Sundered

A Ballad of Fire #1.5

by Reese Sherron

After the fall of the dark one Koen, he now hunts the woman he loves without any memories of who he is.
This book is after SCORCHED and before SUBMERGED.
A short, heartbreaking Novella in the POV of Koen.

Unknown Binding

First published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Tonje Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this so fast! It was some new information mixed in the story from Koens POV and it was amazing. I liked that we get to see his thinking and reasoning behind his actions..and it gets me thinking about them in a whole new light as well! This was a gift to read inbetween the waiting for book 2!

I cannot WAIT!

Thank you Reese for the gifted book, my review is voluntary and completely my own! 😊

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this novella! Absolutely love Koen’s POV and seeing what happened after that ending in Scorched. It was heartbreaking, there’s betrayals, lost memories, and so much yearning from the MC’s. We get a deeper look into who Koen is. Plus that huge reveal/twist at the end… I can’t wait for Submerged!! I’m dying to know what happens next!!

Thank you so much to Reese for the early copy! 🫶🏼

[Kate Vancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella! We mainly hear from Koen's POV, after the events of Scorched, and see his inner turmoil as he tries to balance saving the one he loves and losing himself to the darkness inside him.

We also get a glimpse into where Serene is at and her own anguish with the idea of having to kill the Prince of the Darklands, the one she loves most, Koen.

I cannot wait to read Submerged. Thank you Reese for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Sundered.

[Stina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a whole new side of the story! Seeing Koen's POV brings so much more meaning to parts of Scorched. It's almost heat breaking to see his inner struggles and how much he loves her but knows what will happen while he fights his inner demons.

I can't wait to see what is yet to come for these amazing characters!

[emilygracereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

… I just went through all stages of grief… WHAT DO YOU MEAN THATS HOW IT ENDS?!

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ARC Review ~
If you loved Scorched, this will give you a little satisfaction while waiting for book 2. We get Koen, we get Serene, we get Theon, and we get a glimpse into some new characters as well that I think we're really going to like 👀. This takes place directly after book 1, so you're getting a fresh look into the new Koen & how he's struggling along with what's changed for Serene. A perfect novella to keep us excited for what's next & a nice twist at the end.

[Summer Seeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was born to kill her. She was born to destroy the darkness. And I am that darkness."

Sundered takes place after the events of Scorched and follows Koen as he falls deeper into his identity as the dark one. Despite being a short story, it packs a gut wrenching punch.

How long does it take to break my heart? Apparently 157 Kindle pages.

I think the novella beautifully bridges the gap between book one and the upcoming Submerged. It explains what Serene and Koen have been doing during their time apart. More than that, though, we see Koen's internal struggle. Fated to fight the huntress to the death, aware that she is his enemy, and yet being irrevocably drawn to her despite his hatred, his darkness.

Honestly, this just made me all the more excited for the next book in the series! Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Andrea Bouffard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart ! I LOVE when we get the MMC POV. But Reese, you woke up and choose violence or what ? Damn, be still my heart, it's going to be okay ! So much heartbreak and longing ! And that plot twist ! So much question, I need anwers !

[Allison H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Koen. I loved getting to see more of his POV in this novella after Scorched. Hearing his thoughts and finding out more about where he is at mentally and physically was hurt my heart for all you had endured and will still have to figure out. I found myself crying more than once and even had to take a chocolate break for comfort.

I really can't wait to see where these characters from Scorched go next. So many things are happening and emotions are high. It is going to be big...and I will have to make sure my chocolate supply is well stocked!

[Gabi Kielkucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese was the first author to accept me for an ARC, so when I saw Scorched was getting a novella from Koen’s POV, I jumped at the chance to read it! Koen is one of my favorites from the first book, and reading the story from his perspective makes Scorched and this series all the more heartbreaking (seriously I just want to hug them all). Be forewarned of emotional heartbreak ahead, but OMG IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!

Thank you to my beautiful friend Reese for gifting me this ARC!!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author

I want to thank Reese Sherron for the chance to read this as an ARC!

I have no words with 'SUNDERED'. This was everything I wanted and more!! Prepare for your soul to be crushed though—it’s gut-wrenching, heartbreaking and intimate 😭💔. The yearning, the longing, the devastation—all of it—will truly hurt your heart 🥺.

This is one of the best novellas I have ever read, and I highly recommend it when it comes out!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is about Koen after his fall to the darkness You see his internal struggle and heartache with not only losing his love but turning into the one supposed to hunt her down and end her. Oh my heart after reading this Im so excited (and scared) to continue this series and see how the story continues to unfold

[Nicole J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmm I can’t decide between crying or smiling because I really enjoyed this novella.

Thank you to Reese Sherron for allowing me to read an advanced e-copy of the book. I am incredibly grateful! As a reminder, this review is voluntary and all ratings/opinions are my own.

The yearning in this book is so heartbreaking, I loved it! Sundered picks up with a a quick recap as to how Serene and Koen got to where they are now before sharing a little bit more about their time apart following the end of Scorched. Sherron does a fantastic job continuing to break the reader’s heart and prepare them for more that’s to come in book 2. Koen’s POV was so beautiful that it hurts! If your heart doesn’t hurt while reading this at some point…I think you may have not been paying enough attention.

