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Shattered
The legends are awake.
Loss and defeat have rattled Mariah and her court. They’ve taken refuge in the Kreah deserts, but
peace continues to evade them. Mariah must navigate her grief, her crown, and the sensitive politics
of the continent, and she must do it without the most important person in her life by her side.
Andrian has always known his birth was a curse—one that Kol will never stop reminding him of.
But the dark god has plans for him. Andrian is willing to endure anything to keep Mariah safe, even
if that means giving up all hope for himself.
The world lies at a crossroad. The God of the Sun must be stopped before freedom is lost to the
stars. It will require a decision that could splinter Mariah’s court forever … and even her light may
not be enough to outshine the sun.
The lies that built the world are crumbling.
And when they do, everything will shatter.
SHATTERED, Book Three in The Solstice Cycle, is an epic adult fantasy romance set in a
world rich in magic, an all-human cast, side character romances, a found family who
struggles and forgives together, meddlesome gods, and dragons rumbling to life. It is the
next installment of the story started in THREADED and continued in SCOURGED.
Loss and defeat have rattled Mariah and her court. They’ve taken refuge in the Kreah deserts, but
peace continues to evade them. Mariah must navigate her grief, her crown, and the sensitive politics
of the continent, and she must do it without the most important person in her life by her side.
Andrian has always known his birth was a curse—one that Kol will never stop reminding him of.
But the dark god has plans for him. Andrian is willing to endure anything to keep Mariah safe, even
if that means giving up all hope for himself.
The world lies at a crossroad. The God of the Sun must be stopped before freedom is lost to the
stars. It will require a decision that could splinter Mariah’s court forever … and even her light may
not be enough to outshine the sun.
The lies that built the world are crumbling.
And when they do, everything will shatter.
SHATTERED, Book Three in The Solstice Cycle, is an epic adult fantasy romance set in a
world rich in magic, an all-human cast, side character romances, a found family who
struggles and forgives together, meddlesome gods, and dragons rumbling to life. It is the
next installment of the story started in THREADED and continued in SCOURGED.
898 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Tay Rose
6 books338 followersTay Rose is the author of The Solstice Cycle, an adult high romantic fantasy series, and loves to draw inspiration from the natural world in crafting tales of magic and love. A lawyer by day, author by night, she lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her sweet pup and way, way too many books.
A Capricorn and an Enneagram Type 8, she’s never known quite when to stop or even the concept of “giving up.” Writing has always been an escape for her, and despite a far too busy schedule, she always makes time for her stories. She’s been inventing tales since the days she got her first computer, and while they were mostly either about dragons or fanfiction, everyone has to start somewhere.
When not reading or writing, Tay loves live music, being outside, and daydreaming about even more stories that she hopes to bring to life one day.
A Capricorn and an Enneagram Type 8, she’s never known quite when to stop or even the concept of “giving up.” Writing has always been an escape for her, and despite a far too busy schedule, she always makes time for her stories. She’s been inventing tales since the days she got her first computer, and while they were mostly either about dragons or fanfiction, everyone has to start somewhere.
When not reading or writing, Tay loves live music, being outside, and daydreaming about even more stories that she hopes to bring to life one day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 1, 2026
Another absolute heart wrenching and beautifully written story in one of my favorite series. My heart aches, and I'm in a full crash out after that ending, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
If you are a romantasy reader who loves political intrigue, intense character work, and feminine rage, this series should be on your radar. The character work alone in Shattered is intensely good. There are dark themes, so take care to check any content warnings.
I love a series that has a well rounded cast of characters. And I don't just mean fun side characters. I mean characters that get their own POVs, where we get to hear their voice and see more of their personalities. Shattered gave me that in spades! The main journey of this book is the quest for a hidden object. This sends our characters in opposing directions, which means we get to see more from each of the groups. This also means we got more romance, which was definitely my favorite part. All of the romantic pairings also have such unique couple personalities, so each romance felt entirely fresh and fun.
The world building in the Solstice Cycle has been a highlight for me since Threaded, and I loved getting to dive deeper into the lore of the gods and goddesses. And some new things come into play that had me SCREAMING.
I had a great time with Shattered, and I can't wait to see where this series goes and how it all comes together in the finale.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
If you are a romantasy reader who loves political intrigue, intense character work, and feminine rage, this series should be on your radar. The character work alone in Shattered is intensely good. There are dark themes, so take care to check any content warnings.
I love a series that has a well rounded cast of characters. And I don't just mean fun side characters. I mean characters that get their own POVs, where we get to hear their voice and see more of their personalities. Shattered gave me that in spades! The main journey of this book is the quest for a hidden object. This sends our characters in opposing directions, which means we get to see more from each of the groups. This also means we got more romance, which was definitely my favorite part. All of the romantic pairings also have such unique couple personalities, so each romance felt entirely fresh and fun.
The world building in the Solstice Cycle has been a highlight for me since Threaded, and I loved getting to dive deeper into the lore of the gods and goddesses. And some new things come into play that had me SCREAMING.
I had a great time with Shattered, and I can't wait to see where this series goes and how it all comes together in the finale.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shattered is the third book in The Solstice Cycle by Tay Rose and when I say this book shattered me I mean it.
This book starts right where the second one finished and it takes you on a journey. The world expands, you get to know beloved characters more intimately and meet many new characters along the way.
This book is long, as I said in one of my posts while I was reading it, it’s a beast, but it is well worth the time it takes to learn so much.
I absolutely love Tay’s writing style and was so excited to continue this series and this book did not disappoint. By the time I got to Part 3 in the book it was impossible to put it down.
Prepare yourself for so many emotions, from wanting to strangle and shake some characters to wanting to throw your book/device across the room and even swooning some in between all of that.
The ending… just prepare for a cliffhanger, have some tissues on hand, and again, try not to throw your book/device across the room.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the author and I appreciate it so much, I did however preorder this book as well because I absolutely love this series.
This book starts right where the second one finished and it takes you on a journey. The world expands, you get to know beloved characters more intimately and meet many new characters along the way.
This book is long, as I said in one of my posts while I was reading it, it’s a beast, but it is well worth the time it takes to learn so much.
I absolutely love Tay’s writing style and was so excited to continue this series and this book did not disappoint. By the time I got to Part 3 in the book it was impossible to put it down.
Prepare yourself for so many emotions, from wanting to strangle and shake some characters to wanting to throw your book/device across the room and even swooning some in between all of that.
The ending… just prepare for a cliffhanger, have some tissues on hand, and again, try not to throw your book/device across the room.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the author and I appreciate it so much, I did however preorder this book as well because I absolutely love this series.
May 29, 2026
✨ 𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖 Shattered (The Solstice Cycle, Book 3)
𝘐 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶—𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
Shattered is the third installment The Solstice Cycle and we follow Mariah and her broken court as they plan for their next steps. Our beloved group embarks on their respective missions while the dark god plots his revenge.
Tropes:
👀Multi POV
🗺️Quest for a Hidden Object
👥Split the Party
🥳Side Character Romances
🐉Dragons
📜Prophecies
⚖️Political Intrigue
💫Meddlesome Gods
While Mariah grapples with unimaginable loss and growing darkness, each character also faces their greatest fears and vulnerabilities. This found family is forged by loyalty and devotion that extends beyond any bonds. I loved exploring the established and emerging romances.
Tay crafts a heart-shattering installment that delves deeper into the characters, prophecies, and mythology of this word. In Shattered, expect higher stakes, chaos, and emotional damage of the highest order. I was absolutely gutted by the ending and *need* to know how their story concludes!
