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Legacy #1
Rain of Shadows and Endings: Deluxe Limited Edition
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Of all the worlds and life they created, the gods favored their children the most. But with that favor came the fear that their Legacy would one day become too powerful and overthrow them. Devram was created. A realm hidden amongst the stars. The gods gave their Legacy the best of all the worlds, and then they left, a sworn agreement to never return and to never interfere. Forced to a life of servitude, the Fae are required to provide for the Legacy in more ways than one. Every five years, the eligible Fae are gathered for the Selection and assigned to serve in one of the six Kingdoms. To be chosen as the personal Source for a Kingdom Heir is the greatest honor, and for the first time in a millennia, all six Kingdoms have heirs choosing a Source. But their selections could tip the power balance a little too far. Tessalyn Asura was as forgotten as the realm. But when she finds herself the personal Source to the Heir of Endings, she winds up serving in the darkest Kingdom of them all . The secrets within the Arius Kingdom are meant to be learned and kept, but this was never the life she wanted. Fighting not only the fate thrust upon her, but the temptation to lose herself to desire, Tessa will do anything to escape her new destiny. Until she starts to realize maybe their world wasn’t as forgotten as they thought, and maybe she’s the reason why.
Rain of Shadows and Endings is book one in The Legacy Series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is new adult dark fantasy romance series and includes elements that may be triggering to some readers.
Rain of Shadows and Endings is book one in The Legacy Series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is new adult dark fantasy romance series and includes elements that may be triggering to some readers.
672 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2023
14674 people are currently reading
196198 people want to read
About the author
Melissa K. Roehrich
13 books5,823 followersMelissa is a dark fantasy romance author who loves coffee, dragons, and constantly rearranging her bookshelves. She spends her time writing, reading, and homeschooling her three boys in the Middle-of-Nowhere, North Dakota, where she lives with her boys, husband, dogs, multiple barn cats, and chickens on a small farmstead. She is constantly trying to convince her husband they need to add goats and ducks to the mix, and one day, she'll succeed.
She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:
*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich
She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:
*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,384 reviews
November 23, 2023
Please don't read this if you have sexual trauma or abuse history. This book is essentially following Tessa as she's treated like shit by everyone in her life and threatened with rape over and over until she gives up and goes catatonic.
I got through about 40% of the book before I started to skim hard. I kept on going because I thought, surely this asshole gets his comeuppance. He doesn't. It was so unsatisfying to read. It just put me in a shit mood, to the point that I started getting mad at my husband for the audacity of being a man.
Theon treats Tessa like a dog, like a person who shouldn't own dogs treats their dogs. At least for the first half, Luka seemed to be semi rational and have her back, at least a little, but then he turns into a total douche and punishes her painfully while telling her all of the ways that Theon has been helping her and how everything is her fault and she's awful, essentially, and super lucky that she didn't have to choke on a cock instead.
Every time Theon would almost win me over, he ended up just explosive diarrheaing his terribleness all over the page. It's just fucking waterboarding porn. Like okay you needed to get your trauma down on the page and bla bla mental health. Congrats, you showed someone who had previously been traumatized being repeatedly traumatized. Accurate portrayal of trauma experience/response for some? I'm sure. Enjoyable read? No. Worldbuilding? Meh. Character development? Nein. Anything positive? Newp.
This is not dark. Even dark romances have some bright spots. Tessa getting permission to eat a donut doesn't count. This is trauma porn with limited and crappy sex scenes. Like, by the time I actually got to any kind of sexy bit, I didn't even want to read it because I was too mad. Of course, Tessa has some kind of probably fated bond gurgling inside her that makes her inexplicably attracted to Theon, aside from/in addition to their forced bond. OF COURSE.
Do not recommend unless you've found yourself desperately lacking requisite existential rage for some reason.
I got through about 40% of the book before I started to skim hard. I kept on going because I thought, surely this asshole gets his comeuppance. He doesn't. It was so unsatisfying to read. It just put me in a shit mood, to the point that I started getting mad at my husband for the audacity of being a man.
Theon treats Tessa like a dog, like a person who shouldn't own dogs treats their dogs. At least for the first half, Luka seemed to be semi rational and have her back, at least a little, but then he turns into a total douche and punishes her painfully while telling her all of the ways that Theon has been helping her and how everything is her fault and she's awful, essentially, and super lucky that she didn't have to choke on a cock instead.
Every time Theon would almost win me over, he ended up just explosive diarrheaing his terribleness all over the page. It's just fucking waterboarding porn. Like okay you needed to get your trauma down on the page and bla bla mental health. Congrats, you showed someone who had previously been traumatized being repeatedly traumatized. Accurate portrayal of trauma experience/response for some? I'm sure. Enjoyable read? No. Worldbuilding? Meh. Character development? Nein. Anything positive? Newp.
This is not dark. Even dark romances have some bright spots. Tessa getting permission to eat a donut doesn't count. This is trauma porn with limited and crappy sex scenes. Like, by the time I actually got to any kind of sexy bit, I didn't even want to read it because I was too mad. Of course, Tessa has some kind of probably fated bond gurgling inside her that makes her inexplicably attracted to Theon, aside from/in addition to their forced bond. OF COURSE.
Do not recommend unless you've found yourself desperately lacking requisite existential rage for some reason.
August 12, 2024
Oh. My. God. Honestly… I’m speechless. Where the FUCK do I even BEGIN?!!! To say I loved this book would be the biggest understatement.
But first things first, this book is NOT going to be for everyone. This is a DARK fantasy romance, emphasis on the dark!! Please please check your trigger warnings. A lot of the negative reviews of this book are due to topics/themes clearly outlined in the content warnings list! There’s nothing wrong with not enjoying dark books, however it grinds my gears when people choose to attack a book based on elements that the author clearly outlined will be a large part of the story. This was definitely a heavy read and features a lot of trauma and mental/physical abuse, but the mental health rep was done so beautifully and the author pays such close attention to detail when it comes to how trauma truly shapes a person and their actions.
Okay now to this MASTERPIECE OF A BOOK! The story IMMEDIATELY grips you it is quite literally unlike anything I’ve ever read and the overall pacing was perfect I was incapable of putting it down from start to finish. I mean we start out finding out our FMC is selected by our MMC to be his source of power and she has to be magically bonded to him against her will. It’s so clear that he wants her for so much more but she gives him HELL and it’s just nonstop from there. This is a contemporary high fantasy and the world building was phenomenal and immersive. The magic system is so unique, we have our Legacy’s who are the most powerful, and they possess power of the gods. Then we have our Fae who were created with the soul purpose to serve the Legacy’s, it is their blood that Legacy’s require to replenish their power and each fae possess the power of one element. SO FUCKING COOL. There’s still a lot to expand on with the magic system and I cannot wait to learn more about it in book two! Oh and did I mention there’s also dragon sifters and vampires and witches??? Yeah.
Now this is a VERY character drive book with very complex characters with a LOT of layers. If you are not a fan of reading about characters that have a lot of work to do, who’s actions are extremely questionable and on the surface make them seem entirely unlikable, then yeah, this probably won’t be for you. But personally COMPLEX CHARACTERS are my favorite and my god does Melissa know how to write them.
I already have such a soft spot for our FMC Tessa, she has so much trauma and has suffered so immensely from such a young age. She gets thrown into a world where her control and choices are taken away from her yet again and she’s constantly battling the demons in her head. As someone who knows what it’s like to shut down completely rather than fight, I felt so deeply for Tessa. It’s clear she has a long way to go but I know her character arc is going to be so impactful and when her rage and power comes to the surface she will be UNSTOPPABLE!
Now our MMC Theon…. He is dark and twisted and broken and his actions made me love to hate him in this book. I honestly think a sign of impeccable character writing is when the author can make you feel so many conflicting emotions about a character, and that is exactly how Theon makes me feel, CONFLICTED! I love to hate him but I also have the biggest soft spot for him. It is so clear his upbringing has made it nearly impossible for him to focus on anything but reaching his end goal even if that means hurting others along the way. I do think he is being set up to have such a powerful redemption arc but I also know he’s only going to dig himself into a deeper hole before we get there. This man is MORALLY black, and your honor, I do in fact love him. Not sure what that says about me.
The romance…. THIS IS TRUE ENEMIES to…. Not lovers that’s for sure. More like enemies with benefits? Y’all complain about enemies to lovers stories not ever being true enemies in first place… so I better not see y’all complaining when you finally get it! Yes these two are toxic, yes they lack communication, yes they are both so undeniably broken and bound to be each others downfall, and I simply am eating up every last second of it. The tension is like NOTHING else. Their hatred for each other in the bedroom… don’t even get me started.
OUR SIDE CHARACTERS!!! Gahhhh I’m obsessed, you will fall in love with each and every one of them. Luka… the man that you are, honestly I hope this turns into a why choose situation… The found family has me feeling all the emotions.
This is definitely not an action packed book yet I found it impossible to look away. The kingdom politics, unknown powers, meddling gods, the relationships between characters, THE CHARACTERS alone, just had me so captivated and invested. And it set the stage for a phenomenal series!
Nothing is at it seems, I cannot predict anything for the life of me, secrets and betrayal galore, toxicity, emotionally taxing, GIVE IT ALL TO ME!!
But first things first, this book is NOT going to be for everyone. This is a DARK fantasy romance, emphasis on the dark!! Please please check your trigger warnings. A lot of the negative reviews of this book are due to topics/themes clearly outlined in the content warnings list! There’s nothing wrong with not enjoying dark books, however it grinds my gears when people choose to attack a book based on elements that the author clearly outlined will be a large part of the story. This was definitely a heavy read and features a lot of trauma and mental/physical abuse, but the mental health rep was done so beautifully and the author pays such close attention to detail when it comes to how trauma truly shapes a person and their actions.
Okay now to this MASTERPIECE OF A BOOK! The story IMMEDIATELY grips you it is quite literally unlike anything I’ve ever read and the overall pacing was perfect I was incapable of putting it down from start to finish. I mean we start out finding out our FMC is selected by our MMC to be his source of power and she has to be magically bonded to him against her will. It’s so clear that he wants her for so much more but she gives him HELL and it’s just nonstop from there. This is a contemporary high fantasy and the world building was phenomenal and immersive. The magic system is so unique, we have our Legacy’s who are the most powerful, and they possess power of the gods. Then we have our Fae who were created with the soul purpose to serve the Legacy’s, it is their blood that Legacy’s require to replenish their power and each fae possess the power of one element. SO FUCKING COOL. There’s still a lot to expand on with the magic system and I cannot wait to learn more about it in book two! Oh and did I mention there’s also dragon sifters and vampires and witches??? Yeah.
Now this is a VERY character drive book with very complex characters with a LOT of layers. If you are not a fan of reading about characters that have a lot of work to do, who’s actions are extremely questionable and on the surface make them seem entirely unlikable, then yeah, this probably won’t be for you. But personally COMPLEX CHARACTERS are my favorite and my god does Melissa know how to write them.
I already have such a soft spot for our FMC Tessa, she has so much trauma and has suffered so immensely from such a young age. She gets thrown into a world where her control and choices are taken away from her yet again and she’s constantly battling the demons in her head. As someone who knows what it’s like to shut down completely rather than fight, I felt so deeply for Tessa. It’s clear she has a long way to go but I know her character arc is going to be so impactful and when her rage and power comes to the surface she will be UNSTOPPABLE!
Now our MMC Theon…. He is dark and twisted and broken and his actions made me love to hate him in this book. I honestly think a sign of impeccable character writing is when the author can make you feel so many conflicting emotions about a character, and that is exactly how Theon makes me feel, CONFLICTED! I love to hate him but I also have the biggest soft spot for him. It is so clear his upbringing has made it nearly impossible for him to focus on anything but reaching his end goal even if that means hurting others along the way. I do think he is being set up to have such a powerful redemption arc but I also know he’s only going to dig himself into a deeper hole before we get there. This man is MORALLY black, and your honor, I do in fact love him. Not sure what that says about me.
The romance…. THIS IS TRUE ENEMIES to…. Not lovers that’s for sure. More like enemies with benefits? Y’all complain about enemies to lovers stories not ever being true enemies in first place… so I better not see y’all complaining when you finally get it! Yes these two are toxic, yes they lack communication, yes they are both so undeniably broken and bound to be each others downfall, and I simply am eating up every last second of it. The tension is like NOTHING else. Their hatred for each other in the bedroom… don’t even get me started.
OUR SIDE CHARACTERS!!! Gahhhh I’m obsessed, you will fall in love with each and every one of them. Luka… the man that you are, honestly I hope this turns into a why choose situation… The found family has me feeling all the emotions.
This is definitely not an action packed book yet I found it impossible to look away. The kingdom politics, unknown powers, meddling gods, the relationships between characters, THE CHARACTERS alone, just had me so captivated and invested. And it set the stage for a phenomenal series!
Nothing is at it seems, I cannot predict anything for the life of me, secrets and betrayal galore, toxicity, emotionally taxing, GIVE IT ALL TO ME!!
September 12, 2025
Was it perfect? No, far from it.
But was it addicting in a way that you were so frustrated and at the same time hooked to it? Hell yeah.
This was such a fun read, the dark romantasy vibes are so well done. The lore, world building is absolutely amazing and well written to the point I wanted to deep dive and do a thorough research. But at the same time, it's definitely not for everyone. It's really dark and can be considered triggering, so please check the trigger warnings. The pacing is a bit on the slower side but I didn't really notice it much given how much fun I was having with the character and relationship dynamics.
All the characters are so complex, deeply flawed and had a moment that made me want to smack their heads but at the same time hug them too. That's how real they are, and I truly appreciated that they made me feel.
❤️🔥 Tessa is such a baddie. I loved and hated her both. I found her infuriating but so likable. But at the same time, she was so relatable to me. It was like the author reached into my very mind and soul to write her. And maybe it's a bit disturbing but I certainly understood her. I can practically see the glow up that's bound to come.
🖤 Theon is such a possessive bastard, a bit of a control freak with a heart of gold and daddy issues. I love him. Nah, no one can make me hate him. Besides, he's a shadow daddy. Sort of like a Rhysand? But more intense.
🩶 Axel is my man who uses humor as his defense mechanism, always the voice of reason and perfect comedic timing imo. I loved how cunning and sharp he is and always calling others out with no hesitation. Sort of like a Cassian but a shadow daddy.
⚔️ Luka, also my man (let's just accept they're all my men). The broody, grumpy man who talks only when he wants to. Trust issues that run deep and is always skeptical. And he's got abs, not that it was relevant but just saying. Sort of like Azriel.
The romance and chemistry between the characters is so amazing. I want it to be a why choose even though I swoon over Theon every other scene. Like I would fold for that man instantly, no hesitation. The spice is minimal imo, it's a slowwwwww angsty burn. Had me yearning for something to happen. But the defiant banter had sparks flying. It had me giggling, blushing and kicking my feet.
I loved the action sequences, the chaos and the conflicts that arose with other characters and the plot. There's so much to happen and to go over, I can't even. But at the same time, I must point out there were some scenes that could have been edited out given how it got repetitive. Maybe about seventy pages less and it would be perfect. The ending was amazing, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
~•~•~
In the mood for some dark romantasy and this looks like something I would eat up.
But was it addicting in a way that you were so frustrated and at the same time hooked to it? Hell yeah.
This was such a fun read, the dark romantasy vibes are so well done. The lore, world building is absolutely amazing and well written to the point I wanted to deep dive and do a thorough research. But at the same time, it's definitely not for everyone. It's really dark and can be considered triggering, so please check the trigger warnings. The pacing is a bit on the slower side but I didn't really notice it much given how much fun I was having with the character and relationship dynamics.
All the characters are so complex, deeply flawed and had a moment that made me want to smack their heads but at the same time hug them too. That's how real they are, and I truly appreciated that they made me feel.
❤️🔥 Tessa is such a baddie. I loved and hated her both. I found her infuriating but so likable. But at the same time, she was so relatable to me. It was like the author reached into my very mind and soul to write her. And maybe it's a bit disturbing but I certainly understood her. I can practically see the glow up that's bound to come.
🖤 Theon is such a possessive bastard, a bit of a control freak with a heart of gold and daddy issues. I love him. Nah, no one can make me hate him. Besides, he's a shadow daddy. Sort of like a Rhysand? But more intense.
🩶 Axel is my man who uses humor as his defense mechanism, always the voice of reason and perfect comedic timing imo. I loved how cunning and sharp he is and always calling others out with no hesitation. Sort of like a Cassian but a shadow daddy.
⚔️ Luka, also my man (let's just accept they're all my men). The broody, grumpy man who talks only when he wants to. Trust issues that run deep and is always skeptical. And he's got abs, not that it was relevant but just saying. Sort of like Azriel.
The romance and chemistry between the characters is so amazing. I want it to be a why choose even though I swoon over Theon every other scene. Like I would fold for that man instantly, no hesitation. The spice is minimal imo, it's a slowwwwww angsty burn. Had me yearning for something to happen. But the defiant banter had sparks flying. It had me giggling, blushing and kicking my feet.
I loved the action sequences, the chaos and the conflicts that arose with other characters and the plot. There's so much to happen and to go over, I can't even. But at the same time, I must point out there were some scenes that could have been edited out given how it got repetitive. Maybe about seventy pages less and it would be perfect. The ending was amazing, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
~•~•~
In the mood for some dark romantasy and this looks like something I would eat up.
December 26, 2024
This is a DARK fantasy romance, that is your warning! The lore in this series runs deep, I can tell it will have my head SPINNING for books. I can’t wait to unravel and learn more. 6 stars ⭐️ so so so much fun. I can tell there will be so much character development to come with an insane slow burn plot. Obsessed is an understatement!
September 9, 2023
I don't know.. I felt like all I read was the FMC being abused and blindsided by everyone and especially the MMC. The plot is vague, and the disseminated visions and flash forward ish did not tickle my interest, they frustrated me..
Edit [spoils] : I've been thinking about this book for a long while, and I don't see HOW the MMC could remain the love interest after what he has done to her. There is no groveling nor excuse to his actions that could redeem him. Let us set higher standards for relationships please
Edit [spoils] : I've been thinking about this book for a long while, and I don't see HOW the MMC could remain the love interest after what he has done to her. There is no groveling nor excuse to his actions that could redeem him. Let us set higher standards for relationships please
September 5, 2023
tessa being abused by everyone, again and again
September 2, 2023
Good but…
Okay I have mixed feelings about this because I feel like I liked some parts of it but I was mostly furious throughout the book. The MMC honestly sucked ass in my opinion and I am hoping that he gets killed off in the second book and that we can find a more Sorin like MMC. I mean Tessa was clearly drowning and as soon as she would come up for air Theon would shove her head underwater again. Also the fact that he “cares” about her but literally puts her through torture? Him being abusive verbally and basically physically really sealed the deal of me not liking him at all. I was really hoping he would be able to redeem himself somehow towards the end of the book but I still dislike him intensely. Fingers crossed that he gets kicked to the curb in the next one because I really loved LoD and I’m not sure if I can read more about Theon.
