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Cadence of the Fallen #1.5
A Composition of Scars
Before Draven was the feared captain over one of Bathara’s revered aggregates, he was merely a teenager learning how to better his magic, better his combat, and better himself. With his brothers by his side, Draven battles against a world that has carved out his identity with a ruthless blade—despite the wrath Tynan Dalmar brings down on him each time he falls short of his father’s measure. But after a particularly cruel interaction where the fraying chords holding his family together officially snap, Draven’s mother whisks him away in the middle of the night to finally put distance between them and House Dalmar.
It is in the unsuspecting city of Príth—where colors dance and streets thrum with a living heartbeat—that Draven’s world expands far broader than he ever imagined. And as he watches his mother’s smile return while confronting his deepest fears, Draven believes he has finally found his place in the world. Has discovered the true warmth of a family at last.
Until his father shatters that illusion into a million, serrated pieces.
A Composition of Scars is a novella in the Cadence of the Fallen series that tells the tale of how Draven received his deepest scars. The ones that always remain, alive and bleeding beneath his skin. It should be read after A Requiem for Fallen Stars.
It is in the unsuspecting city of Príth—where colors dance and streets thrum with a living heartbeat—that Draven’s world expands far broader than he ever imagined. And as he watches his mother’s smile return while confronting his deepest fears, Draven believes he has finally found his place in the world. Has discovered the true warmth of a family at last.
Until his father shatters that illusion into a million, serrated pieces.
A Composition of Scars is a novella in the Cadence of the Fallen series that tells the tale of how Draven received his deepest scars. The ones that always remain, alive and bleeding beneath his skin. It should be read after A Requiem for Fallen Stars.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
Hazel S. Wilkes
3 books310 followersHazel is simply a lover of words and stories, overflowing with made-up worlds, scenarios, and characters. Ever since she was just a small girl, climbing out of her bedroom window to read on the roof under the stars with her trusted book light in hand (sorry, Mom), she has been enchanted by stories and the art of storytelling.
Hazel lives in Texas with her equally nerdy fiancé, her fluffy dog-child (who's named after a character from the novel that first truly revealed the beauty in crafting words to her), and the two sweetest cats a pet mom could hope for. Aside from writing, she enjoys playing and coaching sports, watching anime, spending time with her family, and discussing books with her bookish besties.
Hazel lives in Texas with her equally nerdy fiancé, her fluffy dog-child (who's named after a character from the novel that first truly revealed the beauty in crafting words to her), and the two sweetest cats a pet mom could hope for. Aside from writing, she enjoys playing and coaching sports, watching anime, spending time with her family, and discussing books with her bookish besties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
July 4, 2026
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . 4.6 - 4.8 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ╰┈➤ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ┈┈ short novella review ┈┈
ㅤ I am not even kidding when I say this has to be one of the best novellas I've ever read for a series. Not necessarily because the novella itself is extraordinary, but because of how completely it changes your perspective on the first book. About halfway through, I genuinely started spiralling as scene after scene from the original story suddenly took on an entirely different meaning with the revelations from this book.
ㅤ It is honestly insane how much this book reshapes everything you thought you knew. I am actually considering changing my rating for the first book at this point. 🙃🙃🙃
ㅤ ㅤ “May the men who believe they can own a woman burn in a special place of Merikh’s realm.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ First of all, you should know that this book is SAD. Like, REALLY SAD. The story mainly follows Draven's past, taking you back to when he was only fourteen years old. You witness the events that shaped him into the cold, composed, and sometimes even cruel man you meet in the first book. This is basically Draven's villain origin story if he were actually the villain.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I loved the constant sense of anticipation and tension this book creates. It keeps you feeling as though something terrible is always just around the corner, something that is genuinely going to break your heart. And the worst part? Even though you spend the entire book expecting it, you are still completely unprepared for what actually comes.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I did not expect this book to completely change my perspective on the first one the way it did. And what made it even better? IT DID IT IN THE MOST WHOLESOME, HEART-MELTING WAY POSSIBLE!!!! 🥹 The moment I reached a certain chapter and witnessed A CERTAIN INTERACTION that I absolutely refuse to spoil, I was quite literally screaming. Suddenly, so many moments from the first book took on an entirely new meaning, and I was not emotionally prepared for any of it.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ It was also amazing to see some of the characters you meet in the first book. Draven's bond with Kiran and Finley suddenly took on a whole new meaning, and I appreciated those relationships so much more afterward. It was equally fun to meet some new characters as well, but... you know...let's just say there's a very good chance you won't be seeing all of them in the next book.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Those last two chapters just made me smile. They were so wholesome and the absolute perfect way to end this novella, bringing everything back to the present and making you look at everything you had just read from a completely different perspective.
ㅤ I genuinely think this is the kind of novella you simply cannot skip. It plays a role very similar to The Assassin's Blade in the Throne of Glass series. You really need to read it if you want a deeper understanding of both the first book and, most likely, the rest of the series as well.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍendㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ📖‧ ˚ ₊⊹ Cadence of the Fallen series reviews:
⋆˚࿔ A Requiem for Fallen Stars (3.9 - 4.1 ⭐)
⋆˚࿔ A Composition of Scars (4.6 -4.8 ⭐)
⋆˚࿔ A Ballad for the Broken (TBR)
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍㆍ✿ㆍㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼
ㅤ ○ started ┆01-July-2026┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ i just know this novella is about to make me cry my heart out, but oh well
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ╰┈➤ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ┈┈ short novella review ┈┈
ㅤ I am not even kidding when I say this has to be one of the best novellas I've ever read for a series. Not necessarily because the novella itself is extraordinary, but because of how completely it changes your perspective on the first book. About halfway through, I genuinely started spiralling as scene after scene from the original story suddenly took on an entirely different meaning with the revelations from this book.
ㅤ It is honestly insane how much this book reshapes everything you thought you knew. I am actually considering changing my rating for the first book at this point. 🙃🙃🙃
ㅤ ㅤ “May the men who believe they can own a woman burn in a special place of Merikh’s realm.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ First of all, you should know that this book is SAD. Like, REALLY SAD. The story mainly follows Draven's past, taking you back to when he was only fourteen years old. You witness the events that shaped him into the cold, composed, and sometimes even cruel man you meet in the first book. This is basically Draven's villain origin story if he were actually the villain.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I loved the constant sense of anticipation and tension this book creates. It keeps you feeling as though something terrible is always just around the corner, something that is genuinely going to break your heart. And the worst part? Even though you spend the entire book expecting it, you are still completely unprepared for what actually comes.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I did not expect this book to completely change my perspective on the first one the way it did. And what made it even better? IT DID IT IN THE MOST WHOLESOME, HEART-MELTING WAY POSSIBLE!!!! 🥹 The moment I reached a certain chapter and witnessed A CERTAIN INTERACTION that I absolutely refuse to spoil, I was quite literally screaming. Suddenly, so many moments from the first book took on an entirely new meaning, and I was not emotionally prepared for any of it.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ It was also amazing to see some of the characters you meet in the first book. Draven's bond with Kiran and Finley suddenly took on a whole new meaning, and I appreciated those relationships so much more afterward. It was equally fun to meet some new characters as well, but... you know...let's just say there's a very good chance you won't be seeing all of them in the next book.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Those last two chapters just made me smile. They were so wholesome and the absolute perfect way to end this novella, bringing everything back to the present and making you look at everything you had just read from a completely different perspective.
ㅤ I genuinely think this is the kind of novella you simply cannot skip. It plays a role very similar to The Assassin's Blade in the Throne of Glass series. You really need to read it if you want a deeper understanding of both the first book and, most likely, the rest of the series as well.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍendㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ📖‧ ˚ ₊⊹ Cadence of the Fallen series reviews:
⋆˚࿔ A Requiem for Fallen Stars (3.9 - 4.1 ⭐)
⋆˚࿔ A Composition of Scars (4.6 -4.8 ⭐)
⋆˚࿔ A Ballad for the Broken (TBR)
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍㆍ✿ㆍㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼
ㅤ ○ started ┆01-July-2026┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ i just know this novella is about to make me cry my heart out, but oh well
July 5, 2026
4.25⭐️ I wasn't originally a fan of the first book in this series, but this novella is honestly making me reconsider everything. I feel like if I went back and reread the first book now, I'd view every character interaction in a completely different light.
The novella explores Draven's relationships with his mother and his brothers, and the “found family” dynamic is STRONG. Draven's relationship with his mother is especially precious, and I am utterly shocked by how traumatic his backstory turned out to be.
Although this largely takes place before the events of the first book, I HIGHLY recommend reading it before continuing to the second book. The additional context gives you a much deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations and decisions. I think it'll completely change the way you experience the rest of the series.
The novella explores Draven's relationships with his mother and his brothers, and the “found family” dynamic is STRONG. Draven's relationship with his mother is especially precious, and I am utterly shocked by how traumatic his backstory turned out to be.
Although this largely takes place before the events of the first book, I HIGHLY recommend reading it before continuing to the second book. The additional context gives you a much deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations and decisions. I think it'll completely change the way you experience the rest of the series.
June 26, 2026
this left a hole in my heart, i cannot believe how much more i love draven and kiran after this novella. i didn’t think that was possible.
this book will rip your gd heart out, & the ending will leave you with your jaw in the floor.
i can’t begin to explain how much i loved this, my favorite novella ever freaking written- this book is so integral to the series, definitely read before book 2!
6 stars ⭐️
this book will rip your gd heart out, & the ending will leave you with your jaw in the floor.
i can’t begin to explain how much i loved this, my favorite novella ever freaking written- this book is so integral to the series, definitely read before book 2!
6 stars ⭐️
March 24, 2026
I am absolutely speechless after reading this novella!!! The writing is both poetic and captivating. I genuinely think I may have highlighted at least half of the book.
In this heartbreaking story we get a glimpse into Draven’s past. We see how the events that took place in his adolescent years have shaped him into the man that he has become, and we learn just how deep the scars that he carries truly run.
The author wonderfully portrays the beauty of a mother’s love as well as the devastation that comes from a father’s hatred. It is the cry your eyes out kind of heartbreak. And yet, I absolutely could not put it down.
To say that I’m invested would be an understatement. I absolutely cannot wait to see where the next book takes us.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: N/A
Tropes ✨:
Found family
Young love
Devoted mother
Abusive parent
Grief
🖤: “Draven was ready to let go of the pain, and the pain was ready to let go of him. So, he did—he let go. He hoped he would become a better man for it.”
A special thank you to the author for this eARC.
In this heartbreaking story we get a glimpse into Draven’s past. We see how the events that took place in his adolescent years have shaped him into the man that he has become, and we learn just how deep the scars that he carries truly run.
The author wonderfully portrays the beauty of a mother’s love as well as the devastation that comes from a father’s hatred. It is the cry your eyes out kind of heartbreak. And yet, I absolutely could not put it down.
To say that I’m invested would be an understatement. I absolutely cannot wait to see where the next book takes us.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: N/A
Tropes ✨:
Found family
Young love
Devoted mother
Abusive parent
Grief
🖤: “Draven was ready to let go of the pain, and the pain was ready to let go of him. So, he did—he let go. He hoped he would become a better man for it.”
A special thank you to the author for this eARC.
June 18, 2026
Ugh i swear ive never read a prequel book that didn’t gut punch me. I’m unwell for Draven. Having to read about all he has been through HURT. But it made me so much more invested in his character and it brought so much depth to him and his story. I also loved all the little breadcrumbs and how certain puzzle pieces started to come together. Also the ending when he says “you”! It makes so much sense now! My heart is broken for Draven, but this story was so important to who he is and I’m excited to keep going in this series
March 3, 2026
4.5☆ simply wow. this novella was poetic, captivating, and deeply emotional in a way that completely caught me off guard. getting a glimpse into draven’s adolescent years - seeing the moments that shaped him, scarred him, and ultimately forged him into the man he is now was so powerful. it added so much depth to his character that I didn’t even realize I was missing.
I knew going in that it would be painful, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would truly affect me. there were moments where the emotion felt so raw and intimate that tears were forming before I even realized it. the writing pulled me in so effortlessly, making every heartbreak and quiet revelation hit that much harder.
this novella didn’t just add to the story, it transformed my understanding of it. now I feel an even deeper connection to the characters and their journey, and it honestly makes me want to go back to book one to experience everything again with this new perspective. what a beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable addition to the series.
ty sm hazel for graciously sending me an e-arc!
I knew going in that it would be painful, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would truly affect me. there were moments where the emotion felt so raw and intimate that tears were forming before I even realized it. the writing pulled me in so effortlessly, making every heartbreak and quiet revelation hit that much harder.
this novella didn’t just add to the story, it transformed my understanding of it. now I feel an even deeper connection to the characters and their journey, and it honestly makes me want to go back to book one to experience everything again with this new perspective. what a beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable addition to the series.
ty sm hazel for graciously sending me an e-arc!
May 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This novella was beautiful and captivating. The writing immediately pulls you in. I expected it would be painful getting a glance into Draven’s past, but it was way more intense than I predicted. It was sad, and painful, and horrible to have to read about, yet I couldn’t put it down.
I truly cannot wait for the next book in this series I’m beyond obsessed and I will never shut up about it.
This novella was beautiful and captivating. The writing immediately pulls you in. I expected it would be painful getting a glance into Draven’s past, but it was way more intense than I predicted. It was sad, and painful, and horrible to have to read about, yet I couldn’t put it down.
I truly cannot wait for the next book in this series I’m beyond obsessed and I will never shut up about it.
June 14, 2026
I found this book absolutely necessary, and i’m glad i read it. i just feel like it could have been a bit shorter. but overall im glad i read it bc this back story was really important to understand book 2
April 23, 2026
Beautiful prequel novella. You know it will be painful from what you know from book 1, but it hurts nonetheless
June 15, 2026
A Composition of Scars made me sob my eyes out like a little baby.
For transparency, I was gifted a paperback copy of this book by the author.
What to expect:
🖤 Fantasy
🖤 1st person POV
🖤 Found family
🖤 Trauma
Spice rating: 🫑
This little novella is straight emotional damage. A Composition of Scars took my heart in its pages and smashed it at the end. I'm unwell.
I never quite know how to properly rate novellas, but this was a solid read given that it added so much more context and backstory to our MMC (which was teased in book 1). It also gives a GREAT set up going into book 2.
Biggest reasoning for not giving this a higher rating comes down to that I just can't see teenagers talking or thinking this way (as much as I'd love teenagers to be this emotionally intelligent). It didn't feel realistic, IN MY OPINION. I think this maturity of language would've served better being written in 3rd person POV versus 1st person POV.
For transparency, I was gifted a paperback copy of this book by the author.
What to expect:
🖤 Fantasy
🖤 1st person POV
🖤 Found family
🖤 Trauma
Spice rating: 🫑
This little novella is straight emotional damage. A Composition of Scars took my heart in its pages and smashed it at the end. I'm unwell.
I never quite know how to properly rate novellas, but this was a solid read given that it added so much more context and backstory to our MMC (which was teased in book 1). It also gives a GREAT set up going into book 2.
Biggest reasoning for not giving this a higher rating comes down to that I just can't see teenagers talking or thinking this way (as much as I'd love teenagers to be this emotionally intelligent). It didn't feel realistic, IN MY OPINION. I think this maturity of language would've served better being written in 3rd person POV versus 1st person POV.
February 27, 2026
“they will just see you, and they will love you for it; when you find a person like that, you never let them go.”
—
this was just wow. it was such a well done novella. learning about draven’s backstory was so much more devastating than i could have imagined. i literally sobbed the entire last 25%.
i fear i need to go reread certain scenes from book one now for science… cuz omg.
thank you so much hazel and her team for this e-arc! i will be counting down the days until book 2! ♥︎
“𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕—𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒈𝒐. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.”
—
this was just wow. it was such a well done novella. learning about draven’s backstory was so much more devastating than i could have imagined. i literally sobbed the entire last 25%.
i fear i need to go reread certain scenes from book one now for science… cuz omg.
thank you so much hazel and her team for this e-arc! i will be counting down the days until book 2! ♥︎
“𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕—𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒈𝒐. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.”
March 23, 2026
This is how all fantasy novellas of a larger series should be. Didn’t feel like a filler, but added so much depth to characters we’ve already met. And the story itself could have easily stood as its own novel with a couple hundred pages added.
I was going back to reread certain parts of book 1 after I finished this with my mind blown!
I was going back to reread certain parts of book 1 after I finished this with my mind blown!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to start this review out with a quote from my review on book 1:
"I really like the MMC but I do feel like he has as lot of room to grow and for us to see more of who he actually is. We only scratched the surface with who he is and I think in the next book I am going to be kicking and giggling my feet once we fully see him."
I definitely was NOT kicking and giggling my feet about him in this book, I was screaming, crying and throwing up (in a good way).
We got to see everything that made Draven who he is and I can't believe how much I love him after only 200 some pages with him. He went through so much trauma and has had to deal with such tragic events that I pray to everything that the next book he gets nothing but rainbows and sunshine.
I loved this book more than I ever expected even though all I did was cry.
The most heartful thanks to Hazel S. Wilkes for graciously letting me read this hauntingly beautiful book before it's publication, I am so honored.
"I really like the MMC but I do feel like he has as lot of room to grow and for us to see more of who he actually is. We only scratched the surface with who he is and I think in the next book I am going to be kicking and giggling my feet once we fully see him."
I definitely was NOT kicking and giggling my feet about him in this book, I was screaming, crying and throwing up (in a good way).
We got to see everything that made Draven who he is and I can't believe how much I love him after only 200 some pages with him. He went through so much trauma and has had to deal with such tragic events that I pray to everything that the next book he gets nothing but rainbows and sunshine.
I loved this book more than I ever expected even though all I did was cry.
The most heartful thanks to Hazel S. Wilkes for graciously letting me read this hauntingly beautiful book before it's publication, I am so honored.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐
i know i'm baised when it’s come her but this book was so good. 🤌🤌
this was the childhood story of draven and why he become the man he is now. We get to see kiran and finlay and get know what happen between finlay and draven. i missed them.
i love that the way she portrait a mother love for her Children. how a mother love, sacrifice and protect her son. i love the new characters too. This book also show how innocent and beatiful young love is. I was crying last 25% of the book. Draven had endure alot at the age of 14. 😭😭.
i can't wait for book 2 to come out. i so excited for it🥰🥰.thank you miss Hazel S. Wikes for the arc.
5⭐
i know i'm baised when it’s come her but this book was so good. 🤌🤌
this was the childhood story of draven and why he become the man he is now. We get to see kiran and finlay and get know what happen between finlay and draven. i missed them.
i love that the way she portrait a mother love for her Children. how a mother love, sacrifice and protect her son. i love the new characters too. This book also show how innocent and beatiful young love is. I was crying last 25% of the book. Draven had endure alot at the age of 14. 😭😭.
i can't wait for book 2 to come out. i so excited for it🥰🥰.thank you miss Hazel S. Wikes for the arc.
March 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
First, a huge thank you to Hazel S. Wilkes for the opportunity to read A Composition of Scars early. I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this one.
I absolutely LOVED this book, even more than I loved A Requiem for Fallen Stars. Getting Draven’s backstory was everything I hoped for and somehow even more heartbreaking than I expected.
Going in, I knew this story probably wasn’t going to have a happy ending. After all, we already know the man Draven becomes. But that didn’t stop me from hoping anyway. The first half of this book was filled with so many heartwarming, almost cozy moments. Watching young Draven learn, grow, and finally start to feel like he might have found a place where he truly belongs was beautiful. Seeing him alongside his brothers and watching his mother begin to heal made it impossible not to cling to that hope.
And then the last 25% absolutely ripped my heart out.
Knowing what was coming didn’t make it hurt any less. If anything, it made every good moment feel even more precious because you knew it couldn’t last. Watching the pieces of Draven’s life fall into place and then shatter was devastating in the best way.
This prequel adds so much depth to the character we meet in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It makes you understand him, hurt for him, and see exactly how the boy he once was became the man we know.
Beautifully written, emotional, and completely unforgettable. If you loved Draven before, this book will make you love him and ache for him even more.
First, a huge thank you to Hazel S. Wilkes for the opportunity to read A Composition of Scars early. I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this one.
I absolutely LOVED this book, even more than I loved A Requiem for Fallen Stars. Getting Draven’s backstory was everything I hoped for and somehow even more heartbreaking than I expected.
Going in, I knew this story probably wasn’t going to have a happy ending. After all, we already know the man Draven becomes. But that didn’t stop me from hoping anyway. The first half of this book was filled with so many heartwarming, almost cozy moments. Watching young Draven learn, grow, and finally start to feel like he might have found a place where he truly belongs was beautiful. Seeing him alongside his brothers and watching his mother begin to heal made it impossible not to cling to that hope.
And then the last 25% absolutely ripped my heart out.
Knowing what was coming didn’t make it hurt any less. If anything, it made every good moment feel even more precious because you knew it couldn’t last. Watching the pieces of Draven’s life fall into place and then shatter was devastating in the best way.
This prequel adds so much depth to the character we meet in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It makes you understand him, hurt for him, and see exactly how the boy he once was became the man we know.
Beautifully written, emotional, and completely unforgettable. If you loved Draven before, this book will make you love him and ache for him even more.
March 4, 2026
Just wow! After finishing A Requiem for Fallen Stars, I was dying to know more about Dravens past and the secrets he held. A composition of scars was everything I could hope for. It told the story from when Draven was a child to present day when he saw Lyra in Foreigner’s valley. Tying everything together.This book kept my interest the whole time and answered all my questions. Felt every emotion while reading this novella. It was a great read! Can’t wait for book two
June 23, 2026
4.5
Draven’s story is absolutely gut-wrenching, and getting to see the man behind the pain made me love him even more. Despite everything he’s been through, he has such a kind heart, and the way his mother raised him to hold onto that goodness was incredibly beautiful.
I also loved getting more of the history between Draven and Lyra. Their connection added so much depth and made this novella feel even more meaningful. Emotional, heartfelt, and completely worth the read.
Draven’s story is absolutely gut-wrenching, and getting to see the man behind the pain made me love him even more. Despite everything he’s been through, he has such a kind heart, and the way his mother raised him to hold onto that goodness was incredibly beautiful.
I also loved getting more of the history between Draven and Lyra. Their connection added so much depth and made this novella feel even more meaningful. Emotional, heartfelt, and completely worth the read.
March 25, 2026
This is the best novella I’ve read since Assassins Blade.
Draven, my Shayla, what is there to even say? His past is even harsher than I envisioned and walking this path with him was difficult but worth it. This novella gives so much depth to his character and I loved getting to meet his family.
I hope to see the new characters we met in Hazel’s future books.
Draven, my Shayla, what is there to even say? His past is even harsher than I envisioned and walking this path with him was difficult but worth it. This novella gives so much depth to his character and I loved getting to meet his family.
I hope to see the new characters we met in Hazel’s future books.
May 6, 2026
So, I was already in love with Draven with my whole heart after book 1, but holy cats, did this book make me fall even harder. This is ultimately a story of trauma (serious trauma- check your triggers), rock bottom brokenness and a fight back to finding true self. This has quickly become one of my new favorite series of ever and I cannot recommend it highly enough!!!!
June 7, 2026
When idiots boil romantic fantasy stories down to smut and smut alone, I want to push novellas like this in front of their noses and then smack them in the face with it. With just 300 or so short pages @hazel deftly explores family trauma, optimism, sacrifice, and a deep, all consuming, and sometimes painful way of loving that shattered me. This is essential reading if you want to better understand what has shaped Draven, and the devastation that still holds him in a vicelike grip and I am flooded by it, and also not so quietly sobbing my heart out. Perfection. I’m sure I’ll be fine for book two… right?
March 10, 2026
Thank you Hazel and team for giving me my first ever ARC 😭 A Requiem for fallen stars was my favourite book of 2025, so I just knew Dravens novella was going to be a great read. I didn’t quite expect the emotional damage though??
This is the standard I expect from novellas from now on. 300 pages of a well written and fleshed out story, and Hazel absolutely delivered. Getting so much depth and emotion into (by romantasy standards) such a short book is not an easy feat, but Hazel managed this effortlessly, providing so much context and story.
It was great to find out how Draven came to be who he is, and getting to connect with his story more. I absolutely adored this. I’ve been pushing book one onto anyone who’ll listen, now I get to push 2 books 😌
This is the standard I expect from novellas from now on. 300 pages of a well written and fleshed out story, and Hazel absolutely delivered. Getting so much depth and emotion into (by romantasy standards) such a short book is not an easy feat, but Hazel managed this effortlessly, providing so much context and story.
It was great to find out how Draven came to be who he is, and getting to connect with his story more. I absolutely adored this. I’ve been pushing book one onto anyone who’ll listen, now I get to push 2 books 😌
March 25, 2026
One of the most powerful thing in this world is a mothers love. This is one of the most beautiful examples of a mothers’ strength, courage, and undying devotion to those she loves. It’s a love that hits you on a deeper level. And I found myself realizing there are few novels around anymore that highlight how incredible mothers are, and how they shape characters growth. This book leaves you raw with mixed emotions, but it’s a story that I will willingly put myself in a tearful state for. It’s not just a story, it’s a reminder that the light overcomes the darkness.
The legitimate found family in this was everything to me. It brought a needed warmth to a tragic story, and it shows that there glimpses of beauty amidst dark periods of life. Rhea and Suzumi had a lot of fun energy, being the perfect duo to uplift Draven, and show him what it’s like to be part of a loving family, not to mention Atlas, becoming a much needed father figure. The brotherhood between Draven and Kiran is as strong in this story as it is in Requiem, and I loved seeing their bonds of loyalty remain unbreakable. Lealla is the perfect representation of love created by bonds and not necessarily blood. Her story is powerful, and her influence on Draven brings tears to my eyes.
I’m so grateful for the chance to read this story, and to find a deeper understanding on Draven’s character and backstory. To truly understand we must look at the past and the people who shaped our lives, and I can’t say enough how much I needed to read this. It not only has me continuing to root for Draven, but to also pick up Requiem for Fallen Stars, and see Lyra and Draven find each other scars and all, and tell each other their stories. Thank you Hazel for the opportunity to arc read, I cannot wait for book 2 to be released.
The legitimate found family in this was everything to me. It brought a needed warmth to a tragic story, and it shows that there glimpses of beauty amidst dark periods of life. Rhea and Suzumi had a lot of fun energy, being the perfect duo to uplift Draven, and show him what it’s like to be part of a loving family, not to mention Atlas, becoming a much needed father figure. The brotherhood between Draven and Kiran is as strong in this story as it is in Requiem, and I loved seeing their bonds of loyalty remain unbreakable. Lealla is the perfect representation of love created by bonds and not necessarily blood. Her story is powerful, and her influence on Draven brings tears to my eyes.
I’m so grateful for the chance to read this story, and to find a deeper understanding on Draven’s character and backstory. To truly understand we must look at the past and the people who shaped our lives, and I can’t say enough how much I needed to read this. It not only has me continuing to root for Draven, but to also pick up Requiem for Fallen Stars, and see Lyra and Draven find each other scars and all, and tell each other their stories. Thank you Hazel for the opportunity to arc read, I cannot wait for book 2 to be released.
March 2, 2026
Finishing off this book with actual tears running down my face and that, I guess, sums up everything this book was❤️
First off, I wanted to thank Hazel for sending me the ARC of this masterpiece and letting me be back on this world sooner than expected🥹
This author has such a way with words I could feel my heart clenching and beating out of my chest every few words. I cannot even imagine the level of pain Draven had to endure at such young age, the visuals of that chapter keep bringing tears to my eyes… and despite all that he resurfaced from his own ashes, his own pain to try and become the man his mother and Atlast always believed him to be😭 it was so beautiful to read I almost felt I was being privy to something I shouldn’t have. One of the most devastating yet beautiful stories I have ever read. I was so devastated when I read about Suzumi I almost forgot about Lyra for a second there and all the good things Draven has coming up (hopefully only good things will happen to him from here on, God knows he deserves it!) and reading the last few pages made me so incredibly happy, knowing that Dravel got that spark of light back and that he will, indeed, love and be loved in a magnificent way❤️
I cannot tell you how badly I need to have book 2 in my hands, release day can’t come soon enough !!!!
First off, I wanted to thank Hazel for sending me the ARC of this masterpiece and letting me be back on this world sooner than expected🥹
This author has such a way with words I could feel my heart clenching and beating out of my chest every few words. I cannot even imagine the level of pain Draven had to endure at such young age, the visuals of that chapter keep bringing tears to my eyes… and despite all that he resurfaced from his own ashes, his own pain to try and become the man his mother and Atlast always believed him to be😭 it was so beautiful to read I almost felt I was being privy to something I shouldn’t have. One of the most devastating yet beautiful stories I have ever read. I was so devastated when I read about Suzumi I almost forgot about Lyra for a second there and all the good things Draven has coming up (hopefully only good things will happen to him from here on, God knows he deserves it!) and reading the last few pages made me so incredibly happy, knowing that Dravel got that spark of light back and that he will, indeed, love and be loved in a magnificent way❤️
I cannot tell you how badly I need to have book 2 in my hands, release day can’t come soon enough !!!!
March 22, 2026
5⭐️
"I’m just Draven."
As soon as I hit the last page, the first thought that crossed my mind was I want to go back and re-read A Requiem For Fallen Stars because the way everything connected had the cogs in my brain working and I just didn’t want to leave this world or these characters. How this novella connects so perfectly to book 1, just wow! This was a heartbreaking and absolutely captivating read.
"When you find a person like that—the person who sees the soul behind any and every mask—you never let them go. Ever."
You get a front row seat to how the events of the past shape Draven into the man you meet in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It is painful and heartbreaking (I cried so many times while reading this!) and despite these horrific harrowing scars he truly is the definition of resilience and strength.
One thing I really loved in this novella was how your chosen family is your true family and those bonds are deeper than any blood relations can ever be.
Absolutely do not skip this book prior to the upcoming release of book two in the series. For full emotional impact having Draven’s origin story will make the series hit that much more. I didn’t think it was possible but it’s impossible to not fall a little harder for him a too.
I cannot wait for book two in this incredible series. A big thank you to Hazel for the e-ARC, it was an honour to get to read 1.5 in the series.
"I’m just Draven."
As soon as I hit the last page, the first thought that crossed my mind was I want to go back and re-read A Requiem For Fallen Stars because the way everything connected had the cogs in my brain working and I just didn’t want to leave this world or these characters. How this novella connects so perfectly to book 1, just wow! This was a heartbreaking and absolutely captivating read.
"When you find a person like that—the person who sees the soul behind any and every mask—you never let them go. Ever."
You get a front row seat to how the events of the past shape Draven into the man you meet in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It is painful and heartbreaking (I cried so many times while reading this!) and despite these horrific harrowing scars he truly is the definition of resilience and strength.
One thing I really loved in this novella was how your chosen family is your true family and those bonds are deeper than any blood relations can ever be.
Absolutely do not skip this book prior to the upcoming release of book two in the series. For full emotional impact having Draven’s origin story will make the series hit that much more. I didn’t think it was possible but it’s impossible to not fall a little harder for him a too.
I cannot wait for book two in this incredible series. A big thank you to Hazel for the e-ARC, it was an honour to get to read 1.5 in the series.
March 24, 2026
⭐️ 5/5 stars – spoiler free review
This novella DESTROYED ME.
I knew this was going to be rough, but I was not prepared for how brutal it would actually get. Reading about Draven's past added SO much weight to who he is and why he is the way he is. It made everything worse in the best possible way.
The writing is incredible. There’s this constant pressure throughout because you know it’s building towards something painful, and that just makes the ending hurt so much more. And even though it’s a novella, I got attached to the new characters so quickly it felt like I’d known them my whole life. It’s short, but it does more than some full length books manage. Every scene feels so intentional and it's a book that will linger with you.
I love how this novella builds on the bigger picture of the Cadence of the Fallen series. It made my heart hurt even more for Draven after the way A Requiem for Fallen Stars (book 1) ended. This book isn't just emotional for the sake of it, it adds real depth and makes everything feel heavier going into A Ballad for the Broken (book 2).
This series is genuinely god-tier, my favourite romantasy series ever, and this novella has just cemented that for me. I cannot wait for the release of book 2!
This novella DESTROYED ME.
I knew this was going to be rough, but I was not prepared for how brutal it would actually get. Reading about Draven's past added SO much weight to who he is and why he is the way he is. It made everything worse in the best possible way.
The writing is incredible. There’s this constant pressure throughout because you know it’s building towards something painful, and that just makes the ending hurt so much more. And even though it’s a novella, I got attached to the new characters so quickly it felt like I’d known them my whole life. It’s short, but it does more than some full length books manage. Every scene feels so intentional and it's a book that will linger with you.
I love how this novella builds on the bigger picture of the Cadence of the Fallen series. It made my heart hurt even more for Draven after the way A Requiem for Fallen Stars (book 1) ended. This book isn't just emotional for the sake of it, it adds real depth and makes everything feel heavier going into A Ballad for the Broken (book 2).
This series is genuinely god-tier, my favourite romantasy series ever, and this novella has just cemented that for me. I cannot wait for the release of book 2!
May 11, 2026
WOW. Just wow. I feel like I've been put through an emotional wringer and feel SO much closer to these beloved characters (...and also SO much more fury and rage at others). This was one of the best novellas I've read - it was emotionally charged, tragic, brutal, heart-wrenching, and yet also had elements of hope and levity. Gosh, I thought Tynan Dalmar was bad news in Requiem... but little did I know just how merciless, manipulative, spiteful, and monstrous he is (crying).
A Composition of Scars did an excellent job of 1) showing how Draven was viciously forged into the man he is, 2) establishing the history and progression of the dynamic between Draven, Finlay, and Kiran, and 3) adding additional insight into events that occur in Requiem. This novella also provided context as to why a hardened Draven took so quickly to Lyra and why his hand was forced at the end of Requiem. I am SO excited for the release of the next book and more page time for a certain newly introduced character. And I hope there is a reckoning in order!
A Composition of Scars did an excellent job of 1) showing how Draven was viciously forged into the man he is, 2) establishing the history and progression of the dynamic between Draven, Finlay, and Kiran, and 3) adding additional insight into events that occur in Requiem. This novella also provided context as to why a hardened Draven took so quickly to Lyra and why his hand was forced at the end of Requiem. I am SO excited for the release of the next book and more page time for a certain newly introduced character. And I hope there is a reckoning in order!
May 29, 2026
Oh Hazel what have you done to me?!
This was such a beautiful and emotive addition to the Cadence of the Fallen series. After reading book one, i knew going into this that it would be an emotional read, but even i couldn't predict how hard this book hits.
I very much enjoyed meeting a younger Draven, along with his brothers and learning more about his history has given his character so much more depth and i think he will always be one of my favourite MMC's. I definitely felt some rage at the situations he found himself in, i was heartbroken over certain scenes but there is also so much love and beauty in this book.
Its truly a wonderful addition to this series
This was such a beautiful and emotive addition to the Cadence of the Fallen series. After reading book one, i knew going into this that it would be an emotional read, but even i couldn't predict how hard this book hits.
I very much enjoyed meeting a younger Draven, along with his brothers and learning more about his history has given his character so much more depth and i think he will always be one of my favourite MMC's. I definitely felt some rage at the situations he found himself in, i was heartbroken over certain scenes but there is also so much love and beauty in this book.
Its truly a wonderful addition to this series
July 6, 2026
This novella is hauntingly perfect. It is a prequel story that provides additional context for some characters, and although the reader is going in knowing how it will play out, it doesn’t make the emotional hits any softer.
This is a perfect novella that allows immense depth for Draven. Seeing his origins and how he became who he is in the series was wonderful and gut wrenching all at once.
Without spoiling anything, the emotional impact of this is INTENSE. I sobbed within the first 20% and it didn’t stop until the end. If you want a story within this already enchanting world, then I highly recommend reading this asap!
This is a perfect novella that allows immense depth for Draven. Seeing his origins and how he became who he is in the series was wonderful and gut wrenching all at once.
Without spoiling anything, the emotional impact of this is INTENSE. I sobbed within the first 20% and it didn’t stop until the end. If you want a story within this already enchanting world, then I highly recommend reading this asap!
March 29, 2026
Draven is my fav character from A Requiem For Fallen Stars, so this was everything.
Getting his history was so heartbreaking but necessary, and I somehow love him even more now. He's been through so much. You get so much depth from this, and I definitely recommend reading it even if it's not required to continue the series. Also recommend reading it after A Requiem For Fallen Stars, which I desperately want to re-read now.
His father is in my top fictional characters I want to fight though.
Thank you so much to Hazel for gifting me an e-arc! 💜
Getting his history was so heartbreaking but necessary, and I somehow love him even more now. He's been through so much. You get so much depth from this, and I definitely recommend reading it even if it's not required to continue the series. Also recommend reading it after A Requiem For Fallen Stars, which I desperately want to re-read now.
His father is in my top fictional characters I want to fight though.
Thank you so much to Hazel for gifting me an e-arc! 💜
March 28, 2026
The Cadence of the Fallen series is now officially cemented itself as one of my all time favorites after this novella!
This was beautifully written, emotionally charged read that gave us important insights into the MMC, Draven’s, past. It helped to add depth to his character, making him stand out among all the “dark & broody MMCs”. I loved getting to learn more about him as a character, as well as his relationships outside of just the romantic dynamic from book 1.
My only ‘issue’ is that I wanted more!! As a reader I sometimes struggled with novella, always wanting just a little bit more. So this is very much a me thing lol. But I would have loved to see more glimpse into Draven not just as a young teen but also as he grows into the person we meet at the beginning of book 1.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend but the series & this novella! I cannot wait for more books to come out in this series!
This was beautifully written, emotionally charged read that gave us important insights into the MMC, Draven’s, past. It helped to add depth to his character, making him stand out among all the “dark & broody MMCs”. I loved getting to learn more about him as a character, as well as his relationships outside of just the romantic dynamic from book 1.
My only ‘issue’ is that I wanted more!! As a reader I sometimes struggled with novella, always wanting just a little bit more. So this is very much a me thing lol. But I would have loved to see more glimpse into Draven not just as a young teen but also as he grows into the person we meet at the beginning of book 1.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend but the series & this novella! I cannot wait for more books to come out in this series!
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