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Mayhem #1
Mayhem and the Mortal (deluxe limited edition)
A MORTAL WITH NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE. AN ASSASSIN WITH EVERYTHING TO HIDE. AN EPIC ADVENTURE AWAITS. . .
Don't miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any book lover.
--
One mission. One curse. No escape.
Zaira doesn’t want a hero. She needs a weapon.
To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows?a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive.
Her guide? Thane sorcerer, assassin, walking red flag. His name clears rooms. His magic kills quietly. And whatever he’s really after, it’s not salvation.
He promises to help. He might even mean it.
But Zaira knows better than to trust a liar with a blade and ice in his veins.
She just doesn’t have a choice.
--
PRAISE FOR MAYHEM AND THE MORTAL:
“I am obsessed with this book. . .top read of the year and a book that’s going straight to my favourites shelf.”–#1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry
“Shanora Williams weaves a spell in words and world building to create a story that is pure magic! I have so much love for this novel!”–New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling author Cecy Robson
Don't miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any book lover.
--
One mission. One curse. No escape.
Zaira doesn’t want a hero. She needs a weapon.
To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows?a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive.
Her guide? Thane sorcerer, assassin, walking red flag. His name clears rooms. His magic kills quietly. And whatever he’s really after, it’s not salvation.
He promises to help. He might even mean it.
But Zaira knows better than to trust a liar with a blade and ice in his veins.
She just doesn’t have a choice.
--
PRAISE FOR MAYHEM AND THE MORTAL:
“I am obsessed with this book. . .top read of the year and a book that’s going straight to my favourites shelf.”–#1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry
“Shanora Williams weaves a spell in words and world building to create a story that is pure magic! I have so much love for this novel!”–New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling author Cecy Robson
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2026
About the author
Shanora Williams
75 books7,512 followersShanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her versatile voice, diverse characters, and high-stakes stories. Whether grounded in reality, set in a world of magic, or immersed in suspense, her books explore connection, chaos, and emotions that linger long after the last page.
As a self-proclaimed “mood writer”, Shanora has never believed in boxing herself in. Her desire has always been to take risks and challenge herself. If a plot is relentlessly on her mind, she will try her hand at it.
When she isn’t writing, she’s deep in family life, binge-watching shows and movies, working out, gaming, or getting cozy with a book. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and three sons.
Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
Follow:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shano...
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f1891...
As a self-proclaimed “mood writer”, Shanora has never believed in boxing herself in. Her desire has always been to take risks and challenge herself. If a plot is relentlessly on her mind, she will try her hand at it.
When she isn’t writing, she’s deep in family life, binge-watching shows and movies, working out, gaming, or getting cozy with a book. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and three sons.
Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
Follow:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shano...
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f1891...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 792 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I guess fun may not be the first word that comes to mind to describe a treacherous journey where everyone and everything wants you dead while you grapple to find the cure for a soul-devouring curse for your dying, imprisoned sister on a ticking clock mission.
However, fun is exactly the word I’d use to describe Mayhem and the Mortal. My five stars are appropriate for how much this book entertained me. Even the FMC, sunshiney Zaira Quinlocke says at one point: "I shouldn’t be having this much fun during a death journey." And she’s got a point.
Because there is a sentient murder forest with monsters, dangerous seas with creatures who might be so inclined to eat you AND steal your identity, and a few very mean, very powerful people. And that’s just scratching the surface.
And yet, I get what Zaira means. Because yes… this is a high stakes, perilous adventure quest romantasy. It’s a little bit Wizard of Oz, but make it grittier, gorier and more grim.
Nonetheless, there is a permeating sense of joy, whimsy and quirkiness throughout. It’s slightly serious and also slightly unserious.
And while everything is trying to kill Zaira and her ragtag band of beautiful, melanated misfits—(and there are definitely content warnings you should take note of, find them here)—there is also a cute pink fluffy bunny-sized dragon, a horse named Pearl with an opalescent mane, minotaur-hybrid people with scythe-swords, plus bustling townships with lively cultural festivals and quaint inns [AND THEY HAVE ONLY ONE BED YOU KNOW WHAT I’M SAYING].
Furthermore, I’ll let you take a guess on if this motley crew evolves into a found family of sorts.
Anyway, the thing I really really loved was Zaira’s character. I can understand that some readers might interpret her eternal optimism as maybe gullible and even a bit of a goody two shoes. I was initially a little guilty of judging her to be a wee bit sanctimonious even. However, Zaira well and truly grew on me, as her character in turn grew, plus I ended up appreciating her kind nature and started perceiving her as hopeful rather than naïve.
Finally, I know people probably want the tea on the grouchy shadow daddy sorcerer assassin, Thane. Yep he’s a bit of an ass, but he’s a hot ass and he might possibly be like an onion with layers. Best for me to not elaborate and leave for you to discover.
So there you have it, that’s the vibe.
Highly recommend if you're tired of the overpowered chosen one trope, because Zaira our FMC is a very relatable mortal, just like all of us, who makes mistakes. Don't be fooled by her lack of magic and physical strength, she's strong in other ways, like being clever, intelligent and compassionate. And there is definitely a he saves her/she saves him/is capable of saving herself dynamic.
Also, if you go for the Los Angeles Lakers, you’re gonna appreciate the colour aesthetic in this world 🟣🌕
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!
﹏﹏﹏﹏
Sunshine FMC saving her sister from a soul devouring curse + unsmiling grumpy shadow daddy assassin = I think I'm gonna devour this.
However, fun is exactly the word I’d use to describe Mayhem and the Mortal. My five stars are appropriate for how much this book entertained me. Even the FMC, sunshiney Zaira Quinlocke says at one point: "I shouldn’t be having this much fun during a death journey." And she’s got a point.
Because there is a sentient murder forest with monsters, dangerous seas with creatures who might be so inclined to eat you AND steal your identity, and a few very mean, very powerful people. And that’s just scratching the surface.
And yet, I get what Zaira means. Because yes… this is a high stakes, perilous adventure quest romantasy. It’s a little bit Wizard of Oz, but make it grittier, gorier and more grim.
Nonetheless, there is a permeating sense of joy, whimsy and quirkiness throughout. It’s slightly serious and also slightly unserious.
And while everything is trying to kill Zaira and her ragtag band of beautiful, melanated misfits—(and there are definitely content warnings you should take note of, find them here)—there is also a cute pink fluffy bunny-sized dragon, a horse named Pearl with an opalescent mane, minotaur-hybrid people with scythe-swords, plus bustling townships with lively cultural festivals and quaint inns [AND THEY HAVE ONLY ONE BED YOU KNOW WHAT I’M SAYING].
Furthermore, I’ll let you take a guess on if this motley crew evolves into a found family of sorts.
Anyway, the thing I really really loved was Zaira’s character. I can understand that some readers might interpret her eternal optimism as maybe gullible and even a bit of a goody two shoes. I was initially a little guilty of judging her to be a wee bit sanctimonious even. However, Zaira well and truly grew on me, as her character in turn grew, plus I ended up appreciating her kind nature and started perceiving her as hopeful rather than naïve.
Finally, I know people probably want the tea on the grouchy shadow daddy sorcerer assassin, Thane. Yep he’s a bit of an ass, but he’s a hot ass and he might possibly be like an onion with layers. Best for me to not elaborate and leave for you to discover.
So there you have it, that’s the vibe.
Highly recommend if you're tired of the overpowered chosen one trope, because Zaira our FMC is a very relatable mortal, just like all of us, who makes mistakes. Don't be fooled by her lack of magic and physical strength, she's strong in other ways, like being clever, intelligent and compassionate. And there is definitely a he saves her/she saves him/is capable of saving herself dynamic.
Also, if you go for the Los Angeles Lakers, you’re gonna appreciate the colour aesthetic in this world 🟣🌕
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!
﹏﹏﹏﹏
Sunshine FMC saving her sister from a soul devouring curse + unsmiling grumpy shadow daddy assassin = I think I'm gonna devour this.
March 23, 2026
3.75
Mayhem and the Mortal had a lot of potential to be an exciting, adventurous fantasy with a romantic subplot, but for me it landed somewhere in the middle: enjoyable, but not exceptional.
The premise immediately drew me in: Zaira must save her sister from a soul-devouring curse by crossing the Shallows, a perilous land filled with magic, monsters, and shifting paths. Being accompanied by the dark, enigmatic sorcerer-assassin Thane added intrigue and slow-burn tension, and I really enjoyed their chemistry. Thane is possessive yet tender, attentive to Zaira in small ways (fixing her glasses was such a cute touch!), and the push-and-pull dynamic made the romance engaging. The found-family elements, humorous banter, and quirky companions like the thief Algar with his dragon Zephra and the minotaur Rynthea added charm and variety to the story.
That said, the book felt somewhat light on depth. Zaira’s kindness and optimism are central to her appeal, but her naivety and lack of agency at times made it hard for me to fully connect with her. I understand that it’s her first time facing such dangers and that she’s experimenting, but when someone with experience warns her not to do certain things, it felt strange that she still pushed forward. While I liked that she faced danger head-on, I wished her internal conflicts and backstory had been explored earlier to give her journey more weight. Similarly, the fantasy world is serviceable but not particularly imaginative, and the challenges they encounter often feel easily resolved, which reduces tension and stakes. In fact, there were so many encounters that the characters never really had a chance to connect on a deeper level before another monster appeared—and somehow they often ended up spending the night under a safe roof, which felt a bit too convenient.
Even though there are several darker elements throughout the story, the way everything is narrated and presented doesn’t really make it feel like a dark romance.
I also struggled with pacing. From the very start, you’re thrown into the story, and while this style works at times, there are parts that would have benefited from a slower pace. The story ends on a cliffhanger, clearly setting up the next installment, which makes me curious to continue, but this first book didn’t fully satisfy me on its own.
Overall, Mayhem and the Mortal is an adventurous, fun read with a sweet and spicy romance, charming companions, and an easy-to-follow plot. Fans of light romantasy with slow-burn heroes and found-family vibes will likely enjoy it. For me, though, the predictable plot, low stakes, and underdeveloped emotional arcs keep it from being a standout.
Thank you to the author and #ValentinePR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Mayhem and the Mortal had a lot of potential to be an exciting, adventurous fantasy with a romantic subplot, but for me it landed somewhere in the middle: enjoyable, but not exceptional.
The premise immediately drew me in: Zaira must save her sister from a soul-devouring curse by crossing the Shallows, a perilous land filled with magic, monsters, and shifting paths. Being accompanied by the dark, enigmatic sorcerer-assassin Thane added intrigue and slow-burn tension, and I really enjoyed their chemistry. Thane is possessive yet tender, attentive to Zaira in small ways (fixing her glasses was such a cute touch!), and the push-and-pull dynamic made the romance engaging. The found-family elements, humorous banter, and quirky companions like the thief Algar with his dragon Zephra and the minotaur Rynthea added charm and variety to the story.
That said, the book felt somewhat light on depth. Zaira’s kindness and optimism are central to her appeal, but her naivety and lack of agency at times made it hard for me to fully connect with her. I understand that it’s her first time facing such dangers and that she’s experimenting, but when someone with experience warns her not to do certain things, it felt strange that she still pushed forward. While I liked that she faced danger head-on, I wished her internal conflicts and backstory had been explored earlier to give her journey more weight. Similarly, the fantasy world is serviceable but not particularly imaginative, and the challenges they encounter often feel easily resolved, which reduces tension and stakes. In fact, there were so many encounters that the characters never really had a chance to connect on a deeper level before another monster appeared—and somehow they often ended up spending the night under a safe roof, which felt a bit too convenient.
Even though there are several darker elements throughout the story, the way everything is narrated and presented doesn’t really make it feel like a dark romance.
I also struggled with pacing. From the very start, you’re thrown into the story, and while this style works at times, there are parts that would have benefited from a slower pace. The story ends on a cliffhanger, clearly setting up the next installment, which makes me curious to continue, but this first book didn’t fully satisfy me on its own.
Overall, Mayhem and the Mortal is an adventurous, fun read with a sweet and spicy romance, charming companions, and an easy-to-follow plot. Fans of light romantasy with slow-burn heroes and found-family vibes will likely enjoy it. For me, though, the predictable plot, low stakes, and underdeveloped emotional arcs keep it from being a standout.
Thank you to the author and #ValentinePR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
March 29, 2026
This was such a fun read 😜✨🖤
A Black romantasy adventure with beasts, sorcerers, curses, and the ultimate shadow daddy 😮💨🖤✨
You’ve got lies, betrayal, found family, and a world that feels cozy but still dark 🌿✨ it honestly gave Wizard of Oz vibes🦁but with way higher stakes and a sprinkle of spice 👀🔥
This is PERFECT if you’re newer to romantasy but, still want something engaging and easy to get into. It’s super bingeable, the storyline is intriguing, and there’s always something happening ⚔️✨
Overall this was a super solid and fun read 🤍✨ and I’m really excited to see how the crew handles everything in book 2 because that ending??? yeah….👀🤫
Definitely a great romantasy to throw into your rotation 📚✨
A Black romantasy adventure with beasts, sorcerers, curses, and the ultimate shadow daddy 😮💨🖤✨
You’ve got lies, betrayal, found family, and a world that feels cozy but still dark 🌿✨ it honestly gave Wizard of Oz vibes🦁but with way higher stakes and a sprinkle of spice 👀🔥
This is PERFECT if you’re newer to romantasy but, still want something engaging and easy to get into. It’s super bingeable, the storyline is intriguing, and there’s always something happening ⚔️✨
Overall this was a super solid and fun read 🤍✨ and I’m really excited to see how the crew handles everything in book 2 because that ending??? yeah….👀🤫
Definitely a great romantasy to throw into your rotation 📚✨
May 16, 2026
I've been reading Shanora Williams since her dark romance days under her "S. Williams" pen name began ten years ago, because she is excellent and can write a mean thriller, but with MAYHEM AND THE MORTAL, I could just tell that she had a total blast working on this book. The writing pops off the page and it has so many fun tropes that will feel like Easter eggs to readers of the genre. It's also incredibly nostalgic. Reading this gave me the same buzzy feelings that Quest for Camelot did when I watched it for the first time.
Despite the found family tropes and the bespectacled baker protagonist, I would not quite qualify this as cozy romance, however. The book literally opens with the heroine, Zaira, finding out that her beloved sister has been cursed by a powerful sorcerer with a dark magic spell that will slowly eat her alive over the course of a month. Her only chance is to go to a dangerous temple, in the terrifying "Shallows," to find a purifying magic stone that will counter the curse. And of course, nobody who's gone there has ever survived.
Zaira hires a shadow daddy assassin to guide her past the death traps and the monsters but he's hiding something too, and their quest is eventually joined by a female minotaur who wants to save her inn, and a charismatic thief with a pink pet bunny-dragon. Part of this book is sword and sorcery shenanigans and playboy shape-shifter princes, and part of this book is witnessing child murder and talking about the ramifications of genocide. But! There's a bunny-dragon!
Despite the heavier themes, this was ultimately a feel-good adventure. It introduced me to a new trope I now love-- he fixes her broken glasses!-- and had some creative shadow sex-scenes that were worthy of multiple flame emojis. Also-- just in case you missed it-- there's a bunny-dragon. I'm not quite sure how you would categorize this tonally-- maybe high-stakes romantasy with hurt/comfort elements-- but however you'd classify it, it's cemented Williams as a favorite, auto-buy author of mine (although I will be writing a strongly worded letter to my therapist about that wicked ending).
Looking forward to the sequel I assume will be coming soon.
3.5 stars
Despite the found family tropes and the bespectacled baker protagonist, I would not quite qualify this as cozy romance, however. The book literally opens with the heroine, Zaira, finding out that her beloved sister has been cursed by a powerful sorcerer with a dark magic spell that will slowly eat her alive over the course of a month. Her only chance is to go to a dangerous temple, in the terrifying "Shallows," to find a purifying magic stone that will counter the curse. And of course, nobody who's gone there has ever survived.
Zaira hires a shadow daddy assassin to guide her past the death traps and the monsters but he's hiding something too, and their quest is eventually joined by a female minotaur who wants to save her inn, and a charismatic thief with a pink pet bunny-dragon. Part of this book is sword and sorcery shenanigans and playboy shape-shifter princes, and part of this book is witnessing child murder and talking about the ramifications of genocide. But! There's a bunny-dragon!
Despite the heavier themes, this was ultimately a feel-good adventure. It introduced me to a new trope I now love-- he fixes her broken glasses!-- and had some creative shadow sex-scenes that were worthy of multiple flame emojis. Also-- just in case you missed it-- there's a bunny-dragon. I'm not quite sure how you would categorize this tonally-- maybe high-stakes romantasy with hurt/comfort elements-- but however you'd classify it, it's cemented Williams as a favorite, auto-buy author of mine (although I will be writing a strongly worded letter to my therapist about that wicked ending).
Looking forward to the sequel I assume will be coming soon.
3.5 stars
April 7, 2026
Didnt finish after chapter 4. This book reads like it’s for 10-12 year olds. Although it did say the F word already, so I’m not sure.
It began so abruptly. There was no build up or anything. We are just suddenly in the story.
Let me go through how simple the story telling is that makes me feel like it’s geared toward children.
So Zairas sister hasn’t been seen for a few days. So zaira goes to her place of work to check on her. It’s supposedly the home of this extremely scary sorcerer. But zaira has no trouble just walking inside easily. She asks the first person she runs into if she knows where her sister is. And what do you know, the worker is like, ‘yes I know her and i know right where she is!’ Wow. How easy and convenient. So the sister is in the dungeon. There aren’t even any guards blocking the dungeon either. The worker is like ‘I actually wouldn’t go to the dungeon to get your sister if I were you.’ And zaira is like, ‘yea I’m going to.’ And the worker is like, ‘okay I’ll take you.’ and so she shows her the way haha
Zaira finds her sister and promises her she will try to help her remove the curse that’s on her. She leaves as easily as she got in.
So then she gets some books on breaking spells. Discovers she needs to get something from this dangerous forest and needs a bodyguard type person to do so.
She goes to this tavern to find this bodyguard she decided she needed, looks around, and is like, ‘hm I wonder if anyone in here would make a good bodyguard?’ Just then, wouldn’t you know it, in walks a guy who, according to zaira, looks just like the tough bodyguard she has been searching for for the last 30 seconds. How miraculous.
He is supposedly so scary that none of the men in the tavern want to even look at him. Yet zaira has no qualms about traipsing right up to him and asking him to help her. Because of course. I get that the author is trying to make some attempt at showing this girl as being feisty or whatever, but all it does is discredits this mysterious scary guy. He seems like a puppy dog to me with this setup.
So zaira asks him if he’ll help her, he says no and throws her out, but then one second later he hears her say she’s trying to defeat that evil sorcerer and he’s like, ‘oh wait okay now I’ll help you’. Hahahahaha
This is all in only 3 chapters. Everything is so perfectly set up that it becomes funny. Again, I feel like I’m reading a book for children. Why is everything coming so easily and so unrealistically. The story is so straightforward. I bet if zaira would have looked around seferin’s place for a few more minutes when she was there at first, she would have found a ‘how to break one of my spells and free a captive’ guidebook written by Seferin.🤪
I just don’t get what the rush is. This book is 400 pages and we aren’t setting up the story properly?
I don’t like zaira. I don’t like Thane. They don’t feel like true characters. They feel like the author is trying to make them be certain people, but not doing a great job with it. zaira is just coming across as annoying instead of “feisty” and the mystery guy is coming across as a wannabe tough guy. The author wanted us to think he is scary, but discredits this with his easygoing meeting with zaira.
It’s just not for me. If you have very young readers they may like this. Although, again, I’m not sure if it’s actually geared toward young readers or if the author just doesn’t know how to weave a tale with layers and backstory and twists and turns. Where nothing goes as planned and everything is unexpected.
It began so abruptly. There was no build up or anything. We are just suddenly in the story.
Let me go through how simple the story telling is that makes me feel like it’s geared toward children.
So Zairas sister hasn’t been seen for a few days. So zaira goes to her place of work to check on her. It’s supposedly the home of this extremely scary sorcerer. But zaira has no trouble just walking inside easily. She asks the first person she runs into if she knows where her sister is. And what do you know, the worker is like, ‘yes I know her and i know right where she is!’ Wow. How easy and convenient. So the sister is in the dungeon. There aren’t even any guards blocking the dungeon either. The worker is like ‘I actually wouldn’t go to the dungeon to get your sister if I were you.’ And zaira is like, ‘yea I’m going to.’ And the worker is like, ‘okay I’ll take you.’ and so she shows her the way haha
Zaira finds her sister and promises her she will try to help her remove the curse that’s on her. She leaves as easily as she got in.
So then she gets some books on breaking spells. Discovers she needs to get something from this dangerous forest and needs a bodyguard type person to do so.
She goes to this tavern to find this bodyguard she decided she needed, looks around, and is like, ‘hm I wonder if anyone in here would make a good bodyguard?’ Just then, wouldn’t you know it, in walks a guy who, according to zaira, looks just like the tough bodyguard she has been searching for for the last 30 seconds. How miraculous.
He is supposedly so scary that none of the men in the tavern want to even look at him. Yet zaira has no qualms about traipsing right up to him and asking him to help her. Because of course. I get that the author is trying to make some attempt at showing this girl as being feisty or whatever, but all it does is discredits this mysterious scary guy. He seems like a puppy dog to me with this setup.
So zaira asks him if he’ll help her, he says no and throws her out, but then one second later he hears her say she’s trying to defeat that evil sorcerer and he’s like, ‘oh wait okay now I’ll help you’. Hahahahaha
This is all in only 3 chapters. Everything is so perfectly set up that it becomes funny. Again, I feel like I’m reading a book for children. Why is everything coming so easily and so unrealistically. The story is so straightforward. I bet if zaira would have looked around seferin’s place for a few more minutes when she was there at first, she would have found a ‘how to break one of my spells and free a captive’ guidebook written by Seferin.🤪
I just don’t get what the rush is. This book is 400 pages and we aren’t setting up the story properly?
I don’t like zaira. I don’t like Thane. They don’t feel like true characters. They feel like the author is trying to make them be certain people, but not doing a great job with it. zaira is just coming across as annoying instead of “feisty” and the mystery guy is coming across as a wannabe tough guy. The author wanted us to think he is scary, but discredits this with his easygoing meeting with zaira.
It’s just not for me. If you have very young readers they may like this. Although, again, I’m not sure if it’s actually geared toward young readers or if the author just doesn’t know how to weave a tale with layers and backstory and twists and turns. Where nothing goes as planned and everything is unexpected.
March 30, 2026
Fun high fantasy!!
Did Not Finish
April 11, 2026I DNFd Mayhem and the Mortal at 56%. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I was so excited, and Shanora is an auto buy author for me at this point, so I was going to pick this up regardless. With that said, I just didn't gel with the characters, at the point that I was in the plot, it felt like waiting around for something to happen, and I had a feeling that the enemies to lovers—which was more like major dislike than enemies—was about to pivot to instalove. That man needed to grovel and atone, Your Honor!
I will still be reading more from Shanora and look forward to seeing what kind of Romantasy she cooks up next!
Thank you to the author and Red Tower Books for the physical galley and ARC.
I will still be reading more from Shanora and look forward to seeing what kind of Romantasy she cooks up next!
Thank you to the author and Red Tower Books for the physical galley and ARC.
March 30, 2026
4.5 STARS
Y'ALL THIS SLAYED. BLACK WOMEN JUST DO IT BETTER WHAT CAN I SAY???
Y'ALL THIS SLAYED. BLACK WOMEN JUST DO IT BETTER WHAT CAN I SAY???
March 18, 2026
4.25 stars!!
[I’ll say more later]
SN: this is not enemies to lovers, it’s grumpy sunshine or bicker to lovers at most
[I’ll say more later]
SN: this is not enemies to lovers, it’s grumpy sunshine or bicker to lovers at most
March 12, 2026
I love a good quest fantasy, and this one absolutely delivered. The world felt rich and dangerous, filled with some of the coolest beasts and unique creatures I’ve read about in a while. Shanora Williams created a setting that felt vivid and alive, and it made the journey feel even more immersive.
The story follows Zaira, who sets out on a dangerous mission to save her sister from a soul-devouring curse. To do it, she hires Thane Valkor to guide her across the deadly Shallows which is place full of shifting paths, ruined magic, and terrifying creatures. The stakes are high from the start, and the pacing kept me turning pages the entire time.
I really loved Zaira as a main character. She’s resilient, determined, and refuses to give up even when everything seems stacked against her. Watching her navigate this brutal world was one of my favorite parts of the story.
The romance is a slow burn, but the tension between Zaira and Thane is so good. Their dynamic adds another layer to the story without taking away from the adventure and danger of the quest.
Overall, this was such a fun read it was fast paced, never boring, and packed with tension and adventure. If you enjoy quest-driven fantasy with dangerous journeys, unique creatures, and a slow-burn romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.
March 1, 2026
Thank you to Red Tower Books for the gifted ARC!
I am a BIG Shanora Williams thriller fan, and now that I've started getting into romantasy, I was so excited to hear she had a debut book in the genre. It was even MORE exciting to receive a fun PR box for this book.
Unsurprisingly, Williams delivered another banger. I loved the world she built, and all the characters were very well-developed. I grew particularly attached to Algar and Zephra (IYKYK).
The tension between our two main characters was *chefs kiss*, and the spicy scenes were spicingggg. I loved everything about Zaira and Thane.
The CLIFFHANGER though!!! I am so excited that it indicates there will likely be another book in this series, but that was a BRUTAL way to end the book!
If you are a fan of the romantasy genre, I HIGHLY recommend Mayhem and the Mortal. Pub date: March 17.
I am a BIG Shanora Williams thriller fan, and now that I've started getting into romantasy, I was so excited to hear she had a debut book in the genre. It was even MORE exciting to receive a fun PR box for this book.
Unsurprisingly, Williams delivered another banger. I loved the world she built, and all the characters were very well-developed. I grew particularly attached to Algar and Zephra (IYKYK).
The tension between our two main characters was *chefs kiss*, and the spicy scenes were spicingggg. I loved everything about Zaira and Thane.
The CLIFFHANGER though!!! I am so excited that it indicates there will likely be another book in this series, but that was a BRUTAL way to end the book!
If you are a fan of the romantasy genre, I HIGHLY recommend Mayhem and the Mortal. Pub date: March 17.
September 11, 2026
Priorities got a little blurry once the 🍆 entered the equation but I can’t blame her!
Buddy read with bestie Kendall😙
Buddy read with bestie Kendall😙
April 12, 2026
2.5⭐️ (rounded up) - I really enjoyed the unique plot and the adventure throughout the story. The characters felt a bit underdeveloped, and I really wanted more backstory and clearer motivations behind their journey. The world building also felt flat, with just enough detail to carry the plot forward but not enough to fully immerse me. Overall it’s a cute, cozy, low stakes fantasy that makes for a light and easy read.
March 23, 2026
This was okay. Very predictable and low stakes drama. Ends on a cheesy cliffhanger. I did like the POC characters, that part felt very well done. This is NOT enemies to lovers- this was more mild dislike to insta love 🫣 if this story was about Algar and his deep sea biology I’d enjoy it much more. Sea dragons? So cool.
March 9, 2026
Dear Shanora Williams,
I would like to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for introducing me to black romantic fantasy. I’ll just be honest and admit that I didn’t know it existed. I could not get enough of Mayhem and the Mortal. I’m definitely going to have to check out your other fantasy and romance books.
Now, as I mentioned, I didn’t know black romantic fantasy was a thing, and that’s what initially drew me to Mayhem and the Mortal. The first line of books are important, and I was definitely drawn to the story because of your first line. You had me wondering what it meant and what was going to happen. The first meeting between Zaira Quinlocke and Thane Valkor was so funny that I couldn’t stop the cackle that came out of me. Then I proceeded to feel a little awkward on Zaira’s behalf. But it was definitely funny.
I loved that you wrote a fantasy romance where the heroine was just a girl. You didn’t give her fighting skills, extraordinary powers, or have her tasked with saving her realm. Zaira is just a mortal baker with the purest of trusting hearts, who simply wants to save her cursed older sister, Analla. Your hero Thane. Oh. This man has being a bassbowl down to a tee. But I love that about him. While he is a sorcerer and a highly-skilled assassin, I think actually taking someone’s life weighs on him. Unlike others, he doesn’t do it for fun. Thane is a troubled soul, and the backstory you’ve written for him is sad, tragic, and touching. Thane is all brooding and dark, whereas Zaira is light and airy, a ray of sunshine.
I also loved the secondary cast of characters you surrounded Zaira and Thane with. Like Zaira and Thane, these characters own a piece of my heart.
You did a wonderful job of making this an adventurous story with dangerous moments, while making it fun, with banter between this mismatched group of characters. The fact that along the way they unknowingly became a found family was truly special. Thane and Zaira have this magnetic pull between them. I knew the book was supposed to be spicy, but wow. That third-hand scene was something. Oh my god. You gave Zaira glasses! The fact that you made her have the idiosyncrasy of actually having glass made me feel seen.
In case I wasn't clear before, I loved Mayhem and the Mortal. The last sentence. Oh. That last sentence got me. I’m excited that this is the first book in a trilogy. I am going to be anxiously waiting for news of the sequel. I really think this series has the potential to be one of my favorite series. I’m sure this story is going to live rent-free in my mind for years to come.
Wishing you and Mayhem and the Mortal much success.
Kim
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Apologies are only necessary when regret is felt.”
“Actions will always speak much louder than words.”
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover edition.**
I would like to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for introducing me to black romantic fantasy. I’ll just be honest and admit that I didn’t know it existed. I could not get enough of Mayhem and the Mortal. I’m definitely going to have to check out your other fantasy and romance books.
Now, as I mentioned, I didn’t know black romantic fantasy was a thing, and that’s what initially drew me to Mayhem and the Mortal. The first line of books are important, and I was definitely drawn to the story because of your first line. You had me wondering what it meant and what was going to happen. The first meeting between Zaira Quinlocke and Thane Valkor was so funny that I couldn’t stop the cackle that came out of me. Then I proceeded to feel a little awkward on Zaira’s behalf. But it was definitely funny.
I loved that you wrote a fantasy romance where the heroine was just a girl. You didn’t give her fighting skills, extraordinary powers, or have her tasked with saving her realm. Zaira is just a mortal baker with the purest of trusting hearts, who simply wants to save her cursed older sister, Analla. Your hero Thane. Oh. This man has being a bassbowl down to a tee. But I love that about him. While he is a sorcerer and a highly-skilled assassin, I think actually taking someone’s life weighs on him. Unlike others, he doesn’t do it for fun. Thane is a troubled soul, and the backstory you’ve written for him is sad, tragic, and touching. Thane is all brooding and dark, whereas Zaira is light and airy, a ray of sunshine.
I also loved the secondary cast of characters you surrounded Zaira and Thane with. Like Zaira and Thane, these characters own a piece of my heart.
You did a wonderful job of making this an adventurous story with dangerous moments, while making it fun, with banter between this mismatched group of characters. The fact that along the way they unknowingly became a found family was truly special. Thane and Zaira have this magnetic pull between them. I knew the book was supposed to be spicy, but wow. That third-hand scene was something. Oh my god. You gave Zaira glasses! The fact that you made her have the idiosyncrasy of actually having glass made me feel seen.
In case I wasn't clear before, I loved Mayhem and the Mortal. The last sentence. Oh. That last sentence got me. I’m excited that this is the first book in a trilogy. I am going to be anxiously waiting for news of the sequel. I really think this series has the potential to be one of my favorite series. I’m sure this story is going to live rent-free in my mind for years to come.
Wishing you and Mayhem and the Mortal much success.
Kim
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Apologies are only necessary when regret is felt.”
“Actions will always speak much louder than words.”
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover edition.**
February 28, 2026
This book will leave you eager to know what happens next by the end. This book is an adventure/traveling book. It starts off either the fmc journeying to find and save her sister. Along the way she meets the mmc who is very rebellious and mysterious and each on their own reasons team up for this mission. I liked ghe world I think it was creative and involved a variety of creatures, magic systems and interesting world building. I really liked the journey plot/sequence and how the MCs met more characters on the way that later became found family. This book has intrigue, adventure, danger, betrayal, curses and so on. The romance was full of tension and even though the mmc had to grow on me due to his overly grumpy vibes I was rooting for them to get together. There are a few steamy scenes with lots of chemistry and some spice. The last like 20 percent of the book had a lot of movement in the sister plot which set up the next book quite well. I definitely recommend this book for my romantasy lovers, thanks to Red Tower and this author for the arc!
March 19, 2026
just okay
This one didn’t do it for me. It has all of the things you’d expect in a fantasy. A quest. A relic. Some battle along the way. A broody morally grey MMC. A kind and naive FMC. One bed trope. But to me it just felt like words on paper. I was bored. Even with all the action going on, I felt no excitement while reading it. Very low stakes and I never felt on edge until the very end. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the main characters. Sometimes the dialogue also felt very modern. I did like the characters and featured creatures we get to meet along the way. Love that the fmc wears glasses. Thane was Mr. Get It Done. He was going to protect Zaira at all costs. Zaira was so naive. Omg. The plot twist did get me at the end. The last 10% was the best part of the book. This technically doesn’t end with a HEA.
I wish there was a glossary.
This one didn’t do it for me. It has all of the things you’d expect in a fantasy. A quest. A relic. Some battle along the way. A broody morally grey MMC. A kind and naive FMC. One bed trope. But to me it just felt like words on paper. I was bored. Even with all the action going on, I felt no excitement while reading it. Very low stakes and I never felt on edge until the very end. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the main characters. Sometimes the dialogue also felt very modern. I did like the characters and featured creatures we get to meet along the way. Love that the fmc wears glasses. Thane was Mr. Get It Done. He was going to protect Zaira at all costs. Zaira was so naive. Omg. The plot twist did get me at the end. The last 10% was the best part of the book. This technically doesn’t end with a HEA.
I wish there was a glossary.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an adventure! 😅 Mayhem and the Mortal definitely has its moments of chaos! If you are a reader of Shanora Williams, her humor is there even in this romantasy!
I wasn't sure what the outcome of Zaira picking Thane, who's a dark assassin, as her travel partner would be. While I was rooting for the crew to make it to their final destination, there were some moments I was like, "Oh no! Here's the end!" Each stop on their journey offers something different & unexpected. That alone kept me invested!
The world building of Thelanor & the magic system are easy to understand. The amounts of romance and fantasy were balanced where one doesn't overshadow the other. The pacing overall was great!
Let's talk about Thane 🩷.. my new shadow daddy! I love a multi layered, mysterious man who isn't afraid to fight for what he wants! I enjoyed trying to figure him out!
Even minor characters stood out & had reason for "being". (Zephra, I'm looking at you! 🤭) There was something to love with everyone involved.
The ending?! Is there going to be more? It's possible to continue this on - I'm here for it, if so!
Thank you to Shanora Williams and Entangled/Red Tower Books for the gifted ARC! 🩷
I wasn't sure what the outcome of Zaira picking Thane, who's a dark assassin, as her travel partner would be. While I was rooting for the crew to make it to their final destination, there were some moments I was like, "Oh no! Here's the end!" Each stop on their journey offers something different & unexpected. That alone kept me invested!
The world building of Thelanor & the magic system are easy to understand. The amounts of romance and fantasy were balanced where one doesn't overshadow the other. The pacing overall was great!
Let's talk about Thane 🩷.. my new shadow daddy! I love a multi layered, mysterious man who isn't afraid to fight for what he wants! I enjoyed trying to figure him out!
Even minor characters stood out & had reason for "being". (Zephra, I'm looking at you! 🤭) There was something to love with everyone involved.
The ending?! Is there going to be more? It's possible to continue this on - I'm here for it, if so!
Thank you to Shanora Williams and Entangled/Red Tower Books for the gifted ARC! 🩷
July 7, 2026
Shanora Williams, the storyteller you are
The action, the world building, the characters, the sex scenes, that damn cliffhanger at the end - Shanora Williams is truly a phenomenal storyteller. She has a unique way of writing different genre’s and pulling you in each time. This book was no different. I need the follow up to come out like, yesterday though!
The action, the world building, the characters, the sex scenes, that damn cliffhanger at the end - Shanora Williams is truly a phenomenal storyteller. She has a unique way of writing different genre’s and pulling you in each time. This book was no different. I need the follow up to come out like, yesterday though!
March 22, 2026
Love a Black Fantasy read. I really enjoy this one it was easy to follow and with that “cliffhanger” I wonder how book 2 will go.
April 5, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ very cute and cozy
March 14, 2026
This book had everything that I love about romantasy in it. A dangerous quest, one bed, shadow magic 👀 I loved everything about this but I was NOT prepared for that ending at all y’all
🗡️ shadow assassin x mortal
🗡️ only one bed
🗡️ he saves her
🗡️ hidden motives
🗡️ dislike to lovers
🗡️ shadow assassin x mortal
🗡️ only one bed
🗡️ he saves her
🗡️ hidden motives
🗡️ dislike to lovers
March 20, 2026
High stakes, big adventure, slow burn romance. That ending!! I can't wait for more!!
March 25, 2026
OH. MY. ORVENA.
From the beginning, I knew I was in for a ride, but I didn’t expect to get so attached to the entire crew. Every character added something that pulled me into their world. Oh my Orvena and The Shadows will live rent-free in my mind for weeks.
I loved how Zaira and Thane’s relationship development from morally gray to enemies-to-lovers. Zaira made some wild decisions and was definitely naive at times, but her love and loyalty to her sister never wavered.
Now that ending, OH. MY. ORVENA. I’m still processing.
From the beginning, I knew I was in for a ride, but I didn’t expect to get so attached to the entire crew. Every character added something that pulled me into their world. Oh my Orvena and The Shadows will live rent-free in my mind for weeks.
I loved how Zaira and Thane’s relationship development from morally gray to enemies-to-lovers. Zaira made some wild decisions and was definitely naive at times, but her love and loyalty to her sister never wavered.
Now that ending, OH. MY. ORVENA. I’m still processing.
February 25, 2026
I want to thank the author and Entangled Publishing for the ARC and PR box for this book! It’s my first novel by Shanora Williams and I can’t wait for more.
This book drew me in on page one. The world building, character development, action pack scenes, and some of the greatest plot twists you don’t see coming keep you invested in Zaira’s mission to save her cursed sister from death. There were so many moments where I was like “are you kidding me” and keep turning the pages.
I hope to learn more about the side characters because they bought so much to the story: Humor, complicated backstories, joy, and frustration.
Zaira and Thane bring this energy that has you rooting for them to overcome the circumstances that brought them together. The push and pull with the will they or won’t they angst… undeniable chemistry that leaves you questioning if someone showing up and holding space with you is enough to change your guarded heart.
You’ll want to grab this on 3/17!
This book drew me in on page one. The world building, character development, action pack scenes, and some of the greatest plot twists you don’t see coming keep you invested in Zaira’s mission to save her cursed sister from death. There were so many moments where I was like “are you kidding me” and keep turning the pages.
I hope to learn more about the side characters because they bought so much to the story: Humor, complicated backstories, joy, and frustration.
Zaira and Thane bring this energy that has you rooting for them to overcome the circumstances that brought them together. The push and pull with the will they or won’t they angst… undeniable chemistry that leaves you questioning if someone showing up and holding space with you is enough to change your guarded heart.
You’ll want to grab this on 3/17!
April 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ About dang time the main characters are POC in a romantasy!! Loved the MC’s dynamics! This was enjoyable but it was predictable and lacked depth at times.
I tried so hard, I really did to ignore it, but Thane was the name of the kid who mercilessly bullied me in school…🫠
I tried so hard, I really did to ignore it, but Thane was the name of the kid who mercilessly bullied me in school…🫠
March 17, 2026
3.5⭐️ If you want a cozy adventure fantasy that hooks you right away and feels like you’re going on a little quest with friends…this is the book!
This story had that perfect “just one more chapter” feel . The pacing moves fast enough that you’re never bored, but it still gives you time to enjoy the characters and the world .
Overall this was a FUN time. Sometimes you want a fantasy that’s epic and dense…and sometimes you want one that’s entertaining, adventurous, and makes you smile while reading. This definitely delivered that! 🙂↕️💕
This story had that perfect “just one more chapter” feel . The pacing moves fast enough that you’re never bored, but it still gives you time to enjoy the characters and the world .
Overall this was a FUN time. Sometimes you want a fantasy that’s epic and dense…and sometimes you want one that’s entertaining, adventurous, and makes you smile while reading. This definitely delivered that! 🙂↕️💕
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much Entangled Publishing for sending me this ARC!
Mayhem and the Mortal is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and after loving Shanora's previous romantasy series I had really big hopes for this book and omg it was even better than I expected, I loved this story and Zaira and Thane so much!
When Zaira’s sister is cursed and thrown into a dungeon, Zaira has a month to try to break the curse or her sister dies. Her only hope is a magical crystal only found in The Shallows and hardly anyone survives the journey. To help her chances, Zaira hires Thane to help her get there, but the handsome, grumpy and deadly sorcerer has his own agendas and even with more people joining them on the way, the survival isn’t guaranteed with sorcerers and magical creatures trying to kill them.
I knew I was going to love this book but wow, Shanora really outdid herself with this one and I had so much fun reading it. The world building, magic system, humor, murders, banter, quest, plot twists, romance, I loved it all so much and the amazing characters made it all so much better. The plot was really interesting and perfectly paced, I literally couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one sitting, I loved exploring this fascinating world. Zaira was an incredible FMC, she might have seem a bit naive in the beginning, but she grew a lot in this book and I loved how she never gave up and never lost her optimism even with everything they were all going through, she was the heart of this book. Thane was the morally grey, grumpy, mysterious assassin with tragic backstory that I always love in romantasy books and he was written perfectly, I loved learning about him and seeing him slowly start trusting and caring about others. Both he and Zaira were really stubborn and it definitely wasn’t a love at first sight for them, I loved their slow burn dislike to lovers relationship, I could feel the tension and angst between them and loved their banter and when they finally gave in to their attraction they made me swoon and blush a few times, they might have been polar opposites but were perfect for each other. And of course I also loved Rynthea, Algar and Zephra, these three and Zaira and Thane made such a beautiful found family and I loved reading about them and their dynamics, I already can’t wait to see them all again.
Mayhem and the Mortal is an incredible romantasy book, I absolutely loved it and recommend it to everyone. I already can’t wait for book 2!
Mayhem and the Mortal is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and after loving Shanora's previous romantasy series I had really big hopes for this book and omg it was even better than I expected, I loved this story and Zaira and Thane so much!
When Zaira’s sister is cursed and thrown into a dungeon, Zaira has a month to try to break the curse or her sister dies. Her only hope is a magical crystal only found in The Shallows and hardly anyone survives the journey. To help her chances, Zaira hires Thane to help her get there, but the handsome, grumpy and deadly sorcerer has his own agendas and even with more people joining them on the way, the survival isn’t guaranteed with sorcerers and magical creatures trying to kill them.
I knew I was going to love this book but wow, Shanora really outdid herself with this one and I had so much fun reading it. The world building, magic system, humor, murders, banter, quest, plot twists, romance, I loved it all so much and the amazing characters made it all so much better. The plot was really interesting and perfectly paced, I literally couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one sitting, I loved exploring this fascinating world. Zaira was an incredible FMC, she might have seem a bit naive in the beginning, but she grew a lot in this book and I loved how she never gave up and never lost her optimism even with everything they were all going through, she was the heart of this book. Thane was the morally grey, grumpy, mysterious assassin with tragic backstory that I always love in romantasy books and he was written perfectly, I loved learning about him and seeing him slowly start trusting and caring about others. Both he and Zaira were really stubborn and it definitely wasn’t a love at first sight for them, I loved their slow burn dislike to lovers relationship, I could feel the tension and angst between them and loved their banter and when they finally gave in to their attraction they made me swoon and blush a few times, they might have been polar opposites but were perfect for each other. And of course I also loved Rynthea, Algar and Zephra, these three and Zaira and Thane made such a beautiful found family and I loved reading about them and their dynamics, I already can’t wait to see them all again.
Mayhem and the Mortal is an incredible romantasy book, I absolutely loved it and recommend it to everyone. I already can’t wait for book 2!
May 20, 2026
This simply wasn’t for me. Or I wasn’t in the mood for it at the time of read. To be honest I felt like I had to read it because I had it taken out on Libby. Mean while I had other books I wanted to read. I pushed through it because I didn’t want to DNF it but I should have done so. It just played as back ground noise for me. Maybe I’ll come back to it at another time with more interest to want to actually read it.
March 5, 2026
You can find this review of Mayhem and the Mortal on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of Mayhem and the Mortal in exchange for an honest review!
This book came on a journey with me. From two trips, one event, trains, restaurants, car rides to night time wind-down reading, Mayhem and the Mortal has been through it all with me.
I have read this book in nearly any social situation you can think up of. Despite it being a two week journey I took with this book—simply because I was so busy, not anything to do with the book—I was somehow always in touch with it. Even when I went through a small slump (that zi often experience from travelling, being so busy and exhausted) I knew I was going to be perfectly fine because Shanora Williams’ book was waiting for me.
MatM begins in a way that draws you in immediately. I love books like this as much as I love books that let me unravel them to reveal the treasure they hide. Strangely … now that I think about it, this book might just be a bit of both. It was quick to draw you in, even while it slowly unveils the true depth of its story with the turn of every page.
The writing is usually the first aspect of any book that I’m quick to notice. It usually shapes my experience with, and influences my journey through, the book. Williams’ writing was a breeze for me. I stepped right into the metaphorical waters of her writing and was happy to stay in there until the end. The temperature was perfect, the night was cool, the place was mine and the time was abundant. *floats in the magical feeling created by Willaims*
(Can you tell I’m a Piscean?)
The book was based in a fantastical world, but somehow the writing felt like it was something that I would encounter in a contemporary novel, and I mean this as a compliment! There was something about it that made it feel more real than a fantasy book typically would and I enjoyed that aspect of the book very much.
The world in this book is wonderfully different even while still being mildly familiar. There are some themes to it we may have heard of, or seen, in other stories, movies or books before. But the author has taken them and made them something that has never been seen before—as far as I know. The world building does take awhile to expand and when it does, it does so in a way that’s intertwined with one of the main character’s life. It’s a bit easy to miss out on one while focusing on the other, so do ensure you’re taking in both as you read.
The pace was extremely even for the most part, save for a small portion between the 60-70% where I felt a mild dip in the rhythm of the story. Usually when this happens, it means the author is building to something, adding in details, creating tension and marking the beginning of a new chapter in the MC’s life and I do think that’s what was happening in MatM too. It also allows the readers to feel a mild lull before the storm hits. And it does. Believe me.
The characters are the backbone of any book, in any story. Mayhem and the Mortal is no exception. The connections made in this book are extremely interesting! It’s a found family trope but it’s so, so different at the same time. There’s one line in the book (that I’ve quoted above) that perfectly describes the connections in this story. You love every single one of them but there’s so much more to see, so much more they need to do before they become a true family. But we see glimpses of the potential they have to be and become something very special. I can’t wait to see how they grow together. Or if they do.
The plot of the book is established pretty early in the story, however, I feel that what we see in this book is simply the very first steps that we’ve taken in Williams’ world and there is a lot more to unpack and witness. If I’m not wrong, book two, is likely going to be a lot darker and a lot more serious than this.
Around 50% or so into the book, I remember feeling my heart break. This book is here for you to feel everything. Be prepared for it.
Four and a half stars! There are themes in this book that can be difficult for some, so please check trigger warnings as always!
A big shout out and thank you to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of Mayhem and the Mortal in exchange for an honest review!
This book came on a journey with me. From two trips, one event, trains, restaurants, car rides to night time wind-down reading, Mayhem and the Mortal has been through it all with me.
I have read this book in nearly any social situation you can think up of. Despite it being a two week journey I took with this book—simply because I was so busy, not anything to do with the book—I was somehow always in touch with it. Even when I went through a small slump (that zi often experience from travelling, being so busy and exhausted) I knew I was going to be perfectly fine because Shanora Williams’ book was waiting for me.
MatM begins in a way that draws you in immediately. I love books like this as much as I love books that let me unravel them to reveal the treasure they hide. Strangely … now that I think about it, this book might just be a bit of both. It was quick to draw you in, even while it slowly unveils the true depth of its story with the turn of every page.
The writing is usually the first aspect of any book that I’m quick to notice. It usually shapes my experience with, and influences my journey through, the book. Williams’ writing was a breeze for me. I stepped right into the metaphorical waters of her writing and was happy to stay in there until the end. The temperature was perfect, the night was cool, the place was mine and the time was abundant. *floats in the magical feeling created by Willaims*
(Can you tell I’m a Piscean?)
The book was based in a fantastical world, but somehow the writing felt like it was something that I would encounter in a contemporary novel, and I mean this as a compliment! There was something about it that made it feel more real than a fantasy book typically would and I enjoyed that aspect of the book very much.
The world in this book is wonderfully different even while still being mildly familiar. There are some themes to it we may have heard of, or seen, in other stories, movies or books before. But the author has taken them and made them something that has never been seen before—as far as I know. The world building does take awhile to expand and when it does, it does so in a way that’s intertwined with one of the main character’s life. It’s a bit easy to miss out on one while focusing on the other, so do ensure you’re taking in both as you read.
The pace was extremely even for the most part, save for a small portion between the 60-70% where I felt a mild dip in the rhythm of the story. Usually when this happens, it means the author is building to something, adding in details, creating tension and marking the beginning of a new chapter in the MC’s life and I do think that’s what was happening in MatM too. It also allows the readers to feel a mild lull before the storm hits. And it does. Believe me.
The characters are the backbone of any book, in any story. Mayhem and the Mortal is no exception. The connections made in this book are extremely interesting! It’s a found family trope but it’s so, so different at the same time. There’s one line in the book (that I’ve quoted above) that perfectly describes the connections in this story. You love every single one of them but there’s so much more to see, so much more they need to do before they become a true family. But we see glimpses of the potential they have to be and become something very special. I can’t wait to see how they grow together. Or if they do.
The plot of the book is established pretty early in the story, however, I feel that what we see in this book is simply the very first steps that we’ve taken in Williams’ world and there is a lot more to unpack and witness. If I’m not wrong, book two, is likely going to be a lot darker and a lot more serious than this.
Around 50% or so into the book, I remember feeling my heart break. This book is here for you to feel everything. Be prepared for it.
Four and a half stars! There are themes in this book that can be difficult for some, so please check trigger warnings as always!
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