Okay I have mixed feelings about this because I feel like I liked some parts of it but I was mostly furious throughout the book. The MMC honestly sucked ass in my opinion and I am hoping that he gets killed off in the second book and that we can find a more Sorin like MMC. I mean Tessa was clearly drowning and as soon as she would come up for air Theon would shove her head underwater again. Also the fact that he “cares” about her but literally puts her through torture? Him being abusive verbally and basically physically really sealed the deal of me not liking him at all. I was really hoping he would be able to redeem himself somehow towards the end of the book but I still dislike him intensely. Fingers crossed that he gets kicked to the curb in the next one because I really loved LoD and I’m not sure if I can read more about Theon.
June 27, 2025
this reminded me why i love fantasy so much. Melissa gave us a complicated, nuanced, well paced fantasy world & I NEED ALL THE ANSWERS RIGHT NEOWWWWW
February 16, 2025
✩ 3 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Fae & Legacy
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Political Intrigue
➼ Morally Gray MMC
➼ FMC w/no Free Will
➼ Touch Her & Die
➼ Enemies w/Benefits
➼ Secret Identity
➼ Emerging Powers
➼ Third Person POV
What in the Tamlin was this?!
Friends, are we not bothered by this storyline? This was basically a socially accepted trafficking. I mean… he mostly seems like a decent person and he certainly was in a position to be a lot more awful than he was, but he forced her into a role she didn’t want and has completely stolen her free will. There were a few circumstances where I do believe he was saving her from a much worse fate with his actions and I even get the argument that he saved her from an awful fate by selecting her in the first place, but some of the things he did were inexcusable and purely the result of his own pride and need to assert dominance over her.
I saw the twist at the end coming, but I have no idea where the storyline will go from here. I also don’t really understand the MMC’s motivations. They don’t seem completely nefarious but I don’t quite grasp what he is trying to accomplish or prevent. I guess I’ll have to read on and find out. Most of the plot seemed aimed at making the reader like the MMC, but I’m still hoping the other guy (Tristan) is end game. All of the MMC’s “it’s not your place to know”comments and all the times he abused their connection to make her docile and silent made him a nope for me, and that was BEFORE he locked her in a cellar overnight. 😒
Despite the VERY problematic storyline, this was a fast paced enjoyable read with decent world building. I’m really hoping book two will fix some of this mess. 🤞🏻 This is a very messed up society and I fully support her in burning it all down. 🔥
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Starting this chonky book on 1/30 even though my delulu self is convinced I’m also gonna finish 4 other books before the end of the month. 😅
Might need to be “sick” on Friday so I can read. 😆 Gotta read this before it gets sent back though! The wait list is Loooong.
What to Expect:
➼ Fae & Legacy
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Political Intrigue
➼ Morally Gray MMC
➼ FMC w/no Free Will
➼ Touch Her & Die
➼ Enemies w/Benefits
➼ Secret Identity
➼ Emerging Powers
➼ Third Person POV
What in the Tamlin was this?!
Friends, are we not bothered by this storyline? This was basically a socially accepted trafficking. I mean… he mostly seems like a decent person and he certainly was in a position to be a lot more awful than he was, but he forced her into a role she didn’t want and has completely stolen her free will. There were a few circumstances where I do believe he was saving her from a much worse fate with his actions and I even get the argument that he saved her from an awful fate by selecting her in the first place, but some of the things he did were inexcusable and purely the result of his own pride and need to assert dominance over her.
I saw the twist at the end coming, but I have no idea where the storyline will go from here. I also don’t really understand the MMC’s motivations. They don’t seem completely nefarious but I don’t quite grasp what he is trying to accomplish or prevent. I guess I’ll have to read on and find out. Most of the plot seemed aimed at making the reader like the MMC, but I’m still hoping the other guy (Tristan) is end game. All of the MMC’s “it’s not your place to know”comments and all the times he abused their connection to make her docile and silent made him a nope for me, and that was BEFORE he locked her in a cellar overnight. 😒
Despite the VERY problematic storyline, this was a fast paced enjoyable read with decent world building. I’m really hoping book two will fix some of this mess. 🤞🏻 This is a very messed up society and I fully support her in burning it all down. 🔥
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Starting this chonky book on 1/30 even though my delulu self is convinced I’m also gonna finish 4 other books before the end of the month. 😅
Might need to be “sick” on Friday so I can read. 😆 Gotta read this before it gets sent back though! The wait list is Loooong.
May 22, 2025
0.25⭐️
This is one of the most disgusting books I've ever read. There is abuse after abuse. Who pitched this as romantasy? Where was the romance? Where was the fantasy? This was 750 pages of bullshit. 750 too many. This was not dark, this was borderline morbid and i'm quite frankly not fazed by trigger warnings in books in general. But this? The TW happened so often that i was like "What the fuck is the point?". There is non. No character absolution or growth, no character overcoming their trauma, not the abusers being killed (as they should). The abuser was the fucking MMC. Like WHAT?? That's who I'm supposed to root for? Just some kink this author had. I did not sign up for slavery, manipulation, gaslighting, assault, the most insufferable MMC to ever exist, a FMC that's constantly abused for not "submitting" like some kind of trained rat in a lab. Please, release us. All I felt was anger. The only reason i kept going was bc i was at the half way mark and i hoped, HOPED she would escape, or he'll redeem himself somehow, hell i hoped he would fucking die. Submission or incarceration/ torture? Are we being fr right now?
This is one of the most disgusting books I've ever read. There is abuse after abuse. Who pitched this as romantasy? Where was the romance? Where was the fantasy? This was 750 pages of bullshit. 750 too many. This was not dark, this was borderline morbid and i'm quite frankly not fazed by trigger warnings in books in general. But this? The TW happened so often that i was like "What the fuck is the point?". There is non. No character absolution or growth, no character overcoming their trauma, not the abusers being killed (as they should). The abuser was the fucking MMC. Like WHAT?? That's who I'm supposed to root for? Just some kink this author had. I did not sign up for slavery, manipulation, gaslighting, assault, the most insufferable MMC to ever exist, a FMC that's constantly abused for not "submitting" like some kind of trained rat in a lab. Please, release us. All I felt was anger. The only reason i kept going was bc i was at the half way mark and i hoped, HOPED she would escape, or he'll redeem himself somehow, hell i hoped he would fucking die. Submission or incarceration/ torture? Are we being fr right now?
September 12, 2024
➼ 4.25★
➼ tessalyn ausra
if stubbornness was a person, it’d be tessa (or theon).
her head is hard as a rock and she’s uncontrollable. and this is exactly what ppl have been saying to her all her life: she’s too wild, reckless and impulsive–nobody wants to have to deal with her.
tessa has a lot of insecurities bc ppl have always treated her like a burden. she’s not perfect but sometimes she lets her intrusive thoughts play freely and cause chaos and messes. i think she just needs someone who cares for her and tells her she’s not a burden–she just wants to feel wanted.
she displays episodes of anxiety and depression. and her thoughts are heartbreaking tbh. i just wanted to hug her tightly and tell her everything will be okay. i really liked her, despite her being really, truly and utterly stubborn most of the times. she can easily get on your last nerve but pls (do it for me) try to understand her!🙏🏼
i can’t wait to read more about her and her power👀
➼ theon st. orcas
if stubbornness was a person, it’d be theon (or tessa).
yes, he’s stubborn as much as tessa. he’s the heir of arius kingdom and a shadows wielder. he’s a control freak but definitely has no control over the only person he should be able to control. he’s methodic and organized. he’s morally gray, if not black. but he cares. he cares so much that all his plans revolve around his need of protecting his loved ones. that’s why he doesn’t give up on tessa, despite her wildness. he does questionable things but i guess they’re just the consequence of his fear of failing.
he has a lot of secrets and i can’t wait to know them all. i liked him as much as i liked tessa.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ tessa & theon💋
have you ever heard of enemies with benefits?🤭
they clearly need to learn communication skills.
they’re toxic together bc he’s too controlling and wants submission, while tessa doesn’t want to be controlled. they can’t find a compromise for their dear lives, but they’re trying? kind of? let’s just say they have something really complicated…💀
i can’t say this was romance but i hope we’re getting there! i can’t wait to read more about their “relationship” and how it evolves, bc atp anything could happen…
╰┈➤
also, i loved axel and luka (axel more tho). i love how they treated tessa like big brothers!!!
and ofc i don’t trust dex at all😃
overall, i really enjoyed this book. i’m still confused about many matters which i hope they’ll be explained in the next books.
i have one thing i must complain about… so the book is double pov, right? then why is it written in the 3rd person?😭 i usually don’t mind it but tbh it doesn’t make sense at all in this case since there’s already two povs.
lately i’ve been enjoying dark fantasy more than ever. i love the dark part of it. the combination of dark and fantasy and romance and spicy is a deadly combination bc i’m obsessed asf. but i know it’s not the same for many, so i’d recommend this book only to ppl who likes this kind of things and i also suggest to read the TWs.
onto the next✨💋
”Because the thing about light? When strong enough, it could obliterate darkness.”
