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Bones and Shadow #2
Malevolent Bones
“You should kill it. Now. While you still can.”
Caelum Bones, heir to the wealthiest and most powerful family in Magical England, hell, possibly all of civilized Magique, appears to have more than anyone could reasonably want. All of Magique, the parallel world to Earth following what Magicals call “The Great Rendering,” worships the ground his father walks upon, which is perhaps not surprising, given how much of that ground their family owns.
Caelum’s life, beyond charmed, looks from the outside to belong to a commoner’s fairytale.
But secrets lurk in the shadowy halls of the famed Bones estate, known as The Black Tower. His father, Malefic Bones, proudly shoulders a legacy of powerful magic with a greater purpose, that of reunited two estranged worlds into one glorious empire.
Caelum is his chosen weapon. But will Caelum live long enough to do as his father demands? Maybe more to the point, does he even want to anymore?
Fighting to keep his dual identities apart, the one at home and the one he wears for school and out in the world, Caelum finds his mask slipping when he finally meets someone who can see past it. Leda Shadow, the least likely person imaginable, has begun to see past his carefully constructed facade. Unfortunately, it will likely only get her killed.
For fans fantasy academy (with adult characters!)enemies to loversslow burn, epic romancedark and light magicforced proximityangsty, trapped, morally grey herosecret identitiesunique world and magical systemfound family (ensemble cast)plot twists, complicated political world, and big character reveals!lots of banter :)dark cults and hidden enemies Malevolent Bones is book two in the romantic fantasy series, Bones and Shadow, which takes place in a fantasy academy setting with all adult characters in a brand new world, filled with deadly creatures, dark sorcerers, invisible cities, ancient myths, animal gods and spirits, strange magic, and cults obsessed with wiping out the human race.
Caelum Bones, heir to the wealthiest and most powerful family in Magical England, hell, possibly all of civilized Magique, appears to have more than anyone could reasonably want. All of Magique, the parallel world to Earth following what Magicals call “The Great Rendering,” worships the ground his father walks upon, which is perhaps not surprising, given how much of that ground their family owns.
Caelum’s life, beyond charmed, looks from the outside to belong to a commoner’s fairytale.
But secrets lurk in the shadowy halls of the famed Bones estate, known as The Black Tower. His father, Malefic Bones, proudly shoulders a legacy of powerful magic with a greater purpose, that of reunited two estranged worlds into one glorious empire.
Caelum is his chosen weapon. But will Caelum live long enough to do as his father demands? Maybe more to the point, does he even want to anymore?
Fighting to keep his dual identities apart, the one at home and the one he wears for school and out in the world, Caelum finds his mask slipping when he finally meets someone who can see past it. Leda Shadow, the least likely person imaginable, has begun to see past his carefully constructed facade. Unfortunately, it will likely only get her killed.
For fans fantasy academy (with adult characters!)enemies to loversslow burn, epic romancedark and light magicforced proximityangsty, trapped, morally grey herosecret identitiesunique world and magical systemfound family (ensemble cast)plot twists, complicated political world, and big character reveals!lots of banter :)dark cults and hidden enemies Malevolent Bones is book two in the romantic fantasy series, Bones and Shadow, which takes place in a fantasy academy setting with all adult characters in a brand new world, filled with deadly creatures, dark sorcerers, invisible cities, ancient myths, animal gods and spirits, strange magic, and cults obsessed with wiping out the human race.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2026
About the author
Jules D'Or
5 books19 followersWriter of magic, dark and light heroes, strange races, and unusual fantasy worlds, often with lots of found family. When not hanging out with her imaginary friends, can be found drinking coffee at various shops, collecting odd trinkets, and wandering foreign lands with her laptop and a camera. Resides more regularly in California at the moment, although the urge to be elsewhere remains, so it's difficult to know how long that might last, particularly in these troubled times.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Malevolent Bones is the second book in the amazing Bones and Shadow series by one of my favorite authors, Jules D’Or/JC Andrijeski. Book two begins with summer break and Leda starting her second year in the academy. She’s feeling rather unsettled about the way things were left between her and Caelum at the end of the last book, but she’s trying to move past it. Her magic skills have grown, and she and Alaric have begun a new ‘hobby’ over summer that puts them at risk of being discovered by the Dark Cathedral. Leda’s setting in to her new normal when Alaric goes missing and she finds herself joining forces with an unlikely ally to try to discover what happened.
I truly enjoyed this book! It kept me up much later than I should have reading just one more chapter. I appreciate the time and effort that was put into creating the world, it’s very thorough and intriguing! I like Leda, she’s adapted since discovering that she’s a Magical and she’s really grown as the series progresses. What I really liked even more about the book is how much we learned about Caelum. I appreciated the flashbacks, which help the reader to understand the horror of Caelum’s childhood. I loved getting to know him better and I was happy with his relationship with Leda by the end of the book (this is one of those times when I want to say more, but I don’t want to give any spoilers away!). I’m loving this series so much and I’m really bummed that I have to wait for the third book to be released!
I truly enjoyed this book! It kept me up much later than I should have reading just one more chapter. I appreciate the time and effort that was put into creating the world, it’s very thorough and intriguing! I like Leda, she’s adapted since discovering that she’s a Magical and she’s really grown as the series progresses. What I really liked even more about the book is how much we learned about Caelum. I appreciated the flashbacks, which help the reader to understand the horror of Caelum’s childhood. I loved getting to know him better and I was happy with his relationship with Leda by the end of the book (this is one of those times when I want to say more, but I don’t want to give any spoilers away!). I’m loving this series so much and I’m really bummed that I have to wait for the third book to be released!
April 21, 2026
achei bem fraco o segundo livro
a Leda passou metade do livro sofrendo pelo Bones quando ele abertamente a ignorou por quase 1 ano !!!!
aí surpresa, ela é drogada novamente! e não sabe de defender (de novo, mesmo tendo passado por isso 2x)! aí quem vem salvá-la? Bones, é claro. a autora não sabia como fazê-los voltar a conversar e escolheu repetir a mesma coisa do livro anterior.
o romance foi bem ruim, o plot não andou em nada, só teve uma reunião com a rebelião (que fez com que o Bones surtasse, pois aparentemente tinha um traidor lá) que não deu em nada ??
ainda não sabemos exatamente o que o Bones é e nem porque a Leda consegue suportar a magia dele, mas é meio ridículo como ela simplesmente aceitou isso sem ter pesquisado algo na biblioteca... quando envolve o Bones a Leda vira uma sonsa obcecada 🙄
por que o pai do Bones protege tanto ele? do que ele realmente é capaz? por que ele tem tanto poder? o que significa ser um caluem ignis??? por que o pai dele usa de possessão nele? muitas dúvidas e nada realmente é explicado
no aniversário da Leda a única coisa que ela faz é pensar no Bones ao invés de aproveitar com os amigos affff
o pai do Bones surge e é magicamente derrotado e tudo fica ok, com o Alaric e o ele voltando para a escola ??
enfim, não gostei
a Leda passou metade do livro sofrendo pelo Bones quando ele abertamente a ignorou por quase 1 ano !!!!
aí surpresa, ela é drogada novamente! e não sabe de defender (de novo, mesmo tendo passado por isso 2x)! aí quem vem salvá-la? Bones, é claro. a autora não sabia como fazê-los voltar a conversar e escolheu repetir a mesma coisa do livro anterior.
o romance foi bem ruim, o plot não andou em nada, só teve uma reunião com a rebelião (que fez com que o Bones surtasse, pois aparentemente tinha um traidor lá) que não deu em nada ??
ainda não sabemos exatamente o que o Bones é e nem porque a Leda consegue suportar a magia dele, mas é meio ridículo como ela simplesmente aceitou isso sem ter pesquisado algo na biblioteca... quando envolve o Bones a Leda vira uma sonsa obcecada 🙄
por que o pai do Bones protege tanto ele? do que ele realmente é capaz? por que ele tem tanto poder? o que significa ser um caluem ignis??? por que o pai dele usa de possessão nele? muitas dúvidas e nada realmente é explicado
no aniversário da Leda a única coisa que ela faz é pensar no Bones ao invés de aproveitar com os amigos affff
o pai do Bones surge e é magicamente derrotado e tudo fica ok, com o Alaric e o ele voltando para a escola ??
enfim, não gostei
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
The dimension of Caelum's misery is so deeply hidden under his scoffing disdain, his cold indifference and entitled rudeness that it's heartbreaking. So are his terror, his fear of hurting others, his pain, his scars and his hopelessness.
The flashbacks appearing in book 2 bring a whole new dimension to not only his character, but to Malevolent as well. Such pure, unadulterated evil made my soul dim and my skin crawl.
It all boils down to the realities of our world, the beauty and the ugliness of it, and an intelligent, careful vigilante movement trying to bring the balance of justice to a deeply corrupt, unfair, greedy ruling class. It's dangerous, titilating, unexpected, cunning, inventive and prepared, and it will keep you on the roller coaster long after you'll get off.
Excellent writing gives the characters depth and makes the plot credible, immersing the reader in a wonderfully imaginative, vivid world of politics, abuse, prejudice and magic. It ends in a soft cliffhanger, and I will wait impatiently for the sequel.
The flashbacks appearing in book 2 bring a whole new dimension to not only his character, but to Malevolent as well. Such pure, unadulterated evil made my soul dim and my skin crawl.
It all boils down to the realities of our world, the beauty and the ugliness of it, and an intelligent, careful vigilante movement trying to bring the balance of justice to a deeply corrupt, unfair, greedy ruling class. It's dangerous, titilating, unexpected, cunning, inventive and prepared, and it will keep you on the roller coaster long after you'll get off.
Excellent writing gives the characters depth and makes the plot credible, immersing the reader in a wonderfully imaginative, vivid world of politics, abuse, prejudice and magic. It ends in a soft cliffhanger, and I will wait impatiently for the sequel.
April 15, 2026
Dayum. This second book in the series was great!
We learn more about Caelum Bones and his very bleak upbringing and why he acts the way he does. Leda doesn’t really have a lot of growth in this book. Despite the reader having more of an idea about why Bones is the way he is towards her, Leda doesn’t have any of this information and pines after him obsessively even though everything she has experienced from him is terrible. As cracks in Bones’ mask appear we see a very real and vulnerable side of him towards Leda and their relationship actually becomes very engaging.
The big bad of this book being Caelum’s father gives off mega villain vibes in the vein of Lionel Acrux. He feels a little overpowered and that does make me question how futile the fight will seem in the next book? I hope it doesn’t drag out like ZA. The cliffhanger of this book wasn’t very exciting, but does make me want to read the next one.
Overall my favourite part of these books so far is the writing. It is so unapologetically British! I love that so much.
We learn more about Caelum Bones and his very bleak upbringing and why he acts the way he does. Leda doesn’t really have a lot of growth in this book. Despite the reader having more of an idea about why Bones is the way he is towards her, Leda doesn’t have any of this information and pines after him obsessively even though everything she has experienced from him is terrible. As cracks in Bones’ mask appear we see a very real and vulnerable side of him towards Leda and their relationship actually becomes very engaging.
The big bad of this book being Caelum’s father gives off mega villain vibes in the vein of Lionel Acrux. He feels a little overpowered and that does make me question how futile the fight will seem in the next book? I hope it doesn’t drag out like ZA. The cliffhanger of this book wasn’t very exciting, but does make me want to read the next one.
Overall my favourite part of these books so far is the writing. It is so unapologetically British! I love that so much.
August 14, 2026
I'd keep the star level at 4. Now that the world is built and we know the characters...or think we do...the plot is really taking off. The heat is on for Leda, Alaric and Caelum.
Caelum is struggling to keep his facade going...if his father should find out his 'weapon' is discovering an inner rebellious strength, there will be more than hell to pay. And he knows the cost...he has paid it one way or another his whole life. (Watch for triggers)
Alaric is pushing his luck with his own father . But he is standing by Leda, it seems, no matter the consequences.
And Leda...she just continues to grow, strengthen, and blossom in her new life. But will she survive it or will she succumb to the evil of Dark Cathedral?
While some things are answered, there are so many more questions. The suspense is intense, Where is Book#3?!
Caelum is struggling to keep his facade going...if his father should find out his 'weapon' is discovering an inner rebellious strength, there will be more than hell to pay. And he knows the cost...he has paid it one way or another his whole life. (Watch for triggers)
Alaric is pushing his luck with his own father . But he is standing by Leda, it seems, no matter the consequences.
And Leda...she just continues to grow, strengthen, and blossom in her new life. But will she survive it or will she succumb to the evil of Dark Cathedral?
While some things are answered, there are so many more questions. The suspense is intense, Where is Book#3?!
January 7, 2026
OMG!!!! Caelum Bones is a very powerful person. So powerful his father uses him as a weapon. But in walks Leda Shadow and she really sees Caelium as he really is. So many twits and turns. Great read.
For fans of:
dark academia (with adult characters)
enemies to lovers
spicy, spicy, spicy (although you might have to be patient!)
“touch her and die”
slow burn, epic romance
dark and light magic
forced proximity
angsty, trapped, morally grey hero
secret identities
unique world and magical system
found family (ensemble cast)
plot twists, complicated political world, and big character reveals
lots of arguing :)
possessive, protective MMC and FMC
dark cults and hidden enemies
For fans of:
dark academia (with adult characters)
enemies to lovers
spicy, spicy, spicy (although you might have to be patient!)
“touch her and die”
slow burn, epic romance
dark and light magic
forced proximity
angsty, trapped, morally grey hero
secret identities
unique world and magical system
found family (ensemble cast)
plot twists, complicated political world, and big character reveals
lots of arguing :)
possessive, protective MMC and FMC
dark cults and hidden enemies
February 5, 2026
4 stars
Whenever Caelum says “darling,” my heart stops.
Genuinely.
I’m so obsessed with this series. It’s everything I dreamed and hoped for and the cliffhanger just TORE MY HEART OUT.
I have no idea what’s going to happen and I’m scared.
My babies just need to be together.
I also want to emphasize again how much I’m in love with Caelum. I really want someone to call me darling.
Aside from that. Jules is just an incredible author. The way she weaves the worldbuilding together with the plot? The FEELINGS which are evoked? I love it, love it, love it.
Please. Can I have some more???
***ARC Received in Exchange for Honest Review***
Whenever Caelum says “darling,” my heart stops.
Genuinely.
I’m so obsessed with this series. It’s everything I dreamed and hoped for and the cliffhanger just TORE MY HEART OUT.
I have no idea what’s going to happen and I’m scared.
My babies just need to be together.
I also want to emphasize again how much I’m in love with Caelum. I really want someone to call me darling.
Aside from that. Jules is just an incredible author. The way she weaves the worldbuilding together with the plot? The FEELINGS which are evoked? I love it, love it, love it.
Please. Can I have some more???
***ARC Received in Exchange for Honest Review***
February 16, 2026
Things are really gearing up for the bad guys planned war in this book. The stakes are getting higher and higher, especially for Alaric, Bones and Leda.
The plot really starts to advance here, with more pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. Getting to read about events that happened to Bones throughout the years is a very hard read, but equally eye-opening.
The enemies to lovers is really ratcheting up here too. Finally, we get to see some bones and Leda action and it is so very satisfying to be honest.
This was a great time, but there are some points in the book where you get kinda complacent and distracted, not as fully invested as the other parts.
4⭐️
1.5🌶️
The plot really starts to advance here, with more pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. Getting to read about events that happened to Bones throughout the years is a very hard read, but equally eye-opening.
The enemies to lovers is really ratcheting up here too. Finally, we get to see some bones and Leda action and it is so very satisfying to be honest.
This was a great time, but there are some points in the book where you get kinda complacent and distracted, not as fully invested as the other parts.
4⭐️
1.5🌶️
January 17, 2026
I’m struggling with how to rate this book.
I want to rate it higher because really liked the story and it would have been a really easy read… but someone desperately needs to proof read it. There are SOOOOO many errors in the book and it distracted from the story.
3.5 ⭐️
Jules D’Or - please please please fix up all the errors in the book! I want a physical copy but without all the jumbled sentences, words are repeated, and places where words have been added then the rest of the sentence not fixed so it flows.
I want to rate it higher because really liked the story and it would have been a really easy read… but someone desperately needs to proof read it. There are SOOOOO many errors in the book and it distracted from the story.
3.5 ⭐️
Jules D’Or - please please please fix up all the errors in the book! I want a physical copy but without all the jumbled sentences, words are repeated, and places where words have been added then the rest of the sentence not fixed so it flows.
April 9, 2026
I read this so fast. It was too good to put down. This is book 2 in this spicy magical academy fantasy romance, and when I tell you it only got better with this book, I mean it. The tension and banter only increased, and though the angst and separation at the beginning wasn't my favorite, the resolution was *chef's kiss*.
This was significantly steamier than the last one, with multiple spicy scenes. There was also an attempted SA on the FMC (not by the MMC). The stakes were higher, and I loved all the one-on-one scenes and forced proximity between the MC's. I'm super eager for book 3 now.
This was significantly steamier than the last one, with multiple spicy scenes. There was also an attempted SA on the FMC (not by the MMC). The stakes were higher, and I loved all the one-on-one scenes and forced proximity between the MC's. I'm super eager for book 3 now.
January 31, 2026
Can’t wait for the next book
This was even better than the first book. Great world building, wonderfully complex characters, and amazing tension in the scenes with the two leads. It also manages to have real heat both emotionally and physically in all the right places but without taking away from story line which is so much more than a romance. It is an intricate and well thought out read.
This was even better than the first book. Great world building, wonderfully complex characters, and amazing tension in the scenes with the two leads. It also manages to have real heat both emotionally and physically in all the right places but without taking away from story line which is so much more than a romance. It is an intricate and well thought out read.
July 19, 2026
5/5 Stars!
Book 2: Malevolent Bones
I AM SO OBSESSED! Caelum & Leda are perfect, and I would jump in front of a car for them. I could not put this book down. I started it late in the evening and fell asleep reading. Woke up and havent put it down until I just finished it. The characters, the world, the politics, the religion. (Not like Alchemised God tier, but that vibe.) I will yap about this book to anyone who will listen.
Book 2: Malevolent Bones
I AM SO OBSESSED! Caelum & Leda are perfect, and I would jump in front of a car for them. I could not put this book down. I started it late in the evening and fell asleep reading. Woke up and havent put it down until I just finished it. The characters, the world, the politics, the religion. (Not like Alchemised God tier, but that vibe.) I will yap about this book to anyone who will listen.
July 20, 2026
⭐️ 4.8/5
Just finished The Malevolent Bones by Jules D’Or, and how did I finish it so fast?! 🥹
I adore this series so much. The characters, the found family, and the unique magic system just keep getting better. And Caelum Bones… I seriously can’t get enough of him. He’s officially one of my favorite book boyfriends. 🤭🖤
Good thing book three is already out because there’s no way I could survive that ending. 🫠📚
Just finished The Malevolent Bones by Jules D’Or, and how did I finish it so fast?! 🥹
I adore this series so much. The characters, the found family, and the unique magic system just keep getting better. And Caelum Bones… I seriously can’t get enough of him. He’s officially one of my favorite book boyfriends. 🤭🖤
Good thing book three is already out because there’s no way I could survive that ending. 🫠📚
February 4, 2026
I need everyone to read these books RIGHT NOW!!!!
Five stars because I literally DEVOURED this book. I could not physically stop reading. I was so upset to learn the third book hasn’t been published yet. I love the characters, and I think the Dark Cathedral plot is really interesting. I’m so obsessed with Bones and Shadow it’s unhealthy. Need more of this series ASAP!
Five stars because I literally DEVOURED this book. I could not physically stop reading. I was so upset to learn the third book hasn’t been published yet. I love the characters, and I think the Dark Cathedral plot is really interesting. I’m so obsessed with Bones and Shadow it’s unhealthy. Need more of this series ASAP!
March 18, 2026
I devoured this book. It was such a fun read and I was totally sucked in. Leda’s growth since coming to Magique has felt natural and believable, and she continues to be very likable. The author totally nailed the broody-mysterious-tortured-morally grey- bad boy thing. This book has so much mystery and angst, in the best way. I’m excited for book 3!
April 15, 2026
Engrossing
After reading the first book in this series, I had to read this 2nd installment. I certainly hope that there will be a 3rd as the story has totally captured me. The mystery, laced with magic and forbidden romance, is addicting. Make sure that you read the first book in the series, and I'm sure that you will want to read this one, too. And you won't be disappointed!
After reading the first book in this series, I had to read this 2nd installment. I certainly hope that there will be a 3rd as the story has totally captured me. The mystery, laced with magic and forbidden romance, is addicting. Make sure that you read the first book in the series, and I'm sure that you will want to read this one, too. And you won't be disappointed!
May 25, 2026
Malevolent Bones, book two of the Bones and Shadow series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Well, this took a dark turn---but I expect that from this writer. This was a terrific second story from D'Or. I enjoyed the characters, both good and bad, as well as the little twists and turns we learn on the way. Glad I already downloaded book 3 so I don't have to wait!
January 10, 2026
So recommend reading this book! Malevolent Bones pulled me out of my reading slump and had me in its grip until the last page. So much to take in between the twists and turns that I’m on pins and needles for the next book. I love this series.
February 7, 2026
This series has been an instant hit for me. I can't get enough. I was dreading the end, I was so nervous to read it that I literally put my kindle down fir a week because I wasn't ready.....but I did it. this is a series that will keep you engaged and when your finished you keep thinking about it. 5 stars can't wait for more!
July 1, 2026
The FMC really irritated me though.. As someone who was poisoned multiple times I expect that care would be taken when she is offered anything to eat or drink.. but no she just swallows whatever is offered without any concern 🙄🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
Awesome read!
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Love, love, love this book and this series! The characters are truly coming into their own as secrets are being revealed!
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Love, love, love this book and this series! The characters are truly coming into their own as secrets are being revealed!
March 4, 2026
I'm ready for more!
As book two of the series, it comes with more intensity than book one, making me continue with the series. Its a great read for lovers of magic.
As book two of the series, it comes with more intensity than book one, making me continue with the series. Its a great read for lovers of magic.
March 17, 2026
NÃO É POSSÍVEL QUE ACABOU ASSIM PQPPPPPPPPPOPPPPPPPPP E O PRÓXIMO AINDA NÃO LANÇOU ISSO NÃO É VIDA
5 ESTRELAS FODASE TO EMOCIONADA
5 ESTRELAS FODASE TO EMOCIONADA
April 3, 2026
made a mistake and read this 3 weeks before the 3rd book release 😫
could be worse, i guess
could be worse, i guess
May 2, 2026
Omg I love this book so much! I’ve been in such a bad reading slump and this has been really helping me wanna read more. I absolutely love Leda and Caelum and I need book 3 now so badly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
Was a good book and loved the academy setting!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews