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The Ember that Tethers
Not yet published
Expected 17 Jul 26He is the villain of her story, but he may be the only one who can save it.
After betrayal shatters her world, Emmery is forced into an uneasy alliance with the manipulative, mad, and dangerously intoxicating King. He holds the answers to her past, the key to finding her soulmate, and the truth behind a prophecy tightening its grip on her future.
But the deeper she falls into his web of secrets, the more impossible it becomes to ignore the way he sees her.
And the way she’s beginning to see him.
As fate sharpens its blade and war looms on the horizon, Emmery must choose between the destiny written for her, or the villain who tempts her to rewrite it.
Across the divide, Vesper wrestles with unstable magic, a suffocating legacy, and a loss of all he’s fought for. Will it break him or forge him into something far more dangerous?
The Ember that Tethers, the compelling sequel to The Spark that Ignites, is a slow-burn dark fantasy romance of prophecy, ruthless bonds, and enemies whose tension burns hotter than the coming war.
Descend into the dark. Just be careful whose hand you hold.
After betrayal shatters her world, Emmery is forced into an uneasy alliance with the manipulative, mad, and dangerously intoxicating King. He holds the answers to her past, the key to finding her soulmate, and the truth behind a prophecy tightening its grip on her future.
But the deeper she falls into his web of secrets, the more impossible it becomes to ignore the way he sees her.
And the way she’s beginning to see him.
As fate sharpens its blade and war looms on the horizon, Emmery must choose between the destiny written for her, or the villain who tempts her to rewrite it.
Across the divide, Vesper wrestles with unstable magic, a suffocating legacy, and a loss of all he’s fought for. Will it break him or forge him into something far more dangerous?
The Ember that Tethers, the compelling sequel to The Spark that Ignites, is a slow-burn dark fantasy romance of prophecy, ruthless bonds, and enemies whose tension burns hotter than the coming war.
Descend into the dark. Just be careful whose hand you hold.
ebook
Expected publication July 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 4, 2026
First I have to say that this book put me into a mini book slump! Like a week later and I'm still processing my thoughts on it lol. I haven't been able to read anything else since!
OK, this is how you write a second book! Holy moly the author takes you on the ride of your life in this book. Emotionally I was equally elated and devastated. J.E. Storm has a way of teasing you with finally giving you what you want and then brutally taking it away, but leaving you wanting more of her special brand of author cruelty lol.
The way she slow burned the relationship between Dez and Em was some serious edging for a great portion of the book.
And when these characters finally gave in, the fireworks were spectacular!
Lets talk about some of the characters journeys. Emmery is on a mission to not only recover her lost memories and find shade, but she has that added pressure of the prophecy looming over her. We really got to see her growth when it came to overcoming her past trauma and coming to realize that sometimes the path you are sure is right maybe isn't what you thought at all.
Vesper ended book one with me just loathing him. Like really I was like nope, hate that guy, he can't do anything to redeem himself. Annnddd I was proven wrong. He went a full 180° degrees in my opinion and is now firmly on a road to redemption. So bravo to the author for making me sympathize and grow to love a character I had given up on.
Dez might be one of the most complicated men I have read in a long time. He is a tortured soul you equally want to save, but also indulge in his morally grey tenancies. He is the definition of a man who would let the world burn, and I'm 1000% here for it.
The ending ripped my soul apart and I can't wait for book three to put me together and potentially rip me apart again!
OK, this is how you write a second book! Holy moly the author takes you on the ride of your life in this book. Emotionally I was equally elated and devastated. J.E. Storm has a way of teasing you with finally giving you what you want and then brutally taking it away, but leaving you wanting more of her special brand of author cruelty lol.
The way she slow burned the relationship between Dez and Em was some serious edging for a great portion of the book.
And when these characters finally gave in, the fireworks were spectacular!
Lets talk about some of the characters journeys. Emmery is on a mission to not only recover her lost memories and find shade, but she has that added pressure of the prophecy looming over her. We really got to see her growth when it came to overcoming her past trauma and coming to realize that sometimes the path you are sure is right maybe isn't what you thought at all.
Vesper ended book one with me just loathing him. Like really I was like nope, hate that guy, he can't do anything to redeem himself. Annnddd I was proven wrong. He went a full 180° degrees in my opinion and is now firmly on a road to redemption. So bravo to the author for making me sympathize and grow to love a character I had given up on.
Dez might be one of the most complicated men I have read in a long time. He is a tortured soul you equally want to save, but also indulge in his morally grey tenancies. He is the definition of a man who would let the world burn, and I'm 1000% here for it.
The ending ripped my soul apart and I can't wait for book three to put me together and potentially rip me apart again!
May 19, 2026
First off, I read this as an ARC.
So let’s dig into this book. WHAT DID I READ?!?? My mind is blown from reading this book!!!
This book has left me in ALL OF MY FEELINGS. One minute I am happy, and then, the next, my heart is broken.
I loved the chemistry between Dez and Emmery. I seriously need them to be endgame in the next book or at the end of the series. I loved them together, even though at first I didn’t quite like Dez. He definitely grew on me.
I loved Ves in this book. He really grew from Book 1, and he just needs more time to work on himself. I loved how Ves really was protective in this book.
I loved how Dez and Emmery showed off their protective and caring nature, but not just for each other, but for friends and family.
There were so many twists and turns and unexpected moments I definitely did not see coming. I mean, the ending is wild! And I loved every minute of reading this book.
I literally could not put this book down. I can’t wait for Book 3!
Content warning:
A handful of spicy scenes (not too graphic, but still considered to be open door in my opinion).
Mild profanity
Grief
Death
All the heartbreak
If you are looking for a book to leave you breathless and wanting more, The Ember That Tethers is just the book for you.
So let’s dig into this book. WHAT DID I READ?!?? My mind is blown from reading this book!!!
This book has left me in ALL OF MY FEELINGS. One minute I am happy, and then, the next, my heart is broken.
I loved the chemistry between Dez and Emmery. I seriously need them to be endgame in the next book or at the end of the series. I loved them together, even though at first I didn’t quite like Dez. He definitely grew on me.
I loved Ves in this book. He really grew from Book 1, and he just needs more time to work on himself. I loved how Ves really was protective in this book.
I loved how Dez and Emmery showed off their protective and caring nature, but not just for each other, but for friends and family.
There were so many twists and turns and unexpected moments I definitely did not see coming. I mean, the ending is wild! And I loved every minute of reading this book.
I literally could not put this book down. I can’t wait for Book 3!
Content warning:
A handful of spicy scenes (not too graphic, but still considered to be open door in my opinion).
Mild profanity
Grief
Death
All the heartbreak
If you are looking for a book to leave you breathless and wanting more, The Ember That Tethers is just the book for you.
May 26, 2026
I took a couple of days before writing this review, because I just had to sit with it for a second! First off, thank you to J.E. Storm for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this series and for writing something that made me giggle, kick my feet and swoon, then proceed to rip my heart out within moments. This book, honestly, I’m at a loss for words. The characters, the world, the love and the heartache just absolutely work. And those twists! Just *chefs kiss*. I don’t want to spoil this for anyone, so I’ll just say, if you love adventure, a world that will take over your brain chemistry, emotional damage and some healing of hearts, this series is for you! Take the dive into this epic story, you won’t be disappointed!
May 24, 2026
What the actual…?! Jenn is a master evil genius! My brain has not fully processed what just happened. This was the perfect 2nd book in the series, the momentum never slowed and the slow burn; well it burnt and burnt and burnt until it finally combusted. If you love unique magic systems, prophecies for days, gods and goddesses who are mostly all arseholes and a romance that will rip out your heart and spit on it then this series is for you. This blew my mind, I’m dumbfounded and I need to know where the hell this is going! Jenn I impatiently waited for this book, but I’m going to need book 3 like now!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew I was in trouble before I even opened this book.
After the way The Spark that Ignites ended, I should have trusted my gut. I should have stayed away. I should have squashed every ounce of curiosity about what happened next.
But did I?
Nope.
Why didn't I?
Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment. Apparently, I enjoy the emotional damage fantasy authors inflict upon their readers. Why can't they write happy books? Why can't they write stories that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy from beginning to end?
Actually, don't answer that. We all know I'd read them anyway.
Alright, enough whining. Onto the actual review. Maybe.
The world-building was largely established in book one, so this installment focuses on expanding the world. We get to explore several new locations, and let me tell you, these are not pleasant places. They are cruel, brutal, and often heartbreaking, but they are also absolutely essential to the story being told.
As for the characters, we return to the same wonderfully flawed cast from book one. The difference is that this time we get a much deeper look at just how broken Emmory, Vesper, and Destonne truly are. We see their wounds, their regrets, their trauma, and the burdens they've been carrying for far too long.
And it was gloriously painful.
Vesper's struggle to figure out who he is and what comes next for him was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension between Emmory and Destonne continues to simmer and twist in ways that kept me completely invested. Their relationships feel messy and real, shaped by everything they've endured.
We also meet a few new side characters while spending more time with some familiar faces. None of them feel unnecessary. Each serves a purpose, helping to move the story forward without ever stealing focus from the central cast.
Plot-wise, we're still following the same overarching goal established in book one: unraveling the prophecy and trying to save the world from the Fever. Sounds simple enough, right?
Wrong.
This book takes some absolutely wild twists and turns along the way. I want to tell you about them. I really, really do. But I can't. Spoilers would be criminal.
What I can tell you is this: prepare yourself for the final chapters.
No, seriously.
Prepare yourself.
I actually had to put the book down and walk away. I needed a minute. Several minutes, actually. The last stretch of this story hit me like a freight train, and I never saw it coming.
Not even a little.
J.E. Storm somehow managed to take everything that worked in book one and raise the stakes in every possible way. The result is a sequel that is emotional, painful, compelling, and impossible to put down.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
Will it hurt?
Also absolutely.
After the way The Spark that Ignites ended, I should have trusted my gut. I should have stayed away. I should have squashed every ounce of curiosity about what happened next.
But did I?
Nope.
Why didn't I?
Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment. Apparently, I enjoy the emotional damage fantasy authors inflict upon their readers. Why can't they write happy books? Why can't they write stories that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy from beginning to end?
Actually, don't answer that. We all know I'd read them anyway.
Alright, enough whining. Onto the actual review. Maybe.
The world-building was largely established in book one, so this installment focuses on expanding the world. We get to explore several new locations, and let me tell you, these are not pleasant places. They are cruel, brutal, and often heartbreaking, but they are also absolutely essential to the story being told.
As for the characters, we return to the same wonderfully flawed cast from book one. The difference is that this time we get a much deeper look at just how broken Emmory, Vesper, and Destonne truly are. We see their wounds, their regrets, their trauma, and the burdens they've been carrying for far too long.
And it was gloriously painful.
Vesper's struggle to figure out who he is and what comes next for him was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension between Emmory and Destonne continues to simmer and twist in ways that kept me completely invested. Their relationships feel messy and real, shaped by everything they've endured.
We also meet a few new side characters while spending more time with some familiar faces. None of them feel unnecessary. Each serves a purpose, helping to move the story forward without ever stealing focus from the central cast.
Plot-wise, we're still following the same overarching goal established in book one: unraveling the prophecy and trying to save the world from the Fever. Sounds simple enough, right?
Wrong.
This book takes some absolutely wild twists and turns along the way. I want to tell you about them. I really, really do. But I can't. Spoilers would be criminal.
What I can tell you is this: prepare yourself for the final chapters.
No, seriously.
Prepare yourself.
I actually had to put the book down and walk away. I needed a minute. Several minutes, actually. The last stretch of this story hit me like a freight train, and I never saw it coming.
Not even a little.
J.E. Storm somehow managed to take everything that worked in book one and raise the stakes in every possible way. The result is a sequel that is emotional, painful, compelling, and impossible to put down.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
Will it hurt?
Also absolutely.
Review of advance copy
“Not even Death.”
The Ember that Tethers by J.E. Storm is a remarkable achievement in fantasy storytelling and an easy five-star read.
One of this book’s greatest strengths is its subtlety. Storm has an exceptional talent for planting clues throughout the story, rewarding attentive readers without ever making the narrative feel predictable. The breadcrumb trail is carefully constructed, but not in a way that diminishes the impact of later revelations. Instead, those details enrich the reading experience, creating a sense that every scene serves a purpose while still preserving the story's emotionally devastating power.
What impressed me most was how skillfully the author balances foreshadowing with genuine surprise. It's easy for a story to become transparent when hints are too obvious, or confusing when they are too obscure. Storm strikes the perfect middle ground. Looking back, the clues feel natural and earned, yet they never undermine the intensity of the climax or the emotional weight of the journey.
The character work is equally compelling. Vesper's growth throughout the novel feels authentic and hard-won, unfolding naturally through the challenges and choices he faces. Watching him evolve over the course of the story was one of the most rewarding aspects of the reading experience. Storm allows his development to breathe, making each step feel meaningful rather than rushed.
Destonne is another standout. He is viciously complex in the best possible way—a character who consistently defies simple categorization. His motivations, actions, and presence on the page create a fascinating tension that keeps you invested whenever he appears. Rather than relying on familiar archetypes, Storm crafts someone who feels layered, unpredictable, and deeply relatable.
Without venturing into spoiler territory, I can say that The Ember that Tethers trusts its readers. It doesn't rely on heavy-handed exposition or obvious signposting. Instead, it invites you to pay attention, connect the pieces, and become fully invested in the story. The result is a reading experience that is both intellectually satisfying and deeply moving.
For readers who enjoy thoughtful fantasy, layered storytelling, nuanced characters, and emotionally powerful conclusions, as well as an attack on hope, The Ember that Tethers is a book well worth picking up. I highly recommend it.
🖤 Dark Romantic Fantasy
🫠 Trauma for daaaayyysss
🔥 Slow burn/ he falls first
👑 Horrific trials
⚔️ Reluctant allies to lovers
🌶️ Elegant spice
😈 Antiheros who do whatever tf they want
🐉 Dragons, mythical creatures, and a dark, ruthless world with a glimmer of hope
🍷 Pairs well with Sleep Token for maximum devastation.
The Ember that Tethers by J.E. Storm is a remarkable achievement in fantasy storytelling and an easy five-star read.
One of this book’s greatest strengths is its subtlety. Storm has an exceptional talent for planting clues throughout the story, rewarding attentive readers without ever making the narrative feel predictable. The breadcrumb trail is carefully constructed, but not in a way that diminishes the impact of later revelations. Instead, those details enrich the reading experience, creating a sense that every scene serves a purpose while still preserving the story's emotionally devastating power.
What impressed me most was how skillfully the author balances foreshadowing with genuine surprise. It's easy for a story to become transparent when hints are too obvious, or confusing when they are too obscure. Storm strikes the perfect middle ground. Looking back, the clues feel natural and earned, yet they never undermine the intensity of the climax or the emotional weight of the journey.
The character work is equally compelling. Vesper's growth throughout the novel feels authentic and hard-won, unfolding naturally through the challenges and choices he faces. Watching him evolve over the course of the story was one of the most rewarding aspects of the reading experience. Storm allows his development to breathe, making each step feel meaningful rather than rushed.
Destonne is another standout. He is viciously complex in the best possible way—a character who consistently defies simple categorization. His motivations, actions, and presence on the page create a fascinating tension that keeps you invested whenever he appears. Rather than relying on familiar archetypes, Storm crafts someone who feels layered, unpredictable, and deeply relatable.
Without venturing into spoiler territory, I can say that The Ember that Tethers trusts its readers. It doesn't rely on heavy-handed exposition or obvious signposting. Instead, it invites you to pay attention, connect the pieces, and become fully invested in the story. The result is a reading experience that is both intellectually satisfying and deeply moving.
For readers who enjoy thoughtful fantasy, layered storytelling, nuanced characters, and emotionally powerful conclusions, as well as an attack on hope, The Ember that Tethers is a book well worth picking up. I highly recommend it.
🖤 Dark Romantic Fantasy
🫠 Trauma for daaaayyysss
🔥 Slow burn/ he falls first
👑 Horrific trials
⚔️ Reluctant allies to lovers
🌶️ Elegant spice
😈 Antiheros who do whatever tf they want
🐉 Dragons, mythical creatures, and a dark, ruthless world with a glimmer of hope
🍷 Pairs well with Sleep Token for maximum devastation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow just wow. I had to sit for a moment after finishing this one to collect my thoughts. To say this book is good is an understatement. The Ember that Tethers is one of those books that reaches down into your soul and makes you experience every emotion possible.
The writing is so well done. I was lost in the world. Our favorite and not so favorites characters are back. Vesper well he grew up a little bit in this one. He still has some serious growing up to do and he needs to forgive himself first and foremost before he can truly heal. Emmery is still our favorite B.A. with her wit and charm. She has become someone she can be proud of. And my man Dez, be still my heart. The chemistry between Dez and Emmery is so fun to watch unfold. I also enjoyed how they both were so supportive (in their own way) of each other.
The world building, plot and overall story are incredible. The slow burn is real but has a great payoff. The ending is still haunting me. I really want to write more but alas no spoilers allowed. If you love a unique magic system, a slow burn and some seriously beautiful emotional wreckage (wrecked in only a way that good authors can) then this is for you.
The writing is so well done. I was lost in the world. Our favorite and not so favorites characters are back. Vesper well he grew up a little bit in this one. He still has some serious growing up to do and he needs to forgive himself first and foremost before he can truly heal. Emmery is still our favorite B.A. with her wit and charm. She has become someone she can be proud of. And my man Dez, be still my heart. The chemistry between Dez and Emmery is so fun to watch unfold. I also enjoyed how they both were so supportive (in their own way) of each other.
The world building, plot and overall story are incredible. The slow burn is real but has a great payoff. The ending is still haunting me. I really want to write more but alas no spoilers allowed. If you love a unique magic system, a slow burn and some seriously beautiful emotional wreckage (wrecked in only a way that good authors can) then this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trying to hold back tears so my hubby doesn't notice Im crying over a book is shattering. Wanting to scream, cry and beg for a HEA for Emmery and Dez is soul crushing. Knowing I will have to wait for book 3 is just pure torture. This is one of the only bad things about advanced reading, the waiting for more, in the hope that things will end as you so badly want them too.
In this, book 2 of the Shattered Soul series, a love blooms, slowly, and so beautifully. Just as you get to a wtf moment, the narrative changes to the other person, building and building on the story of Emmery and her destiny. Enthralling writing, a true novel of highs and lows, of hope and despair.
As Dez's father and Kahlia make a truly evil pairing, Emmery and Dez's are pure perfection. In a cruel twist of fate though, only one couple survive, leaving an ending with a yearning for more. And just because I am a hopeless romantic, I beg J. E. Storm to write the ending, if not in the next book, but in the final, for fate/prophecy to be real. I dont think I could finish the series if it is not
In this, book 2 of the Shattered Soul series, a love blooms, slowly, and so beautifully. Just as you get to a wtf moment, the narrative changes to the other person, building and building on the story of Emmery and her destiny. Enthralling writing, a true novel of highs and lows, of hope and despair.
As Dez's father and Kahlia make a truly evil pairing, Emmery and Dez's are pure perfection. In a cruel twist of fate though, only one couple survive, leaving an ending with a yearning for more. And just because I am a hopeless romantic, I beg J. E. Storm to write the ending, if not in the next book, but in the final, for fate/prophecy to be real. I dont think I could finish the series if it is not
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had to sit with The Ember That Tethers for a while after finishing it.
Reading this book felt like assembling a beautiful puzzle. Piece by piece the picture comes together, and just when you think you can see the whole image, you realize a few crucial pieces are still missing. By the time those final pieces clicked into place, I honestly wanted to cry.
The storytelling throughout was just phenomenal. The author wove each character’s perspective perfectly. The growth from book one to two, especially for Vesper, was quite a journey. Storm also has a particular talent of not having any characters that don’t serve a purpose. Every character leaves an impression and contributes meaningfully to the story. And the slow burn between Emmery and Destonne was absolutely torturous in the best possible way.
The Ember that Tethers is an emotional roller coaster that leaves your insides in shambles, yet somehow makes you desperate for more. I’m already impatiently waiting to see what happens next.
“You were all of my sweetest moments, my deepest prospects, and tenderest dreams. Maybe next time we’ll get it right.”
Thank you to J.E. Storm for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Reading this book felt like assembling a beautiful puzzle. Piece by piece the picture comes together, and just when you think you can see the whole image, you realize a few crucial pieces are still missing. By the time those final pieces clicked into place, I honestly wanted to cry.
The storytelling throughout was just phenomenal. The author wove each character’s perspective perfectly. The growth from book one to two, especially for Vesper, was quite a journey. Storm also has a particular talent of not having any characters that don’t serve a purpose. Every character leaves an impression and contributes meaningfully to the story. And the slow burn between Emmery and Destonne was absolutely torturous in the best possible way.
The Ember that Tethers is an emotional roller coaster that leaves your insides in shambles, yet somehow makes you desperate for more. I’m already impatiently waiting to see what happens next.
“You were all of my sweetest moments, my deepest prospects, and tenderest dreams. Maybe next time we’ll get it right.”
Thank you to J.E. Storm for the opportunity to read this ARC!
June 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | ARC Review
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
My heart absolutely bled for Emmery, Vesper, and Destonne. We got to learn so much more about each of their heartbreaking backstories, and it made me love them even more.
Every time I thought this book couldn’t make me feel any more emotions, it proved me wrong. Between the love stories, the yearning (and who doesn’t love a good dose of yearning?), and the raw depth of grief and loss, this book completely rocked me.
I laughed, I hurt, I hoped, and I was left wanting so much more with every chapter. The emotional depth in this book is incredible, and the character development only made the stakes feel higher.
This ARC completely exceeded my expectations, and by the final page I was desperate for more. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. ❤️📚
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
My heart absolutely bled for Emmery, Vesper, and Destonne. We got to learn so much more about each of their heartbreaking backstories, and it made me love them even more.
Every time I thought this book couldn’t make me feel any more emotions, it proved me wrong. Between the love stories, the yearning (and who doesn’t love a good dose of yearning?), and the raw depth of grief and loss, this book completely rocked me.
I laughed, I hurt, I hoped, and I was left wanting so much more with every chapter. The emotional depth in this book is incredible, and the character development only made the stakes feel higher.
This ARC completely exceeded my expectations, and by the final page I was desperate for more. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. ❤️📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
3:35 a.m. this morning I was sobbing with my jaw stuck open staring into space bc of this book. Couldn’t put it down. Now today I’m sleepy, heartbroken, and in a reading slump. I LOVED it and I LOVE this series. The author is so brilliant with her writing, such attention to detail and the way she sprinkles little bread crumbs throughout her books to get your mind thinking you may just have things figured out, only to fucking shatter you at the end when you’re totally wrong. Not one of my theories was right. Oh and the plot twists…I didn’t see any of them coming. She’s a master at world building and character development, genius at the slow burn and LOVE, and the banter?! So so good. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for book three.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m still processing a lot but I loved this. I was screaming at Emmery at one point to give in to her feelings and forget Shade and kiss Dez and I’m so glad she did! I was not however expecting the story to turn as it did and the ending! 😭
The world building and magic were well developed and thought out, as were the characters. I loved the style of writing and the pace set. Can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens!
The world building and magic were well developed and thought out, as were the characters. I loved the style of writing and the pace set. Can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Before I say anything else, I read this as an ARC reader, thank you so much to J.E. Storm for choosing me to read it....now that being said....Holy crap!!! I could not put it down!! The characters, the twists, the agony, so good!! It's a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gripped my heart the whole book. The writing was fast paced and overall well written. The book took your emotions for a whirl wind and had you gripping your seat. There were so many amazing quotes within the book that had your soul yearning. I cannot wait for the third book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it.
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