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Steeped in Shadows: All That Matters Novella
If the Devil torments you for your sins, who torments the Devil?
A year has passed since heroes and villains joined forces with Heaven and Hell to scatter the Gods across their own realms of power. But that victory came at a terrible price.
Friendships broken, loves lost, and the aftermath of the dead roaming the streets for days haunt the mortal world. Still, the Devil could breathe easy knowing the cruel Gods would never take form again. Until a human bookshop owner begins a quest to uncover the secret behind her brother’s gruesome fate. Her obsession might undo all their sacrifices.
Unless the Devil can tempt a mortal away from this deadly knowledge.
But that's easier said than done. Now, he must decide what matters his Shadow Throne or his heart.
A year has passed since heroes and villains joined forces with Heaven and Hell to scatter the Gods across their own realms of power. But that victory came at a terrible price.
Friendships broken, loves lost, and the aftermath of the dead roaming the streets for days haunt the mortal world. Still, the Devil could breathe easy knowing the cruel Gods would never take form again. Until a human bookshop owner begins a quest to uncover the secret behind her brother’s gruesome fate. Her obsession might undo all their sacrifices.
Unless the Devil can tempt a mortal away from this deadly knowledge.
But that's easier said than done. Now, he must decide what matters his Shadow Throne or his heart.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2025
7 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 10, 2025
The moment I saw ‘tea’ mentioned, I was already sold. Thankfully, ‘Steeped in Shadows’, delivers much more than just a cozy setting.
This story is a delightful blend of sweet, sometimes sad (yeah, brace for some angsty moments), and seriously charming times. You've got the Devil himself meeting a bookstore owner (Beatrice) who just can't resist, and honestly, who can blame her?
The setting is absolutely lovely and cozy, making it the perfect escape. What I really appreciated is how natural and easy the relationship development feels. There’s no cheap drama or reliance on those tired old romance tropes. Instead, you get great banter, witty teasing, and just the right amount of spice.
It's a very short read, but the world-building is surprisingly rich, it manages to feel like a vast world in a tiny package. I hadn't read anything else by the author, so I read this as a standalone story, probably it helps if you have more knowledge?, but it catches you up quickly.
Many, many thanks to Mirai Amell, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
This story is a delightful blend of sweet, sometimes sad (yeah, brace for some angsty moments), and seriously charming times. You've got the Devil himself meeting a bookstore owner (Beatrice) who just can't resist, and honestly, who can blame her?
The setting is absolutely lovely and cozy, making it the perfect escape. What I really appreciated is how natural and easy the relationship development feels. There’s no cheap drama or reliance on those tired old romance tropes. Instead, you get great banter, witty teasing, and just the right amount of spice.
It's a very short read, but the world-building is surprisingly rich, it manages to feel like a vast world in a tiny package. I hadn't read anything else by the author, so I read this as a standalone story, probably it helps if you have more knowledge?, but it catches you up quickly.
Many, many thanks to Mirai Amell, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
July 20, 2025
"There was more to death than dying and more to life than merely living it".
Were there ever more piercing opening words than these, found in Mirai Amell's Steeped in Shadows?
Mirai never ceases to amaze me with her devastatingly beautiful storytelling. She knows the way to my heart, and she pierces it with the strongest emotions whenever given the chance. And I'm gladly giving her chance after chance willingly and gratefully, and will continue doing so as long as she deems me worthy of her stories.
Mirai’s All That Matters series is, and always will be, an essential part of my soul. It is more than a fantasy story; it is a story of love, acceptance, grief, rage, revenge, and thirst for power. A story of betrayal. A tale of loss and acceptance. A story of letting go. A story of dreams. A story of everything.
In the final book of the series, The Red of Reckoning, one clever, tea-loving Devil once said: "Every love deserves a happy ending". The Master of Tardarean never thought he would get one himself. But Mirai made it happen, for him, for her, and for all of us.
She gifted us Steeped in Shadows, the story of finding love in the most unexpected of places. The tale of our book-loving Devil, worst-spy-of-all-time and tea sommelier, meeting his match in the form of an insatiably curious, fiercely determined woman named Beatrice.
Dante once wrote his story of Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise with a Beatrice as his muse. And now, this Devil has found his own Beatrice—a fitting name for a fitting character.
My heart mended a small part of itself after reading Steeped in Shadows. If Mirai is willing to mend another little piece, well, all that's left to do is give us the aftermath of Kai & Amy's story.
Mend my heart, Mirai, I'm begging you.
Were there ever more piercing opening words than these, found in Mirai Amell's Steeped in Shadows?
Mirai never ceases to amaze me with her devastatingly beautiful storytelling. She knows the way to my heart, and she pierces it with the strongest emotions whenever given the chance. And I'm gladly giving her chance after chance willingly and gratefully, and will continue doing so as long as she deems me worthy of her stories.
Mirai’s All That Matters series is, and always will be, an essential part of my soul. It is more than a fantasy story; it is a story of love, acceptance, grief, rage, revenge, and thirst for power. A story of betrayal. A tale of loss and acceptance. A story of letting go. A story of dreams. A story of everything.
In the final book of the series, The Red of Reckoning, one clever, tea-loving Devil once said: "Every love deserves a happy ending". The Master of Tardarean never thought he would get one himself. But Mirai made it happen, for him, for her, and for all of us.
She gifted us Steeped in Shadows, the story of finding love in the most unexpected of places. The tale of our book-loving Devil, worst-spy-of-all-time and tea sommelier, meeting his match in the form of an insatiably curious, fiercely determined woman named Beatrice.
Dante once wrote his story of Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise with a Beatrice as his muse. And now, this Devil has found his own Beatrice—a fitting name for a fitting character.
My heart mended a small part of itself after reading Steeped in Shadows. If Mirai is willing to mend another little piece, well, all that's left to do is give us the aftermath of Kai & Amy's story.
Mend my heart, Mirai, I'm begging you.
December 8, 2025
This is a NetGalley review but the opinions expressed below are my own and honest thoughts.
What's not to love about this novella? There's a smut reading, passionate, tea connoisseur devil who wants to be more than the monster everyone calls him out to be and Beatrice who is grieving a significant loss and looking for answers anywhere she can when their paths cross and their story begins. This book was well written and I will say I haven't read the series it comes from but because of this novella I am adding the entire trilogy onto my tbr. 4/5
#NetGalley
Slight spoiler with a quote and quick personal thoughts below.
"I'm not speaking to the Devil of Tarderan," Beatrice said. "I'm asking Lucian to join me for a cup of tea." Oof this line gave me an automatic hand on my heart with emotion. She sees past the title he's been branded with and who he is with her and who he wants to be but also accepts him at his most vulnerable moment.
What's not to love about this novella? There's a smut reading, passionate, tea connoisseur devil who wants to be more than the monster everyone calls him out to be and Beatrice who is grieving a significant loss and looking for answers anywhere she can when their paths cross and their story begins. This book was well written and I will say I haven't read the series it comes from but because of this novella I am adding the entire trilogy onto my tbr. 4/5
#NetGalley
Slight spoiler with a quote and quick personal thoughts below.
"I'm not speaking to the Devil of Tarderan," Beatrice said. "I'm asking Lucian to join me for a cup of tea." Oof this line gave me an automatic hand on my heart with emotion. She sees past the title he's been branded with and who he is with her and who he wants to be but also accepts him at his most vulnerable moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Oh my word, just look at that exquisite cover. All That Matters art never fails to dazzle
The Master of Tarderan gets his own story, and without giving any spoilers away it's a moving, fitting end for one of Mirai's most engaging and lovable characters. Questions left over from Red of Reckoning are answered, and despite its shorter length Steeped packs just as much emotion as its parent trilogy. If you've read the previous books, you need this gorgeous novella too; it's a chapter in these characters' lives you won't want to miss. Hoping for a Kai novella next 🤞
The Master of Tarderan gets his own story, and without giving any spoilers away it's a moving, fitting end for one of Mirai's most engaging and lovable characters. Questions left over from Red of Reckoning are answered, and despite its shorter length Steeped packs just as much emotion as its parent trilogy. If you've read the previous books, you need this gorgeous novella too; it's a chapter in these characters' lives you won't want to miss. Hoping for a Kai novella next 🤞
February 5, 2026
The Devil himself is a lover of tea? As soon as this was mentioned, I was sold. What an interesting concept! The world building in such few pages was truly incredible. Beatrice is grieving the loss of her brother when Sirius appears, just trying to enjoy a new romance novel and make her a cuppa.
