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Cycle Keeper’s Shadow: Tale of the Ashweaver Book 1
Not yet published
Expected 25 Oct 26A quiet magic. A haunted past. A breaking Cycle.
Wren grew up with family and love, surviving by minimizing herself and the unusual magic she carries.
Orzen grew up in violence, and only survived by running from it.
When an ancient god bound deep within the forest stirs, the Cycle itself begins to unravel. As the village of Thistlehold rots from within, and the Virewood corrupts at its roots, Wren and Orzen are drawn into a web of prophecy, divine conflict, and an ancient legacy built on protection and sacrifice.
Danger wears familiar faces. Trust becomes a liability. And the cost of stepping into a war between gods may be more than either of them can survive—unless they uncover the truth before the Cycle breaks completely.
Sometimes the right choice is the hardest one to make.
Wren grew up with family and love, surviving by minimizing herself and the unusual magic she carries.
Orzen grew up in violence, and only survived by running from it.
When an ancient god bound deep within the forest stirs, the Cycle itself begins to unravel. As the village of Thistlehold rots from within, and the Virewood corrupts at its roots, Wren and Orzen are drawn into a web of prophecy, divine conflict, and an ancient legacy built on protection and sacrifice.
Danger wears familiar faces. Trust becomes a liability. And the cost of stepping into a war between gods may be more than either of them can survive—unless they uncover the truth before the Cycle breaks completely.
Sometimes the right choice is the hardest one to make.
615 pages, ebook
Expected publication October 25, 2026
About the author
Kat O'Brien
1 book19 followersKat O'Brien is a debut fantasy author who writes stories where characters with heart and truth must survive in worlds that don't always reward kindness. Her first book, Cycle Keeper's Shadow, explores themes of loss, found family, and what it means to live a life you've chosen.
When she's not writing, Kat is corralling preschool students, playing D&D with her husband, or snuggling with her three fur-children (Tobi the beagle, Tux the silly cat, and Ivy the evil one.) You can find more about her work--and all of the chaos that exists both within her books and behind the scenes--on social media @kat.obrien.writes
When she's not writing, Kat is corralling preschool students, playing D&D with her husband, or snuggling with her three fur-children (Tobi the beagle, Tux the silly cat, and Ivy the evil one.) You can find more about her work--and all of the chaos that exists both within her books and behind the scenes--on social media @kat.obrien.writes
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autore
Review based on an advance copy received from the author.
4,5 ⭐
Phew, okay, where do I start?
I was drawn to "Cycle Keeper's Shadow" by its tropes—specifically the "awkward MMC" and "elemental magic"—but I found so much more than I expected in the world Kat created. It is a fully realized, complex, and cohesive universe—one that allows you to form a bond not just with the protagonists, but also with the "secondary" characters who inhabit it.
Wren and Orzen are deeply human protagonists, complete with their own strengths, weaknesses, and—above all—traumas. As someone who isn't a fan of "insta-love," I was won over by their relationship; it focuses heavily on how they support each other and help one another heal from past traumas. But don't worry—you'll still find the beloved "he falls first" trope and just the right amount of yearning (which never hurts).
This book was a journey that made me laugh, cry, and get angry. Finishing it left me with that bittersweet feeling that usually lingers after a trip: a heart full of new experiences and emotions, and a desire to set off again as soon as possible.
4,5 ⭐
Phew, okay, where do I start?
I was drawn to "Cycle Keeper's Shadow" by its tropes—specifically the "awkward MMC" and "elemental magic"—but I found so much more than I expected in the world Kat created. It is a fully realized, complex, and cohesive universe—one that allows you to form a bond not just with the protagonists, but also with the "secondary" characters who inhabit it.
Wren and Orzen are deeply human protagonists, complete with their own strengths, weaknesses, and—above all—traumas. As someone who isn't a fan of "insta-love," I was won over by their relationship; it focuses heavily on how they support each other and help one another heal from past traumas. But don't worry—you'll still find the beloved "he falls first" trope and just the right amount of yearning (which never hurts).
This book was a journey that made me laugh, cry, and get angry. Finishing it left me with that bittersweet feeling that usually lingers after a trip: a heart full of new experiences and emotions, and a desire to set off again as soon as possible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC directly from the author. This review is entirely my own. No spoilers in this review, as the story releases at the end of October 2026.
Thank you to author Kat O’Brien for my ARC! It’s been such a joy to get to read this wonderful story.
Cycle Keeper’s Shadow is a masterclass in high fantasy writing. This book is a slow burn in the best possible way—the world building and the romance both need to cook, and as reader I felt like I got to enjoy every step of the process. The story made my DnD loving heart really sing and reminded me of reading fantasies like Lord of the Rings—both with the scope of the characters as well as the journeys each characters underwent. Wren especially.
And speaking of MCs, both Wren and Orzen were so, so sympathetic and relatable. Orzen’s chapters were such a mood and made me chuckle simply because he’s so real. I saw myself in Wren but genuinely loved and rooted for those moments she did speak out. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but I loved these two characters so much.
This is the kind of story that feels like such a joy to follow and finishing it makes me feel a kind of bittersweet—it was such a beautiful read, and I’m sad it’s over (at least until the sequel comes out!).
The prose was so lyrical without being any kind of pretentious, and that kind of writing always impresses me to no end.
Cannot wait to read more of Kat O’Brien’s books!!
Can’t recommend this one enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was A LOT. In the best way, but also occasionally in the “wait…who is that again and what exactly is happening?” way. There is so much packed into this world—the magic, the characters, the creatures, the terminology, the lore—and while I genuinely enjoyed getting lost in it, there were definitely times when I felt a little lost.
I think it is so fun that the author took the time to rename a lot of the things we have in real life in her book, like the seasons, holidays, animal names, moon cycles, and more. But sometimes it got a little bit too confusing for me. And while I very much appreciated the author giving us the key on how to pronounce a lot of the characters' names, I almost wish it would have come with brief character descriptions or labels as to who they were. I struggle with fantasy names and something about that makes it hard for me to keep details straight about the character.
I absolutely loved the world and the magic, and Wren and Orzen were easily two of my favorite parts. Their slow-burn relationship had me suffering in the best way, although I will admit it was almost TOO slow for me at times. Like COME ON GUYS! Haha. But can I say that there was someone that I loved more than Wren and Orzen? It was Crumbs!! He was just so so so cute. I just want to eat him.
The biggest thing I struggled with was the pacing. There was SO much happening, especially toward the end, but I sometimes felt like all of that action didn't necessarily translate into the story moving forward. There were also a lot of major injuries and/or deaths, but surprisingly, I didn't find myself as emotionally affected by them as I expected. There was one exception: when a small child was almost killed, that got me. He is around the same age as my kids, so I know that is why it pulled at my heartstrings especially hard.
There is clearly a huge world here with a lot more story to tell, and despite my struggles with the pacing and keeping track of everything, I had a genuinely good time reading it. I'm definitely curious to see where this world goes next.
Thank you, Kat O'Brien, for the opportunity to read your book before it is published in exchange for an honest review.
I think it is so fun that the author took the time to rename a lot of the things we have in real life in her book, like the seasons, holidays, animal names, moon cycles, and more. But sometimes it got a little bit too confusing for me. And while I very much appreciated the author giving us the key on how to pronounce a lot of the characters' names, I almost wish it would have come with brief character descriptions or labels as to who they were. I struggle with fantasy names and something about that makes it hard for me to keep details straight about the character.
I absolutely loved the world and the magic, and Wren and Orzen were easily two of my favorite parts. Their slow-burn relationship had me suffering in the best way, although I will admit it was almost TOO slow for me at times. Like COME ON GUYS! Haha. But can I say that there was someone that I loved more than Wren and Orzen? It was Crumbs!! He was just so so so cute. I just want to eat him.
The biggest thing I struggled with was the pacing. There was SO much happening, especially toward the end, but I sometimes felt like all of that action didn't necessarily translate into the story moving forward. There were also a lot of major injuries and/or deaths, but surprisingly, I didn't find myself as emotionally affected by them as I expected. There was one exception: when a small child was almost killed, that got me. He is around the same age as my kids, so I know that is why it pulled at my heartstrings especially hard.
There is clearly a huge world here with a lot more story to tell, and despite my struggles with the pacing and keeping track of everything, I had a genuinely good time reading it. I'm definitely curious to see where this world goes next.
Thank you, Kat O'Brien, for the opportunity to read your book before it is published in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel so honored to have been on the ARC team for "Cycle Keeper's Shadow"!
Kat O'Brien's way of writing is beautiful. She has a gift for making each character shine with their own personality, and crafts a fantasy adventure that I want more of!
I can't wait for the second book!
Kat O'Brien's way of writing is beautiful. She has a gift for making each character shine with their own personality, and crafts a fantasy adventure that I want more of!
I can't wait for the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book dealt with grief beautifully. I really enjoyed how the relationships were slowly built, and loved how awkward the 2 MCs were with each other.
Plot: Wren is ostracised by most of her village because she wields spirit magic. Orzen is a mercenary who grew up rough in the city and is hoping to hide in her small town. But when an ancient god begins to stir in the forest nearby the town becomes corrupted.
Both Wren and Orzen dealt with different grief in different ways and I really appreciated how they worked through them, both by themselves and with each other. The slow build of their relationship over the book allowed them to actually get to know each other, and what each needed and it was really refreshing. They were both so cute, so trusting and yet partly broken and they had a lot to work through.
The story took the time to establish them properly before shit properly hit the fan. I love meddling shopkeepers 😂 I really liked the elemental magic elements in this and how cool the spirit-weaving that Wren could do was described.
The overarching story of how to deal with a god that cant be killed was so interesting. Especially with how Wren thought he should be combated (not giving any spoilers, so kind of vague).
Definitely interested to see where this story goes, and if they will EVER BLOODY KISS.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review
Plot: Wren is ostracised by most of her village because she wields spirit magic. Orzen is a mercenary who grew up rough in the city and is hoping to hide in her small town. But when an ancient god begins to stir in the forest nearby the town becomes corrupted.
Both Wren and Orzen dealt with different grief in different ways and I really appreciated how they worked through them, both by themselves and with each other. The slow build of their relationship over the book allowed them to actually get to know each other, and what each needed and it was really refreshing. They were both so cute, so trusting and yet partly broken and they had a lot to work through.
The story took the time to establish them properly before shit properly hit the fan. I love meddling shopkeepers 😂 I really liked the elemental magic elements in this and how cool the spirit-weaving that Wren could do was described.
The overarching story of how to deal with a god that cant be killed was so interesting. Especially with how Wren thought he should be combated (not giving any spoilers, so kind of vague).
Definitely interested to see where this story goes, and if they will EVER BLOODY KISS.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of ARC from author. Opinions are my own.
Kat manages to combine the comfort of cozy fantasy with the excitement of adventure quests and monsters, and the stakes of divine conflict.
The characters and village seem very established and lived in - with mannerisms, reputations across town, preferences and back stories that feel authentic.
So much is packed into each page. Somehow 900 pages of content have been squeezed into 600. The prose is descriptive and at times poetic, which usually slows things down, but here thoughts and feelings are allowed to hang around as the plot moves on.
The dialogue occasionally feels tonally out of step with the depth of the plot, characters and prose elsewhere.
The pace increases as we move through the book, which for me lessened the emotional impact of some of the significant events (and consequences).
SO MANY NEW MAGICAL CREATURES WHERE DO I EVEN START!!
And lastly the book itself. It opens with the most spectacular book plate style introductions of the Gods (congrats to the illustrator!). It feels like a lot of care has been taken with publishing choices. Starting chapters on right hand pages isn't necessary, but it feels fancy.
Kat manages to combine the comfort of cozy fantasy with the excitement of adventure quests and monsters, and the stakes of divine conflict.
The characters and village seem very established and lived in - with mannerisms, reputations across town, preferences and back stories that feel authentic.
So much is packed into each page. Somehow 900 pages of content have been squeezed into 600. The prose is descriptive and at times poetic, which usually slows things down, but here thoughts and feelings are allowed to hang around as the plot moves on.
The dialogue occasionally feels tonally out of step with the depth of the plot, characters and prose elsewhere.
The pace increases as we move through the book, which for me lessened the emotional impact of some of the significant events (and consequences).
SO MANY NEW MAGICAL CREATURES WHERE DO I EVEN START!!
And lastly the book itself. It opens with the most spectacular book plate style introductions of the Gods (congrats to the illustrator!). It feels like a lot of care has been taken with publishing choices. Starting chapters on right hand pages isn't necessary, but it feels fancy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an arc copy of this book by the author.
This book is absolutely amazing. There was so much put into this book! I was drawn to the cover and the blurb and wow did it not disappoint! This book kept me hanging on the whole time! Kat did such an amazing job and I am so glad I got to be one of the first to read it.
This book is absolutely amazing. There was so much put into this book! I was drawn to the cover and the blurb and wow did it not disappoint! This book kept me hanging on the whole time! Kat did such an amazing job and I am so glad I got to be one of the first to read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely fits the genre of epic fantasy! You really get attached to the characters and the plot. Only the first in the series, so looking forward to what's next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kindly received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Cycle Keepers Shadow by Kat O’Brien
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
💚 Slow Burn
✨️ Found Family
💚 Dual POV
✨️ Awkward/German Shepherd MMC
💚 Soft/Gentle FMC
✨️ Mental Health Rep
💚 Elemental Magic
✨️ Fantasy Creatures
💚 Old Gods and Prophecy
This was a fun high fantasy story full of twists and turns that I rather enjoyed! The writing is lovely and the dynamic and conversations between the characters and Wrens family is great! I recommend this for all fantasy readers. The world building and magic system was beautifully woven into the story.
I went into reading this book completely blind and quickly attached to Wren’s character. She is such a strong character who takes care of those around her and the animals! I also enjoyed the inspiring conversations she has with Hennah who is so wise.
“But fear must not be the one who chooses our path.”
“To her, death was dusk falling—not an ending, but a change.”
I love the idea that death is not just our end but it is a change, it’s a new adventure. One that we all will take. We should not choose our paths out of fear, if we want something we have to be brave. 🩷
Orzen is a hardworking, helpful, kind, and mysterious character and I enjoyed the conversations between him and Wren. I hope you dive into this book and fall in love with their dynamic as much as I did!
Thank you to Kat O’Brien for a lovely ready and I am excited to read more of your books in the future!
Cycle Keepers Shadow by Kat O’Brien
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
💚 Slow Burn
✨️ Found Family
💚 Dual POV
✨️ Awkward/German Shepherd MMC
💚 Soft/Gentle FMC
✨️ Mental Health Rep
💚 Elemental Magic
✨️ Fantasy Creatures
💚 Old Gods and Prophecy
This was a fun high fantasy story full of twists and turns that I rather enjoyed! The writing is lovely and the dynamic and conversations between the characters and Wrens family is great! I recommend this for all fantasy readers. The world building and magic system was beautifully woven into the story.
I went into reading this book completely blind and quickly attached to Wren’s character. She is such a strong character who takes care of those around her and the animals! I also enjoyed the inspiring conversations she has with Hennah who is so wise.
“But fear must not be the one who chooses our path.”
“To her, death was dusk falling—not an ending, but a change.”
I love the idea that death is not just our end but it is a change, it’s a new adventure. One that we all will take. We should not choose our paths out of fear, if we want something we have to be brave. 🩷
Orzen is a hardworking, helpful, kind, and mysterious character and I enjoyed the conversations between him and Wren. I hope you dive into this book and fall in love with their dynamic as much as I did!
Thank you to Kat O’Brien for a lovely ready and I am excited to read more of your books in the future!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews