What do you think?
Rate this book
Only Shadows Fall
She survived the betrayal. Now she’s coming for the woman who stole a future meant for her.
From the universe of Rebellion’s End and Phantarus comes Book One in a trilogy of betrayal, obsession, and revenge.
Some kill for power.
Some do it for money.
But some kill purely for revenge.
Amanda Drae lost everything the day she crossed Seraphina Velar.
Left for dead at the heart of a dying ship. Abandoned by the man she loved. Forgotten by the life she once believed in… she survived. Weakened and forced into the shadows, she rebuilt herself from nothing.
Now she has a new name. Kara Kade.
A mercenary without a past and without ties. An assassin whose growing reputation is beginning to spread fear across the core systems.
She doesn’t want wealth.
She doesn’t want redemption.
She wants one perfect moment. The woman who took everything from her standing within her sights.
While agents Kaldar Vaul and Seraphina Velar grow closer together, they pursue an investigation tied to a mysterious relic. Neither realises a familiar player has already re-entered the game.
Someone who knows their weaknesses.
Knows their moves.
Knows where they live.
As criminal empires collide, Kara moves through the underworld, quietly collecting allies, debts and leverage.
Every step brings her closer to the only outcome that matters.
Her revenge will not be taken in anger. It will be built in silence.
And when her shadows finally fall…
No one will see her coming.
Only Shadows Fall begins a new trilogy set in the Ethelium Universe. New readers can begin here, while long-time readers may discover that some familiar shadows never truly fade.
From the universe of Rebellion’s End and Phantarus comes Book One in a trilogy of betrayal, obsession, and revenge.
Some kill for power.
Some do it for money.
But some kill purely for revenge.
Amanda Drae lost everything the day she crossed Seraphina Velar.
Left for dead at the heart of a dying ship. Abandoned by the man she loved. Forgotten by the life she once believed in… she survived. Weakened and forced into the shadows, she rebuilt herself from nothing.
Now she has a new name. Kara Kade.
A mercenary without a past and without ties. An assassin whose growing reputation is beginning to spread fear across the core systems.
She doesn’t want wealth.
She doesn’t want redemption.
She wants one perfect moment. The woman who took everything from her standing within her sights.
While agents Kaldar Vaul and Seraphina Velar grow closer together, they pursue an investigation tied to a mysterious relic. Neither realises a familiar player has already re-entered the game.
Someone who knows their weaknesses.
Knows their moves.
Knows where they live.
As criminal empires collide, Kara moves through the underworld, quietly collecting allies, debts and leverage.
Every step brings her closer to the only outcome that matters.
Her revenge will not be taken in anger. It will be built in silence.
And when her shadows finally fall…
No one will see her coming.
Only Shadows Fall begins a new trilogy set in the Ethelium Universe. New readers can begin here, while long-time readers may discover that some familiar shadows never truly fade.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
About the author
Kevin Hirons
7 books2 followersKevin Hirons writes British science fiction, horror, and speculative fiction. Whether exploring mysteries on the edge of known space or ancient myths hidden beneath sun-drenched islands, his novels blend suspense, mystery, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters.
Born and raised in Kingston upon Hull, England, Kevin developed an early fascination with imaginative storytelling through movies and adventure novels. Cinematic storytelling continues to shape his writing, with every novel aiming to deliver the same sense of pace, rising tension, and escapism that first inspired him as a child.
Kevin made his publishing debut with Rebellion's End, the first novel in the Ethelium Saga, before expanding the universe with sequels and standalone adventures spanning military science fiction, cosmic horror, and psychological suspense.
Born and raised in Kingston upon Hull, England, Kevin developed an early fascination with imaginative storytelling through movies and adventure novels. Cinematic storytelling continues to shape his writing, with every novel aiming to deliver the same sense of pace, rising tension, and escapism that first inspired him as a child.
Kevin made his publishing debut with Rebellion's End, the first novel in the Ethelium Saga, before expanding the universe with sequels and standalone adventures spanning military science fiction, cosmic horror, and psychological suspense.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.