Twisted Fates

by Shannon McLellan

ACOTAR meets The Vampire Diaries in this spicy, page-turning romantasy where nothing is what it seems.

Book Two of the Twisted Souls Duology.

Xavier was certain of one thing: his mate, the one person in all the realms who was supposed to be his other half, his perfect match, was his enemy. While Zara reacquaints herself with her memories, Xavier is forced to relive them alongside her. Witches threaten Nexia’s borders, and Xavier must learn how to block his newly formed bond with Zara before he becomes the reason his kingdom falls to ruin.

Morgana turns out to be far harder to kill than anyone expected, as her true motives and past become revealed. As the Fates intervene and hidden truths emerge, Zara and Xavier realize their realms might not be the only ones in danger.

As they prepare for the final battle that will ultimately decide their fates, chaos and death ensue. Zara must choose where her loyalty lies… that is, if Morgana allows her the choice.

Will evil reign, or will love prevail?

Discover the answer in this thrilling conclusion to the highly anticipated Twisted Souls Series.

Paperback

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Shannon McLellan has always been an avid reader of “far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise…”—okay, that might be Beauty and the Beast, but it still applies. She has a lifelong love for fantasy and has been creating stories since she was little.

Shannon lives in North Carolina with her husband and two cats, spending her days writing and savoring life’s simple moments. With a background in art history, she blends creativity with rich detail and imagination in her writing. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her painting, planning her next adventure, or laughing with family and friends.

Twisted Souls is Shannon’s debut novel—a story she’s poured her heart into and hopes will whisk readers away on an unforgettable journey.

Follow Shannon’s adventures, both real and imaginary, on social media: @shannonmclellan.author

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this book and it took me on quite a ride!

After the way book 1 ended, I didn’t think it was possible to catch me by surprise again, but this one got me good!

However you think this book ends, you’re wrong. It was so full of twists and turns that I never knew what was going to happen next.

And I know this is book 2 in a completed duology, but there are so many characters I fell in love with and need more of, so I hope we haven’t seen the end of this world yet! 🥹 (Tell us we’ll get more… please, Shannon! 🙏🏽)

I finished this book 2 weeks ago and I’m still thinking about this ending.

Thank you to the author for a gifted digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[HHarlowReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being fully consumed by Twisted Souls, I jumped at the chance for an early copy of Twisted Fates. I also may or may not have driven to a bookish event Shannon attended and spent time with her precious soul, bugging her for book two—yes, I’m that reader.

Not gonna lie, with the way Souls ended, I had no clue where Fates would take us or how Zara and the brothers could possibly overcome that heart pounding betrayal. Shannon delivered with unexpected twists, proving yet again that she has an excellent mind for creating unique romantasy.

I enjoyed the added POV’s and feel they did a great job of keeping me up to date on the events spanning the kingdoms. Of course, I loved diving even deeper into Zara, Xavier, and Jaxon and their shared bond.

Discovering the true depth of Morgana’s cruelty and manipulation was intense, causing my jaw to drop multiple times at the sheer audacity of the witch.

And that ending? Sheer satisfaction, and something I haven’t read before. Go ahead and grab the tissues, though. You’re gonna need them. But rest assured, your heart will be restored to factory settings (maybe).

All in all, I enjoyed the conclusion to this duet and look forward to seeing what Shannon McLellan’s beautiful mind creates next.

[Guss • Vellichor & Vine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Twisted Fates completely exceeded my expectations. Shannon McLellan delivered everything I love in a fantasy high stakes, unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and a story that kept me guessing until the very end.

The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and every revelation felt earned. The character development was one of my favorite parts; watching loyalties shift, secrets unravel, and hidden truths come to light made it impossible to put this book down. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist left me speechless.

The emotional moments hit just as hard as the action, and the balance between magic, mystery, and relationships was incredibly well done. If you enjoy fantasy with morally gray characters, ancient magic, family secrets, and plot twists that will leave you staring at the wall after the final chapter, this book is a must-read.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and Shannon created a series that deserves so much more attention, and I already can’t wait to see where the story goes next? The End?

An easy five stars!

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Wow. What an ending! Definitely DID NOT see any of that coming.
I loveeedddd all the different POVs, as it made me feel more immersed in the world.
Shannon created an amazing, unique world, which is refreshing in the huge world of fantasy.
HIGHLY recommend this duology and I am so grateful to have been selected for an ARC and the opportunity to recently meet Shannon!

[PlotTwistsWithRackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had plenty of action, twists, and emotional moments that kept me invested. I enjoyed seeing the characters face impossible choices, and the ending wrapped up the series in a satisfying way. That said, I found parts of the pacing uneven, and I wasn’t as emotionally connected to the characters as I’d hoped. Overall, it was an enjoyable fantasy romance with a strong conclusion, even if it didn’t completely wow me.

[Cameron Charping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Souls was easily a five star read for me. So of course I had to get my hands on Twisted Fates if possible. Thank you so so much to @shannonmclellan.author for letting me read it early.

When I tell you Twisted Souls is just back to back not knowing exactly what’s going to happen, I mean it. I couldn’t wait to see if Twisted Fates would live up to the same hype. But honestly, I have to say they’re perfectly and equally balanced. Twisted souls has all of the yearning and the buildup of the love story with some action and wondering what will happen with the witches. Twisted Fates drops you back in after your heart‘s been ripped out and you don’t know if it’s gonna be put back together. Because believe me, there’s a couple of moments that it shattered again. In the best way possible though. You get more perspectives in Fates. This made everything happening more interesting because there’s so many pulls one way or another between so many characters. There are a few moments where you don’t know who to trust. If I had a physical copy, it would have been thrown across the room right around chapters 35 to 39. It felt like the betrayal of book one all over again; but honestly, I was here for it. That moment with Zara and Jaxson! And all family secrets that came out. Zara and Xavier continue to give all the feels of their mate bond. I love that we’re also introduced to more bonded pairs. Lana ends up being a more unexpected character than I anticipated. Atticus deserved what he got, 100%. I truly don’t know how to process everything that happened in these books. Truly, I want Audiobooks yesterday. But I’m torn between reading the whole duology over again or sitting in the sheer chaos that my heart feels. Because sometimes you just need a moment.

Truly, I cannot recommend these books enough. So make sure you check out Shannon‘s Instagram. Especially if you’re in the North Carolina area as she’s doing book events pretty frequently. I was lucky enough to have met her at one, and I’m so glad that I did.

[Amanda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Twisted Fates was the perfect conclusion to this duology.

When I say this book had me experiencing every emotion imaginable…I mean EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

There were twists that had me staring at the page, moments that had me face-palming, multiple “how could he?!” and “how could she?!” reactions, and at least a few “WHAT just happened?!” moments that had me standing up and pacing around my house trying not to overreact.

Shannon McLellan has a way of making you deeply care about every character. I was completely invested in Zara, Xavier, Jaxon, and the rest of the crew. Their relationships felt authentic, messy, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once.

Morgana is one of those villains you genuinely love to hate. The lengths she’s willing to go and what she’s done to her own family over centuries is absolutely horrifying.

One of my favorite parts was Zara and Xavier. Their banter, the constant battle to keep their mental shields up, trying not to fight while still loving each other…it was everything I wanted. Their chemistry absolutely shines.

And can we talk about the final 20%?! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was so emotionally invested that when I finished, I genuinely needed a few minutes and a cocktail to recover.

The best books are the ones you can’t stop thinking about after you finish, and this was definitely one of them. I woke up the next morning still replaying everything that happened.

If you love:

* Fated mates
* Witches & fae
* Found family
* Forced proximity
* Protective MMC
* Magic
* Twists that keep you guessing

…then this duology deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book drops you right back in where the first book left off, and nothing you were led to believe in book one seems to be true. I spent this entire book trying to put together all the pieces of the puzzle. Zara turns out to be a weapon to be used against Xaviar and his people, and Xaviar must learn to block her to prevent her from using their bond to gather information. Shannon McLellan really turns the story on its head, and no one, and I mean no one, is safe.

With the new information we get, the worldbuilding expands and fills in many of the gaps left behind in the first book. It was woven into the story in a way that never felt heavy-handed or like an info dump. I also enjoyed seeing how alliances shifted as more truths came to light. This book has even more twists than the first, and because of that, there were several character arcs I never saw coming. It kept me guessing from beginning to end, and almost every time I thought I had things figured out, the story proved me wrong.

This was a strong conclusion to the duology. It was emotional, action-packed, and paced in a way that kept me turning the pages. The additional POVs gave the story more depth and made it easier to understand the motivations behind several characters and the choices they made. By the end, all of the twists, reveals, and character moments came together in a satisfying way. This duology constantly challenged my expectations and took the story in directions I never would have predicted. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Shannon McLellan writes next.

Thank you so much to Shannon McLellan for the opportunity to read and review this book as an e-ARC.

[Samantha Barrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

After that gut wrenching insane plot twist ending of Twisted Souls, I decided I would sell my soul to get to read the next installment, ASAP.

