Rain of Shadows and Endings (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Legacy [Dramatized Adaptation] #1, Part 1

by Melissa K. Roehrich

A masterpiece in fated mates and broken bonds world-building for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Amber V. Nicole, Kaylie Smith, and Rebecca Yarros, the first installment in Melissa K. Roehrich’s internationally bestselling Legacy Series is a contemporary dark romantasy set in a world forgotten by the gods, created for their descendants, roamed by dragons, served by Fae…and not so different from our own.

Out of all their creations, the gods favored their children the most. But with that favor came the fear that their Legacy would one day become too powerful...

A World the Gods Forgot
Devram is a realm hidden amongst the stars. The gods gave their Legacy the best of all the worlds, and then they left—having sworn to never return and to never interfere.

A Historical Event
Forced into a life of servitude, the Fae provide for the Legacy in more ways than one. Every five years, eligible Fae are gathered for the Selection and assigned to serve in one of the six Kingdoms. To be chosen as the personal Source for a Kingdom Heir is the greatest honor, and for the first time in millennia, all six Kingdoms have heirs choosing a Source. But their selections could tip the power balance a little too far.

A Chosen That Was Never Meant to Be
Tessalyn Asura was as forgotten as the realm. But when she finds herself the personal Source to the Heir of Endings, she winds up serving in the darkest Kingdom of them all. The secrets within the Arius Kingdom are meant to be learned and kept, but this was never the life she wanted. Fighting not only the fate thrust upon her, but the temptation to lose herself to desire, Tessa will do anything to escape her new destiny. Until she begins to realize that maybe their world isn’t as forgotten as they thought—and that maybe she’s the reason why.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Genres: Audiobook

11 pages, Audiobook

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

Melissa is a dark fantasy romance author who loves coffee, dragons, and constantly rearranging her bookshelves. She spends her time writing, reading, and homeschooling her three boys in the Middle-of-Nowhere, North Dakota, where she lives with her boys, husband, dogs, multiple barn cats, and chickens on a small farmstead. She is constantly trying to convince her husband they need to add goats and ducks to the mix, and one day, she'll succeed.

She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:

*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich

Reviews

[Tash™ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you, Graphic Audio. I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily of my own opinions*

I can honestly say a book has never made me feel so emotional before & I know that it only was possible in GA audiobook format. Had I read this book physically I'm not sure I would've even been able to make it a quarter way through without declaring DNF. GA really made it come alive & it was.. alot.. listening to Terra & everything she has to endure mentally & physically. I honestly feel like I've met so many Theons before & they're not people I want to even associate with so imagining what Terra goes through was difficult. I imagine at some point there will be some type of "redemption" for Theon, but I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to forget what kind of person he is no matter what & the way he treated her. That being said I would say Graphic Audio did an amazing job with this one. The story itself I give 1 star ⭐ but Graphic Audio gets more than 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
to be able to bring out what really happens in this book & hits you hard, at least alot more than any other format since as I mentioned I wouldn't have finished this book as it's just.. triggering.. but now I can't wait for the 2nd half to come out & see if Terra can get at least some wins for once in her life.

[Jennifer (Yodareads) Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Melissa K. Roehrich, RBmedia, and Graphic Audio for this ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of Rain of Shadow and Endings Part 1.

What if the Fae were all born to serve instead of be served? What if they had no choice but to give of their time, magic, and whatever else was demanded of them to the Legacies they served? Rain of Shadow and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich is the first book in “The Legacy Series.” Tessa is a fae attending her Selection, the moment when the Legacy heirs choose who their source will be. Theon happens to be one of those heirs. When he runs into her before the official ceremony, her personality and attitude so intrigue him, that he decides for her to be his source. She never planned to be a source, but instead to serve out her years alongside her friends in a different kingdom. What happens when they are forced to work together and the magic of the bond continues to push them closer? Will she eventually give in to the magic and Theon? Or will she continue to push against him and fight against it?

This is my first ever Graphic Audio! I am so glad I decided to give it a chance! While parts of it were a bit weird for someone who has only listened to normal audiobooks, I really began to enjoy myself quickly! Because it’s a Graphic Audio, there are a lot of narrators so I am only going to specifically mention the two main characters! Jessica Schly narrated Tessalyn (Tessa) Ausra and Gabriel Michael narrated Theon St. Orcas. They both did such a good job at portraying the attitude and emotions of the characters. Even the moments of struggle were so well done that I could feel the pain and angst the characters were going through.

Alright, so I was extremely nervous to read this book since it was marked as a dark romance. However, the cover kept grabbing my attention and calling to me. When it was announced as one of Between the Chapters books of the year, I finally caved and bought the book. Then, RBmedia posted it as part of their influencer program and I decided if I was able to get it, I would finally start the series! I am so glad I gave this book a chance! The struggle with the term “dark romance” is that it encompasses different types of romance. Some display very graphic assaults on page, which is what I am personally not okay with reading. To me this book would be more of a dark romantasy, which is a romantasy that has darker elements like torture and struggling with past traumas. However, typically any sexual assaults or intense torture are kept off page and only referenced. I cannot speak for the entirety of the series, but based off of this first part and the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book, that is more so where I would classify this book.

I LOVED this world! I know I talk about unique magic systems and how I love learning about new ones. However, this book really is such a unique vibe! I can’t recall a single book I’ve read where the Fae were the ones meant to serve instead of the humans. Even in this the humans are not the rulers, they are simply people who work in the different towns and kingdoms. The Legacy, who are descended from the gods, are the rulers. This created such an interesting dynamic. I also don’t fully understand the magic system yet, however, I believe the author intended for it to be a slow reveal of how exactly it works. I’m excited because the sneaks we’ve already had into it are quite interesting!

I don’t even know where to start with the characters of this story. I truly loved them all. They each have their own personalities that weave so seamlessly together that it creates a beautiful and tragic story all in one. Our two main POVs (points of view) are for Tessa and Theon. As we jump between their viewpoints, we get to understand different parts of Devram and how the Legacy versus the Fae live. One thing I will mention, Devram is an urban fantasy setting. Most books with this type of setting typically don’t have technology like we do, this world does! They have cars, cell phones, electricity, etc.

I cannot wait to finish Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich when part two of the Graphic Audio comes out! The struggle to not just finish reading with my physical copy is a real thing. This is what I would call an adult dark fantasy romance (or romantasy). There is quite a bit of cursing and violence, hints at different types of assault, and some intense kissing, however, no open bedroom scenes as of the first half of the book. This is definitely something you want to check out if you love grimdark fantasy, fae, and romance!

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure this one will be for me, while I enjoyed the audio production immensely, the plot is killing me!

Tessa is ready to get this selection ceremony over and done with so she can get back to being with her friends before they all have to go their separate ways soon. She is a fae and fae are meant to serve legacies (a superior being). A few fae are selected as power sources for legacies that will ultimately unlock the fae's own magical power but they will become bonded with the legacy for their entire life and must remain close to them at all times or the bond will retaliate. Tessa has no worries that she will be chosen as a source as she has done everything in her power to remain under the radar, until she is startled in alcove and her chocolate is stolen. Things just go downhill from there for her.

I really had an issue with Theon and the way he continually treats Tessa as an object of power rather than an actual person with thoughts and feelings. He continually states he cares for her and it's not just the bond but it's hard to imagine that with all the traumas he puts Tessa through. I always had hope that it would finally sink into his head that Tessa is different and not something lesser than him and he would finally start to treat her right but nope, that does not happen in this Part 1. Tessa really goes through it, from the magical testing to getting her mark (one of four mind you). And then to be made to feel desire and attraction to the person who is doing all this to you through some freaky bond, ugh poor girl!

The audio production of Rain of Shadow and Endings was fantastic as has been the case with all the Graphic Audio editions I've listened to. The narrators are great and easy to listen to and the sounds effects really bring you into the book. I wish all books could get this treatment! All the stars for Graphic Audio!

I'm not sure I will continue on, if anyone can give me a clue as to Theon changing that would be so helpful. If there's hope on the horizon I can power through but if not...yikes. Thank you so much to RB Media for gifting me this audiobook copy!

[Yvonne Fortin · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Advance listener copy provided in exchange for honest feedback. All opinions are my own.)  

Story Rating: ★★★★★ 
Production Rating: ★★★★★       
Spice Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Low on explicit content, high on longing, tension, and emotional intensity.)

The Legacy is one of my all-time favorite dark fantasy romance series, and GraphicAudio absolutely understood the assignment!  ZERO EMOTIONAL SAFETY AHEAD.  

This story is emotionally exhausting in the BEST way. It’s tense, uncomfortable, addictive, heartbreaking, and impossible to stop listening to. If you want sweet comfort romance… this is not that. But if you love stories that rip your heart out and keep you hanging on every interaction, this series delivers.

NOTE: The Legacy series technically can be read on its own. However, later books connect strongly to the prequel series, Lady of Darkness, and listeners who start there will get a fuller experience and appreciate later character crossover and deeper context throughout the series.

Rain of Shadows and Endings is a dark bully romance with a very slow burn and includes themes of forced magical bonds, loss of autonomy, emotional and physical suffering, power imbalance, manipulation, longing, and constant tension. There’s this underlying nervous energy throughout as you wait to see what happens next and what consequences each choice might bring. It’s uncomfortable and compelling at the same time.

This first installment focuses heavily on establishing the characters and their dynamic. There is subtle foreshadowing throughout.  At times it may feel like there isn’t much plot movement and that this is only dark romance for the sake of spice, but bigger things are unfolding beneath the surface and the story reveals itself layer by layer.

Performance-wise, the cast elevated every heart-wrenching emotional moment.

Jessica Schly as Tessa is lovely, gently naive and an easy character to root for. She enters the story carrying a painful past and is forced into circumstances that strip away her freedom while creating emotions she desperately doesn’t want. Watching her fight to hold onto herself despite everything she endures is absolutely gut wrenching. You want nothing more than to be her safe harbor in the storm.

Gabriel Michael as Theon is INTENSE, perfectly playing an imperfect male lead. That said, Theon is… difficult to explain without spoilers. He isn’t simply cruel for cruelty’s sake, but that doesn’t excuse the harm he causes. His expectations, upbringing, and the social dynamic create a character that is frustrating, complicated, and impossible to predict. One moment he made me want to throttle him and the next made me question whether he deserves another chance. It’s made even harder as the listener because we get his point of view while Tessa does not, and watching that divide widen is fascinating and painful.

Stewart Crank as Luka is our quiet pillar of strength and support. He shows moments of care and restraint that feel enormous in the context of Tessa’s situation, while still remaining tied to the system that hurts her. He is such a self-contained character that every interaction feels layered and intense.

Michael Glenn as Valter is the perfect villain: lecherous, sinister, and cruel. He perfectly delivers that terrifying feeling of helplessness—of there being no way out, only the constant urge to scream, "please, somebody help me!"

Donald Guzzi as Axel brings the emotional support golden retriever energy this story desperately needs.  I am excited to see his character unfold. 

Despite my established familiarity with the storyline, this installment still had me constantly arguing with myself because "WHY is this so delicious when I absolutely do not approve of what is happening?" The tension and longing are unreal, and GraphicAudio captures that emotional whiplash perfectly.  The heavy themes in this series won’t work for everyone, but if you enjoy stories that leave you anxious, emotionally confused, and feeling ALL the things, this first installment is perfection itself.  I have already pre-ordered part 2. 

Thank you GraphicAudio for the chance to review this installment!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dramatized adaptation, graphic audio, of this book was so good! I loved all the cast and voices for the characters.

This one was a tough one because I am full of mixed emotions.

But the one thing I can say is that our female protagonist, Thessa, suffers a lot through the story, which may not be for everyone hence why I would consider it a dark romance.

I felt so much pain for the female protagonist and felt so bad for her. It tugged at me in what she was feeling from being separated from her home, friends, and being forced into a bond that she didn’t want to be part of.

We do have three male characters, one being her bonded mate, Theon. Which I am very conflicted about him because it seems like he cares for her, but there is still so much to unfold about his ultimate goal. And I just don’t understand why he can’t see the bigger picture and trust her. But again he truly does care for her well-being. And I can’t get past him using her as a tool, but ultimately he is going to fall for her. We are staying there as the story unfolds.

While on the other hand, Theon’s brother, Axel, has been so understanding towards her and completely trust her 100% and I like that he is trying to get Theon notice that.

This is only part one and I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to wait that long for part two to come out to know how this book ends.

All I know is that she is some powerful fae and I can’t wait for her to have complete control over her powers.

Overall, the chemistry isn’t there between the main couple, but it has so much potential. And this is due to the fact that Tessa keeps trying to reject the bond. This feels like a very slow burn and I just want to see how it unfolds.

[Bookish Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @rbfictionaudio and GraphicAudio!
I had already read Rain of Shadows and Endings by @melissa_k_roehrich and listened to the original audiobook, but this GraphicAudio production is on a whole other level
Hearing it brought to life by a full cast led by Jessica Schly as Tessalyn, with Gabriel Michael, Donald Guzzi, and Dawn Ursula rounding it out - the emotion they delivered was insane, and the sound design was genuinely cinematic
As for the story itself: dark romantasy done exactly right.
Rain of Shadows is the kind of dark romantasy that reminds you why you love the genre in the first place.

Tessalyn Asura becomes the personal Source to the Heir of Endings, bound into a kingdom built on secrets, and the story that unfolds from there is genuinely everything.

What stood out most was how deliberate everything felt.
The story development, the pacing, the darkness woven through every chapter - none of it felt accidental or thrown in for shock value. The characters carried the whole book, each one impossible not to feel something about.

One of my favorite series...EVER!

Please read the content warnings before diving in, this one deals with heavy themes !! If you've read this before, the graphic audio is such a different, incredible way to experience it again. I can't wait for part 2!

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already listened through the audio books for this series, and this is probably my 2nd favorite series of all time. so this is a revisit for me, but with the graphic audio. The only thing I didn't like about the audio was some of the background music here and there. I forgot how much I hate Theon. When I saw this and decided to listen I was like "ugh I remember how horrible Theon was" but even then I didn't really remember.

The godsdamned flip-flops. Give the poor girl some donuts. Also going back I'm picking up so much I didn't realize was happening since I didn't know the story yet.

All I can say is if you hate Theon I get it. But wait until you see what Tessa can do. Divine feminine rage is beautiful.

[Tasha A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I love this book! Read trigger warnings. This series is dark. This series was so addicting. The graphic audiobook is amazing the full cast experience was great. I feel like I may not have enjoyed the book had I physically read it as opposed to listening to the Graphic audio. If you enjoy the series you can also read the Lady of Darkness series(should be read first) as there are some overlapping. You do not have to read it to enjoy the Legacy series.

[Bonnie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my re-read. Loved it as much as my first time around. I enjoy catching little hints of where things go. Wish pt 2 of book 1 in graphic audio was out sooner!

[Hannah Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 1 finished! First half of the book audio is done! Loved it! Complex characters!

[Lex Leandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate Theon even more in the dramatized version. 🤭

[Lilith Tristesse]

why is Tessa posh??? genuinely could not listen to this no matter how badly I wanted to