoilers here!), battle, world lore, spice.... there are no slow parts of this book, it's perfectly paced.
- It's an emotional rollercoaster. Aleks and Nova go through a lot!
- Prepare yourself to yell "NO! I NEED MORE!", scaring all children and pets in the nearby area, when you read the last sentence, and realize it's the end.
I can't wait for Book 3!! I need to know what happens, I need to know more, I need to know more backstory .. ahhh!!
Thank you SO much to S.M. Gaither and her team for providing me with an ARC to review! :)
What readers need to know is this:
- You MUST read the first book, What Blooms From Death, before this one. This book is not a standalone! It's definitely a sequel, and begins shortly after the first book ends.
- This book has so many elements to it, that all come together beautifully. There's character development, banter, tension, anxiety, magic (of course), enemies-to-reluctant-allies, lovers-to-kind-of-enemies-to-? (it's hard to explain - no spoilers here!), battle, world lore, spice.... there are no slow parts of this book, it's perfectly paced.
- It's an emotional rollercoaster. Aleks and Nova go through a lot!
- Prepare yourself to yell "NO! I NEED MORE!", scaring all children and pets in the nearby area, when you read the last sentence, and realize it's the end.
I can't wait for Book 3!! I need to know what happens, I need to know more, I need to know more backstory .. ahhh!!
Thank you SO much to S.M. Gaither and her team for providing me with an ARC to review! :)
January 19, 2026
My obsession is continuing on in from the first book into this one. I wrote that I needed the next book now when I finished the first and I was luckily enough to get it…and guess what I still need the next one! To say I love these characters would be and understatement. I love Nova and Alek. Yet again another installment I couldn’t put down. I am obsessed with the magic system, the world building and it made me feel so many things. While I was so ready to read this at the same time I wish I could’ve waited till it was closer to the third book so I just could dive right into the next installment becuase I fear I will go into a reading slump and all I will be able to think about for the next few days is What Echos in the Dark. I really am hesitant to say anything else because I really don’t want to ruin the journey for anybody else. Just know that if you start this series you best be ready. It will captivate you and next the next thing you know it will be way past your bedtime!
Thank you to S. M. Gaither for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to S. M. Gaither for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 4, 2026
4.75⭐️ 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. After sitting on the book for a few days I’ve decided to give it my official rating. This book was so frustrating, I was yelling at all the characters through my kindle as if they could hear me🤦🏼♀️ I don’t know how to express my frustration but it was still an amazing book and I’m in so much pain. After I read the first book I needed the second book more than I needed air. Now after reading the second book, I’m ok with waiting. It will give myself time to cool down and heal😅
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. After sitting on the book for a few days I’ve decided to give it my official rating. This book was so frustrating, I was yelling at all the characters through my kindle as if they could hear me🤦🏼♀️ I don’t know how to express my frustration but it was still an amazing book and I’m in so much pain. After I read the first book I needed the second book more than I needed air. Now after reading the second book, I’m ok with waiting. It will give myself time to cool down and heal😅
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.
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!!
January 11, 2026
I was super excited to read this book given how the first book ended and having now finished this one I can safely say that the sequel delivered!!!
This book took me through the entire range of emotions that one could feel, including agony!!! So much agony!!! But in a really compelling and interesting way that it’s driving the plot forward and keeping things interesting and keeping me on my toes. I think it would’ve been really easy to follow typical formula for this kind of book, but it forges its own path and I really admire that. And I also admire Aleks - love that man down bad.
I’m really intrigued with where this story is heading and I do believe it is going to be more than a trilogy so I can only imagine what is in store for the next book. Hopefully some good things will happen finally.
I will say I thought certain things in this book could’ve been explained a little more because it is pretty complex and I found myself having a hard time recalling certain information we’ve been told and this could’ve just been because I maybe wasn’t focused enough so definitely read this when it comes out when you are in the headspace to do so!! Also I do think that some moments of this book felt like a plot device that weren’t entirely necessary and just may be felt too convenient? Idk, but by no means did either of these qualms diminsh my enjoyment of the book so don’t be discouraged.
Big thank you to the author for the advanced copy to review!!!
This book took me through the entire range of emotions that one could feel, including agony!!! So much agony!!! But in a really compelling and interesting way that it’s driving the plot forward and keeping things interesting and keeping me on my toes. I think it would’ve been really easy to follow typical formula for this kind of book, but it forges its own path and I really admire that. And I also admire Aleks - love that man down bad.
I’m really intrigued with where this story is heading and I do believe it is going to be more than a trilogy so I can only imagine what is in store for the next book. Hopefully some good things will happen finally.
I will say I thought certain things in this book could’ve been explained a little more because it is pretty complex and I found myself having a hard time recalling certain information we’ve been told and this could’ve just been because I maybe wasn’t focused enough so definitely read this when it comes out when you are in the headspace to do so!! Also I do think that some moments of this book felt like a plot device that weren’t entirely necessary and just may be felt too convenient? Idk, but by no means did either of these qualms diminsh my enjoyment of the book so don’t be discouraged.
Big thank you to the author for the advanced copy to review!!!
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
Solid sequel to what I know is going to be an amazing trilogy!
I adored Nova's strength in this book! She grew up so much from What Blooms from Death.
My heart broke for her so many times, she feels so weak and broken, but man oh man is she strong.
Aleks....oh Aleks...my heart breaks for him. He continues to go through so much, and I'm eager to hear how his journey ends.
The adventure and mystery in this book is so fun. I enjoyed the riddle-nature of the quest, and I really loved the twists and turns throughout the book. it kept me on my toes from start to finish.
Ready for book 3!
overall: recommend
slice: open door
I adored Nova's strength in this book! She grew up so much from What Blooms from Death.
My heart broke for her so many times, she feels so weak and broken, but man oh man is she strong.
Aleks....oh Aleks...my heart breaks for him. He continues to go through so much, and I'm eager to hear how his journey ends.
The adventure and mystery in this book is so fun. I enjoyed the riddle-nature of the quest, and I really loved the twists and turns throughout the book. it kept me on my toes from start to finish.
Ready for book 3!
overall: recommend
slice: open door
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!
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