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The Sundered Fates #2
A Ransom of Shadow and Souls
I thought we had won. I claimed my power, defied my enemies, and carved my own path. But power is a fragile thing, and now I’m a prisoner once more, trapped in a Fae house thought to be lost, at the mercy of those who would see me broken. The Golden Son, my rival, my sworn enemy, watches over me, a reminder of all I’ve lost. But it’s not just vengeance anymore. I’m carrying something far more precious and far more dangerous. They want to break me, to bend me to their will. But I won’t. Not without a fight. This world is already fractured. I’ll decide if it shatters.
I’ve sailed an endless ocean, driven by one purpose. To find Amara. Every day without her feels like a thousand years, and yet time is running out. The child she carries is my future, our future, and I’ll stop at nothing to bring her back. But I’m hunted, haunted by demons, and betrayed by a house I once called my own. I will face the darkness that threatens to tear everything I love away. Defy gods, tear apart worlds if I must. For her, for us, I will fight until there’s nothing left of me.
In a world on the edge of ruin, we fight to survive the chaos of war, betrayal, and power. Separated by shadows, our paths are bound by a future we both carry, one that could save or sunder everything. But who will seize control of what’s left and who will be swallowed by the darkness forever?
The Sundered Fates duology comes to a powerful end with A Ransom of Shadow and Souls. Step back into this world of shadow, sacrifice, and impossible love. Your dark romantasy adventure continues now. Grab your copy today.
I’ve sailed an endless ocean, driven by one purpose. To find Amara. Every day without her feels like a thousand years, and yet time is running out. The child she carries is my future, our future, and I’ll stop at nothing to bring her back. But I’m hunted, haunted by demons, and betrayed by a house I once called my own. I will face the darkness that threatens to tear everything I love away. Defy gods, tear apart worlds if I must. For her, for us, I will fight until there’s nothing left of me.
In a world on the edge of ruin, we fight to survive the chaos of war, betrayal, and power. Separated by shadows, our paths are bound by a future we both carry, one that could save or sunder everything. But who will seize control of what’s left and who will be swallowed by the darkness forever?
The Sundered Fates duology comes to a powerful end with A Ransom of Shadow and Souls. Step back into this world of shadow, sacrifice, and impossible love. Your dark romantasy adventure continues now. Grab your copy today.
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 21, 2026
I ABSOLUTELY ate up!!!! Now yes this did take me awhile to read through but I am also a slow reader, HOWEVER I was SAT the entire time. The yearning??? the tension??? the plot??? and the absolutely unhinged “where’s my wife” energy DAED was bringing to the table??? inject it directly into my veins immediately.
Amara’s character growth in this book was EVERYTHING to me. Watching her go from book one where she was just trying to find her footing and fit into this world she was basically arranged into, to becoming completely independent and finding her own strength without needing anyone’s help??? I loved every second of it. She really stepped into herself in this book and it was so satisfying to watch.
And DAED????? oh that man is THE grumpy morally grey shadow daddy. The soft spot he has for only Amara while also being fully willing to burn the entire world to ashes to keep her safe and find her??? CHEF’S KISS. I ate that up off a gold plate.
The last 40% of this book had me gripping my kindle like someone was about to steal it from me and never give it back because once everything started happening it was just chaos after chaos with absolutely NO breaks. I was fully invested yelling at these characters like they could hear me through the pages 😭
I will say the ending did feel a little rushed, especially with how long it took to fully get into the main plot of everything, BUT honestly I still had such a good time reading this.
This is absolutely one of those books I would recommend to everyone and also one I wish I could reread again for the first time if I lost my memory.
Amara’s character growth in this book was EVERYTHING to me. Watching her go from book one where she was just trying to find her footing and fit into this world she was basically arranged into, to becoming completely independent and finding her own strength without needing anyone’s help??? I loved every second of it. She really stepped into herself in this book and it was so satisfying to watch.
And DAED????? oh that man is THE grumpy morally grey shadow daddy. The soft spot he has for only Amara while also being fully willing to burn the entire world to ashes to keep her safe and find her??? CHEF’S KISS. I ate that up off a gold plate.