So grateful to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review
📖 Shattered (The Solstice Cycle, Book 3)
𝘐 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶—𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
Shattered is the third installment The Solstice Cycle and we follow Mariah and her broken court as they plan for their next steps. Our beloved group embarks on their respective missions while the dark god plots his revenge.
Tropes:
👀Multi POV
🗺️Quest for a Hidden Object
👥Split the Party
🥳Side Character Romances
🐉Dragons
📜Prophecies
⚖️Political Intrigue
💫Meddlesome Gods
While Mariah grapples with unimaginable loss and growing darkness, each character also faces their greatest fears and vulnerabilities. This found family is forged by loyalty and devotion that extends beyond any bonds. I loved exploring the established and emerging romances.
Tay crafts a heart-shattering installment that delves deeper into the characters, prophecies, and mythology of this word. In Shattered, expect higher stakes, chaos, and emotional damage of the highest order. I was absolutely gutted by the ending and *need* to know how their story concludes!
So grateful to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review
May 30, 2026
ARC REVIEW — Thank you to the author for an early copy!
First, I’ll say the book is long. But if you have read KOA in the TOG series, you can appreciate the writing style. Though we multiple POVs before, we get more of that in Shattered. They included some of her Armature.
Now let’s talk a little about the book without giving too much. I was immediately heartbroken for Mariah and Andrian. So much happened at the of Scourged that you don’t get a real chance to process those feelings. You’re going to feel that when you start Shattered.
Moving along… Oh Seb and Cianna. Let’s just say, y’all were killing me.
Quentin and Delaynie? Oh yeah, I was very much for that storyline. It’s gets very interesting.
Overall, you learn a lot throughout Shattered. We are introduced to a lot of new people. Some we like, some we hate. To go through all we went through and the ending be that?! Sobbing, crying, throwing up. To be continued!
I can’t wait to see where we end up.
First, I’ll say the book is long. But if you have read KOA in the TOG series, you can appreciate the writing style. Though we multiple POVs before, we get more of that in Shattered. They included some of her Armature.
Now let’s talk a little about the book without giving too much. I was immediately heartbroken for Mariah and Andrian. So much happened at the of Scourged that you don’t get a real chance to process those feelings. You’re going to feel that when you start Shattered.
Moving along… Oh Seb and Cianna. Let’s just say, y’all were killing me.
Quentin and Delaynie? Oh yeah, I was very much for that storyline. It’s gets very interesting.
Overall, you learn a lot throughout Shattered. We are introduced to a lot of new people. Some we like, some we hate. To go through all we went through and the ending be that?! Sobbing, crying, throwing up. To be continued!
I can’t wait to see where we end up.
May 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ This was everything I needed this book to be!! After we left our heroes at the end of Scourged with so many unanswered questions! The third book in the Solstice Cycle goes on to answer so many of those questions while creating a whole bunch more. I think my favorite part of this story is us seeing multiple relationships grow (not just Mariah and Andrian). Mariah is definitely up against even more impossible odds and how she responds to them further cements her as one of my fave ever FMCs. And although this book had me constantly in the edge of my seat, I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Highlights:
✨Multiple Romances
✨Dragons
✨Meddling Gods
✨Fabulous World Building
✨Found Family
Favorite Quotes: “You’re so beautiful when you want to burn the world to cinders.”
“But when vengeful darkness is set free and men are allowed to act without consequence, there is no place where women are truly safe.”
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
Highlights:
✨Multiple Romances
✨Dragons
✨Meddling Gods
✨Fabulous World Building
✨Found Family
Favorite Quotes: “You’re so beautiful when you want to burn the world to cinders.”
“But when vengeful darkness is set free and men are allowed to act without consequence, there is no place where women are truly safe.”
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC by the author as a gift and wanted to thank her for giving me the opportunity to be able to read this book before its publication date. All of my thoughts, opinions, and reactions are my own.
I am sending you my therapist bills, Tay cause I am NOT okay physically, mentally,y and emotionally for how Shattered had ended. CAUSE WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT HAD TO HAPPEN AND I'M STILL SHATTERED AND BROKEN (pun intended iykyk). I was so shocked, gobsmacked, and yes, I was sobbing because the last 20% of the book had me on the edge that I had at least multiple crash outs throughout the entire book. Besides my crash-out journey, I absolutely loved every single thing and detail of this story, and how Mariah and Andrian navigated through such a tough journey, and their character development was just done so well. I know there's still more that needs to be done, but I can't wait to see how they will prevail in the next book.
Honestly, though, in the first couple of chapters, I was so mad at what had happened from the previous point, and that Mariah was just at her lowest when her magic was gon,e and her inner turmoil took a big toll on her. Andrian, I was heartbroken because he had finally found out about the truth of who his real father is, and it was just a lot of big reveals that happened for him. Kol gave me the biggest ick, and I wanted to dive into the book and fight him. Would I win? No...would I still attempt to beat him up? ABSOFUCKINGLOUTELY. When I read about the dragon,s my mind immediately went to "I want to boop all of their snoots and lose my hands in the process." Getting to know the other gods like Priam, Callamus, Amasis, Ydros, Zadione, Qhohena, Krilene, and Kol was really interesting, and I liked how after the accidental awakening, we got glimpses of who they are, their power,s and what each god/goddess was in the story.
The amount of tension between the Ladies' and Armature, like Quentin and Delayn, i.e., as well as Sebastian and Cianna, had me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure cause what do you mean?!? Like, I'm not kiddin,g I was screaming at my Kindle and texting Tay's Discord server that they should just kiss or just fuck cause I was pulling my hair at the close encounter scenes that I was just like KISS ALREADY DAMN!!! Okay, Nikatel seems like he's being manipulated by Ydros because the way he stayed muted and did not help Cianna and Sebastian is very concerning. Like, I was annoyed but super suspicious about it. I felt bad that Cianna thinks that she is broken and couldn't be loved because of her flaws and insecurities,s which broke my heart for her. She never deserved what was done to her, and I just want to protect her at all costs. I absolutely love Matheo, like he was just so cute, and how he was always willing to help Mariah every step of the way, he gave little brother vibes, especially since he was the youngest Armature. I loved how he listened and gave Mariah the space and place to vent or rant like he was there to support Mariah in any way he could. Delaynie absolutely deserves the world. I don't care what anyone has to say.y Delaynie, Cianna, and Matheo are smol beans, and personally, I WOULD protect them at all costs.
Mariah and Andrian, I have been screaming at the top of my lungs from the very beginning of the series to now cause I knew they were going through hell and back for one another. I was so annoyed with some of the council pissing off Mariah after she had asked for refuge for her people, and for them to say she is evil for unintentionally waking up, Kol had me pulling my hair out. The Onitan people really did not deserve war to be put against them all because Kol wanted to get revenge on Qhohena, which pissed me off badly, and he wanted to kill her because she knew he was evil and he needed to be locked away. I honestly was caught off guard when I read from Scourged to Shattered that Andrian was Kol's son and that his father was just so greedy that he used his wife to get something he wanted and then killed her the next. I honestly don't know why he kept justifying his greed and abusive nature towards Andrian when, really, it had always been his fault since day one. Oh well,l good riddance, he had to die cause he pissed me off for two books straight. It is always the fathers/dads that are pieces of shit (that includes Kol). I fell in love with Gabriel, only to be freaking traumatized when Kol manipulated and controlled Anniliese of her flame power, and I was distraught because he did not deserve that to be done to him. Like hello?!?! You introduce me to a wholesome character that I completely fell in love with, and he just dies…like excuse me, Ta,y did you kiss the brick before throwing it in my face? I’m still heartbroken about that, by the way, and probably won’t get over it anytime soon, I fear.
Honestly, the more I read Anniliese’s POV and chapters, the more I’m realizing that she is more than a damsel in distress, as her father had put her in this situation, manipulated and lied to her, and now she is a pawn of Kol’s. Like, I really do hope she finds her way out and actually grows a backbone, becomes stronger, fights back, and gets this bite to her. I also want to see her crash out and have this feminine rage cause I can definitely see that happening with her specifically. I’m also eager to see how her character develops in the next book and how she’ll navigate through her inner trauma, turmoil, and what she will do next. I do hope it’s either her or Mariah or both that kill Ksee cause I honestly hate that bitch.
The spicy scenes had me so gagged and sat on my chair like I was being such a gremlin at each time Andrian and Mariah were getting down like I was cackling and clapping hands like a seal LMAO. The under-the-table head scene, while the play was happening,g and Andrian not being able to do anything, had me giggling, smiling, and cackling cause OBVIOUSLY he has to be a good boy for his Queen, so anything she says or does, he obeys like a good boy. The way he could not do a thing had me rooting for Mariah like atta girl lol. Then, when Andrian retaliated and did his big one with SHADOW PLAY, a girl was sat and gagged speechless at what he did and what he was intending to do with them in the future, sure like. GYAT DAMN I NEED TEN OF THOSE PLS AND THANK YOU!
When Mariah got her magic back, I was actually happy for her, but also very scared because so many things were happening at once,e and I just knew something was going to happen, and I was so scared for her. The fight was so intense that I needed a big drink of cold water to calm down cause I knew deep down that a death was going to happen. Theminutet Kol, Andrian, Matheo, and Mariah began to fight back. I was so on edge and scared. When Matheo died I bawled and was in tears like did you kiss the knife before stabbing my heart because that was how devastated I was because Matheo had also become a favorite of mine and how could you traumatize me emotionally for it (even though I said yes to emotional trauma as a reader lol) and then Mariah assuming she had killed Kol only for it to backfire and her getting murdered by him had me open mouth sobbing onto my kindle. Alright, so my dogs began licking my tears, ars worried cause I was actually sobbing, and they got worried lol but anywho, the cliffhanger has still left me so shocked that I honestly don’t know what to do with myself anymore.
Overall, this book deserves ♾️/5⭐️ cause this book was so well written and thought out, there were so many twists and turns,s as well as challenges that all of the characters have faced. I loved every single chapter despite being heartbroken repeatedly throughout the entire book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a high-stakes high-tension romantic romantasy book with a big dash of emotional trauma and emotional damage. I am excited for book four, but I am also very scared and worried about what will happen next to the characters that I really love that have taken space in my heart. Can’t wait for what will be in store, teehee.
I am sending you my therapist bills, Tay cause I am NOT okay physically, mentally,y and emotionally for how Shattered had ended. CAUSE WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT HAD TO HAPPEN AND I'M STILL SHATTERED AND BROKEN (pun intended iykyk). I was so shocked, gobsmacked, and yes, I was sobbing because the last 20% of the book had me on the edge that I had at least multiple crash outs throughout the entire book. Besides my crash-out journey, I absolutely loved every single thing and detail of this story, and how Mariah and Andrian navigated through such a tough journey, and their character development was just done so well. I know there's still more that needs to be done, but I can't wait to see how they will prevail in the next book.
Honestly, though, in the first couple of chapters, I was so mad at what had happened from the previous point, and that Mariah was just at her lowest when her magic was gon,e and her inner turmoil took a big toll on her. Andrian, I was heartbroken because he had finally found out about the truth of who his real father is, and it was just a lot of big reveals that happened for him. Kol gave me the biggest ick, and I wanted to dive into the book and fight him. Would I win? No...would I still attempt to beat him up? ABSOFUCKINGLOUTELY. When I read about the dragon,s my mind immediately went to "I want to boop all of their snoots and lose my hands in the process." Getting to know the other gods like Priam, Callamus, Amasis, Ydros, Zadione, Qhohena, Krilene, and Kol was really interesting, and I liked how after the accidental awakening, we got glimpses of who they are, their power,s and what each god/goddess was in the story.
The amount of tension between the Ladies' and Armature, like Quentin and Delayn, i.e., as well as Sebastian and Cianna, had me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure cause what do you mean?!? Like, I'm not kiddin,g I was screaming at my Kindle and texting Tay's Discord server that they should just kiss or just fuck cause I was pulling my hair at the close encounter scenes that I was just like KISS ALREADY DAMN!!! Okay, Nikatel seems like he's being manipulated by Ydros because the way he stayed muted and did not help Cianna and Sebastian is very concerning. Like, I was annoyed but super suspicious about it. I felt bad that Cianna thinks that she is broken and couldn't be loved because of her flaws and insecurities,s which broke my heart for her. She never deserved what was done to her, and I just want to protect her at all costs. I absolutely love Matheo, like he was just so cute, and how he was always willing to help Mariah every step of the way, he gave little brother vibes, especially since he was the youngest Armature. I loved how he listened and gave Mariah the space and place to vent or rant like he was there to support Mariah in any way he could. Delaynie absolutely deserves the world. I don't care what anyone has to say.y Delaynie, Cianna, and Matheo are smol beans, and personally, I WOULD protect them at all costs.
Mariah and Andrian, I have been screaming at the top of my lungs from the very beginning of the series to now cause I knew they were going through hell and back for one another. I was so annoyed with some of the council pissing off Mariah after she had asked for refuge for her people, and for them to say she is evil for unintentionally waking up, Kol had me pulling my hair out. The Onitan people really did not deserve war to be put against them all because Kol wanted to get revenge on Qhohena, which pissed me off badly, and he wanted to kill her because she knew he was evil and he needed to be locked away. I honestly was caught off guard when I read from Scourged to Shattered that Andrian was Kol's son and that his father was just so greedy that he used his wife to get something he wanted and then killed her the next. I honestly don't know why he kept justifying his greed and abusive nature towards Andrian when, really, it had always been his fault since day one. Oh well,l good riddance, he had to die cause he pissed me off for two books straight. It is always the fathers/dads that are pieces of shit (that includes Kol). I fell in love with Gabriel, only to be freaking traumatized when Kol manipulated and controlled Anniliese of her flame power, and I was distraught because he did not deserve that to be done to him. Like hello?!?! You introduce me to a wholesome character that I completely fell in love with, and he just dies…like excuse me, Ta,y did you kiss the brick before throwing it in my face? I’m still heartbroken about that, by the way, and probably won’t get over it anytime soon, I fear.
Honestly, the more I read Anniliese’s POV and chapters, the more I’m realizing that she is more than a damsel in distress, as her father had put her in this situation, manipulated and lied to her, and now she is a pawn of Kol’s. Like, I really do hope she finds her way out and actually grows a backbone, becomes stronger, fights back, and gets this bite to her. I also want to see her crash out and have this feminine rage cause I can definitely see that happening with her specifically. I’m also eager to see how her character develops in the next book and how she’ll navigate through her inner trauma, turmoil, and what she will do next. I do hope it’s either her or Mariah or both that kill Ksee cause I honestly hate that bitch.
The spicy scenes had me so gagged and sat on my chair like I was being such a gremlin at each time Andrian and Mariah were getting down like I was cackling and clapping hands like a seal LMAO. The under-the-table head scene, while the play was happening,g and Andrian not being able to do anything, had me giggling, smiling, and cackling cause OBVIOUSLY he has to be a good boy for his Queen, so anything she says or does, he obeys like a good boy. The way he could not do a thing had me rooting for Mariah like atta girl lol. Then, when Andrian retaliated and did his big one with SHADOW PLAY, a girl was sat and gagged speechless at what he did and what he was intending to do with them in the future, sure like. GYAT DAMN I NEED TEN OF THOSE PLS AND THANK YOU!
When Mariah got her magic back, I was actually happy for her, but also very scared because so many things were happening at once,e and I just knew something was going to happen, and I was so scared for her. The fight was so intense that I needed a big drink of cold water to calm down cause I knew deep down that a death was going to happen. Theminutet Kol, Andrian, Matheo, and Mariah began to fight back. I was so on edge and scared. When Matheo died I bawled and was in tears like did you kiss the knife before stabbing my heart because that was how devastated I was because Matheo had also become a favorite of mine and how could you traumatize me emotionally for it (even though I said yes to emotional trauma as a reader lol) and then Mariah assuming she had killed Kol only for it to backfire and her getting murdered by him had me open mouth sobbing onto my kindle. Alright, so my dogs began licking my tears, ars worried cause I was actually sobbing, and they got worried lol but anywho, the cliffhanger has still left me so shocked that I honestly don’t know what to do with myself anymore.
Overall, this book deserves ♾️/5⭐️ cause this book was so well written and thought out, there were so many twists and turns,s as well as challenges that all of the characters have faced. I loved every single chapter despite being heartbroken repeatedly throughout the entire book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a high-stakes high-tension romantic romantasy book with a big dash of emotional trauma and emotional damage. I am excited for book four, but I am also very scared and worried about what will happen next to the characters that I really love that have taken space in my heart. Can’t wait for what will be in store, teehee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This series keeps getting better with each book that is released. The Solstice Cycle has been an epic journey, thus far, and there is still more to come. Tay Rose has made book 3, Shattered, a story that I could not put down. A continued fantasy of epic proportions that affected every part of me. Tay provides an emotional storyline that, while makes this book an emotional rollercoaster, is one you don’t want to get off of. Everything about this series has been full of wonder, romance, and world building that I have fallen in love with.
With this being the 3rd book, it’s hard to review without spoilers. The character development from the very beginning has been deep and complex. Mariah is trying to deal with her lost magic, Adrian is learning long buried truths, and we meet new characters that add more chaos and fun to the story. The added tension of “will they or won’t they” between couples was beyond yummy. Tay definitely had me begging many times to just write it already! Like I could will her with my mind to give me what I wanted sooner than she intended.
Our heroes may have a long road ahead of them, but their faith not in themselves, but each other, proves over and over to be what fuels them to keep going. The found family that is captured within the pages is beautiful and perfect. Tay’s vivid world building continues to grow this universe and each story elaborates on this amazing Tay has envisioned. Everything is purposeful and brings something magical to this world within the book.
I want to be mad at Tay for the ending, but I just can’t be. I am excited for what she will bring next to this epic series. Her book made me laugh, cry, sob, and clutch my pearls. I was unable to put this book down as Tay pulled me in early in book 1 and has kept me in her grasp since then. I will happily, and impatiently, wait for the next installment to see if our heroes finally get their happy ending.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚔️Meddlesome Gods
🖤Trauma and Secrets
⚔️Political Intrigue
🖤Quest and Trials
⚔️Light Mommy FMC
🖤Shadow Daddy MMC
⚔️Lore and Mythology
This series keeps getting better with each book that is released. The Solstice Cycle has been an epic journey, thus far, and there is still more to come. Tay Rose has made book 3, Shattered, a story that I could not put down. A continued fantasy of epic proportions that affected every part of me. Tay provides an emotional storyline that, while makes this book an emotional rollercoaster, is one you don’t want to get off of. Everything about this series has been full of wonder, romance, and world building that I have fallen in love with.
With this being the 3rd book, it’s hard to review without spoilers. The character development from the very beginning has been deep and complex. Mariah is trying to deal with her lost magic, Adrian is learning long buried truths, and we meet new characters that add more chaos and fun to the story. The added tension of “will they or won’t they” between couples was beyond yummy. Tay definitely had me begging many times to just write it already! Like I could will her with my mind to give me what I wanted sooner than she intended.
Our heroes may have a long road ahead of them, but their faith not in themselves, but each other, proves over and over to be what fuels them to keep going. The found family that is captured within the pages is beautiful and perfect. Tay’s vivid world building continues to grow this universe and each story elaborates on this amazing Tay has envisioned. Everything is purposeful and brings something magical to this world within the book.
I want to be mad at Tay for the ending, but I just can’t be. I am excited for what she will bring next to this epic series. Her book made me laugh, cry, sob, and clutch my pearls. I was unable to put this book down as Tay pulled me in early in book 1 and has kept me in her grasp since then. I will happily, and impatiently, wait for the next installment to see if our heroes finally get their happy ending.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚔️Meddlesome Gods
🖤Trauma and Secrets
⚔️Political Intrigue
🖤Quest and Trials
⚔️Light Mommy FMC
🖤Shadow Daddy MMC
⚔️Lore and Mythology
June 9, 2026
4.5⭐️ rounded up. I am absolutely wrecked… I did receive an ARC of this but my 1 year old kept me quite busy this month and I did not get to sit down and read much. It took me WAY longer than normal to read on top of the fact I read the other 2 books 2 years ago and took a second to get back into the grove of this world. Thank you Tay Rose for the early copy though!!!! No doubt there is slight 3rd book syndrome and it was a filler book. Something that I appreciated was everything was still interesting and unraveling so it didn’t feel super slow. Filler books can be hard to get through and this one didn’t feel difficult, just spread out and T’d up the final book for sure…. The whole book follows multiple places and multiple POVs. Lots of things I wanted to scream at but can’t spoil 😂 but one thing I will say is Mariah shutting her bonds after they just reopened was the STUPIDEST thing she could have done and I wanted to scream at her. DUMB DUMB DUMB. There’s so many things I love about these books and mainly it’s our FMC (despite her absolute stubbornness in this book). She is strong and smart and rational (mostly) and so supportive. I just enjoy how fiercely loyal she is. Andrian has grown on me so much. He’s actually a really insecure man and that’s relatively uncommon for male lead characters. I love the dynamic of them. They just have that deep love that you crave. Quentin and Delaynie are sweet but a little forced. But I do want the freaking world for Quentin so whatever. Now… Seb and Ciana have my whole damn heart. Ciana is the best friend and has been through some shit. Besides Callamus and Rullene, the gods can all suck it. And the rest of the armature is background the whole book so that’s about all… now that ending… around 87% in, I had a hunch that came to fruition in the end and I sobbed. Tay did us dirty and I’m wrecked… I understand books need bumps along the rode but god damn this one really got me. Now I’m gonna go try to read something happy and not so patiently wait for the final book.💔
May 11, 2026
ARC REVIEW - thank you to the author for an early copy!
4.25/5 rounded up
The third installment of the Solstice Cycle series opens up the world in a big way. For the first time, we see kingdoms outside of Onita and have multiple groups trying to put the pieces together. It was a delight to have the world, magic, and gods expanded - as the stakes grow, so do all these things.
We get more POVs that were a delight because they opened up new romantic dynamics that have been slowly stewing in the background in the previous books. The amount of YEARNING was out of control and I loved every second of it! Of the two romances, one is still in the early phases and I cannot wait to see where it goes in the next book.
Mariah and Andrian, our main couple, GO THROUGH IT. They both hit their lowest lows and must decide how they will navigate things within themselves and with their partner. I feel that Andrian has grown a lot since the start of the series; however, I was left feeling more frustration towards Mariah than growth. Her rash decision making and emotional responses may have changed to some extent here, but being this far in the series I was disappointed in how she chose to maneuver in certain moments.
The mythology with the gods and the magical elements of the story were so well done and interesting. I am permanently flabbergasted with where things left off and have no idea how the series will end!
The overall plot was enjoyable - the pacing in the first half was a bit slow, but the build is so worth it.
My emotions were all over the place following the characters and their journeys. I cannot believe there is only one more book in the series!!!
4.25/5 rounded up
The third installment of the Solstice Cycle series opens up the world in a big way. For the first time, we see kingdoms outside of Onita and have multiple groups trying to put the pieces together. It was a delight to have the world, magic, and gods expanded - as the stakes grow, so do all these things.
We get more POVs that were a delight because they opened up new romantic dynamics that have been slowly stewing in the background in the previous books. The amount of YEARNING was out of control and I loved every second of it! Of the two romances, one is still in the early phases and I cannot wait to see where it goes in the next book.
Mariah and Andrian, our main couple, GO THROUGH IT. They both hit their lowest lows and must decide how they will navigate things within themselves and with their partner. I feel that Andrian has grown a lot since the start of the series; however, I was left feeling more frustration towards Mariah than growth. Her rash decision making and emotional responses may have changed to some extent here, but being this far in the series I was disappointed in how she chose to maneuver in certain moments.
The mythology with the gods and the magical elements of the story were so well done and interesting. I am permanently flabbergasted with where things left off and have no idea how the series will end!
The overall plot was enjoyable - the pacing in the first half was a bit slow, but the build is so worth it.
My emotions were all over the place following the characters and their journeys. I cannot believe there is only one more book in the series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shattered lived up to the title because I am shattered. I read the last word and was left speechless for 7273836 hours (not really because I had to immediately scream at Tay for the emotional damage). 😂
Mariah, her armature and court ladies are spread thin searching for what seems like an impossible quest for a forgotten weapon to defeat the evil that spreads across the realm. Relationships were tested, more of the world explored and rage continually fueled by grown, arrogant men needing to be put in their place.
Tay’s writing is brilliant! I had no idea what was coming (in the most amazing way possible) and each chapter offered so much emotion and growth to the story and had me craving more! Between the brutal ending, gut-wrenching actions and the vague god and goddesses speaking in riddles, were beautiful, meaningful and wholesome moments and memories!
I devoured the multiple povs like a delicious sweet treat! Tay has crafted the best characters, and I enjoyed following my favorites on their adventures. My heart swelled, burned, fluttered, beat way too fast and did I mentioned shattered?! All of the emotions were felt!
The Solstice Cycle is an incredible journey, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! I’m so in love with the flow of light and darkness threaded throughout this book and series. I need to know everyone’s fates asap! Until then, I’ll be eating emotional support waffles.
Thank you so much to Tay for the gifted ARC! I’m still in awe after days of finishing and constantly thinking about Mariah and Andrian.
“Two shattered souls, just searching for a moment of something better.”
Mariah, her armature and court ladies are spread thin searching for what seems like an impossible quest for a forgotten weapon to defeat the evil that spreads across the realm. Relationships were tested, more of the world explored and rage continually fueled by grown, arrogant men needing to be put in their place.
Tay’s writing is brilliant! I had no idea what was coming (in the most amazing way possible) and each chapter offered so much emotion and growth to the story and had me craving more! Between the brutal ending, gut-wrenching actions and the vague god and goddesses speaking in riddles, were beautiful, meaningful and wholesome moments and memories!
I devoured the multiple povs like a delicious sweet treat! Tay has crafted the best characters, and I enjoyed following my favorites on their adventures. My heart swelled, burned, fluttered, beat way too fast and did I mentioned shattered?! All of the emotions were felt!
The Solstice Cycle is an incredible journey, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! I’m so in love with the flow of light and darkness threaded throughout this book and series. I need to know everyone’s fates asap! Until then, I’ll be eating emotional support waffles.
Thank you so much to Tay for the gifted ARC! I’m still in awe after days of finishing and constantly thinking about Mariah and Andrian.
“Two shattered souls, just searching for a moment of something better.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5 ⭐️
OH.MY.GODS…Tay, what have you done to me?!! To say that I am unwell is an understatement! You amply to led this book, because SHATTERED is what I feel! The gut wrenching heart shattering feelings this book put me through was so intense.
This book was an immersive incredibly deep dive into the other Kingdoms outside of Onita. There is so much going on in this book - multiple storylines, multiple POVs, multiple romances, epic world building that is vibrant and lush. This book definitely has some darker moments, so much passionate yearning and some unforgivable plot twists that had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room more times than I can count. The stakes climb even higher in Shattered as Mariah’s Armature and ladies are sent on separate missions. The trials and tribulations they all went through was hellish.
Every single one of the characters brings such an incredible depth to this story. Watching their growth was heartwarming, watching their struggles was brutal. But this found family is loyal to the end, despite the hardships they are faced with. It was so mesmerizing to be inside their heads.
Mariah, good gods, the rage she carries for all the despicable things that have been done to her! Those in her path deserve it ALL!
If you have not picked up the Solstice Cycle series, you really need to! It is so underhyped and underrated! Start with Threaded, you won’t be sorry! Shattered is book 3 in a planned 4 book series. Now I will be chomping at the bit for the conclusion!
A huge thank you to Tay for the advance e-ARC
OH.MY.GODS…Tay, what have you done to me?!! To say that I am unwell is an understatement! You amply to led this book, because SHATTERED is what I feel! The gut wrenching heart shattering feelings this book put me through was so intense.
This book was an immersive incredibly deep dive into the other Kingdoms outside of Onita. There is so much going on in this book - multiple storylines, multiple POVs, multiple romances, epic world building that is vibrant and lush. This book definitely has some darker moments, so much passionate yearning and some unforgivable plot twists that had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room more times than I can count. The stakes climb even higher in Shattered as Mariah’s Armature and ladies are sent on separate missions. The trials and tribulations they all went through was hellish.
Every single one of the characters brings such an incredible depth to this story. Watching their growth was heartwarming, watching their struggles was brutal. But this found family is loyal to the end, despite the hardships they are faced with. It was so mesmerizing to be inside their heads.
Mariah, good gods, the rage she carries for all the despicable things that have been done to her! Those in her path deserve it ALL!
If you have not picked up the Solstice Cycle series, you really need to! It is so underhyped and underrated! Start with Threaded, you won’t be sorry! Shattered is book 3 in a planned 4 book series. Now I will be chomping at the bit for the conclusion!
A huge thank you to Tay for the advance e-ARC
May 29, 2026
Phew y’all this crew just cannot catch a BREAK! So much goes wrong for them, and it’s at times a tough read…but it’s also so clear that Tay Rose has a master plan here. Good news is that the characters feel so real and relatable, it’s a pleasure to spend time with them. I felt like this book was a five course meal - I enjoyed every bite and took my time savoring it. The story is epic, with gods and goddesses and celestial machinations, but the characters ground the proceedings.
I deeply love all of our THREE core couples. There was not POV one that I wanted to skip through; all provided a different piece of the story and voice, partly for *reasons* but also just because they’ve been crafted so distinctly. All have triggers and traumas they are dealing with, and it’s impossible not to feel deeply for them.
Andrian & Mariah in particular are so utterly flawed and vulnerable. Again, Tay really is not shy about emotional (and sometimes physical) torture. Both are wrestling with failure, uncertainty and self doubt. Thankfully the raw feeling that pours off these two is so compelling it doesn’t feel like torture. Don’t worry - Mariah is still a badass, and Andrian is still snarky AF.
Clues for the bigger picture are seeded deliberately throughout, and I have such faith that instead of freaking out over the ending I’m just excited for what’s next. And for our crew to finally get a W 😂
I deeply love all of our THREE core couples. There was not POV one that I wanted to skip through; all provided a different piece of the story and voice, partly for *reasons* but also just because they’ve been crafted so distinctly. All have triggers and traumas they are dealing with, and it’s impossible not to feel deeply for them.
Andrian & Mariah in particular are so utterly flawed and vulnerable. Again, Tay really is not shy about emotional (and sometimes physical) torture. Both are wrestling with failure, uncertainty and self doubt. Thankfully the raw feeling that pours off these two is so compelling it doesn’t feel like torture. Don’t worry - Mariah is still a badass, and Andrian is still snarky AF.
Clues for the bigger picture are seeded deliberately throughout, and I have such faith that instead of freaking out over the ending I’m just excited for what’s next. And for our crew to finally get a W 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader. I think I am broken. I’m definitely heartbroken. Why do you do this to us, Tay? Girl knows how to ruin us that’s for sure 😭 Ok ok, let’s talk about this book without spoiling anything. Mariah is grieving a lot at the start of this book, not like the poor girl isn’t already dealing with a lot of shit so let’s add on a lot more. Her willingness to carry on after everything is admirable. I will say though I didn’t agree with her cutting the bonds, they need each other so much it would have been helpful to everyone if they had that contact.
Mariah sends everyone off on their own missions to find a weapon. These missions come with a lot of ups and downs, love and mortal peril.
Andrian is dealing with his own hell and his crippling self doubt. This guy really loathes himself for no reason, it’s actually heartbreaking.
I am throughly in love with Quintin, his chaotic energy in this book is a breath of fresh air amongst all the drama. I am routing for him to get everything he deserves, little wolf included. I can’t wait to see more from his POV in book 4!!
Again the world building and character development was stunning, it gets better with every book.
The last hour of this book had me crying quite a lot!! Oh the utter heartbreak 💔 I don’t know why I expected anything less than what we ended with, Tay knows how to break us 🥺
Mariah sends everyone off on their own missions to find a weapon. These missions come with a lot of ups and downs, love and mortal peril.
Andrian is dealing with his own hell and his crippling self doubt. This guy really loathes himself for no reason, it’s actually heartbreaking.
I am throughly in love with Quintin, his chaotic energy in this book is a breath of fresh air amongst all the drama. I am routing for him to get everything he deserves, little wolf included. I can’t wait to see more from his POV in book 4!!
Again the world building and character development was stunning, it gets better with every book.
The last hour of this book had me crying quite a lot!! Oh the utter heartbreak 💔 I don’t know why I expected anything less than what we ended with, Tay knows how to break us 🥺
Review of advance copy received from Author
🎉 I was so lucky to get an ARC of this book. 🎉 I still stand by the statement that this is a series everyone is missing out on, get with it people and get reading! If book two left you wanting to stomp your feet like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. Cue end of said temper tantrum.
This picks up right where we left off and kind of similar to the start of book two, in pieces. Mariah our FMC has had nothing handed to her easily. Her strength and will is constantly being tested, kind of relatable in life when you feel like you just can’t catch a break. Do you get the sense that literally nothing will go her way? Also yes. Does she keep telling people to fuck right off, yup.
We got to know the Armature a little better in book two and their characters continue to develop endearingly in this book. One of the best reads for development of the supporting characters who you already love so much. Yes, maybe at times the Armature men are a little self deprecating but it really reflects that anyone can feel unsatisfied with themselves. I loved me some Quentin and Matheo from day one.
Did I have suspicions where this book was going, yes. Were easter eggs dropped for you, yes. Was I still gasping with my mouth wide open throughout the last 5% YES. And then it ends… and cue my toddler temper tantrum right back up because WTF. Damn you Tay!
This picks up right where we left off and kind of similar to the start of book two, in pieces. Mariah our FMC has had nothing handed to her easily. Her strength and will is constantly being tested, kind of relatable in life when you feel like you just can’t catch a break. Do you get the sense that literally nothing will go her way? Also yes. Does she keep telling people to fuck right off, yup.
We got to know the Armature a little better in book two and their characters continue to develop endearingly in this book. One of the best reads for development of the supporting characters who you already love so much. Yes, maybe at times the Armature men are a little self deprecating but it really reflects that anyone can feel unsatisfied with themselves. I loved me some Quentin and Matheo from day one.
Did I have suspicions where this book was going, yes. Were easter eggs dropped for you, yes. Was I still gasping with my mouth wide open throughout the last 5% YES. And then it ends… and cue my toddler temper tantrum right back up because WTF. Damn you Tay!
July 20, 2026
“The Solstice Cycle is a planned four book adult political romantasy series feat. a hate to love bodyguard romance, a fiery FMC determined to make her world a better place, a broody shadow daddy love interest, and a large, diverse, all-human cast. With magic, gods, myths, and dragons, it’s perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, The Plated Prisoner Series, and The Kindred’s Curse Saga.”
Well that was an emotional rollercoaster! But I mean that in the best way possible. Although... I may need revenge for the freaking cliffhanger. However, the development of the world and the characters is absolutely stellar. There aren’t a lot of moments where you want to yell at the characters, which I find refreshing. It’s an epic journey where you meet the main character Mariah and immediately love her courage and just want to go on adventures with her. You do!! In the latest book in the Solstice Cycle you get to meet several new characters and get a broader look at the world Tay built. It’s full on intrigue and beauty and wanting to know all about it. I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves fantasy with some steamy romance thrown in.
Well that was an emotional rollercoaster! But I mean that in the best way possible. Although... I may need revenge for the freaking cliffhanger. However, the development of the world and the characters is absolutely stellar. There aren’t a lot of moments where you want to yell at the characters, which I find refreshing. It’s an epic journey where you meet the main character Mariah and immediately love her courage and just want to go on adventures with her. You do!! In the latest book in the Solstice Cycle you get to meet several new characters and get a broader look at the world Tay built. It’s full on intrigue and beauty and wanting to know all about it. I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves fantasy with some steamy romance thrown in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒕."
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I couldn’t wait to jump back into this world! I missed these characters and being with them again felt like being home 🥹 I don’t want to say too much since this is book 3, but in trying to help Mariah, the found family must split up to find a very important hidden object. I loved following these side quests. We get multiple POVs, an expansion to this world and side character romances I’ve YEARNED for 🫠 Thank you Tay for blessing us with some blush-worthy moments I will gladly think about forever and ever 🥵 This was an incredible story, but it wouldn’t be a Solstice Cycle series without a little emotional turmoil. I'm still not over that ending 😭 Thank you for the opportunity to once again be a part of the arc team. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us in the last book!
⚔️Quest for a Hidden Object
🖤The Party is Split
🐉Dragons
⚔️Prophecies
🖤Multiple POVs
🐉Political Intrigue
⚔️Secrets
🖤Multiple Romances
🐉Meddlesome Gods
⚔️Cliffhanger!!!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I couldn’t wait to jump back into this world! I missed these characters and being with them again felt like being home 🥹 I don’t want to say too much since this is book 3, but in trying to help Mariah, the found family must split up to find a very important hidden object. I loved following these side quests. We get multiple POVs, an expansion to this world and side character romances I’ve YEARNED for 🫠 Thank you Tay for blessing us with some blush-worthy moments I will gladly think about forever and ever 🥵 This was an incredible story, but it wouldn’t be a Solstice Cycle series without a little emotional turmoil. I'm still not over that ending 😭 Thank you for the opportunity to once again be a part of the arc team. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us in the last book!
⚔️Quest for a Hidden Object
🖤The Party is Split
🐉Dragons
⚔️Prophecies
🖤Multiple POVs
🐉Political Intrigue
⚔️Secrets
🖤Multiple Romances
🐉Meddlesome Gods
⚔️Cliffhanger!!!
June 27, 2026
Shattered is right, shatter my heart. The start of this book includes a cliffhanger warning and you should heed it.
Shattered is the third book (out of planned four) in The Solstice Cycle by Tay Rose. It’s multi POV that includes points of view from Mariah as well as those of some of her Court Ladies and bonded Armature. Honestly I’m as invested in some of the side romances as I am the main one between our Queen Mariah and emo shadow wielder Andrian.
I’d also recommend reviewing what happened in Threaded and Scourged. We are seeing a lot of the setup done there come back and I will probably go back and see all the Easter eggs I missed.
We continue to learn more about the magic system and gods etc as part of this world and it gets more and more curious.
If you like:
🌙 Found family
🩶 Multi POV
🌙 Meddling gods
🩶 Bonded guards
🌙 Journeys
🩶 Shadow daddy
I’d recommend Shattered and the whole Solstice Cycle
I received a copy of this book from the author
Shattered is the third book (out of planned four) in The Solstice Cycle by Tay Rose. It’s multi POV that includes points of view from Mariah as well as those of some of her Court Ladies and bonded Armature. Honestly I’m as invested in some of the side romances as I am the main one between our Queen Mariah and emo shadow wielder Andrian.
I’d also recommend reviewing what happened in Threaded and Scourged. We are seeing a lot of the setup done there come back and I will probably go back and see all the Easter eggs I missed.
We continue to learn more about the magic system and gods etc as part of this world and it gets more and more curious.
If you like:
🌙 Found family
🩶 Multi POV
🌙 Meddling gods
🩶 Bonded guards
🌙 Journeys
🩶 Shadow daddy
I’d recommend Shattered and the whole Solstice Cycle
I received a copy of this book from the author
May 10, 2026
✨Shattered✨
When Tay titled this third installment in her Solstice Cycle series, she knew exactly the outcome of her readers’ hearts. 😅
Shattered follows many more POVs, 3 romances, an epic plot line, darker moments, heart wrenching yearning, and destructive plot twists. The stakes rise even higher. Prophecies are unearthed, broken, and misinterpreted. Love is made and strangled. We have dragons, meddling gods, more magic, and greater world building. And that ending! If you want an epic, dark Romantasy series with so much tension, lore, and spice, this is for you!
Tropes you may find in Shattered are multiromance & POV, medium high spice, bonds, meddling gods, dragons, increased magic and character building, higher stakes, and a brutal cliffy.
Thank you, Tay, for this gifted arc and allowing be to be a part of your ST!
When Tay titled this third installment in her Solstice Cycle series, she knew exactly the outcome of her readers’ hearts. 😅
Shattered follows many more POVs, 3 romances, an epic plot line, darker moments, heart wrenching yearning, and destructive plot twists. The stakes rise even higher. Prophecies are unearthed, broken, and misinterpreted. Love is made and strangled. We have dragons, meddling gods, more magic, and greater world building. And that ending! If you want an epic, dark Romantasy series with so much tension, lore, and spice, this is for you!
Tropes you may find in Shattered are multiromance & POV, medium high spice, bonds, meddling gods, dragons, increased magic and character building, higher stakes, and a brutal cliffy.
Thank you, Tay, for this gifted arc and allowing be to be a part of your ST!
May 29, 2026
Tay Rose has done something truly special with Shattered. The world-building and character development in this book are next level - each page pulls you deeper into a richly crafted world that keeps expanding in the most satisfying ways.
What I love most is how the side quests and supporting characters feel like family. The Armature, the court ladies... you genuinely root for all of them. Tay has a rare gift for making every character feel real and relatable, not just the leads.
And the emotions? I have felt everything reading this book. Joy, heartbreak, rage, swooning - sometimes all within a single chapter. The adventure never lets up, and the stakes feel personal because you're so invested in these people.
If you haven't started The Solstice Cycle, you're missing out on something special. Start with Threaded and buckle up.
What I love most is how the side quests and supporting characters feel like family. The Armature, the court ladies... you genuinely root for all of them. Tay has a rare gift for making every character feel real and relatable, not just the leads.
And the emotions? I have felt everything reading this book. Joy, heartbreak, rage, swooning - sometimes all within a single chapter. The adventure never lets up, and the stakes feel personal because you're so invested in these people.
If you haven't started The Solstice Cycle, you're missing out on something special. Start with Threaded and buckle up.
June 13, 2026
This book is named appropriately because it will SHATTER you!!
Like making you stare at a wall for hours after finishing it.
So we have Andrian walking around being a sad Boi and all depressed. Mariah living with so much guilt and grief and rage. Ciana dealing with her trauma. Delaynie finding out some very important information about herself. And all the Gods meddling in everyone's business, screwing things up. Ugh and then Mateo being a bright spot in all the darkness 😭
This was a chunky book, like took me almost 2 months to finish. (Sorry Tay 🫶) But it was so hard to put down. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting for what was going to happen next. Im planning my reread and i know Tay will absolutely deliver in the next book.
Oh, and I stan Quentin and his Little Wolf 💗
Thank you Tay for the ARC!!
Like making you stare at a wall for hours after finishing it.
So we have Andrian walking around being a sad Boi and all depressed. Mariah living with so much guilt and grief and rage. Ciana dealing with her trauma. Delaynie finding out some very important information about herself. And all the Gods meddling in everyone's business, screwing things up. Ugh and then Mateo being a bright spot in all the darkness 😭
This was a chunky book, like took me almost 2 months to finish. (Sorry Tay 🫶) But it was so hard to put down. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting for what was going to happen next. Im planning my reread and i know Tay will absolutely deliver in the next book.
Oh, and I stan Quentin and his Little Wolf 💗
Thank you Tay for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Tay Rose for the ARC!
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I finished and am unwell. 🥹
Shattered has 6 POVs, and can I just say how much of a delight it was to be inside Quentin's head?!?
This was a roller coaster of a book! I'm not sure how Tay keeps coming up with even bigger cliffhangers than the previous book, but here we are. 😆💔
I loved seeing other parts of Onita through the characters' alternating POVs, and learning about the different people from each area, along with their customs and unhinged soirees. 😄
There are many surprises throughout Shattered that you will have to read to fully experience. Secrets are revealed, allies are forged, and new enemies are revealed.
There is a lot to unwrap in Shattered, and I can't wait for the fourth and final book!
****************
I finished and am unwell. 🥹
Shattered has 6 POVs, and can I just say how much of a delight it was to be inside Quentin's head?!?
This was a roller coaster of a book! I'm not sure how Tay keeps coming up with even bigger cliffhangers than the previous book, but here we are. 😆💔
I loved seeing other parts of Onita through the characters' alternating POVs, and learning about the different people from each area, along with their customs and unhinged soirees. 😄
There are many surprises throughout Shattered that you will have to read to fully experience. Secrets are revealed, allies are forged, and new enemies are revealed.
There is a lot to unwrap in Shattered, and I can't wait for the fourth and final book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Tay, for allowing me to read this gem early ❤️
✨Shattered ✨
Literally lol. Tay has done it again with book 3 in The Solstice Cycle series. Did I need therapy before reading this book? Probably. Do I need therapy after? Absolutely, without a doubt. Tay delivers emotional damage on the highest scale possible IMO, but we love her for it (I do at least). Between the different character POVs, the magic, the expansion of the world building, the drama, the fighting, and the spice, I could not have been more surprised (in a good way! This girl never sees the plot twist coming before they happen) and happy (while simultaneously angry and sad) with this book. If you haven’t read this series, you’re really missing out.
✨Shattered ✨
Literally lol. Tay has done it again with book 3 in The Solstice Cycle series. Did I need therapy before reading this book? Probably. Do I need therapy after? Absolutely, without a doubt. Tay delivers emotional damage on the highest scale possible IMO, but we love her for it (I do at least). Between the different character POVs, the magic, the expansion of the world building, the drama, the fighting, and the spice, I could not have been more surprised (in a good way! This girl never sees the plot twist coming before they happen) and happy (while simultaneously angry and sad) with this book. If you haven’t read this series, you’re really missing out.
May 28, 2026
Full of loss and grief, Mariah and her court find themselves spread thin in order to find the knowledge necessary to save not only their people from a vengeful dark god, but their world at large. Can they face their greatest fears and claim victory? Or will fate deal them the cruelest lesson of all?
Shattered is a story with several POVs, expanded world building, and multiple romances chock full of yearning and restraint. I enjoyed getting insight into several key players, experiencing new places and magic, and of course what the various gods have been up to since awakening.
Add in an ending full of nonstop action and nail biting suspense, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Will the light prevail, or will the darkness swallow them whole?!
Shattered is a story with several POVs, expanded world building, and multiple romances chock full of yearning and restraint. I enjoyed getting insight into several key players, experiencing new places and magic, and of course what the various gods have been up to since awakening.
Add in an ending full of nonstop action and nail biting suspense, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Will the light prevail, or will the darkness swallow them whole?!
May 30, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Shattered. I’m not sure why this series isn’t more popular. It is (by far) one of the best series I’ve ever read. Tay Rose is a wonderful writer and has a way of keeping the reader enthralled throughout the book.
This book had a bit of a slow start for me but once it picked up, I was hooked again.
Mariah is such a dynamic character. I LOVED getting a glimpse into the psyche of her favorites as well. The varying perspectives added a fun, intriguing element to the story and the building up the inevitable war.
I’m hoping that it won’t be very long until the final book but take your time Tay. We’ll be here waiting!
This book had a bit of a slow start for me but once it picked up, I was hooked again.
Mariah is such a dynamic character. I LOVED getting a glimpse into the psyche of her favorites as well. The varying perspectives added a fun, intriguing element to the story and the building up the inevitable war.
I’m hoping that it won’t be very long until the final book but take your time Tay. We’ll be here waiting!
June 25, 2026
I waited VERY long for this release and I'm left a little underwhelmed. I don't personally love the trope of splitting up the entire main cast of characters to pursue individual adventures; it tends to annoy me more than excite me, and that's what happened here. Their journey's were also a bit too predictable for me. Will I read book 4? Yes, I've invested my time - this book was 1,000 pages for goodness sake. Did the cliffhanger give me butterflies? Sorry Tay, not this time. Please impress me with book 4!! A grand finale and all will be forgiven!
July 3, 2026
⚔️ You ever read a series that just scratches that epic fantasy itch? A series that just has the right amount of romance/spice without detracting from the plot or seems out of place? If any of that spoke to you I beg you to read this criminally underrated series!
✨Found Family
🗡️Side Quests
✨Chosen one that doesn’t always get it right
🗡️Dragons
✨Magic
Mariah has become one of my favorite FMCs. She feels incredibly real, she knows when she’s probably wrong and she faces the consequences. Sometimes I just get tired of reading about “the Chosen one” who never fails.
The family she finds over the course of these three books and the personal character growth are unmatched.
Did I mention side quests?! I love seeing all the characters off on their own journeys while still furthering the plot as a whole. I’m a stan for multiple POVs.
I can’t wait for the action I know book 4 is gonna bring!
…seriously read this. I neeeeeed another special edition set of this series.
✨Found Family
🗡️Side Quests
✨Chosen one that doesn’t always get it right
🗡️Dragons
✨Magic
Mariah has become one of my favorite FMCs. She feels incredibly real, she knows when she’s probably wrong and she faces the consequences. Sometimes I just get tired of reading about “the Chosen one” who never fails.
The family she finds over the course of these three books and the personal character growth are unmatched.
Did I mention side quests?! I love seeing all the characters off on their own journeys while still furthering the plot as a whole. I’m a stan for multiple POVs.
I can’t wait for the action I know book 4 is gonna bring!
…seriously read this. I neeeeeed another special edition set of this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was soooo excited for this third book in the series and it did not disappoint!! The characters got to separate on their own adventures this time which was really fun to see the side characters come to life in new ways. I love when a book has romance between other than just the main couple and seeing some thrive was very exciting. The end??? Goodbyeee it’s a cliff it’s so sad and screaming into the void!!
July 28, 2026
That's the last time I read a book by this author and think to myself, "well, the ending can't hurt as much as the last one" because WHAT DO YOU MEAN.
I love the solstice cycle series so much, and this installment just expanded on the intricate world/lore that Tay created, in addition to giving us new POVs (!!). So many great twists, questions answered, yet I have more and I'm dying to know how this will wrap up in the next one.
4.5 🌟 and thank you to the author for an e-arc!
I love the solstice cycle series so much, and this installment just expanded on the intricate world/lore that Tay created, in addition to giving us new POVs (!!). So many great twists, questions answered, yet I have more and I'm dying to know how this will wrap up in the next one.
4.5 🌟 and thank you to the author for an e-arc!
May 14, 2026
4.5✨
Wow, Tay. This was a LOT of POVs and a LOT of things moving in the background. I can’t imagine what your planning board/document looked like for this book.
I will warn people, this is not a happy story… things are dark and dismal (think Empire of Storms vibe, iykyk)
I am so excited to see where everything goes from here!
(P.s. why did you have to do our girl Cee like that…? 😫 I’m mad)
Wow, Tay. This was a LOT of POVs and a LOT of things moving in the background. I can’t imagine what your planning board/document looked like for this book.
I will warn people, this is not a happy story… things are dark and dismal (think Empire of Storms vibe, iykyk)
I am so excited to see where everything goes from here!
(P.s. why did you have to do our girl Cee like that…? 😫 I’m mad)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are you ready for this????? We already love Mariah and Andrian. Be prepared for a while ride of emotions! The first two books sucked me in and this one I could NOt Put down. I received an Arc copy and boy I’m so glad I did!!! If you haven’t started this series GOOO NOW
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