The Skydust Duke

by T.L. Shreffler

"Cinderella meets Shadow and Bone." ~Rachel Kimble, Goodreads Reviewer (5 Stars)


In a land where the sky once fell . . . .

Lady Celise Dhastel has spent her life in the shadows—overlooked, underestimated, and quietly enduring the cruelty of her stepmother and half-sisters. Born without the gift of mana-channeling, her noble family sees her as a useless girl fit to work in the stables and nothing more.

Lord High Commander Elias Blackwood, dubbed “the Mad Dog” by the infamous Lady’s Letter, has scared off seven brides since returning home from the war. Haunted and hardened by the horrors of the Abyss, he has no patience for simpering courtiers or marriage schemes. But his father has arranged a birthday gala for him, and Elias has to choose a bride by the end of the ball.

After a twist of fate brings Celise and Elias together in the moonlit gardens of Gravenmere Castle, an unexpected spark ignites. Elias might be the most powerful soldier in the kingdom—but will he remove his armor for a chance at love?

From dusty shadows to royal corridors, from fear to love, The Skydust Duke is a Cinderella retelling about finding one’s courage and choosing one’s own destiny.



List of Fantasy Tropes

fairytale retelling
Cinderella retelling
Victorian romance
slow burn romance with spice
opposites attract
magic meets technology
he falls first
mistaken identity
alpha hero
sword fights
life after the war
arranged marriage
tea drinking and gossip
garden maze
monsters
rags to riches
magic systems
mana channeling
mystery and intrigue
unique seasons and zodiac

Genres: Fantasy

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

T. L. Shreffler was born and raised in Burbank, CA. She grew up only a few blocks away from Warner Bros. and Disney studios. Inspired by such a creative community of friends, family and neighbors, she dedicated herself to her creative goals since her teen years. She has been writing The Cat's Eye Chronicles and other works since she was 12 years old. She moved to Washington State in 2020 and currently lives in Snohomish County with her family. She loves diversity, travel, and experiencing different cultures; she tries to evoke a similar sense of wonder at the unfamiliar in her readers. She holds a BA in Eloquence (English), and her poetry has been published in Eclipse: A Literary Journal and The Northridge Review. She is author of The Cat's Eye Chronicles (YA/Epic Fantasy) and The Dragon Pearl Series (Dragon-hunting Fantasy Adventure - currently undergoing revisions).


T. L. Shreffler does not use any AI-generated writing in her novels. Her complete thoughts on AI use in creative workflows can be found in this article on Medium. The article is also available under the "Blog" section on the Goodreads page.

Reviews

[Rachel Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for sending an advanced copy of The Skydust Duke!*

The Skydust Duke is a lovely mix of Cinderella meets Shadow and Bone, with T. L. Shreffler's own unique taste of fantasy all beautifully blended together. The world building is fantastic and the characters complex, even in just this first book of the series. Moments of softness are glimpsed from the male lead, Elias, who is seen by his people as a war hero changed by the horrors of the Abyss into a mad dog. We also get to peek at moments of strength and courage from the meek female lead, Celise, who has been forced to make herself invisible after years of abuse at the hands of her family. Readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series to see what will happen next as societal norms are tested by the Duke's newest engagement, as well as to see who could be the villain threatening not just Elias, but all the people of Nilos.

[Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Skydust Duke
Review of advanced copy send from the author.
Thank you for the opportunity of reading an advanced copy!

What an adventure! I loved everything about it the characters, the world building and the Cinderella retelling vibes. It went by so fast I didn’t expected to end so soon I was surprised by the end!

This is my second series by T.L Shreffler I love the world building of her stories how she creates different kingdoms and cultures mix with a unique magic system. Her characters development and growth are the best full of struggles, courage and growth.

Celise had my heart breaking from page one everything that she has endured for no reason just for her stepmother greediness. I was sad, angry and excited for her a little bit of everything. I am rooting for her and can’t wait to see her growth through out the story.

Is a great book to read if you enjoy a unique magical world, great characters chemistry and a mysterious threat.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from Author: THANK YOU!

Beauty and the Beast meets Cinderella vibes. I loved the beautiful mix of Fantasy and the Victorian Era. The world-building was unlike anything I’ve ever read. You could read this book in one sitting. The reason I gave this book a four-star rating because of the cliffhanger at the end. Plus, having to wait for the next book in over a year will be agonizing. Overall, if you loved Sora’s Quest book, you will love this one!

Cannot wait till book 2 next year!

[Julia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an advance reader copy from the author*

✨ 🌙 T.L. Shreffler has once again meticulously woven an intricate world with a myriad of dimensional characters, magic, and intrigue. 🌙 ✨

The Skydust Duke introduces us to Celise Dhastel, a beautifully nuanced character who possesses the determination and grit of a person who has endured a difficult life, but rather than returning the scorn and unkindness she receives back into the world, she instead wields her compassion like a sword, elevating herself beyond the frivolous pomp and pageantry of the nobility that surrounds her. I found her to be an endearing character whom I wish to see succeed in anything she puts her mind to. My vengeful a** also wishes to see her lay a figurative (or literal, I’m not picky) smack down on her nasty family.

Celise and her horrible family attend the Blackwood manor to celebrate the Duke’s son, Elias Blackwood’s birthday. Word is he will also be seeking to secure a wife at the event and speculation and gossip about the notorious war hero is abundant among the guests. Elias is a complex character, straddling between portraying the pompous, entitled heir one would expect from a future duke, while also being an undeniably tortured survivor of an ordeal we have only begun to understand. While being held in reverence for being the man who ended the eternal war with the Daemon King, he achieved this victory at an immeasurable personal cost, a cost that has left him tortured in more ways than the physical. Grappling with a body that is no longer truly his own (think Frankenstein’s monster), as well as strange changes in his character and behaviour, Elias managed to earn the moniker “Mad Dog Duke” from the gossips within the realm.

I do not wish to share more as this story is best uncovered alongside the characters, but this is definitely a worthwhile read. I would consider this first instalment to be a detailed introduction to an incredibly fleshed out fantasy world, set in a Victorian-like time period. A fantasy world where status and power are achieved through magical Talent and where those without face discrimination and maltreatment. We see Celise find an unlikely ally in the tortured Elias and watch as they both try to overcome the expectations and limitations their status and family push onto them. This first book ends with many mysteries left to uncover and the beginning of a heart warming romance. Shreffler is a “show, don’t tell” author who is skilled in writing with restraint and patience, leaving the reader with a thorough understanding of her fantasy world while teasing a myriad of unknowns I am ridiculously eager to explore and uncover in the subsequent books. She also is skilled in writing dynamic characters whom I am genuinely interested in getting to know more through her writing, I can’t wait to get to know Celise and Elias better!

I would definitely recommend to those that appreciate slow-burn romance with complex characters, political intrigue, magic, mystery, and a touch of horror.

[Sabrina Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to T.L.Shreffler for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review



This book completely captured my heart.

As I don’t want to give any spoilers I tried to not write too much.

But from the very first chapter i was captivated, the world felt vivid and immersive. The descriptions are nice and detailed without being overwhelming, which allowed me to really build up the scene in my mind.

However for me what truly makes this story shine, however, is its characters.


The female lead is written with remarkable balance. She is undeniably strong, yet her strength never hardens her. Her compassion, vulnerability, and quiet resilience made me fall in love with her. Watching her navigate fear, hope, love, and responsibility made her journey incredibly personal. Her growth throughout the story is one of its strongest elements, I genuinely felt as though I was evolving alongside her.


The male lead complements her beautifully. He is protective without being overbearing, strong without losing tenderness.
Their dynamic feels authentic and layered built on emotional tension, trust, and mutual respect. Their romance is intense and passionate, but it is also earned. Every moment between them feels charged with meaning, making their connection impossible for me not to root for.

The relationship he has with his father is one of my favourites, as it allowed me to really get to know him as a character and these scenes always gave me a laugh.

The side characters are given depth and complexity. Those who initially seem difficult to like are written with such nuance that, as their motivations unfold, you begin to understand them in ways that add richness to the overall story.

While this is a beautiful love story at its core, I was also completely swept into a fantasy world as there is so much to learn and explore. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how in future the growing conflict will impact them and how they will grow as both as a couple but also individually.

This is a romantic fantasy filled with passion, character development, and immersive storytelling. If you love emotionally driven romances, strong character arcs, and retellings that feel both familiar and fresh, this is absolutely one to pick up.

[Amber Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am absolutely OBSESSED. The characters and scenes are very well written, perfectly painting the picture in your head. I was hooked from page one.

 

I especially loved the characters. The leading female character, Celise, has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. She experiences anxiety and self-doubt, but she is also headstrong. She makes mistakes, stays curious, and is incredibly relatable. She shows wonderful growth in this book, and I cannot wait to see her development throughout the rest of the upcoming series.

 

Elias is broody and protective. While he seems to have a difficult personality at first, he is fiercely loyal with his own sensitive side. He perfectly balances Celise. T.L. Shreffler does a wonderful job giving all of her characters great dimension.

 

While the story has hints of a Cinderella tale, it has so much more depth and is way better than any other I have read or watched. The use of the oracle deck and birth flowers as zodiacs was an interesting mix that makes complete sense once you are reading. Shreffler does an amazing job breaking down the birth flowers at the beginning of the book, giving you a solid understanding so you never feel lost or confused. I loved the action and the romance, and I am really looking forward to seeing how Elias and Celise’s story unfolds as the series continues.

 

If you haven’t read or ordered the book yet, you are definitely going to want to. Needless to say, I plan on exploring more of these books and will be adding this to my collection of favorites.

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to have been able to read this book! It kept my attention so glued to the book! I couldnt out the book down:)
I absolutely love how steam-punk, Victorian vibes this book gives off. With the mixture of Cinderella in there too!
I love being able to see the creativity with how this book was built and the seasons, the zodiac flowers, and the luminaries, and giving it that steam-punk vibe
She has a good way of writing and being able to describe the process of how mana-channeling works
How it works with the weapons and the kind of weapons, and the intensity of each one:)
I cannot wait for the second book! the slow burn romance with the hint of yearning for eachother.
I don't want to give any spoilers away, but there were some parts that I think could've flown better together. There is one scene that I have mixed feelings about, it's good, just wish it would've been with the first draft of the book🤷🏽

BUT overall super cute and I was hooked through all of it!

Oh and to mention, a glossary at the end of the book?? I loooooved having that!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I am very grateful to have received an advanced copy from the author to review*

T. L. Shreffler writes fantasy worlds that envelop you the second you open the book. I really struggled to put this book down!

This book is a Victorian fantasy in which magic and society meet. The characters are complex & extremely well written.

The world is carefully introduced to the reader at the beginning with the lore and calendar. More lore is trickled into the story as it progresses without detracting from the story. T.L. Shreffler has introduced a theme of plants specific to this work & interwoven with the lore. It's a fascinating new idea that I have not come across in a book before.

The tale follows Celise as her world is changed when she is invited to the ball of The "Mad Dog" Duke. True characters are revealed and secrets are unearthed.

Will romance bloom between the two?

"I don’t know you well, but I know I was meant to meet you."

You'll have to read the book to find out!

[Whitney Vockrodt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.5

This book is a beautiful combination of Victorian romance and fantasy. The writing is descriptive and eloquent. The overall pace of the book is on the slower side, focusing more on the characters and environment. This helps to create a vivid setting reinforced by language in line with the period in which the book is set.

The romance was a little bit slow for my personal tastes, but as the first book in the series, I also did not mind that this was just the start! There will definitely be room to see the relationship develop more fully in future books.

For me, the strongest part of this book was the world building. Shreffler has crafted a really unique setting and magic system that is a dynamic addition to the Victorian timeline. I loved every facet that was introduced. Between the world of the book and the writing style, the story felt extremely immersive.

*I received an advance copy of this book and am sharing an honest review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read and enjoyed the author’s other series, you will enjoy this. Though it has such a different feel.

I really enjoyed the Gaslamp Fantasy flavor mixed in with the Victorian Fantasy vibes. The writing style—the way she built this world and developed her characters—was subtle and thorough, and never distracted from the story. I was almost immediately sucked in, and I definitely lost a few hours of sleep reading this because I couldn’t put it down.

Overall, if you enjoy well-written fairytale retellings, I would say this book is for you. The only drawback is that the next book won’t be available until next year. How am I supposed to wait that long?!?!

[Sophie Christiaens · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I’m very grateful to have received an advanced e-copy from the author for an honest review.*

If you like a Bridgerton x Cinderella x Fantasy story, this is the book you’ve been waiting for!

I’ve been a fan of T.L. Shreffler for many years now and was very excited for her new series.
This book did not disappoint! I loved the new magical world she created and am exited to see how the story continues. I’m already very much invested in Celise and Elias’ story. It was interesting to see how Celise find’s her strength after everything she had to endure.
So yes, The Skydust Duke is exactly what I was waiting for.

I highly recommend it !

[Angie Creel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved it! Finished in two days and I still cannot get it out of my mind! I just wanted to say Thank you so much for allowing to read me a copy of the book before the publication date. It was another great read by the author. This was a mix of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella from the Victorian era. This will make you want to read it in one sitting. I loved that she brings the evil stepmother and stepsister that was similar and she made the main male character brooding and mysterious like the beast. If you loved her Sora’s Quest trilogy then you’re going to love this book! Without giving too much away, please add this book to your kindle and start reading!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! The author is a fantasy genius and is an absolute pro at creating a fantasy world. Entering the world felt so smooth and easy without having to figure out all the intricate details. You’re easily brought into the world and its quirks, and what an amazing world it is! The characters are gorgeously written and I love the slowness of the character building and relationships. I loved the book so much, I stayed up until 2am reading it, and had to put it down just so I could delay finishing it because I truly did not want it to end. I’m very excited to see what comes next!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I'm super excited to see where this story goes! T. L. Shreffler created a unique, intriguing world for these books to play out in, and I'm looking forward to learning more about it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book in one day! It kept my attention and had a lot of action and romance. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!