Shadow Bonds: Shadow War Academy Book 1

by Rumer Hale, Annabel Hampton (Narrator), Hunter Johns (Narrator)

Death was supposed to be my end. Instead, it was just the beginning.

I woke up in someone else’s body, inside the Shadow Academy, a school for elite warriors. Now they think I’m someone I'm not, and until I escape, I’ll have to play along.

But things get complicated when strange powers awaken inside me, along with forgotten memories.

Then there are the four Elite Shadows who hate me for some reason, but also think I’m their

Knox, the lethal assassin who hears my every thought and whispers back in a voice like sin.
Malakai, the Shadow shifter who sees through my eyes—and likes what he finds.
Theon, whose shadows alone cause pain, pretends to be cold, but one hint of my fear sends him feral.
And Cyrus, the nightmare Shadow who slithers into my dreams just to play.

Between brutal classes, war camps, and deadly games against a rival academy, I’m also hunting the truth. Because this body isn’t the only thing that’s stolen.

My death was no accident. And if they think I’ll play by their rules, they’re dead wrong.

Answers or ashes. Maybe I’ll just end up burning this place down.

Audible Audio

Expected publication September 3, 2026

About the author

Rumer Hale is a paranormal and fantasy romance author that loves writing about worlds filled with magic and strong heroines and their love interests. Love will always be at the heart of her stories but adventure is a big part too. So each story will give you a different experience.

She lives in Ireland with her daughter and family. She’s both a morning and nighttime person so her favourite time to write is either early mornings or late at night when everyone is asleep.

When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she’s getting lost in a good book or binging a series or movies.

You can connect with her on TikTok and Instagram @rumerhaleauthor.