Now I really need book 2!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koen’a POV was good. I had to reread the ending of book one since it’s been so long but then I started to remember more as the novella went on. I’m still looking forward to book two!

[Josipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review!

I absolutely loved this book! ❤️

I missed Serene and Koen and was thrilled to dive back into their world. It was a compelling read—emotionally rich, entertaining, and truly enjoyable. 🥰

I especially appreciated the deeper look into Koen’s complex character, his dark side, and his undeniable longing. 🫠💘

The writing was captivating and expertly crafted, leaving me eager for more from this author. 😍 I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you so much to the author, Reese Sherron for sending me a free e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! 🫶

[Tammy's Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi! Okay, let me just say that ever since I got the email accepting me to this advanced copy, I've been bouncing on my feet. Then, I opened the book and it said Artwork! And that playlist, dang!

So, by this point, I'm having zoomies because of the excitement, and it's only page 7! That's the kind of talent this amazing author has, and such is the power they have over my TBR (I dropped everything to read this).

About Koen:
Man! This brother is going to be my demise! His POV only increased my intrigue regarding his complexity and the whole doomed love situation. I went from being in love, to enraged, to heartbroken. With the ability to empathize with this MC, now I'm worried about the development in the next book.

About the world-building and narrative:
Okay, hear me out: for this read, I totally recommend re-reading Scorched while catching up with Sundered. Why? Because: 1. It will make it easier to keep the flow of the plotline from the first book while enriching the context of the evolution between the MCs. 2. Have you ever heard a song where there are two voices that complement each other, creating a harmony that boosts the song? That's what it felt like reading the books side by side, experiencing both Serene's and Koen's POVs.

Final Thoughts:
Yes, this review is a tad shorter than what I normally do. Honestly, this novella doesn't need many words to encourage others to read it. Because of the amazing work done in Scorched, Sundered is the comfort and reward after that ending (well, kind of 🫠).
Thank you to the author! I loved this perspective. It made my view of both Koen and his love for Serene much bigger and more detailed (he literally breathes for her, she's his heart and soul, very Romeo and Juliet 😭💔 man!). The only bad (or good) thing about being a reader is our constantly increasing standards for any romantic interest.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice addition to THEIR story 🖤
As heart-breaking as ever with the added benefit of a dual POV 🥲 the way my heart couldn’t handle it and the tears were flowing ✒️📜
The beginning is quite lush with descriptions and heartfelt moments from Koen and then the complete shift to him now being the Dark one… 👏 nicely done Reese
Very compact read, all something you would get in a Epilogue of a few chapters ☺️

Can't wait for the next!
Thank you Reese for a copy 🩷

[sky ~miss.littlereader~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐧

"𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔."

I devoured this novella in a single sitting, that’s how captivating it was. Having absolutely fallen in love with Scorched Book 1, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Sundered, and it did not disappoint

What truly elevated this story for me was experiencing everything through Koen’s POV. His voice adds incredible depth to the devotion, longing, and unwavering determination that drive him, not only in facing his own curse but also in fighting for Serene. Their bond is powerful, heartbreaking, and beautifully consuming. This is a story about a love so deeply ingrained that it feels impossible to escape, even when every obstacle stands in its way.

The beauty of this novella is that it doesn’t need a lengthy sales pitch. Reese Sherron already laid the foundation with Scorched; Sundered feels like the emotional aftermath, the reward, and the ache that follows that unforgettable ending.

Seeing the story through Koen’s eyes completely transformed my understanding of both him and his feelings for Serene. Every sacrifice, every choice, every moment of yearning hit harder. He doesn’t just love her, she is the center of his world, his reason for enduring, his heart and soul.

[Mirella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy Recieved by Author

Ok I was sad that he was forced to forget her and she was cursed to loose her memories too now they both have to fight against themselves to always remeber each other's love. This is a very short story in my opinion but very well detailed in the aspect of what is going on between the MMCs.

[Emma R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sorry, Reese… 😭 But I read the book you’ve worked so hard on in a single sitting, and unfortunately I only got to enjoy it for one day 😭🫶🏻

I had the chance to read this as an ARC because I absolutely LOVED Scorched Book 1 in every possible way 🥹🤌🏼 This book was an emotional roller coaster filled with a love so deeply rooted, yet so difficult to overcome and almost completely impossible ✨🔐

Please, please read this after Book 1!!! I’m dying for Book 2 so I can continue following this incredible journey and uncover all the secrets hidden within this world and everything that happened in the first book!

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this! 🙏🏼🫶🏻💐

[KG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never rated a novella 5 stars so fast 😍
I love these characters so much! And I knew we were going to get dark Koen and I’m here for it! Love a good enemies to lovers. 😏 but also I’m scared for what’s going to happen in book 2! I can’t wait though because these characters and world has my heart! These books are so underrated. So if you’re thinking about reading it, the answer is yes! ASAP 🙌🏻

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh my sweet tortured Koen! Love the Male POV. This novella gives you so much more depth to his yearning,
Love and determination to not only maintain is resolve on his own curse but Serene’s as well. True love wields great power.