The last 40% of this book had me gripping my kindle like someone was about to steal it from me and never give it back because once everything started happening it was just chaos after chaos with absolutely NO breaks. I was fully invested yelling at these characters like they could hear me through the pages 😭
I will say the ending did feel a little rushed, especially with how long it took to fully get into the main plot of everything, BUT honestly I still had such a good time reading this.
This is absolutely one of those books I would recommend to everyone and also one I wish I could reread again for the first time if I lost my memory.
November 3, 2025
4⭐️
2🌶️
I have waited so long for part 2 of this duet! I was so enthralled with book 1! I love Amara and Daed ❤️
She was taken and he will not rest until he finds her back. Enemies are all around them. When you cut the head off of one, two more seem to pop up, and that’s exactly what Amara and Daed go through this book.
This was such an epic finale to this duet. It’s non stop action, with very little fluff in there. It was worth the wait for sure. The author truly tackles everything that was set up in book 1.
A LOT of this book is from Daed’s POV and I loved it! I honestly loved his character and growth so much more this book. If anything, there were points I felt like Amara took a step back for me, in just the way she treats Daed at points. And some of the jealousy storylines irritated me at points. Some I liked, others felt not natural.
We also get a lot more of the Golden Son and his character. It’s truly bringing in all our amazing characters together and they all bring something special to the table that helps their missions.
We get some spice in here 🌶️ but it’s definitely not the main focus. We have SO much going on, we legit don’t have a moment to breathe for it lol. So, it’s not as much or as intense as book 1, which I enjoyed book 1 more for that aspect but the story of book 1 called for it more than book 2. It fit the story.
I’m sad it’s over but was so happy to have read this story ❤️
2🌶️
I have waited so long for part 2 of this duet! I was so enthralled with book 1! I love Amara and Daed ❤️
She was taken and he will not rest until he finds her back. Enemies are all around them. When you cut the head off of one, two more seem to pop up, and that’s exactly what Amara and Daed go through this book.
This was such an epic finale to this duet. It’s non stop action, with very little fluff in there. It was worth the wait for sure. The author truly tackles everything that was set up in book 1.
A LOT of this book is from Daed’s POV and I loved it! I honestly loved his character and growth so much more this book. If anything, there were points I felt like Amara took a step back for me, in just the way she treats Daed at points. And some of the jealousy storylines irritated me at points. Some I liked, others felt not natural.
We also get a lot more of the Golden Son and his character. It’s truly bringing in all our amazing characters together and they all bring something special to the table that helps their missions.
We get some spice in here 🌶️ but it’s definitely not the main focus. We have SO much going on, we legit don’t have a moment to breathe for it lol. So, it’s not as much or as intense as book 1, which I enjoyed book 1 more for that aspect but the story of book 1 called for it more than book 2. It fit the story.
I’m sad it’s over but was so happy to have read this story ❤️
January 22, 2026
This epic conclusion to the ‘ A Bargain of Smoke and Vines’ was a perfect way to end this duology.
A Ransom of Shadows and Souls picks up right where the first book ended, with Amara and Daed separated. Captured by both humans and Fae, it seems like Amara has no way to escape. Not only does she not know where she is going and what her captors want, she also has a secret that threatens to unravel her.
Meanwhile Daed, injured and furious, is hunting the world to find his wife. Now that his secrets are laid bare, he not only needs to save her, but beg for forgiveness as well.
I love that in this book we get a dual POV and learn Daed’s past leading up to Amara entering his life. We learn the reasons he tried to stay away from her and how no matter what he did to keep her safe, they were always inevitable. Unfortunately finding Amara is only half the battle. To finally find peace, Daed not only has to go up against The Golden Son and rebellious Fae, but the God of Death himself.
This book ends with an epic battle, heartbreak, and the start of a life to rebuild. I loved every minute of this story and cannot wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve!
If you love:
✨Faited Mates
✨Found family
✨A powerful MFC
✨Morally Grey shadow daddy
✨Revengeful gods
✨Where is my wife?
Then this is for you!!
A Ransom of Shadows and Souls picks up right where the first book ended, with Amara and Daed separated. Captured by both humans and Fae, it seems like Amara has no way to escape. Not only does she not know where she is going and what her captors want, she also has a secret that threatens to unravel her.
Meanwhile Daed, injured and furious, is hunting the world to find his wife. Now that his secrets are laid bare, he not only needs to save her, but beg for forgiveness as well.
I love that in this book we get a dual POV and learn Daed’s past leading up to Amara entering his life. We learn the reasons he tried to stay away from her and how no matter what he did to keep her safe, they were always inevitable. Unfortunately finding Amara is only half the battle. To finally find peace, Daed not only has to go up against The Golden Son and rebellious Fae, but the God of Death himself.
This book ends with an epic battle, heartbreak, and the start of a life to rebuild. I loved every minute of this story and cannot wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve!
If you love:
✨Faited Mates
✨Found family
✨A powerful MFC
✨Morally Grey shadow daddy
✨Revengeful gods
✨Where is my wife?
Then this is for you!!
March 12, 2026
5+stars
😭😭😭 the ending. The last quarter of the book. The good ❤️🧑🎤❤️🐗🦅🐻🌿🪴❤️the bad 🖤🧛🏿♂️🌑the ugly 💨 🔥 🌪️.
It was incredible. I was so sucked into the story that I didn’t want to go to bed.
It isn’t one that you can skim because it all matters. My heart was racing, shallow breaths. I love being absorbed into the story. The love story chef’s kiss. 🤌💋 It is heartbreaking, betrayal, mistrust, solid, tests everything you go up against in a relationship to see if you can survive it. 💔🖤❤️
The characters were such great companions. Solena & Orios, Zyphora & Raon , Ronin.
But what happened to the wicked stepmother. I didn’t remember reading it. 🤷♀️
With the pre:Amora (from Daed’s pov) stories you learn answers to questions that come up in book 1. But I was anxious to see where the story was going that I skimmed them then had to go back and re read so I stopped skimming and read it as it should have been.
Were there a couple of times I rolled my eyes 🙄 at the decisions that Amora and Daed made? Yes. But…..it worked anyway.
Enjoy!😉
😭😭😭 the ending. The last quarter of the book. The good ❤️🧑🎤❤️🐗🦅🐻🌿🪴❤️the bad 🖤🧛🏿♂️🌑the ugly 💨 🔥 🌪️.
It was incredible. I was so sucked into the story that I didn’t want to go to bed.
It isn’t one that you can skim because it all matters. My heart was racing, shallow breaths. I love being absorbed into the story. The love story chef’s kiss. 🤌💋 It is heartbreaking, betrayal, mistrust, solid, tests everything you go up against in a relationship to see if you can survive it. 💔🖤❤️
The characters were such great companions. Solena & Orios, Zyphora & Raon , Ronin.
But what happened to the wicked stepmother. I didn’t remember reading it. 🤷♀️
With the pre:Amora (from Daed’s pov) stories you learn answers to questions that come up in book 1. But I was anxious to see where the story was going that I skimmed them then had to go back and re read so I stopped skimming and read it as it should have been.
Were there a couple of times I rolled my eyes 🙄 at the decisions that Amora and Daed made? Yes. But…..it worked anyway.
Enjoy!😉
November 18, 2025
A stunning dark gothic romantasy and a fitting conclusion to Daed and Amara's story.
This book was action packed with so many twists and turns that I began to wonder whether they would ever get their HEA, it was definitely hard earned! Once again I was buckled in for an emotional rollercoaster and I didn't want to put it down, even when I was sobbing. This book is rich and atmospheric, the entire cast of characters have depth and all add greatly to the story. I loved the redemption arc for one of the book 1 villains, it was deserved and done really well. The movement between different realms, between time zones and viewpoints was all perfectly balanced and immaculately paced and the expansion of the world building, mythology and politics from book 1 was divine. I cannot recommend this duology highly enough.
This book was action packed with so many twists and turns that I began to wonder whether they would ever get their HEA, it was definitely hard earned! Once again I was buckled in for an emotional rollercoaster and I didn't want to put it down, even when I was sobbing. This book is rich and atmospheric, the entire cast of characters have depth and all add greatly to the story. I loved the redemption arc for one of the book 1 villains, it was deserved and done really well. The movement between different realms, between time zones and viewpoints was all perfectly balanced and immaculately paced and the expansion of the world building, mythology and politics from book 1 was divine. I cannot recommend this duology highly enough.
March 14, 2026
A Ransom of Shadow and Souls
I loved and hated this book. It gave me all the emotions. Like what do u mean u knew she was your fate, that you met her before she was ever brought to ur castle of doom and you still did everything you could to stop said fate and it only hurt her more in the end.
Amara is so strong, resilient just like the earth. She never stopped being who she was, she never stopped being nice in a world that only wanted to hurt her. But she also learned that even the one you trust can be the one that hurts u the most.
I swear all the magic, the demons, the evil fae and some humans made for some amazing interactions and some crazy revelations.
I love that this HEA was bitter sweet, they missed their daughters entire childhood but in the end they got her back only for her to want to spread her wings "literally" and discover the world.
I loved and hated this book. It gave me all the emotions. Like what do u mean u knew she was your fate, that you met her before she was ever brought to ur castle of doom and you still did everything you could to stop said fate and it only hurt her more in the end.
Amara is so strong, resilient just like the earth. She never stopped being who she was, she never stopped being nice in a world that only wanted to hurt her. But she also learned that even the one you trust can be the one that hurts u the most.
I swear all the magic, the demons, the evil fae and some humans made for some amazing interactions and some crazy revelations.
I love that this HEA was bitter sweet, they missed their daughters entire childhood but in the end they got her back only for her to want to spread her wings "literally" and discover the world.
February 4, 2026
A mostly satisfying ending to the series.
Things I liked:
-Amara and Daed's relationship once they got their crap figured out.
-Ronin and Zyphoro .
-Daddy Daed.
-Daed's character growth.
-Daed's POV/backstory
-Ronin the Babysitter
Things I didn't like:
-The Twilightesque ending.
-One particular scene where Daed went a little too dark for my taste.
-The resurrection of the romantic conflict from the first book.
-Amara playing mind games with Daed about their sexual relationship for no good reason.
-Dramatic increase in the heat level.
Heat index: significant jump in spice level from book one. Only a couple sex scenes but they were significantly more detailed. Explicit sexual language.
Profanity meter: increase in harsh profanity - mostly due to the inclusion of Daed's POV.
Things I liked:
-Amara and Daed's relationship once they got their crap figured out.
-Ronin and Zyphoro .
-Daddy Daed.
-Daed's character growth.
-Daed's POV/backstory
-Ronin the Babysitter
Things I didn't like:
-The Twilightesque ending.
-One particular scene where Daed went a little too dark for my taste.
-The resurrection of the romantic conflict from the first book.
-Amara playing mind games with Daed about their sexual relationship for no good reason.
-Dramatic increase in the heat level.
Heat index: significant jump in spice level from book one. Only a couple sex scenes but they were significantly more detailed. Explicit sexual language.
Profanity meter: increase in harsh profanity - mostly due to the inclusion of Daed's POV.
November 7, 2025
An Edge of Your Seat Read
I had been eagerly waiting for this book to be released and it did not disappoint! So much happened to wrap up this story that I feel like I read 2 books in 1 but every bit had me engaged. At times I honestly did not know what was going to happen next....and thats a good thing for me since I have read close to 100 books in this genre this year. It was definitely different!
I had been eagerly waiting for this book to be released and it did not disappoint! So much happened to wrap up this story that I feel like I read 2 books in 1 but every bit had me engaged. At times I honestly did not know what was going to happen next....and thats a good thing for me since I have read close to 100 books in this genre this year. It was definitely different!
March 13, 2026
I wanted to finish this series but right now I just can’t. I got to 53% and I can’t stand any of the characters especially the FMC. She gets kidnapped and the MMC basically goes crazy trying to find her and after she forgave him at the end of the first book, now that they are reunited she’s like blah blah I’m mad and I’m jealous of stupid things, and blah blah. Waste of time. Maybe one day I’ll finish the book but I would rather read other things.
November 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Ransom of Shadows and Souls by J.L. Tomlinson is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy packed with emotion, vivid world-building, and characters you can’t help but root for. The twists land perfectly, the stakes stay high, and the story pulls you in from the first page. An addictive, beautifully written adventure that lingers long after you finish. Highly recommend.
