Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Remnants: Disruption

Rate this book
From the author of Necromantic: True Love Never Dies comes a sapphic, paranormal romance set in a post-apocalyptic world.

REMNANTS: DISRUPTION is Chapter 1 of Death's Affliction, the sister series to Necromantic and the Death's Curse.

New Chicago has a serial killer. Or two.


Arya Skovsgaard is a lot of things, but a hero is not one of them. She might do heroic things, but since waking up ten years ago with no memory, it's hardly something she can claim.

It also doesn't help that as a Remnant, she has strange powers that a large chunk of the world does not. She's not alone, but metahumans aren't always seen as positives in this world. Especially since they're blamed for the First and Second Disruptions that occurred centuries ago.

Worse still, her powers of communion with the dead are really helpful for solving crimes, but little else.

When a new string of serial murders turns out to be two different culprits, she finds herself in a head-on collision with a truth that is far larger than herself. And one that will ultimately alter the world as she knows it.

Early Reviews

"Fantasy done right! A stunning dystopian universe where only the strong or cunning survive.” - Beta Reviewer

"Holy, holy, holy #@!%. so #%$ good. This reads like Marvel universe with the layers and politics. I cannot wait to get my hands on a polished copy to read when it’s done.” - Beta Reviewer

“That was amazing and I’m mad it’s over.” - Beta Reviewer

The main couple is F/F, there is no male coupling at any point either on page or implied.

Content

This book is meant for adult audiences.

Explicit sexual content
Gore
Violence
Coarse language
Suicidal ideations
Attempted suicide
Depictions of depression

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Mourning Star

5 books37 followers
Mourning Star (they/them) is an adult lesbian sci-fi and fantasy author known for Necromantic and Remnants.

Outside of writing, they are a healthcare worker living in the United States with their wife and daughter.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
27 (64%)
4 stars
12 (28%)
3 stars
2 (4%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
489 reviews36 followers
July 15, 2026
I came for the mysterious killers and stayed for supernatural and mutants/meta humans. There is so much going on in this novel, I'm going to have to read it again.

I obviously have really enjoyed this tale, it takes place in a future dystopian like setting. New Chicago is the locale , similar to current Chicago but since most of the US has been wiped out it's one of the few territories left. The time lines are all measured after the first disruption. This disruption reshaped life as we currently know it. The disruption caused death and mutants, and created a corporation to fight and control the. There have been a few disruptions.

Arya is a class 1 remnant with death communication powers, she works alongside her human police officer Percy. They are investigating murders of known remnants. This world is very human vs others. Her powers are very low on the threat scale. Things are not what they seem, and despite crushing on her partner, Arya is trying to not succumb to the grief and darkness that is part and parcel to her powers. Her partner's murder triggers the rest of the story.

I was kept captive by the revealing of the powers and mutants/supernatural. Each one is well designed to fit their role and the surprises for some you won't see coming. This world building is done right. The duality to the story kept me enthralled. Bloody Mary is a great character and her cat and mouse with Arya is well played. Their story is such a slow burn but hot when it finally gets going.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. I absolutely devoured this chubby book, I wish it was longer.

Tropes and triggers: alchemy, ancient magic, cat and mouse, court intrigue, dark magic, discovering powers, dystopian, found family, murder mystery, hurt/ comfort, enemies/rivals to lovers, slow burn, touch her and ☠️
Profile Image for Tori.
65 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2026
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book blends so many genres together in the best way. Think sapphic paranormal superheroes saving the world. There was so much action packed in, and it constantly kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Every prediction I made was wrong, I didn’t see any of the plot twists coming.

Arya, the MC, really grew on me. I initially went back and forth on my opinion of her. However the character growth was impressive and I ended up feeling very proud of her.

I can’t say much about the sapphic romance without giving away some of the best parts. You’ll just have to trust me when I say that Arya and her love interest are SUCH a power couple!
Profile Image for BookaholicallyBridie.
43 reviews27 followers
July 20, 2026
This book broke the rating system for me. It deserves a thousand stars, unfortunately the limit is five. Just add more stars okay?

I don’t even know where to start.

Arya is a legend. I want to wrap her in blankets and also give her lots of snacks. She deserves a nap, and just a year where she doesn’t have to have responsibilities. Unfortunately for her, I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon.

Also as soon as the love interest stepped onto the page I clocked her. She’s an icon and I’m obsessed with her. She will be living in my head rent free. She’s such an autistic lesbian and I love her so much.

If you want a slow burn that is also somehow an Insta love between characters that are really confused, you should read this book.

So much happened in this book oh my goodness. Arya’s powers are really cool, and Cass’s powers are incredible. I just! Adore Mourning Star’s worldbuilding and writing. It’s all amazing. I have no notes, this book has no flaws.

Also the political commentary is flawless and makes so much sense and provided a lot of stakes to the plot. I’m genuinely obsessed with the layers of detail that are built into the story.

This book has changed my brain chemistry on a fundamental level, and I will be in a coma until Mourning Star’s next book comes out.
Profile Image for Aidmar.
63 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2026
Thanks to Mourning Star for the ARC!

I really ate this book up! From the get go, I loved Arya so much. She was so depressed and felt so lonely, I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug her! Her development through the story was amazing, seeing her taking control over her powers and fight back for her people made me feel so proud of her. I loved how the romantic side of the story was written too, a fun little twist I didn’t see coming! Her partner needed Arya as much Arya needed her and that was beautiful.

Looking forward to reading more of this series!
Profile Image for Melina Reyes.
38 reviews1 follower
Read
May 27, 2026
I loved the book, found it pretty interesting and the story got me wanting to keep reading.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cora Gray.
Author 1 book4 followers
July 17, 2026
“All hail Tempest.” “All hail the God Queen.”

Alex does it again! Going into this book (thanks for the ARC!) I wasn’t sure I could love these characters more than Xandra and Artemis, but boy was I wrong.

Starting off with Arya, the main POV in the story, we are introduced to the post-apocalyptic world of Nye Verden. Living in New Chicago, Arya is a Remnant with unusual powers that she utilizes to help her best friend/law enforcement partner to solve homicides. Let me just say… the yearning is DEVASTATING here, but I’ll leave it at that. Through Arya’s eyes we get to see the struggle of trying to fit in in a world that has been taught to fear/detest your existence, and how that combined with unique burdens from Arya’s gifts can weigh heavily on one’s mental well-being. The portrayal of Arya’s mental health battle was so real and raw at times, and I will never stop singing the praises of this book for that aspect alone.

“It’s hard to remember you’re alive when you’re only ever surrounded by death.”

On to Cass, my devoted, tall drink of water. I am in love with this woman and would pay for a book dedicated to her and her activities prior to this story. If you want a book girlfriend who can go from stoic and unfeeling towards everyone, but melts instantly for her lover behind closed doors, then congrats you have found her. Cassandra is a force to be reckoned with, and I cannot wait to see the endless lengths these two will go to for one another.
I fully recommend reading Necromantic before going into this book! It isn’t a must to understand the story, however there are Easter Eggs hidden in here that you will appreciate much, much more. Overall, this book was superheroes meets dystopian with a witty cast of misfits and some solid antihero-esque MCs. I can’t wait to get to know them further and see how the story evolves in future books!

“You are the master of death, Hiraeth. Rebuild the throne of your kingdom.”
Profile Image for Bella.
99 reviews
July 27, 2026
I ate this book up; it was so good! It started off with cyberpunk, sci-fi, police procedural vibes, morphed into a supernatural/Narnia-esque aesthetic, and then became something I can't even describe or relate to anything else, but I loved it! The history of how the remnants came to be, and the magic/abilities system born from that was so cool, I loved the political commentary that was interwoven with it, and the action that was a result of all of that was an almost non-stop thrill ride which kept me hooked the whole time. The ranking system for the magnitude of the different power levels was so intriguing, and the history nerd within me was very happy with the inclusion of certain figures from different mythologies. Speaking of characters, I loved Arya as a main character, and the depiction of her depression tugged on heartstrings I didn't even know I had. I just wanted to give her a big hug, and I was so happy when her love interest was there for her and helped her through it. Not only did I love her romantic relationship, though, I also loved her platonic relationships and the found family vibes that they created. I loved Mourning Star's other book, Necromantic, but I think I loved this one even more! I'm also so interested to see how the two worlds interact in future books, as they are sister series!!!
Profile Image for Kourtney  Forrey.
27 reviews
July 17, 2026
“Normality is a precious commodity, isn’t it?”

Mourning Star creates a new world set in dystopian America featuring a new band of characters that I adore just as much, if not more, than Xan and Artie. The banter is bantering, the action is packed, and the magic system keeps making me wonder what will come next.

I love this author more and more and I can’t wait to see where this mega series goes, and how Malady, out in November, will tease us into the direction of Realm Walkers in the future!
Profile Image for Natalia.
18 reviews
July 24, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5⭐

THIS NEEDS TO BE A MOVIE. And that was too short! Definitely too short; I need book 2 NOW. I’m not trying to hurry the author but I’d truly love to know what happens next! It was a wild ride.

Coming in I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the premise and the main elements but they did not reveal anything that would prepare me for this story. A whole new world with entities and powers that are complex and shadowed with secrets.

The story starts with a mystery but then transforms through drama, tragedy, fantasy and paranormal to a world filled with corruption, lies, control over everything and evil at the top of it all. And in the center is Arya Skovsgaard, one of the Remnants. She didn’t ask for the circumstances or the life she has. She just wanted love, peace and family. I liked her from the very beginning but I was sad for her situation. If we overlook the paranormal element, her thoughts and emotions are not that different from a real-life person. Lack of purpose, neglect, loneliness, emptiness, helplessness – many, if not all, people feel and experience in their everyday lives. Despite all that, Arya was strong from the start, she just needed something, or rather someone, who could help her find a way to the power hidden within herself.

Mary is the one and only. She introduces Arya to a new reality, new possibilities and a place where she can find her own family.

Remnants: Disruption is a complex story with unique characters. Politics inside Nye Verden and the amount of control that Darkrend has on the society reminded me of the dystopian worlds. The author many times describes the fascist and autocratic system in which the remaining post-apocalyptic world seems to be enveloped.

I loved reading this. It was difficult for me to highlight the most interesting quotes because I was so absorbed in the book! I wanted to know what will happen next, which way Arya will go, what certain things mean. Also, despite the darkness, especially at the beginning, I loved the relationship between Arya and the shadows. Disregarding the cruelty some of them showed, I felt that they “liked” her in a way, preferred to be around her than anyone else.

Arya and Cass. Their relationship is truly a slow burn romance, developing slowly with a lot of obstacles in the way, external and internal. But I must say, I was a bit annoyed by Cass and her constant postponing of explanations that Arya deserved. I understand the reasoning behind it but it irked me a little. I wouldn’t be fair though if I wouldn’t mention the many times Cass helped Arya, the number of times she literally saved her and the protectiveness she showed in every step she took. Their love blooms gradually but runs very deeply.

Side characters, depending on their role, were very good. Percy as the human side of things but also the one that imo started the fire within our protagonist. Marsha, Trish and their family, welcoming Arya with open arms. They were the thing that the silver haired woman needed to stand firmly on her two feet. And finally, Azazel, the secretive Mage who without expressions, but only their voice and presence became the steadiness I don’t think even Arya knew she needed. If I had to choose, I’d say that they were my favorite side character. I definitely wouldn’t mind more of them in the next book.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable read. Can’t wait for the next one!! Strongly recommend it!!🖤🖤🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sally.
930 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2026
There is dramatically less crime investigation than the blurb would suggest as the plot focuses on the staggered training montage of depressed PI Arya and her vague vigilante career as the Dark One in this scifi story. The world building is interesting but gets overly complicated with the introduction of other supernatural and mythological creatures and a more simplistic approach would have worked better for the narrative. If she is meant to be all powerful, why introduce so many outside factors?

Arya starts off as a compelling character, besieged by ghosts and suicidal because of it. She, however, grows inconsistent and cockily confident as the story progresses and it’s a coin toss if she’s going to be mouthing off to a god or wracked by depression in any given chapter. The romance didn’t work for me in any shape or form, they’re worse off for having met each other with petty jealousy that is just possessiveness wrapped up, and no basis except base physical attraction.

Another round of edits would have also been beneficial, the plot drags in places when it should move quickly and skips over important sections such as a training montage or any recovery. There’s also a few sentences that don’t make logistical sense and the ending comes out of actual nowhere for the sake of a sequel.

Thank you to the author and booksirens for the ARC.
6 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2026
Arya is, by far, one of the most relatable main characters I've ever had the pleasure of seeing through the eyes of. My favorite quote from her thoughts: "stupid lesbian brain."

Her story is gripping and full of twists, all of which I'll let you figure out for yourself, but suffice to say that the author has very adeptly crafted a world for their readers to enjoy. I can't wait to see where Arya goes next.

Also her love interest is really hot kthxbye
Profile Image for Nicole.
497 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 15, 2026
Remnants: Disruption is book 1 in the Death's Affliction series by Mourning Star.
This epic beginning is hard to pin down to a single genre, as it spans many. It is certainly sci-fi, with advanced technology, and definitely dystopian, taking place after world-changing events, but it also incorporates paranormal and fantasy elements alongside a dark sapphic romance.
There are explorations of politics, corporate greed, corrupt authority figures, the lust for power, and the desire for vengeance. There are action, suspense, gore, romance, and spice, and the war has just begun. A lot is going on.
Immersive world-building and an engaging plot held my attention throughout. The characters are interesting and complex, ranging from bad cops to ultra-powered individuals, as well as human and powered civilians caught in the middle. There are human and powered folks on both sides of this conflict, with a bit of a mystery about who can be trusted.
It was very easy to grow attached to several characters: Percy, Arya, Alice, "Mary," Azazel, and even Dr. Blair, to name a few.
The relationship between Mary and Arya is steamy, and I love them together. The balance of strength and vulnerability, coupled with the "touch her and die" vibe, hits the sweet spot for me. I do wish I had seen more of the moments leading to Mary's infatuation with Arya on the page. I wanted to "feel" that a bit more, but overall, the chemistry was great. Also, this is the second book I have read recently where I got to experience the perspective of someone who is being romantically pursued rather than that of the pursuer. I like that.
Mental health is addressed through Arya's character, as she literally deals with death on the daily. She is depressed and struggles to feel worthy of love, seeing herself as a monster. It doesn't help that she spends most of her time with humans who dislike powered people. She attempts suicide and doesn't take very good care of herself otherwise, either.
Arya has amnesia, and that isn't cleared up in this book. The very bad guys are revealed. We get to know Mary and Arya better, but it is obvious that there is still so much more to learn. Sometimes the story felt a bit disjointed. Sometimes I got lost in the dialogue. I don't really understand Affliction. There are a lot of different kinds of people, from standard shifters and vampires to humans who became powered because of an outside force, and even god-like individuals. That was a little overwhelming at times.
Praise goes to the author's creativity, ability to evoke emotion, ability to build a complex world order—or should I say chaos?—and fantastic characters.
Book 1 is a wild, dark, and gritty ride with some twisty surprises, and I am absolutely on board for the next installment.

Quoteworthy:
Do you think Death dreams of a world where it is no longer needed?

...there are no such things as coincidences. Chaos breeds disorder, but it also weaves fates and souls. You are just as likely to meet the love of your life as you are the one who will strike the final blow. And they are often one and the same.

No one seems to realize the danger that just strolled into the shop. That a goddamned eldritch being is simply sitting here, sipping her coffee.

The way she might feel now pressed up— “No,” I squeak, shutting off the hot water and letting the colosseum’s cold air hit me like a runaway train. “Not today, Satan.”


#explicitsexualcontent #violence #suicidalideations #attemptedsuicide #depression #paranormal #scifi #sapphicromance #queernormative #fantasy #touchheranddie #hurtcomfort #whodidthistoyou #differentworlds #foundfamily #mentalhealthrep #nonbinaryrep #deathoflovedones #dystopian #poweredindividuals #darkromance #burntheworldforher #vengeance #supernatural #Chicago #Romania #gore #goodgirl #actionsuspense #agegap #tobecontinued #war
I received a review copy from the author through BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gwin Savage.
Author 2 books44 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 19, 2026
This book sucked me in from the very beginning and wouldn’t let me go!

So Arya’s a “Remnant” (think: superhuman/godlike being mashup in an alternate dystopian timeline where a substance called Affliction powers everything, including Remnants themselves). She’s just out there living her best life, being a private investigator, looking into a grisly string of serial murders and crushing hard on the gentle and pretty Percy while wielding Death powers, speaking to the dead, and seeing ghosts in every shadowy corner. You know. Lesbian things.

From the start, it was clear I’d have to buckle up and just let this story take me wherever it was going. And might I just say…

What. A. RIDE. From one chapter to the next, I never knew exactly where it was headed and I loved every last page!

It’s difficult to get too deep into anything without spoiling the things I enjoyed so very much, but let’s just say that around the 20% mark, something HAPPENS and everything goes sideways. It took my breath away, and I realized the book I thought I was reading wasn’t actually that book at all. Then, as things continued on this new trajectory, I realized IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER.