Thankfully Shannon didn’t ask for such a steep price, but again, I would have happily handed it over.

Once again, she had me hooked from go! The added povs allowed such amazing insight and backstory that only made me fall in love with the characters more. The impending doom that plagued these characters had my heart breaking at multiple points throughout this story. But somehow Shannon kept extending a tiny grain of hope when all seemed lost and I had to keep going.

She has an amazing talent for spinning a tale that will leave you shocked and broken, yet thoroughly satisfied and inspired at the end.
I would be lying if I told you she didn’t make me passionately angry in certain points of this story, but that only made the journey all the more worthwhile, as I was filled with righteous indignation for the injustices these characters suffered.

However, just trust the process. Cry, scream, and throw the book. Then pick it up and keep reading. Because this author will take you on a journey unlike any you’ve ever been a part of, and in the end you will only thank her for breaking you so beautifully, and putting you back together again.

I am now a lifetime fan, and would happily read anything this author created.

[Jessica Chard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Fates further builds on the world of Nexia immersing the reader with magic, threads of fate, magical creatures (daka, griffins, pixies, and ogres oh my!), fated mates, touch her and die vibes, meddling divine beings, multiple realms, and curses.

As much as I loved the focus on Zara and Xavier in the first book, it was so fun to read side character POVs this time. The multiple POVs allowed for a more expansive coverage of every working piece of the plot and each individual storyline of our found family. All of the interconnecting pieces made me realize that this wasn't just a singular story about our FMC/MMC, but one of a found family who all deserved their happy ending.

As if Twisted Souls did not convince me enough, Twisted Fates made me a forever Shannon McLellan book reader. Her ability to set a scene is perfection. Immersive and concise, pulling you into this world without overwhelming with tedious details. Her creativity is endless as she forever blindsided me with unexpected plot twists. My theorizing was repeatedly proved wrong - especially with this incredibly unique ending. I cannot wait to see where she takes her readers to next. Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!

P.S. Can we pleaseeeeeee get an Aria POV Bonus Chapter?!

[Mercedes Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Fates was a definite step up from the first book for me. I gave Twisted Souls 3 stars, but this sequel improved on so many of the things I was hoping for. The pacing felt stronger, the stakes were higher, and I found myself much more invested in both the characters and the overall story.

That said, one aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the focus on multiple characters finding their own mates and love interests. While I understand the intent to expand the world and relationships, it sometimes pulled attention away from the central romance that I was most invested in. I would have preferred a tighter focus on the main couple, as their story felt diluted at times by the additional pairings. I also enjoyed the use of multiple POVs overall, but the inclusion of random POVs on top of that felt unnecessary and a bit distracting.

There were several twists I didn’t see coming, and the ending has me genuinely curious to see what happens next. If you enjoyed the first book, I think you’ll appreciate how this sequel expands the story and raises the tension.

Thank you to Shannon McLellan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ♥️ I am excited for future stories!

[Chelsea Drumm · Rating 3 out of 5]

After flying through (and being blown away by) Twisted Souls I went into this book with really high expectations. I loved how this duology wrapped up and felt really satisfied with the endings the MCs got. This book crammed sooooo much into not that many pages, I felt like between the backstory/lore and the different character POVs we got, I would have loved to see this turn into a trilogy to really slowly ease into everything. Sometimes I felt like I was being bombarded with information, where I had to pause and reread to understand everything going on. I loved that we got to see more relationships between characters, but again they felt a little breezed over and I could have seen it expanded to a trilogy to create a more meaningful and emotional impact for the reader. I still think it was a great end to a wonderful duology and will definitely be continuing to pick up anything Shannon McLellan writes in the future! Forever grateful to have gotten the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book!

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

Twisted Fates was the perfect conclusion to the Twisted Souls duology. Shannon McLellan wrapped up the story in a satisfying way, tying everything together while still delivering a few surprises.

I especially enjoyed the addition of multiple POVs, which gave more depth to the supporting characters. I was also eager to see how Xavier and Jaxon’s relationship would develop after book one, and their journey was handled beautifully.

Morgana was a fantastic antagonist; depraved, vicious, and impossible to ignore. She added plenty of tension and kept me invested throughout.

The ending caught me off guard, but it never felt forced. Everything came together in a way that made sense and felt earned.

Overall, this was a fast-paced, engaging read that I finished in just two nights. If you enjoy strong character development, emotional relationships, and unexpected twists, this duology is worth checking out.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free advance reader copy (ARC) of Twisted Fates in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
—————————————————————————————-

I went into Twisted Fates really excited given the fast pace of Twisted Souls and its cliffhanger.

