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Thing of Sorrow
Now he knows why they called him Construct-XII, and wishes he’d never gone looking for answers.
The revelation of what he truly is has cost him the only woman who chose him, healed him, and gave his life purpose. Through her eyes, he saw himself as not a thing or a creature. Human.
Seraphina is gone, and he doesn’t blame her. Had she not left, he would’ve chased her away himself. Without her, he cannot live. He searches for a way to end his suffering, but his creator built him from death – built him to last.
Construct-XII is doomed to permanence.
The revelation of what he truly is has cost him the only woman who chose him, healed him, and gave his life purpose. Through her eyes, he saw himself as not a thing or a creature. Human.
Seraphina is gone, and he doesn’t blame her. Had she not left, he would’ve chased her away himself. Without her, he cannot live. He searches for a way to end his suffering, but his creator built him from death – built him to last.
Construct-XII is doomed to permanence.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2026
About the author
Cara Wylde
170 books713 followersCara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 1, 2026
This book had me bawling, I cried so hard. As well as laughing like a loon. I was also, still reeling from the end of the first book. This book is so much darker than I expected. I found myself clutching a stuffy as well. The fact that Seraphina was so upset that she left Rune, even tho it went against her promise to him, shocked me. But, she needed to process everything. Briar got the blind Rune out of there. She began to teach him similar things that she taught Seraphina back at the convent, but he wasn’t as good a student. Then Seraphina finds an old friend there- Idris. She teams up with him since he can fix her eyes. He is an excellent surgeon and a friend. There are a bunch of revelations in the book, that are shocking and upsetting.
So both duos are heading the St. Vivia’s Convent. Since Rune is a revenant, and thus ‘unholy’ to the sisters, they won’t let him inside. I was a bit upset at this and how they treated them. I was also shocked at what happened next when Seraphina and Idris arrived. Things get nasty after that and I got very upset. I chewed on my nails, ranted under my breath and punched a few pillows. Things get crazy and I can’t even contemplate the things that happened and their ramifications. I am devastated. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So both duos are heading the St. Vivia’s Convent. Since Rune is a revenant, and thus ‘unholy’ to the sisters, they won’t let him inside. I was a bit upset at this and how they treated them. I was also shocked at what happened next when Seraphina and Idris arrived. Things get nasty after that and I got very upset. I chewed on my nails, ranted under my breath and punched a few pillows. Things get crazy and I can’t even contemplate the things that happened and their ramifications. I am devastated. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2026
The end of book 1 was so jarring and unexpected that I couldn't wait to see what happened next.....and now I wish I'd been forced to wait a little longer. The author's note at the end stated that this book took 3 weeks to write, and yeah, we can tell.
It was just all over the place. Rune was the highlight of book 1, but in this one, we only got like 2 chapters from his POV. We mostly followed Seraphina around while she slooooooowly made her way back to him. She had so many side quests and side plots that it felt like a video game. "You can choose to continue on your journey or you can help these villagers". This woman is NOT over her fiance that died 2 years ago. The amount of times she's thinks about him and his hands and how she wants to find all his parts - girl just go do that!! Leave Rune with Briar, who was SUCH a better character and also so much better FOR Rune?!
Which brings me to the Rune x Briar storyline. Briar's developing crush on him was the cutest thing. Rune never tried to hide himself from her because she knew what he looked like from the beginning. She took care of him, she gave him his first sponge bath, he let her touch him while admitting he didn't let Seraphina do the same. She kissed him! And omg when Seraphina's dumb ass showed back up and Briar was just heartbroken because she knew she couldn't compete - I honestly thought Rune was going to have some revelation that he had feelings for Briar too. But nope, after spending nights alone with Briar, he just up and left with Sera like a crusty dusty man.
Don't get me started on Sera getting the ick over his new eyes, girl just shut up. AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON RUNE BEING FORCED TO KILL BRIAR, like her losing her man wasn't bad enough?! I'd be kinda hoping she comes back as a revenant and then her and Rune ride off into the sunset together, but I really think him and Sera are endgame, so I'm probably done with this series.
It was just all over the place. Rune was the highlight of book 1, but in this one, we only got like 2 chapters from his POV. We mostly followed Seraphina around while she slooooooowly made her way back to him. She had so many side quests and side plots that it felt like a video game. "You can choose to continue on your journey or you can help these villagers". This woman is NOT over her fiance that died 2 years ago. The amount of times she's thinks about him and his hands and how she wants to find all his parts - girl just go do that!! Leave Rune with Briar, who was SUCH a better character and also so much better FOR Rune?!
Which brings me to the Rune x Briar storyline. Briar's developing crush on him was the cutest thing. Rune never tried to hide himself from her because she knew what he looked like from the beginning. She took care of him, she gave him his first sponge bath, he let her touch him while admitting he didn't let Seraphina do the same. She kissed him! And omg when Seraphina's dumb ass showed back up and Briar was just heartbroken because she knew she couldn't compete - I honestly thought Rune was going to have some revelation that he had feelings for Briar too. But nope, after spending nights alone with Briar, he just up and left with Sera like a crusty dusty man.
Don't get me started on Sera getting the ick over his new eyes, girl just shut up. AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON RUNE BEING FORCED TO KILL BRIAR, like her losing her man wasn't bad enough?! I'd be kinda hoping she comes back as a revenant and then her and Rune ride off into the sunset together, but I really think him and Sera are endgame, so I'm probably done with this series.
June 26, 2026
There's something so exciting about discovering a story that completely pulls you into its world, and Thing of Sorrow was one of those books for me.
From the very beginning, Cara Wylde drew me in with an atmospheric setting, intriguing characters, and a story that balanced emotion, mystery, and romance beautifully. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next, and before I knew it, I was completely invested in the journey.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was the characters. They felt layered and authentic, each carrying their own emotional weight and personal struggles. Watching their relationships develop throughout the story made every triumph and setback feel meaningful. The chemistry was natural, and I loved how the emotional moments were given room to breathe alongside the action and suspense.
The writing was immersive and easy to get lost in, creating a world that felt both haunting and captivating. While there were a few moments where I would have loved a little more detail or a slower pace to fully absorb certain scenes, it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience.
By the final pages, I was left with that bittersweet feeling of not wanting the story to end—a sure sign I'd connected with both the characters and the world Cara Wylde created.
A huge thank you to Cara Wylde for trusting me with an advance copy of Thing of Sorrow. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book before its release. As always, these thoughts are entirely my own.
From the very beginning, Cara Wylde drew me in with an atmospheric setting, intriguing characters, and a story that balanced emotion, mystery, and romance beautifully. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next, and before I knew it, I was completely invested in the journey.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was the characters. They felt layered and authentic, each carrying their own emotional weight and personal struggles. Watching their relationships develop throughout the story made every triumph and setback feel meaningful. The chemistry was natural, and I loved how the emotional moments were given room to breathe alongside the action and suspense.
The writing was immersive and easy to get lost in, creating a world that felt both haunting and captivating. While there were a few moments where I would have loved a little more detail or a slower pace to fully absorb certain scenes, it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience.
By the final pages, I was left with that bittersweet feeling of not wanting the story to end—a sure sign I'd connected with both the characters and the world Cara Wylde created.
A huge thank you to Cara Wylde for trusting me with an advance copy of Thing of Sorrow. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book before its release. As always, these thoughts are entirely my own.
June 30, 2026
I can't wait for more. Rune now knows why they called him Construct-XII and separation from Seraphina, the woman who treated him as human, and without her he has no purpose and is determined to find a way to end his existence. Briar has her own mission and refuses to let Rune leave believing that with him she will be able to protect the convent she calls home. Unfortunately, they all might be doomed to disappointment.
This is a very dark and disturbing romantasy with a complex and sometimes unsettling system of magic that I find utterly fascinating. Wonderfully unique and beautifully narrated characters that have very different and complicated motives for their actions. I thought they were all engaging and they kept me engrossed from the first page. Bloody and violent with a little bit of romance and so many twists and turns in the plot I was left reeling. I loved this book and already look forward to the next one. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys disturbingly dark and bloody gothic reads.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
This is a very dark and disturbing romantasy with a complex and sometimes unsettling system of magic that I find utterly fascinating. Wonderfully unique and beautifully narrated characters that have very different and complicated motives for their actions. I thought they were all engaging and they kept me engrossed from the first page. Bloody and violent with a little bit of romance and so many twists and turns in the plot I was left reeling. I loved this book and already look forward to the next one. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys disturbingly dark and bloody gothic reads.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
June 29, 2026
Thing of Sorrow is the second book of the author’s Stitchborne, and another thrilling decent into the darkness of a Gothic monster romance that surrounds Rune/Construct XII.
Learning of his origins and loss of the woman whose spirit had lifted him from his isolation will set Rune on another path that the reader will find just as intense and soul gripping as the first.
A journey awaits where he cannot even look forward to death in his sorrow over loosing Sera, because he is death and immortality was alway his existence.
I enjoyed this newest entry which was visceral, emotional, violent, and dramatic with action, adventure, and romance that promises to flourish again when fate brings Seraphina and Rune back together.
Looking forward to where the author takes the storyline next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Learning of his origins and loss of the woman whose spirit had lifted him from his isolation will set Rune on another path that the reader will find just as intense and soul gripping as the first.
A journey awaits where he cannot even look forward to death in his sorrow over loosing Sera, because he is death and immortality was alway his existence.
I enjoyed this newest entry which was visceral, emotional, violent, and dramatic with action, adventure, and romance that promises to flourish again when fate brings Seraphina and Rune back together.
Looking forward to where the author takes the storyline next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2026
Such cool ideas but ...
I hardly write reviews but this one made me want to. This author has such cool ideas. This book, and the one before it, are full of really interesting concepts. Things I dont see anywhere else and I have been an avid reader all my life.
I think she needs a better editor. The writing doesnt deliver on the story in her head. This book should have been twice the length and edited by a professional. I will read the next one because the story kicks ass and I want to see how it concludes, but hope it's a significant step up from this one in character development, fleshing out storyline archs, and letting plot points have the time to matter and feel real.
I hardly write reviews but this one made me want to. This author has such cool ideas. This book, and the one before it, are full of really interesting concepts. Things I dont see anywhere else and I have been an avid reader all my life.
I think she needs a better editor. The writing doesnt deliver on the story in her head. This book should have been twice the length and edited by a professional. I will read the next one because the story kicks ass and I want to see how it concludes, but hope it's a significant step up from this one in character development, fleshing out storyline archs, and letting plot points have the time to matter and feel real.
June 22, 2026
Holy crap, I've just finished this and even with it fresh in my mind I don't know what to say about it. I absolutely adored the first book, so different from what I expect from the author, and so well done. This one had me bawling, laughing and page turning way past my bedtime, but it didn't quite hit the way the first one did. Maybe that's because I wanted more of Sera and Rune together, or maybe it's because I didn't really appreciate Sera's cold character in this one. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt though as I'm hoping more will be explained about the relics and their effects in future books, and it's still a damn good read! Man I want to wrap Rune up and never let anyone hurt him again 😭
July 15, 2026
Not sure how to feel.
It was a good story. I'm glad to see Rune & Seraphina back together. There is a LOT of killing and mutilation in this one. I'm not sure how I feel about all the taking of body parts and sewing them back on, and then they're fully operational within minutes.
Also,it felt like the whole book was a side quest. In the first book, Seraphina is out for revenge. She kills two of the men who raped her and killed Matteo. This book was about finding Rune after she left him and that was it. That was the whole book. A side quest. Maybe it was necessary and we'll see why in book 3.
I may or may not continue the series. I don't feel like I'd lose anything if I just stopped.
It was a good story. I'm glad to see Rune & Seraphina back together. There is a LOT of killing and mutilation in this one. I'm not sure how I feel about all the taking of body parts and sewing them back on, and then they're fully operational within minutes.
Also,it felt like the whole book was a side quest. In the first book, Seraphina is out for revenge. She kills two of the men who raped her and killed Matteo. This book was about finding Rune after she left him and that was it. That was the whole book. A side quest. Maybe it was necessary and we'll see why in book 3.
I may or may not continue the series. I don't feel like I'd lose anything if I just stopped.
July 4, 2026
Book 2 of Stitchborne: The Sacred and the Sewn. Books should be read in series order for maximum enjoyment.
'Without her, he cannot live. He searches for a way to end his suffering, but his creator built him from death – built him to last.
Construct-XII is doomed to permanence.'
The characters continue to grow and develop and fascinate. Plot evolves and hooks the reader. World building remains excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Without her, he cannot live. He searches for a way to end his suffering, but his creator built him from death – built him to last.
Construct-XII is doomed to permanence.'
The characters continue to grow and develop and fascinate. Plot evolves and hooks the reader. World building remains excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2026
The Relics
The second story of Rune and Seraphina is even more bizarre and stranger than the first book. I commend Wylde for a truly original story. The first book was a homage to Frankenstein, but this book is more intricate and as complex as the lattice frameworks that hold reliquary artifacts. There is a war of good against evil; however, it’s morally gray on both sides.
This is also a story of love abandoned and reunited. More characters are introduced and enrich the story further; and, tragedy and violence permeate most of the storyline. Cannot be read as a standalone. I have received an ARC from the author and I am leaving an honest review.
June 21, 2026
This is a darker tale of Sera and Rhune. At the end of book one, they were separated and at odds over the revelation of how and of whom he was constructed. In book 2, Rhune's future is in doubt. He has been forced into seeing just how devastating his creation has affected those around him and seeks to find a solution. Sera's own journey takes her in a deadlier direction. Together they were dependent on each other. Apart, their struggle to understand the world around them falls into a quagmire of losses, lies, and misdirection. I look forward to the third story in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Aaaah! Omg just as good if not better than the first. It is dark and emotional and deals with intense themes. You fall in love with and feel for every character and Cara does a phenomenal job bringing this story to life, it thankfully doesn’t end on a cliff hanger like the first book but it still leaves you ravenous for more of this world, the magic , and to see the harvest or meet his end . Thanks so much for my ARC, stayed up all night reading and couldn’t put this down.
July 13, 2026
This is the continuation of Sera and Rune's story, and after book one's ending, I was so ready to read book two, Thing of Sorrow. Like book one, this book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The writing is well done, and the story pulled at my heartstrings. Thing of Sorrow is book two in Stitchborne: The Sacred and The Sewn series, and I can't wait to read the next book in this marvelous series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 22, 2026
Great follow up to the first book
Follows the growth of the characters and their trials . This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Not as good as the first but still a very good book
Follows the growth of the characters and their trials . This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Not as good as the first but still a very good book
June 26, 2026
I have to say this book is as beautiful as the first I love these books so much and cannot wait for the next.
The story is so different from anything i have read and was just amazing, I loved all the characters and the love between Sera and Rune is so beautiful and not rushed.
Loved, loved, loved.
The story is so different from anything i have read and was just amazing, I loved all the characters and the love between Sera and Rune is so beautiful and not rushed.
Loved, loved, loved.
June 26, 2026
Wow this second book was definitely a page turner. It does leave me anxiously waiting for the story to continue.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews