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Becoming Shadows and Fury
She had trusted him. That was her first mistake.
Emrys had let her believe that he was someone else, knowing exactly what the truth would cost her. Now, with his betrayal laid bare, Efa is shattered—alone, uncertain, and stripped of everything she thought she knew about herself.
Noa is missing. A rebellion is rising. And Damen's brutal persecution of Valtanans grows more merciless by the day. If Efa wants to save her people, she must stop running from who she is, and step into the role she has refused to claim for so long.
Her journey leads her to Rostorrmel Palace, the heart of the viper's nest, under the guise of engagement to Austell, the refined and chivalrous Lord Esari. He offers protection, and something else she doesn't dare name. But Emrys still haunts her. And in the quiet between truth and lies, Efa must decide not just who to trust, but who she is willing to become.
Because the storm isn't coming. It's already here.
**A note to readers
This book contains mature subject matter, including violence, explicit sexual content, drug use and misuse, and references to sexual assault and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
Emrys had let her believe that he was someone else, knowing exactly what the truth would cost her. Now, with his betrayal laid bare, Efa is shattered—alone, uncertain, and stripped of everything she thought she knew about herself.
Noa is missing. A rebellion is rising. And Damen's brutal persecution of Valtanans grows more merciless by the day. If Efa wants to save her people, she must stop running from who she is, and step into the role she has refused to claim for so long.
Her journey leads her to Rostorrmel Palace, the heart of the viper's nest, under the guise of engagement to Austell, the refined and chivalrous Lord Esari. He offers protection, and something else she doesn't dare name. But Emrys still haunts her. And in the quiet between truth and lies, Efa must decide not just who to trust, but who she is willing to become.
Because the storm isn't coming. It's already here.
**A note to readers
This book contains mature subject matter, including violence, explicit sexual content, drug use and misuse, and references to sexual assault and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
About the author
S.R. Phillips
4 books11 followersSR Phillips writes epic fantasy romance featuring unforgettable heroines, sweeping adventures, and deeply emotional relationships. She is best known for her debut series, The Valtana Trilogy.
Drawing on her background in coaching and counselling, she is fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour and the relationships that shape us. This passion informs her character-led stories, creating romances and conflicts that feel authentic and relatable.
Because she believes heroines only get more interesting with age, SR Phillips exclusively writes women in their thirties and beyond.
She lives in East Sussex, UK, with her husband and two young children, where she spends her time writing, reading, and dreaming up new worlds.
Drawing on her background in coaching and counselling, she is fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour and the relationships that shape us. This passion informs her character-led stories, creating romances and conflicts that feel authentic and relatable.
Because she believes heroines only get more interesting with age, SR Phillips exclusively writes women in their thirties and beyond.
She lives in East Sussex, UK, with her husband and two young children, where she spends her time writing, reading, and dreaming up new worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 8, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a free ARC of Becoming Shadows and Fury from the author in exchange for an honest review — and honestly, I devoured this sequel.
Book two in The Valtana Trilogy takes everything I loved about A Tale of Love and Betrayal and elevates it: the tension, the emotional stakes, the character development — all sharper, deeper, and more compelling.
We follow Efa as she grapples with the aftermath of Emrys’ betrayal, and the emotional turmoil is so well-written. Her struggle between heart and duty, pain and purpose, creates such a powerful, human arc. With Noa missing, danger creeping closer, and the persecution of the Valtanans escalating, Efa steps fully into her strength — stubborn, brave, self-assured, and utterly electric on the page. She is the definition of a powerful woman finding her place in the fire.
This book brings new complications, new alliances, and beautifully layered character growth. The tension is immaculate — romantic tension, political tension, emotional tension — all wound together in a way that kept me hooked. And the stakes? Even higher than book one.
And that ending. This isn’t just a cliffhanger — this is clinging-to-the-edge-by-your-fingertips levels of suspense. I sat there in shock and told my husband that I needed book three yesterday.
This sequel is everything a middle-book in a fantasy romance trilogy should be: rich, emotional, tense, and unforgettable. I cannot wait to see how S.R. Phillips brings this phenomenal series home
I received a free ARC of Becoming Shadows and Fury from the author in exchange for an honest review — and honestly, I devoured this sequel.
Book two in The Valtana Trilogy takes everything I loved about A Tale of Love and Betrayal and elevates it: the tension, the emotional stakes, the character development — all sharper, deeper, and more compelling.
We follow Efa as she grapples with the aftermath of Emrys’ betrayal, and the emotional turmoil is so well-written. Her struggle between heart and duty, pain and purpose, creates such a powerful, human arc. With Noa missing, danger creeping closer, and the persecution of the Valtanans escalating, Efa steps fully into her strength — stubborn, brave, self-assured, and utterly electric on the page. She is the definition of a powerful woman finding her place in the fire.
This book brings new complications, new alliances, and beautifully layered character growth. The tension is immaculate — romantic tension, political tension, emotional tension — all wound together in a way that kept me hooked. And the stakes? Even higher than book one.
And that ending. This isn’t just a cliffhanger — this is clinging-to-the-edge-by-your-fingertips levels of suspense. I sat there in shock and told my husband that I needed book three yesterday.
This sequel is everything a middle-book in a fantasy romance trilogy should be: rich, emotional, tense, and unforgettable. I cannot wait to see how S.R. Phillips brings this phenomenal series home
December 18, 2025
I have no words to describe how this series has completely consumed me; it has been a total rollercoaster of emotions that left me laughing, crying, and falling hopelessly in love with this world. After the devastating revelation at the end of book one, I thought I was prepared for the sequel, but I wasn't. Becoming Shadows and Fury starts right where that heartbreaking ending left off, and from the very first chapter, I was emotionally ruined all over again. The author has built a world so complex and immersive that there isn’t a single second where you feel bored, only a constant flow of mystery, discovered secrets, and political intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The world expands beautifully in this book, but it is a world filled with the intense suffering of the Valtanans and a raw search for love that feels incredibly real.
Efa remains such a powerful, badass heroine, and seeing her rally in the face of such deep heartbreak was absolutely electric. She is a woman who knows what it means to fight for survival and protect the people she loves, yet she still craves something as simple and human as being loved in return. She is the definition of a powerful woman finding her place in the fire, grappling with the aftermath of Emrys’ betrayal while struggling between her heart and her duty. Even though he lied to her and she’s going through a hard time knowing she’s not with the person she wants to be, she can’t change how he makes her feel. Instead, she just lies to herself until she can’t take it anymore, eventually learning to bring her powers to their fullest so she can finally fight back.
The romantic tension is immaculate, it’s a mix of passion, lust, and the kind of suffering that lingers over every step Efa takes. Even though Emrys knows she is more than capable of defending herself, he still wants to be the one to make her feel safe, showing her that as long as he’s with her, she doesn’t have to be strong all the time. However, the shadow of his lies and betrayal still looms large. I honestly wanted to see a lot more grovelling from Emrys after what he did, and I still think he has a long way to go to earn his place back. There had better be some serious begging on his knees in the third book because my heart is still stinging from the way he made her feel, even though knowing his side of the situation didn’t make it hurt less.
I won’t just recommend this book; I will ask my book friends to read it right now so they can experience this destruction with me. That ending isn’t just a cliffhanger, it is a clinging to the edge of my seat level of suspense that left me in total shock. It is the kind of book that will make you cry your eyes out and leave you counting down the days until book three. This sequel is everything a middle-book in a fantasy romance trilogy should be: rich, emotional, tense, and unforgettable. I am begging for a better ending in the finale because after all this pain, these characters deserve a happy ending. This series officially owns my heart, and I am already desperate for the way S.R. Phillips brings this phenomenal story home.
Efa remains such a powerful, badass heroine, and seeing her rally in the face of such deep heartbreak was absolutely electric. She is a woman who knows what it means to fight for survival and protect the people she loves, yet she still craves something as simple and human as being loved in return. She is the definition of a powerful woman finding her place in the fire, grappling with the aftermath of Emrys’ betrayal while struggling between her heart and her duty. Even though he lied to her and she’s going through a hard time knowing she’s not with the person she wants to be, she can’t change how he makes her feel. Instead, she just lies to herself until she can’t take it anymore, eventually learning to bring her powers to their fullest so she can finally fight back.
The romantic tension is immaculate, it’s a mix of passion, lust, and the kind of suffering that lingers over every step Efa takes. Even though Emrys knows she is more than capable of defending herself, he still wants to be the one to make her feel safe, showing her that as long as he’s with her, she doesn’t have to be strong all the time. However, the shadow of his lies and betrayal still looms large. I honestly wanted to see a lot more grovelling from Emrys after what he did, and I still think he has a long way to go to earn his place back. There had better be some serious begging on his knees in the third book because my heart is still stinging from the way he made her feel, even though knowing his side of the situation didn’t make it hurt less.
I won’t just recommend this book; I will ask my book friends to read it right now so they can experience this destruction with me. That ending isn’t just a cliffhanger, it is a clinging to the edge of my seat level of suspense that left me in total shock. It is the kind of book that will make you cry your eyes out and leave you counting down the days until book three. This sequel is everything a middle-book in a fantasy romance trilogy should be: rich, emotional, tense, and unforgettable. I am begging for a better ending in the finale because after all this pain, these characters deserve a happy ending. This series officially owns my heart, and I am already desperate for the way S.R. Phillips brings this phenomenal story home.
February 27, 2026
The cliffhanger at the end of this book is BRUTAL. And I thoroughly enjoyed the pain.
Book two in The Valtana Trilogy is as beautiful as the first, but featuring more emotional angst, and a bit more violence and bloodshed. The revelations come thick and fast in a fast-paced and action packed plot that leaves you begging for more.
This book focuses heavily on Efa, and I found myself getting giddy at every mention of Emrys, even just in passing. He spends the majority of the book violently brooding and yearning and I loved it.
I’ve been lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of book three, The Light Within The Darkness, and I’m immediately diving in to see how the cliffhanger resolves!
Book two in The Valtana Trilogy is as beautiful as the first, but featuring more emotional angst, and a bit more violence and bloodshed. The revelations come thick and fast in a fast-paced and action packed plot that leaves you begging for more.
This book focuses heavily on Efa, and I found myself getting giddy at every mention of Emrys, even just in passing. He spends the majority of the book violently brooding and yearning and I loved it.
I’ve been lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of book three, The Light Within The Darkness, and I’m immediately diving in to see how the cliffhanger resolves!
December 8, 2025
ARC review- Another cliffhanger to keep us wanting more in the Valtana trilogy! The first book left us with a devastating revelation and throughout the second we see Efa rally in the face of heartbreak. I wanted to see a lot more grovelling from Emrys after his secret meeting as revealed and still think he has some way to go 😂 cannot wait for the third instalment! (There had better be begging…on his knees)
January 17, 2026
Obsessed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and am so excited to see how the series concludes
I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and am so excited to see how the series concludes
July 6, 2026
This is shaping up to be an outstanding series, i just love the characters, i love the political intrigue and the romance is great too.
Book two picks up after the tense ending of book one and moves along at a good pace, its a really interesting book and i was completely invested in these characters. Efa continues to develop as a character and we get to know and love some of the other characters quite well in this one too.
The ending of book two is even more tense than the ending of book one and i will be moving on to book three ASAP because i just cannot wait to find out what happens.
Book two picks up after the tense ending of book one and moves along at a good pace, its a really interesting book and i was completely invested in these characters. Efa continues to develop as a character and we get to know and love some of the other characters quite well in this one too.
The ending of book two is even more tense than the ending of book one and i will be moving on to book three ASAP because i just cannot wait to find out what happens.
January 22, 2026
Totally absorbed!!!
I loved this book even more than the first. Efa’s growth and development in this book is brilliant as is her reunion with the Dark Prince 🔥
I’m waiting with bated breath for the final book in March.
If you love fantasy with heart, drama and depth this is a fabulous series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book even more than the first. Efa’s growth and development in this book is brilliant as is her reunion with the Dark Prince 🔥
I’m waiting with bated breath for the final book in March.
If you love fantasy with heart, drama and depth this is a fabulous series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 12, 2025
I’m so grateful to have received this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts—and honestly, reviewing this book is easy because it completely consumed me. Becoming Shadows and Fury starts right where the heartbreaking ending of book one left off, and from the very first chapter I was emotionally ruined all over again.
Efa remains such a powerful heroine. A woman in her 30s who knows what it means to fight for survival, to protect the people she loves, and to still crave something as simple and human as being loved in return. Her strength, her stubbornness, her vulnerability—all of it felt incredibly real. I lived through every emotion with her.
The world expands beautifully in this installment, full of tension, surprises, and twists I never saw coming. The suffering is intense, the search for love is raw, and the shadow of betrayal still lingers over every step Efa takes as she tries to stay strong and keep moving forward.
And then… another cliffhanger. Didn’t expect any less from this book. I’m already counting down the days until book three.
A quote that absolutely reflexes to me:
“I hated myself, for being so fooled by him, for being so weak and vulnerable, so desperate to feel something—anything—that I had allowed myself to be taken in by him.”
This series owns my heart at this point.
Efa remains such a powerful heroine. A woman in her 30s who knows what it means to fight for survival, to protect the people she loves, and to still crave something as simple and human as being loved in return. Her strength, her stubbornness, her vulnerability—all of it felt incredibly real. I lived through every emotion with her.
The world expands beautifully in this installment, full of tension, surprises, and twists I never saw coming. The suffering is intense, the search for love is raw, and the shadow of betrayal still lingers over every step Efa takes as she tries to stay strong and keep moving forward.
And then… another cliffhanger. Didn’t expect any less from this book. I’m already counting down the days until book three.
A quote that absolutely reflexes to me:
“I hated myself, for being so fooled by him, for being so weak and vulnerable, so desperate to feel something—anything—that I had allowed myself to be taken in by him.”
This series owns my heart at this point.
December 9, 2025
This second instalment builds beautifully on everything I loved about the first book.
The foundations laid in Book 1 deepen here, drawing us further into Efa’s emotional journey as she’s forced to confront the truth about who she is, what she’s capable of, and how much the world around her has changed. Her growth feels raw and believable; she’s adapting and slowly rebuilding after everything she’s lost.
The tension in this book simmers steadily, then crescendos in the final 20% in a way that kept me up until 1 am! The stakes are higher, the world broader, and the emotional threads between characters far more tangled.
Emrys remains the haunted, honourable MMC we all fell for, but here we also see the cost of his choices, the weight he carries, and the way Efa lingers in every decision he makes. Their connection deepens, complicates, and becomes even more compelling to follow.
With rich worldbuilding, rising rebellion, political intrigue, and a heroine stepping into her power in ways she never imagined, this book is everything a middle instalment should be.
Gripping, tense, emotional, and full of momentum. I’m already counting down the days until Book 3…because after that ending, I need to know what happens next.
The foundations laid in Book 1 deepen here, drawing us further into Efa’s emotional journey as she’s forced to confront the truth about who she is, what she’s capable of, and how much the world around her has changed. Her growth feels raw and believable; she’s adapting and slowly rebuilding after everything she’s lost.
The tension in this book simmers steadily, then crescendos in the final 20% in a way that kept me up until 1 am! The stakes are higher, the world broader, and the emotional threads between characters far more tangled.
Emrys remains the haunted, honourable MMC we all fell for, but here we also see the cost of his choices, the weight he carries, and the way Efa lingers in every decision he makes. Their connection deepens, complicates, and becomes even more compelling to follow.
With rich worldbuilding, rising rebellion, political intrigue, and a heroine stepping into her power in ways she never imagined, this book is everything a middle instalment should be.
Gripping, tense, emotional, and full of momentum. I’m already counting down the days until Book 3…because after that ending, I need to know what happens next.
December 22, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to return to this world. Book two begins immediately where book one ended and throws you straight back into the action. Efa continues to be such a strong and compelling main character and I really felt everything she was going through. This instalment truly earns its title, becoming shadow and fury in every sense.
The relationship between Efa and Emerys adds another emotional layer to the story. It feels raw and heartbreaking at times and by the end it leaves you absolutely devastated. Their connection is powerful in a way that lingers and it makes the final chapters hit even harder. I turned the last page needing to know what is going to happen.
The writing kept me fully immersed from beginning to end and every character feels well written with their own distinct personality. I was completely invested throughout.
I highly recommend checking out this series.
I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to return to this world. Book two begins immediately where book one ended and throws you straight back into the action. Efa continues to be such a strong and compelling main character and I really felt everything she was going through. This instalment truly earns its title, becoming shadow and fury in every sense.
The relationship between Efa and Emerys adds another emotional layer to the story. It feels raw and heartbreaking at times and by the end it leaves you absolutely devastated. Their connection is powerful in a way that lingers and it makes the final chapters hit even harder. I turned the last page needing to know what is going to happen.
The writing kept me fully immersed from beginning to end and every character feels well written with their own distinct personality. I was completely invested throughout.
I highly recommend checking out this series.
April 4, 2026
I AM OBSESSED
December 8, 2025
The plot for book 2 picks up exactly where we finished up in A Tale of Love and Betrayal. Our FMC, Efa, facing the aftermath of her betrayal is battling between what her heart wants and what would be the sensible and safe choice for her future.
The way in which Efa and Emrys pain was written had my stomach dropping throughout and wanting to reach into the book and comfort them both.
Seeing Efa step into her power and role was such a beautiful journey to experience. With tensions rising, new friendships and alliances being formed, some enemies being "dealt with" the ending of book 2 sets you up with what I know will be an emotionally painful conclusion to the Valtana Trilogy.
I am already counting down the days until book 3 to give my heart the closure it deserves.
The way in which Efa and Emrys pain was written had my stomach dropping throughout and wanting to reach into the book and comfort them both.
Seeing Efa step into her power and role was such a beautiful journey to experience. With tensions rising, new friendships and alliances being formed, some enemies being "dealt with" the ending of book 2 sets you up with what I know will be an emotionally painful conclusion to the Valtana Trilogy.
I am already counting down the days until book 3 to give my heart the closure it deserves.
March 4, 2026
Completely under the spell of the story. The writing is absolutely fabulous. Always to the point, no embellishment, just the raw emotion, the raw action.
There is a perfect balance between backstory and action
There isn't a moment that isn't perfectly written.
There is a perfect balance between backstory and action
There isn't a moment that isn't perfectly written.
July 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You know I would give you the stars and lasso the moon for you.” 🥹 Oh, Austell… the man you are! As much as I adored him, I’ll always be Team Emrys. “I’m all yours for as long as I’m breathing.” AHHHH!! ❤️
The second book in The Valtana Trilogy has so much going on. It’s fast-paced, packed with action, and follows a fiercely determined (and very angry!) FMC who’s ready to take back what’s rightfully hers.
I’ve been in a bit of a romantasy slump lately after reading a few books that just didn’t click with me, but this series has completely pulled me out of it. It feels so fresh and unique. Between smugglers, fae, spies, Order priests, a jealous dark prince (whose POV we get a few times 👀), one very handsome gardener, and endless drama, there was never a dull moment.
And Chapter 45… that twist absolutely broke my heart. 💔 I was not prepared. Meanwhile, Damen is the perfect villain. I hated him with every fibre of my being, which just proves how brilliantly he’s written.
But WHY did this book have to end like that?! 😭 I need answers immediately. Excuse me while I go and devour book three because I can’t wait another second!
“You know I would give you the stars and lasso the moon for you.” 🥹 Oh, Austell… the man you are! As much as I adored him, I’ll always be Team Emrys. “I’m all yours for as long as I’m breathing.” AHHHH!! ❤️
The second book in The Valtana Trilogy has so much going on. It’s fast-paced, packed with action, and follows a fiercely determined (and very angry!) FMC who’s ready to take back what’s rightfully hers.
I’ve been in a bit of a romantasy slump lately after reading a few books that just didn’t click with me, but this series has completely pulled me out of it. It feels so fresh and unique. Between smugglers, fae, spies, Order priests, a jealous dark prince (whose POV we get a few times 👀), one very handsome gardener, and endless drama, there was never a dull moment.
And Chapter 45… that twist absolutely broke my heart. 💔 I was not prepared. Meanwhile, Damen is the perfect villain. I hated him with every fibre of my being, which just proves how brilliantly he’s written.
But WHY did this book have to end like that?! 😭 I need answers immediately. Excuse me while I go and devour book three because I can’t wait another second!
December 1, 2025
I just can't get enough of this series! Just like with the first book I was pulled into the story right from the start and just couldn't put this book down.
In book one I was fully behind Efa and Emys's slow burn romance. But in this book I was so torn when it came to the love triangle that developed through this story. I didn't know who to route for and I felt just like Efa being torn between her fated mate and the man who seems perfect for her. Both men seemingly willing to give her 'the stars and lasso the moon'.
But this series is so much more then just a romance. It's about finding that inner strength after betrayal, as well as, becoming who you are meant to be even in the face of adversity.
I just can't believe that this book hit me with another heartbreaking cliffhanger, that has me feeling lost just waiting for the third and final instalment of this series. I am so grateful to have the chance to read this as an ARC. I fully recommend this series to any lover of fantasy that like a story with both romance and a brilliant plot.
In book one I was fully behind Efa and Emys's slow burn romance. But in this book I was so torn when it came to the love triangle that developed through this story. I didn't know who to route for and I felt just like Efa being torn between her fated mate and the man who seems perfect for her. Both men seemingly willing to give her 'the stars and lasso the moon'.
But this series is so much more then just a romance. It's about finding that inner strength after betrayal, as well as, becoming who you are meant to be even in the face of adversity.
I just can't believe that this book hit me with another heartbreaking cliffhanger, that has me feeling lost just waiting for the third and final instalment of this series. I am so grateful to have the chance to read this as an ARC. I fully recommend this series to any lover of fantasy that like a story with both romance and a brilliant plot.
July 28, 2026
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1🌶️ half a page
Becoming Shadows and Fury is book 2 in the Valtana Trilogy by @SRPhillips The Romantasy Mind and all i have to say about this is FUCK YES!!! This is how a book 2 is done!! It follows on from where we left of in book 1. Nice easy writing, chapters are short but long enough to make sense!
Our FMC has finally decided shes stepping up and taking back whats hers!
We are connecting dots, we are fonding out whos who and who and how they all fit into the story!
Back storys are coming out the REAL TRUE stories. So our FMC and others are finding out theyve been decieved.
I was in the this Authors DM’s with what the fucks, and they are suss!!!
THAT ENDING!!!! This author best believe shes lucky i have book 3 to roll into because if i had to wait…..well there would be knocking on her door thats for sure!!
Do i recommend!? YES ALL THE YES’s
Should you go read and buy this trilogy? Yes! Do it right now!
1🌶️ half a page
Becoming Shadows and Fury is book 2 in the Valtana Trilogy by @SRPhillips The Romantasy Mind and all i have to say about this is FUCK YES!!! This is how a book 2 is done!! It follows on from where we left of in book 1. Nice easy writing, chapters are short but long enough to make sense!
Our FMC has finally decided shes stepping up and taking back whats hers!
We are connecting dots, we are fonding out whos who and who and how they all fit into the story!
Back storys are coming out the REAL TRUE stories. So our FMC and others are finding out theyve been decieved.
I was in the this Authors DM’s with what the fucks, and they are suss!!!
THAT ENDING!!!! This author best believe shes lucky i have book 3 to roll into because if i had to wait…..well there would be knocking on her door thats for sure!!
Do i recommend!? YES ALL THE YES’s
Should you go read and buy this trilogy? Yes! Do it right now!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews