The Therans: Legends Never Die

by Cyndi Brec

Legends Never Die is for fans who crave romantic fantasy with rich lore and high-stakes tension—think Brigid Kemmerer and Shelby Mahurin layered with ancestral mysteries, secret bloodlines, and Forbidden libraries of legend.

Buried Legends. Deadly Secrets. And a Love that Haunts the Heart.

WHERE SECRETS BURN BLOOD RUNS COLD.
REVENGE CARVES A DEEP SCAR.

Theran protector Callie Tresham uncovered the origins of her volatile powers and worse, the brutal truth behind her parents’ horrific murder—the monster responsible. Every secret is a weapon, exposing deadly threats that catapult her on an unparalleled quest against her nemesis.

AMIDST THE DANGER, A FIRE IGNITES, TEARING DOWN CALLIE’S WALLS AS LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE BATTLE FEAR IN HER HEART.

In this powerful sequel to The Secrets Beneath Scars, Callie travels the world, visiting ancient cities crawling with danger and deception. Among the shadows of towering pyramids and beneath the shifting sands of the desert lies a labyrinth of secret tombs.

WHAT SHE FINDS IS LEGENDS AREN’T STORIES BUT SECRETS BUILT TO HIDE THE TRUTH.

Filled with mysterious riddles, treachery, and heartbreak, The Legends Never Die finds Callie working through the dark ties to her past while training for her life’s purpose. Meanwhile, an otherworldly creature stalks her with mischievous motives.

THE TRUTH DESTROYS LIES, BUT WHAT’S THE PRICE OF UNCOVERING IT?Slow Burn RomanceHigh StakesFound FamilyFriends to Lovers (Clean)Mythical Italy & EgyptLost Civilization in a Modern WorldMythical Creatures, Legends, and Lore

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2026

About the author

Cyndi Brec writes her heroine into dangerous webs of deception where legends twist and buried secrets refuse to stay silent - usually while she sips a French vanilla iced coffee.

A three-times five-star Readers' Favorite recipient, YA fantasy romance (Romantasy) novelist Cyndi Brec has snagged a few endorsements from notable authors: Jonas Saul, the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series; Alan Warren, NBC Radio Host/Producer/Author; and Suzy Vadori, Author and critic of the Fountain Series. She's also received fantastic reviews from Teen Magazine: https://www.theteenmagazine.com/the-t...

Cyndi’s just a regular gal—storyteller, speaker, and co-host of the P English Literature podcast. She’s a sidekick podcaster interviewing authors and serving book banter.

An avid reader turned writer, her background as a Recreational Therapy Technician, traveler, historical site owner, and legend sleuth provides a wealth of experience and perspectives that have deeply enriched her storytelling. After marrying, she traveled to Europe and many of the States. However, Ohio is her home, where she and her husband raised two great kids and several energetic dogs. Her love of history was enriched by co-owning a 200-year-old historic watermill with her husband for over 20 years, which has fostered an appreciation of historical knowledge and cultivation of The Therans Series.

Cyndi is currently working on an anthology and co-authoring a historical nonfiction book. She also speaks on Time Management Strategies for Author Success: Managing Your Minutes, aiming to inspire fellow authors to live their dreams.

Dare to find out more on all social media or check out Legends, Myths & Lies Newsletter: https://cyndibrecauthor.wordpress.com...

Author Cyndi Brec
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Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts:
If you're into:
✅Found Family
✅Prophecy
✅Big Twists
Then I think this book is for you!

Characters:
I was honestly annoyed with a few of them, and I totally side with Callie. •Trystan ehhhhh at first I didn't like how he was treating our girl Cal but at the same time when everything is at stake and people are dying I'm pretty sure secrets would be pretty annoying too.
•I do love the way that Callie stands up for herself too, she won't take NOTHING from NOBODY.
•I can't stay focused when I keep seeing the name "Draco" I keep thinking of Draco Malfoy, Why are you here Draco? If Cal does things to you are you gonna tell your dad?

Pacing:
It's quite slow, I'd say give it till the halfway mark around page 200 and it'll get a bit faster paced.

Ending:
I just went WOAH. I didn't expect this book to have that kind of ending but it did so... Well I guess I was proven wrong. I genuinely NEED to read the next book or possibly the prequels but I NEED THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW 😭.

P.S. I also love the slight nods to the Bible in both the books, as a Christian girlie that made me quite happy ✨

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Therans: Legends Never Die had a strong premise and a moody, magical atmosphere that pulled me in quickly. Cyndi Brec clearly has a vivid imagination, and I appreciated the depth of the worldbuilding and the sense that there was much more beneath the surface.
That said, this one didn’t fully click for me. At times, the pacing felt uneven, and I found myself wanting a little more clarity and momentum in certain parts of the story. Some of the emotional beats and plot developments had potential, but they didn’t always land as strongly as I wanted them to.
I do think readers who enjoy YA fantasy, hidden secrets, and legend-driven stories may get more out of this than I did. There’s definitely an intriguing foundation here, and I can see why this series would appeal to fans of mythic, character-driven fantasy.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The Theran’s trilogy and it really expanded the world, as well as, picked up where book 1 (Secrets Beneath Scars) left off. I honestly loved that because it kept the momentum going instead of making the story feel disconnected. Getting to dive deeper into the Theran history, hidden secrets and everything surrounding Callie kept me really invested.

This one balanced fantasy, mystery and emotional moments really well. There’s danger, betrayal, supernatural elements and a lot of tension, but the character relationships still stayed at the heart of the story for me.

The writing was immersive and easy to follow, and I liked how the world building grew without feeling overwhelming. Definitely a solid pick if you like fantasy with hidden powers, found family vibes, and unraveling secrets.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the second book in The Therans Trilogy and the author does a wonderful job of pulling myths and histories that we know and weaving them seamlessly with her own unique world. You pick up right where book 1 left off and Callie is still trying to navigate the new world of Therans she has become a part of all while trying to learn her own unique capabilities, seek revenge for her parents’ killing and keep her own secrets that could threaten everything. This book had way more adventure to it and took you to more places than just Ohio and I feel like this is just scratching the surface of the world the author has built. I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to see how the story ends in the final book in the trilogy.

[Barbara Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5...The strongest part of this sequel is easily the atmosphere and scope. The blend of mythology, hidden histories, ancient tombs, and secret bloodlines creates a cinematic fantasy world that feels ambitious and immersive. Callie’s emotional journey also carries more weight here. Her struggle between fear, trust, love, and destiny gives the story a darker emotional core, and the slow-burn romance develops naturally without overpowering the fantasy plot. Some sections are packed with tension and intrigue, while others slow down under heavy exposition or repetitive internal conflict. The worldbuilding is rich, but at times it overwhelms the momentum of the plot.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book I enjoyed it!!

Legends Never Die is for fans who crave romantic fantasy with rich lore and high-stakes tension—think Brigid Kemmerer and Shelby Mahurin layered with ancestral mysteries, secret bloodlines, and Forbidden libraries of legend.

Buried Legends. Deadly Secrets. And a Love that Haunts the Heart.

The truth destroys lies, but what's the price of uncovering it?

Tropes & Themes:
Slow Burn Romance
Revenge
Political Intrigue
Dangerous Secrets
Friends to Lovers (Clean)
Mythical Quest: Italy & Egypt
Prophecy War
Mythical Creatures, Legends

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I love that the main character's powers are showcased better here than in the first book. I love the author's use of historical references that play into the storyline of the book. I don't like that it ends on a cliffhanger! I can't wait for the next book. I was given an ARC from the author. All the opinions are my own.

[SlyFoxReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think book 2 does exactly what a sequel should do; building on the world from book 1. This one is a little more National Treasure than Nancy Drew, there are still mystery elements but now we're globe trotting.
The author does a good job recapping the plot from book 1. Overall I enjoyed the read, felt like a solid YA book.

[Tiffany Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite book out of this series so far! There was so much adventure and mystery that it kept me wanting more the whole time. I also loved learning more and more about the Therans as Callie learned it and the puzzles they had to solve in a time crunch were fantastic! I can't wait for book three because it definitely ends in a cliffhanger!

[ImSuddenlySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was ready for book two, but damn if my heart didn't break at the end.
Fun, angst, fear, and loathing will all come together for one extreme adventure that will have you gripping your book with expectation.
I'm ready for book 3, as soon as we can get it!

[Jessica Crome · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written

Oh my! I have a love hate relationship with how this ended but I enjoyed the story! I loved learning more lore and finding out how we got to this point. This is a good story and flowed well. I enjoyed it completely!

[BookNerdBam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! The ending with this one 100% pulled at the heartstrings.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure and intrigue ramps up in book two of the series. I loved seeing the storyline unfold and more and more mysteries revealed!

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a shock at the end. I can't wait for the next book. So much has happened since Callie's parents left on their own. So many secrets.

[Elle and the Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found family. Prophecy and twists and turns, this book is for you!

[Ruth A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book of the series and this one is even better! Intense and so full of action. I'm learning more of what it is to be a Theran and all the power it holds. Can't wait for the next one!

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. Not entirely what I was expecting but I’m not mad about that fact. I was gripped by the story at the start. It did have me all in my feels the entire time. The ending got me in chokehold honestly. I need the next book like ASAP so I can know what is going to happen!

[Madison Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. I don’t even know where to start! I loved this book cover to cover!! I had so many emotions running through me throughout the book and the ending!!! Oh my gosh the ending!!! I need the third book ASAP!! This book was just amazing!