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The Phantom Noctis #2

The Ember Luminis

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“You and I weren’t born into the luxury of a peaceful world, but I’ll be damned if we don’t create one. Or we’ll die trying, and that will have to be enough.”

Kaius Styx, Prince of the Drevarian Vampires, and Lyssara Rowen, his hired vigilante assassin, have found themselves in a world-altering predicament after an attempt to overthrow the Order of Nymesia. Their mission set off a chain-reaction, landing them, their friends and their family in an even more precarious position than before.

The Drakaina are officially missing, the Vampires are working to forge a shaky alliance with the Fae rebels in Amata, and a secret objective from the Nymesian Army threatens to derail their already treacherous plans. Lyssara and Kaius must decide which item on their growing list of problems to tackle first, all while dealing with decades of trauma and nurturing their budding relationship.

The Ember Luminis follows the ambitious duo on a perilous quest guided by Drevarian legends and myths. They venture into the depths of an enchanted jungle, cross rivers powered by insidious magic, and fight their way through bloody battles of wit and politics. Met with danger at every turn, Lyssara, Kaius, and their closest friends are forced to make impossible decisions in a desperate bid to protect the safety of their people and the future of their world.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Dahlia Jade

3 books15 followers
Romantasy author based out of New York City.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Emily A.L..
153 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2026
“I thought I liked the sight of you covered in blood, little ghost,” he murmured. “But as it turns out, I only like it when it’s mine.”

Ok so four fae and a vampire walk into a forest…
Sorry. We’re back in bb! Ok so Dahlia Jade really said, “oh you wanted more of our side characters? Bet.”
Jade wastes NO time getting back to the action in this second installment of The Phantom Noctis series (bless her)
AND we get a mysterious quest into a jungle filled with untold horrors to save a friend from unknown danger?!
Also... was that 3 baths in 5 chapters 🤣

It takes until about the 20% mark to really find the central plot, but I actually really appreciate these characters for not understanding anyfuckingthing that’s happening in the world around them. There’s also something really tender about Kaius in this one that I never fully believed in book 1. Remember when I said I didn’t trust Kaius when it came to Lyssara’s safety? Consider me called OUT.

Jade trusts her readers to not need things spelled out for them, thankfully not falling into certain pitfalls like constantly reiterating what people look like, tiny overemphasized details, etc. That being said, I frankly am a bit of a goldfish and would have loved a little more of this to feel more immersed and connected. The characters all feel a little too real, which is very cool that they’re not just fantasy character tropes but also because of this their dialogue tends to sound the same, which makes it so hard to tell them apart during long or large conversations.

All things considered, The Ember Luminis is Jade really coming into her voice and rolling out some really beautiful writing amidst the action, unhinged humor, and sexy vampire-fae moments. Our characters deal with grief and righteous anger in some incredibly realistic, heartbreakingly poignant ways. I'm really rooting for them and am already desperate to read the final installment of the trilogy <3

"...I’m trying to navigate a world I don’t understand, and from an outside perspective it appears I’m doing well, but most days I feel as though I’m barely keeping my head above water.”

“You know what’s funny,” Judas said. “Your little toe actually is quite important for balance while walking.”
Profile Image for Ally Smac.
10 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2026
In this 2nd installment to The Phantom Noctis, we follow Kaius and Lysarra on an adventure to save their friends and the world they know from evil, corruption, and greed. We get to know the side characters better and meet some new ones, too. In each other, they learn to trust and forge unbreakable bonds, helping them work together for the greater good. If you’re a fan of stories with vampires, fae, and other magical creatures, as well as adventure stories with romance and political intrigue, you should pick up these books.
Profile Image for Lana Rose.
8 reviews
February 14, 2026
Thank you Dahlia for the ARC! 🫶

Watching this world continue to develop, I was so glad to see more from our supporting characters this time. Perseus, Sirsa & Enzo, specifically. The strengthening of this found family bond while they each feel inadequate for their own reasons at 1 time or another is what the trope is all about for me. Being loved & supported (against your will, with love) even when your feelings about yourself aren’t positive; especially with the Anxiety rep that is so well done in this story.
I can’t wait to see what the final installment!

Oh. & this was quite a bit spicier than TPN, for those who want to know. 😏 But who could be mad at that? 🌶️
Profile Image for Tasala Yates.
69 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 23, 2025
ARC REVIEW - Thank you Dahlia for allowing me to read your baby early!

I could put this book down (it got me through so many night feeds!) I loved it even more than the first.

it has perfect pacing, the strengthening and building of our found family (who I literally love) and a real sense of adventure.

Kaius is even more of a simp and I'm here for it!

I can't wait for our team to kick ass in book 3!!!
Profile Image for Sophie Hulston.
206 reviews32 followers
December 15, 2025
Thank you Dahlia so much for an ARC of this 🖤 I loved phantom noctis and this did not disappoint.

I loved getting more of the found family, bromance aspect! It was such an unexpected friendship but I loved these guys so much. Lyssara and kaius 🥹🥹 my babies!! Their love is just so cute! Taking care of each other. Also so many things I didn’t see coming and emotions I didn’t think I’d experience

I’m dying for the last book in the series
Profile Image for Sandra Ruttan.
Author 24 books20 followers
February 17, 2026
The Ember Luminis picks up not long after the end of The Phantom Noctis. It maintains a blistering pace from the start, and although I thought I knew where the story was heading, there were some twists and turns that took it in unexpected directions while presenting new challenges for Kaius and Lyssara.

For me, this was a brilliant entry to this series. Many authors seem to struggle with book 2, but not Jade. The Ember Luminis is both fast-paced and, at times, tense. I felt immersed in the action and the emotions the characters experienced throughout. Jade is a writer who gets to the heart of the action and focuses on the plot and character arcs instead of dwelling on backstory and descriptions. This doesn’t mean we don’t get some backstory and appropriate descriptions; it simply means she doesn’t dwell on the things that slow the narrative pace. We have the info we need to have when we need it, but it isn’t presented randomly. We know some characters have trauma, and it’s hinted at, and revealed at exactly the right time, for a purpose that serves another character’s arc. I love action, and I think that’s why Jade’s style really works for me.

The Ember Luminis also earned some tears from me before the end, and for me, that’s high praise, because it means I felt connected to the characters and felt the pain of some of the events that unfolded.

Since I don’t want to touch on spoilers, what I’ll say is this; both Kaius and Lyssara confront some truths about themselves, and that prompts some character growth. There are also new relationship dynamics that come front and center that prompt growth. I loved how unexpected some of these characters were. Introducing these characters never felt like solutions pulled out of thin air but organic developments and there were some nice callbacks to book 1.

This is great for people who love vampires, fae, archeology, forgotten magic, and stories that involve taking evil empires down. Can’t wait for book 3. 4.75 stars.
Profile Image for Kaitie Reads .
278 reviews104 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 12, 2026
🌿 Found Family
🔥 Baths, baths, baths
🌿 Side Characters
🔥 Political Intrigue
🌿 Fast-Paced

Dahlia Jade transports us back to Dravaros for this second installment of The Phantom Noctis series. I love the fast-paced nature of these stories, which still manage to incorporate plenty of character reflection, development, and tender moments.

Keeping this series spoiler-free. After the events of The Phantom Noctis, Lyssara (FMC) and Kaius (MMC) still have plenty of conflict to resolve, in between a blooming relationship and combined personal traumas that keep on knocking at the door. Lyssara just wants to live a simple life of comfort and baked goods, but our assassin finds herself entwined in politics. Kaius wants to simp over Lyssara, but has problems of his own as vampire royalty.

These books are fast-paced but filled with quest-like missions and political intrigue. Dahlia Jade thrusts us right into the conflict, but gives us some quiet moments of normalcy as well, like a little treat. TEL focuses a lot on a new mission, with a journey to an ancient city in ruins and friends that need to be rescued. We get plenty of side character development and I *adore* these side characters, especially the budding bromance between Perseus (Lyssara's friend and former lover), and Kaius. There are heavy found family vibes in this book and I love how our characters support each other through it all.

This is such a good series to pick up if you want fast-paced romantasy that doesn't skimp on the political intrigue or big feelings. Reflective yet never dull, with plenty of revolution-based themes and a tantalizing fae x vampire romance.

Thank you to the author, Dahlia Jade, for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and feedback contained within this review are my own.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 19, 2025
book two had a little bit of a time jump but immediately picked up the action.
we have some complications, and unexpected twists.
it is ended on a cliff hangerish.

i love the development in the love story, and the bromances that are blooming as well. there was some awkwardness (mostly second hand embarrassment) but i was lowkey laughing my ass off.
there was some action this book but not as much as the first book. there is tension, and grief as well. and it was therapeutic in a way for me, dealing with grief with these characters.

we spend most of the time reading, traveling and trying to figure out a plan of action. the “filler” was really nice and well paced. it gave more insight into their relationship and emphasized the importance to the peace we have at the moment.

i rated it a 5 stars because i loved it. it was really enjoyable, the spicy scenes were extra spicy. and the characters are relatable. i’m loving the FMC’s personal development. she is still dealing with her anxiety, but leaning into her relationships is helping her. especially the MMC because he’s learning her tells and knows her better then she knows herself sometimes.

honestly this is a perfect easy read. if you’re new to fantasy this is the series to read.

i cannot wait for the third book to find out how this story ends!!! i’m also really nervous, read the book to find out why 😭😭
Profile Image for kaylareadssometimes.
31 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2026
First, thank you Dahlia Jade for an advanced copy of this e-book! All thoughts/opinions are my own.

Whewwwww, what a follow up to book one! This book had so much adventure and the spice was kicked up a notch. I am a slut for character development and we really see our MCs to just that. The FMC, Lyssara, remains relatable and she continues on her trauma healing journey. Kaius, the MMC, remains a simp and does a great job being a voice of reason for Lyssara.

Now, side characters? WE GET FED Y’ALL. We learn so much more about Perseus (Dahlia if you kill him, I will send you the bill to my attorney), as well as Nike’s love Initia, and are introduced to a new friend, Ash. The bromance between Perseus and Kaius blossoms beautifully and it was one of my favorite parts of the book.

We are taken on quite the adventure in this one, which I’ll avoid talking too much about to avoid spoilers, but it was equal parts fun, exhausting (in a good way), and allowed us to see the characters in a new light. But don’t worry: where there’s Dahlia, there’s emotional whiplash. Also, Dahlia makes you see a movie in your head and I always appreciate when an author can do that.

I’m looking forward to seeing how this world expands in book three!
Profile Image for myferalreads.
33 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW - thank you for this ARC, Dahlia. 🖤🖤

The Ember Luminis is the 2nd installment in Lyssara and Kaius’ story. This is a series filled with yearning, political intrigue, trauma, and a nice dabble of feminine rage. [Getting to see Lyssara really tap into her “skills” *CHEFS KISS*.]

I loved that in The Ember Luminis we got some perspective outside of Lyssara and Kaius, specifically Perseus who has become one of my favorite characters… NEED MORE PERSEUS, gimme moreeeee, Dahlia.

🖤 Political Intrigue
🖤 Yearning, Kaius is the yearniest Vamp around.
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Trauma Bonding
🖤 Feminine Rage - the best kinda rage.

If you read, The Phantom Noctis, and loved how Kaius yearned for Lyssara, come back for more, because what do you mean, “I longed just to breathe the same air as her again.”

Key note - if you’re someone that doesn’t understand the spice after getting bloodied up, (I feel you), Dahlia has got you covered, SOAP FOR EVERYONE.

