Serpents and Shadows: Essence and Runes, Book 2

by Taylor Lynn

The war is over, but Raya’s battle has just begun.

The Great Spirit has returned and chosen Raya as her vessel—a sacred duty she never asked for. All she wants is to heal alongside her sister and her people, but that is little more than a pipe dream. Destiny pulls her toward the City of the Spirits, where she must master the power within her—or die trying. With the demons of her past and the pressures of the prophecy fighting for dominance in her mind, she drowns them in reckless revelry at every city along the way.

What does it matter anyway, when no one believes in her?

Far away, Orion Valor bears a new crown and is working to rebuild Corath into a kingdom worth fighting for. But an ancient voice whispers promises of power, tempting him down a path he swore never to walk. As darkness coils around him, he must Will he be the ruler his people need or the tyrant history expects?

In the wake of war, ancient prophecies arise. Our heroes must confront their pasts and forge their futures anew—or risk the wrath of the Spirits Reborn.

For fans of A Broken Blade and From Blood and Ash , Serpents and Shadows is a spellbinding sequel filled with prophecy, peril, and a romance destined by fate. Join Raya and her companions on an adventure to unravel the secrets of a prophetic power in the thrilling second installment of the Essence and Runes series.

Content This book contains mature language and themes, sexually explicit scenes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Trigger warnings include, but may not be limited grief, loss of parents, death/war/gore, anxiety/PTSD, gambling addiction, alcohol dependency, maternal mortality, etc. Reader discretion is advised.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

Taylor Lynn resides right outside of New York City where she works as a recruiter in the entertainment industry. An avid reader and writer, she has always loved the art of storytelling and hopes to create worlds that immerses readers into the adventure. When she’s not writing (or reading), you can find her exploring new restaurants in the city, binge watching her favorite shows, or spending time with her partner and dog. Essence and Runes is her first novel.

Reviews

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

KINDLE VERSION (JUNE 2025)
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

When we last left Raya in Essence and Runes, she was in a nightmare. An eruption of power left her questioning everything… her past, present and her future. Couple this with the fresh taste of betrayal from Orion, and she’s not sure where to turn next. Raya begins a journey to the City of Spirits, where she hopes to be trained and guided on her new path. Grappling with nightmares of her past, interwoven with memories from Ach’tella, Raya leans on the support of Xander and Loren in her quest to discover who she truly is. As tension grows between them, back in Corath, Orion’s feelings for Raya only increase, as well as his madness.

This was such a JOY to read as a final product! As my first beta read this was such a journey. Taylor has written a wonderful story here with both an FMC and MMC I have a crush on! Raya is so strong and is grappling with recent trauma, and goes through a very real journey of healing. Taylor created such a fun world in this book which has expanded further than we saw in Essence and Runes. It was an adventure, romance and fantasy story all rolled into one! AND THAT ENDING! OH TAYLOR! She heard all of my sobs when I first read it and it hit just as hard this time. I can’t wait to see what Taylor comes up with next for this story!!!

What I Loved About This Story:
✨Bada$$ FMC
✨Strangers to friends to lovers
✨Celestials & spirits, magic powers & hidden identities
✨So much yearnin’ and burnin’ tension
✨The cliffy at the end wrenched my heart!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via the author as a part of her Street Team, but my review is all my own. THANK YOU TAYLOR!!!!!!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
BETA READ (JANUARY 2025)
5/5⭐️

Beta read! Cannot wait to see the final product 🖤

[Meghan Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

After the stellar cliffhanger from Book 1 (Essence and Runes), this did not disappoint! Taylor Lynn has built a magical universe filled with everything a fantasy reader needs and wants: love, friendship, war, adventure, destiny/fate, challenge and sacrifice. I gasped, I laughed, I cried, I yearned with every character moment.

This book also broadened the universe with a dual POV expansion from book 1 which was more than welcome! Who do we get to hear more from? That's for you to find out!

[Toni Babcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serpents and Shadows - Book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
ARC read

-Friends to Lovers
-Unique magic system
-Supportive MMC
-Badass FMC

⚠️ Please check the Content Warnings! This book contain sexual graphic content, torture and more.

“I know you. There is no disguise you could wear that could hide you from me,” he whispers. 🫠

😭 The ending. I’m gonna die waiting for the next book. I just want you aware Taylor, I feel like I’m being punished. 🤣

We start off right where Book 1 ended. I’m thankful there wasn’t a time jump here which I find happens sometimes after major cliff hangers and I’m not a big fan of it so I really appreciate no time jumps. The rest of the beginning started off a bit slow for me but that’s okay. It gave us insight into other characters which I liked! Raya heads home, works on things there, and slowly works her way before heading to Volira before beginning her journey to the City of the Spirits. I absolutely loved the new characters we were introduced to on this journey! I wish we got more of them. Especially a little more of the Masteri! Her level of sass was my absolute favorite!

The love interest switch is definitely approved! “You will always be the center of my concern. Not because of your power and what it means for the world, but because I care about you, amina celas.” 😍🫠 I had an inkling this was coming towards end of Book 1. The sexual tension between these two was written fantastically, but I would have loved to see more of it! Xander is just so loving and supportive and we love that in an MMC! 😍

🌶️🌶️ Only two spicy scenes but they are well written and not unrealistic or over the top.

The ending! 😭😭😭 I’m so broken from that. It hurt so much and was so unfair.

I can’t wait for Book 3! I’m going to be stalking Taylor’s website and social media for updates because GAHHH. I need to know what happens next! That twist at the end was nuts! This book definitely ends with quite the cliff hanger!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Taylor Lynn delivers an explosive next chapter in her Essence and Runes series. Serpents and Shadows picks up where book one ended and immediately readers are immersed in the action, drama, and unknown. Book one had a massive betrayal that has left our FMC unsure of who to trust and how to move forward.

If you are looking for a high fantasy, filled with unbridled power, good vs evil, and an FMC who is broken but learning how to put herself back together, this book is for you. Learning to lean on her own strengths and trust herself, Raya’s journey of healing is a beautiful story that has her learning just how strong she is and what she is capable of.

Both main and side characters bring so much to this story. Taylor has put so much heart and passion into how each character will propel the story forward. I can’t stand when characters feel like they were written to just add to the word count, which is not the case for Taylor. And of course, I have to mention world building! Imagery that is dripping in detail creates a world that I loved to become lost within. Taylor’s talent as an author truly does shine with this book!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🐍Bad@$$ Female Warriors
💙LGBTQIA+ Rep
🐍Found Family
💙Celestial Magic
🐍Diverse Cast
💙Fated Mates
🐍Ancient Prophecies
💙Allies to Lovers to…
🐍Mental Health Rep

[Chelsea Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What good is a savior if she can’t save the ones she loves?”


FLABBERS ARE GASTED.


Once again Taylor leads on us on an EPIC adventure and one hell of a ride. This book was a whorlwind from the start. The pacing was incredible, the plot was compelling, and the characters were both relatable and so magnificently well done.

I chose the above quote for how much it resonated with me. Raya’s journey of putting others above herself hit home, and it was wonderful to see her character development of being both so selfless yet allowing herself to have space and kindness for herself.

Xander is the walking definition of a shadow daddy and I love him so much… especially getting a glimpse into his kind at the end!

Gah I’m rocked to my soul at the ending of this book and I am so unbelievably excited for the next. I cannot wait to see what happens and I will be anxiously waiting!!!


Everyone please do yourself a favour and read this series! Essence and Runes was phenomenal, this was a masterpiece!


🌶️🌶️

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G…..I can’t even! I honestly want him to be saved and still love him and think he is a sweetheart. IYKYK. I mean I do really like where we are now and who we are with (I’m trying really hard not to give anything away…..).

So to help avoid spoilers I will try to talk about Raya as much as I can. I really really like her. She’s strong, she demands respect but to me most importantly she is flawed and owns up to her missteps and mistakes (eventually). She has leaned to grow a lot and I love her dedication to her people and those she loves. She is such a complex character, that there is no reason to not like her and connect with her. I really enjoyed a lot of the side characters! They are great support and let’s just say I am not a happy person at the end of this book!

I am really enjoying this series so far and if you want to feel all the feels I do then I highly recommend reading it! Book 1 is Essence and Runes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️

[Bernadette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review and my honest opinion- Serpents and Shadows is the sequel to Essence and Runes and this book does not disappoint! It picks up right at the end of the cliffhanger of an ending from book one and starts right in to some action! Following Raya and Xander on their journey to her destiny despite her fears and reservations. She is joined by some amazing side characters who I absolutely LOVED. This book has so much packed into it- hidden identity, prophecy, magic, monsters, SLOW and I mean SLOW burn. It was delicious!! There as some dual POV and I absolutely loved it. I want more! The last 1/3 of this book was just jammed with plot lines and edge of your seat story that I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. The devastating cliffhanger at the end of this book is going to stay with me until book three comes out and I will be waiting with high anticipation!

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Essence and Runes series. Male sure you review the trigger warnings before reading this book.

Trigger warnings include, but are not limited to: grief, loss of parents, death/war/gore, anxiety/PTSD, gambling addiction, alcohol dependency, maternal mortality, etc.

This book starts off with a bang. I loved Raya. She was perfectly flawed but figuring out how to navigate this world she was in. Oh and Xander, he always has her back.

Without giving anything away, this scene says it all about Xander:

"Touch her again, and I will end you." Xander growls.

However let's not forget the supporting cast of characters as well. This book was very well written. You really feel like you know each character. It has a solid magical system and a very well developed world.

If you love fantasy then this is definitely a book that you want to check out.

[TheLiterary Mug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A startling run accompanying the ending from the first it its series where “The rules of war are few: stay alive and win. In a world of essence and runes, anything is fair game.”

Waking from her nightmare, that felt all too lived in, she clutches to her sanity. Warring within for fated survival or her demise.

Betrayed by the one she thought was more than just a blimp in her existence. Rayas a fierce female lead character accompanied by a darkened main male Orion,(betrayal is real) and longing runs deep, while Loren and Xander are well-developed loyal, strong, minor characters in Rayas journey.

It’s a great slow burn fantasy read with a well-thought-out magic system. Creating fascinating twists and turns, into a well-written tale of magic. The world-building blends effortlessly with descriptive epic battle scenes. A twisty take anyone would enjoy!

[Katarina Poppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serpents and Shadows is a brilliant continuation of Taylor Lynn’s captivating series. The story picks up smoothly, with just enough recap to remind you where things left off—making it incredibly easy to dive right back in without feeling lost. The pacing is tight, and the writing is, once again, absolutely fantastic. Lynn’s prose is immersive, vivid, and emotionally charged, pulling you deeper into the world with every page.

The character development continues to shine, and the stakes only get higher. The worldbuilding expands beautifully while staying grounded in the characters we’ve grown to love. If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel delivers everything you hoped for and more. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

[Mani Vuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! The ending of Essence and Runes is immediately picked up and thank goodness for that! Watching and joining Raya on her mission to understand what is happening is truly an adventure. I love this story and where it's heading. Seeing her go through the trauma and being afraid to lose herself is heartbreaking but the support system and how they help is honestly to refreshing to read. It's astonishing to see a character actually process their fears and while they are always there, little by little overcoming them. I started to fall for Xander in the first book but he's perfection in this book. Men like Xander are why I love romance novels. Excited to read more! 🥰

[Cassie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book, Essence and Runes and I have been anticipating the second book. Honestly it did take me a minute to get into it at the beginning but when it took off. I was invested and curious to know what was gonna happen. If you like badass fmcs then I think you’ll like Raya. The way this ended was crazy and I can’t wait to know what happens in the third book.

What to expect:
•badass fmc
•fates mates
•slow burn
•friends to lovers
•LGBTQ+ rep
•spice

“𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤 𝕞𝕖. 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕞𝕖. ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕙 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘.”

“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥. 𝕄𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤. 𝕄𝕪 𝕤𝕜𝕪. 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”

[KayMac1407 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serpents & Shadows continues with Raya's story where she left off in the first one - with her now realising her true inner power.

Whilst trying to harness this power, she has been given the great task of destroying a set of Gates. Accompanying her is Prince Xander, where their friendship begins to bloom.

Meanwhile, Orion has the enormous task of finally being King & the power that comes with it. All is not as it seems.....how will Raya cope?

[Sarah Heinbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I’ve been in such a fantasy slump until I read this book. This was such a smooth read and I didn’t feel bogged down when reading it. Everything flowed so well.

I loved the vibes and the dynamics between characters was well written. I know I say this a lot, but this might be one of my top reads this year 🙃🙌🏻

Thank you Taylor Lynn for this arc 🫶🏻 I’m a big fan of your work.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those series that I'll forever wish I could read for the first time again 💕 Taylor writes grief and love so incredibly well, and the world-building she has going on in this series rivals SJM, Sanderson and other epic fantasy writers.
I can't wait to see what's in store for Raya and our other beloved characters.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check the trigger warnings before you read this book. This is book 2 in the series. I did not read book 1 so I was a little confused about what was going on but after I figured it out I was hooked. The characters were well-written and the details were great.

[Rose Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girl Raya is back with some even more intense vibes! The twists are twisting here, because the bigger picture starts to slowly be revealed to us and the characters. I’m so invested and can’t wait for the next book!

4 1/2 💜’s.

Closer to 5 than 4.

[CopperpieceReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book! I want the next one already!

[Lauren Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Raya’s story! Excited to see where the next book takes her. Thanks for choosing me to be an ARC reader!