Call of the Shadow Rift

by Lisa Cassidy

A throne held together by will. A kingdom tearing itself apart. And a queen running out of time.

Two years have passed since Kaeri Venador won the crown of ahara and the right to rule Montagn—but ruling is proving far more dangerous than she expected.

Montagn is brittle with resentment. Powerful Houses challenge Kaeri’s authority at every turn, old alliances strain, and the hard choices that secured her throne now threaten to tear it apart. Every decision she makes risks unrest, rebellion, or the undoing of everything she fought to change.

When events force Kaeri beyond the protection of her House and crown, power takes on a different meaning. Stripped of certainty, she is forced to rely on a handful of people she does not know and cannot afford to trust—including the enigmatic Nightbird, whose presence raises as many questions as it answers.

And the most dangerous threats might be the ones no one believes in. While Montagn’s attention remains fixed on politics and power, rumours from the rebel port of Avarai go unheeded. Stories of monsters in the night.

But what if they’re not just stories?

Genres: Fantasy

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

About the author

Lisa is an epic fantasy author by day and book nerd in every other spare moment she has. She’s an unapologetic coffee snob with a home coffee setup that resembles a dark wizard's experiment table, but is willing to accept all other hot drink aficionados, even tea drinkers.

She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.

A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction Award, Lisa runs Tate House, her independent publishing imprint. She is the author of four completed adult and YA fantasy series, all of which are chock-full of found family, adventure, and intricate character journeys that one reader has described as 'making me laugh, and cry, and everything in between'. She's currently buried away in her writing cave working on her latest series: Book of the Doomshroud.

Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties goes to One Girl.

Find her at lisacassidyauthor.com

Reviews

[Milo (if lost, return to hot fictional character) · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you Lisa for the ARC <3


One of my favourite fantasy series is A Tale of Stars and Shadow. It’s just so immensely vivid. Call of the Shadow rift took place in the same world (and it had some cameos of characters we loved!) and i was so ready to be back in that world!!

I must say, this book is sloowwww. Not a lot happens, it’s mostly meetings meetings meetings in the middle. The start is awesome, the end it great, but the middle is where it’s like mehhh nothing really interesting happens. Can’t wait for some things to be explained in the next books tho!

Also I loveeeed Mithanis in this??? who would’ve thought??? I in general loved all the characters, but they got some fleshing out to do. we’ll get there though.

Not as strong as a start as the first Tale book but a very solid one nonetheless!

4/5

——————


immensely enjoyed the first book in this series!

it dragged in the middle but the end fully made up for it

4,5/5

full review when published

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Lisa for this ARC!

Finally back in the world of A Tale of Stars and Shadow!
I missed this world and it was great to be back.

Only this time it is different; it is not about Talyn, who fights for justice for others and always wants to do the right thing.

This story is about Kaeri, and she loves power and is the Ahara of her land.
But the abolition of slavery has brought a lot of wrath upon her from the other lords and people in power.
She is also the first woman to hold so much power, and no one wants to see her succeed. She doesn't even know if she can trust her husband, Mithanis.

Besides the struggle for power, there are rumors about monsters. People have been torn apart and terrifying screams are heard. But who believes in monsters anyway?

What is it like to stand alone? To not know who you can trust? To learn to trust and fight not only for yourself but also for the people.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided this book as part of an advance reader group. I can happily say I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

The characters continue to be well developed, and I like the pacing - things move along at a good speed and I don't really feel like there's wasted chapters where not much happens to move things along. There is a real ensemble cast, so there's almost guaranteed to be a character that you feel particularly interested in. For me, that's Nightbird, and I hope to see much more of her in the future books.

As this is a sort of sequel to previous series' of the author, it does help that I was familiar with some of the characters. Having said that, I don't think it's necessary to have read her previous novels - you don't need previous understanding to follow along with this story. But for those who have, you are rewarded with a deeper appreciation of a few special moments which happen!

[Cari WIlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I knew Lisa was writing another book in the same world as "A Tale of Stars and Shadow" (which is my favourite Cassidy series), I was so excited! And then to find out that the new series follows a character I had previously found intriguing - Kaeri Venador - that was icing on the cake!
This book takes us to new areas in the world, introduces some fascinating new characters and reintroduces some older characters and then mixes it all up with a bit of mystery, some horror (I am convinced Cassidy is a horror writer in another life) and possibly... monsters! In typical Cassidy fashion there are a few twists (the best of which I did not see coming, although I should have!)
Cassidy is a master at world building and I throughly enjoyed this book. The character development kept me interested, the new setting with some familiar characters was so fun and now I just want to read the next book!!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Another brilliant book by Lisa Cassidy. And that ending - it blew my mind!! I need Book 2 ASAP please.

I can't say much because what I'd really love to write would be a huge spoiler.

So, all I'll say is that I'd recommend reading the 4-book series, A Tale of Stars and Shadows before reading this book. You'll love this book even more if you do. And when you get to the end, if you're a Lisa Cassidy fan like I am, you'll know the reason for why the ending blew my mind (in the best way).

Enjoy!! Seriously. Lisa Cassidy is brilliant at strategy, at turning the unwanted into family, at keeping you guessing and so many brilliant schemes and action scenes.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa has done it again! If you haven't already read "A Tale Of Stars And Shadows", I would highly recommend doing so first, many of the characters from the series feature in this next instalment.
As always, Lisa's books have plenty of mystery and intrigue, keeping you hooked until the very end, and wanting more as soon as you've turned that last page.
Kaeri and Mithanos are back in this latest addition, with old and new exciting faces making an appearance.
I always love how Lisa is able to bring complete strangers together to create "made family", who would do anything to keep each other safe and well, along with the people they are entrusted to take care of.
A must read.

[Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book and am happy to say it does not disappoint.

This is book 1 of a sequel series to a Tale of Stars and Shadow (which I eagerly re-read after getting back into this universe). Adventure, excitement, action and a cast of characters that grow on you, as well as seeing the link to AToSaS make this a must read for any fans of Lisa Cassidy’s work or fantasy or YA fantasy in general.

For those just dipping into Lisa’s books, the exciting part is there are plenty of previous series to read while we wait for book 2.

[MG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this ARC. I loved the AToSaS series and was not disappointed by this sequel. Enough familiar characters but enjoyed this different ensemble of characters. It’s good writing when I feel like I know them but can’t pinpoint why. Fight scenes, unexpected twists and ready for book 2!!

[little &#x1f4da; birdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍂…from one of the wolves on Lisa’s arc team: has you spellbound from start to finish ~ Lisa’s storytelling presents a perfectly seamless narrative from one chapter to the next… …her creative world building and characters flow as natural as running water… …excluding a handful of expletives ~ this is a most highly recommended read and has one champing at the bit for the next book…💭

[Kathryn Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Call of the Shadow Rift - it's fast paced and intriguing. The characters are layered and so interesting, and the world building is beautifully written. Also, the action scenes had me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book.

[AMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review - excellent return to my favorite world from Lisa Cassidy. I read the book in a couple of days. The pace is as always fast and the story engaging. The characters are not simple but not overly complicated. Can't wait for the next books in the series!

[TJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Call of the Shadow Rift is the first book in Lisa Cassidy's new series. Although it links in with a previous series, it can be read by itself (but I highly recommend reading her earlier series).

Following the events of the series A tale of stars and shadows, Kaeri, the ahara (leader) of the Montagn, has outlawed slavery. But her nobles are not happy and Kaeri is struggling with maintaining her position.

The Call of the Shadow Rift features elements of rebellion, power and politics, trust and betrayal. It introduces new characters, such as the mysterious Nightbird, and other familiar characters (especially Kaeri and Mithanis) develop and grow.
With lots of intrigue and action, it is highly recommended! I can't wait for the next book!

[Chelsea West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved diving back into the world of ATOSAS! Lisa Cassidy knows how to draw you into a story and just leave you wanting more!

[Laura A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not an understatement to say that the book “Call of the Shadow Rift” (Book of the Doomshroud, #1), a sequel to Lisa Cassidy’s previous series A Tale of Stars and Shadow, is nothing short of a triumph. From the very beginning, the story grips the reader with an immersive narrative that feels both expansive and deeply personal, pulling you into its world and refusing to let go.
One of the fantasy’s greatest strengths lies in its characters who feel incredibly alive and so richly developed. Returning figures grow in meaningful and sometimes unexpected ways, revealing new layers of depth that make their journeys all the more compelling. At the same time, new characters are seamlessly introduced, each bringing their own unique perspectives and energy to the story. Even the minor characters are crafted with such care that they leave a lasting impression, adding to the overall richness of the story.
Lisa Cassidy is a master at plot construction, striking an impressive balance between intricate world-building and a clear, compelling storyline. The pacing is expertly handled, weaving together moments of quiet tension with bursts of action and revelation. Every thread introduced early on is carefully developed and ultimately pays off, creating a sense of cohesion that makes the story deeply satisfying. There are moments that beg to be read over and over.
What truly sets this sequel apart is the way it handles mystery and intrigue. The unfolding secrets are revealed with precision, offering just enough information to keep the reader guessing while maintaining a strong sense of suspense. Clues are cleverly woven throughout the narrative, rewarding attentive readers and making each revelation feel earned rather than contrived. Subtle hints planted early in the story blossom into significant discoveries later on, showcasing Cassidy’s impressive attention to detail, extensive editing, cleverness, and respect for her readers.
While reading some of Lisa Cassidy’s other series will definitely make this more enjoyable, it is not a prerequisite to traveling on the unforgettable journey “Call of the Shadow Rift” will take you on. It is richly imagined and expertly executed, a shining example of how fantasy storytelling should be.

[Katie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, this book is a masterpiece, magnetic work of art, and, quite possibly, my new favorite out of all the books Lisa has written. I can, without reservation, say this is a must-read!

Before anything else, it’s worth noting that this book belongs to a sequel series. One that absolutely stands on its own, yet carries a deeper resonance for readers familiar with A Tale of Stars and Shadows (AToSaS). There are quiet nuances, emotional familiarities, and layered details that are enhanced with that foundation, enriching an already extraordinary reading experience. For that reason alone, I wholeheartedly recommend reading AToSaS first (and truthfully, once you’ve stepped into Lisa’s work, it’s nearly impossible not to want to devour every series she’s written and in highly recommended reading them all)!!

The characters are captivating. From the very first chapter, where the (very!!) welcome reappearance of beloved AToSaS characters feels like stepping back into a world I’d been quietly aching for, I was immediately grounded in something familiar, yet invited to fall headfirst into something new. The main character, Kaeri, is exceptionally well-crafted; her personality, choices, and history feel perfectly aligned, and I found myself completely invested in her journey, already eager to learn more in the next book. Just as compelling are the supporting characters, several of whom utterly won me over. I genuinely cared about them, fully invested in uncovering every layer the story revealed.

The pacing is nothing short of masterful- there isn’t a single dull chapter to be found. Each moment feels purposeful, seamlessly weaving together deepening relationships, glimpses into the past, intricate political dynamics, and themes of growth and rebuilding. For readers familiar with Lisa’s earlier works, there’s also an exciting and unexpected new spin to the character’s approach to the monsters and battles that adds a fresh edge to the story. And that ending… it left me both stunned and desperate for what comes next.