A Composition of Scars

Cadence of the Fallen #1.5

by Hazel S. Wilkes

Before Draven was the feared captain over one of Bathara’s revered aggregates, he was merely a teenager learning how to better his magic, better his combat, and better himself. With his brothers by his side, Draven battles against a world that has carved out his identity with a ruthless blade—despite the wrath Tynan Dalmar brings down on him each time he falls short of his father’s measure. But after a particularly cruel interaction where the fraying chords holding his family together officially snap, Draven’s mother whisks him away in the middle of the night to finally put distance between them and House Dalmar.

It is in the unsuspecting city of Príth—where colors dance and streets thrum with a living heartbeat—that Draven’s world expands far broader than he ever imagined. And as he watches his mother’s smile return while confronting his deepest fears, Draven believes he has finally found his place in the world. Has discovered the true warmth of a family at last.

Until his father shatters that illusion into a million, serrated pieces.

A Composition of Scars is a novella in the Cadence of the Fallen series that tells the tale of how Draven received his deepest scars. The ones that always remain, alive and bleeding beneath his skin. It should be read after A Requiem for Fallen Stars.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Novella

246 pages, Hardcover

Published March 22, 2026

About the author

Hazel is simply a lover of words and stories, overflowing with made-up worlds, scenarios, and characters. Ever since she was just a small girl, climbing out of her bedroom window to read on the roof under the stars with her trusted book light in hand (sorry, Mom), she has been enchanted by stories and the art of storytelling.

Hazel lives in Texas with her equally nerdy fiancé, her fluffy dog-child (who's named after a character from the novel that first truly revealed the beauty in crafting words to her), and the two sweetest cats a pet mom could hope for. Aside from writing, she enjoys playing and coaching sports, watching anime, spending time with her family, and discussing books with her bookish besties.

Reviews

[Books &Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely speechless after reading this novella!!! The writing is both poetic and captivating. I genuinely think I may have highlighted at least half of the book.

In this heartbreaking story we get a glimpse into Draven’s past. We see how the events that took place in his adolescent years have shaped him into the man that he has become, and we learn just how deep the scars that he carries truly run.

The author wonderfully portrays the beauty of a mother’s love as well as the devastation that comes from a father’s hatred. It is the cry your eyes out kind of heartbreak. And yet, I absolutely could not put it down.

To say that I’m invested would be an understatement. I absolutely cannot wait to see where the next book takes us.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: N/A

Tropes ✨:
Found family
Young love
Devoted mother
Abusive parent
Grief

🖤: “Draven was ready to let go of the pain, and the pain was ready to let go of him. So, he did—he let go. He hoped he would become a better man for it.”

A special thank you to the author for this eARC.

[Jordan Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆ simply wow. this novella was poetic, captivating, and deeply emotional in a way that completely caught me off guard. getting a glimpse into draven’s adolescent years - seeing the moments that shaped him, scarred him, and ultimately forged him into the man he is now was so powerful. it added so much depth to his character that I didn’t even realize I was missing.

I knew going in that it would be painful, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would truly affect me. there were moments where the emotion felt so raw and intimate that tears were forming before I even realized it. the writing pulled me in so effortlessly, making every heartbreak and quiet revelation hit that much harder.

this novella didn’t just add to the story, it transformed my understanding of it. now I feel an even deeper connection to the characters and their journey, and it honestly makes me want to go back to book one to experience everything again with this new perspective. what a beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable addition to the series.

ty sm hazel for graciously sending me an e-arc!

[Mimi ·༻𐫱༺· · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
This novella was beautiful and captivating. The writing immediately pulls you in. I expected it would be painful getting a glance into Draven’s past, but it was way more intense than I predicted. It was sad, and painful, and horrible to have to read about, yet I couldn’t put it down.

I truly cannot wait for the next book in this series I’m beyond obsessed and I will never shut up about it.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful prequel novella. You know it will be painful from what you know from book 1, but it hurts nonetheless

[ciana · Rating 5 out of 5]

“they will just see you, and they will love you for it; when you find a person like that, you never let them go.”

—

this was just wow. it was such a well done novella. learning about draven’s backstory was so much more devastating than i could have imagined. i literally sobbed the entire last 25%.

i fear i need to go reread certain scenes from book one now for science… cuz omg.

thank you so much hazel and her team for this e-arc! i will be counting down the days until book 2! ♥︎

“𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕—𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒈𝒐. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈—𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.”

[Madison Pachal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how all fantasy novellas of a larger series should be. Didn’t feel like a filler, but added so much depth to characters we’ve already met. And the story itself could have easily stood as its own novel with a couple hundred pages added.

I was going back to reread certain parts of book 1 after I finished this with my mind blown!

[Tohfaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
5⭐

i know i'm baised when it’s come her but this book was so good. 🤌🤌

this was the childhood story of draven and why he become the man he is now. We get to see kiran and finlay and get know what happen between finlay and draven. i missed them.

i love that the way she portrait a mother love for her Children. how a mother love, sacrifice and protect her son. i love the new characters too. This book also show how innocent and beatiful young love is. I was crying last 25% of the book. Draven had endure alot at the age of 14. 😭😭.

i can't wait for book 2 to come out. i so excited for it🥰🥰.thank you miss Hazel S. Wikes for the arc.

[Emily Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review

First, a huge thank you to Hazel S. Wilkes for the opportunity to read A Composition of Scars early. I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this one.

I absolutely LOVED this book, even more than I loved A Requiem for Fallen Stars. Getting Draven’s backstory was everything I hoped for and somehow even more heartbreaking than I expected.

Going in, I knew this story probably wasn’t going to have a happy ending. After all, we already know the man Draven becomes. But that didn’t stop me from hoping anyway. The first half of this book was filled with so many heartwarming, almost cozy moments. Watching young Draven learn, grow, and finally start to feel like he might have found a place where he truly belongs was beautiful. Seeing him alongside his brothers and watching his mother begin to heal made it impossible not to cling to that hope.

And then the last 25% absolutely ripped my heart out.

Knowing what was coming didn’t make it hurt any less. If anything, it made every good moment feel even more precious because you knew it couldn’t last. Watching the pieces of Draven’s life fall into place and then shatter was devastating in the best way.

This prequel adds so much depth to the character we meet in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It makes you understand him, hurt for him, and see exactly how the boy he once was became the man we know.

Beautifully written, emotional, and completely unforgettable. If you loved Draven before, this book will make you love him and ache for him even more.

[Kristen Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! After finishing A Requiem for Fallen Stars, I was dying to know more about Dravens past and the secrets he held. A composition of scars was everything I could hope for. It told the story from when Draven was a child to present day when he saw Lyra in Foreigner’s valley. Tying everything together.This book kept my interest the whole time and answered all my questions. Felt every emotion while reading this novella. It was a great read! Can’t wait for book two

[Kate Haydar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best novella I’ve read since Assassins Blade.

Draven, my Shayla, what is there to even say? His past is even harsher than I envisioned and walking this path with him was difficult but worth it. This novella gives so much depth to his character and I loved getting to meet his family.

I hope to see the new characters we met in Hazel’s future books.

[Becky Kreger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I was already in love with Draven with my whole heart after book 1, but holy cats, did this book make me fall even harder. This is ultimately a story of trauma (serious trauma- check your triggers), rock bottom brokenness and a fight back to finding true self. This has quickly become one of my new favorite series of ever and I cannot recommend it highly enough!!!!

[rofesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start this review out with a quote from my review on book 1:
"I really like the MMC but I do feel like he has as lot of room to grow and for us to see more of who he actually is. We only scratched the surface with who he is and I think in the next book I am going to be kicking and giggling my feet once we fully see him."

I definitely was NOT kicking and giggling my feet about him in this book, I was screaming, crying and throwing up (in a good way).
We got to see everything that made Draven who he is and I can't believe how much I love him after only 200 some pages with him. He went through so much trauma and has had to deal with such tragic events that I pray to everything that the next book he gets nothing but rainbows and sunshine.
I loved this book more than I ever expected even though all I did was cry.

The most heartful thanks to Hazel S. Wilkes for graciously letting me read this hauntingly beautiful book before it's publication, I am so honored.

[Sara Spiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful thing in this world is a mothers love. This is one of the most beautiful examples of a mothers’ strength, courage, and undying devotion to those she loves. It’s a love that hits you on a deeper level. And I found myself realizing there are few novels around anymore that highlight how incredible mothers are, and how they shape characters growth. This book leaves you raw with mixed emotions, but it’s a story that I will willingly put myself in a tearful state for. It’s not just a story, it’s a reminder that the light overcomes the darkness.

The legitimate found family in this was everything to me. It brought a needed warmth to a tragic story, and it shows that there glimpses of beauty amidst dark periods of life. Rhea and Suzumi had a lot of fun energy, being the perfect duo to uplift Draven, and show him what it’s like to be part of a loving family, not to mention Atlas, becoming a much needed father figure. The brotherhood between Draven and Kiran is as strong in this story as it is in Requiem, and I loved seeing their bonds of loyalty remain unbreakable. Lealla is the perfect representation of love created by bonds and not necessarily blood. Her story is powerful, and her influence on Draven brings tears to my eyes.

I’m so grateful for the chance to read this story, and to find a deeper understanding on Draven’s character and backstory. To truly understand we must look at the past and the people who shaped our lives, and I can’t say enough how much I needed to read this. It not only has me continuing to root for Draven, but to also pick up Requiem for Fallen Stars, and see Lyra and Draven find each other scars and all, and tell each other their stories. Thank you Hazel for the opportunity to arc read, I cannot wait for book 2 to be released.

[Ainhoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finishing off this book with actual tears running down my face and that, I guess, sums up everything this book was❤️

First off, I wanted to thank Hazel for sending me the ARC of this masterpiece and letting me be back on this world sooner than expected🥹

This author has such a way with words I could feel my heart clenching and beating out of my chest every few words. I cannot even imagine the level of pain Draven had to endure at such young age, the visuals of that chapter keep bringing tears to my eyes… and despite all that he resurfaced from his own ashes, his own pain to try and become the man his mother and Atlast always believed him to be😭 it was so beautiful to read I almost felt I was being privy to something I shouldn’t have. One of the most devastating yet beautiful stories I have ever read. I was so devastated when I read about Suzumi I almost forgot about Lyra for a second there and all the good things Draven has coming up (hopefully only good things will happen to him from here on, God knows he deserves it!) and reading the last few pages made me so incredibly happy, knowing that Dravel got that spark of light back and that he will, indeed, love and be loved in a magnificent way❤️

I cannot tell you how badly I need to have book 2 in my hands, release day can’t come soon enough !!!!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

"I’m just Draven."

As soon as I hit the last page, the first thought that crossed my mind was I want to go back and re-read A Requiem For Fallen Stars because the way everything connected had the cogs in my brain working and I just didn’t want to leave this world or these characters. How this novella connects so perfectly to book 1, just wow! This was a heartbreaking and absolutely captivating read.

"When you find a person like that—the person who sees the soul behind any and every mask—you never let them go. Ever."

You get a front row seat to how the events of the past shape Draven into the man you meet in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It is painful and heartbreaking (I cried so many times while reading this!) and despite these horrific harrowing scars he truly is the definition of resilience and strength.

One thing I really loved in this novella was how your chosen family is your true family and those bonds are deeper than any blood relations can ever be.

Absolutely do not skip this book prior to the upcoming release of book two in the series. For full emotional impact having Draven’s origin story will make the series hit that much more. I didn’t think it was possible but it’s impossible to not fall a little harder for him a too.

I cannot wait for book two in this incredible series. A big thank you to Hazel for the e-ARC, it was an honour to get to read 1.5 in the series.

[The Assassin's Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5 stars – spoiler free review

This novella DESTROYED ME.

I knew this was going to be rough, but I was not prepared for how brutal it would actually get. Reading about Draven's past added SO much weight to who he is and why he is the way he is. It made everything worse in the best possible way.

The writing is incredible. There’s this constant pressure throughout because you know it’s building towards something painful, and that just makes the ending hurt so much more. And even though it’s a novella, I got attached to the new characters so quickly it felt like I’d known them my whole life. It’s short, but it does more than some full length books manage. Every scene feels so intentional and it's a book that will linger with you.

I love how this novella builds on the bigger picture of the Cadence of the Fallen series. It made my heart hurt even more for Draven after the way A Requiem for Fallen Stars (book 1) ended. This book isn't just emotional for the sake of it, it adds real depth and makes everything feel heavier going into A Ballad for the Broken (book 2).

This series is genuinely god-tier, my favourite romantasy series ever, and this novella has just cemented that for me. I cannot wait for the release of book 2!

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Hazel and team for giving me my first ever ARC 😭 A Requiem for fallen stars was my favourite book of 2025, so I just knew Dravens novella was going to be a great read. I didn’t quite expect the emotional damage though??

This is the standard I expect from novellas from now on. 300 pages of a well written and fleshed out story, and Hazel absolutely delivered. Getting so much depth and emotion into (by romantasy standards) such a short book is not an easy feat, but Hazel managed this effortlessly, providing so much context and story.

