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Of Quirks and Curses #2
Heathermoor
Fake name. New school. Zero clue what she’s doing... and no room left to screw it up.
Still reeling from the betrayal that shattered her at Neverthorn, Harlow Daygon is in hiding.
Again.
Magically disguised and barely holding it together, she and the rest of House Phoenix are masquerading as students at Heathermoor, Neverthorn’s mysterious Scottish sister school.
The castle looks like a fairytale on acid, the Fae here wield wild magic like it’s a contact sport, and the headmaster might be one cryptic riddle away from full-blown villain vibes. But for the first time in a long time Harlow feels almost...home.
Too bad peace never lasts in the Dwimmer world.
The Grym Dunaras is still lost. The kraken gold has vanished. And Typhon has found them.
And this time, he's not the only danger. Close on his heels is a member of the Senate who’d love nothing more than to burn Heathermoor to the ground.
If Harlow can’t hold her team—or herself—together, she won’t just fail out of Heathermoor.
She’ll lead her found family straight into a war they can’t win.
Or survive.
Still reeling from the betrayal that shattered her at Neverthorn, Harlow Daygon is in hiding.
Again.
Magically disguised and barely holding it together, she and the rest of House Phoenix are masquerading as students at Heathermoor, Neverthorn’s mysterious Scottish sister school.
The castle looks like a fairytale on acid, the Fae here wield wild magic like it’s a contact sport, and the headmaster might be one cryptic riddle away from full-blown villain vibes. But for the first time in a long time Harlow feels almost...home.
Too bad peace never lasts in the Dwimmer world.
The Grym Dunaras is still lost. The kraken gold has vanished. And Typhon has found them.
And this time, he's not the only danger. Close on his heels is a member of the Senate who’d love nothing more than to burn Heathermoor to the ground.
If Harlow can’t hold her team—or herself—together, she won’t just fail out of Heathermoor.
She’ll lead her found family straight into a war they can’t win.
Or survive.
Hardcover
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Shannon Mayer
147 books7,546 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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June 23, 2026
Dare I say Heathermoor is even better than Neverthorn? Yes, yes, I do, and that was a five-star read, too!
Shannon, I don't know what addictive stuff you're putting in your writing, but keep doing it! RTC...
💫 𝙵𝚄𝙻𝙻 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝟼/𝟸𝟹/𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼: 💫
Addictive—that's the one word I'd use to describe Shannon Mayer's Of Quirks and Curses series. Neverthorn hooked me, not once, but twice! I dare say Heathermoor elevated things to a whole new level! One more chapter was on repeat in my head as I stayed up into the wee hours devouring this one. No regrets whatsoever!
Get ready for a whole new school, along with more found family, quirks, adventure, and exciting twists and turns. I spent so much time on the edge of my seat, hypothesizing and attempting to unravel deeply buried secrets and lies.
Heathermoor’s world-building sucked me in, and the stark contrast between it and its sister school, Neverthorn, was apparent from the start. The writing was descriptive and immersive, just begging readers to stay up all night because the loss of sleep—worth it!
The pacing was perfection—fast and engaging where needed, then slowing to let readers absorb the impact of what happened, gather critical information, and suss out any crucial tidbits of information before picking up speed.
For audiobook lovers, an immersive read is a necessity because Nicole Poole and Aiden Snow make magic happen. I CANNOT get enough of this duo! I'm already anticipating listening to book three, knowing my ears will be happy indeed.
Harlow and House Phoenix are back and ready to take you for a thrilling ride!
✨ 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 & 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: ✨
“𝘐𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘴, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦.”
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴, 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦... 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐'𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘩, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
"𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 - 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥."
“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 – 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘦.”
𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 <...>. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳.
Shannon, I don't know what addictive stuff you're putting in your writing, but keep doing it! RTC...
💫 𝙵𝚄𝙻𝙻 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝟼/𝟸𝟹/𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼: 💫
Addictive—that's the one word I'd use to describe Shannon Mayer's Of Quirks and Curses series. Neverthorn hooked me, not once, but twice! I dare say Heathermoor elevated things to a whole new level! One more chapter was on repeat in my head as I stayed up into the wee hours devouring this one. No regrets whatsoever!
Get ready for a whole new school, along with more found family, quirks, adventure, and exciting twists and turns. I spent so much time on the edge of my seat, hypothesizing and attempting to unravel deeply buried secrets and lies.
Heathermoor’s world-building sucked me in, and the stark contrast between it and its sister school, Neverthorn, was apparent from the start. The writing was descriptive and immersive, just begging readers to stay up all night because the loss of sleep—worth it!
The pacing was perfection—fast and engaging where needed, then slowing to let readers absorb the impact of what happened, gather critical information, and suss out any crucial tidbits of information before picking up speed.
For audiobook lovers, an immersive read is a necessity because Nicole Poole and Aiden Snow make magic happen. I CANNOT get enough of this duo! I'm already anticipating listening to book three, knowing my ears will be happy indeed.
Harlow and House Phoenix are back and ready to take you for a thrilling ride!
✨ 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 & 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: ✨
“𝘐𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘴, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦.”
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴, 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦... 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐'𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘩, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
"𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 - 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥."
“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 – 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘦.”
𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 <...>. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳.
July 30, 2026
“He might be a monster. A Draw. But he was my monster.”
We are back in session! Welcome to Heathermoor. The sister academy to Neverthorn that felt just as thrilling and exciting like the experience we got in Neverthorn, and now we are training but also wondering why their magic is being blocked. Neverthorn was moody, dark, and mysterious. However, Heathermoor felt magical and mesmerizing. A literal fairytale!
I grew to love Harlow even more in book 2 and our side characters as we got continued growth from everyone and adventure. Shannon has a great way of getting you attached to these characters and with us being in a new world building setting, it all felt just as atmospheric, intriguing, and keeping the stakes high!
“No matter what came next, I knew one thing was true. I could trust this man with every part of me. Maybe, even my heart.”
This was an excellent sequel that kept me invested from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see what comes next! You may be more drawn to Heathermoor than Neverthorn.. and you my fellow students.. will need to experience it yourselves! 🤭😉
Thank you so much to Shannon and her team for the gifted PR package and providing the e-ARC! I am so grateful to have been able to be part of this release again as I loved Neverthorn so much and book 2 was just even better! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
We are back in session! Welcome to Heathermoor. The sister academy to Neverthorn that felt just as thrilling and exciting like the experience we got in Neverthorn, and now we are training but also wondering why their magic is being blocked. Neverthorn was moody, dark, and mysterious. However, Heathermoor felt magical and mesmerizing. A literal fairytale!
I grew to love Harlow even more in book 2 and our side characters as we got continued growth from everyone and adventure. Shannon has a great way of getting you attached to these characters and with us being in a new world building setting, it all felt just as atmospheric, intriguing, and keeping the stakes high!
“No matter what came next, I knew one thing was true. I could trust this man with every part of me. Maybe, even my heart.”
This was an excellent sequel that kept me invested from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see what comes next! You may be more drawn to Heathermoor than Neverthorn.. and you my fellow students.. will need to experience it yourselves! 🤭😉
Thank you so much to Shannon and her team for the gifted PR package and providing the e-ARC! I am so grateful to have been able to be part of this release again as I loved Neverthorn so much and book 2 was just even better! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
July 19, 2026
Thank you to Shannon and Podium Audio for entrusting me with a gorgeous gifted physical galley and ALC!
Heathermoor by Shannon Mayer
Of Quirks and Curses book 2
Releases 7/21!
Duet narration by Nicole Poole and Aiden Snow
I really enjoyed this narration by Nicole and Aiden! I'm always a fan of duet narration and these two were great plus there were some amazing Scottish accents. I was able to read much of this as an immersive read and I was happy with these two bringing the characters to life. Audio note: My brain needs faster speeds for audio and this narration/recording sounded great at higher speeds.
Dark academia
Mental health rep
Found family
Interesting rune magic system
Scottish castle
Second chance
Chosen one
Slow burn
Monsters
Talking raccoon familiar
Oh my goooossshhhh Shannonnnnnn! I couldn't put this down! This book picked right back up after our crew went on the run and then it didn't feel like it stopped! I liked the new school and more learning about the world. I felt so much for Harlow and all she kept having to deal with. This series has great found family in it and it was lovely to spend time with them again. And oh wow, the twists and turns of the book, especially at the end!! I can't wait for the next book!
Heathermoor by Shannon Mayer
Of Quirks and Curses book 2
Releases 7/21!
Duet narration by Nicole Poole and Aiden Snow
I really enjoyed this narration by Nicole and Aiden! I'm always a fan of duet narration and these two were great plus there were some amazing Scottish accents. I was able to read much of this as an immersive read and I was happy with these two bringing the characters to life. Audio note: My brain needs faster speeds for audio and this narration/recording sounded great at higher speeds.
Dark academia
Mental health rep
Found family
Interesting rune magic system
Scottish castle
Second chance
Chosen one
Slow burn
Monsters
Talking raccoon familiar
Oh my goooossshhhh Shannonnnnnn! I couldn't put this down! This book picked right back up after our crew went on the run and then it didn't feel like it stopped! I liked the new school and more learning about the world. I felt so much for Harlow and all she kept having to deal with. This series has great found family in it and it was lovely to spend time with them again. And oh wow, the twists and turns of the book, especially at the end!! I can't wait for the next book!
July 26, 2026
Still a fantastic time, even if it didn't quite hit as hard as the first one for me.
What I loved about Neverthorn was how raw and real the characters felt. Their flaws were front and center and Harlow was a mess in a REALLY relatable way. This one smooths a lot of that out. I get that the character growth kind of puts them in that space, but it was too clean for me. The characters feel more put together, their rough edges minimized, and while Harlow is still keeping secrets she's at least planning to tell people when the time is right, which is a very different energy than before. I missed the messiness.
The new school setting is genuinely fun and the new characters add some fresh perspectives and expands the world, though the book feels considerably less dark than its predecessor. The humor and the found family warmth are still very much present, which I appreciated. I also love, love, love Calypso and her aspect of the story. Honestly, her relationship with Harlow is the most satisfying friendship in the book for me.
The shift to a different love interest never really landed for me. It felt like manufactured drama more than something that grew naturally. And while I loved the memories unearthing the history between Harlow and Typhon, I really don't enjoy the trope of bad behavior being excused as being for someone's own good. That one always makes me side-eye.
The ending felt a bit rushed and didn't linger long enough for the emotional moments to land. The cliffhanger left me going "okay... that's bad I think?" rather than actually feeling any urgency.
Still super fun and still a series I'm enjoying, just not as strong as the first for me.
Thanks so much to the author and her team for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
What I loved about Neverthorn was how raw and real the characters felt. Their flaws were front and center and Harlow was a mess in a REALLY relatable way. This one smooths a lot of that out. I get that the character growth kind of puts them in that space, but it was too clean for me. The characters feel more put together, their rough edges minimized, and while Harlow is still keeping secrets she's at least planning to tell people when the time is right, which is a very different energy than before. I missed the messiness.
The new school setting is genuinely fun and the new characters add some fresh perspectives and expands the world, though the book feels considerably less dark than its predecessor. The humor and the found family warmth are still very much present, which I appreciated. I also love, love, love Calypso and her aspect of the story. Honestly, her relationship with Harlow is the most satisfying friendship in the book for me.
The shift to a different love interest never really landed for me. It felt like manufactured drama more than something that grew naturally. And while I loved the memories unearthing the history between Harlow and Typhon, I really don't enjoy the trope of bad behavior being excused as being for someone's own good. That one always makes me side-eye.
The ending felt a bit rushed and didn't linger long enough for the emotional moments to land. The cliffhanger left me going "okay... that's bad I think?" rather than actually feeling any urgency.