╰┈➤ read this if you like:
★ forced proximity
★ enemies with benefits👀
★ touch her and bye bye👋🏼🪦
★ dual pov
★ he falls first
★ possessive mmc
★ fae, gods, dragons…
well, idk where to start…
this book starts amazingly but then in the middle the pace is kinda static and nothing really happens. i guess it’s just the world building that is… well, building🙄
this book is hard to explain but i’ll try my best nonetheless.
we have tessa who’s fae and in this realm, fae are not the ones in control. the legacy is a group of gods’ decedents who have all the power. they can even claim a source of their own, especially if said legacy are heirs of the various kindgoms. this is exactly what happens to tessa. she gets chosen by theon, heir to the arius kingdom. she must submit to theon, accompany him everywhere, do what he says, and so on… basically she cannot do whatever she wants bc she has no right to do so. also, the bond between them requires physical contact constantly. it should be easy to dominate a fae because fae are considered weak and fragile, but tessa is unexpected and theon is forced to find different ways to gain control over his source…
“Tessalyn Ausra, I have claimed you as my Source, to be bonded to me irrevocably. With this Mark, may the bond become physical, that we can always sense each other’s presence and crave each other’s closeness. My power claims you as its own.”
➼ tessalyn ausra
if stubbornness was a person, it’d be tessa (or theon).
her head is hard as a rock and she’s uncontrollable. and this is exactly what ppl have been saying to her all her life: she’s too wild, reckless and impulsive–nobody wants to have to deal with her.
tessa has a lot of insecurities bc ppl have always treated her like a burden. she’s not perfect but sometimes she lets her intrusive thoughts play freely and cause chaos and messes. i think she just needs someone who cares for her and tells her she’s not a burden–she just wants to feel wanted.
she displays episodes of anxiety and depression. and her thoughts are heartbreaking tbh. i just wanted to hug her tightly and tell her everything will be okay. i really liked her, despite her being really, truly and utterly stubborn most of the times. she can easily get on your last nerve but pls (do it for me) try to understand her!🙏🏼
i can’t wait to read more about her and her power👀
➼ theon st. orcas
if stubbornness was a person, it’d be theon (or tessa).
yes, he’s stubborn as much as tessa. he’s the heir of arius kingdom and a shadows wielder. he’s a control freak but definitely has no control over the only person he should be able to control. he’s methodic and organized. he’s morally gray, if not black. but he cares. he cares so much that all his plans revolve around his need of protecting his loved ones. that’s why he doesn’t give up on tessa, despite her wildness. he does questionable things but i guess they’re just the consequence of his fear of failing.
he has a lot of secrets and i can’t wait to know them all. i liked him as much as i liked tessa.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ tessa & theon💋
have you ever heard of enemies with benefits?🤭
they clearly need to learn communication skills.
they’re toxic together bc he’s too controlling and wants submission, while tessa doesn’t want to be controlled. they can’t find a compromise for their dear lives, but they’re trying? kind of? let’s just say they have something really complicated…💀
i can’t say this was romance but i hope we’re getting there! i can’t wait to read more about their “relationship” and how it evolves, bc atp anything could happen…
╰┈➤
“I want everything you have to give, and then I want more. I want every piece of you—every secret, every tempest raging in those stormy eyes. I want all your fear and all your pain, all your smiles and all your laughter. I want all your mornings and all your nights, all your days and months and years.”
also, i loved axel and luka (axel more tho). i love how they treated tessa like big brothers!!!
and ofc i don’t trust dex at all😃
overall, i really enjoyed this book. i’m still confused about many matters which i hope they’ll be explained in the next books.
i have one thing i must complain about… so the book is double pov, right? then why is it written in the 3rd person?😭 i usually don’t mind it but tbh it doesn’t make sense at all in this case since there’s already two povs.
lately i’ve been enjoying dark fantasy more than ever. i love the dark part of it. the combination of dark and fantasy and romance and spicy is a deadly combination bc i’m obsessed asf. but i know it’s not the same for many, so i’d recommend this book only to ppl who likes this kind of things and i also suggest to read the TWs.
onto the next✨💋
Be what they want you to be now, so you can be who you were meant to be later.
Five minutes in that alcove with her and he’d known she’d be coming home with him.
“No, beautiful,” he said, shaking his head. “You look like salvation and temptation all rolled into one.”
No one ever knew what to do with her except shove her aside. Lock her away. Too wild to be something, so forced to be nothing.
“You always break. We help each other glue the pieces back together, but it’s never quite right. The pieces of yourself never quite fit back together the way they once did. Until eventually, you don’t remember what it was like to not feel cracked and scarred. Until eventually, you are just a shell of what you once were, but you know there’s no way to go back, so you just move forward, even if death’s song sounds sweeter and sweeter every time.”
“I can help her walk—”
“If you lay a finger on her without permission, it will be the last thing you do,”
“It’s something you can’t learn until you’re forced to walk through it, but you’d know that strength grows in the moments you think you can’t go on, but you do anyway. Strength is fighting back. Strength is doing whatever it takes to claim what is yours, even if others try to convince you it is not yours to take.”
If you are weak enough to fall, you are strong enough to rise back up.
“Because you are mine to fight for.”
“No one can steal your thunder if you are the storm,” he replied, stretching a hand toward her. “Be the fucking storm, Tessa.”
It liked the idea of being feared.
She liked the idea of being feared.
November 5, 2024
”She’d get back up. She’d be the fucking storm. Because the thing about light? When strong enough, it could obliterate darkness.”
i think all the hype sent me into this with the wrong expectations cause i really wasn’t impressed with this book. i knew it would be dark but that was about it and my main issues aren’t even that “dark content”, although i can’t say i loved how Tessa is literally a SLAVE to Theon and gets abused repeatedly by everyone around her (i mean, doesn’t that just scream romantic?😍) .. side eye. but anyways, i found Tessa and Theon’s inner conflict with one another so irritating cause the amount of times they fight over the same things was really testing my patience. it’s not a “will they, won’t they” if i couldn’t care less about the outcome as long as i don’t have to listen to their whining anymore. to be honest, my favorite characters were actually the side ones: Axel and Luka. this book felt so unnecessarily long with not much happening until the end. i’m not too invested in the romance as of now but i didn’t hate this despite all my complaining, so i will continue due to some things I’ve heard happen later in the series that’s piquing my interest. i do think the magic and world itself is interesting and im hoping I’ll enjoy the other books more than this one cause it left a lot to be desired for me.
i think all the hype sent me into this with the wrong expectations cause i really wasn’t impressed with this book. i knew it would be dark but that was about it and my main issues aren’t even that “dark content”, although i can’t say i loved how Tessa is literally a SLAVE to Theon and gets abused repeatedly by everyone around her (i mean, doesn’t that just scream romantic?😍) .. side eye. but anyways, i found Tessa and Theon’s inner conflict with one another so irritating cause the amount of times they fight over the same things was really testing my patience. it’s not a “will they, won’t they” if i couldn’t care less about the outcome as long as i don’t have to listen to their whining anymore. to be honest, my favorite characters were actually the side ones: Axel and Luka. this book felt so unnecessarily long with not much happening until the end. i’m not too invested in the romance as of now but i didn’t hate this despite all my complaining, so i will continue due to some things I’ve heard happen later in the series that’s piquing my interest. i do think the magic and world itself is interesting and im hoping I’ll enjoy the other books more than this one cause it left a lot to be desired for me.
September 19, 2023
abuse is yucky, #justicefortessa
December 25, 2023
His "emerald eyes" were mentioned 36 times
March 6, 2024
1 Star
3/6/2024 Edit - I read the reviews for the next book and I will not be continuing. I did not realize going into this that the series would have a MFM main relationship - I have no idea if this was even posted in the trigger warnings before the first book, but nevertheless Theon is a part of that relationship to it's a no from me either way.
0.5 star each for 1. The writing and pacing was good and it was hard for me to put this down and 2. I will read the next book in the series. Otherwise, this would get a 0.
But this was absolutely awful, and frankly I'm mad. I need to ask - Why? Why would someone write a fantasy romance - again, a romance - and have the (hopefully not, but I think?) MMC be quite possibly the worst MMC I've ever read. He is WORSE than Tamlin. Let that sink in. And I'm not confident we will get a switch in the next book. I will stop reading the series if Theon is not killed in the next book. He is a truly unbearable, beyond abusive, incredibly stupid, HORRIBLE character. He is a (very very rarely) empathetic (too nice of a word, but yeah...) slave owner to Tessa (FMC). He treats her like an item he owns for 100% of the book and I cannot fathom why the author chose this, and if he doesn't die in the next book, a redemption arc isn't remotely possible. I've never been so disgusted by an MMC. As other reviews have mentioned, this entire book is Tessa being abused. She's a fae and Theon (a Legacy, which is a species descending from the gods) selects her to be his Source aka he can drain her to have more power. That's one of the uses of fae in their realm, otherwise they are in other types of serving work (sex work, maids, servants, etc.). So Tessa is bonded to him, and will become increasingly bonded to him via four different marks.
The world is actually unique, and I would have really enjoyed this if it wasn't for Theon. His behavior is completely inexplicable. Sure, his father is abusive and and even worse than he is, but he just sits there as his father does horrific things throughout the whole story - and proceeds to blame Tessa for it. I can go on and on about this - but the level of abuse and control that Theon inflicts on Tessa is beyond.
Honestly, I'm almost convincing myself to not continue this series but I'm holding onto the (very minimal) hope that Tessa kills Theon and ends up with Trystan. I'm sure that's extremely unlikely, especially because we get many many chapters of Theon's POV (which, just helps you better realize how weak and awful he is). Ugh, I'm so mad I read this.
3/6/2024 Edit - I read the reviews for the next book and I will not be continuing. I did not realize going into this that the series would have a MFM main relationship - I have no idea if this was even posted in the trigger warnings before the first book, but nevertheless Theon is a part of that relationship to it's a no from me either way.
0.5 star each for 1. The writing and pacing was good and it was hard for me to put this down and 2. I will read the next book in the series. Otherwise, this would get a 0.
But this was absolutely awful, and frankly I'm mad. I need to ask - Why? Why would someone write a fantasy romance - again, a romance - and have the (hopefully not, but I think?) MMC be quite possibly the worst MMC I've ever read. He is WORSE than Tamlin. Let that sink in. And I'm not confident we will get a switch in the next book. I will stop reading the series if Theon is not killed in the next book. He is a truly unbearable, beyond abusive, incredibly stupid, HORRIBLE character. He is a (very very rarely) empathetic (too nice of a word, but yeah...) slave owner to Tessa (FMC). He treats her like an item he owns for 100% of the book and I cannot fathom why the author chose this, and if he doesn't die in the next book, a redemption arc isn't remotely possible. I've never been so disgusted by an MMC. As other reviews have mentioned, this entire book is Tessa being abused. She's a fae and Theon (a Legacy, which is a species descending from the gods) selects her to be his Source aka he can drain her to have more power. That's one of the uses of fae in their realm, otherwise they are in other types of serving work (sex work, maids, servants, etc.). So Tessa is bonded to him, and will become increasingly bonded to him via four different marks.
The world is actually unique, and I would have really enjoyed this if it wasn't for Theon. His behavior is completely inexplicable. Sure, his father is abusive and and even worse than he is, but he just sits there as his father does horrific things throughout the whole story - and proceeds to blame Tessa for it. I can go on and on about this - but the level of abuse and control that Theon inflicts on Tessa is beyond.
Honestly, I'm almost convincing myself to not continue this series but I'm holding onto the (very minimal) hope that Tessa kills Theon and ends up with Trystan. I'm sure that's extremely unlikely, especially because we get many many chapters of Theon's POV (which, just helps you better realize how weak and awful he is). Ugh, I'm so mad I read this.
November 29, 2024
I am hands down 100% obsessed.
This book had the same grip on me as acotar did. (I’m not comparing, but the feelings it gave me were similar).
It entranced✨CAPTIVATED✨completely consumed me.
The rollercoaster of emotions this put me through, though... I’m not ok. The push and pull of it all.
The constant struggle of wanting to murder the mmc or rail him into oblivion is … EXCRUCIATING (and addictive).
Tessa, I adore her immensely and can tell she is on her way to becoming formidable. I can't wait to see how everything unfolds.
This series will be my life now
Nothing else matters
Can’t get enough
What does this exasperatingly superb piece of literature contain? CRACK. it’s crack.
That is all for now, somersaulting into book two.
This book had the same grip on me as acotar did. (I’m not comparing, but the feelings it gave me were similar).
It entranced✨CAPTIVATED✨completely consumed me.
The rollercoaster of emotions this put me through, though... I’m not ok. The push and pull of it all.
The constant struggle of wanting to murder the mmc or rail him into oblivion is … EXCRUCIATING (and addictive).
Tessa, I adore her immensely and can tell she is on her way to becoming formidable. I can't wait to see how everything unfolds.
This series will be my life now
Nothing else matters
Can’t get enough
What does this exasperatingly superb piece of literature contain? CRACK. it’s crack.
That is all for now, somersaulting into book two.
March 28, 2024
So I heard this was dark….👀 and the mmc was also mean 👀🤌
Dnf page 205
Nope never mind, this was pretty awful. The fmc acted like a deranged toddler 99% of the time yelling for donuts and pizza (I kid you not). Also the mmc was not mean or even that bad as other reviewers are stating. He does a few shady things, but then apologizes and simps after her like crazy. He tries to act all dark and intimidating, but he then acts like a toothless puppy. The villain was super duper one dimensional too 😬.
The world building was super weak too.
Dnf page 205
Nope never mind, this was pretty awful. The fmc acted like a deranged toddler 99% of the time yelling for donuts and pizza (I kid you not). Also the mmc was not mean or even that bad as other reviewers are stating. He does a few shady things, but then apologizes and simps after her like crazy. He tries to act all dark and intimidating, but he then acts like a toothless puppy. The villain was super duper one dimensional too 😬.
The world building was super weak too.
September 2, 2023
Do not read this book. It is about emotional and physical rape.
I can't remember the last time I felt so uncomfortable and ill reading a book. This one reminded me of those old books where men kidnap strong women, rape them and then the woman somehow falls in love with him.
This is why we can't have good things like non toxic relationships. It's why there are women who approve of men like Andrew Tate; they think that this behaviour is acceptable and what they deserve.
I can't and won't finish this book.
I can't remember the last time I felt so uncomfortable and ill reading a book. This one reminded me of those old books where men kidnap strong women, rape them and then the woman somehow falls in love with him.
This is why we can't have good things like non toxic relationships. It's why there are women who approve of men like Andrew Tate; they think that this behaviour is acceptable and what they deserve.
I can't and won't finish this book.
June 14, 2025
Settling on 3 stars
My expectations for this book were high. I so wanted another romantacy to consume me and be all I think about, but this was not it for me unfortunately 😞
This was advertised as TRUE enemies to lovers. Sorry...where? All I saw was her hating him for trapping her in this weird bond thing and him thirsting over her for the entirety of the book. He never hated her, she was never his enemy I'm sorry I just did not see it. He got mad at her during the book yeah, but that doesn't make them enemies. I also saw that this was DARK. Ummmmm maybe I am broken or something but this wasn't all that dark?? Like I was expecting to be shocked or appalled by the darkness; instead, it felt dim at most😶🌫️
Theon and Tessa gave me NOTHING. I understand that this is the first book and things are still developing, but they had no chemistry for me. I liked Tessa though as a character, but Theon was annoying. The number of times that man said "mine" got so infuriating😠 He came off as such a whiny man sometimes and the ups and downs and back and forth with Tessa gave me whiplash. One moment he's nice to her, the next he's mean and that just annoyed me.
Me whenever Theon said: "Don't touch what's mine."
Ok my man it was hot the first two or three times but it just got irritating after the 20th time yk?
However, I really liked the worldbuilding and the whole premise was interesting and I can sense that the plot will thicken and be more interesting later on in the series...hopefully. I also LOVED Axel and Luca. Can they be the love interests? maybe a why choose situation?? They were much more interesting and hotter actually😅
I simultaneously want to continue and don't because I want to see where the plot goes but the romance just isn't it for me. Hopefully the other books change my mind if I continue the series.
My expectations for this book were high. I so wanted another romantacy to consume me and be all I think about, but this was not it for me unfortunately 😞
This was advertised as TRUE enemies to lovers. Sorry...where? All I saw was her hating him for trapping her in this weird bond thing and him thirsting over her for the entirety of the book. He never hated her, she was never his enemy I'm sorry I just did not see it. He got mad at her during the book yeah, but that doesn't make them enemies. I also saw that this was DARK. Ummmmm maybe I am broken or something but this wasn't all that dark?? Like I was expecting to be shocked or appalled by the darkness; instead, it felt dim at most😶🌫️
Theon and Tessa gave me NOTHING. I understand that this is the first book and things are still developing, but they had no chemistry for me. I liked Tessa though as a character, but Theon was annoying. The number of times that man said "mine" got so infuriating😠 He came off as such a whiny man sometimes and the ups and downs and back and forth with Tessa gave me whiplash. One moment he's nice to her, the next he's mean and that just annoyed me.
Me whenever Theon said: "Don't touch what's mine."
Ok my man it was hot the first two or three times but it just got irritating after the 20th time yk?
However, I really liked the worldbuilding and the whole premise was interesting and I can sense that the plot will thicken and be more interesting later on in the series...hopefully. I also LOVED Axel and Luca. Can they be the love interests? maybe a why choose situation?? They were much more interesting and hotter actually😅
I simultaneously want to continue and don't because I want to see where the plot goes but the romance just isn't it for me. Hopefully the other books change my mind if I continue the series.
October 16, 2023
Okay, I'm going to say what anyone with half a brain cell will say: Theon is an awful love interest. He's not a dark and brooding tortured villain. He's an abusive and selfish brat.
Spoilers ahead listing a few of the things this 'love interest' does to the main character, Tessa.
Theon compels her to tell him her every thought and follow his orders.
Theon won't allow her to choose her food.
Theon holds her down (with his friends) and forces his mark on her.
Theon locks her in a dark cellar despite knowing her past trauma.
Theon monitors her only phone call to her friends.
Theon decides what exercise she is allowed to take.
Theon decides who she is allowed to talk to.
Theon announces he will keep her as a source while marrying someone else.
Theon chooses her clothing.
Theon holds her down (with his friends) and forces a tracking mark on her.
Theon withholds useful information (about her) from her.
Theon loses his temper with her because she won't accept the bond.
Theon wants to use her power for his own ends.
Theon forces her to take lessons with an old abuser.
Theon complains when she is remote - it hurts him.
Theon gets jealous when she talks to anyone else (apart from his friends - the other abusers)
Theon is upset when Tessa reveals she wanted to die (because of his abuse)
In short, Theon traumatizes her so much, Tessa ends up sinking into depression, and has a breakdown.
But guess what? He's still the love interest?
Theon isn't attractive or particularly interesting. I don't care about his plans or what happens to him. I don't really care about his friends either - Axel and Luka. They enabled him to abuse a young woman until she wanted to die.
Apart from that, the plot is convoluted and the world-building is gappy. I think so much effort was put into coming up with 'how many ways can Tessa get abused' that the author didn't bother figuring everything else out.
And please, author. Just because I don't like your love interest and left a review, please don't contact me and ask me to take it down - yeah, that has happened.
Spoilers ahead listing a few of the things this 'love interest' does to the main character, Tessa.
Theon compels her to tell him her every thought and follow his orders.
Theon won't allow her to choose her food.
Theon holds her down (with his friends) and forces his mark on her.
Theon locks her in a dark cellar despite knowing her past trauma.
Theon monitors her only phone call to her friends.
Theon decides what exercise she is allowed to take.
Theon decides who she is allowed to talk to.
Theon announces he will keep her as a source while marrying someone else.
Theon chooses her clothing.
Theon holds her down (with his friends) and forces a tracking mark on her.
Theon withholds useful information (about her) from her.
Theon loses his temper with her because she won't accept the bond.
Theon wants to use her power for his own ends.
Theon forces her to take lessons with an old abuser.
Theon complains when she is remote - it hurts him.
Theon gets jealous when she talks to anyone else (apart from his friends - the other abusers)
Theon is upset when Tessa reveals she wanted to die (because of his abuse)
In short, Theon traumatizes her so much, Tessa ends up sinking into depression, and has a breakdown.
But guess what? He's still the love interest?
Theon isn't attractive or particularly interesting. I don't care about his plans or what happens to him. I don't really care about his friends either - Axel and Luka. They enabled him to abuse a young woman until she wanted to die.
Apart from that, the plot is convoluted and the world-building is gappy. I think so much effort was put into coming up with 'how many ways can Tessa get abused' that the author didn't bother figuring everything else out.
And please, author. Just because I don't like your love interest and left a review, please don't contact me and ask me to take it down - yeah, that has happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
Loved the concept, hated the execution. There was nothing but 700+ pages of redundancy. This book could’ve been cut in half twice and it still would’ve been able to tell the same exact story.
I kept hoping the plot would deliver something of substance since it kept teasing something bigger from its promising introduction, but yeah, I should’ve DNFed. The pragmatic part of me was so sure that I was off-base with my pessimistic assumptions, that something so mind-blowing was about the occur at any moment and I would have total FOMO. But, when the repetition wouldn’t ease up at about 50% in, I should’ve figured the rest would be just as bleak and cut my losses. Shame on me 🤡
⚠️✨MAJOR SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON✨⚠️
All you need to know about this story is that contains a forced bond and a major class divide between FMC, Tessa, and MMC, Theon. Tessa repeatedly rejects the bond (for good reason), while Theon insists on the bond and punishes her systematically for her reactions to trauma because of what the bond is forcing her to act and feel.
The main purpose of the bond is so Theon can tap into her power and use it, so on top of all that, it’s another form of abuse. He controls EVERYTHING else about Tessa; clothes, sleep, food, relationships, etc. Like this poor girl can’t even have sweets or bread because Theon controls everything she does, including her “health”, completely dismissing the fact of him mentally and sometimes physically inflicting harm on her throughout the book. Sorry, but I hated him, he’s a vile pig. And everyone else just wants to use and/or have sex with Tessa, including Theon’s dad 💀🤮 It’s disgusting. Tessa could’ve been so much more, but the author didn’t flesh her out beyond her just being a victim of abuse that likes to talk back, therefore resulting in her receiving more abuse as punishment. And we’re supposed to root for her and Theon’s relationship? Hell no 💩💩
More about Theon because he is just soooo dreamy and I’m totally head over heels for him 😍🥰 Theon is described as “morally grey” male, but I absolutely disagree with that portrayal. He instead behaves like morally deranged maniac. Very, very different than a morally gray character. His person was not only inaccurately described, but was also glorified by himself and other characters in the book. The only “good” features about him that I could come up with are that he’s supposedly hot and is from a very powerful family (which at the end of the day, both those things don’t mean anything).
Theon is also categorized under the “touch her and die” trope, but he literally doesn’t do anything when Tessa gets targeted. Like ??? Huh?? I suppose that’s because Theon and his minions also target her 🤷♀️ But yeah, the reader is expected to put him on a pedestal when he does NOTHING to help Tessa, when he repeatedly exposes and inflicts more trauma on her already hard life, for her to only continue being a slave to him and his whims. Yeahhh, no. No, no, absolutely not, no thank you 💀💀💀
This is also supposed to be a slow burn, dark romance, but I garnered nothing but hate for the relationship between the two. The push-pull was redundant. The same things kept happening over and over again. Theon is repeatedly an ass, Tessa repeatedly gets more traumatized by him and what she’s exposed to, every single bit of it being Theon’s fault. By the time they do “end up together”, I was not happy for them in the slightest. It tasted bitter and gross when it happened. It was like Theon groomed her or something up until the end, where he betrays her. Wow, I’m so shocked that the real enemy with no likable qualities hurt and betrayed Tessa after hurting and betraying Tessa the whole time! 🙄 Color me surprised! 😱
With that being said, I think it’s important that I bring up that I haven’t read The Lady of Darkness series, also by Roehrich, mostly because it wasn’t a requirement to. However, apparently the two series have parallels, so perhaps I missed something that would’ve made me love this novel, even if the story was pretty easy to follow since it’s basically the same thing over and over again written slightly differently each time. Again, shame on me 🤡
I’m still willing to give this author another chance through that other series, as I won’t be continuing this one. Since I didn’t despise this book for the writing (the lore was actually pretty interesting), but I despised it for the plot and characters, I’m hoping the other book delivers. I do think the author can be redeemed in my eyes because Roehrich does have some fascinating ideas. The implementation of those ideas are just…concerning.
Anyways, it truly hurts to give this 1 star, especially since I give them out so scarcely, but it doesn’t feel right to give it anything else soooo 🤷♀️ I literally can’t emphasize enough how repetitive the book is. I was just waiting, waiting, waiting for something to happen through the mundane process of Tessa submitting to the abuse. I feel an obligation to be more critical when evaluating a book with more problematic elements (not because it’s dark romance. I like dark romance, and this is absolutely not that in the slightest). Not only that, but I’m also considering how it made me feel abandoned as a reader, because I wanted more from something that was extremely unnecessary and long. Not left wanting in a good way that makes me hungry to read more, in such a way that left me unsettled and unsatisfied 😣 There was SO much promise from the initial premise and I’m still in disbelief that the plot was fumbled this badly. All those things considered, I feel like my 1 star rating is justified.
I do wish nothing but the best for this author, and I hope the other series I mentioned is redeeming enough for me to enjoy.
I kept hoping the plot would deliver something of substance since it kept teasing something bigger from its promising introduction, but yeah, I should’ve DNFed. The pragmatic part of me was so sure that I was off-base with my pessimistic assumptions, that something so mind-blowing was about the occur at any moment and I would have total FOMO. But, when the repetition wouldn’t ease up at about 50% in, I should’ve figured the rest would be just as bleak and cut my losses. Shame on me 🤡
⚠️✨MAJOR SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON✨⚠️
All you need to know about this story is that contains a forced bond and a major class divide between FMC, Tessa, and MMC, Theon. Tessa repeatedly rejects the bond (for good reason), while Theon insists on the bond and punishes her systematically for her reactions to trauma because of what the bond is forcing her to act and feel.
The main purpose of the bond is so Theon can tap into her power and use it, so on top of all that, it’s another form of abuse. He controls EVERYTHING else about Tessa; clothes, sleep, food, relationships, etc. Like this poor girl can’t even have sweets or bread because Theon controls everything she does, including her “health”, completely dismissing the fact of him mentally and sometimes physically inflicting harm on her throughout the book. Sorry, but I hated him, he’s a vile pig. And everyone else just wants to use and/or have sex with Tessa, including Theon’s dad 💀🤮 It’s disgusting. Tessa could’ve been so much more, but the author didn’t flesh her out beyond her just being a victim of abuse that likes to talk back, therefore resulting in her receiving more abuse as punishment. And we’re supposed to root for her and Theon’s relationship? Hell no 💩💩
More about Theon because he is just soooo dreamy and I’m totally head over heels for him 😍🥰 Theon is described as “morally grey” male, but I absolutely disagree with that portrayal. He instead behaves like morally deranged maniac. Very, very different than a morally gray character. His person was not only inaccurately described, but was also glorified by himself and other characters in the book. The only “good” features about him that I could come up with are that he’s supposedly hot and is from a very powerful family (which at the end of the day, both those things don’t mean anything).
Theon is also categorized under the “touch her and die” trope, but he literally doesn’t do anything when Tessa gets targeted. Like ??? Huh?? I suppose that’s because Theon and his minions also target her 🤷♀️ But yeah, the reader is expected to put him on a pedestal when he does NOTHING to help Tessa, when he repeatedly exposes and inflicts more trauma on her already hard life, for her to only continue being a slave to him and his whims. Yeahhh, no. No, no, absolutely not, no thank you 💀💀💀
This is also supposed to be a slow burn, dark romance, but I garnered nothing but hate for the relationship between the two. The push-pull was redundant. The same things kept happening over and over again. Theon is repeatedly an ass, Tessa repeatedly gets more traumatized by him and what she’s exposed to, every single bit of it being Theon’s fault. By the time they do “end up together”, I was not happy for them in the slightest. It tasted bitter and gross when it happened. It was like Theon groomed her or something up until the end, where he betrays her. Wow, I’m so shocked that the real enemy with no likable qualities hurt and betrayed Tessa after hurting and betraying Tessa the whole time! 🙄 Color me surprised! 😱
With that being said, I think it’s important that I bring up that I haven’t read The Lady of Darkness series, also by Roehrich, mostly because it wasn’t a requirement to. However, apparently the two series have parallels, so perhaps I missed something that would’ve made me love this novel, even if the story was pretty easy to follow since it’s basically the same thing over and over again written slightly differently each time. Again, shame on me 🤡
I’m still willing to give this author another chance through that other series, as I won’t be continuing this one. Since I didn’t despise this book for the writing (the lore was actually pretty interesting), but I despised it for the plot and characters, I’m hoping the other book delivers. I do think the author can be redeemed in my eyes because Roehrich does have some fascinating ideas. The implementation of those ideas are just…concerning.
Anyways, it truly hurts to give this 1 star, especially since I give them out so scarcely, but it doesn’t feel right to give it anything else soooo 🤷♀️ I literally can’t emphasize enough how repetitive the book is. I was just waiting, waiting, waiting for something to happen through the mundane process of Tessa submitting to the abuse. I feel an obligation to be more critical when evaluating a book with more problematic elements (not because it’s dark romance. I like dark romance, and this is absolutely not that in the slightest). Not only that, but I’m also considering how it made me feel abandoned as a reader, because I wanted more from something that was extremely unnecessary and long. Not left wanting in a good way that makes me hungry to read more, in such a way that left me unsettled and unsatisfied 😣 There was SO much promise from the initial premise and I’m still in disbelief that the plot was fumbled this badly. All those things considered, I feel like my 1 star rating is justified.
I do wish nothing but the best for this author, and I hope the other series I mentioned is redeeming enough for me to enjoy.
August 19, 2024
5 stars
I. AM. OBSESSED. WHAT THE HELL. THIS DESERVES SO MUCH HYPE.
Now, please know that if you don’t like characters that have a lot of growing to do, I don’t think you’ll like this. BUT, if you love imperfect characters, please pick it up.
I am EATTTTING this series up. So many amazing characters, so much magic. Easter eggs, banter, morally grey characters, this has it all.
Immediately went into book two and I can’t wait for my heart to break and be full all over again.
I. AM. OBSESSED. WHAT THE HELL. THIS DESERVES SO MUCH HYPE.
Now, please know that if you don’t like characters that have a lot of growing to do, I don’t think you’ll like this. BUT, if you love imperfect characters, please pick it up.
I am EATTTTING this series up. So many amazing characters, so much magic. Easter eggs, banter, morally grey characters, this has it all.
Immediately went into book two and I can’t wait for my heart to break and be full all over again.
September 2, 2023
I'm telling you, this whole story could have been so different if someone would just give Tessa a snack😂 like let the girl have her donuts and pizza and it would be a whole different ballgame. I think this is the setup to a really interesting series, and I'm very curious to see what happens over the next few books. What is Tessa? Will she and Theon even finish the source bond? The book was a good mix of heavy, dark themes and lighter moments (like an argument over flip-flops). Pick it up!
April 27, 2024
Only a white author will write a book about slavery and label it as dark romance and only white readers will rate it five stars commenting “Ooooh! That was deliciously dark.” Prove me wrong!
So I read Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich. All six hundred and thirty eight pages of it to make sure that I gave it a fair chance and give my honest opinion without any prejudice. And now that I am done, I can honestly say this book is the last thing I’d categorize under dark romance genre. This was about slavery. No, it isn’t about a consensual agreement between a dominant and a submissive. It’s actually about slavery. Complete ownership of a person both physically and mentally. This fantastical world actually have paperwork marking ownership of a person by another and if that wasn’t disgusting enough, a magical bond called The Source Bond to ensure that the slave (Source) is at complete mercy of the slaver (Master) mentally, and Entrancing to compel the Source to do whatever the Master desired.
This thrilling tale of two parts: part one, where Theon attempts to convince Tessa that being his slave isn’t really slavery because, you know, he bought her stuff; and part two, where Tessa discovers she’s not your average Fae with the usual elemental powers, but something entirely unique and groundbreaking. In part one, we’re treated to the delightful spectacle of Theon, the slaver extraordinaire, trying to gaslight Tessa into believing that their twisted relationship isn’t so bad because, hey, he’s provided her with all the material comforts money can buy. How thoughtful. Because nothing says “romance” like coercion and manipulation, right? Then, in part two, just when you thought things couldn’t get any more riveting, Tessa learns she’s not your run-of-the-mill Fae with your typical fire or water bending skills. No, she’s got something new and exciting up her sleeve, shaking up the very foundations of Devram. Watch out yall, there’s a new kid in town!
Reading this book was pure torture. Tessa was sent through every abuse possible both physically and mentally by her so called Master, who promises to protect her at any cost over and over again, and by others around him. I would have fought tooth and nail for her if she wasn’t such a stubborn beyond reason, contradictory and a weak character. What pissed me the most was that she had to be told by the Master himself to pick and choose her battle and to fight for what matters, and his Guardian to fight back without whining. Because in the fist part of the book all she did was whining, fighting about donuts and pizza, being angry and pout about how she was separated from her friends or stare out of a balcony melancholily. She was constantly thinking about the status of miserable existence but never once made a cohesive plan (yes there was one half ass attempt at escape with no clear plan) to free herself or the others who are in the same position as her.
Theon, the slaver—what a delightful addition to this tale of woe. Picture a man as dull as a rock, with zero sense of humor. The epitome of charm, really. This guy had the emotional maturity of a toddler, prone to throwing tantrums like it was going out of style. And why should he care about Tessa’s suffering? He’s just your average entitled, privileged jerk who’s used to getting whatever he wants on a silver platter. Slavery? Normal. Abuse? Totally acceptable. Why should he see anything wrong with it? In his fantastical society where slavery is about as common as breathing, it’s no wonder Theon couldn’t wrap his tiny brain around why Tessa wasn’t thrilled about her situation. After all, who wouldn’t want to be at the mercy of a guy like him? So, kudos to Theon for being the epitome of obliviousness and entitlement. It takes a special kind of ignorance to not see the problem with enslaving another human being. Truly, a role model for us all.
Ah, the joy of trudging through endless pages of meaningless drivel in a book that was soooooooo looooooong. You’d think with all those pages, something significant would happen, right? Wrong. Instead, we’re treated to a thrilling saga of Tessa and Theon’s riveting bickering sessions, occasionally spiced up by appearances from Axel and Luka. It’s like watching a never ending soap opera where the characters can’t seem to shut up. And don’t even think about skipping those chapters, because buried deep within the abyss of their incessant arguments lies one tiny nugget of vital information. Miss it, and you’ll be scratching your head later, wondering what the heck is going on. So, hats off to the author for crafting a masterpiece of monotony, where every page is a struggle to find something worth caring about amidst the sea of mediocrity. Truly, a literary achievement for the ages.
Let’s talk about the stellar lineup of strong, noteworthy women in this book. Oh wait, there weren’t any. It was a total sausage fest! Cressida, Theon’s mother, was nothing more than a glorified wine connoisseur with a substance abuse problem. Seriously, was there a scene where she wasn’t clutching a glass of wine? Doubtful. Oralia, Tessa’s supposed friend, was just thrown in there to remind us that Tessa could theoretically have female companionship. But let’s be real, she might as well have been a potted plant for all the impact she had on the story. And Penelope, the epitome of devotion to her two little boys, Theon and Axel. Because every book needs at least one female character whose sole purpose is to dote on the male leads, right? Oh, and let’s not forget Theon’s father’s Source, what’s-her-face. Just another puppet on strings, doing Valter’s bidding like a good little minion. But fear not, for we had Felicity, the shining beacon of strong female presence, who graced us with her presence for a single chapter. Because apparently, one noteworthy woman is all we can handle in this testosterone filled tale. So here’s to the author, for giving us such a diverse and empowering array of female characters.
The “Romance” in the pages…. What freaking romance? Theon and Tessa’s relationship (if you can even call it that) was anything but romantic. She had zero say in what was happening, which makes it less of a love story and more of a textbook case of sexual assault. But hey, who needs consent when you have a “gentleman” like Theon? Apparently, Theon fancied himself a paragon of virtue because he drew the line at not penetrating Tessa sexually. Oh, what a gentleman! Never mind the fact that he was doing everything else under the sun to her without her consent. But hey, at least he had standards, right? *eye roll!
So, if you’re in the market for a dark romance novel that will leave you feeling like you need a shower afterwards, look no further. Rain of Shadows and Endings has got you covered. Perfect for Haunting Adeline fans!
So I read Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich. All six hundred and thirty eight pages of it to make sure that I gave it a fair chance and give my honest opinion without any prejudice. And now that I am done, I can honestly say this book is the last thing I’d categorize under dark romance genre. This was about slavery. No, it isn’t about a consensual agreement between a dominant and a submissive. It’s actually about slavery. Complete ownership of a person both physically and mentally. This fantastical world actually have paperwork marking ownership of a person by another and if that wasn’t disgusting enough, a magical bond called The Source Bond to ensure that the slave (Source) is at complete mercy of the slaver (Master) mentally, and Entrancing to compel the Source to do whatever the Master desired.
This thrilling tale of two parts: part one, where Theon attempts to convince Tessa that being his slave isn’t really slavery because, you know, he bought her stuff; and part two, where Tessa discovers she’s not your average Fae with the usual elemental powers, but something entirely unique and groundbreaking. In part one, we’re treated to the delightful spectacle of Theon, the slaver extraordinaire, trying to gaslight Tessa into believing that their twisted relationship isn’t so bad because, hey, he’s provided her with all the material comforts money can buy. How thoughtful. Because nothing says “romance” like coercion and manipulation, right? Then, in part two, just when you thought things couldn’t get any more riveting, Tessa learns she’s not your run-of-the-mill Fae with your typical fire or water bending skills. No, she’s got something new and exciting up her sleeve, shaking up the very foundations of Devram. Watch out yall, there’s a new kid in town!
Reading this book was pure torture. Tessa was sent through every abuse possible both physically and mentally by her so called Master, who promises to protect her at any cost over and over again, and by others around him. I would have fought tooth and nail for her if she wasn’t such a stubborn beyond reason, contradictory and a weak character. What pissed me the most was that she had to be told by the Master himself to pick and choose her battle and to fight for what matters, and his Guardian to fight back without whining. Because in the fist part of the book all she did was whining, fighting about donuts and pizza, being angry and pout about how she was separated from her friends or stare out of a balcony melancholily. She was constantly thinking about the status of miserable existence but never once made a cohesive plan (yes there was one half ass attempt at escape with no clear plan) to free herself or the others who are in the same position as her.
Theon, the slaver—what a delightful addition to this tale of woe. Picture a man as dull as a rock, with zero sense of humor. The epitome of charm, really. This guy had the emotional maturity of a toddler, prone to throwing tantrums like it was going out of style. And why should he care about Tessa’s suffering? He’s just your average entitled, privileged jerk who’s used to getting whatever he wants on a silver platter. Slavery? Normal. Abuse? Totally acceptable. Why should he see anything wrong with it? In his fantastical society where slavery is about as common as breathing, it’s no wonder Theon couldn’t wrap his tiny brain around why Tessa wasn’t thrilled about her situation. After all, who wouldn’t want to be at the mercy of a guy like him? So, kudos to Theon for being the epitome of obliviousness and entitlement. It takes a special kind of ignorance to not see the problem with enslaving another human being. Truly, a role model for us all.
Ah, the joy of trudging through endless pages of meaningless drivel in a book that was soooooooo looooooong. You’d think with all those pages, something significant would happen, right? Wrong. Instead, we’re treated to a thrilling saga of Tessa and Theon’s riveting bickering sessions, occasionally spiced up by appearances from Axel and Luka. It’s like watching a never ending soap opera where the characters can’t seem to shut up. And don’t even think about skipping those chapters, because buried deep within the abyss of their incessant arguments lies one tiny nugget of vital information. Miss it, and you’ll be scratching your head later, wondering what the heck is going on. So, hats off to the author for crafting a masterpiece of monotony, where every page is a struggle to find something worth caring about amidst the sea of mediocrity. Truly, a literary achievement for the ages.
Let’s talk about the stellar lineup of strong, noteworthy women in this book. Oh wait, there weren’t any. It was a total sausage fest! Cressida, Theon’s mother, was nothing more than a glorified wine connoisseur with a substance abuse problem. Seriously, was there a scene where she wasn’t clutching a glass of wine? Doubtful. Oralia, Tessa’s supposed friend, was just thrown in there to remind us that Tessa could theoretically have female companionship. But let’s be real, she might as well have been a potted plant for all the impact she had on the story. And Penelope, the epitome of devotion to her two little boys, Theon and Axel. Because every book needs at least one female character whose sole purpose is to dote on the male leads, right? Oh, and let’s not forget Theon’s father’s Source, what’s-her-face. Just another puppet on strings, doing Valter’s bidding like a good little minion. But fear not, for we had Felicity, the shining beacon of strong female presence, who graced us with her presence for a single chapter. Because apparently, one noteworthy woman is all we can handle in this testosterone filled tale. So here’s to the author, for giving us such a diverse and empowering array of female characters.
The “Romance” in the pages…. What freaking romance? Theon and Tessa’s relationship (if you can even call it that) was anything but romantic. She had zero say in what was happening, which makes it less of a love story and more of a textbook case of sexual assault. But hey, who needs consent when you have a “gentleman” like Theon? Apparently, Theon fancied himself a paragon of virtue because he drew the line at not penetrating Tessa sexually. Oh, what a gentleman! Never mind the fact that he was doing everything else under the sun to her without her consent. But hey, at least he had standards, right? *eye roll!
So, if you’re in the market for a dark romance novel that will leave you feeling like you need a shower afterwards, look no further. Rain of Shadows and Endings has got you covered. Perfect for Haunting Adeline fans!
November 27, 2024
About to have my neck checked because the way this book grabbed hold off me and didn’t let me go, like genuinely had me up until 7am because you couldn’t pry it out of my hands. That’s how unbelievably good this is!!! Morally grey shadow daddy and a bond where one of them is refusing to accept it?! I will say this is a dark fantasy romance and the characters in this are soooo flawed and forget morally grey think dark grey but it made me love them more?! And the fmc?! So fiesty and takes nobody’s crap!
I mean this so deeply when I say i have been searching and yearning for the feeling that this book has given me since I got back into reading fantasy 2 years ago, this DELIVERED ON A GOLDEN PLATTER!!!
Will 100% be in my top reads of 2024!!
5⭐️ 2🌶️
I mean this so deeply when I say i have been searching and yearning for the feeling that this book has given me since I got back into reading fantasy 2 years ago, this DELIVERED ON A GOLDEN PLATTER!!!
Will 100% be in my top reads of 2024!!
5⭐️ 2🌶️
December 24, 2023
2 stars
I liked the fmc but the male love interest made me wish I was illiterate about half way through so do with that what you will
I liked the fmc but the male love interest made me wish I was illiterate about half way through so do with that what you will
January 10, 2025
This was absolutely incredible. I was sleeping in it. The rich world building. The plot. The way the characters had me screaming in rage and joy. I loved it with every ounce of my body. I need to read the second asap.
Read
February 9, 2025OBSESSED. AMAZING. I'm so excited to find a new romantasy series to obsessed over!!!
From the beginning I was so hooked on this world and Theo and Tessa's dynamic. THE SHADOWS!?!!? Literally obsessed.
Tessa is such a fun character because she is so headstrong and doesn't always think things through, which definitely creates chaos in her life and in Theo's plans. There are still soooo many secrets and I cannot wait to learn more in the later books in this series!
This is a slooowww burn romance and I was just lustinggggg after their romance. I need to read book two now!!
From the beginning I was so hooked on this world and Theo and Tessa's dynamic. THE SHADOWS!?!!? Literally obsessed.
Tessa is such a fun character because she is so headstrong and doesn't always think things through, which definitely creates chaos in her life and in Theo's plans. There are still soooo many secrets and I cannot wait to learn more in the later books in this series!
This is a slooowww burn romance and I was just lustinggggg after their romance. I need to read book two now!!
February 15, 2025
DNF at 70%.
The thought of reading another page of this book is physically painful. The more I read the more insufferable and infuriating the characters became.
Tessa did nothing but sleep and cry in this book and when she did stick up for herself it was always at the wrong time, she went from shaking and not being able to look him in the eye to…. Whatever that was.
Theon has no redeeming qualities that could motivate me to continue reading this atrocity of a book. I could also tell this is going to turn into some sort of reverse harem arrangement which is simply not my cup of tea.
This entire book consisted of the same scene occurring over and over. The same arguments. The same routine, I’m done. This is definitely one of the most irritating books I’ve read. What a waste of my time.
The thought of reading another page of this book is physically painful. The more I read the more insufferable and infuriating the characters became.
Tessa did nothing but sleep and cry in this book and when she did stick up for herself it was always at the wrong time, she went from shaking and not being able to look him in the eye to…. Whatever that was.
Theon has no redeeming qualities that could motivate me to continue reading this atrocity of a book. I could also tell this is going to turn into some sort of reverse harem arrangement which is simply not my cup of tea.
This entire book consisted of the same scene occurring over and over. The same arguments. The same routine, I’m done. This is definitely one of the most irritating books I’ve read. What a waste of my time.
February 7, 2024
I went into this arc so excited thinking “ok, another dark fantasy, here we go”
But no, just NO!
This was DARK, disturbing and very emotional. Now, I loved LOD Series (also shown in photo), but this is completely different! This nothing like the authors other series. Although it is set in the same world, it’s a different realm. You do not need to read LOD to read this!
The chemistry between the two main characters is unlike anything over ever read before. I wanted to throw my kindle so many times. And I did scream at it a few times, with side eyes from my family. My jaw is sore from dropping it so many times. And I freaking loved it.
Set in modern times, in this realm, fae are the lowest in the chain. They are the servants, the slaves to the higher Legacy. The Legacy are descendants of Gods who abandoned them, and rule over all the fae and humans.
He chooses her to be his Source, she refuses the bond. But he soon finds out what happens when you try to push her too far.
My theories were all over the place with this. You read it thinking it will go one way, then Melissa just flips everything on you.
Rain of Shadows and Endings was truely thought provoking, with extremely complex characters. The world building was absolutely incredible.
It was BRILLIANT!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Note: this book has very heavy dark themes, trauma, mental and physical abuse, suicidal thoughts. Please check TW
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Political intrigue
🖤Touch her and die
Thank you Melissa for the ARC, I’m proud to be apart of your team! 🖤
But no, just NO!
This was DARK, disturbing and very emotional. Now, I loved LOD Series (also shown in photo), but this is completely different! This nothing like the authors other series. Although it is set in the same world, it’s a different realm. You do not need to read LOD to read this!
The chemistry between the two main characters is unlike anything over ever read before. I wanted to throw my kindle so many times. And I did scream at it a few times, with side eyes from my family. My jaw is sore from dropping it so many times. And I freaking loved it.
Set in modern times, in this realm, fae are the lowest in the chain. They are the servants, the slaves to the higher Legacy. The Legacy are descendants of Gods who abandoned them, and rule over all the fae and humans.
He chooses her to be his Source, she refuses the bond. But he soon finds out what happens when you try to push her too far.
My theories were all over the place with this. You read it thinking it will go one way, then Melissa just flips everything on you.
Rain of Shadows and Endings was truely thought provoking, with extremely complex characters. The world building was absolutely incredible.
It was BRILLIANT!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Note: this book has very heavy dark themes, trauma, mental and physical abuse, suicidal thoughts. Please check TW
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Political intrigue
🖤Touch her and die
Thank you Melissa for the ARC, I’m proud to be apart of your team! 🖤
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