I hadn’t read the books prior to this, so I had to really concentrate in some areas and reread parts to make sense, but that didn’t impact how well written this was!
I hadn’t read the books prior to this, so I had to really concentrate in some areas and reread parts to make sense, but that didn’t impact how well written this was!
December 1, 2025
This was just an enjoyable read for me.
I haven't read the trilogy that came before this, and it does work as a standalone, albeit one that you need to focus a little bit on at first, because the worldbuilding does assume you understand what is going on and what the magical terms mean. After reading this, I am desperate to carve some time to push them to the top of my TBR because I want to dive deep into this world.
Mr Devil is a delightful character, all he wants is to sit, drink tea, and read his books. He isn't evil, he's just doing his job and trying to protect all the mortals while he's at it. I adored him and the found family he's built around him, the three Shades, the corridors, the humans and angels, he was brilliant.
Beatrice was a worthy partner, able to go toe to toe with him. She was passionate and so focused on trying to understand the why. It was a beautiful portrayal of grief, her way of coping, trying to understand, to pull the Why apart because if she could understand then maybe the pain won't hurt so bad. It won't work of course but its a very human reaction.
For only a hundred odd pages, there was a decent amount of plot and character development in this, yes things moved at a speedy pace, but by and large I was fine with it.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I haven't read the trilogy that came before this, and it does work as a standalone, albeit one that you need to focus a little bit on at first, because the worldbuilding does assume you understand what is going on and what the magical terms mean. After reading this, I am desperate to carve some time to push them to the top of my TBR because I want to dive deep into this world.
Mr Devil is a delightful character, all he wants is to sit, drink tea, and read his books. He isn't evil, he's just doing his job and trying to protect all the mortals while he's at it. I adored him and the found family he's built around him, the three Shades, the corridors, the humans and angels, he was brilliant.
Beatrice was a worthy partner, able to go toe to toe with him. She was passionate and so focused on trying to understand the why. It was a beautiful portrayal of grief, her way of coping, trying to understand, to pull the Why apart because if she could understand then maybe the pain won't hurt so bad. It won't work of course but its a very human reaction.
For only a hundred odd pages, there was a decent amount of plot and character development in this, yes things moved at a speedy pace, but by and large I was fine with it.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
December 8, 2025
A year after Red Reckoning, the Devil is still working to keep certain knowledge on the Gods hidden from humanity. His efforts bring him into contact with bookshop owner Beatrice, who refuses to give up on her investigation to understand the events of the main series. What begins as an undercover seduction in order to sabotage Beatrice's work quickly turns into something more.
This novella was so much fun, and I'm honestly angry that we didn't get a full length book for the Devil and Beatrice. Steeped in Shadows is surprisingly cosy considering the comparatively epic scope of the main All That Matters trilogy, and it works so well for this glimpse into the Devil's interactions in the human realm. And don't worry - despite the overall cosiness, the spice certainly comes through when it's time. Beatrice is an excellent match for the Devil and I wish that I could see more of them together, particularly in the long-term plan for these two that the author hints at as the book comes to a close.
This novella can easily be read as a standalone piece, it requires a bit of additional focus at times but there's more than enough summary of prior events scattered throughout the story which will easily catch readers up on what they missed. I'm excited to see what Mirai Amell gifts us with next.
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this novella for review
This novella was so much fun, and I'm honestly angry that we didn't get a full length book for the Devil and Beatrice. Steeped in Shadows is surprisingly cosy considering the comparatively epic scope of the main All That Matters trilogy, and it works so well for this glimpse into the Devil's interactions in the human realm. And don't worry - despite the overall cosiness, the spice certainly comes through when it's time. Beatrice is an excellent match for the Devil and I wish that I could see more of them together, particularly in the long-term plan for these two that the author hints at as the book comes to a close.
This novella can easily be read as a standalone piece, it requires a bit of additional focus at times but there's more than enough summary of prior events scattered throughout the story which will easily catch readers up on what they missed. I'm excited to see what Mirai Amell gifts us with next.
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this novella for review
December 15, 2025
"Steeped in Shadows" was such a fun, cozy little read that finally gives the Devil his own story in the All That Matters world. You don’t have to have read the trilogy to enjoy it, but it definitely adds some extra depth if you have.
The story starts when the Devil meets Beatrice, a clever and determined bookshop owner. What begins as him trying to keep her in check quickly turns into something more, with slow-burn tension, witty banter, and just the right amount of heat.
The Devil is endlessly charming—tea-loving, book-obsessed, and definitely not the monster everyone thinks he is (honestly he sounds like a pretty decent "catch" to me). Beatrice is his perfect match: smart, passionate, and dealing with grief in a really human way. Even though it’s a short read, being a novella, it’s packed with emotion, character growth, and enough world-building to make it feel full. I loved it and left wanting more of these two and the world they live in.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mirai Amell, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts when the Devil meets Beatrice, a clever and determined bookshop owner. What begins as him trying to keep her in check quickly turns into something more, with slow-burn tension, witty banter, and just the right amount of heat.
The Devil is endlessly charming—tea-loving, book-obsessed, and definitely not the monster everyone thinks he is (honestly he sounds like a pretty decent "catch" to me). Beatrice is his perfect match: smart, passionate, and dealing with grief in a really human way. Even though it’s a short read, being a novella, it’s packed with emotion, character growth, and enough world-building to make it feel full. I loved it and left wanting more of these two and the world they live in.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mirai Amell, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2026
Who’d have thought that the Devil himself and a grief stricken, heartbroken FMC could give us such a cute and cosy read?!
Beatrice, our bookshop owning FMC, is committed to searching for answers trying to understand a devastating tragedy while our Devil, who has a love for the finest of teas and a vested interest in her revelations, watches on with both discovering so much more than they bargained for.
I went into this book cold not having read the related trilogy and got into the swing of the world and characters quite easily though had a moment or two of confusion not understanding a term immediately or feeling that I’d missed some assumed knowledge yet neither impacted my enjoyment or following of the story in this novella.
My favourite thing about Beatrice was that she could look through the ‘smoke screen’ and call things exactly as she saw them and the Devil, he can make an excellent cup of tea and that gets bonus points straight off the bat here!
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this book!
Beatrice, our bookshop owning FMC, is committed to searching for answers trying to understand a devastating tragedy while our Devil, who has a love for the finest of teas and a vested interest in her revelations, watches on with both discovering so much more than they bargained for.
I went into this book cold not having read the related trilogy and got into the swing of the world and characters quite easily though had a moment or two of confusion not understanding a term immediately or feeling that I’d missed some assumed knowledge yet neither impacted my enjoyment or following of the story in this novella.
My favourite thing about Beatrice was that she could look through the ‘smoke screen’ and call things exactly as she saw them and the Devil, he can make an excellent cup of tea and that gets bonus points straight off the bat here!
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this book!
February 5, 2026
Steeped in Shadows by Mirai Amell completely pulled me in and refused to let go. I absolutely loved the dual perspective, it added so much depth to the story and made every moment feel richer and more immersive. Seeing events unfold through both main characters’ eyes made their emotional journeys hit harder and kept me constantly turning pages.
The chemistry between the main characters is chef’s kiss. It’s intense, natural, and perfectly paced, building in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. Every interaction crackles with tension, and I found myself fully invested in their connection from the start.
This book is dark, atmospheric, and utterly captivating. I genuinely couldn’t stop reading once I started, it’s one of those stories that lingers in your thoughts even when you’re not actively reading. I’m already counting down until the next book because I need more of this world and these characters. Highly recommend to anyone who loves immersive storytelling, strong character dynamics, and a romance that burns slowly but fiercely.
The chemistry between the main characters is chef’s kiss. It’s intense, natural, and perfectly paced, building in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. Every interaction crackles with tension, and I found myself fully invested in their connection from the start.
This book is dark, atmospheric, and utterly captivating. I genuinely couldn’t stop reading once I started, it’s one of those stories that lingers in your thoughts even when you’re not actively reading. I’m already counting down until the next book because I need more of this world and these characters. Highly recommend to anyone who loves immersive storytelling, strong character dynamics, and a romance that burns slowly but fiercely.
December 14, 2025
Steeped in Shadows is a dark, atmospheric fantasy that blends celestial politics, mythic stakes, and intimate human grief into a gripping narrative. The novel’s premise, questioning who torments the Devil himself, sets the tone for a story filled with moral ambiguity and haunting emotional depth. The aftermath of a world shaken by divine conflict feels tangible, and the human bookshop owner's quest adds a grounded, relatable thread that anchors the cosmic drama. While the pacing occasionally lingers, the character dynamics, especially the Devil’s fraught tug-of-war between duty and vulnerability, are compelling and layered. Overall, it’s a rich, moody read that rewards patience and leaves you eager for more.
December 18, 2025
Gods, mortals and fae - a fave combination! 3.5⭐️ rounded up that I think will eventually become 4 stars if I get round to reading the trilogy that this novella comes from.
So I didn’t realize this was a novella from the end of a trilogy series and that makes so much more sense as there was just so much assumed knowledge that for the first 25% of the book I wasn’t entirely feeling it but decided as it was super short book I’ll just see how it goes.
Loved the devil and am definitely wanting to know more of his back story and his found family work.
It was a fun and easy read and as I said, I’m sure if reading after the trilogy it would be a solid 4 star book!
Thank you Mirai Amell, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So I didn’t realize this was a novella from the end of a trilogy series and that makes so much more sense as there was just so much assumed knowledge that for the first 25% of the book I wasn’t entirely feeling it but decided as it was super short book I’ll just see how it goes.
Loved the devil and am definitely wanting to know more of his back story and his found family work.
It was a fun and easy read and as I said, I’m sure if reading after the trilogy it would be a solid 4 star book!
Thank you Mirai Amell, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
I haven't read the series this novella is a part of, but it sounds like it is set after the events in the books. I could easily read this without the background, and didn't feel lost in the information.
I was hooked from the first sentence.
Absolutely loved the banter, especially when the Devil says "If you dig a grave for me, I'll gladly lie there forever".
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the last 10 or so pages, describing a sensation as being flayed raw wasn't quite for me.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
I was hooked from the first sentence.
Absolutely loved the banter, especially when the Devil says "If you dig a grave for me, I'll gladly lie there forever".
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the last 10 or so pages, describing a sensation as being flayed raw wasn't quite for me.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
December 11, 2025
Has the devil met his match? Absolutely and she holds nothing back. He may hold the title of the the Devil, but does she truly know who he is? "To me, you are Lucian. That's enough information", but is it? The banter between Sirius, and reason had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. "Remember me, Fear Me. And don't deceive the Devil of Tarderan again." "You were beautiful before...but now you are spectacular." This novella makes me want to read more of thos world. Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
This is a novella set in the world of the All That Matters series, and it's a standalone, but it would help to read the rest of the series.
The storytelling here is immersive and beautiful, with the devil meeting his match in Beatrice. I loved the clever banter and the spice was fun, too.
The storytelling here is immersive and beautiful, with the devil meeting his match in Beatrice. I loved the clever banter and the spice was fun, too.
November 29, 2025
I really loved this story. It was short but filled with enough information to tell the whole story. I fell in love with the characters. Such a fun read!
December 15, 2025
I LOVED this I need more. The way she trusted him with everything inside her and he was wholly hers. Loved it. I can’t wait to read the read of their story!!
December 25, 2025
Great world building, great premise and great novella. I will look up this author’s other works. Enjoyable read. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
December 29, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
I went into this blind, as I haven't read the series before. But it was still a cute, cosy short story!
Smutty books and tea with the Devil, who wouldn't love that. 🥰
I went into this blind, as I haven't read the series before. But it was still a cute, cosy short story!
Smutty books and tea with the Devil, who wouldn't love that. 🥰
July 2, 2025
*Delicately picks up a tea cup, sips tea, sets the cup back into its saucer. Sighs longingly and glances over at an unsent letter on the table*
Dearest Mirai,
Please send more words, for I fear I shall wilt away lest I have them.
Yours eternally,
Alex
P.S. You know who I want next 👀🚪WiT pleeeaaassseeee
Dearest Mirai,
Please send more words, for I fear I shall wilt away lest I have them.
Yours eternally,
Alex
P.S. You know who I want next 👀🚪WiT pleeeaaassseeee
July 6, 2025
THE SPICE?!?! What did I do to deserve seeing my favorite tea-loving devil’s… stirrer?! I loved ATM, but this?? ON MY KNEES for more novellas!!! I really hope we get a Tristan/Phina extra one day? 👀
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews