Shaedes of Beasts

by Jenny Grimes

Shaedes of Beasts is the third book in the Soul Magic Series, and will delight all lovers of dark romantasy, complicated characters, colorful world building, and epic magic. This is the hangover cure to the Fourth Wing and ACOTAR series!

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Dark Fantasy

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Jenny Grimes writes fantasy romance novels that focus on the blurred lines between worlds, the darkness you’ll find in all of them, and the love that resides there too. She creates her characters and spins her stories from her home in the human realm, where she raises her three little book dragons with her husband, and spends a healthy amount of time reading, travelling, and creating art.

Reviews

[Racy_Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why does Jenny Grimes do this to me?
Better question: Why do I let her?
Real answer: Because I’m a glutton for her wicked, soul-splitting storytelling, and I like being emotionally obliterated.

Shaedes of Beasts absolutely wrecked me—again. I should’ve known better. I should’ve prepared. I should’ve worn emotional armor and maybe had a priest on standby. But no. I dove in, wide-eyed and eager, just begging for that next hit of her dark romantasy brilliance.

Opal? Still shattered.
Edmyn and Farris? Still ruinous in all the best ways.
The new purple Shaede? A deliciously dangerous twist.
The emotional damage? Catastrophic.

This book didn’t just tug at my heartstrings—it yanked them out, braided them together, set them on fire, and then handed me a crown made of ash. The trauma, the healing, the pain, the desire. The SCARS. It’s all so raw and so beautiful. Jenny Grimes writes characters with wounds that feel real—and then gives you just enough light to make hope hurt.

And the why choose? Don’t even get me started. It’s not a trope here—it’s an ache. A devotion. A punishment I willingly endure because her cast is just that magnetic. I need every one of them.

I laughed. I cried. I screamed into a pillow.
Then I sat there, destroyed and whispering, “She did it again.”

Jenny Grimes doesn’t write books. She writes beautifully brutal emotional experiences I can’t quit. And honestly? I don’t want to.

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Jenny for entrusting me with an early copy!

Modern day romantasy
Why choose, found family, unique color magic system, expanding world building, traumatic pasts, court politics, talking animals, betrayal, secrets and twists, forgiveness and self acceptance

Vague spoilers for series as a whole - because hey it's book 3 🤣

We start book 3 with Opal still dealing with the darkness that is becoming a part of her, but Edmyn and Farris doing a pretty darn good job at distracting her. It has been some time since the events of book 2, and we get a new oddity with unexpected guests who come seeking the shaedes' aid. Everyone is a bit shocked the talking beasts are here since they are so reclusive and something isn't quite adding up with their story. There is also a new face seeking Opal's attention. What will Opal do with this new handsome shaede urging her to be her darker self?

First, I just love Opal, Edmund, and Farris together! I love their commitment to each other and how they have become a unit that we get some peeks into! And I adore how Edmyn and Farris are 100% all in with their girl! We get Farris dealing with someone from his past and having to make some hard decisions. Then we also get the mysterious beasts who everyone feels are hiding something. Oh and the new suitor who is trying to worm their way into Opal's arms. And more! The found family is wonderful even when there are definitely struggles happening. But they have each other for support and that is one of the things I love the most about found families! I enjoyed getting more of Glory in this one too. The story had me guessing and feeling all the things! I'm looking forward to the next book!

[theshadyivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦

✨✨✨ Shaedes of Beasts by Jenny Grimes (@author.jennygrimes), is the third novel in the Soul Magic series. ✨✨✨

Dedication: To the ones whose hearts truly desire peace… but also crave a little chaos.

Tropes:
🔥 Dark Romantasy
🔥 Portal Magic
🔥 Unique Magic System
🔥 Extensive World Building
🔥 Faeries & Vampires
🔥 Dragons & Wizards
🔥 Fated love
🔥 High stakes
🔥 Color magic
🔥 Spice and Plot
🔥 MFM, FM

Jenny has done it again. Shaedes of Beasts is a fever dream of a book — lush, layered, and laced with longing. If you thought Shaedes of Fire burned and Shaedes of Power ruled, this one? It devours.

We return to Opal, shattered but not silenced, navigating a world that refuses to let her rest. The peace bought in Corynthia is fragile, and the beasts of Jovii’s Isle are stirring. Add in a mysterious purple Shaede, a court full of secrets, and two men who know exactly how to distract a broken heart — and you’ve got a story that doesn’t just simmer, it scorches.

This book is a masterclass in tension — emotional, magical, and erotic. The pacing is relentless, the prose poetic, and the characters? Deliciously damaged. Jenny Grimes continues to build a world that feels both mythic and intimate, where every choice cuts and every kiss brands.

This isn’t just a continuation. It’s a transformation.
Opal’s journey is messy, bold, and unforgettable — and I’ll follow her into every shadow she dares to step into.

If you’re looking for a story that blends steamy tension, unexpected interruptions, and a wild descent into desire — Shaedes of Beasts is exactly the book for you.

Quotes:
”Be a High Shaede, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.”

“I knew that the intentions of this bond would also be good. That the love we shared would always consume. That the magic we made would always be fierce.”

⁉️QOTD: When it comes to romantasy, do you prefer your magic bright and beautiful… or dark and dangerous?? ⁉️

#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #darkromance #romantasy #forcedproximity #friendstolovers #enemiestolovers #vampires #faeries #arc #review #currentlyreading #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her covers may bright, her magical world may have colors, but, Jenny Grimes is one author that can write dark, dark twists and turns.

She also has no problem wrenching your heart out and handing it back to you while saying "oops, you dropped this"

And that may be how I feel as I finish Shaedes of Beasts, the third installment in her SOUL MAGIC series.

Maybe I should have waited a day or two before I wrote a review so it had more details, but no....
Instead I simply invite you to join my heart in bleeding for this series and characters, because it is simply fantastic.

[Ashley Cutshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When others looked at me, they saw the doe. But I saw the danger."

Jenny what have you done to us in this book! I loved it so much and went through all the emotions.

Swooning over those spicy scenes, crying at parts, laughing, and wanting to throw my kindle (almost).

The growth Opal, Edmyn, and Farris went through together and apart in this story was perfect.

We went on another epic adventure with all the Shaedes. And the few twist and turns had me jumping at times in frustration, sadness and joy.

Jenny sure knows how to write a captivating story and the world she draws you into with the adventure and characters is just perfect. this has easily become one of my "roman empire" series i cherish and will be re reading soon.

[Mayras mini book reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read this book ahead of the release date via ARC provided by the author.

Spice 3

Recommend to someone looking has read previous books, is looking for a flawed FMC and a lot of twist to a story.
***this review is going to be hard w/o spoilers so bare with me**

Content Warnings (not full list)
Medium con&noncon incest*
Cheating **
Mention of child abuse (not depicted)
Parental loss (on page)
Loss and grieving
Mention of substance abuse (not depicted)
Illness (cancer)

*the author has it as mild but this was a medium level for me.
**not mentioned in the content warning for ARC
Readers but I feel it is worth mentioning.

I have read book 1 and 2 in the series and was looking forward to seeing Glory come into her destiny with an epic quest or journey like Leyanna.

Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me.

The book is titled Shaedes of Beast and I felt that we didn’t get enough of our purple shade in this book. The main mission is a rescue mission that has little to do with the animals from the island. I do get the connection with beast and out internal monsters so I get it but still.
There are several interesting story lines (Farris, Glory, Lennyx, the Joviians ) happening, unfortunately I didn’t feel like they were given the time they needed to all be in one book.
Opal's story is the only one that really gets a good amount of attention , which I understand because she is the FMC of the series. I personally wasn’t a fan of all parts of her story line. She’s been through a lot, has guilt and is more traumatized than before because of the events of book 2. She isn’t perfect, I get that but, I just felt that her actions were soo out of line with her bond and love for her men . She was contradicting herself the whole book.
I think her guilt and depression could have been explored differently. I’m all for exploring a character that is fighting with her inner monster but there are lines I feel like the FMC in a romantasy shouldn’t cross. I definitely stopped liking Opal in this story. Which is unfortunate because this whole book is about her. So you can see how this was a struggle for me.
Edmyn and Farris are way more understanding than I would have expected considering they can feel everything through their bond. For neither of them, especially Edmyn, to take a more action was not the protective and possessive MMCs I love.
Farris' story line is filled with complex feelings, consequences and decisions yet we get a couple chapters of it in the beginning and then he spends most of the time off page. Only to come back around towards the end for a few pages. Mainly helping Opal then helping with the Joviians. His personal story line doesn’t come back until the epilogue.
Glory’s story, which I was looking forward to the most because I feel like she had so much growth happening in the previous books , mainly takes place off page. We get little hints here and there through the story that something is happening. Yet her story line fell flat compared to Leyanna’s book 2. How she helped end the rain storm also missed the mark for me
I waited the entire book to see her magic manifest into something more and was very disappointed to see how she utilized it. Spicy for spicy sake is what I got from that. Not high Shaede unlocking her true potential.
There is also the main plot which revolves around the Joviians and our villain. While the Joviians’ story line was happening on page it didn’t feel like enough time was spent on it I would of loved to have seen more of the island or even a journey there like we had with the dragons. Most of the book is spent on Opal’s inner drama. I was happy to see the two storylines cross and would have honestly liked more of that for Opal exploring her monster than where it actually went.
The villain’s story line was interesting. I knew he was going to be trouble from the moment he was on the page. However, his grand reveal was an ick for me. I kept asking myself if that was necessary. If his background story had to be the same for magic sake, then maybe we didn’t need his story line to cross with Opal’s the way it did.

In the end this book felt very soap opera-ish. Too many storylines. My only hope is that book 3 was just the groundwork for book 4. I enjoy the world the author built in this series and will continue on with the series. Can’t dismiss a whole series based on one book and my personal icks.

[Joanna Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book swept me up from page one. The writing is lush and immersive, and the world is so vivid that every scene practically hums with magic.

Opal’s character growth throughout the series, and especially in this book, is outstanding. Watching her navigate grief, power, and impossible choices alongside Edmyn and Farris was so satisfying.

And alongside the whole cast of characters we are introduced to a new charming and mysterious Purple Shaede, Dellyn.

The story has great pacing. It’s dark, full of magic, and intrigue, with just the right balance of spice and plot to keep me fully invested.

By the last 25%, I was on a wild, emotional, chaotic ride with a twist that left my jaw on the floor.

This series continues to deliver epic world-building, sharp twists, and a found family that feels real and earned. I’m hopelessly attached to these characters and need the next book immediately.

If you’re looking for a fantasy series that blends fae, vampires, dragons, magical creatures, found family, and spicy why choose with a great plot the Soul Magic series is it.

Thank you to the author Jenny Grimes for the gifted copy of this book to read and review.

[d_uhreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m not coming apart,” I said, choking on the words. “I’m already in pieces.”

I am in pieces too Opal.

This is a series that will grip you from the first page.

It will consume you.

At the end of each book, I am left shattered, and I think that there is no way the next book can get better!

*Spoiler: This author finds a way to top herself, and each book becomes more intoxicating.

This world of beasts and shaedes is si uniquely written. It reminds me of nothing I've read before, and that's saying something.

The characters are going "THROUGH IT" in book three, and I honestly felt I was holding my breath the entire time.

I dont think I've felt this much tension in my life. I bow down to the Queen of the Love Triangle. It's messy, and I love it.

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book was so incredible! It's dark, full of intrigue and twists and turns. There was a twist that really got me, I thought I had it figured out but boy was I surprised!! This book has mental health rep which I adore. I feel like we all have a darkness inside of us but it's what we do with it and how we respond that sets us apart. This is probably my favorite out of all 3 books so far! Be ready to go on quite the adventure with this one!

[Danielle Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think Jenny Grimes can’t surprise me anymore, in pops the Court of Beasts in all their finery and with their “wickedly awesome names.” The children were adorable 🥰. One thing I love about Jenny is that when she writes a character, you feel everything they feel and it makes the story so much more gripping. This book had so many twists and kept me on the edge of my seat. This was easily my favorite book of the series

[Neya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Jenny… we need to talk.

When a book has me DMing the author mid-read because of the emotional rollercoaster I'm on… That’s how you know it’s doing something right. Jenny, you almost gave me a heart attack — but I forgive you. You know why. 😏

This story had me all over the place! I was going from “OH HELL YES” to “OH HELL NO” moments, back to screaming internally and falling in love with the characters all over again. I loved the twists (and I definitely didn’t see a few of them coming), which is exactly why I always go into books blind. It just hits harder that way, and this one delivered on the drama big time.

Now let’s talk about Lennyx and Glory — I think I love them. Their chemistry, growth, and the way they balanced each other? Ugh, SO good. I really hope we get more of them in future books because I’m fully invested.

There was strong character development, great pacing, and a plot that kept building in a way that felt earned. That said, there were just a couple of moments that didn’t fully land for me — nothing major, but enough to knock it down just a star. Still, it was a wild, emotional, beautifully chaotic ride, and I cannot wait for book four.

So yeah… Jenny, you got me again. Just maybe give us a warning next time before dropping those hammers, okay?


Thanks for the arc! Love being on your team 🩷

[Hannah Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the rating, I think it is best split into 2 halves of the book.
The first half, due to the fact that Opal was still in a depressive state, was a lot slower and spice focused. Overall, this does make sense in the story line as she was using that intimacy as a coping mechanism to get through, however it was a very slow trek with several pieces introduced I believe to set up for other stories. This was well written and fits perfectly in the story, I just personally struggle sometimes with slower paced stories, so for me was a 3.
Now the second half was beautifully done all the way around. Twists and turns all over the place that just make your jaw drop. My sister and I have been fortunate to both be on this ARC team and the chats during this half of the book were nothing but “oh my gosh” again and again. This half of the book was a pure 5 for me. Overall, averaging a 4!

[Cassie Nosko · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Thank you so much Jenny Grimes for allowing me to read and review in advance! Soul Magic series is my heart and soul and you can just see that you have put your heart and soul into these books! ✨


So to begin...


This 👏 Series 👏 IS 👏 IT 👏


Jenny is just an absolute genius writing a storyline that has you gripping your chest and holding on for dear life! This book consumed my essence and left me hot and wanting 🥵

Opal my girl, the FMC is such a force. Edmyn (my favourite 🤤) and Farris is just everything you need and want in MMCs. This book is why choose.. and really WHY CHOOSE between these delicious delicacies!

We are introduced to a new shaede... I'll give you a hint 💟

I need the next book asap... today wouldn't be soon enough! Jenny you did it again! These books just keep getting better and better as they go!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I'd give infinity if I could... 😘

[Mauireadsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don´t know what happened because I loved the first two books in the series but this just wasn´t it for me?! 😭

I did love that the beasts from Jovii´s Isle got introduced and I always enjoy seeing more of some of my fav charachter´s in this series. But Opal was not delivering her? I even strayed towards finding her annoying at times. Though I still love my two guys!!

The pacing of this book was so off and SLOW. I enjoyed the beginning but then I really struggled through. The plot twist at the end, while unexpected (in a sense that I knew something was coming up with this character but didn´t see the actual something coming), could not save this story of me either, unfortunately. On the contrary, it was a tad weird? Yeah very sad I did not enjoy this as I am a fan of Jenny´s books.

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the epic worldbuilding, spicy spice, and political intrigue, it is a fascinating third book into the series.

Edmyn's dry and sometimes cruel humor is always my favorite. I loved seeing some more from the main characters and their development. I could literally read an entire novella of just Edmyn taking a stroll, I love his character that much.

It felt pretty cozy even though there's a lot of things happening. I think it is because of the already developed love that starts off strong.

As always, Jenny has beautiful writing, and the world is so creative and full with stunning descriptions.

The last 20% was the biggest ride, and I enjoyed the suspense and learning more about the Purple Shaede, and I loved the twists. It was emotional, and I didn't see the turns coming.

[Nicole Riggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im so excited to continue to be part of the ARC team for the Shaedes series, and Beasts did not disappoint!

We follow Opal as she struggles with so much guilt over decisions made in the previous book, and are introduced to new characters in the form of talking animals that are shady AF, and new faeries who are both friend and foe??? The High Shaedes are back to solve another mystery (or two), and the twist at the end really threw me! I knew something was coming but was NOT expecting that! Cant wait to see how the story continues with book 4!

[abby ❣️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

god this one was INCREDIBLE.

the spice? phenomenal. the twists? TWISTY the plot? ALWAYS. SO. GOOD. Jenny Grimes you have done it again! this one is probably my favorite from the series so far! it is invigorating, fast paced, SPICY, and i could NOT put it down! i am so incredibly honored be apart of this ARC team. this series has very quickly become one of my favorite series close to ACOTAR and The Plated Prisoner Series. i cannot wait to see what comes next. 10S ACROSS THE BOARD

[Dani C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 3rd instalment in the Soul Magic series! There were so many twists and turns in this book and it was really fun to read! Lots more character development too. I thought that it was well written throughout; I particularly enjoyed the latter part of the book, and the epilogue was perfect!

[Danielle Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series. The character depth and development for our High Shaedes and 3 main characters, particularly Opal after the events in book 2 took front and center and with everything that happened/is happening in the series it really was good to see this fully fleshed out. Definitely a good lead up to the 4th and final book in the series too even though the main plot line for this book wrapped up by the end, it's setting things up well!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

JENNY!!! OHMIGOSH!!! I promise, this series keeps getting better and better with every book! It held me captive the WHOLE story and I'm sure it will continue to hold me captive. I absolutely LOVED everything about this gem, and am immensely grateful to be given the opportunity to read this beauty! Keep up the amazing work!!! So, so much love and support, my sweet, sweet friend!!

[Tabytha Boozenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this story is progressing. The twists and turns in this book were delicious. There is raw pain and healing. The new purple shaede added mystery and intrigue. Shaedes of Beasts is my favorite Shaede so far.

[SheaLeigh Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny does it again!!! This is the 3rd book in the Soul Magic series. I absolutely loved this book. It has it all! All the twist and turns and EMOTIONS!! I think this might be my favorite book of the series.

[Jessica Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues is a wonderfully beautiful way! Each character has grown, and learns to deal with different things. This book twisted in a way I didn’t see coming and I love when that happens! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one

[Amber Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved the first one and that nothing could match it. I was wrong as this one, this one made me want to scream, to cry, and finally cheer. This world is one I can't wait to see expand.

[Kathleen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book 3 I loved this one u really see opeal

[Dana Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

starting with a bang!!!! Such an amazing continuation to the story so far! love these characters!

[Andrea Magallanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! I loved it! It kept me entertained and I needed to keep reading to see what happens next!! This series is amazing and I highly recommend!

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection. Jenny has outdone herself with this installment. A series you need on your tbr now

[Danielle Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again! This was such an amazing ride. I always love your books and I can't get enough of this world. During this book Opal has a lot she has to battle and try to deal with and it is struggling. Everyone is trying to be there for her.  Farris and Edmund again have stollen my heart. The way these men love her is so much. I absolutely loved the epic adventure they went on trying to figure out how to solve some problems  This book absolutely wrecked me. I was not expecting that wild ride but I was absolutely amazed. I highly recommend you check out Shades of Power! This series will absolutely wreck you but it is so worth it!!❤️❤️ Thank you so much Jenny Grimes for the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this book. Jenny has done it again!

I am a sucker for a Why Choose. And this one… It gives you the ‘Why’ to your ‘Choose’ for sure.

I love all the adventures they go on. I love seeing Opal grown throughout each book.

I can’t say much as I don’t want to give it away but trust, you are in for a good story with this one.