Two kingdoms. Two Crowns. One decision between heart and duty that could save her people or damn them.
Reeling after the death of her mother, General Breyla Rozaria is faced with an impossible choice. She can ascend to her rightful place as Rimor’s queen and take Prince Ayden II of Prudia as her King husband immediately. Or she can return with him to Prudia as his betrothed and buy herself time. But doing neither will incite a war she can’t win.
It’s not just her heart on the line, though. Broken by Aurelius’ betrayal, Breyla is determined to maintain her distance. When Ayden declares that his brother will be returning with them to Prudia, Breyla’s plans go up in flames. Despite the deceit, lies, and secrets between them, they can’t seem to fight the force pulling them together.
Once in Prudia, they learn that everything is not as it seems, and a new enemy haunts their doorstep. As secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and Breyla must decide between her heart and her duty to her people. Choosing wrong could mean the death of all those she cares for.
Tropes: -bad a$$ FMC -dark fantasy romance -shadow mommy -morally grey MMCs -multiple couples -secrets -hidden identity -forbidden romance -one bed -arranged marriage -multiple POV -LGBTQ rep -mental health rep -unique magic system -taboo romance -political intrigue -fantastic banter -delicious tension -amazing side characters -mystery
I devoured these books and left zero crumbs. Morgana writes emotional stories with fantastic characters. The tension amongst the characters is delicious. I love how sex forward/positive most of the characters are. No one holds back, and it is a breath of fresh air in a romantasy. These books have a fantastic mix of spice and plot. I can’t wait to read the next one. I am hooked on this series.
Morgana, I will never forgive you for breaking my heart. I am not sure I can recover. From start to finish, these books evoked a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, cried, cringed, and clutched my pearls. I can’t recommend these enough.
Quotes: “Bite your tongue,” she hisses. I wink. “I’d much rather you bite it for me.”
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear— it’s persevering despite it.”
“You have been the source of my greatest frustration and the epitome of my most consuming passion for years.”
“The hilt and pommel were crafted from your mother’s crown. There are a few tweaks of my own making, but I wanted you to have something from both of them. I wanted you to have a piece of your parents, no matter where you go. Until the very end.”
“When did you get so sappy?” “Don’t get it twisted, I’m only soft for you, little demon.”
After the first book, I couldn’t wait for this one with the cliffhanger it ended on and I was not disappointed but damn did this one end on an even bigger cliff than the first!! It picks up right where the first left off, with Breyla reeling from both the loss of her mother and the betrayal by the man she had grown close to in Aurelius. She must now face the choices made for her and travel to the rival kingdom of her betrothed and work with him to find out who is behind the attacks on both of their kingdoms. While in this new caste, she must face her feelings for both brothers and work against time to save her kingdom and get a handle on her powers. The book also follows the stories of Ophelia and Eli as they rule in Breylas stead back in her kingdom where things keep going from bad to worse. I adored the relationship between them and seeing her open up and learn to trust others and seeing them navigate all of her struggles together.
This book had a whirlwind of romance, battles, training sequences and some devastating heartbreaks that brought me to tears and I couldn’t put it down once I started! The world building in this book was immense with a whole new added cast of characters (I love a brooding male warrior so hopping to see more of Darian) and new powers to flush out with them. I loved the multiple POVs and getting to see inside the minds of many of the characters to understand their motivations and decision making. Ophelia remains one of my favorite character and I’m hoping above all else she ends up with a happy ending. This books cliffhanger ending has me hoping the author has the next one ready to go soon! Overall I really enjoyed this book, my rating 5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted arc of this book, all opinions given are my own!
"And with that, he leaves me standing in the courtyard, debating whether to return to my chambers or follow him just so I can punch him in the face."
Heading back to Rimor has been something I've been dying for since October, when I finished the last page of The Sorrow of Shadows. My heart was ripped out of my chest and all I wanted was to dive back into the next part!
It was well worth the wait. My, oh my, does Morgana really give it to us in this instalment. All the highest highs, the lowest lows, the spiciest spice, and the banteriest banter. Did anyone really think we'd be able to skate along without some crazy stuff happening?
Breyla is devastated by the loss of her mother, and the loss of her trust in Aurelius. As the leader of the kingdom now, however, she isn't given much time to grieve before Prince Ayden calls in a contract that will change her life forever. She is torn between staying in Rimor to protect her people, and complying with the contract to save herself.
Aurelius is his usual broody self, but he is almost relentless in his goal of getting Breyla to forgive him and come back to him. Despite her resistance emotionally, her body betrays her... repeatedly.
Ayden, Ayden, Ayden... How is it possible that I want to simultaneously love this man for the rest of my life, yet also hold a dagger to his throat in frustration? He has SO. MANY. SECRETS. I think I'm still on the side of him being a good dude (overall), but his actions... his secrets... still have me on the fence a bit.
Ophelia and Elijah are star-crossed, and I just love their relationship. It left me laughing, crying, and wanting more.
That ENDING though. I am left reeling. I thought Chapter 37 was rough (and it was), but holy crapballs, that last chapter.. I literally sat on the edge of my chair, flipping back and forth on my kindle, re-reading passages... I cannot. Morgana has left us with the most dangliest of cliffhangers. I am ruined.
“Does it get uncomfortable?” “Does what get uncomfortable?” “That stick you have stuck up your ass.”
Wow, this series is really packing a punch for me! The relationships, the betrayals, the found family, and the banter were all top tier. I loved that in this book we got more POV's, I loved Ayden, Ophelia, and Cillian so much. Similar to the first book, the cliff hanger had my jaw on the floor and I cannot wait to wrap this series up with book three. I haven't read any dark romantasy besides this series, and I am a fan for sure. Thank you Morgana for the early copy, opinions are my own.
This book is very spicy, and be sure to check your triggers!
HOLY FREAKING COW! What a RIDE book 2 was. 😱 So much happened. Betrayals, more relationships, so much loss, so much love - honestly I'm speechless. My jaw was on the floor from about 80% to the final sentence. I'm absolutely blown away and won't be able to think properly until I can read book 3. I don't know how to accurately describe all the emotions I felt while reading this, it's absolutely wonderful!
what a ride. we're back with Breyla, Elijah, Aurelius, Ophelia, and Ayden. Picking up shortly after where we were left off in The Sorrow of Shadows, and it was honestly an emotional roller coaster ride the whole way through. the amount of times I cried throughout. 😭 Breyla goes through so damn much. as does Ophelia. 😭 not to mention the tension between Breyla, Aurelius, and Ayden. 🥵 I've fallen in love with Ophelia's character even more in this book. The things revealed with her near the end though had me shocked. Elijah....omg. 🥵😭 I also loved Cillian. 😅 if only we got his pov. yea alongside the emotional, tension, and drama, there's no shortage of spice. So much is happening, but it's not hard to keep track of, you're just sucked in and invested with what's going on. you see the characters struggling with grief as well as wild intense feelings and strange things they can't explain. As well as strange attacks and murders happening that they're all trying to solve. like I said you will go through all the emotions reading this, as you did in book 1, but this one a bit more.
I wish I could say more, but I'm afraid of spoiling anything.
Morgana, you know what you did with a certain character....I don't think I can forgive you. 😭 my heart hurts. but thank you for allowing me to arc read this. once again you got me with the cliffhanger and I'm eager for book 3!
Book two in the Crimson and Shadows series picks up directly where book one leaves off. Everyone is still reeling from the unexpected revelations, and Breyla realizes she has some tough choices to make. We take a deeper dive into this world and the motives of certain characters (I am looking at you, Ayden). The twists are well-crafted, and the individual character storylines are woven together to create a beautiful tapestry… which ultimately unravels in the most painful of ways. And I do mean painful. The final scenes of a few characters will leave fans of the series gasping through their tears and screaming a myriad of curses at the author. Or perhaps that was just me. None of Black’s readers will be ‘okay’ by the end of the book. However, as we and the characters drown in our sorrows, a surprising new relationship forms. This book is spicy, but the scene between you know who and my favorite girl literally set my Kindle on fire. Mr. Chloe had to ask if I was okay since I was giggling and shouting while reading it. All in all, this new addition to the series brings us closer to what is sure to be a spectacular finale. We’ll miss some people, but I’m excited to see what adventures come next.
The whole book is scandalous 🤭, but I thoroughly enjoyed every page and every interaction between... everyone.
I liked Elijah's introduction and summary. It was very original, welcome, and for good reason. The book completely blew me away. It was an unforgettable ride, and believe me, you will definitely not forget this one.
I'm not going to go into what happens in the book, as I hope everyone will read it for themselves, I just wanted to share my feelings after reading it.
It had everything: love, pain, loss, excitement, despair, and hope. So emotionally charged. I laughed, cried, cursed, gave advice 🤭, which I often do best with my nose buried in a book. It's the best series I've read this year, and it's knocked my previous top five for this year off their perch.
Simply uff, wow, damn, pretty good. I don't know how I'm going to survive until the next installment. If you like suspense, unexpected twists, lots and lots of spice and humor, you'll find it all in this book.
Note (more for me 5/5): Spice: 🔥6 and above Action: 🥷 4 Magic: 🧚 4 Worldbuilding: 🌋 4 FMC: 👰 5.5 MMC: 🫅 5 Other characters: 🧟🦹🧛🦸🧌💃5 What was that ending?! 🥺
Here’s goes my review… all while still sobbing my little eyeballs out. 😭😭😭😭 In the words of Jelly Roll…. “I am not ok…”
In book 2 of The Crimson & Shadows series, the gang is all back and sh*t is going to hit the fan in this book! Breyla, Aurelius, & Ayden all travel to Ayden’s kingdom, so we get new side characters! My favorite new character: Ayden’s sister, Rowlina… I LOVED her! So spunky and a fun new person to banter with Aurelius & Ayden.
This book continued all the things I LOVED from book 1, and I think this book stepped it up even more! The SPICE, the relationships and found family, the banter, the mystery and twists and turns, the tragedy…. It was all done so well.
Now, I’m going to get another tissue… and continue my mourning of a beloved character. Also…. Ms. Black: when can we expect book 3?! 🫣😭 I’m still hanging out on this cliff! 🧗
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This series is now up there with one of my favorite Romantasy series! If you love dark Romantasy, this series is for you! 🖤🗡️✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my god this was freaking PHENOMENAL! This picks up right after the events of book one and it’s so intense from beginning to end. Breyla is grieving losses and dealing with her feelings of betrayal from Aurelius. Ayden is just STIRRING THE POT at every turn and honestly he’s kind of hilarious for it but he’s also really noble and even though I think there’s some stuff he’s still hiding he seems to have the best intentions. The tension between Breyla and Aurelius in this was as scorching hot as the spice. I loved getting more POV from Ophelia but some stuff that happened in this made me think of Ophelia from Hamlet and I hope that’s where the similarities end. Cillian is actually hysterical and wonderful and LOYAL and I love him. This book made me SOBBBBBB so just be prepared for heartache. There were some pretty cool reveals in this about lineage and traitors amongst the court and I was honestly pretty shocked by a lot of them. This cliffhanger has me locked in for book three. I absolutely cannot wait!
The Call of Crimson (Book 2 in The Crimson and Shadows series) pulls you deeper into a world of duty, betrayal, and slow-burning tension, both political and romantic. Breyla is a strong, emotionally complex heroine facing impossible choices, and the stakes feel real as she navigates love, loyalty, and leadership.
The dynamics between Breyla, Ayden, and Aurelius are full of angst, chemistry, and unresolved tension. There’s definitely some spice in this one (nothing too over the top, but enough to raise the heat), which adds to the emotional weight of their connections.
The story balances court intrigue with romance and action, and while there were moments I wanted a little more depth or clarity in the world-building, I was fully engaged from start to finish.
If you're into fantasy with romantic tension, layered relationships, and a heroine caught between heart and duty, this is a solid continuation to the series!
Big thanks to Morgana Black for the advanced reader copy
After the cliffhanger ending of the first book, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Call of Crimson… and I was not disappointed. If anything, this sequel left me reeling even more, with an ending that topped the first in intensity!
The story picks up right where we left off and doesn’t let up for a single minute!!
This installment is packed with everything I love: romance, battles, training sequences, political intrigue, and heartbreaks that brought me to tears. The worldbuilding expands beautifully with a vivid new cast (I have a soft spot for brooding warriors, so I can’t wait to see more of Darian!), and the multiple POVs added richness, letting us see motivations and choices play out from every angle.
By the end, I was completely hooked and already craving the next book. Morgana Black delivers a sweeping sequel full of passion, danger, and devastating twists. If you loved book one, you’ll want this one in your hands immediately!! **Just be prepared for another brutal cliffhanger!
✨ Huge thanks to the author for the gifted ARC—this review is entirely my own, honest opinion.
Omg, I don't have enough words for this book, but the main one would be WOW. After the first book ended on a cliff hanger I was chomping at the bit to read this book because I HAD to know what happened and I was NOT disappointed and now I'm sad its over and I have to wait for the next book! This book follows Breyla after the death of her mother, which has left her devastated. I don't want to say much else about what happens because this book deserves absolutely NO spoilers. But when I tell you this book had a grip on me and left me so irritated when I was working because I had to stop reading lol! I laughed, I got mad at the characters, I cried and I was SHOCKED ....I love when a book makes me feel all the feels! I NEED book 3 asap because I need to know what happens after the betrayal of the ending!! Amazing book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book pulled at my heart strings (chapter 37 - IYKYK) Being book two, it felt a lot more emotional as we processed the grief from the first book for all of the characters.
I'm really intrigued by the path that Ophelia is going down and want to see more. I have a feeling as the journey continues, her character is going to take a darker turn and I love it.
Not as surprised by the reveal with this one, but still a little shocked to find out who the traitor/spy was.
I am absolutely in love with Breyla and Aurelius. I want everything for them even though it seems so far from their reach.
This book seemed to have a bit (ok maybe a lot) more sex than the first book (or maybe it just didn't fit into the storyline as well) but honestly at times it felt like we were losing the plot a bit.
I still really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next installment.
Nothing in this series is simple. Every page holds secrets, and the way they’re revealed? Devastatingly brilliant. Book 1 was the spark—Book 2 is the wildfire. The tension between characters crackles with intensity, the romance is high-stakes and raw, and the twists hit like a punch to the gut. I "hate" the author for making my heart rates higher with all the highten tension and action in this book. Morgana sure knows exactly when to push—and how hard. This isn’t just a sequel—it’s a takeover. I'm not just reading anymore; I'm surviving. And now, I’m bracing myself for whatever’s coming next!
ARC REVIEW THE ENDING!!! I thought nothing could top the cliffhanger of book one, but this ending hit even harder. The betrayal, the deaths—why did you have to take away my baby just when he was finally happy? I definitely sense something brewing between Ophelia and Cillian, and I can’t wait to see where that goes. The spice was not in short supply, though part of me kept hoping we’d get at least one scene with Aurelius, Ayden, and Breyla together. I’ve fallen even more in love with Ophelia as a character—her growth is incredible, and that scene between her and Cillian? Absolutely scorching. As for the ones we lost… I’ll forever shed tears for them. They’ll always be remembered
I think I might be going into a slump cause it took me so long to finish this book! 😩
It starts where the first one ends. I was glad to be back with everyone again. To see my favorite characters just to have my heart ripped out towards the end. How rude by the way. And another cliffhanger? Girl, I'm gonna go crazy.
I really enjoyed this read. Aurelius was getting on my nerves a little there though lol. Can't really explain why.
I definitely must be going into a slump cause I'm having a hard time trying to get my thoughts out ugh lol. Anyway, just know I loved this read just like the first. And I can't wait for book 3!
This is the second installment in the Crimson and Shadows series and Morgana has me in a chokehold. The book starts right at the end of where we left off in TSOS, and we continue with Breyla, Elijah and Ophelia as they process their grief, work to save their kingdoms, and discover secrets about their companions and themselves along the way.
This time, the story is told primarily from Prudia as Breyla gets to know her new kingdom and companion, Ayden, though Aurelius is never far behind.
I was captured from start to finish and can’t wait for the story to continue developing in the next book. Full disclosure, prepare for emotional damage and heartbreak.
The Call of Crimson is book 2 in a series that begins with The Sorrow of Shadows. We begin with the GMC, Breyla, whose mother has just died. She must choose whether to ascend to become queen or to return with her betrothed, Prince Ayden, to his home.
This story is so emotionally charged and the twists and turns are well crafted. The characters go through so much, and the readers are right there with them. The spice is also very nice - still a slow burn with tons of tension though.
Loved this one, and looking forward to seeing what happens next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Arranged marriage -One bed -Hidden identity -Forbidden love
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Our FMC is such a badass! I was laughing while reading all of her sarcastic comments and kicking my feet during the spicy scenes. Our FMC and MMC are HOT for each other, and I love that for them (and us)! The cliffhanger at the end has me waiting for more😭
This book was such a ride and definitely a 5-star read for me. Honestly, I was a little disappointed that Aurelius isn’t actually a bad guy like I thought at the end of book one, but I quickly got swept away by everything else. Breyla being sent off to marry Ayden and his attempts to win her over were so entertaining, but the real tension came with Ayden and Aurelius (who are brothers ahhhh) fighting over her. The drama! And the forbidden love between Aurelius and Breyla had me aching. I kept going back and forth between being Team Ayden and Team Aurelius, but of course Aurelius being her mate sealed it.
Elijah better not be gone for good, no, no, no. What did he know? How did he know about the future? I need answers. I somehow completely missed the fact that Ayden is apparently into Ophelia instead of Breyla (what a shame). And Darian’s hatred of Breyla is so intense, when will we finally learn the truth about that?
The ending had me reeling. Another kidnapping? No way. What do they want with them? I am so curious to read what happens next with the Fae.
Favourite quote: “Broken doesn’t mean less than. There will come a day when you put yourself back together, and I pity anyone who stands in your way when that day comes.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I will try to do this spoiler free. This picks up right where book one leaves off, and even includes a recap (that I, personally, freakin loved).
You think the cliffhanger in book one was a lot? Oh, honey. Morgana was just getting started. She will have your jaw dropping at the twists. Your heart breaking with loss and grief (grab the tissues). And your soul aching over the tension.
If you love spicy romantasy, don’t leave this series off your TBR.
Loved the story. Its a great mix of fantasy, political intrigue, and mystery. Not too fantasy heavy so its an easy but great read. You are always on the edge of your seat. The banter and romance is amazing since there are multiple POVs.
I love Breyla. Shes a strong FMC with shadows who despite dealing with so much tragedy always pits her kingdom and love first.
I loved TSOS and this second book just made me that much more obsessed!!! This dark fantasy romance has everything!!! Breyla is such a badass FMC but feels so deeply for her family. Aurelius is just *chef's kiss* ... add in the found family dynamics, court politics and intrigue, with an outside threat getting closer and you will not be able to put this story down!
So. Damn. Good! How am I supposed to wait for the next book after this?
This one had everything I needed in a fantasy book, hitting all the marks. Highs and lows, humor and passion, powers and evil, love triangles galore, delicious scenes and multiple POV's. Each person having distinct personalities and deep connections. Tropes are plenty and tastefully executed.
Morgana, you did it again! You made another great book that I can’t wait to collect. The way you put your heart into your characters makes me want to continue your books even more. This series has definitely kept me interested in the character dynamics and the slow burn romance. I'm looking forward to reading more from you.
The second book in The Crimson & Shadows series and…yeah no still not over the events in this book. This was such an amazing continuation of Breylas story. With more world building and new characters and reveals. While the same things are at risk, it escalates. New threats arise that are not even supposed to exist anymore. History from a different point of view. This book was filled to the brim with emotions and tension and I loved every single minute! After book one i promised myself to not trust anyone but with the way Morgana writes her characters how can I not fall instantly in love! I thought the first cliff hanger was rough, this one absolutely made my jaw drop and I cannot wait for book three and to see how all of this will unfold! I’m trying not to give too much away but I will say that “emotional damage” doesn’t begin to cover the feelings for this book. Like ma’am….why?? I took this a personal attack honestly (I’m totally kidding please keep breaking my heart). If you’ve read book one and thought the spice was spicin👀👀 oh you’re in for the time of your life with book two! I genuinely cannot recommend these books enough! They have climbed their way to the top of my favorites and are being guarded in my heart. Looking for your next bad@ss FMC to adore and to escape into a new world? Start with The Sorrow of Shadows then you can read The Call of Crimson in all its glory!
Loved this. It starts off where book 1 ended. Morgana Black took us through a rollercoaster of emotions from frustration to heartbreak to swooning and everything in between. That ending though. Thank you some much for my arc. Cannot wait to see what's in store.
Another freaking masterpiece from Morgana Black! The banter and spice are chefs kiss. But if you think this author won’t break your heart you are seriously mistaken. We are once again left on a precipice awaiting the next book. But oh sure always makes the wait worthwhile!
Book one picks up right where book two leaves off and it is everything I was hoping for. The plot twists are insane and I couldn’t believe some of what was happening. Interested to see what comes next.