A Ransom of Shadows and Souls by J.L. Tomlinson is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy packed with emotion, vivid world-building, and characters you can’t help but root for. The twists land perfectly, the stakes stay high, and the story pulls you in from the first page. An addictive, beautifully written adventure that lingers long after you finish. Highly recommend.
February 26, 2026
Ransom of shadows and souls Book 2
This and the prequel were well written tales with plenty of plot twists and a diverse range of characters: human, Fae of many varieties and demons. The adventure spreads far and wide with an insurmountable number of obstacles, enemies and monsters. Worth the read!
This and the prequel were well written tales with plenty of plot twists and a diverse range of characters: human, Fae of many varieties and demons. The adventure spreads far and wide with an insurmountable number of obstacles, enemies and monsters. Worth the read!
March 5, 2026
I will not accept criticism
I don't understand why these books are not all over the place in tik too or Instagram. I am still amazed about how much you can embrace in one book. I thoroughly enjoyed the word, the characters, and the magic world. I hope there is more in store for Estra, a novella maybe. One can hope.
I don't understand why these books are not all over the place in tik too or Instagram. I am still amazed about how much you can embrace in one book. I thoroughly enjoyed the word, the characters, and the magic world. I hope there is more in store for Estra, a novella maybe. One can hope.
March 5, 2026
Wow, just wow
A devastating, heart clenching, adrenaline pumping, non stop series that will absolutely break you. Powerful and beautiful, a journey of heartache and love and perseverance. Would love to know what happens next in their story but would also love to have the first book rewritten from his POV and see the struggles he went through in more depth.
A devastating, heart clenching, adrenaline pumping, non stop series that will absolutely break you. Powerful and beautiful, a journey of heartache and love and perseverance. Would love to know what happens next in their story but would also love to have the first book rewritten from his POV and see the struggles he went through in more depth.
November 15, 2025
10/10 would highly recommend the sequel to a bargain of smoke and vines. I could not put this down it was just amazing. I laughed I cried I nearly threw my kindle across the room. Will recommend this to anyone who will listen
December 19, 2025
Slow going but good
The flashbacks threw me off a bit and I struggled trying to get into this book. It didnt draw me in as good as good as the first but I stuck with it. It was good.
The flashbacks threw me off a bit and I struggled trying to get into this book. It didnt draw me in as good as good as the first but I stuck with it. It was good.
February 1, 2026
Excellent, heart wrenching, page turner!
This is a wild ride of fae and earth and demons. I was enraptured throughout this book. The twists and turns, endless. But the reward of this hard fought battle, is truly worth it. So good!
This is a wild ride of fae and earth and demons. I was enraptured throughout this book. The twists and turns, endless. But the reward of this hard fought battle, is truly worth it. So good!
November 7, 2025
I am disappointed.
The author did too much in this story. It was too long and very convoluted.
I was expecting better.
The author did too much in this story. It was too long and very convoluted.
I was expecting better.
November 27, 2025
Even better than the first book!!!!
Highly recommend this duet.
Highly recommend this duet.
January 1, 2026
Oh man, this book had me until like the last 5ish%. The kid twist and then the Breaking Dawn twist just…ugh.
Did Not Finish
February 1, 2026DNF
February 12, 2026
The trauma continues. Fated mates, lost child, so much loss and sadness. In this book- love is a painful and twisted thing that is not a medical fix for everything but it still persists
February 16, 2026
worth the wait! beautiful ending!!!
March 17, 2026
this duology has everything i was searching for ♥️ Amara and Rook will always have a special place for me♥️
April 23, 2026
captivating
Love the love story. How Amara was not easily persuaded. Like the friendships and the sass. Serra’s time in Ankal was a good twist.
Love the love story. How Amara was not easily persuaded. Like the friendships and the sass. Serra’s time in Ankal was a good twist.
March 19, 2026
Good read
I read both books in this series and loved them. I did like the first book a little more but this one I liked how it gave more depth into the characters personalities. My favorite characters personality wise are Reon and Zyphoro since they make me laugh with their sarcasm but Amara will of course be my main character favorite due to her abilities. well worth the read.
I read both books in this series and loved them. I did like the first book a little more but this one I liked how it gave more depth into the characters personalities. My favorite characters personality wise are Reon and Zyphoro since they make me laugh with their sarcasm but Amara will of course be my main character favorite due to her abilities. well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews