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Veilborn Academy #3
The Cursed Shadow
I trusted the wrong person and was shoved into the Veil.
I came out changed—scarred, darker, and marked by power that burns in my veins.
The Veil didn’t kill me. It unlocked something worse.
Now I’m done being managed. Done being protected from myself. Done forgiving.
Auron betrayed me. His father ordered it. And I’m going to make them pay.
But revenge gets messy when the man who shoved me into darkness is the only one who truly understands what crawled back out. Hatred blurs into desire, and the line between enemy and ally vanishes.
The Veil claimed me as its own. The academy, the Bloodborn, and every hidden power beyond the wards are about to discover what that means.
They created the monster.
I’m done pretending I won’t unleash it.
I came out changed—scarred, darker, and marked by power that burns in my veins.
The Veil didn’t kill me. It unlocked something worse.
Now I’m done being managed. Done being protected from myself. Done forgiving.
Auron betrayed me. His father ordered it. And I’m going to make them pay.
But revenge gets messy when the man who shoved me into darkness is the only one who truly understands what crawled back out. Hatred blurs into desire, and the line between enemy and ally vanishes.
The Veil claimed me as its own. The academy, the Bloodborn, and every hidden power beyond the wards are about to discover what that means.
They created the monster.
I’m done pretending I won’t unleash it.
- GenresParanormal
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 16, 2026
This is the third book in the series and I can certainly say that things are coming together while they are falling apart for Lindsay in this installment. She is solidifying her relationship with some of the older (as in we knew them from before, not that they are old) love interests and there are even some surprising new ones. Lindsay is also learning that she didn't come back from the veil alone and she's showing others that she's not weak either. She has some interesting tales to tell! The interactions in this book are so good (and some are spicy!!) but the best part is that Lindsay now knows who she is and some of the power that she holds. She's done being manipulated and lied to and will stand for nothing less than being supported 100%. I can't wait for book 4 because that was quite a cliffhanger!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review: The Cursed Shadow (Veilborn Academy #3)
Author: AJ Moran
Series: Veilborn Academy, Book 3
Release Date: May 2026
ARC Copy in which I am leaving my honest review.
"They created the monster. I'm done pretending I won't unleash it."
If you thought the stakes couldn't get any higher after Lindsay was shoved into the Veil at the end of The Bound Blood, think again. AJ Moran returns with The Cursed Shadow, a third installment that is as emotionally charged as it is undeniably scorching. This is a story about a girl who was never meant to survive the darkness, coming back out of it not just changed, but utterly unleashed.
The Heat: Turning Up the Temperature
Now, Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the fae prince, the demon prince, the warlock, and the shifter in the room. If you thought books 1 and 2 were steamy, book 3 sets the entire academy on fire.
The "Why Choose" dynamics have evolved from simmering tension into a full-blown inferno. Moran leans heavily into the "you’re mines, you’re ours" tropes this time around. The Guys come together giving us bromance vibes and I'm here for it. Now that Lindsay has embraced the "monster" within, her chemistry with Auron, Kael, and the rest of the bonds has reached a fever pitch. The romance scenes are frequent, high-heat, and arguably the most explicit and well-written in the series so far. For readers here for the spice, this book is an absolute feast.
The Pace: A Slow Burn with a Sudden Blast
However, the narrative structure of The Cursed Shadow is where the "critical" part of this review comes in. Compared to the breakneck action of The Hidden Mark and the constant political maneuvering of The Bound Blood, this installment feels much more internal. Although answers are provided, I feel like we go back and forth between talking about the prophecy and sex. No deep connections, every bond is surface level and lust. Although who has time to go on dates and get to know their partners in and out when the world you know is about to end?
• Books 1 & 2: High-octane escapes, magical duels, and immediate external threats.
• Book 3: A heavy focus on Lindsay’s psychological trauma with her struggles in controlling the shadows after the Veil, the deepening of the harem bonds, and a lot of brooding within the academy walls. She’s supposed to be honing her skills, yet has one class where she fails miserably. Everything else is warp speed with her focusing on the prophecy and ensnaring her mates/bonds. Her BFF Tamsin steals the show. She has character growth, excellent girl to girl advice and is as fierce and loyal as ever. I assume she will get a side books, because why not. She was the ultimate VIP in book 3.
While the characters romance lives are top-tier, 60% of the book lacks the kinetic energy we’ve come to expect. It feels like a long, tension-filled inhalation... and then the end happens. And boy oh boy did it happen!
The Finale: The Cliffhanger to End All Cliffhangers
Just when you start to wonder if the plot has stalled, Moran pulls the rug out from under you. The final chapters explode in a flurry of violence, betrayal, and intrigue that changes everything. It culminates in a major cliffhanger that makes the ending of Book 2 look like a pleasant Sunday brunch.
The Verdict
The Cursed Shadow is a polarizing read. If you are here for the character growth (BFF and the budding bromance between the guys), deep emotional stakes, and some of the best savage steam in modern paranormal romance, you will adore this. If you were hoping for the non-stop action of the first two books, you might find the pacing a bit sluggish until the final act.
Regardless, Moran has successfully turned Lindsay into a powerhouse protagonist, and that ending ensures we'll all be counting down the days until book 4
Rating: (4/5)
Spice Level: 3.5 out of 5 (5 being pure smut)
Author: AJ Moran
Series: Veilborn Academy, Book 3
Release Date: May 2026
ARC Copy in which I am leaving my honest review.
"They created the monster. I'm done pretending I won't unleash it."
If you thought the stakes couldn't get any higher after Lindsay was shoved into the Veil at the end of The Bound Blood, think again. AJ Moran returns with The Cursed Shadow, a third installment that is as emotionally charged as it is undeniably scorching. This is a story about a girl who was never meant to survive the darkness, coming back out of it not just changed, but utterly unleashed.
The Heat: Turning Up the Temperature
Now, Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the fae prince, the demon prince, the warlock, and the shifter in the room. If you thought books 1 and 2 were steamy, book 3 sets the entire academy on fire.
The "Why Choose" dynamics have evolved from simmering tension into a full-blown inferno. Moran leans heavily into the "you’re mines, you’re ours" tropes this time around. The Guys come together giving us bromance vibes and I'm here for it. Now that Lindsay has embraced the "monster" within, her chemistry with Auron, Kael, and the rest of the bonds has reached a fever pitch. The romance scenes are frequent, high-heat, and arguably the most explicit and well-written in the series so far. For readers here for the spice, this book is an absolute feast.
The Pace: A Slow Burn with a Sudden Blast
However, the narrative structure of The Cursed Shadow is where the "critical" part of this review comes in. Compared to the breakneck action of The Hidden Mark and the constant political maneuvering of The Bound Blood, this installment feels much more internal. Although answers are provided, I feel like we go back and forth between talking about the prophecy and sex. No deep connections, every bond is surface level and lust. Although who has time to go on dates and get to know their partners in and out when the world you know is about to end?
• Books 1 & 2: High-octane escapes, magical duels, and immediate external threats.
• Book 3: A heavy focus on Lindsay’s psychological trauma with her struggles in controlling the shadows after the Veil, the deepening of the harem bonds, and a lot of brooding within the academy walls. She’s supposed to be honing her skills, yet has one class where she fails miserably. Everything else is warp speed with her focusing on the prophecy and ensnaring her mates/bonds. Her BFF Tamsin steals the show. She has character growth, excellent girl to girl advice and is as fierce and loyal as ever. I assume she will get a side books, because why not. She was the ultimate VIP in book 3.
While the characters romance lives are top-tier, 60% of the book lacks the kinetic energy we’ve come to expect. It feels like a long, tension-filled inhalation... and then the end happens. And boy oh boy did it happen!
The Finale: The Cliffhanger to End All Cliffhangers
Just when you start to wonder if the plot has stalled, Moran pulls the rug out from under you. The final chapters explode in a flurry of violence, betrayal, and intrigue that changes everything. It culminates in a major cliffhanger that makes the ending of Book 2 look like a pleasant Sunday brunch.
The Verdict
The Cursed Shadow is a polarizing read. If you are here for the character growth (BFF and the budding bromance between the guys), deep emotional stakes, and some of the best savage steam in modern paranormal romance, you will adore this. If you were hoping for the non-stop action of the first two books, you might find the pacing a bit sluggish until the final act.
Regardless, Moran has successfully turned Lindsay into a powerhouse protagonist, and that ending ensures we'll all be counting down the days until book 4
Rating: (4/5)
Spice Level: 3.5 out of 5 (5 being pure smut)
May 16, 2026
The Cursed Shadow is the third book in the Veilborn Academy series written by A. J. Moran.
💜 prophecy
💜 bonds
💜 curses
💜 finding the way
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
This book picks right up where the last book left off. Lindsay was in the Veil. Now she’s back and she’s not the same girl who left. She has so many things that need her attention right away. She needs to see Nolan and Raiden. She needs to get in front of Kael if for nothing else but to let him know her thoughts on the lies. Will she need to do anything else? Will the Veil require anything of her now that she’s on the other side of the Veil?
This was a good addition to the series. The character building just grew even more in this book. I liked how we got to know each character a little bit more are well. This story about the prophecy is like one big puzzle that is waiting to be solved. Like the last two books, this one ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next one to release so I can see how everything will come together in the end.
💜 prophecy
💜 bonds
💜 curses
💜 finding the way
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
This book picks right up where the last book left off. Lindsay was in the Veil. Now she’s back and she’s not the same girl who left. She has so many things that need her attention right away. She needs to see Nolan and Raiden. She needs to get in front of Kael if for nothing else but to let him know her thoughts on the lies. Will she need to do anything else? Will the Veil require anything of her now that she’s on the other side of the Veil?
This was a good addition to the series. The character building just grew even more in this book. I liked how we got to know each character a little bit more are well. This story about the prophecy is like one big puzzle that is waiting to be solved. Like the last two books, this one ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next one to release so I can see how everything will come together in the end.
May 6, 2026
so good!
I love this series. Not only because the world is interesting or the unknown that the fmc brings or the range of men she’s seemed to collect around her, but also because of the solid friendships that have formed. Honestly. Her and Tamsins friendship is a breath of fresh air. In some ways they remind me of my best friend and I and I think that’s the part that lands the most for me. And don’t get me wrong, I really like the other stuff in the book and series too. Like genuinely really like it. For me personally it’s their friendship that really makes me smile while reading it. That being said, this book definitely has us set up for what’s next. You can feel the momentum building while reading it. And I just loveeeeeeeee the newer version of Lindsay that was forged after everything she’s been through. The old her still there but i definitely think she has sharper edges now.
I love this series. Not only because the world is interesting or the unknown that the fmc brings or the range of men she’s seemed to collect around her, but also because of the solid friendships that have formed. Honestly. Her and Tamsins friendship is a breath of fresh air. In some ways they remind me of my best friend and I and I think that’s the part that lands the most for me. And don’t get me wrong, I really like the other stuff in the book and series too. Like genuinely really like it. For me personally it’s their friendship that really makes me smile while reading it. That being said, this book definitely has us set up for what’s next. You can feel the momentum building while reading it. And I just loveeeeeeeee the newer version of Lindsay that was forged after everything she’s been through. The old her still there but i definitely think she has sharper edges now.
May 6, 2026
Our Girl is back from the veil, and boy is she mad!
This was such a great book. Lindsay is done playing nice and letting the people in her life call the shots for her. With new powers, and a much deeper understanding of the Veil and her place, she takes no prisoners in this book. We get to see the bonds she has with her boys (and her new ones too) grow deeper and closer. I was squealing with some of the back stories that get revealed and I could not put this book down. Tamsin is also as amazing and wonderful as the greatest bestie to ever live and she is 100% saying all the things us as a reader are also saying.
Cannot wait for the next book in this series cause OMG the drama that happens in this story!
This was such a great book. Lindsay is done playing nice and letting the people in her life call the shots for her. With new powers, and a much deeper understanding of the Veil and her place, she takes no prisoners in this book. We get to see the bonds she has with her boys (and her new ones too) grow deeper and closer. I was squealing with some of the back stories that get revealed and I could not put this book down. Tamsin is also as amazing and wonderful as the greatest bestie to ever live and she is 100% saying all the things us as a reader are also saying.
Cannot wait for the next book in this series cause OMG the drama that happens in this story!
May 16, 2026
This series is a mix of everything I like !
After the end of the last book I was SO ready for the lot of broody groveling men... I'm pretty sure it could make me COMBUST with a hotter than hells chemistry between not only the FMC & her harem but also between The MMCs spicy scenes were OUT OF THIS WORLD !
We are finally getting some answers about the true prophecy and some secrets / past events between the main characters. It FINALLY seems to make space for honest communication 🙌
Freaking socks to have such horrific parents and family and while I was expecting a rude cliffhanger.... it was pretty harsh >.<
I CANNOT wait for the next book to be out ~
ARC Reviewer - Thanks to BookSirens & the author
After the end of the last book I was SO ready for the lot of broody groveling men... I'm pretty sure it could make me COMBUST with a hotter than hells chemistry between not only the FMC & her harem but also between The MMCs spicy scenes were OUT OF THIS WORLD !
We are finally getting some answers about the true prophecy and some secrets / past events between the main characters. It FINALLY seems to make space for honest communication 🙌
Freaking socks to have such horrific parents and family and while I was expecting a rude cliffhanger.... it was pretty harsh >.<
I CANNOT wait for the next book to be out ~
ARC Reviewer - Thanks to BookSirens & the author
Review of advance copy
Lindsay returns, the action increases and so does the spice.
Eek! This is getting so good, loving Lindsay’s strength, her worry that she might become evil and the strengthening of her bonds.
Nolan is still my absolute favourite and now he is setting boundaries and becoming more courageous, he’s just so incredibly cute. I loved learning more of the history between Kael and Dorian, Dorian flirting with lots of people and Auron and his curse. And feral Raiden 🔥🥵🔥🥵
The prophecy becomes clearer; Tamsin is still the best friend you could ever want, and I still don’t know if I can trust Auron.
This set everything up so well for the final book and I can’t wait!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Eek! This is getting so good, loving Lindsay’s strength, her worry that she might become evil and the strengthening of her bonds.
Nolan is still my absolute favourite and now he is setting boundaries and becoming more courageous, he’s just so incredibly cute. I loved learning more of the history between Kael and Dorian, Dorian flirting with lots of people and Auron and his curse. And feral Raiden 🔥🥵🔥🥵
The prophecy becomes clearer; Tamsin is still the best friend you could ever want, and I still don’t know if I can trust Auron.
This set everything up so well for the final book and I can’t wait!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 6, 2026
I swear this series gets better and better with each book!
Seeing how the veil changed Lindsey was a shock to the system.
Throw in getting some answers to exactly what/who she is was a huge surprise.
I loved watching Nolan grow and change, but watching Auron was difficult, knowing why he behaves as he does does help with the whole hating him, but dear lord hes a stubborn man, and broken.
I love the characters, Seeing their growth and development as the story progresses, I'm enjoying the angst, drama and the twists and turns, the surprise as answers are given to exactly what has been going on.
Seeing how the veil changed Lindsey was a shock to the system.
Throw in getting some answers to exactly what/who she is was a huge surprise.
I loved watching Nolan grow and change, but watching Auron was difficult, knowing why he behaves as he does does help with the whole hating him, but dear lord hes a stubborn man, and broken.
I love the characters, Seeing their growth and development as the story progresses, I'm enjoying the angst, drama and the twists and turns, the surprise as answers are given to exactly what has been going on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hooked, I am absolutely hooked on this series. First things first, Kael is mine. I licked him, he’s mine. Moving on. If there was an award for bestie of the century, Tamsin would win hands down. That girl is a soul bestie for life and she brings the banter. Lindsay, girlfriend, you turned up the heat this time around, both magically and well, everywhere else. I have so many questions, I have characters I want to hug and cheer and I have characters that I want to put legos under their sheets. That ending!!!!!!!!!! I neeeeeeeedddd book 4!!!!!!!
May 9, 2026
great story, left needing more
This is book 3 in the Veilborn series, a reverse harem supernatural academy story. After the jaw-dropping cliffhanger in book 2, this installment answers the big question… she’s okay… more than okay actually. The group is even closer, though one of them is still resisting, all while building toward another cliffhanger ending. I’m excited for book 4, but I can’t help wondering if we’ll finally get answers or if I’ll be left with more questions.
This is book 3 in the Veilborn series, a reverse harem supernatural academy story. After the jaw-dropping cliffhanger in book 2, this installment answers the big question… she’s okay… more than okay actually. The group is even closer, though one of them is still resisting, all while building toward another cliffhanger ending. I’m excited for book 4, but I can’t help wondering if we’ll finally get answers or if I’ll be left with more questions.
May 30, 2026
This book was very mid compared to the first two for me.
I'm really sick of sweet MMC cinnamon rolls
I'm really sick of sweet MMC cinnamon rolls
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Cursed Shadow, book 3 of the new series Veilborn Academy by AJ Moran @aj_moran_author. AJ is one of my favorite authors!
This was such a great 3rd book about Lindsay, Raidon, Kael, Dorian & Auron & Nolan! Tropes: Paranormal (Demon, Shifters, Warlock, Fae), Academy, Reverse Harem With Flirting MM, SLOW BURN, Found Family & A Brutal Cliffhanger!
This was such a great 3rd book about Lindsay, Raidon, Kael, Dorian & Auron & Nolan! Tropes: Paranormal (Demon, Shifters, Warlock, Fae), Academy, Reverse Harem With Flirting MM, SLOW BURN, Found Family & A Brutal Cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lindsay's transformation into the woman she's meant to be took a few big leaps in this book.
So good, with lots of steam, lots of action. More bonding. So much snarky fun. I really wish the next one wasn't the last. This group is so much fun. Hope the little twists dont make the next book a complete heartbreaking read. Can't wait!
So good, with lots of steam, lots of action. More bonding. So much snarky fun. I really wish the next one wasn't the last. This group is so much fun. Hope the little twists dont make the next book a complete heartbreaking read. Can't wait!
May 9, 2026
We continue the story of Lindsay… after being tossed into the veil by Auron (My jaw was still dropped with that) she comes back changed. Armed with new knowledge and more power, she seeks to take control of the school and the council that tried to bind her in the first place. We follow Lindsay as she forges and tightens her bonds with Kael, Raiden Dorian and Nolan and we watch as she navigates her tenuous connection to Auron as well. There were quite a bit of “oh snap what?!” Moments and the cliffhanger at the end has me salivating for the next installation of the story. I’m loving this story with each book that comes out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
Wow!
This series has been an action-packed adventure right from the start and this book ramps that all up another notch. Fast-paced, character development or redefining, spice galore, and sinister plots and twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the final book of this incredible and rich series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series has been an action-packed adventure right from the start and this book ramps that all up another notch. Fast-paced, character development or redefining, spice galore, and sinister plots and twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the final book of this incredible and rich series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2026
I have been following Lindsay’s story because let’s be honest she’s a baddie that has five guys that can’t help but feel pulled into her! I love that she has a different type of relationship with each one. But the underlying story holy wow sooooo interesting I cannot wait for the last book in this series.
May 8, 2026
Book 3 and we go a little darker and a little spicier scebtclient after being thrown into veil she returns, changed and the darkness this change had on it shows in more ways then most are completely comfortable.
The Men Nolan, Raiden, .Dorian and keel all grow closer to her and each other. And since like calls to like Auron is at her side.
This series is just getting better and better
The Men Nolan, Raiden, .Dorian and keel all grow closer to her and each other. And since like calls to like Auron is at her side.
This series is just getting better and better
May 8, 2026
I reread books 1 and 2 before starting this one and I was glad I did. Book 3 starts directly after book 2 starts. The spice is definitely starting in this installment. And a lot is happening that might surprise you. There is another cliffhanger so I can't wait for the final book to arrive.
June 1, 2026
Things are starting to get interesting between the action and the spice. This is a great continuation from book 2. I'm super excited to see where the final book will lead Lindsay and her guys. 😁
*Received an ARC
*Received an ARC
May 8, 2026
😻
Bleh, I knew there was another book! There is no way that could be the last book! I'm really hoping the next one is! But not sure with that title!
Bleh, I knew there was another book! There is no way that could be the last book! I'm really hoping the next one is! But not sure with that title!
May 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Finally, some forward momentum in the "bonding" front. Pieces are falling into place, connections are strengthening, bonds solidifying and plans forming... this had me sat... bring on the next book stat though please
Finally, some forward momentum in the "bonding" front. Pieces are falling into place, connections are strengthening, bonds solidifying and plans forming... this had me sat... bring on the next book stat though please
Review of advance copy received from Author
Things are getting twisty and tricky. I love this series so far. Our girl has had a tough time so far at this academy & now she's back from the Veil & ready to kick some a** and stand her ground. She was shown the truth of things, and finds out even more about the prophecy in this book. I love the guys & their relationships with her, and each other. Each character is explored and we get to know them even better. I don't think I could choose one of the guys as my favorite. I love them all for different reasons. The relationships between them are evolving and growing. There's everything that you could want in this book. You've got humor, action, love, found family, betrayal, forgiveness, friendship, steamy scenes, and everything in-between. I can't wait to read the final book. This one definitely leaves you needing to read the next asap. Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews