The Shattered Bond

by Miranda L

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2026

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a moment because WHAT was that ending??

If you’re not reading this romantasy series yet, what are you even doing??? this one leveled UP in every way. The world feels so much bigger, the political maneuvering is layered and so well done, and the twists had me stopping like… excuse me?? Chapter 9?? yeah, I’m looking at you.

Astraia’s journey in this one is darker and more emotional, and you really feel the weight of everything she’s facing. The magic system gets richer and more complex, and I loved how much deeper we got into the world and its history.

And that ending??
Absolutely wild. I need book 3 immediately because I have questions.

If you love fantasy romance with high stakes, twists, and a darker edge… add this to your TBR ASAP

[Cris Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This boooook! It has made me laugh, blush and completely ripped my heart out. The first, Beneath the Silent Stars was amazing, and then this one flawlessly continued on. I could not tell you how many times my jaw dropped during this. As always the chemistry between the MCs had me on my toes in anticipation because I never knew what was going to happen between them. The yearning and the banter, the comfort they brought each other is on a whole other level of amazing.

I absolutely fell in love with the side characters (Kaelith and Praema I’m talking about you 👀) I’m so happy Traia found her found family. Their bonds 😭

The plot twists omg. I didn’t see the ending coming! The last 10 percent of the book I was death-gripping my kindle and trying to see through the tears. The betrayal! 🥲

The mental heath representation really resonated with me like always. Miranda knows exactly how to convey those soul crushing feelings and the anxiety that can bring you to your knees.

Ahhhhh!!!! I just can’t even!! I’m speechless!!! I cannot wait for book 3!

If you love romantasy, a unique magic system, found family you fall in love with and yearning that will make you squeal. If you like the villain being someone you love to hate and hate to love. If you have a thing for plot twists you don’t see coming and need a good cry, this book is for you! Miranda never disappoints, freaking 6 ⭐️s

Some of my fave quotes 🫣

“You are Starlight, Astraia. You will not fall.”

“I. Will. Not. Be. Caged.”

“I will never fail you again. I will burn the world for you, Astraia Solenne. Until the stars take me.” 🥲💜

“To defeat the darkness.”

“Then we fight it together. I told you, I will never leave you. Even if the darkness eclipsed every light. Even if it destroyed every shred of hope. You would still be my Starlight, the reason I draw breath. And I would fight until my last day to make the stars shine for you.” 😭

“And I am the Stars-damned liberation” 🔥

The Shattered Bond has released TODAY! You can find it on ebook and physical! ✨

[Heather Altundağ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY STARS?!?!? 🤯 I was hooked from the beginning and I thought chapters 1-10 broke my heart… well SHOCKER!! The last chapter ripped my heart out and ripped it to shreds. The last tiny bit of hope I had disappeared and I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. Needless to say, this book was fantastic! The plot kept moving, kept me engaged, the dynamics of the characters were just *chef’s kiss*. You got to see the characters go from forming new bonds, to learning to trust the old ones, new friendships blossoming, to new people showing up that you didn’t think was possible. This book kept me on my toes. The plot twists in here just kept twisting and I never knew who I could really trust. All the characters have a way with words so you will like them, and then… BANG they stab you in the back. This was just a great sequel to Beneath the Silent Stars, and now I am left on this massive cliffhanger until book 3 comes out! ☺️

[Heidi G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow! And that ending! My heart is breaking! A must read! Miranda you out did yourself. I need to read book 3!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!

Wow!!! What a ride this book was. Very heavy Dark themes, so many twists and turns and hard to put down. I cannot wait for book 3!!

[-S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 6 stars

Thank you to Miranda L for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!! I am very glad to be a part of her street team and was able to read the book before general ARCs were sent out. She is the sweetest person ever and I'm glad that I'm able to help a fellow indie author promote her series because her books are that good <3

I was honestly waiting to process this book before I fleshed out a review and to be honest its been hard because I don't think any sort of metaphors, phrases or words could sum up what I felt when I read this book. I am taking out my thought dump doc because yes I had a doc where I dumped all my chaotic thoughts as I read this book. I am also not going to be writing a spoiler free review because I need to rant. For those who want a spoiler free review here it is, the book was amazing I definitely recommend it. The writing was spectacular, the settings, the descriptions, the twists were wonderful!! I also really loved the little prophecy/poems in the beginning of the chapters (I don't know what they are called)

SPOILER ALERT- This is going to be a very chaotic review so get ready... SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Disclaimer: Ms. Author broke my heart and I have still not recovered.

Astraia's whole journey in the prison was so gut wrenching. I could literally feel it as she descended into the darkness and into madness. The way she tried ground her self to reality to make sure that she was real gutted me. She still held on like a champ but what broke me was when she started seeing her dead brother as a ghost.

The torture Traia and the other Starbound went through felt so real and it absolutely broke my heart. Kaelith is such a good friend and I loved how they both tried to protect each other from the torture. The 8th and 9th chapters were brutal and I loved the pacing and how they revealed everything as the story progressed. I could not put the book down and read it in 2 days. The death of Remi, the younger starbound also broke me because I thought she would survive long enough.

I had to stop reading at the mid-point because my heart felt so heavy in a good/bad way. The author really knows how to make you feel as if you're the one going through all the things the MC is going through.

I am so glad that Levi came to save them and the introduction of the Rebellion was spot on, I didn't expect that. The settings in the second half of the book were breathtaking and very easy to imagine. It was like a movie playing in my mind! The introduction of Praema who was a Steward of Power was very interesting and I love her character as well as Kaelith's and Praema's relationship so much! Kaelith is literally so smitten for her and I love their banter. They are literally the definition of reverse grumpy and sunshine. I also loved that the author used her bestie as inspiration for this character.

There was another death that gutted me because all this character wanted was for the young and carefree Traia to be back like he was literally trying to protect her after not seeing her all these years.

Levi is really the only one who saw Traia for all who she really is.

The description of the ocean in Traia's mind is exquisite and lush. The moments between Levi and Traia are to die for, like this was literally slow burn done right. I loved how the author portrayed Traia's darkness inside of her, like she is literally talking to the darkness and she has accepted that it is a part of her and it always will be. But, she projects those overwhelming feelings into a fierce protectiveness for her found family. She doesn't drown in it fully.

Also can we talk about the face reveal for the darkness speaking to Traia. The author showed us exactly how the darkness can be very VERY compelling.

The imagery for that ending though. Like why did you have to break my heart and stomp on the tiny, miserable pieces. The ending broke my heart into a million pieces and I was literally screaming, crying and kicking at the end. I cannot wait for the third book!! <3

[Laura McHann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The highly anticipated sequel did not disappoint. After falling in love with the first book in this series, I knew I had to get my hands on the second. It was a total page-turner—I managed to fly through half the book in just a few hours! I simply couldn't put it down.
——

The highly anticipated sequel did not disappoint. After falling in love with the first book in this series, I knew I had to get my hands on the second. It was a total page-turner—I fly through half the book in just a few hours! I simply couldn't put it down.

The Journey Back to Astradeon
Traveling back to the star-bound world of Astradeon was incredible, though this time we see a much more raw and vulnerable side of the story. We are right alongside Astraia as she struggles with her new reality. Her journey through the darkness and the prison is absolutely gut-wrenching; you can practically feel her descending into that space as she tries to ground herself to reality. While the tone is darker than the first book, it serves as a powerful testament to how strong she truly is.

A Personal Connection to the Themes
As someone who struggles with mental health, it was at times difficult to read Traia’s struggles because they felt so similar to my own. This story handles those "dark and heavy" moments with such honesty. Traia literally talks to the darkness inside of her, and seeing her accept it as a part of her while projecting those feelings into a fierce protectiveness for her found family was amazing.

Characters and Dynamics
The character introductions this time around were spot on! I loved the introduction of Praema, a Steward of Power, and her relationship with Kaelith—they are the literal definition of "reverse grumpy and sunshine." And of course, Levi remains the only one who truly sees Traia for who she really is. Their moments together are to die off; it is slow burn done exactly right.

Content Warning & Support
Please note there is a content warning for deep themes of depression and scenes of torture that feel incredibly real. For those who read it and feel that weight, please know you are not alone. ❤️

Final Thoughts
With twists and turns that kept me hooked—including an ending that will absolutely break your heart into a million pieces—Miranda L. has crafted a captivating sequel. I am still reeling from the imagery of those final pages. If you enjoyed the first book, you absolutely have to see where Astraia’s journey goes next. I cannot wait for book three!

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I look for in a fantasy romance and had everything I thought was missing in the first book, specifically found family. There was romance, celestial magic, action, likeable side characters, betrayal, plot twists, loss, a new, sexy villain, and serious emotional damage at the end. I cried by way through the last 10% of this book. The pacing was perfect, the plot was captivating, and the writing was moving. The cliffhanger was brutal but that’s fantasy for you!

This is more than just a fantasy novel, it is a representation of what it is like to struggle with depression and carry it alone. I have never related to a character more. I felt so seen. Some of her habits she did during her panic attacks are the same ones I do. Astraia is in a very, very dark place but doesn’t want anyone to see the darkness inside her. She doesn’t want anyone to worry about her or think she’s unstable. She won’t let anyone be there for her but she wants to be there for everyone else. I think a lot of us can relate to that.

This book was much darker than the first, but I loved that. It was very raw. I absolutely loved the way darkness was depicted in this book. I can’t say much without giving it away but I love the turn it took in the story.
The slow burn is sooooo good. There is so much tension and yearning between the two MCs. It was absolutely delicious.

Read this if you like:
💫 Celestial magic
🛡️ Political intrigue
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
💀 Touch her and die
🏹 He trains her
🗡️ Protective MMC
✨ Sacrifical FMC
🏠 Found family
⚕️ Mental health representation
🚨 Rescue missions

I cannot WAIT for book 3!!!

(I was given an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review of my own free will)

[bookswithcorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️I absolutely LOVED this one. I adored book one, but this sequel was next level. I literally shushed my husband during the last 5% because he tried to talk to me and I was far too emotionally invested to tolerate interruptions 😂

💙First, this book deserves real praise for its portrayal of mental health struggles. The first portion of the story was genuinely difficult. Raw, honest, and incredibly relatable regardless of what you’ve personally experienced. I was worried the recovery arc might feel rushed, but it absolutely did not. It was handled with so much care, realism, and emotional depth, and that made the payoff so much more satisfying. Thank you, Miranda.

💚And the side characters?! They brought so much warmth to this story. Kaelith and Praema are easily my favorites, and I was thrilled we got so much of them. Every single time Kaelith opened his mouth, I was giggling.
Seeing the story unfold through Traia’s eyes was critical to understanding things, and wow… having a brother involved made certain moments hit even harder.

👀And THAT ending?! I desperately need book 3 because things took a sharp turn for the worse… but maybe also for the better? Honestly, who knows, and that’s exactly the point.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed HEA… maybe we’ll get that in book 3 😂

[Mathilde Buisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda does it again !

The second book of the Celestial Court Series blew me away just like the first one.

The world building and magic system get more developed and new characters are introduced, while we also dive deeper into the minds of the ones we already know.

The plot twists are twist-ing !! Miranda is amazing when it comes to making us scream in disbelief at what’s happening, so get ready to feel all the feelings 🤭

What I love about this series is how trauma & mental health are incorporated into a fantasy.
This book is even more focused on the darkness and the mental health side than the first as we're going further into the trauma representation. The way it is depicted felt a bit repetitive and redondant at times, but it didn't stop me from falling in love with this book and its message just like I did with book 1.

And the ending I mean, girl whaaaaaat ? Excuse me but where is book 3 ? How am I meant to carry on with my life ?
Someone send help 😭😂

If you like tropes, this is what you'll find :
• enemies to lovers
• politics and rebellion
• touch her and 💀
• celestial magic system
• found family
• he trains her

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless. As if I couldn’t relate to Astraia more after book one, you give me THIS ENDING?! “I’m tired” has me in an absolute chokehold and I don’t know how I will recover.

This book is beautifully constructed, building more of the story, more of the characters (thank you for cheeky side character!), and more of the inner darkness that we only saw glimpses of in book one. I’m quite literally obsessed with how the author portrays Astraia’s arc parallel to the character that represents her darkness. Again as someone who has experienced depression, the transition from rage to despair while weaving in moments of joy and love is flawless and left me with tears streaming down my face. The set up for book three has me fully aware I will be beautifully wrecked by this series and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Thank you Miranda for stepping outside the box and putting a story so many of us have experienced to paper.

[Faith Lykins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel is just as strong as the first book. My favorite part is how the author chose to personify depression and trauma, building on what was established in the first book and leaving room for even more exploration in the next. I enjoyed reading about the expanded mythos of the gods and power system of this world as she continued to not only build the mythos, but flesh out the world with new characters, new cities, new goals, and new conflict. I’m not the biggest romantasy reader/fan, so the romance part interested me the least. But she definitely delivers on high tension and yearning while keeping the spice to a minimum. Be wary of that cliff hanger though. As with the first book, she drops an explosive ending and cliffhanger on you. And, alas, now I will have to wait for the next book with high anticipation.

[Michelle Nordby · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are starlight, you will not fall"

This is the second book in the series and I was more than eager to read it. The first book was beautifully written, filled with deep and dark emotions, love, hope and shattering heartbreak.

And so is this book, seamlessly continuing from the first. It ended in heartbreak and tears and it started right back in the dark.
To once again be there with Astraia and her pain, it broke my heart. But to be with her throughout this book, it has made me feel so much.

Her journey in this second book is incredible, and Miranda has a beautiful and raw way of writing those deep feelings. The world, the magic, the characters are all so interesting and you simply can't put the book down.
As it came to an end, I feel shattered and heartbroken. And I crave the next book, like how can you do this to us!

Thank you for letting me arc read this incredible book 💙

[Raven Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heavier. Darker. More introspective.

Where book one introduced Astraia’s struggles, book two forces her to sit in them.

The loss of control - both physically and emotionally - is a central theme here, and it’s handled in a way that feels painfully real. Astraia’s journey isn’t about becoming stronger in a traditional sense; it’s about confronting the parts of herself she fears the most.

Dominion’s presence adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. It blurs the line between antagonist and internal struggle, making the conflict feel deeply personal rather than purely external.

The emotional core of this book lies in its exploration of grief, identity, and the idea that darkness isn’t always something you can simply defeat.

The ending leaves you unsettled in the best (and worst) way.

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending of book 1 was such a cliffhanger, and this one starts so amazingly dark.
"Seventy-four moons since she stared evil in the eye and saw her lover staring back."
Thank you Miranda for this ARC 🖤
The Shattered Bond was SUCH a devastating book! The beginning was damaging.. the ending was catastrophic.. and the middle? So intense, so emotional.. Everything was too much. Too shattering.
IT. WAS. AWESOME! I loved every part of this story. Every. Dark. Part.
I don't want to spoil anything with too many details, so I'll just say: READ THIS! Book 1 was great, but book 2? Magnificent 🙌🏻
I NEED book 3 now.

✨ Celestial Powers
☁️ Secrets & Betrayals
❤️‍🩹 Found Family
💔 Torment & Agony
☠️ Loss & Grief
🔥 Slow Burn/No Spice
🥀 Mental Health Representation

[Brittany Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! This book is such a powerful story and had me feeling a roller coaster of emotions.

After book one ended in total betrayal, the first part of this book was heartbreaking. Not only was Astraia a prisoner in her former home, but she was a prisoner in her mind as well. And in these moments Miranda did such an amazing job of giving depression not just a voice, but a face as well, and it felt all too real.

Next we were hit with plot twist after plot twist and just when things seemed to be coming to a happy end…BAM! More betrayal and despair. The ending of this book left me questioning who we can trust, grieving a loss for a second time and wondering what will happen now that the dark has seemingly won.

[halli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Miranda L. for providing this eARC in return for my honest review!

I am absolutely in LOVE with this book! Beneath the Silent Stars was a great introduction to this world, but The Shattered Bond blew it away in all aspects. Astraia is a powerful FMC who has been blessed by the stars but is left in total darkness. Her journey is heartbreaking but I loved how she finds her own strength. There are several new characters that I already adore and can't wait to see more of. There was a great balance between the action and non-action scenes and the pacing was fantastic. I am already eagerly waiting for book 3 because I simply cannot wait to dive even deeper into this world 💜

[Stevie Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy - thank you!

Ahhhhhh!!! My Apple Watch literally gave me a warning because my heart rate increased as I read the final chapters. I thought I had guessed what was happening, but oh was I wrong! The twists that happened completely threw me. What a wild ride!

Traia goes through a harrowing journey, all while battling the darkness inside her mind. Miranda does an amazing job of incorporating depression (or really any mental illness) into this story. The parallels that she writes between the darkness and our own realities is so spot on, that you feel like she’s speaking of your own hardships.

Some days the darkness wins. But you, you are starlight and you will not fall.

[Laura McCloud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of The Celestial Court Series did not disappoint. Astraia has been betrayed by so many people in her life and book two starts off right where she was left with a huge betrayal cliffhanger from book two. Astraia must fight for herself and those who are disadvantaged. While she physically must fight, she’s left with the torment of her inner demons. Can she fight her darkness and push through her weariness to trust others to overcome?

The raw, emotional reaction I felt with all the physical and emotional trauma Astraia endures makes this book an instant winner. Miranda L has a unique ability to make you feel like you are part of the story. If you’re looking for an emotional journey that runs the entire spectrum of all the emotions, then this series is perfect!

[Elissa Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:
The first book was good. I wasn’t fully invested but I did enjoy it but the ending left me mad and wanting more so when I got the ARC for book 2 I squealed. That being said…
Book 2 was phenomenal. The pacing, the mental health representation, the found family vibes, and of course romance. I was giggling at our new characters dynamic and also crying because our FMC is going through it. This was so well done. THIS IS HOW YOU DO A BOOK 2!

Please add this to your TBR if you love an FMC who struggles with the darkness and an MMC who is patient enough to help her see the light but also gives touch her and die vibes..

[Sarah Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in The Celestial Court Series and Miranda L. has done it AGAIN. ✨ The ending of book 1 left me on such a cliff I couldn't breathe — and The Shattered Bond picked up every single piece. What struck me most? My highlights had nothing to do with the love interests. Every single one was about our FMC fighting the darkness inside herself and finally letting others in to help her. That's the kind of storytelling that stays with you. Miranda, this was absolutely amazing. Book 3 cannot come fast enough. 🌙

☁️ mental health representation
🌟 Celestial Powers
💔 loss & grief
❤️‍🔥 slow burn and no spice!
💞 found family

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

{ARC READ}
. This book series is a true gem. Miranda’s ability to make depression, grief, love, hatred into tangible things is incredible. The tears I cried…
I cannot put into words how this book made some of the things I keep internal and closed off only to myself, as real things that I can fight. The characters are crafted so well. They have such good momentum and arcs of their personalities. The villain in this book is just the worst, but also is crafted so well. I left the ending with so many questions and so many tears and I can’t wait for book 3.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im mind blown once again by Miranda's writing. This book left me speechless in the best way possible. As usual leaving us flabbergasted with the ending.

If you haven't yet read Beneath the silent stars I highly recommend you do before starting this. You will not be disappointed.

Astria's journey in this book was so much darker and emotional yet so relatable. The world building, the magic system, the political maneuvering, the yearning and the banter, don't even get me started on the plot twists!!

I can’t wait for book 3 🤌

If you love romantasy this book is definitely for you. ✨

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof. This book. Where to even start?
This was an emotional rollercoaster. The twists and turns started from early on, so much so that I physically put the book down to consider what I had just read.
The way that depression and grief are personified and made real is so creative and damning at the same time. I feel so many things having just finished the book. I already need book three because this storyline is so good. But also I don’t know that I’m ready to know what happens next.
Thank you so much for writing this amazing story, and giving me an ARC!

[Brittney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shattered Bond 4.75⭐️

This is book two of The Celestial Court Series by Miranda L

Let’s just start with I did NOT see that ending coming! The last 2 chapters had me literally yelling at (and with 👀) the characters in shock and grief. I just can’t lol I’ll just be over here with my heart in suspension until book 3.

If you love a series with an epic journey, and a very fierce and powerful FMC that will do anything for those she loves? Then start this series now!

There is :
Forbidden Magic
Forced Proximity
Betrayal and Sacrifice
Mental illness representation
Found Family
Touch her & ☠️
No Spice

[Samantha Hopewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, Miranda really upped her game with this. I was literally on the edge of my seat with this one. The writing has gotten so much more powerful and this one is DARK. The way she captures depression into a character is so well done and really resonates with me as someone who can relate. And the romance, romances, even without spice. It is literally unnecessary. I cannot wait to continue watching Astraia grow as a character and continue watching Miranda THRIVE as an author. So well done.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a no spice romantasy series follows Astraia as she fights against outside corruption and her own internal darkness.
I really loved the emotional rollercoaster that this book took me on! I was surprised with the absolute bombshell of a twist in chapter 8 and devastated by the ending! I will now be very impatiently waiting for book 3 to discover what happens next in the world of Astradeon!

Thank you Miranda L for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Kelly Minnigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in the series and OML there better be a 3rd. It cannot end like that. I’m extremely thankful to have received an ARC of this book & I 90% loved it. Even better than the first. But that ending! Damn it…I figured some kind of something was coming, but come on Miranda… Do not let things end like this. Please 🙏
Excellent flow & story building. Enjoyable concept. Great storytelling in general. I could feel all the emotions of every character. Like I was right there with them.

[Elizabeth Ginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Miranda, for the arc!

We pick up right where we left off from book one, with the heartbreak and betrayal. This creates darkness (personified), which only intensifies in book two.

We are right with Astraia as she battles through her pain. The world, characters, and magic are incredibly fascinating, and I couldn’t put the book down.

I can’t wait for book three, although I feel we’ll have to endure some tough times to reach the other side!

[Chloe' Dam · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it possible that Book 2 is even better than Book 1?!

This book had the feeling of Kingdom of Ash sprinkled with some dark elements from The Shepard’s King Duology.

The way that Miranda can weave a story with all its intricate parts is incredible.

I love this book and this series SO much.

The representation of depression and Astraia’s internal battles is remarkable. This story and the world Miranda has created is truly a breath of fresh air.

I cannot wait to read the next book!!