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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
5 books490 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 440 reviews
July 1, 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 4, 2026
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 15, 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 ⭐️
February 28, 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.
August 18, 2026
I am not a novella person, they just are not what I’m looking for when reading. So this didn’t 100% work for me. I do think it was gorgeous, and full of emotions and a lot of character moments and a deep looking into Draven, the boys and how they become who they are. I just love me some epic plot okay😂
So if you are a novella lover PLEASE read this. It feels like the rest of the books but just has a different purpose.
I will also recommend reading this between 1&2, instead of doing what I did and reading it after 2. I think it has the best chance at emotional devastation that way. But I did still enjoy it. 3 stars is a good rating for me it means I liked it, I just didn’t love it and I wasn’t obsessed.
So if you are a novella lover PLEASE read this. It feels like the rest of the books but just has a different purpose.
I will also recommend reading this between 1&2, instead of doing what I did and reading it after 2. I think it has the best chance at emotional devastation that way. But I did still enjoy it. 3 stars is a good rating for me it means I liked it, I just didn’t love it and I wasn’t obsessed.
August 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this. I think it gives a lot of context into characters and sets up a few things for book 2 well. I would personally say read this before book 2. The pacing was a bit slower, not as much action, but I am really glad I read it.
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
August 16, 2026
4.25⭐️s!
“𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
ms. hazel, these books have me in a chokehold.
excuse me… this novella was so good! it’s a bittersweet feeling because i loved getting draven’s back story, but it hurt at the same time because it was so sad 🥺.
tynan, when i get my hands at you, you better run because how dare you 😤!!!
the found family was so good, and the way hazel wove this novella and book 1 together had me in tears by the end 😭.
onto book 2 because i need to see how the revelations i had reading this novella play out!!
“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.”
“𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
ms. hazel, these books have me in a chokehold.
excuse me… this novella was so good! it’s a bittersweet feeling because i loved getting draven’s back story, but it hurt at the same time because it was so sad 🥺.
tynan, when i get my hands at you, you better run because how dare you 😤!!!
the found family was so good, and the way hazel wove this novella and book 1 together had me in tears by the end 😭.
onto book 2 because i need to see how the revelations i had reading this novella play out!!
“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 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 10, 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.”
August 3, 2026
“𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓪 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽—𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓴—𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓰𝓸. 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻.”
Wow okay, ouch. That was painful and so brutal.
I think this was a bit longer than necessary, but it was nice to get some insight into who Draven is and why he is the way he is (his dad needs to die asap thx)
Some silly thoughts:
-Draven is still really just a sweet softboi deep down
-his mom and Atlas have ripped my heart out, thx for that
-Kiran is a real one and must be protected at all costs
-truly his dad needs to suffer from the most horrific and painful of deaths
-I now see why Draven and Lyra felt so instalovey to me
Still feeling a bit underwhelmed with this series, like I enjoy it but don’t LOVE it.
Wow okay, ouch. That was painful and so brutal.
I think this was a bit longer than necessary, but it was nice to get some insight into who Draven is and why he is the way he is (his dad needs to die asap thx)
Some silly thoughts:
-Draven is still really just a sweet softboi deep down
-his mom and Atlas have ripped my heart out, thx for that
-Kiran is a real one and must be protected at all costs
-truly his dad needs to suffer from the most horrific and painful of deaths
-I now see why Draven and Lyra felt so instalovey to me
Still feeling a bit underwhelmed with this series, like I enjoy it but don’t LOVE it.
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!
July 24, 2026
4.5/5.0
This book is supposed to be a companion book to the first and third book in this series and it is suggested to be read after the first and before the second. I understand the reasoning, it explores the childhood and growing years of Draven, the MMC of this series. It shows what shapes his personality and the life he endured and gives increased understanding to the complex character that he is. This couldn’t have been done within the context of the original series without having to create an entire book or two before the main plotline even starts, so it is the only way to give the reader all the background that is so desperately needed.
By making it a “book 1.5”, however, I feel the importance of reading this book might not be taken seriously. It is just as gripping, deep and emotionally heart-wrenching as the first and third books - with a complete storyline that ties into the overall series so intrinsically that it really must be read more as a vital “book 2”. Because everything that transpired before needs the innate understanding it gives and everything that happens in book three is contingent upon the characters and development that takes place in this sad, yet poignantly amazing book.
This book is supposed to be a companion book to the first and third book in this series and it is suggested to be read after the first and before the second. I understand the reasoning, it explores the childhood and growing years of Draven, the MMC of this series. It shows what shapes his personality and the life he endured and gives increased understanding to the complex character that he is. This couldn’t have been done within the context of the original series without having to create an entire book or two before the main plotline even starts, so it is the only way to give the reader all the background that is so desperately needed.
By making it a “book 1.5”, however, I feel the importance of reading this book might not be taken seriously. It is just as gripping, deep and emotionally heart-wrenching as the first and third books - with a complete storyline that ties into the overall series so intrinsically that it really must be read more as a vital “book 2”. Because everything that transpired before needs the innate understanding it gives and everything that happens in book three is contingent upon the characters and development that takes place in this sad, yet poignantly amazing book.
July 23, 2026
This was such a beautiful story about our MMCs childhood and the heartache and struggles he had to go through. Make sure you have tissues close by cause his story tore my heart out!!
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 5, 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!!!!
July 22, 2026
This book was so highly rated and I’ve seen people crying over it. I was bored to tears for 75% of the book and could tell what was going to happen so I wasn’t remotely phased when things did go down. I understand why it has to be read prior to book two but still just a nope…I think this is why I like dual POV books because in book one we could have maybe incorporated it into Draven’s POV while he’s falling for the FMC. Flash backs here and there or conversations about his past. I just don’t think this was the book to read after how book 1 ended.
September 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐
this was such a good novella, reminds me of how i felt reading the assassins blade. you know what’s coming (sadly) but can’t help but enjoy the happy days while it lasts (also you suck Tynan, i hate you)
this was such a good novella, reminds me of how i felt reading the assassins blade. you know what’s coming (sadly) but can’t help but enjoy the happy days while it lasts (also you suck Tynan, i hate you)
September 5, 2026
This novella tied so well into the first book but also just made me so sad for Draven. Appreciate knowing his full back story and the pain he suffered to make him who he is in the first book, just makes me support him and his future even more than I already did
August 7, 2026
“you are my greatest accomplishment” 😭😭😭 yeah so this broke my heart. I knew it would but it still hurt.
July 19, 2026
GIMME BOOK 2
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