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Guardians of Areli #1
Revealing Shadows
There is treachery without. And treachery within.
Prince Beniah receives this cryptic warning when a lethal storm drives him to take refuge in the Western Cliffs. Yet the tension between him and his father compels him to hide his investigation.
Evidence of conspiracy continues to stack. A divisive treaty. Scarred earth. The opening of Areli’s borders to their ancient enemy. A murder. As the threat to his kingdom escalates, Beniah faces chilling questions …
Who is the mastermind? And who is their ultimate target?
Anne has lived her life cloaked in obscurity and rejection. Hidden behind a hair scarf and tinted glasses, she serves the High King and Areli with quiet devotion. But disturbing revelations force her to choose between staying safe in the shadows or betraying her sect by reaching across the class chasm for help.
As the web of mystery tightens, Beniah’s and Anne’s paths—and loyalties—cross treasonous boundaries, making discovery even more dangerous. Yet when their enemies close in, no safe options remain.
Either they step into the light and risk revealing their deepest-held secrets …
Or they let the shadows swallow them whole.Revealing Shadows is the first book in the romantic fantasy trilogy, Guardians of Areli and is preceded by the prequel, Reviving Embers.
This saga is written for the adult market and is set in an alternate earth history, non-magical – but supernaturally fantastical – story world. Readers who love …
Character-driven tales
Rebellious princes
Deep love stories (meaningful/fade to black)
Class prejudice
Cinderella vibes
Political conspiracy
Action/Fight scenes
Soul stirring journeys
… will find all this and so much more in Revealing Shadows and the books to follow.
The prequel to this trilogy is Reviving Embers, a story set twenty years before featuring some of the supporting characters in this book, as well as the dynamics/backstory that leads to what happens in the rest of the trilogy.
This series is best read in order even though each book has its own satisfying ending. For readers who love to have every single piece of the story in order, read as
Reviving Embers, prequel to The Guardians of Areli trilogy
Of Dust and Stars (a novella available for free at the back of Reviving Embers)
Revealing Shadows, book 1 of The Guardians of Areli trilogy
Of Queens and Sons (bonus scene available for free at the back of Revealing Shadows).
Fans of Carrie Cotton's Huntress, Alice Ivinya's Stars May Burn, and Ronie Kendig's Abiassa's Fire, will love the Guardians of Areli series.
Prince Beniah receives this cryptic warning when a lethal storm drives him to take refuge in the Western Cliffs. Yet the tension between him and his father compels him to hide his investigation.
Evidence of conspiracy continues to stack. A divisive treaty. Scarred earth. The opening of Areli’s borders to their ancient enemy. A murder. As the threat to his kingdom escalates, Beniah faces chilling questions …
Who is the mastermind? And who is their ultimate target?
Anne has lived her life cloaked in obscurity and rejection. Hidden behind a hair scarf and tinted glasses, she serves the High King and Areli with quiet devotion. But disturbing revelations force her to choose between staying safe in the shadows or betraying her sect by reaching across the class chasm for help.
As the web of mystery tightens, Beniah’s and Anne’s paths—and loyalties—cross treasonous boundaries, making discovery even more dangerous. Yet when their enemies close in, no safe options remain.
Either they step into the light and risk revealing their deepest-held secrets …
Or they let the shadows swallow them whole.Revealing Shadows is the first book in the romantic fantasy trilogy, Guardians of Areli and is preceded by the prequel, Reviving Embers.
This saga is written for the adult market and is set in an alternate earth history, non-magical – but supernaturally fantastical – story world. Readers who love …
Character-driven tales
Rebellious princes
Deep love stories (meaningful/fade to black)
Class prejudice
Cinderella vibes
Political conspiracy
Action/Fight scenes
Soul stirring journeys
… will find all this and so much more in Revealing Shadows and the books to follow.
The prequel to this trilogy is Reviving Embers, a story set twenty years before featuring some of the supporting characters in this book, as well as the dynamics/backstory that leads to what happens in the rest of the trilogy.
This series is best read in order even though each book has its own satisfying ending. For readers who love to have every single piece of the story in order, read as
Reviving Embers, prequel to The Guardians of Areli trilogy
Of Dust and Stars (a novella available for free at the back of Reviving Embers)
Revealing Shadows, book 1 of The Guardians of Areli trilogy
Of Queens and Sons (bonus scene available for free at the back of Revealing Shadows).
Fans of Carrie Cotton's Huntress, Alice Ivinya's Stars May Burn, and Ronie Kendig's Abiassa's Fire, will love the Guardians of Areli series.
590 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The world and storyline are so well built, and I just ate up all of the time we got to spend in offices and ballrooms, and at parties and dinners. I adore pretty, elegant things, and I enjoyed every minute of the royal life and political drama played out in the palace.
It was so fun seeing where so many of the characters from the previous book ended up, and the promise of continuing to follow them as this saga progresses is such a treat! I can hardly wait for the next book to come out!
I never read books before the full series is published, but I made an exception for this one and have not been disappointed in the least.
It was so fun seeing where so many of the characters from the previous book ended up, and the promise of continuing to follow them as this saga progresses is such a treat! I can hardly wait for the next book to come out!
I never read books before the full series is published, but I made an exception for this one and have not been disappointed in the least.
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April 20, 2026I really enjoyed this one! I liked that the romance was not overdone, and the story world was interesting. Lots of unique secondary characters to love as well. For fans of Christian fantasy stories like The Ravenwood Saga by Morgan Busse and The Fireborn Epic by Gillian Bronte Adams.
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January 9, 2026I've always loved a good Cinderella story. Maybe because I love watching the underdog win. Maybe because I love moments where true kindness and goodness prevails against selfish, conniving hearts.
I've watched just about every version I could find (my all-time favorite was Ever After) and have read three times that many and counting. When I pick up another retelling, I'm almost giddy. I can't wait to discover how this new storyteller is going to tell Cinderella's story. How will she meet the prince? What will she think? How will they connect at a level deeper than her simply being the most beautiful girl in the room?
But no matter how well done, they’ve always left me hungry for more.
More depth. More complexity. More relationship.
More reasons for him to be so desperate to find her and only her.
More reasons for why she hides her soul from him.
So ... it's come as no surprise that Cinderella's story worked her way into the Guardians of Areli series. And it's also no surprise that it will take me three books to weave her whole tale - lol!
I'm so excited to share this version with you ... of a maiden raised in obscurity and neglect but still choosing light and hope.
Of a prince who has grown accustomed to cold, artificial relationships because he's had to in order to survive - and finds himself with no defense against the warmth and light in her spirit.
I can promise you that this version tells her story so complex, so rich, so heart-achingly deep. And I suspect that this time, if you're like me, you won't walk away with any lingering questions.
And for readers who've always loved the prince best ... I guarantee Beniah will not disappoint you.
Welcome back to Areli - and a spectacular cast of characters both new and old.
I've watched just about every version I could find (my all-time favorite was Ever After) and have read three times that many and counting. When I pick up another retelling, I'm almost giddy. I can't wait to discover how this new storyteller is going to tell Cinderella's story. How will she meet the prince? What will she think? How will they connect at a level deeper than her simply being the most beautiful girl in the room?
But no matter how well done, they’ve always left me hungry for more.
More depth. More complexity. More relationship.
More reasons for him to be so desperate to find her and only her.
More reasons for why she hides her soul from him.
So ... it's come as no surprise that Cinderella's story worked her way into the Guardians of Areli series. And it's also no surprise that it will take me three books to weave her whole tale - lol!
I'm so excited to share this version with you ... of a maiden raised in obscurity and neglect but still choosing light and hope.
Of a prince who has grown accustomed to cold, artificial relationships because he's had to in order to survive - and finds himself with no defense against the warmth and light in her spirit.
I can promise you that this version tells her story so complex, so rich, so heart-achingly deep. And I suspect that this time, if you're like me, you won't walk away with any lingering questions.
And for readers who've always loved the prince best ... I guarantee Beniah will not disappoint you.
Welcome back to Areli - and a spectacular cast of characters both new and old.
March 24, 2026
masterful story telling
Paige Reed has spun a fascinating tale of Light and Darkness, love and hate, mystery and delight. Masterful in the art of description, she has created a world that parallels our own struggles today.
Can’t wait for the next book.
Paige Reed has spun a fascinating tale of Light and Darkness, love and hate, mystery and delight. Masterful in the art of description, she has created a world that parallels our own struggles today.
Can’t wait for the next book.
April 26, 2026
Great Start to the Series
If I was to look up a definition of Great Christian Fiction - I’d want this book to be right beside it. I loved so many things about this book. Especially after reading the prequel, I feel like the author did an exceptional job of drawing us back into the world, connecting with old characters and bringing whole new ones to life. I loved the pace, the plot twists, the sweet glimpses of romance and I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one.
If I was to look up a definition of Great Christian Fiction - I’d want this book to be right beside it. I loved so many things about this book. Especially after reading the prequel, I feel like the author did an exceptional job of drawing us back into the world, connecting with old characters and bringing whole new ones to life. I loved the pace, the plot twists, the sweet glimpses of romance and I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one.
February 11, 2026
Love Paige Reed! New author- clean romance- such a delightful read!
January 6, 2026
Revealing Shadows by Paige Reed is a spectacular follow-up to her memorable novel, Reviving Embers. Being immersed in Areli’s world, the book was more difficult to set aside than its predecessor. The prose is both elegant and thought-provoking, making the narrative almost poetic. I truly enjoyed the depth of layered characters as they embraced their unfolding destinies and mustered the grit to accomplish the impossible. (I especially loved the cameo, yet integral, appearances of old characters from the first book.)
Anne, the forgotten, nearly invisible heroine in the story, reminded me of Cinderella with her wicked stepsisters and stepmother. Her pure faith and intimate relationship with the High King tugged on my heart with conviction. And don’t get me started on Prince Benaiah. He was a delightfully complex man learning to navigate his own heart in a cold, loveless world void of faith. Both were so brave in their own way, their passion and destiny so closely intertwined yet hopelessly forbidden.
The pushback from the villains added to the pervasive tension stretching the plot. This story coaxed all the feelings: frustration, elation, fury, and relief. I found so many favorite quotes in this book, had so many moments of wanting to sit back and soak in deeper truth, and also felt the pulse throbbing desire to keep reading one more chapter (or shake my fist at those pesky antagonists!). This is one of those reads that offers a beautiful escape while also making you think about the possible thematic parallels to the state of our own world. Anyone looking for depth, passion, and insight will truly enjoy this fantasy novel with a spiritual core that pulses with biblical truth.
Anne, the forgotten, nearly invisible heroine in the story, reminded me of Cinderella with her wicked stepsisters and stepmother. Her pure faith and intimate relationship with the High King tugged on my heart with conviction. And don’t get me started on Prince Benaiah. He was a delightfully complex man learning to navigate his own heart in a cold, loveless world void of faith. Both were so brave in their own way, their passion and destiny so closely intertwined yet hopelessly forbidden.
The pushback from the villains added to the pervasive tension stretching the plot. This story coaxed all the feelings: frustration, elation, fury, and relief. I found so many favorite quotes in this book, had so many moments of wanting to sit back and soak in deeper truth, and also felt the pulse throbbing desire to keep reading one more chapter (or shake my fist at those pesky antagonists!). This is one of those reads that offers a beautiful escape while also making you think about the possible thematic parallels to the state of our own world. Anyone looking for depth, passion, and insight will truly enjoy this fantasy novel with a spiritual core that pulses with biblical truth.
December 18, 2025
"NOTHING about you is pathetic. And anyone who can't see your value isn't worth your tears." This book is real, yet a fantastical story world all at once. It's authentic AND inspiring.
Revealing Shadows is chock full of so many new personalities along with the beloved ones from Reviving Embers.I love the ways that Prince Beniah is like his Uncle Albert and I love the ways he's his own person. I find the mystique of Anne intriguing and know there is more to her than meets the eye. Violet entertains me and fascinates me on her background and just how far she will go. Even with the unwelcome changes in the last two decades, Areli is a world I cannot get enough of.
And it's very obvious to me that Revealing Shadows is the beginning of something HUGE -- so many threads were started that I trust this author to deliver on, due to my immense reader satisfaction from reading her stand-alone novel, Reviving Embers, which is the precursor to this new trilogy GUARDIANS OF ARELI. When I saw what she did with a single novel that concludes a love story, I wonder what she will do with a story that spans 3 BOOKS!? I literally cannot wait to hold in my hands the complete trilogy, my gut tells me it will be the best trilogy I've EVER read!
Revealing Shadows is chock full of so many new personalities along with the beloved ones from Reviving Embers.I love the ways that Prince Beniah is like his Uncle Albert and I love the ways he's his own person. I find the mystique of Anne intriguing and know there is more to her than meets the eye. Violet entertains me and fascinates me on her background and just how far she will go. Even with the unwelcome changes in the last two decades, Areli is a world I cannot get enough of.
And it's very obvious to me that Revealing Shadows is the beginning of something HUGE -- so many threads were started that I trust this author to deliver on, due to my immense reader satisfaction from reading her stand-alone novel, Reviving Embers, which is the precursor to this new trilogy GUARDIANS OF ARELI. When I saw what she did with a single novel that concludes a love story, I wonder what she will do with a story that spans 3 BOOKS!? I literally cannot wait to hold in my hands the complete trilogy, my gut tells me it will be the best trilogy I've EVER read!
November 3, 2025
This book starts out with edge-of-your-seat action and doesn't let up until the end. While Ms. Reed, using her flowing, lyrical writing style, weaves in moments of quiet beauty or contemplation that give the reader some breathers, the questions multiply, and the danger for the main players continues to escalate. Revealing Shadows kept me reading when I should have been sleeping. But I couldn't put it down. With an unforgettable cast of characters, good ones and not so good ones, this book will keep you on your toes and turning pages. There was a clear, satisfying ending, but the story of Prince Beniah, Anne, and the other Guardians of Areli does not end here. I see that as a good thing, because I absolutely wanted to spend more time with them. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews