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Darkness of the Fallen Flame #1

Scars of the Shadow Flame

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What if the girl everyone dismissed was the one thing their magic couldn’t name?

Seraphim Embervale has spent her life in her twin sister’s shadow, quieter and easier to overlook in a world where bloodline decides worth and magic is measured like currency. In Elysium, the heirs of the Thirteen are born to be claimed, ranked, and bound to futures chosen long before they understand the cost.

At Gravethorne Citadel, power isn’t nurtured. It’s tested, bound, and sharpened until it becomes useful. The rites are ancient, secret, and lethal enough that survivors are magically silenced before they can warn anyone what waits inside. Weakness isn’t corrected. It’s exposed. Tradition doesn’t protect them. It chooses who’s worth keeping.

But Seraphim’s magic doesn’t behave like inheritance. It doesn’t fit the bloodlines, the records, or the rules Elysium’s spent centuries enforcing.

And Killian Dawnspark, a commander forged by the very system that may destroy her, knows exactly how dangerous that makes her.

As ancient power wakes and the Citadel closes in, Seraphim has to survive long enough to uncover what’s buried in her blood—before the people who can’t name her decide to erase her instead.

660 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2026

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Yvonne Hamilton

6 books38 followers
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren Head.
785 reviews25 followers
July 7, 2026
Scars is an unforgettable dark epic fantasy brimming with political intrigue, betrayal, powerful magic, and the relentless fight against the expectations society places on us. Sera is an incredible heroine whose transformation is impossible not to root for. Overshadowed by her “perfect” twin, Lysera, and constantly made to feel unworthy by her family and those at court, Sera is expected to fail when the twins are summoned to the Citadel for training and magical classification. Instead, she defies every expectation, and her mysterious, unclassified magic threatens the very people who seek to control her. Watching Sera break free from the chains that have bound her for so long, while navigating her complicated relationship with her betrothed, her sister, and the dangerous politics surrounding her, was absolutely captivating. Every page raised the stakes, and that jaw-dropping cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book. I need the sequel immediately!
Profile Image for Melissa Mejia.
429 reviews71 followers
July 4, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This book will draw you in from the beginning till the very end! The world building and the magic system was phenomenal! This is a dark epic fantasy that will have you wanting more!! Great story line!!

“What if the girl everyone dismissed was the one thing their magic couldn’t name?

Seraphim Embervale has spent her life in her twin sister’s shadow, quieter and easier to overlook in a world where bloodline decides worth and magic is measured like currency. In Elysium, the heirs of the Thirteen are born to be claimed, ranked, and bound to futures chosen long before they understand the cost.

At Gravethorne Citadel, power isn’t nurtured. It’s tested, bound, and sharpened until it becomes useful. The rites are ancient, secret, and lethal enough that survivors are magically silenced before they can warn anyone what waits inside. Weakness isn’t corrected. It’s exposed. Tradition doesn’t protect them. It chooses who’s worth keeping.

But Seraphim’s magic doesn’t behave like inheritance. It doesn’t fit the bloodlines, the records, or the rules Elysium’s spent centuries enforcing.

And Killian Dawnspark, a commander forged by the very system that may destroy her, knows exactly how dangerous that makes her.

As ancient power wakes and the Citadel closes in, Seraphim has to survive long enough to uncover what’s buried in her blood—before the people who can’t name her decide to erase her instead.”
Profile Image for Yoder.
285 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2026
There is so much good in this book, but it all feels rushed.

When I was reading through Scars of the Shadow Flame I kept thinking that there is so much more to this world then the author was able to get into this book. It felt like I was reading a Wheel of Time type saga with all the exposition of the first five books crammed into one. This was really my biggest complaint with the story, because this is a world that is awe-inspring and the main characters stories are genuinely interesting.

Seraphim and Killian are both really well written characters with believable motivations and interactions, but often times I found myself yoinked out of the story when there is a large jump in happenings with very little explanation. Despite the jumpiness, I still like the characters... sans Everic.

Scars of the Shadow Flame will be hit and miss for people is my bet. While the whole book feels more like exposition than a story proper, I still want to read more to know where this story with Seraphim goes.

NOTE: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for MandysBookish Mind.
143 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2026
Going into this book, I thought I was getting a romantasy with a faster-moving plot and stronger relationship development early on. Instead, this book is first and foremost about building a world. The first half was a slower read for me because so much time is spent establishing the history, politics, magic, and the foundation for everything that's still to come. There were several moments where I found myself waiting for the story to take off. But as the pieces slowly started coming together, I realized Yvonne wasn't dragging the story out; she was intentionally making sure readers understood the "why" behind everything before moving the plot forward.

One thing I really appreciated was how the mysteries unfolded. It became obvious early on that Seraphim didn't know the full truth about herself or the world around her, but the author resisted the urge to reveal everything at once. Instead, each answer uncovered another question, making me constantly wonder what was really happening behind the scenes. Even when the payoff came later than I typically prefer, I could appreciate how thoughtfully those moments were built.

Killian ended up being one of my favorite characters. I loved that he never tried to take advantage of Seraphim or force her into becoming someone she wasn't. Instead, he encouraged her to learn, supported her growth, and treated her with the respect she deserved. Their relationship felt patient and earned rather than rushed.

I also really enjoyed the multiple points of view because they strengthened the story. Seeing events through characters like Sylvana helped answer questions Seraphim couldn't yet understand, while the side-character perspectives made the world feel much larger than what was happening directly in front of the main characters. Each perspective added another piece to the overall picture.

I personally enjoy stories that balance world-building with a little more action and relationship development earlier in the book. But I can absolutely appreciate what this story set out to accomplish, and I think it accomplished it well. If you're someone who loves detailed fantasy worlds, layered history, and slowly unraveling mysteries, this book may be exactly what you're looking for. It wasn't my ideal pacing, but I walked away appreciating the craftsmanship behind the story, even if it wasn't the perfect fit for my personal reading style. I received this as an ARC and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
314 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2026
If you're looking for your next epic fantasy adventure where bloodlines are important, bonds are controlled, magic manifests, and lots of things are hidden, then this might be for you! This is my first read from Yvonne Hamilton and I enjoyed it!

We follow Seraphim as she navigates learning about her bloodline, her magic, and a questionable bond. She is strong and has been the "quiet" twin all her life. The way her mother and her twin sister treated her made me so angry, but she kept pushing through always.

Watching Seraphim grow into herself was probably one of my favorite parts of the story. There were some twists I also wasn't expecting, but that I was definitely happy about. I also felt like the world building was done really well.

At times I did feel like the pacing was a bit off and that the writing style felt overly descriptive/wordy and that it slowed things down. Personally, I struggle with the writing style that is overly descriptive and sometimes others call lyrical because I feel like it is filler when it is overdone, but I also know that others really enjoy it.

Even though the writing style wasn't always for me, and sometimes the pacing slowed a bit, I did really enjoy the story and how it was really character driven. I liked seeing the different POVs and I am definitely interested in seeing where this story is going to go next!

Huge thank you to the author and Golden Light Publishing for the early copy to read!
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,417 reviews107 followers
July 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this one — it’s dark, magical, and completely pulled me in.
Seraphim Embervale is such an easy character to root for. She’s quiet, overlooked, constantly compared to her twin, and living in a world where bloodline decides everything… except her magic doesn’t play by those rules. I loved that about her. There’s something so satisfying about watching a character everyone underestimates turn out to be the one thing the system can’t control.

The world of Elysium feels rich and dangerous, and Gravethorne Citadel is exactly the kind of setting that keeps you turning pages. The rites are brutal, the traditions are unforgiving, and the whole place has this tense, secretive atmosphere that makes you want to know what’s hiding behind every door. It never feels grim for the sake of it — just genuinely high‑stakes.

Seraphim’s connection with Killian Dawnspark adds a great layer of tension. He’s shaped by the very system that’s trying to break her, and watching them circle around each other — wary, curious, and not entirely sure what to make of her power — was one of my favourite parts.

Overall, it’s an atmospheric, character‑driven fantasy with sharp edges and a heroine who refuses to fit into the box she was given. I was hooked all the way through.

With thanks to Yvonne Hamilton, tghe publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Hannah.
6 reviews
July 2, 2026
If your book vibe is…

❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🗝️ Hidden Heritage
⚖️ Lethal Trials
📖 Hidden/Unexplained Magic
🪽 Magical Beasts

Then Scars of the Shadow Flame by Yvonne Hamilton is for you!

Wow. I’m not even sure where to start! This story captivated me from the very beginning and left me wanting SO much more!

The story immediately pulls you in right from the first page. Seraphim starts out timid and meek, but by the end our girl finds her voice and isn’t afraid to use it! I felt she had incredible character growth and I loved that you could really relate to her internal thoughts and feelings about herself.

The world and magic system felt very unique and different. I loved the way Yvonne brought the magic to life and how I felt I could really feel it throughout the whole book.

My only disappointment is that I wanted more interaction between Killian and Seraphim. I felt like their story was rushed and I would have loved to have more of their interactions throughout the story.

Overall, I LOVED this and I can’t wait to continue the story! That cliffhanger had me sitting on the edge of my seat!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill Elza.
71 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 29, 2026
Scars of the Shadow Flame by Yvonne Hamilton was such a unique and gripping read.
From the beginning, the storyline grabbed my attention and held on. This is a dark epic fantasy world where bloodlines, magic, expectations, and power all decide a person’s worth. The world felt intense and oppressive in a way that made Seraphim’s journey feel even more powerful.
I really related to Seraphim Embervale. She has spent her life being overlooked, controlled, and pushed into roles that other people chose for her. I loved watching her navigate a world that wants to label her while something inside her refuses to fit neatly into their rules.
I also really liked Killian Dawnspark. What stood out to me most was that he understood Seraphim’s need to not be bossed around or told how to act and react. He respected that she needed autonomy, and that made their dynamic so much stronger for me.
The magic system, the trials, the war college setting, and the political tension all kept me hooked. The ending was a major cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for Book 2.
A 5-star read for me and definitely one I recommend for dark epic fantasy readers.
Profile Image for Josephine Rodriguez.
33 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 26, 2026
What is on your next hot read list?
A strong woman fighting for herself?
A hot commander drawn to her?
Family drama?
Provisional marriage that just might be a bit questionable...??
A spicy slow burn that your gonna need a cold pack and some alone time for??
A centuries old set of rules and magic that are going to be pushed????
No matter what itch you are looking to scratch with your next book
Scars of the Shadow Flame by Yvonne Hamilton has it and plenty more!!
Get your hands on this book to follow along the story of Seraphim Embervale as she navigates learning exactly who she is, what she is capable of and what she wants in this life; Commander Killian Dawnspark who just might be more than a hunk and muscle to the council, and plenty more characters to fill your curiosity.
If there is anything to know about this book, its going to leave you with more questions than answers as it hits the top of the charts!
Profile Image for Armando Ramirez.
243 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 29, 2026
Scars of the Shadow Flame by Yvonne Hamilton is an engaging read with a strong coming-of-age feel. Following Seraphim as she navigates her world and grows into herself was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. Her journey feels personal and immersive, and the emotional depth adds a lot to the overall experience.
Hamilton’s writing style is richly lyrical, which gives the book a distinct atmosphere and beauty. At times, though, that same lyricism becomes a drawback. The prose can feel overly wordy, and I occasionally found myself wishing the narrative would move more quickly and get to the point.
While the pacing didn’t always match my preferences, the story itself was still enjoyable and well-crafted. With a slightly more streamlined approach, this easily could have been a five-star read for me. As it stands, it’s a solid four stars—worth reading, especially for those who enjoy poetic writing and character-driven stories.
Profile Image for My_Books_In_Nooks.
350 reviews13 followers
June 30, 2026
ARC Review ‘Scars of the Shadow Flame’

This book will thrust you into an epic fantasy world where bloodlines are important, magic manifests, lies are being hidden, hidden agendas slowly coming to light.

Seraphim is a wonderful strong FMC, being in her sister’s shadow, but beneath it all, such a kick ass young woman❤️
Her love interest is swoon worthy.
Their 🌶️? Oh man the author is such a tease with that slow burn arghhh
Please let the next book have their 🌶️🤣

The author’s world building is immense and beautiful, every aspect brought to life on every page. Other readers who enjoy thorough world building will enjoy her writing style, because it is whimsical, beautiful yet also graphic during the fighting scenes.
But I sometimes got lost, at times it felt a little too overwhelming for me.

All in all, i definitely NEED to read the second book, because I need to know what happens next, because that epilogue alone? Definitely has my attention
4/5⭐️
67 reviews21 followers
Read
June 28, 2026
I received a free ARC from Netgalley. I really liked this book. Oh, the cliffhanger, though.

This book is a slow burn, which is good because it lets you focus on the world and the characters. Seraphim has an amazing character arc, and you can get invested in her story. While the world is different from ours, it is easy to understand, and there is nothing complicated about it.

Ultimately, this book is about controlling women and their powers to keep “balance” in society. There are harsh parts of this book, and I would encourage everyone to check out the trigger warnings the author provides.

As I said, this book ends on a cliffhanger. I am very excited for the next book in the series and hope the author doesn’t make us wait too long!
Profile Image for Vickie.
149 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 30, 2026
A dark epic fantasy with a strong female lead who comes into her own in this book. Scars is full of political court drama, betrayal, magic, expectations and places in society/ hierarchy. Sera is a twin and has always been made to feel less then by her mother, twin and others at court. Lysera is the good one , the perfect model of agreement. They are invited to the Citadel to complete their training and sorting according to their magical abilities. Sera is supposed to fail but is proving them wrong along with being unclassified, which worries the powers that be. Follow along on Sera's journey of becoming and see what happens between her and her betrothed, her sister and how she breaks off the chains that are binding her. The cliffhanger we end on just makes you wishing for more now...
Profile Image for Jessica Ungar.
129 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2026
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Scars of the Shadow Flame by Yvonne Hamilton. I gave this book 3 stars. This is book one in the Darkness of the Fallen Flame series. As this is book one, the main focus is on world building with a very minor romance subplot. While this book slightly too slow for me, it may be the book for you. If you like a military college setting, political intrigue, epic world building, very slow burn romance, and plot twists you don’t see coming, I would recommend giving this book a read.
168 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 2, 2026
I have a lot of thoughts about this one. The beginning was really throwing me because I felt like the writing was a bit disjointed and was taking me out of the story. As it was going towards the ending, I felt more connected to the characters. I really wanted to see more between Seraphim and Killian because I wanted that relationship to really be explored. Needless to say, I enjoyed the last half more than the first half
Profile Image for Heather E..
224 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2026
The world building is well thought out and descriptive, allowing the reader to visualize the world and the characters. The story felt from the very first page to the very end that it was building up to something major, keeping the reader engaged. I felt like the story didn’t resolved itself. There are so many questions that are left unanswered.
Profile Image for Nicole.
267 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2026
This book is so good! I loved the magic and the storyline! Seraphim was a great FMC and Killian was a great MMC! I loved the world building the corruption and the dark fantasy energy coming from this book! I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Jennifer Loschiavo.
1,307 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
Okay… a little slow at first BUT worth it. This magic system is going to be cool. I feel it. And if it’s not i will be super sad. I feel like this might be a predictable book though.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews