Shards of Wind

by L.E. Van Veen

CAUGHT IN THE THREADS OF FATE. . .

Aisla Iarkis betrayed the one that was declared to be her gods-chosen match. Having made her choice, she is thrust into the forefront of a world of politics, manipulation, and strategy. With all eyes on her, Aisla is forced to become the Gheall Ceann she was prophesied to be. She knew the day would come, but could she ever be prepared for the sacrifices it would take?

ENSNARED IN THE GHEALL CEANN’S TRAP. . .

Weylin Myrkor finds himself captive in enemy lands at the end of a poison-tipped blade. After a revelation that would forever change the realms, Weylin is left powerless with nothing but time with the one who betrayed him. Faced with the world unfurling before him, and the one he was raised to believe in, where will Weylin find his loyalties lie?

Genres: Fantasy

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

L.E. Van Veen lives with her husband and three dogs in coastal North Carolina, although she spends a good deal of time lost in fictional lands. She has enjoyed stories set in different worlds for as long as she can remember and has long dreamed of building her own. After studying Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington, she began work on her debut novel, Under Cold Moons, an epic fantasy novel inspired by years spent dreaming.

Photo by Marigold Visuals Photography

Reviews

[Selah Parker]

"A journey of endless sunrises begins with the very first step"

(Actually 4.5) I think the world may be my absolute favorite thing about this book. I love the mythology and the whole vibes. I know I've repeated it this many times but this is up there with my top favorite worlds. (Caraval, A Stage Set For Villians, Six of Crows, The Wild Huntress, Daughter of the Pirate King, ect)

At first it was annoying having so many povs, (I just wanted to read my favorites Weylin, Aisla, and Eimear), but at the end I appreciated all the different views I got and how I was on two side of the war. I also enjoyed having the same scene repeated but in a different person's pov.

I didn't understand why Weylin all of a sudden fell heads over tails for Aisla. Yes, I love them together. Yes, I've wanted them together for two books, but it wasn't a build up. It was just a *bam* Weylin loves Aisla.
I also was disappointed that I didn't get a lot of time with Eimear. I basically got the beginning of her character arch and the end(ish). I also didn't get to see the romantic development of her and Kol. One chapter she can't stand him the next they're flirting with each other. I feel I would appreciate the ending more if I got to see how Kol's love developed so I can see why it's worth the risk of his mother's wrath by betraying her to turn Eimear immortal.

Regardless, I loved this book and I am so very depressed that it will be at least a year until the next book comes out. 😭

(P.s. R.I.P Ruairi)

[Madison]

Wow! I liked the first two installments of this romance-fantasy series well enough, but this fast-paced part 3 knocked my socks off. I reiterate from my previous books reviews that this series feels like a fresh take on popular tropes.

I really enjoy this world! The author does a matter-of-fact job of weaving in the world building with the main story. Through separate POVs she incorporates descriptions of the “worldly realms”, and the mythology of the gods who oversee it all seamlessly. (And in this third installment leaves you yearning to know even more regarding the gods!)

The magic system, although it may feel familiar, still feels fresh and unique as we learn more in this book. I desperately want to explore more of Aisla’s magic and power as Gheall Ceann!! As well as discover each characters unique esos!!!

The characters we know and love continue to grow and become more nuanced. The dialogue isn’t annoying, and doesn’t carry on. Most interactions, inner thoughts, and conversations feel just right, but some felt a bit repetitive. For example conversations between Aisla and Muinin.

Some familiar but less developed characters help reveal more of the story for us, oh boy. We also have some fresh new faces that we don’t even see coming!!!

The writing is straight forward and no-nonsense! We get to where we are going and we don’t dilly dally!! Would I like more detail in some scenes or regarding locations and lore? Sure would! But it’s only because I am so captivated by the story and the world the author has built. There are little glimpses into new and lesser know lands and their people that draw you in as well.

The overarching conflict and romantic developments are slow-burn and continue to build in this installment. I’m eager to see where these relationships go and to see it all come together in a final clash. I don’t know how the author could possibly wrap it all up in one more book!! (but I believe!)

To sum it up, all I want is more! Thank you SO MUCH To L.E. Van Veen for the advanced copy of this book! I highly recommend diving into this series!

[Bailey]

Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author:

I was completely hooked from start to finish. Shards of Wind exceeded all my expectations with its emotional depth, character growth, and nonstop tension. The pacing kept me flying through the pages while still leaving room for meaningful character development and slow-burn romantic tension.

One of my favorite parts of this series continues to be the world-building. The multiple POVs expand the story so naturally, revealing more about the realms, and magic system in a way that feels immersive without becoming overwhelming.

The characters continue to grow in such compelling ways, and both the familiar faces and new additions brought even more depth to the story. This series is perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers, multiple POVs, rich world-building, unique magic systems, and unforgettable side characters.

Huge thanks to L.E. Van Veen for the opportunity to read this incredible early copy!

[Ireland]

The third installment in the Under Cold Moons series is intricately plotted and wonderfully paced. Fans of Talam will be delighted to spend more time than ever with Aisla, Weylin, Taistealai, Ruairi, Eire, Rania, and Callum, plus new additions like Eimear and Kol! The alternating POVs are enjoyable as ever and structured in a way that propels the narrative forward, deepens understanding of and fondness for beloved characters, and maximizes the fun of the reading experience. In Shards of Wind, the stakes for Aisla and her friends (+enemies 👀👀) are higher than ever, and Van Veen really delivers on key twists and turns that the first two books have been building up to. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster ahhh 🎢🩵🩵🩵

[Gabrielle Perna]

4.5 stars

The ending of this book was insane!! I was not expecting the plot twist at the end at all and I am shocked. This is your classic middle book, it is very politics heavy and very much gearing up for the ending where everything comes to fruition. This took me longer than the other books did only because the pace was much slower and I feel like some of the POVs were a little pointless. In the POVs of Rania I wished we were given more information as to what was happening on that side rather than her and Callum doing nothing but kissing. I was just bored with all her feelings during them and wanted to know what the Udar and Orla were up to, the same goes for Ruairi as I felt there was not going on in his chapters. I am very very excited for the next book and to see what is going to happen, SO much happened in the last 30%. I really found myself sobbing every time Aisla was narrating, my heart hurt for her and I just want her to be happy. As I always say that it is hard to write a non spoiler review for books in a series but if you are looking for a great cast of characters, forbidden love, childhood best friends, a villain you can hate, and a longer fantasy series then this is the series for you. I highly recommend I love this series and I cannot wait to see how it all ends. Hopefully, everyone lives.

Thank you L.E. Van Veen for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Haley Davis]

I am in awe of this book. I sat down today intending to read only a few chapters, and before I knew it, I was finishing the book! It had me on the edge of my seat, eager for more. I couldn't stop myself!

I was already in love with The Crowns of Talam and its diverse characters and their stories, but hear me when I tell you Shards of Wind exceeded expectations that I didn't even know I had!!! The yearning, the emotional development, the character growth... I am getting chills just thinking about it! Shards of Wind had me blushing, giggling, gasping, and even shedding a few tears.

This series is perfect for readers who crave enemies-to-lovers, multiple POV's, phenomenal world-building, yearning, side characters that you will fall in love with, mistranslated prophecy, and so much more.

Thank you so much to the author, L.E. Van Veen, for allowing me the privilege of reading an advance copy of the book. Truly a phenomenal work of art!

[Savanah Sleight]

Review of advance copy received from Author

Shards of Wind by L.E. Van Veen is hands down my favorite book in the Crowns of Talam series so far. I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to move on from this world after finishing it. Just WOW.

The multiple POVs added so much depth to the story and made the character development feel incredibly immersive. Every perspective brought something important, and the emotional payoff was SO worth it. The worldbuilding continues to expand beautifully with magic, danger, political tension, and WYVERNS.

And Weylin… respectfully, I am unwell. The yearning? The tension? Absolutely everything.

If you love fantasy filled with rich character development, magic, emotional stakes, unforgettable creatures, and twists you never see coming, this series deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.

Thank you to the author for the ARC — I’m not ready to leave Talam behind.

[Vee]

Thank you so much to L.E. Van Veen for the ARC provided!

Yall…I have to hold my breath for “meaty middle” parts of a series because there’s so much that has to unfold in ways that are more gradual than first books and last books in a series. It takes patience to wait for the pieces to come together. I can honestly say both Blood of Ember and now Shards of Wind NEVER take their foot off the pedal and Van Veen NEVER takes her foot off our characters’ THROATS. I am ride or die for my girl Rania and I think one of the strengths of Crowns of Talam is that the secondary characters are so vivid in their own right. Shards of Wind, book three in the Crowns of Talam series is a sweeping, fast-paced and high stakes thrill ride (is that appropriate to say when so many of my faves were going THROUGH it??) and sets up the series for a wild finish. Absolute five star read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susanna]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars

I seriously loved this book.

Book three was sooooooo good and somehow the series just keeps getting better. The plot had me hooked the whole time, and I love these characters so much. They feel like real people at this point, and I was completely invested in everything that happened.

And then that thing happened.

If you’ve read it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I was not okay. It almost took me out, and honestly, pray for my sanity because I’m still thinking about it. 😂 (I won’t hold this against you forever LE Van Veen)

This book had everything—great character moments, surprises I didn’t see coming, and plenty of emotional damage. I couldn’t put it down.

I would recommend this series over and over again. It’s easily a 5-star read for me and now I shall “patiently”wait for the next book!

[Morgan Rae]

Wow! It is hard to have a third book in a series stand out but honestly I think this is my fav this far!! I loved the expansion of the lore, magic and politics. The relationships and character growth were also soooo good! I love a book with multiple POVs and the new characters that we meet in Shards are some of my favs. Also the twists!!! I did not see a few things coming....I am on the edge of my seat to see what happens next!

This series starts out as upper YA but our characters are 19+ in this book. An Epic Romantic Fantasy that is norse inspired and filled with meddling gods, Fated mates, bonded wyverns and mysterious prophecies! Thank you so much to the author for thia arc opportunity, its been such a pleasure to be on your street team and loving your books since 2024!

[Maddy Mehlman]

Shards of Wind, the third book in the Crowns of Talam series, was such a refreshing read. It was full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I found myself growing even more connected to Aisla and loved watching both her character and her relationship with Weylin continue to evolve. The relationships throughout the story felt meaningful and added so much depth to the journey.

I 100% recommend this book to anyone following the series—it’s the perfect next step in Aisla’s story. The ending left me desperate for the fourth book, thanks to a major cliffhanger! Le Van Veen is an incredibly talented author, and I have no doubt the next installment will be just as amazing.

[Bea Mae Keim]

I am still processing this book…safe to say I’m still absolutely obsessed with this world and its characters. This book has a way of making you giggle kicking your feet and then sobbing over your kindle hoping that what you just read won’t be there two seconds later.

The characters continue to grow and develop in ways that just feel so real, devastating (in some cases), and natural. L.E. Van Veen once again captures you in her world of Talam with wyverns, magic, alternating povs, and captivating characters making you wish you never have to leave. I cannot wait to talk to more people about this book. BUT BUCKLE UP YOU ARE IN FOR A WILD RIDE)

[Liz Fully Booked]

Shards of Wind is the third book in the Crowns of Talam series, and continues Aisla’s story. She’s mated to the son of the man trying to kill her, due to some prophecy they’ve interpreted to mean she will ruin the world. Having kidnapped the son, they’re now trying to negotiate and bargain him to avoid a war, and things are just not working out.

It was so good to be back in Talam. Book three might be my favorite book yet. If you love political intrigue, fated enemies to lovers, she takes him hostage, slow burn romance, wyverns, then this book is for you. And that twist at the end! Totally recommend this series and I can’t wait for the last book in the series!

[kimberly]

ARC Provided by Author

I was thrilled to be back in Talam again and could not put this book down! The pacing was excellent with multiple POVs (including a few new ones!) and the world and magic system expanded in really unique and exciting ways. The side characters and their arcs continue to add so much depth and heart to the in the series.

…. and that ending 👀

HUGE thank you to L.E. Van Veen for an early copy!

[al ☻]

Fast paced, this book jumps right back into where we left off in book two, so it instantly captured my attention and I was never bored! The multi-POV adds more layers and depth to the story, but I will be honest, I feel like I didn't get enough time with Aisla in this book. (Also, side note: I think I'd love POV chapters from the villian's perspective?!) This third installment felt more character driven than plot driven — we spend a lot of time in the characters heads, which helps us gain deeper understanding of who they are, their motives, etc. I'm excited to see how the story all comes together in the fourth and final installment!!!

[Sarah Bastian]

I am already wanting to beg for book 4. This series is so good and keeps you on the edge of your seat, book 3 was no different! There was one plot point I had been sadly waiting to happen since book one but then ten others that blew me away and took me by surprise. This is one of my auto buy authors for sure 🙌🏻

[Samantha]

I read this as an ARC and it was outstanding! The multiple POVs gave such an insight into each character and made them all lovable. The loss was so much harder!!!! I cannot wait to see where Aisla and Weylin end up. And Raina and Callum have so much story left to tell. I’d give this book 6 stars if I could!

[Utshana]

Such a beautiful third installment. I loved every second of it but I am quite saddened that it had to end. Overall, I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here and eager to see how Aisla and Weylin’s relationship blossom for the final book. 5 stars ⭐️

[Esther]

I am SHOCKED. One of the only books that made me cry because WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!

[Cameron]

Dare I say the best book of the series, DANG.

[Laura Gibbs]

Hoping for sweet sweet revenge (there better be *shakes fist") in the next book is the only thing keeping me going after being emotionally GUTTED after reading this.

[S.J. Stiles]

This book is everything a romantic fantasy reader is looking for! I couldn’t recommend this series enough to those looking for:

-true enemies to lovers
-meddling gods
-amazing side characters
-mpov
-bonded wyverns

Wow! This book had me on the edge of my seat, giggling, misty eyed, and hungry for more!

If you’re not reading the crowns of talam series then you are missing out! Definitely check out Under Cold Moons and Blood of Ember before June because this series hits!!!

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.