It was great to find out how Draven came to be who he is, and getting to connect with his story more. I absolutely adored this. I’ve been pushing book one onto anyone who’ll listen, now I get to push 2 books 😌

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draven is my fav character from A Requiem For Fallen Stars, so this was everything.

Getting his history was so heartbreaking but necessary, and I somehow love him even more now. He's been through so much. You get so much depth from this, and I definitely recommend reading it even if it's not required to continue the series. Also recommend reading it after A Requiem For Fallen Stars, which I desperately want to re-read now.

His father is in my top fictional characters I want to fight though.

Thank you so much to Hazel for gifting me an e-arc! 💜

[Shann ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cadence of the Fallen series is now officially cemented itself as one of my all time favorites after this novella!

This was beautifully written, emotionally charged read that gave us important insights into the MMC, Draven’s, past. It helped to add depth to his character, making him stand out among all the “dark & broody MMCs”. I loved getting to learn more about him as a character, as well as his relationships outside of just the romantic dynamic from book 1.

My only ‘issue’ is that I wanted more!! As a reader I sometimes struggled with novella, always wanting just a little bit more. So this is very much a me thing lol. But I would have loved to see more glimpse into Draven not just as a young teen but also as he grows into the person we meet at the beginning of book 1.

Overall I HIGHLY recommend but the series & this novella! I cannot wait for more books to come out in this series!

[ellieisbookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is exactly what side story should be! It’s impactful, emotional and so far from filler. It adds so much depth to Draven’s character and makes his past even more heartbreaking and giving new weight to everything we thought we knew, especially after the ending of book 1. Everything is so intentional and every scene serving a purpose. So beautifully written and such a good companion to elevate series🤍

[Taylor Knocke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5- I loveee a backstory novella so this was just what I needed! I love this authors writing and I wanted to bawl my eyes out for Draven and his mom. I can’t wait for the next book!!!

[Seta ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fucking HATE Draven’s father

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are at once deserving, and undeserving of love, and I believe we have our mortal souls to thank for that.”

No words can describe how deeply emotional & heartbreaking this novella was 😫. The insight and backstory into Draven’s childhood, what happened to him, what he survived that shaped him into who he is in the present legitimately had me tearing up.

It’s this like, soul deep sadness. One that is devastating, and really puts you through the motions. The only light felt in the fact that you are able to witness a short period that brought so much joy and love, if even only for a moment.

Draven is so resilient, and i’m so glad he is fighting to be the man his mother would’ve wanted, a man worth love. So much more than the monster his father so badly wants to turn him into.

Ugh. I’ve been reading back to back tear jerkers you guys, and I was really in my feels with this one 😫.

I can’t wait for book two!!

[Madelyn Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

was unaware that a novella could be so heartbreaking 🥺 so good that i immediately have to reread book one which was an absolute masterpiece.

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

Ughhhhhhhh

[Eloise Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

A Composition of Scars is a prequel novella I didn’t know I needed. I absolutely love Hazel S. Wilkes’ writing—her prose is so beautiful and immersive, it makes the setting and characters feel effortless to picture.

This gives such a lovely backstory (again didn’t know I needed but so glad we have it!) to Draven, and adds so much more depth to his character, especially when you think about him in A Requiem for Fallen Stars.

His story is tragic and heartbreaking, but there’s something so powerful about seeing how he’s hit rock bottom and come out the other side. He has so much depth—and I just love him.

I honestly love everything about this series.

[Jill Elza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Composition of Scars (Book 1.5 in the Cadence of the Fallen series) is a haunting, emotional prelude that adds so much depth to the world before A Requiem for Fallen Stars.

Knowing this story takes place before the main events completely shifts how you experience it. There’s a quiet heaviness woven through every chapter—like you’re watching the beginning of something already destined to break. It’s intimate, raw, and at times almost painful.

The author’s note at the beginning is essential—it sets the tone and prepares you for the emotional weight this novella carries. Once you step in, you’re not getting a light side story… you’re getting the foundation of scars, choices, and moments that shape everything to come.

The character work here really stood out to me. You see pieces of who they were before everything changed, and it adds this layer of bittersweet tension knowing what’s ahead. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric, pulling you in without needing big dramatic twists.

My only small complaint? I wanted more. More pages, more moments, more time to sit in these emotions. But honestly, that just proves how invested I was.

Overall, this is a beautifully written, emotionally rich addition to the series that you shouldn’t skip. It deepens the story in a way that makes A Requiem for Fallen Stars hit even harder—and for that alone, it’s absolutely worth the read.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters, if you haven't read 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠, RUN don't walk to go get that first as it is the first book in the Cadence of the Fallen series. 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 was hands down my ultimate 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 read of 2025!

Now for this book, I have so many thoughts and I can assure you immediately that it is all praise. I have no critiques; there are zero things I'd wish were different in the story. I think Hazel S. Wilkes is a highly talented fantasy author genius. She will be as popular as the biggest fantasy romance authors. She pours her whole soul into her beautifully wonderful stories, and it shows. I love her raw and realistic, but still poetic, prose.

Let's get down to business now. 𝐴 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑠 was a peek inside the early life of the MMC from 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠. It was like a villain origin story, what made him tick, what made him cold, what made him ruthless, but by the end he rejects that version of himself. He vows to become someone worthy of his loved ones, someone who would make his loved ones who passed 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝. What happens to him is so sad, then it's so happy, then it's so sad. It's hard to explain, but the reward is worth the risk here, I swear. Yes, there were heart shattering moments. 𝐵𝑢𝑡, the heartwarming moments were more meaningful. They matter more. They are the ones that live on with our shadow daddy Draven. Both the good and the bad events shaped him into the perfect person for the 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 FMC, Lyra.

This story reminded me why I have always 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 fantasy in the first place. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in by the throat and the heart at the same time, giving you both the ache and the healing in equal measure. There’s something so special about watching a character you already adore get peeled back layer by layer until you understand the exact composition of their scars. It made me want to reread 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 immediately just to see Draven with this new depth in mind {and I fully intend to}.

This novella adds so much richness to the world Hazel has already built, and it deepened my love for the series, and the characters, in ways I didn’t expect. Draven’s journey here felt like watching a supernova form—every moment of pain, every flicker of hope, every expectation, every choice he makes, becomes another burst of light that shapes who he becomes. Seeing the boy before he became a man made his future self hit even harder. As his mom says, "Do you see that star, Draven? You are just like it. It does not let the darkness dim its shine—it burns brighter because of it. And you? You burn so brightly, my son. That darkness in your veins is just a backdrop for all your glorious light." If this is what Hazel S. Wilkes can do with a 1.5 sequel, I can’t even imagine the emotional destruction and beauty she has planned for the next book, 𝐴 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑛, which will be #2 in the series. I’m fully strapped in for the ride and starting a countdown now until I get that one in my hands. Also, I loved the praise for mothers in the dedication. Here it is so you can have a little taste of the sweetness that is all Hazel S. Wilkes: "To the mothers who act as sword and shield, who bear the weight of a thousand burdens so their sons or daughters may know a better way of life— You carry the strength of mountains. To my own mother; You are the strongest woman I know." I've never read such a loving dedication, and boy does it resonate as a mother. Hazel perfectly creates the strongest characters I know, and it’s clear that her understanding of strength comes from a deeply personal, deeply human place. That tenderness, that reverence for the people who shape us, bleeds into every page she writes. It’s no wonder her characters feel so alive—they’re built from love, loss, sacrifice, and the quiet power of those who raise us. If anything, this dedication set the tone for the entire reading experience. It reminded me that behind every hero, every villain, every broken or rebuilt soul in her books, there’s a million reasons they are who they are, and who they decide to become. And Hazel captures that with a kind of emotional honesty that stays with you long after you close the book.

𝟏𝟐/𝟏𝟎 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃!!! READ THIS RIGHT NOW!

Don't forget—read 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 first if you haven't—this is book 1.5!!!

Disclaimer: the author provided me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this story, but this review and my opinions are 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞. I preordered both 𝐴 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑠 & 𝐴 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑛 after I read 𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 anyways {aka before I got the ARC}.

[Amanda BookishRabbits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me: I’m fine. Also me, ten pages in: sobbing into my pillow over fictional trauma.

From the start, I knew I was doomed in the best way... it reminded me instantly why I adore this series. I told myself I was simply getting a bit more insight into Draven’s past, and within minutes I was clutching my Kindle like a woman possessed.

Things I Loved:

🌟 New characters who didn't ask permission to steal my heart... but here we are! They walked in with big personalities and I immediately adopted them. Even the bookshop - the polished bookery basically deserves its own merch line now!

😭 Heartbreak that felt personally targeted. Some scenes really said, “Hope you weren’t planning to be emotionally stable today.” I had to put the book down and stare into the void like I was in a dramatic music video.

🖤 The layers behind Draven’s scars.
Each new reveal hit with emotional force and made me see him in a whole new way. I genuinely just want to wrap him in a blanket and give him a hug.

💬 Writing that goes from soft to soul crushing. One line makes you smile. The next line emotionally body slams you. And somehow it all flows perfectly... the whiplash is real but also delicious!

Much like with book 1, I've gone completely feral with my highlighter - so prepare for lots of beautiful quotes!

"He returned to them tonight, as if summoned. A willing captive to their mysteries and contradictions, both dark and beautiful, shrouded in shadows and twinkling effervescence. Do you see that star, Draven? You are just like it. It does not let the darkness dim its shine— it burns brighter because of it. And you? You burn so brightly, my son. That darkness in your veins is just a backdrop for all your glorious light."

The emotional writing absolutely stood out for me. The story deals with grief, loyalty, survival, and all the messy pieces in between. The heartbreaking scenes truly wrecked me. One second I was reading peacefully, and the next I was staring into space like I had personally lived through the trauma... and wondering if I need a support group… or maybe just some snacks for all my book-related feelings.

"She was air where there had previously only been suffocation. She was light where there had only been darkness. She was the perfect sea kissed breeze. A fluttering warmth in the midst of the deepest winter."

Getting this closer look at Draven felt both heartbreaking and incredibly rewarding. Every struggle, every tiny moment that leaves a mark, adds another layer to who he is. The exploration of his scars, both physical and emotional, is so moving that you feel the weight of every wound and every loss. It all makes his resilience feel earned in a way that hits you right in the feels.

I loved the balance between the softer, introspective moments and the brutal realities that shaped Draven’s life. By the end, I felt like I understood him on a completely different level.

“You will have moments where you’ll feel like you ruined everything. You will make mistakes, no matter how painful a thing it is to admit. The key is to find someone who is willing to sit in those shadows with you. Who will forgive you and love you in spite of your flaws. Who will laugh with you. Cry with you. Sip sweet wine in front of a burning hearth while you ramble on about your passions. When you find a person like that, the person who sees the soul behind any and every mask, you never let them go. Ever. Even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like everything is crumbling, you never give up on them. They will just see you, and they will love you for it. When you find a person like that, you never let them go."

This novella took my heart, crushed it, put it back together, gently patted me on the head, and then somehow made me grateful for the emotional damage. It adds so much depth to a world and cast that I already loved.

And now? Now I am SO hyped for book 2. I need to see how all of this backstory crashes into what is coming next. The anticipation has me spiritually vibrating. I'm ready to laugh, cry, swoon, and probably sob into my tea all over again, and I'll do it with zero shame.

Bring it on. I’m ready!

[Ashe | mybookishhyperfix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is how you write a prequel!!

Wow did I need this backstory for Draven. A Composition of Scars shows us the events from when Draven is 14 right up to when we meet Draven in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. It gives us so much context and helps fill in a lot of gaps I had following A Requiem for Fallen Stars.

I still loved that book but I wanted much more depth to Draven and boy did I get it in this prequel 😍 After learning about all he has been through, everything about him just makes much more sense! It’s very easy to see how the tragic events, the betrayal and trauma Draven experienced in this book shaped him into the Draven we met in A Requiem for Fallen Stars. I also now understand his connection with Lyra a lot more and how he fell for her so hard as quick as he did.

The first part of A Composition of Scars shows us the abuse Draven suffers at the hands of his father. It’s heartbreaking to read but then we see the beauty that comes from the love and protection of a mother. The portrayal of the relationship between Draven and his Mother is truly beautiful.

We also see just how strong the bond between Draven, Kiran and Finlay is, their brotherhood is so heartwarming and a lot of this part of the book is heartwarming. We meet some new characters who you will absolutely fall in love with and it becomes a beautiful feel good read. But, you just know that devastation is ahead, so much so that it took me a bit of time before continuing as I just wasn’t ready to be broken!

Once I started part 2, I couldn’t stop. I stayed up until 3am to finish this book!! Part 2 shatters you. This part we see the devastation that comes from power and a father’s hatred. It’s brutal, it’s raw, and will completely break you. Be warned, this is not a HEA story but it will begin to mend you towards the end.

The emotional whiplash this book gives you is phenomenal and the emotional depth conveyed was so impactful. There were some beautiful, heartwarming moments, moments where you get completely swept up in the story, before utter devastation rains down and rips your heart out. The way Hazel writes is just so completely captivating and she makes you feel everything.

I absolutely loved this book, it was everything I hoped it would be and I honestly cannot wait for book 2 😍

Thank you so much to the Author Hazel S. Wilkes for this gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.