Now go on and support this baddie indie author! Proud of you, Dahlia! Cannot wait to read more from you babe!

THE EMBER LUMINIS IS OUT FEBRUARY 13TH PREORDER NOW!
Profile Image for April Haas.
93 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2026
🩸 I received an ARC of this ebook from the author 🩸

This follow-up to The Phantom Noctis has the same easily bingeable quality as the first. It's the perfect gateway series for anyone trying out romantasy, or taking a break between thick tomes.

I started the book last night and barely even looked up before I was almost halfway through. The pacing is consistent, like a rolling boil.

We do get to see Lyssara and Kaius have a few moments of peace and leisure together, in the midst of the brewing conflict with the Nymesian elite. Honestly, it was sweet and very *needed* for anyone currently living through whatever the F this is in the real world.

There's a good mix of adventure, spice, blood, and a satisfying demise for someone who really deserves it. 👀

I'm both excited for and scared of how much is going to happen--and probably go sideways--in the third and final book. It's going to be a wild ride, and I'm buckled in for it.

Profile Image for Toni &#x1f49f;.
29 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2025
I absolutely loved The Ember Luminis!! It was the perfect pace for book two in a trilogy. The adventure starts right from the very beginning, and we’re introduced to new characters that I instantly connected with and felt protective over😪

We got unexpected bromances and hot, protective, silver-haired, sentinel moments. (not me exposing my fav)😭 but the found family truly starts forming in book and it had me laughing, crying and saying alot of “you know what hell yeah!”

The reunion was pure perfection, and it delivered my new all time favorite feeding scene. The prose and the world building is also beautifully done but fair warning, it was deeply traumatic at times. There are revelations that make you want to rage and cry for these characters!

I’m completely terrified for the final book, but I’m more than ready for it!
Profile Image for BlackBarbiesBookNook.
33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
✨I received an eARC from the author for free and I’m writing this review voluntarily✨

Kaius showed up and showed out in The Ember Luminis! 🫦 So many great lines from him. The things he did, the commanding, sweet, and sexy words he utters. What he endures! The man had me swooning the entire book.

Lysarra, relatable as ever with her books and pastries. She really grew into her power in this book. Saved the men several times. She has Kaius down bad for her. I love it! I also enjoy Lysarra’s friendships with all of the characters. She’s a true friend with good people who support her.

There were some very sad moments and the grief was palpable. Hard to read and it was done so well.

I really like that Dahlia doesn’t do cliffhangers. Each book is wrapped up nicely before going into the next. My nervous system is grateful for this comfort.
Profile Image for offpagebrodie.
24 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved this book SO much! Everything about this was the perfect follow up to “The Phantom Noctis” and if you haven’t read that already…why are you here? Go read that and then come back ASAP! I was swooning—twice as much—over Lyssara and Kaius in this book as I did in TPN (how? anyone else getting a little bi-panic?)

My favorite thing about Dahlia’s writing is that it feels so low stress while simultaneously still keeping you hooked. Cozy but still intrigued. I was hanging onto every single word from every perspective but never once felt overwhelmed. The perfect vibes to curl up in bed and just vibe to for a while.

I loved The Ember Luminis so much and I recommend anyone who’s looking for some yummy vampire spice and a hot vengeful woman…this is your book. Thank you Dahlia for the chance to ARC read this book! 💚🩸
Profile Image for Kirstine Gail Benitez.
1 review
February 13, 2026
Thank you so much Dahlia for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. It is appropriately paced and it explores deeper about the myths and their plans to end a corrupt government. I loved getting to know more about the side characters and fell in love with some of them. Prince Kaius and Perseus’ banter? Obsessed!

My favourite part is the anxiety rep. Lyssara is so relatable and Im so proud of her growth and the way she stepped up, overcoming every obstacle. And of course, Prince Kaius who has been there for her, giving her a safe space for her to lower her walls and face her trauma. Prince Kaius is so hot and just knows the perfect thing to say. You’ll also love the spice on this book.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
273 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
This book picks up with Kaius heading to Lyssara in Amata not long after they separated at the end of book 1, The Phantom Noctis. Kaius is still super into Lyssara and now that they're together together, the spice amount goes up. I liked the addition his bromance with Perseus. That was fun which was needed since the main conflict of the series with the Nymesians is heading to the end slowly but surely. There were plenty of twists and turns in this book, including the stuff with the Drakaina and the new magic, etc. This was a great follow up to book 1 and I am excited to see how everything plays out and what happens next.
Profile Image for Van.
80 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 13, 2026
ARC review for Ember Luminis

And we're back in Prince Kaius and Lyssara's world. If you liked The Phantom Noctis, you're going to love The Ember Luminis. This book picks up right where the first one left off and gives us more of Lyssara's family as they start a new journey and conquest.
I really loved seeing Lyssara grow, from being closed off and guarded to slowly learning to trust and open her heart to Prince Kaius. The way he cares for her? So sweet. And the spice? Oh it's spicing
I'm so ready for Book 3!
Profile Image for Erika.
136 reviews31 followers
February 13, 2026
AGHH thank you for the arc and I’m so glad I got to jump back into this story!

I loved being with our two main mc’s again, but I also adoredddd the additions of new characters along with more exposure to previously-introduced ones. This was well done, and the found family aspect really hit for me. And the eerie af jungle ruins? Immediate yes.

My only qualm was (and I think I’m more so just in a slump rn) some of the pacing. I know this author will go far with her writing future though!

🩷
Profile Image for Belen Ariana.
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
Thank you to the wonderful author Dahlia Jade for this ARC.

There is never a dull moment in this story. Book two beautifully highlights the characters more and we get to see how they all relate to one another. Lyssara is still the most relatable fmc I've ever read and Kaius is even more dreamy. I can't wait for the conclusion in book three!
Profile Image for Franki.
42 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2026
Thank you so much to Dahlia for the advanced copy!

If you like clean romantasy, this series is for you. No, seriously. These MC’s are so clean I lost count of the bath and shower spicy scenes. And they were all incredible. None of those intimate scenes where they’d be covered in sweat and blood and gunk for these two.

Anyway, disregarding that, the storyline is nicely written and interesting, with some cool original elements and incredible world building. The characters are all fully developed with well thought out backstories, and really genuine relationships between all of them. The FMC and MMC start out with delightful teasing and Kaius is a wonderful consent-seeking shadow daddy king 👑.

Really looking forward to book 3!
Profile Image for Owen Hera-Singh.
125 reviews2 followers
Read
February 23, 2026
An incredible continuation of Lyssara and Kaius’ story!
We’re still learning new things about the characters, and I love it!
I’m not sure I trust some people, but I can’t wait to see how that plays out in book 3!
An assassin’s work is never done - and it’s evident here!
Profile Image for Lisa.
33 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
December 30, 2025
DO YOU LIKE ADVENTURE? Found family? Sexy time with a fae and vampire? ADVENTURE? This book is for you. I honestly believe I loved this book more than the first! I’m excited to continue on
Profile Image for Jo.
53 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 7, 2026
I HAVE NO WORDS!! The adventure, the spice, the stakes, the plot twists?! Oh my heart hurt with this book, and I cannot wait for book 3!
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 8, 2026
This was such a good read to get lost in. The storyline flowed so nicely, there was no feeling of needing to push through to finish it. I devoured this book in a day.
Profile Image for Hayden.
26 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2026
First off: SO HAPPY that we get to learn more about the side characters and their stories!! I love a good dynamic cast
Second: I will never look at a river the same again and I am more then okay with this. HOT DAMN.
Third: HOT, LOVE IT, 10/10
Wonderful continuation from Dahlia Jade. An amazing balance between the stress and lighter themes packed full of adventure and love. So excited to see where the story takes us next!
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