I’ll keep the rest of this vague, other than to say, at 80%, BAM. Mourning Star drops a reveal, after sprinkling alllll of these little breadcrumbs that were driving me crazy, ngl, and my jaw dropped. Oh, and I now have a huge crush on both Arya and Cass.

The spice is spicing. The prose and worldbuilding are top notch. From the epitaphs at the beginning of chapters to the massive extent of the lore, to the heart-stopping action sequences, the world is thought-out and immersive. And the banter between characters is hilarious! So many good one-liners.

Remnants honestly reminds me of Marvel movies in a way. The action sequences, lore, and the chemistry and found family aspects between characters are just that good and satisfying!

————————
“You really want to use his skull for soup, don’t you?” I ask, the visual somehow cutting through the sludge. “That’s, like, the second time you’ve said that.”

“The noble answer would be that I’m trying to protect the people who can’t fight for themselves,” I say, eyes drifting closed with her skin on mine. “The real answer is that I felt you die and I won’t let that happen again.”

“Fate is a fickle mistress, [redacted],” I whisper before placing my foot on the side of her head. “And it chose me today.”
Profile Image for Steve Nelson.
530 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2026
I was given this book through the Booksirens group by the author. When I saw the description, "a sapphic, paranormal romance set in a post-apocalyptic world," I was too curious to pass it up. It definitely was outside my usual reading categories. I enjoyed quite a wild tale!

Arya is a Remnant that works as a private investigator for the New Chicago Police Department to try and solve crimes. She has the ability to read people's thoughts after they have died. Remnants are human-parallel beings that resulted from exposure to Affliction, a kind of energy that gave odd abilities. They have been kept separate from humans out of fear. Humans have been subjugated by DAEMON, the corporation that controls everything from news to technology to medicine to government and all other life aspects (completely unlike GOOGFACEAPPLESOFT /s).

Arya has worked with a detective, Persephone, on a number of cases and bonded on a professional level. Arya was interested in more, but it wasn't going to happen for several reasons. This set Arya off on a destructive tangent, until she was found by one of the most powerful Remnants and brought into a cabal of others, trying to keep a war from breaking out to eradicate all Remnants (unlike jack-booted citizenship enforcement troops /s).

The story moves rapidly through Arya's training and her encounters with other Remnants trying to protect the fragile peace. Eventually, it all breaks down with a lie from the head of DAEMON (unlike an unstable president causing a needless war /s).

While there is no real cliff-hanger ending, there are some unresolved questions. I would certainly consider reading any sequels. I received an ARC, so there were some errors in my copy that should be fixed by the time this is published.

There are violent actions and LGBT themes, so if those offend you, don't read this book and whine about it!
Profile Image for Solely Sapphic Reads.
180 reviews48 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Mostly Single 1st Person POV. 5🌟 2🌶️. 531 pages
2 Spicy Scenes

With a debut like Necromantic, we all know what to expect from Mourning Star (if you say you haven’t read it, we cannot be friends). And f**k me gently with a chainsaw, did they deliver again!

From chapter one this book had me enraptured, Mourning Star has created a world that will have you thinking Criminal Minds, Daredevil (tv series) and the MCU had a love child and every other paranormal post apocalyptic mystery will pale in comparison. It will also have you feeling a torment of emotions pretty early on. I went through enthralment, sobbing, uncontrollable laughter, shock, anger, elation and back to sobbing. If there’s one thing this book made me discover, it’s that Mourning Star is in fact a secret sadist.

I’m not going to give anything away because honestly you need to read this for yourself. But what I will say is this book is exactly what we need more of in sapphic literature. It’s action packed, the characters are written in away that makes you fall completely in love with the “heroes” and viscerally loathe the “villains”, the vulnerability, the love, the care and compassion in this book is other worldly and you can be sure that no one writes fight scenes like Mourning Star! Everything about Remnants is a masterclass in storytelling!

Also side note I now have a massive crush on both Arya and Cass and that cliffhanger will leave you reeling!

If you don’t add Remnants to your TBR and read it the instant it is released on July 15th you will be sorely missing out on something spectacular.

Things to LOVE:
📚Paranormal Romance
📖Book 1
💥Post Apocalyptic
💪Powerful Beings
🧊Ice Queen
🔥Slow Burn
🗡️Enemies to Lovers
🪦Touch Her & ☠️
❤️Found Family
1,231 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy
May 31, 2026
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
This is my second book by the author and I am becoming (maybe have become would be more accurate) a big fan. Hard to do a review without giving away spoilers but I will try.
The world and character building are masterful, rather than give a history full of "and then" and "shortly after" the author guides the readers imagination - a perfect example of "show, don't tell". For me this book is a perfect example of why movies will never replace books, at least for thinking people. The author provides perfect foundation for the readers imagination to build on.
The plot, how to comment on the plot without spoilers? Let me just say that the pacing is great and there are several "I didn't see that coming" moments. one major one that alters the whole trajectory of the book. Running through the book is a beautiful sapphic romance which I would love to say more about but can't - read the book, and you will see why.
This is not a book for speed reading or skimming, every paragraph is important. Several times I reread chapters just to be sure of what I had read. Bring your imagination and enjoy the ride.
Is this a superhero novel, a sapphic romance or a fantasy - at the end of the day who cares, it's a great read abd I am looking forward to seeing where the author leads us in the next volume.
Five stars and highly recommended
Profile Image for Darvi V..
94 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2026
Remnants Disruption by Mourning Star. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. For me, this story felt like an urban fantasy taking place in a futuristic dystopian world. It has a slow burn sapphic romance, found family, hurt/comfort, touch her and die, and the chosen one tropes. The atmosphere and world building was very easily digestible in New Chicago. I imagined dark and gothic vibes like Batman’s Gotham city and then pictured a city where both the good guys and the bad guys breed chaos but this is what keeps the humans in order. Arya Scovsgaard is a Tier 1 Remnant (think beings that are powerful with special powers, kind of like the X-men or marvel superheroes where they are all different!) and a private investigator that works with the NCPD. She teams up with Percy to investigate the death of an inhuman being. When Arya starts experiencing a strange phenomenon preventing her from performing her investigation she soon discovers that there is a pattern among the killing of inhumans and that something much much bigger is at play. This was a lengthy read and I needed a few more days then I thought to finish it but for me it was worth the time! I loved how original and unique this story was! I loved how the authors description of depression felt so thick and heavy and real! The sapphic love story was worth the burnnnnn, and the plot twist at the end with perfect! I can’t wait read book 2! This was a cool and easy 5 star read and I’d shelve this under Sapphic Superhero on my bookshelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Calling All Book Lovers .
188 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 4, 2026
4.25

This was such an enjoyable read, and it kept me hooked from beginning to end. One of the strongest aspects of this book was its pacing. The story moved at a steady pace that never felt rushed, yet there was always something happening to keep me turning the pages and wanting to know what would happen next.

I also loved the world-building. The descriptions were vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualise the setting and become completely absorbed in the world the author created. Every detail felt purposeful and helped bring the story to life.

The characters were another highlight for me. I fell in love with them almost immediately, and their chemistry together felt natural from the start. Their relationship added so much heart to the story, making both the lighter moments and the more intense scenes incredibly engaging.

What really stood out was the emotional depth throughout the book. There were so many powerful emotional and dramatic moments that kept me invested the entire time. I especially appreciated the representation of mental health and the care with which it was handled. It added an extra layer of authenticity to the characters and made me even more emotionally connected to their journeys.

Overall, this book was a captivating read with fantastic pacing, immersive world-building, lovable characters, and plenty of emotional impact. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this story and am already looking forward to seeing what comes next. I can't wait for the next book to be released.
Profile Image for Maria S..
96 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 15, 2026
"Remnants Disruption" by Mourning Star is part 1 of the "Death's Affliction" series, the sister series to Necromantic and the Death's Curse. This book blew me away, there's so much going on, it's a mix of science fiction, fantasy, crime and a love story, very dynamic and captivating - you just can't stop reading. It's like games like "Syberpunk", "Detroit become human" meet superhero TV series and become a fantasy/paranormal dystopian thriller, and then develop into something bigger. The intertwined love story adds emotional layers to the dynamics. The characters are three-dimensional, believable despite the complex genre, the plot is interesting, dotted with spectacular fight scenes that bring tension. Mourning Star definitely attracted me to see more of their works. I hope the next part will come out soon. I recommend the book to people whose imagination craves great challenges.

Triggers: There are spicy scenes and blood and violence, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, so if you are a sensitive reader, take care of yourself.
12 reviews
Read
July 4, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall, I had a good time reading this book. Arya’s head is interesting to live in, and I kept being delighted by the world-building.

I do think the book could have benefited from another editing pass, though. I genuinely almost DNF-ed despite enjoying myself because of the characters’ constant grinning and snorting. The pacing also threw me off—this book is way too long for its genre while at the same time speeding through scenes like the funeral that could have had a lot more emotional impact if we sat with them longer. And I have to bring up the description of eyes as “orbs” in the last few pages.

All that aside, though, there are plenty of reasons I enjoyed my read. I always needed to know what happened to next; I sped through the whole thing in a couple of days despite its length. Bloody Mary is mysterious, and it was cool to see a lesbian in the matriarch/queen/femme-fatale role. Visceral descriptions are layered throughout as well, which were fun to read.
183 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 8, 2026
Dystopian alt history shenanigans in New Chicago get WILD 😳

Starting off with some extremely harrowing depictions of mental health struggles, the characters leap off the page, the action part of the plot.

Arya is a hard bitten detective without the badge, helping with her "death communion" powers. But she uas a secrer. She is also The Dark One - one of the top 10 most powerful empowered remnants.

Percy is a detective trying to solve murder cases, but before long, the world opens up, taking Arya far from everything she ever thought she knew, and further!

In trademark Mourning Star style, the stakes, the action, the scope, the DELECTABLE INTIMACY, all ramp up until the final page.

You are not prepared for the thrill ride that doesnt end, but you WILL be intrigued.

Check Your Trigger Warnings!
Profile Image for Siobhan.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy
July 14, 2026
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

I enjoyed reading this and learning more about the story’s characters, as well as the world that the author has built around them. The excerpts of in-world documents at the start of every chapter were a nice touch. It helped ground the story a bit more, and it also gave some context as to when it took place in-universe. The spicey scenes were lovely. I liked Arya and Cass’ dynamic.
My only real complaints about this book are that it took a bit long to get into the main plot and introduce Arya and Cass to one another, and that I thought the side characters in the beginning would be a bit more relevant later on. Overall this was an entertaining and fun read. It had a nice sense of humor to it even if some of the subject matter was dark.
Profile Image for Lu Xinghui.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy
June 14, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

"The end. The Omega. Mortua. The reaper. None hold the domain that it—that she does. — Unknown."

This book was a roller-coaster of many different emotions, and I was hooked the entire time! From the tension, the revelations, to the plot twists we wouldn't expect, this book had something that everyone could love. The world building was something really special, and I absolutely cannot wait for this story to continue. The wait is gonna be painful but worth it, and I think that says a lot about a book and how engaging it is. Definitely keeping up with this author and reading their other material for sure!
Profile Image for G.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
Really loved how unique and different this story is, and the world it resides in. I did find some of the terms difficult to figure out what they actually are/mean, but I am quite forgetful so may have just been me!

Loved the humour of the main character and I definitely didn’t want to put it down, and was always wanting to find out what happened next!

There was a fair amount of missing words or typos which was a little annoying, but on the whole a great read and I will be wanting to read the next instalment!

Thanks for letting me part of the review team. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 3, 2026
Mourning Star has done it again and I’m thankful to be able to read the eARC for my honest opinion. I love the story building implemented by Mourning Star! Just when I thought it would chill out something even more exciting would follow! I loved following Arya’s first person view and reading all the witty remarks she makes throughout the book. The twists and love interest had me hooked. I’m invested in the story world as a whole and can’t wait to slot the pieces together through the rest of the intertwined series!
1 review1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
Reading this felt like I knew exactly what was going on. And then I was wrong. Every. Single. Time!! Everything that I thought I totally understood I wasn’t even close to figuring it out. It was amazing!! Never once did I know what else was coming and it was fantastic. I want to wear this book like a jacket, inject it in my veins.
Insanely worth the read. Worth every shock and awe lol
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,471 reviews177 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 9, 2026
This book was such a great time and combined so many different elements to create a thrilling story. The world building and character development is definitely top tier. I also really enjoyed the romance elements. I loved Arya and I wanted nothing more than to see her happy.

I definitely need to check out more books from Mourning Star.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Linda.
271 reviews12 followers
August 15, 2026
This is another you gotta read this for yourself to even wrap your head around everything going on here. So, give this busy, everything in this life and the next is going on here book. I give it a rounded up 3.5 shadow stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews