Realm of Shadows

Heir of Hades #1

by Rektok Ross

In a world where gods and monsters walk hidden among us, falling for the wrong guy might do more than break her heart—it might awaken a war.

College freshman Alysander Smith has never fit in her small beach town of glossy smiles and airbrushed perfection. All she wants is to escape and prove she’s more than just the punchline everyone laughs at. The only bright spot? Hayden Vassilios, her gorgeous childhood best friend turned campus football god—and the guy she’s been secretly in love with for years. But when she uncovers a dark family secret about her long-lost, deadbeat father, everything changes.

Alysander starts to wonder if her mother’s crazed whispers about ancient mythological bloodlines and a secret Underworld might be less delusion and more danger. Something old and powerful is awakening, and Hayden is at the center of it all. When the truth shatters everything she thought she knew, Alysander will have to walk away—or step into the shadows and fight for a love that was never hers to keep.

Realm of Shadows is a romantic fantasy retelling of Hades and Persephone. This is a slow-burn, best-friends-to-lovers romance filled with dark yearning, ancient mythic secrets, and a supernatural reveal that changes everything.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Dark Fantasy, Suspense, Slow Burn

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

Liani Kotcher (writing as Rektok Ross) is a trial attorney turned award-winning and bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer. An avid reader since childhood, Liani writes exactly the kind of books she loves to escape into herself: exciting thrillers with strong female leads, swoonworthy love interests, and life-changing moments. She graduated from the University of Florida School of Journalism and obtained her juris doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law. Originally from South Florida, she currently splits her time between San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas with her husband, step kids, and her dogs. She is the recipient of several awards, including the American Fiction Awards, IAN Book of the Year Awards, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Chanticleer Dante Rossetti Book Awards, and Women Writing the West. Her debut young adult thriller Ski Weekend was named a “best book” of the year by Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Parade, BookRiot, Yahoo!Life, Brit + Co., BookTrib, J-14, and more and is currently in development for a major motion picture. You can find her online just about anywhere at @RektokRoss, as well as on her website, www.RektokRoss.com, where she blogs about books and writing.

You can find her online just about anywhere at @RektokRoss, as well as on her website, www.RektokRoss.com, where she blogs about books and writing.

Facebook: @RektokRoss
Instagram: @RektokRoss
TikTok: @RektokRoss
BookBub: @RektokRoss
Twitter: @RektokRoss
Readers Group: www.facebook.com/groups/thebooknookbyrektokross/

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Reviews

[Hannah Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED the next book…I repeat…I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!😫😍 that ending!? Diabolical in the best way possible and don’t even get me started on the relationship dynamic between the FMC and MMC ughhh the slow burn is SO good!

Buttttt her sister!? Uhh she can go kick some rocks🤣😂

[Eve Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romance + fantasy, RUN—don’t walk—to this one when it drops April 21st!!!
The storyline had me hooked, but it was the characters that really stole the show. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. And Ally? Absolutely hilarious—I was laughing out loud!
But can we talk about that ending?! The cliffhanger had me sitting there like… excuse me, WHAT just happened?!
Counting down the days until @RektokRoss gives us the next book because I NEED answers. Also… manifesting ARC reader status again because I’m not ready to wait like everyone else 😂

[Kelsey Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

🖤 Realm of Shadows 🖤

This is my first 6⭐️ read of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And man I ate this book up so fast!!!! From the first page it will suck you in!!! Alysander story had me needing more and asking so many questions!!! Then you have Hayden the best friend who has secrets of his own!??? To the bratty preppy sister!!! I have never read a book so quickly!!!! It’s got childhood best friends, family drama, to a secret underworld. This gothic romantasy is so dang good!!!!!! Don’t sleep on this book and add it to your TBR NOWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need book 2 asap!!! I’m already having withdrawals 🤪😂

[Spreading Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He looks like trouble. The good kind. The kind you want to run to, even when you know you should be running away."

"It's not just a kiss. It's a goddamn reckoning. The kind of thing that ruins you and makes you forget there was ever a before. Something that rewrites fate itself."

I received an ARC for this romantasy, mythology, touch her and die, friends to lovers (?yes no yes?), yearning, coming of age romance. I was so pleasantly surprised that I stayed up late finishing! As in, can't stop until it's done, download the bonus chapter and read that too late.

This is a re-telling of Hades and Persephone, but it is the first in a series. Often with fantasy reads there is a great deal of time laying out the world and story-line. This book showed the author was very capable of hooking your attention and getting right down to it. It was so enjoyable for me. I am interested to see how the story-line progresses between the FMC and her sister (no spoilers!!).

On a spice level, I would almost consider this closed door or just romance only, no spice. There is a mildly dark/triggering scene towards the end, but overall the actual romance was the highlight. The angst and yearning are next level.

Overall this made me add a lot more RekTok Ross books to my TBR. I don't think I am going to be able to wait until the next in the series is released!

#romance #forbiddenromance #bookstagram #romancereader #slowburn

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

If you like:

*Slow Burn
*Friends to Lovers
*Touch her & die
*Gothic Character
*Secrets
*Greek Mythology

Then get yourself a copy that publishes on April 21st.

This is the 3rd book I read by this author and I breeze through her books as if there’s no tomorrow. Her books keeps me interested until the last page and this one was not an exception. About 80% of this book is set up to introduce the characters, relationships and struggles. Therefore, you develop an emotional attachment to them before secrets start to come out, which I think she did beautifully.

In this book you meet Alysander, who doesn’t feel seen and feels like she’s not wanted by anyone except by her best friend Hayes. Then you meet her sister Amber who everyone loves including her bff Hayes, the one person she wishes she didn’t have to share.

This book leaves you with a cliffhanger that leaves you craving for more! The ending is just the beginning of what Aly is about to figure out what powers she may have and whether she is or is not the chosen one.

I cannot wait for book 2 and hope it’s close to being done! Maybe I’m asking for too much.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Realm of Shadows in return for an honest review from the author.

I loved Ally she's such a sweet heart you can't help just cheering her on and connecting with her she's totally my kind of character. I have a lot of feelings about her best friend Hayes and her sister Amber that he's been in and on again off relationship. I have hopes for Hayes as the series goes because he needs a little redemption because right the his cousin is looking pretty good.

I devoured this one in just one short reading session I couldn't put it down and I had to know how it would play out. I had some high expectations going into this one as this isn't my first book by the author and she doesn't disappoint she kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and left me dying for more. I didn't catch the gothic elements per say and it feel more YA or New Adult which is refreshing.

Let's address how stunning is that cover it's gorgeous and totally why I signed up to read this one. Well that and i've read and loved all her books plus I'm a huge Persephone and Hades retelling fan. It's a slow burn story that made me want to throw my kindle across the room a few times and all the feels. The author has created another captivating story that has my obsessed with her storytelling. I love a cliffhanger and don't let that keep you from diving in. Highly recommend and can't wait to see how it's going to play out. I loved it and have huge expectations for the next book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

The first ~70% was just a fun time kind of read, and felt very YA. The last 30% is where the action really happened and when I really got into this story. I do look forward to seeing where this Hades x Persephone inspired Romantasy goes.

[boldaslove_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review of advanced reader copy received from author*
I was excited to be an ARC reader for her new fantasy series! I’m already ready for book 2! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a SLOW burn, friends to lovers introduction to a Hades & Persephone retelling. My advice is don’t go into this expecting world building and action starting off right away. Be patient. Understanding the foundation of the friendship between Alysander and Hayes and feeling their connection is important when you see what happens. Oh and get ready to hate Amber.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realm of Shadows 🖤 Book Review 🐍 thank you so much @rektokrods for the gifted copy!

Realm of Shadows: Heir of Hades Series
by Rektok Ross
out now!

Alysander has always wanted to escape her small town and the feeling that she doesn’t belong.

But when she uncovers a dark secret about her past, she’s pulled into a world of ancient powers, hidden truths, and danger lurking just beneath the surface.

With her childhood best friend and longtime crush at the center of it all, she’ll have to decide: walk away… or risk everything for a love that was never meant to be hers.

💭 My thoughts:

Addictive, angsty, and setting up a slow burn that’s about to explode. There is just something about Rektok Ross’s books that has me binge reading every single time, and this one was no exception. I flew through it and immediately needed book two. The tension between Alysander and Hayden was off the charts. I’m already counting down to when that slow burn finally ignites because it’s going to be everything. I loved the setup for this series… it did exactly what I wanted it to do, it hooked me and left me wanting more. Ambrosia has to be the most infuriating sister. While Argyros deserves to be protected at all costs. It’s dramatic, addictive, and the setup for the series is just so good, I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!

What to expect 👇🏽

❤️‍🔥Slow-burn romance
🖤Best friends to something more
🐍Fantasy + mythology vibes
🤤Bingeable

Happy reading 📖🐍🔥✨

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)

I went into The Realm of Shadows expecting a moody romantasy with a Hades/Persephone vibe, and it definitely delivered on atmosphere—but what surprised me most was how much the characters carried the story.

Alysander isn’t your typical fantasy heroine. She feels messy in a very real way—uncertain, a little self-conscious, and constantly trying to figure out where she belongs. That made her really easy to connect with. And Hayden? He’s not just the “perfect” love interest. There’s a lot going on under the surface with him, and the book takes its time peeling that back. Their relationship has this quiet emotional weight to it that made the slow-burn actually work for me.

What stood out most was how flawed everyone is. No one feels overly polished or idealized. Characters make questionable choices, hold onto secrets, and exist in that morally gray space that fits the darker tone of the story really well. It made the relationships feel more grounded, even when the plot leaned heavily into mythology and supernatural elements.

That said, the pacing is definitely a weak point. The slow-burn is very slow—so much so that it almost feels like very little actually happens until the final stretch. Then, in the last 10 or so pages, everything ramps up quickly, and the ending feels abrupt rather than satisfying. Even knowing this is the first in a series, it still came across more like a sudden stop than a true narrative payoff.

Some of the twists were also a bit predictable if you’re familiar with the genre, which took away a little of the tension.

Still, if you’re someone who reads romantasy primarily for character dynamics and emotional tension rather than nonstop action, this one is worth picking up. The character depth really is the highlight—it’s the kind of story where you stay because you’re invested in the people, not just the plot.

[phoebe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry, but I don't think I've ever disliked an MMC more than I dislike Hayes. He literally treats the FMC, who's supposed to be his best friend for over a decade, horribly, all while going out with her sister, who also treats the FMC horribly. Then chooses her over the FMC. And his whole thing is that there is a prophecy that says he's going to marry her sister. I beg your finest pardon. This was assumed to be a romance between the FMC and MMC, and yet there's no tension, no yearning, no chemistry. Hayes is a manchild, plain and simple, and the FMC deserves worlds better than the life she has.

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. She did it again another phenomenal book!! What an ending though!! Leaving us hanging and wanting more like yesterday!! Friends to lovers with each of them having their own little secrets!! This is a gothic romance with a very protective FRIEND!! This book had me hooked from the very beginning and I want more!! Phenomenal story can’t wait to see what happens next!! This is definitely a 6 plus ⭐️ read for me!!

“In a world where gods and monsters walk hidden among us, falling for the wrong guy might do more than break her heart—it might awaken a war.

College freshman Alysander Smith has never fit in her small beach town of glossy smiles and airbrushed perfection. All she wants is to escape and prove she’s more than just the punchline everyone laughs at. The only bright spot? Hayden Vassilios, her gorgeous childhood best friend turned campus football god—and the guy she’s been secretly in love with for years. But when she uncovers a dark family secret about her long-lost, deadbeat father, everything changes.

Alysander starts to wonder if her mother’s crazed whispers about ancient mythological bloodlines and a secret Underworld might be less delusion and more danger. Something old and powerful is awakening, and Hayden is at the center of it all. When the truth shatters everything she thought she knew, Alysander will have to choose: walk away—or step into the shadows and fight for a love that was never hers to keep.”

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc via Netgalley & Rektok and this is my voluntary review. In this story you follow Alysander and Hayes in a slow burn from friends to lovers. This is a Persephone and Hades retelling with gothic aspects. If you want a book with family drama, huge secrets, and a cliff hanger that'll leave you begging for more this gothic romantasy is definitely for you . (Ps: Hate Amber with a passion, better yet hate isn't a strong enough word. I loathe her!!!! Fake over the top and just a general bad person!)

[Rechal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ 3.5 stars

Realm of Shadows follows Alysander Smith, a college freshman who has always felt out of place in her small town. As she begins uncovering secrets about her father—and her mother’s unsettling whispers about gods, Titans, and an Underworld—her reality starts to unravel. And somehow, everything seems to circle back to her best friend, Hayes.

From the start, this book had me thinking. The blend of mythology, mystery, and slow reveals kept me constantly trying to connect the dots and figure out what was really going on.

Alysander, as a character, was… complicated for me. I really connected with her feelings of not belonging and being overlooked—especially her thoughts about never surviving a house full of “Ambers.” That hit in a very real way. But at the same time, her choices often frustrated me, particularly when it came to her self-worth and how she handled her feelings for Hayes. There were moments where I wanted her to take control and choose herself more.

Hayes, on the other hand, was equally conflicting. Their friendship was one of the strongest aspects of the book—there’s history, comfort, and a clear emotional bond. But his actions often felt inconsistent. One moment he’s protective, the next he’s distant or careless, and that push-and-pull dynamic became frustrating over time.

The family dynamics added another layer of tension. Alysander’s love-hate relationship with her sister Amber, her absent father, and her mother’s cryptic warnings about gods and hidden worlds all contributed to a sense of unease that worked really well for the story.

The mythology was one of the most intriguing parts. The hints about Titans, the Underworld, and hidden identities were woven in gradually, making the story feel like a puzzle slowly coming together. By the time the epilogue hits, several pieces finally fall into place—and it definitely shifts how you see everything that came before.

That said, the pacing and character decisions didn’t always work for me. At times, I wanted more clarity and stronger development, especially in the relationships. Some emotional beats felt repetitive or underdeveloped, which made certain conflicts more frustrating than impactful.

Overall, Realm of Shadows is a slow-burning romantic fantasy with strong mythological elements, messy and emotional relationships, and an underlying mystery that keeps you engaged.

I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next and am looking forward to finding out what happens in book two.

[madisyn (bookish verison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

REALM OF SHADOWS (ARC) | ★★★★☆ | KINDLE

is she really falling for the wrong guy or falling into an eternity of shadows?

alysander smith never fit into the world. especially not compared to her sister amber who seems to have everything going for her. at least aly has hayden vassilios. hayes. her childhood best friend.

except even hayes has fallen into an entrapment of amber’s charm. feeling completely isolated and her friendship with hayes slipping, aly uncovers hidden secrets that have been plaguing their mother for years. but maybe aly’s life isn’t the only one with secrets…and there may be more beneath the shadows that are lurking around them.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. i literally flew through this, i was so smitten by hayes and alysander and their relationship throughout the book. the YEARNING had me clutching my heart and i wanted to murder amber 90% of the time…still really do. also the ending??? i am in shock and i need MORE. the woven in greek mythology was incredible and i adored the way it was done. also i need an argyros in my life. he was literally my favourite to be for real here. really the star of it all.

a HUGE thank you to @netgalley , @rektokross , and @victoryeditingngc for this amazing arc read.

if you need a closed door, slow burn that will eat at your heart, romantasy dipped in greek mythology then you need to read this.

realm of shadows is out april 21st so be on the watch for this one!

[Shalissa Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rektok Ross has officially earned a spot on my favorite authors list with Realm of Shadows. From the very beginning, I was completely pulled in especially by Alysander. Her struggle to be seen and her desire for something more made her incredibly easy to connect with, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time.

The friends-to-lovers dynamic between Alysander and Hayden was easily a standout. The tension was so well done emotional, frustrating in the best way, and absolutely worth the slow build. Every interaction left me wanting more.

I also loved the Greek mythology elements woven throughout the story. The Hades and Persephone inspired retelling felt fresh and intriguing, adding just the right amount of mystery without overpowering the plot. The fantasy elements are more subtle at first, but they build beautifully toward the end, making everything feel bigger and more impactful.

With solid world building, engaging pacing, and characters you can’t help but get attached to, this book feels like the start of something much larger. By the end, I was fully invested and already eager for what’s next.

If you love emotional tension, slow burn romance, and mythology infused stories, this is definitely one to pick up.

[Debby Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ross’ Realm of Shadows is a gripping dive into a dark, immersive world that balances mystery, tension, and imagination with surprising emotional depth. From the very first pages, RekTok pulls readers into a shadowy realm where danger feels constant and nothing is ever quite what it seems.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its atmosphere. The setting is vividly described without feeling overdone—every scene carries a sense of unease that keeps you turning pages. The “realm of shadows” isn’t just a backdrop; it feels alive, almost like a character itself, shaping the story and influencing the choices of those within it.

The pacing is another highlight. RekTok does a great job balancing action with quieter, more reflective moments. Just when the tension peaks, the story gives you a chance to breathe—before pulling you right back into the suspense. The twists are well-placed and unpredictable, keeping readers hooked without feeling forced.

Overall, Ross’ Realm of Shadows is an engaging and atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and suspenseful storytelling. RekTok shows a strong command of tone and world-building, making this a memorable journey into the unknown.

[Joey Krupocin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book—it was that good. This isn’t my usual type of read, but I love the way Rektok Ross writes, so I was so excited to get this ARC—and it delivered. It’s a slow burn but still a quick read, and it leaves you needing (not just wanting) more. The world-building was incredible, the characters were so well done, and the plot? Perfect. I need book two…like, immediately.

𝕊𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤
In a world where gods and monsters walk hidden among us, falling for the wrong guy might awaken a war. College freshman Alysander Smith has never fit in and just wants to prove she’s more than the punchline everyone sees her as. Her only bright spot is Hayden Vassilios—her childhood best friend turned campus football god—and the guy she’s secretly loved for years.

But when she uncovers a dark family secret, everything changes. Her mother’s whispers about ancient bloodlines and a secret Underworld might be more truth than delusion—and Hayden is at the center of it. As the truth unravels, Alysander must decide whether to walk away or fight for a love that was never hers.

𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Realm of Shadows by Rektok Ross and I’m kind of obsessed. If you love a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romantasy, this one really hits.

The tension is so good—nothing feels rushed, but it never drags either. I love the relationship between the main characters, and watching it slowly shift from childhood friendship to lovers is honestly the best part. The banter and reluctant understanding just build in a way that feels natural, not forced.

It’s also a really easy read in the best way. The world building is great and you can just fall into the story. You can definitely tell the author has a horror/thriller background too—there’s this darker, slightly eerie vibe underneath everything that keeps it interesting.

I also liked that the characters aren’t super clean-cut. There’s some morally gray decision-making going on, and it adds a lot more tension because you’re never totally sure how things are going to play out.

And the little hints about the bigger world and what’s coming next?? I’m already invested.

If you like romantasy with tension, darker vibes, and a slow burn that actually pays off, I’d recommend this one for sure.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fast reader, but I flew through Realms of Shadows in just two to three days. This Hades and Persephone retelling is the perfect blend of gothic romantasy and a hint of mystery with ancient secrets. A childhood friends to lovers slow burn that kept me hooked from page one( the setting starts in Laguna Hills BTW!) . If you love a dark, moody aesthetic with a plot that actually keeps you guessing, pick this up! cant wait for the next book in this series!

​Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In a world where gods and monsters walk hidden among us, falling for the wrong guy might do more than break her heart—it might awaken a war.

Vibes: "The Summer I Turned Pretty" meets "A Court of Thorns and Roses"

[Heather Knick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Rektok Ross!! This was my second ARC read for her, and honestly…she blew it out of the water! As I’ve been deep in my Greek mythology era this past year, seeing her dive into this world was awesome!!
Definitely a YA, which I enjoy…I fell in love with “Alligator” and “Hay”…especially when they both remind me so much of myself with my love for horror films!! And the mention of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”…although small, was exciting for me. LoL!!
It’s not often a first book in a series makes me anxious the next, but here we are! I can’t WAIT to jump back into this world and find out what happens to these characters!
Definitely recommend!!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something quietly seductive about Realm of Shadows—the kind of story that doesn’t rush you, but instead draws you in slowly, like dusk turning into night.

At its core, this is a best-friends-to-lovers story, and it hurts in the best way. The emotional tension is stretched so perfectly that every small moment—every look, every hesitation—feels loaded. You know something is coming, but you don’t know when or how it will break.

And when it does? It breaks open the entire world.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have not read a lot of Romantasy books in my reading journey, but let me tell you that this book has made me want to read more. This book is a slow burn and the relationship between Hayes and Alysander will have this book being a page turner for you. The story ends with a cliff hanger, but I believe it will be totally worth the wait for the next book!

[Randysha Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I’d like to thank Rektok Ross for the Arc of this book! This book was a 5 star for me. It’s a slow-burn with friends to lovers trope included. The book was a fast read and I enjoyed every bit of it. I loved the world building and the characters were done amazingly. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the FMC & MMC. I’m needing book 2 immediately!

[Fallon Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thankful to be provided this ARC by NetGalley and Rektok Ross in exchange for an honest review!
This storyline had me hook, line, and sinker! If you are looking for a Hades and Persephone retelling, but with a modern spin to it; then this is for you! Get ready to dive into a world full of gothic romance, Greek mythology, underworld vibes with monsters and shadows, lingering slow burn, friends to lovers, forbidden love, and vibes that scream shadow prince who swoops in and saves the girl! YES, SWOON, for all of the above!!!!
I was hooked from page 1 and sucked in instantly!
I’m not going to give any spoilers away; but this is an intense, lingering slow burn so be prepared to get sucked in like I did! You will be introduced to Hayes and Alysander, two lifelong best friends; that are literally meant to be in every way possible; and yes I’m rooting for them and yes that’s what I want to happen because…match made in Greek God heavens!!! There are so many plots and secrets throughout the book, that even though this is a slow burn, you won’t realize you are at the end so quickly! And jaw drop…you are left at a cliffhanging and yearning for me!!!
This book is just the tip of the iceberg; and I’m telling you Rektok is preparing us for something much bigger coming in Book 2! And I cannot wait for it!! I’m already there for it and NEED it ASAP!!
P.S. There is also a dog in this book and he’s named after wine to all my wine babes!! ❤️🙌🏻🔥
“It’s not just a kiss. It’s a goddamn reckoning. The kind of thing that ruins you and makes you forget there ever was a before. Something that rewrites fate itself.” 🖤

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first i thought, GREAT another one of these… hades and persephone is SO over done. This author did it well. I was taken by surprise. The characters really brought this to life for me. The banter was top tier! The world got a bit weird so 4.5 stars for me but the relationships that were built made this book.

[prettyNpaperback · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book leaves you wanting more…
This books was consumed in under 24hrs. It kept calling my name to be read. I truly enjoyed it and loved the FMC character growth and the plot build. The sisters gave me 10 Things I hate About You vibes and I’m here for it. Cant wait for book 2!!

[Shannon]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ times infinity
ARC Review

Realm of Shadows by rektok ROSS is beyond amazing. This Gothic retelling of Hades and Peresphone is amazing. I couldn't put it down but didn't want to leave this world. Who doesn't want a hot Greek Quarterback in Hayes and his best friend who been in love with for a long time. Al finds herself not fitting in and as the story goes on you find out more of why that might be. Hayes is living a double life and it take it toll on him when his father is killed. He no longer gets to be an eighteen year old guy he has to take over the family business. You find yourself yelling at the characters in this story and you will definitely yell when the book ends......ready for book two now.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Wow the ending. I love the FMC and cant wait for the next book to see where her story goes!

[Itzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. This story was absolutely addictive!! The kind of book that keeps you turning pages long after you planned to sleep. I ended up staying awake late at night because I simply could not put it down.
At the heart of the story are Alysandra and Hayden, childhood best friends who come from completely different worlds. Hayden is the golden boy; wealthy, charming, a football star who seems to get everything he wants, including attention from every girl around him. Aly, on the other hand, has always felt out of place. Raised by a struggling single mother, uncertain about who her father really is, and constantly overshadowed by her sister Amber, Aly has spent her life feeling different and disconnected. To make matters even more complicated, she’s secretly been in love with Hayden for years, despite the fact that he’s also been involved on and off with her sister.
As Aly begins uncovering secrets about her missing father, she starts questioning everything her mother has ever told her. Her mother has always spoken of myths, hidden worlds, and an underworld where Aly’s father supposedly came from, stories Aly once dismissed as delusions. But as strange events begin unfolding around her, Aly fears she may be losing touch with reality herself, until Hayden finally reveals the truth about who he really is. Suddenly, the friendship she trusted for years is exposed as something built on secrets and deception, forcing Aly to choose between returning to the life she’s always known or stepping into a dangerous underworld where nothing will ever be the same.
What makes this book so compelling is how it blends emotional drama with darker supernatural mystery. On the surface, it may seem like a love triangle mixed with sibling rivalry, but underneath it all is a much deeper and more sinister story unfolding in the shadows. That constant sense of mystery kept me completely hooked because I needed to know how everything connected and where the story was heading.
The world-building is one of the novel’s biggest strengths. The transition from a modern-day setting into gothic underworld imagery feels seamless, atmospheric, and cinematic. Fans of Hades and Persephone retellings will especially love the way Ross reimagines mythology in a fresh, modern way while still capturing the haunting beauty and darkness that make these stories so irresistible.
The characters also feel layered and emotionally real. Aly’s internal struggles give the story genuine emotional depth, while the tension between her, Hayden, and Amber creates nonstop drama. And honestly, Amber drove me insane in the best possible way. The emotional payoff toward the ending was incredibly satisfying, especially for Aly, who truly deserves her moment after everything she endures throughout the story.
Even though the pacing slows slightly in the middle, the ending makes it more than worth it. The final chapters left me desperate for book two, and I already have a feeling there are even bigger revelations waiting ahead. I haven’t been this invested in a series in a long time.
Overall, Realm of Shadows is a dark, immersive, and emotionally gripping fantasy that showcases Retok Ross’s talent for creating suspenseful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and atmospheric worlds. If you love dark fantasy, supernatural intrigue, romance, and mythological retellings with gothic underworld vibes, this is absolutely a book you need to read.