I never doubted the creativity of the story, but Twisted Fates didn’t work for me the way I anticipated. The pacing and all the back-story made it hard for me to stay fully invested. I kept waiting for the story to hit the point where everything clicked, but it never quite got there for me. The last 10% of the book sped up and a lot was answered but I felt disappointed.

I know every book finds its readers, and I can absolutely see this working better for someone else. It just wasn’t the experience I was hoping for. I’ll still keep an eye on Shannon McLellan’s future books because I think there’s a lot of potential, but this one ultimately wasn’t for me.

[Justin R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure where to begin. The first word that comes to mind is “EPIC.” I will admit, the beginning of the story took a me a while to grasp. There are a few flashbacks. But once I settled in, it was an awesome ride. Xavier is a powerful, shape shifting MMC. Zara is a fierce, unforgiving FMC, who keeps you on your toes. Morgana is a queen bitch. While Xavier and Zara are mated, their situation has never been simple or easy. And when you add in some gods(fates) and quite a few badass sidekicks (Julian Theo Aria Dedra) and a few more amazing characters who you can never figure out (Lana and Cynthia) you have an amazing story full of depth and twists and turn that will suck you in. I highly recommend this duology to anyone and everyone. It’s got action, monsters, witches, magic, memories, world building, romance, plot twists, and a truly satisfying ending.

[Im.Ri.Duh · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the jawdropping cliffhanger of Twisted Souls, I jumped at the chance to receive an eARC of this book from Shannon.

I honestly don't want to say too much and ruin the story. If you loved Metal Slinger, you should just go read this duology. You cannot just read this book, you need to read Twisted Souls first.

For context, I started Light Wielder, read a few chapters and wasn't vibing with it, so switched to this book - BEST DECISION EVER. It brought me out of my reading slump.

Some basic info and tropes in the book:
• Its a duology
• Touch her and 🩸
• Morally grey and complex characters
• Betrayal and tragedies
• Banter, tension and spicy scenes
• Ogres, dragons, pixies, fae, fates and more

[Amanda Uttech · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - I’m sorry but THAT ENDING?! Was not expecting any of that, but I’m so happy it ended how it did and not how I was predicting. You will be just as shocked as the ending of book 1. What a wave of emotions.

I almost wish I read these back to back bc I forgot who some of the side characters were, but you get their POVs in this too so you’ll catch on quickly. It starts off fast paced with a lot of fighting, but I ate the last half of the book up. The fates and gods play a huge role in this which was so clever. Morgana is my new top book villain.

Received this as an arc because I was OBSESSED with Twisted Souls. So happy I found the first book at an indie bookstore in NC when visiting family. Can’t wait to see what you write next Shannon!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Shannon McLellan for my advance reader copy of Twisted Fates.
Can I please have your address so I can send you my therapy bill?
This book is beautifully heartbreaking in all the best ways. I'll be thinking about this book while dissociating in the shower for a long time. The emotional roller coaster this story took me on was everything I could have wanted and more.
We learn so much more about both the heroes and the villains, gaining a deeper understanding of how their fates were truly twisted and in some cases, even stolen from them.
Zara and Xavier's chemistry was undeniable. "I can no more stop thinking of you than I can stop breathing."
Go pick up Twisted Fates by Shannon McLellan when it releases on July 28, 2026!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been patiently, annoying Shannon for this book and I’m so glad I did!

I absolutely loved it!
It literally gave me all the things I needed to feel complete.

The pacing was perfect, the character POV changes were so well done, the banter was chef’s kiss!

The plot twist at the end once again had me stunned. I usually can guess them and this one was completely unexpected. Again.

You’ll be crying with this one.
Happy and sad tears. Have tissues near by.

Favorite Quotes:
“I can no more stop thinking of you than I can stop breathing.”

“I wouldn’t stop wanting you even if you killed everyone I ever loved, my entire f***ing kingdom.”

[Kelly King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted fates twisted my heartstrings over and over, then untangled the mess and left my heart aching with happiness. Gosh, these books are SO good! My mind is still reeling. So much happened in this book, yet it was never overwhelming.

I loved the multiple character’s POVs. Shannon created an array of strong, breathtaking characters. Zara and Xavier were once again perfection. Always pulled towards each other, never giving up on their love. If you love “touch her and die”, literally, well…read this book.

The ending (?) was phenomenal. However, it did leave me wanting more. The best books always do.

So thankful to have this story and characters in my heart.

[Jessica Fritts · Rating 4 out of 5]

>> book #35 of 2026<<
Book Title: Twisted Fates
Author: Shannon McLellan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Start: 19 July
End: 24 July

Thoughts: Okay so this one took me a little to get into the multiple POVs but I LOVED the ending. There were so many twists and turns and I cannot believe it all wrapped up that way. The story line was beautiful. The struggle that Zara faced was so well written and I love that Xavier didn’t give up on her. Morgan’s was the worst and I’m glad she ended the way she did. I would LOVE another book of any of the side characters. I think Theo and Cynthia would be amazing!! He is my fav by far. Cannot wait to see what Shannon has next!

#books #reviews #romantasy

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received Twisted Fates as an ARC ✨& this was so worth the wait. Book 1 was amazing and Book 2 absolutely delivered.

Captivating. And I will be sending Shannon my therapist bill because I don’t know how I can recover from this.

The fates truly brought the twist and turns to this story. We also got side character POV and that is always a breath of fresh air. Xavier is all our shadow boyfriends combined!

Morgana is a true villain. Like she is the definition of despicable.

Honestly I cant put into words how amazing this duet was. Twisted Souls duet available on KU & who knows maybe a Shannon will give us the side characters their own books.

Happy Reading!

[Arc review booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨ Girlllll you ruined me in the best way! This book was amazingggggg even after all that emotional trauma I just had to read 🤣 the writing was phenomenal and the plot omg the plot was everything I had such an amazing time throughout this book with everyone character. I was laughing, crying and screaming this book was a rollercoaster and I freaking loved it. I didn’t want it to end 😭 can’t highly recommend this series enough please please you must read it it’s so good not to!
Thank you Shannon McLellan for letting me be part of your street team! Can’t wait to read more of your books! 🫶🏼

[peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the author, Shannon McLellan for an advanced reviewer copy of this book.

This sequel did not disappoint and it blew my mind in more ways than one. After the plot twist of book 1 I was expecting something, but not this. Never this. On one hand my heart aches and the other it beats. I love this story, I love these characters, and I loved this plot.

The way this duology was thought out and how the story progressed is art. This, this is how you do enemies to lovers. This is how you do plot twists and betrayal.

[Amber Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Twisted Souls I have been counting down the days for this second books release and feel so lucky to have been chosen for an ARC of this book.

Twisted Fates for me is one of those books where I am speaking out loud while reading it. Yelling “No”, “What is happening” and “Are you kidding me”. It definitely had me spiraling.

I also really enjoyed the writing style of this book we get chapters of the past so we can understand the present and motivations of our main characters better.

[Ashleigh Foltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, guys! My heart! I loved seeing where Zara, Lana, Xavier, and literally everyone else ended up. Shannon ripped my heart out a couple of times but it was worth it for the ending! It was such a satisfying finale to the Twisted Duology!

The banter? Chefs kiss!
The yearning? Undeniable!
The retribution? 10 out of 10 - no notes!

Seriously, such a satisfying read!

Thank you, Shannon, for allowing me to be a part of your street team! I can’t wait to see what you do next!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from Author

I have been waiting for this book since the major cliff hanger in Twisted Souls and it did not disappoint. You get thrown right back in where Twisted Souls left off. The pacing of the book allowed for the growth and development of the characters. I especially loved getting to know more of Lana and Cynthia’s stories. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put the book down. Excited to see what potentially comes next in this world!

[Stacey Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again absolutely amazing story. I have been so patiently waiting for this to release after the ending of Twisted Souls left me hanging, with my jaw on the floor and raging! I was ecstatic when I got picked to be an ARC reader. Shannon did not disappoint! She continued this epic story with twist and turns, banter, spice, magic and one heck of an emotional rollercoaster. Truly a must read! My favorite duology of the year! I can not wait to read Shannon's next story!

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I was excited to receive an advanced copy of the conclusion to the duology. The first book ended on a cliffhanger and the beginning of this one had your head spinning. I loved the new POVs and characters introduced. It kept you wondering about certain characters as new information was uncovered. The ending was also unexpected and a perfect way to end.
This book has a great mix of everything you want in a romantasy book.

[Jennifer Hyiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Twisted Souls duology, so if you haven’t read Twisted Souls yet you absolutely need to. It’s SO GOOD and the plot twist at the end will have you RUNNING straight into book two (Twisted Fates) This book was everything I wasn’t expecting, but absolutely needed out of book 2. There’s adventure, betrayal, heartbreak, humor, love & friendship - it’s pure magic. Highly recommend to anyone that’s a fan of ACOTAR, Metal Slinger or even Vampire Diaries!!