Still super fun and still a series I'm enjoying, just not as strong as the first for me.
Thanks so much to the author and her team for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2026
I loved this follow up to Neverthorn! We start out with our gang of House Phoenix peeps on the run and headed to a new school to hide. Harlow continues to be the amazing brave FMC, and I love how much she cares for those she loves. I also love that the author makes her vulnerable at times, and the friendships in this series are the kind that keep you attached to all the characters. I love that the two schools are different, so the world building kept me captivated and the twists/reveals kept me guessing. I love have Shannon paces her books, and I don’t feel like the story gets rushed or has a lull, it is instead a great pace that keeps you interested. After experiencing this school vs. Neverthorn, I would choose Heathermoor as my school of choice. The acceptance of the students, the freedom and ease of learning their magic, and the overall vibes definitely reminds me of the likes of Hogwarts and the Solarian university in Zodiac Academy. The ending definitely had my eyes bugging out and throwing my hands up in the air because I have to wait for the next one!
July 23, 2026
Heathermoor is book 2 in the Of Quirks and Curses series, a dark academia, fantasy romance. This time Harlow and House Phoenix are at Heathermoor Academy to continue their journey, with their identities hidden and separated into different houses for their safety. But Harlow seems to attract danger and chaos wherever she goes. Thankfully, she has her found family there to support her at every twist and turn! This second book is a fast paced magical adventure filled with fun, new characters, dangerous quests, secrets and betrayals, and a jaw dropping ending!
🎧I did an immersive read with the audio and ebook. It's a duet narration with Nicole Poole and Aiden Snow and just fantastic! They did an amazing job with bringing all the different characters to life.
I can't wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much to Shannon and Team Shannon for the advanced copies! 💜
🎧I did an immersive read with the audio and ebook. It's a duet narration with Nicole Poole and Aiden Snow and just fantastic! They did an amazing job with bringing all the different characters to life.
I can't wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much to Shannon and Team Shannon for the advanced copies! 💜
August 9, 2026
Great book..cant wait for the next one.
June 17, 2026
I needed Heathermoor desperately because there was absolutely no way I could leave Harlow’s story there—and wow, this book did not disappoint. 😍✨ Shannon Mayer once again delivered a wild ride full of magic, danger, secrets, and twists that kept me glued to the pages far later than I should have been. 🌙📖
Still reeling from the betrayal and heartbreak of Neverthorn 💔, Harlow found herself hiding once again—armed with a fake identity, magical disguises, and far too many problems for one person to handle. Moving to Heathermoor, Neverthorn’s mysterious Scottish sister school, should have been a fresh start. Instead, it quickly became another whirlwind of chaos, deadly secrets, political intrigue, and magical disasters. 🏰✨🌩️
And Heathermoor itself? Absolutely incredible. 😍 The castle felt like a fairytale gone slightly mad—in the best possible way. Wild Fae magic flew around like it was a competitive sport, the atmosphere was unpredictable and enchanting, and the headmaster gave off such cryptic vibes that I never knew whether to trust him or run the other way. 👀🖤
What I loved most was seeing House Phoenix together again. 🐦🔥 Their found-family bond remained one of my favorite parts of this series. Even while facing impossible odds, hidden enemies, missing artifacts, and threats of war, they still found moments of friendship, loyalty, and humor that made my heart so happy. 🥹❤️
The plot never slowed down. The missing Grym Dunaras, the vanished kraken gold, Typhon’s relentless pursuit, and the looming danger from the Senate all created layer upon layer of tension. Every time I thought I had figured things out, Shannon Mayer threw another twist at me and left me staring at the page in shock. 😱📚
Harlow’s journey continued to be one of my favorite aspects of the series. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s exactly why I loved her. Watching her struggle with betrayal, responsibility, and the fear of failing the people she loved made her feel so real. Watching her slowly find a place that almost felt like home—even while the world threatened to burn around her—was surprisingly emotional. 🥺✨
The world-building expanded beautifully in this installment. New characters arrived with their own mysteries, alliances shifted constantly, and there were so many unanswered questions that I already desperately need the next book. 😭📖
And that ending?! Shannon Mayer truly knew how to leave readers suffering in the best possible way. 😭💀 I closed the book wanting answers, needing more, and already counting down until I could return to this world.
Heathermoor delivered everything I hoped for: bigger stakes, more secrets, deeper friendships, and even more magic. It was adventurous, mysterious, emotional, and impossible to put down. ✨🖤
Perfect for readers who love:
🪄 Magical academies
🏰 Strange enchanted schools
🔥 Found family
🖤 Hidden identities & disguises
⚔️ High stakes adventures
🌙 Fae magic
🕵️ Mysteries and secrets
👑 Political intrigue
✨ Chaotic magical worlds
❤️ Loyal friendships
😱 Plot twists that keep you guessing
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity. I truly enjoyed returning to this magical world and cannot wait to see where Harlow’s journey goes next. 💖📚
Still reeling from the betrayal and heartbreak of Neverthorn 💔, Harlow found herself hiding once again—armed with a fake identity, magical disguises, and far too many problems for one person to handle. Moving to Heathermoor, Neverthorn’s mysterious Scottish sister school, should have been a fresh start. Instead, it quickly became another whirlwind of chaos, deadly secrets, political intrigue, and magical disasters. 🏰✨🌩️
And Heathermoor itself? Absolutely incredible. 😍 The castle felt like a fairytale gone slightly mad—in the best possible way. Wild Fae magic flew around like it was a competitive sport, the atmosphere was unpredictable and enchanting, and the headmaster gave off such cryptic vibes that I never knew whether to trust him or run the other way. 👀🖤
What I loved most was seeing House Phoenix together again. 🐦🔥 Their found-family bond remained one of my favorite parts of this series. Even while facing impossible odds, hidden enemies, missing artifacts, and threats of war, they still found moments of friendship, loyalty, and humor that made my heart so happy. 🥹❤️
The plot never slowed down. The missing Grym Dunaras, the vanished kraken gold, Typhon’s relentless pursuit, and the looming danger from the Senate all created layer upon layer of tension. Every time I thought I had figured things out, Shannon Mayer threw another twist at me and left me staring at the page in shock. 😱📚
Harlow’s journey continued to be one of my favorite aspects of the series. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s exactly why I loved her. Watching her struggle with betrayal, responsibility, and the fear of failing the people she loved made her feel so real. Watching her slowly find a place that almost felt like home—even while the world threatened to burn around her—was surprisingly emotional. 🥺✨
The world-building expanded beautifully in this installment. New characters arrived with their own mysteries, alliances shifted constantly, and there were so many unanswered questions that I already desperately need the next book. 😭📖
And that ending?! Shannon Mayer truly knew how to leave readers suffering in the best possible way. 😭💀 I closed the book wanting answers, needing more, and already counting down until I could return to this world.
Heathermoor delivered everything I hoped for: bigger stakes, more secrets, deeper friendships, and even more magic. It was adventurous, mysterious, emotional, and impossible to put down. ✨🖤
Perfect for readers who love:
🪄 Magical academies
🏰 Strange enchanted schools
🔥 Found family
🖤 Hidden identities & disguises
⚔️ High stakes adventures
🌙 Fae magic
🕵️ Mysteries and secrets
👑 Political intrigue
✨ Chaotic magical worlds
❤️ Loyal friendships
😱 Plot twists that keep you guessing
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity. I truly enjoyed returning to this magical world and cannot wait to see where Harlow’s journey goes next. 💖📚
July 18, 2026
Just like ℕ𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕟, I had a blast reading 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓇. Harlow and her friends have so many adventures, and it’s exciting and emotional.
The gang starts off having to find their way into Heathermoor, and there’s a lot of fun with the Nessies and someone (no spoilers) figuring out their quirk. Then there’s the gate and Harlow has to hope like hell she can make it through. Once they’re in, it was so fun to see the differences between the two schools. I loved how the Phoenix crew all found places where they could feel comfortable, even if it wasn’t quite the same as their home with each other.
There’s also several instances that have you questioning who is telling the truth and what even is the truth, and I love that.
All of the gang is so wonderful, and I love how they bond together in their found family. I do want to focus on the many kick ass women in the story, both in the group and beyond. In addition to our Phoenix girls, there’s Rylee, who doesn’t even really know these new students, but sees what they stand for, and is willing to stand with them. Then there’s the Heathermoor staff — there’s a few things that happen with them that was all kinds of exciting and stressful.
Harlow has to continue figuring out who she is, and how she’s different from her father. She also has to come to terms with the secrets she’s keeping, and how she’ll come clean to her friends. Although it’s obviously difficult for Harlow — she has so much to deal with — she is a strong person and deep down she knows what the right thing is, and she does it. She loves her friends and her family and they’re at the core of who she is.
There are so many exciting revelations at the end of the book. I am already on the edge of my seat for book three!
4.5🌟
Thank you to Shannon Mayer and her team for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are freely given.
The gang starts off having to find their way into Heathermoor, and there’s a lot of fun with the Nessies and someone (no spoilers) figuring out their quirk. Then there’s the gate and Harlow has to hope like hell she can make it through. Once they’re in, it was so fun to see the differences between the two schools. I loved how the Phoenix crew all found places where they could feel comfortable, even if it wasn’t quite the same as their home with each other.
There’s also several instances that have you questioning who is telling the truth and what even is the truth, and I love that.
All of the gang is so wonderful, and I love how they bond together in their found family. I do want to focus on the many kick ass women in the story, both in the group and beyond. In addition to our Phoenix girls, there’s Rylee, who doesn’t even really know these new students, but sees what they stand for, and is willing to stand with them. Then there’s the Heathermoor staff — there’s a few things that happen with them that was all kinds of exciting and stressful.
Harlow has to continue figuring out who she is, and how she’s different from her father. She also has to come to terms with the secrets she’s keeping, and how she’ll come clean to her friends. Although it’s obviously difficult for Harlow — she has so much to deal with — she is a strong person and deep down she knows what the right thing is, and she does it. She loves her friends and her family and they’re at the core of who she is.
There are so many exciting revelations at the end of the book. I am already on the edge of my seat for book three!
4.5🌟
Thank you to Shannon Mayer and her team for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are freely given.
July 30, 2026
Heathermoor is a 3 stars book for me, at best. This book has it flaws. First of all, the tone of the book feels very juvenile, despite the FMC Harlow Daygon being 29 years old, and her friends being of a similar age. Secondly, it took a very long time for the pace of the book to pick up. The first 80% could have easily been condensed to, at least, half of that. And lastly, there are some twists that feel a little too convenient and require you to not think too hard about them.
But in spite of this, this book did grab me more in the last 15-20%, and the events and twists in this last part of the book might even convince me to read the next book (even though I was under the impression that this was a duology, when I picked this book up). We shall see how I feel when the third book comes out.
But in spite of this, this book did grab me more in the last 15-20%, and the events and twists in this last part of the book might even convince me to read the next book (even though I was under the impression that this was a duology, when I picked this book up). We shall see how I feel when the third book comes out.
July 10, 2026
Holy hand grenades, Heathermoor is nothing short of brilliant! I didn’t know how Shannon could improve the Of Quirks and Curses series but somehow Heathermoor has elevated the game! What an incredible sequel to Harlow and the rest of House Phoenix as they navigate the new rules and life at Heathermoor. Harlow once again demonstrates resilience, loyalty, intelligence and general badassery. I love seeing her continue to grow in her confidence, wrestle with her leadership role and navigate new information about herself. It was so fun seeing her relationships deepen with other characters like Calypso, Gary and Ross. There were so many moments I laughed out loud, cried, and gasped with complete shock! Shannon masterfully kept me on my guard and managed to surprise me several times throughout the story. This world is just so fun, nostalgic and a wild ride! In summary, this series is absolutely spectacular! I have no notes, other than everyone should dive into the world Of Quirks and Curses! Heathermoor is book two in the series and will be available July 21!
July 28, 2026
I absolutely loved this one!! I was on pins and needles through a great deal of this book and was like nope I dont like it for a good bit!! That ending was torture!!! I am glad that Typhon is back. While I like Liam I just dont like him for Harlow! I lived Calypso she was one of my favs this round! There was something I was hoping would be true since Neverthorn and I was so so so happy to see I was right in this one, although it was bittersweet! This book is a 5🌟 and one I will come back to over and over again!
July 29, 2026
What in the actual heck was that ending?! Holy cliff batman! Heathermoor picks up where Neverthorn left off. There is a new school, new skills learned, questions we didn't even know we needed to know were answered, new characters, and then there were the twists! I now need book 3, yesterday. I was originally going to listen to this in chunks as part of a buddy read, and that didn't last long at all. I got sucked right in.
July 31, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Book two of this series went downhill from the series starter for me, unfortunately. Though I did enjoy several things in the first book and felt the story had promise, I already had issues with the predictability, unearned strong emotional connections to the secondary characters and overall YA-ness despite the characters being older, and all of those things are heightened in this second book.
There is not one element that is not telegraphed well in advance and none of the story points or characters are developed well enough. The rapid speed of every element may well be suited to the modern TikTok attention span but it leaves much to be desired in a book series.
This one did not have the romantic tension subplot that book one had to save it and the tiny attention thrown to trying to create some kind of washed out love triangle/choice was laughable, at best. The few plot possibilities that had interest were not explored so they ended up fizzling too. At this point I don't think I even want to continue when the next book comes out.
Book two of this series went downhill from the series starter for me, unfortunately. Though I did enjoy several things in the first book and felt the story had promise, I already had issues with the predictability, unearned strong emotional connections to the secondary characters and overall YA-ness despite the characters being older, and all of those things are heightened in this second book.
There is not one element that is not telegraphed well in advance and none of the story points or characters are developed well enough. The rapid speed of every element may well be suited to the modern TikTok attention span but it leaves much to be desired in a book series.
This one did not have the romantic tension subplot that book one had to save it and the tiny attention thrown to trying to create some kind of washed out love triangle/choice was laughable, at best. The few plot possibilities that had interest were not explored so they ended up fizzling too. At this point I don't think I even want to continue when the next book comes out.
July 21, 2026
Review coming soon 👀
August 8, 2026
this book could have easily been the last 25%.
spent too much time picking it up and putting it down and then picking it up again only to be on the same paragraph.
will probably re-read this when book 3 is close.
spent too much time picking it up and putting it down and then picking it up again only to be on the same paragraph.
will probably re-read this when book 3 is close.
August 11, 2026
After the events of Neverthorn, Harlow Daygon and the remaining members of House Phoenix are forced to flee the academy. Their escape is made possible by a mysterious siren imprisoned within a wishing well outside Neverthorn. In exchange for a future favor, the siren helps Harlow sever her magical bond with Typhon and guides House Phoenix to safety.
Their destination is Heathermoor, Neverthorn’s Scottish sister school. With Liam’s assistance, the group gains entry using powerful runes that disguise their appearances, making them look several years younger than they truly are. Hidden from their enemies, they settle into life at Heathermoor, learning new rune magic and discovering their individual quirks and abilities.
The peace doesn’t last long. Typhon eventually locates Harlow and arrives at Heathermoor, bringing Zeid with him—the missing member of House Phoenix whose fate remained uncertain in Neverthorn. Zeid’s return reunites the house, while Typhon’s presence forces Harlow to confront the feelings she has been trying to ignore.
During her time at Heathermoor, Harlow discovers the truth about her heritage. She learns that she is half-fae through both sides of her family. The school’s headmistress, Thaline, who is also half-fae, helps Harlow unlock her dormant fae magic through a dangerous ritual. During the ritual, Harlow experiences a series of visions revealing pieces of her past, present, and future.
One of the most significant revelations concerns Typhon. Harlow discovers that their connection began long before Neverthorn. Typhon was the son of her mother’s closest friend, and the two were childhood companions. Even after they were separated, Typhon remained in the shadows, secretly watching over and protecting her for years. This revelation deepens the bond between them and explains the powerful pull Harlow has always felt toward him.
Meanwhile, tensions at Heathermoor escalate when Senate representatives arrive to investigate forbidden magic. One influential senator harbors a deep hatred for half-fae and intends to seize control of the school. When he threatens Harlow and moves against Thaline, Typhon loses control. Using his immense magic, he kills the senator on the spot, proving just how dangerous he can be when those he loves are threatened.
During her visions, Harlow also sees that OP is in grave danger. Determined to save him, House Phoenix prepares to return to Neverthorn.
Before leaving, Harlow fulfills her promise to the siren. The siren had demanded a special coin hidden among the treasures of the snatchlings—small but deadly creatures obsessed with collecting shiny objects. Harlow retrieves the coin and returns it to the wishing well. Instead of keeping it, she uses the coin to wish for the siren’s freedom, finally releasing her from captivity.
Back at Neverthorn, House Phoenix discovers that OP has disappeared. Their search leads them to a hidden structure concealed behind a powerful illusion. Inside, they uncover secrets that shake everything they thought they knew.
The building contains a connection between the Dwimmer world and the Everdark, revealing truths that have been hidden for generations. The greatest revelation concerns Nocta. For years, he had been portrayed as the villain responsible for the destruction of House Phoenix and the creation of monstrous abominations. The truth is the opposite.
Nocta never murdered the Nine of House Phoenix. He actually tried to save them. The creatures blamed on him were failed attempts to restore his fallen friends to life. The true villain is revealed to be Tranquinius, the headmaster of Neverthorn, whose manipulation and ambition have driven much of the tragedy surrounding House Phoenix.
A final battle erupts. Nocta fights alongside House Phoenix, and the long-lived Phoenix member Phyllis joins the conflict. Both Nocta and Phyllis are ultimately killed during the confrontation.
At the climax of the battle, Tranquinius wields Excalibur, a sword capable of amplifying magical power. He attacks Harlow with it, and the strike sends her into the Everdark completely alone.
The book ends with Harlow trapped in the Everdark, separated from her friends and loved ones, while the truth about Neverthorn has finally begun to surface—setting the stage for the next installment.
Their destination is Heathermoor, Neverthorn’s Scottish sister school. With Liam’s assistance, the group gains entry using powerful runes that disguise their appearances, making them look several years younger than they truly are. Hidden from their enemies, they settle into life at Heathermoor, learning new rune magic and discovering their individual quirks and abilities.
The peace doesn’t last long. Typhon eventually locates Harlow and arrives at Heathermoor, bringing Zeid with him—the missing member of House Phoenix whose fate remained uncertain in Neverthorn. Zeid’s return reunites the house, while Typhon’s presence forces Harlow to confront the feelings she has been trying to ignore.
During her time at Heathermoor, Harlow discovers the truth about her heritage. She learns that she is half-fae through both sides of her family. The school’s headmistress, Thaline, who is also half-fae, helps Harlow unlock her dormant fae magic through a dangerous ritual. During the ritual, Harlow experiences a series of visions revealing pieces of her past, present, and future.
One of the most significant revelations concerns Typhon. Harlow discovers that their connection began long before Neverthorn. Typhon was the son of her mother’s closest friend, and the two were childhood companions. Even after they were separated, Typhon remained in the shadows, secretly watching over and protecting her for years. This revelation deepens the bond between them and explains the powerful pull Harlow has always felt toward him.
Meanwhile, tensions at Heathermoor escalate when Senate representatives arrive to investigate forbidden magic. One influential senator harbors a deep hatred for half-fae and intends to seize control of the school. When he threatens Harlow and moves against Thaline, Typhon loses control. Using his immense magic, he kills the senator on the spot, proving just how dangerous he can be when those he loves are threatened.
During her visions, Harlow also sees that OP is in grave danger. Determined to save him, House Phoenix prepares to return to Neverthorn.
Before leaving, Harlow fulfills her promise to the siren. The siren had demanded a special coin hidden among the treasures of the snatchlings—small but deadly creatures obsessed with collecting shiny objects. Harlow retrieves the coin and returns it to the wishing well. Instead of keeping it, she uses the coin to wish for the siren’s freedom, finally releasing her from captivity.
Back at Neverthorn, House Phoenix discovers that OP has disappeared. Their search leads them to a hidden structure concealed behind a powerful illusion. Inside, they uncover secrets that shake everything they thought they knew.
The building contains a connection between the Dwimmer world and the Everdark, revealing truths that have been hidden for generations. The greatest revelation concerns Nocta. For years, he had been portrayed as the villain responsible for the destruction of House Phoenix and the creation of monstrous abominations. The truth is the opposite.
Nocta never murdered the Nine of House Phoenix. He actually tried to save them. The creatures blamed on him were failed attempts to restore his fallen friends to life. The true villain is revealed to be Tranquinius, the headmaster of Neverthorn, whose manipulation and ambition have driven much of the tragedy surrounding House Phoenix.
A final battle erupts. Nocta fights alongside House Phoenix, and the long-lived Phoenix member Phyllis joins the conflict. Both Nocta and Phyllis are ultimately killed during the confrontation.
At the climax of the battle, Tranquinius wields Excalibur, a sword capable of amplifying magical power. He attacks Harlow with it, and the strike sends her into the Everdark completely alone.
The book ends with Harlow trapped in the Everdark, separated from her friends and loved ones, while the truth about Neverthorn has finally begun to surface—setting the stage for the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2026
HEATHERMOOR is a thrilling continuation of Harlow's story - even better than the first book! Harlow and the rest of the Phoenix house begin the story on their journey between Neverthorn and Heathermoor, another magical school. Heathermoor is a very secretive school, and no one knows much about what happens within it. As Harlow and friends are soon to learn, this is due to the complex spells woven into the entrance.
Heathermoor is nothing like Neverthorn, in all the best ways. Harlow and friends are learning how to handle their powers with instructors who care about them, while they are also hunting for the coin she needs for her bargain with Calypso. At the same time, things in the magical (Dwimmer) world are escalating, and Harlow will find herself and her friends caught amidst it all.
As a character, Harlow really continues to grow and develop in this book, settling into her own skin and coming to terms with her family history - as well as deciding who she wants to be at the end of the day. There are new reveals about her heritage and past that she must handle in turn and learn how to control. It also changes the things she knew about her mother and the connections she feels with others. I'm being a little vague to avoid spoilers, as there are a lot of really big and fascinating reveals in this sequel.
Harlow has really found her place with the family she has made for herself, and she really begins to define herself by them and the way that she cares for them. This found family expands as needed with the new people she cares about. She is deeply and fiercely loyal, and she is allowing herself to take on more of this and the leadership role she was clearly destined for.
The new world-building and information about magic were really fascinating. The plot moves fast, but we learn about the world, its character, and its magic in this sequel. I'm particularly fascinated by Calypso and what we learn about her, the new magical creatures we meet, and the politics of this world.
Themes of corruption, power/politics, the danger of hating those who are different, assumptions, importance of memory, and found family are all really strong here. The politics of this world are becoming more complicated, and even more so by some of the reveals at the end. Add that into the way that power is used and abused, some people are treated as more or less than others, and the way that secrets and lies are used to distort the truth, and there are some really great discussion points for a book club.
The romance takes a backseat in this one, but I found it very satisfying how Harlow begins to make her choices and feel secure in them. When a later reveal comes up to change the way that Harlow had viewed her past, it really added to the intrigue and possibility of the romance - I cannot wait to see how it will continue to grow and evolve. I fully approve of the choice she begins to make... it feels like fate (mates?)!
The ending finishes with a lead into the next book, and I cannot wait to see how things will evolve and conclude. This did not feel like a middle-of-the-series book as there is a lot that happens with plenty of reveals and some mysteries solved. I am so excited for the next book in the series!
HEATHERMOOR is a consuming and thrilling sequel to NEVERTHORN that I highly recommend. Fans of SPELLCASTER, ARCANA ACADEMY, and/or AN ARCANE STUDY OF STARS should definitely check this series out!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Heathermoor is nothing like Neverthorn, in all the best ways. Harlow and friends are learning how to handle their powers with instructors who care about them, while they are also hunting for the coin she needs for her bargain with Calypso. At the same time, things in the magical (Dwimmer) world are escalating, and Harlow will find herself and her friends caught amidst it all.
As a character, Harlow really continues to grow and develop in this book, settling into her own skin and coming to terms with her family history - as well as deciding who she wants to be at the end of the day. There are new reveals about her heritage and past that she must handle in turn and learn how to control. It also changes the things she knew about her mother and the connections she feels with others. I'm being a little vague to avoid spoilers, as there are a lot of really big and fascinating reveals in this sequel.
Harlow has really found her place with the family she has made for herself, and she really begins to define herself by them and the way that she cares for them. This found family expands as needed with the new people she cares about. She is deeply and fiercely loyal, and she is allowing herself to take on more of this and the leadership role she was clearly destined for.
The new world-building and information about magic were really fascinating. The plot moves fast, but we learn about the world, its character, and its magic in this sequel. I'm particularly fascinated by Calypso and what we learn about her, the new magical creatures we meet, and the politics of this world.
Themes of corruption, power/politics, the danger of hating those who are different, assumptions, importance of memory, and found family are all really strong here. The politics of this world are becoming more complicated, and even more so by some of the reveals at the end. Add that into the way that power is used and abused, some people are treated as more or less than others, and the way that secrets and lies are used to distort the truth, and there are some really great discussion points for a book club.
The romance takes a backseat in this one, but I found it very satisfying how Harlow begins to make her choices and feel secure in them. When a later reveal comes up to change the way that Harlow had viewed her past, it really added to the intrigue and possibility of the romance - I cannot wait to see how it will continue to grow and evolve. I fully approve of the choice she begins to make... it feels like fate (mates?)!
The ending finishes with a lead into the next book, and I cannot wait to see how things will evolve and conclude. This did not feel like a middle-of-the-series book as there is a lot that happens with plenty of reveals and some mysteries solved. I am so excited for the next book in the series!
HEATHERMOOR is a consuming and thrilling sequel to NEVERTHORN that I highly recommend. Fans of SPELLCASTER, ARCANA ACADEMY, and/or AN ARCANE STUDY OF STARS should definitely check this series out!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2026
Thankyou so much to Michael J Books for the physical early copy of this book. I squealed for joy when I received it and it stole my full attention from the very first pages.
✨ Academic Settings
✨ Found Family
✨ Myths & Legends
✨ Chosen One
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Magical World
✨ Fae & Magical Creatures
✨ Plot Twists 🥹
Heathermoor was everything Neverthorn was AND SO MUCH MORE 😍. That ending?? Girl YOU KNEW WHAT YOU WERE DOING!! How long do I have to wait for Book 3??? Oh my gosh, don’t tell me, I don’t think my heart could take it 😭🫠.
I adored the first instalment within the series, but book 2 had me in its grip from the first few pages and absolutely refused to let go - when I started reading I absolutely could NOT put it down.
I loved Harlow as a main character. She’s so unapologetically imperfect (I am lowkey so glad the swearing gag was not a thing in this book as it got very annoying very fast in NT 🫠), and she’s also obviously very flawed. We don’t see a main character, a “Chosen One” who has her game together and knows all of the answers - we see someone who makes mistake after mistake striving to just do the best for the people she loves, with her main goal being the people she cares about coming out of this situation alive. She’s rough around the edges, she’s brash and chaotic, and I absolutely love that about her - even more so within HM where you see her walls coming down and her learning to trust and lean on others more.
The plot twists within HM - loved them. Did I see them all coming in one form or another? Yes. BUT that didn’t draw away from the story for me as I didn’t know HOW they would play each twist out - so it left me giving figurative evil eyes at *certain* characters whenever they’d pull suspect moves… like HEY I see you. I’m watching you here 👀, you wrong’un.
Don’t get me wrong, Liam is so sweet. He’s lovely in a golden retriever kind of way, you wanna pat him on the head and tell him he’s doing a good job. But TYPHON IS MY KING 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️ this is the only correct answer, the only opinion I am willing to accept. THROWING HIMSELF AT A CURSE FOR YOU?? Girl, if you don’t marry him then I will.
I loved seeing how close House Pheonix grew throughout this book. Seeing them all go from essential loners at the beginning of NT to the found family/best of friends within HM was a huge highlight for me. It was such a refreshing change to see a group of people who say they’d do anything for eachother and then actually follow through with that within the story.
The sheer difference in setting between Neverthorn and Heathermoor was huge. The gothic, darker themes from NT with its unwelcoming students/teachers and suffocating ambience was wholly replaced by a bright and refreshing atmosphere, filled with loyalty and friendship. It felt as though the setting had shifted along with House Pheonix and their forever growing closeness and bonds.
It’s hard to describe this book and do a review justice without fully ruining it with its many, many spoilers and twists - all I can really say is PLEASE OH PLEASE I NEED BOOK 3 NOW 😭😭😭
✨ Academic Settings
✨ Found Family
✨ Myths & Legends
✨ Chosen One
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Magical World
✨ Fae & Magical Creatures
✨ Plot Twists 🥹
Heathermoor was everything Neverthorn was AND SO MUCH MORE 😍. That ending?? Girl YOU KNEW WHAT YOU WERE DOING!! How long do I have to wait for Book 3??? Oh my gosh, don’t tell me, I don’t think my heart could take it 😭🫠.
I adored the first instalment within the series, but book 2 had me in its grip from the first few pages and absolutely refused to let go - when I started reading I absolutely could NOT put it down.
I loved Harlow as a main character. She’s so unapologetically imperfect (I am lowkey so glad the swearing gag was not a thing in this book as it got very annoying very fast in NT 🫠), and she’s also obviously very flawed. We don’t see a main character, a “Chosen One” who has her game together and knows all of the answers - we see someone who makes mistake after mistake striving to just do the best for the people she loves, with her main goal being the people she cares about coming out of this situation alive. She’s rough around the edges, she’s brash and chaotic, and I absolutely love that about her - even more so within HM where you see her walls coming down and her learning to trust and lean on others more.
The plot twists within HM - loved them. Did I see them all coming in one form or another? Yes. BUT that didn’t draw away from the story for me as I didn’t know HOW they would play each twist out - so it left me giving figurative evil eyes at *certain* characters whenever they’d pull suspect moves… like HEY I see you. I’m watching you here 👀, you wrong’un.
Don’t get me wrong, Liam is so sweet. He’s lovely in a golden retriever kind of way, you wanna pat him on the head and tell him he’s doing a good job. But TYPHON IS MY KING 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️ this is the only correct answer, the only opinion I am willing to accept. THROWING HIMSELF AT A CURSE FOR YOU?? Girl, if you don’t marry him then I will.
I loved seeing how close House Pheonix grew throughout this book. Seeing them all go from essential loners at the beginning of NT to the found family/best of friends within HM was a huge highlight for me. It was such a refreshing change to see a group of people who say they’d do anything for eachother and then actually follow through with that within the story.
The sheer difference in setting between Neverthorn and Heathermoor was huge. The gothic, darker themes from NT with its unwelcoming students/teachers and suffocating ambience was wholly replaced by a bright and refreshing atmosphere, filled with loyalty and friendship. It felt as though the setting had shifted along with House Pheonix and their forever growing closeness and bonds.
It’s hard to describe this book and do a review justice without fully ruining it with its many, many spoilers and twists - all I can really say is PLEASE OH PLEASE I NEED BOOK 3 NOW 😭😭😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ but where do I even start?
First a huge thank you to Shannon Mayer for giving me an ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so how the review: Picking up literally where Neverthorn left off, Heathermoor is an intense, gripping, perfect storm of fantasy, human growth and emotion and political twists that kept me scratching my head, biting my nails (figuratively) and swiping the pages so quickly my ereader couldn't keep up.
I absolutely love Harlow's development throughout this book because she continues to demonstrate how even a reluctant leader can be successful and perfect for the jon when love, care and passion are on the line. I loved getting to read more of the individual relationships she has with each of her house members, specifically Gary. Also although I missed Bandit terribly, I absolutely loved Calypso being added to the cast; she was crass, harsh but surprisingly endearing. My only single request is Typhon POV in book 3???? Please!!!!
Shannon Mayer knows her tropes and she does them soooo well!!! Talk about a slow burn that banks to a smolder for a moment before ramping back up to a crackling fire but without becoming the blazing enferno we all desperately want and will hopefully get further down in the story. The slow burn, the found family, the accurate and sometimes viseral representation of panic/anxiety attacks, the enemies (but not really) to lovers (but not quite all the way), the love triangle, the hidden/secret powers and the misdirection surrounding who to trust and who not to trust. Shannon does it all perfectly and also manages to give so many fabulous one liners that my ebook is full of highlighted quotes that made me laugh out loud and also clutch my heart with a soul deep "awwww".
Structurely the entire book, like the first one, unfolds like a mystery thriller novel with seemingly insignificant clues and moments, that catch you off guard but you can't really pinpoint why, peppered in strategically throughout the book, but never saturated enough in one act to stand out. It only after the final puzzle piece of each mystery is revealed that it all clicks into place and you are left saying to yourself, "Shannon you saucy minx, well done madame, well done!". It was this structure that kept me really not sure what was what until the 80% mark. Don't get me wrong, I had ideas of where certain threads were headed but nothing I could concretely confirm or theorize with certainty. This book series continues to surprise me new ways and I'm absolutely thrilled to have been able to read an ARC of this book prior to publication. If you have read Neverthorn, you better clear you schedule and hunker down because you do not want to miss a moment of Heathermoor.
First a huge thank you to Shannon Mayer for giving me an ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so how the review: Picking up literally where Neverthorn left off, Heathermoor is an intense, gripping, perfect storm of fantasy, human growth and emotion and political twists that kept me scratching my head, biting my nails (figuratively) and swiping the pages so quickly my ereader couldn't keep up.
I absolutely love Harlow's development throughout this book because she continues to demonstrate how even a reluctant leader can be successful and perfect for the jon when love, care and passion are on the line. I loved getting to read more of the individual relationships she has with each of her house members, specifically Gary. Also although I missed Bandit terribly, I absolutely loved Calypso being added to the cast; she was crass, harsh but surprisingly endearing. My only single request is Typhon POV in book 3???? Please!!!!
Shannon Mayer knows her tropes and she does them soooo well!!! Talk about a slow burn that banks to a smolder for a moment before ramping back up to a crackling fire but without becoming the blazing enferno we all desperately want and will hopefully get further down in the story. The slow burn, the found family, the accurate and sometimes viseral representation of panic/anxiety attacks, the enemies (but not really) to lovers (but not quite all the way), the love triangle, the hidden/secret powers and the misdirection surrounding who to trust and who not to trust. Shannon does it all perfectly and also manages to give so many fabulous one liners that my ebook is full of highlighted quotes that made me laugh out loud and also clutch my heart with a soul deep "awwww".
Structurely the entire book, like the first one, unfolds like a mystery thriller novel with seemingly insignificant clues and moments, that catch you off guard but you can't really pinpoint why, peppered in strategically throughout the book, but never saturated enough in one act to stand out. It only after the final puzzle piece of each mystery is revealed that it all clicks into place and you are left saying to yourself, "Shannon you saucy minx, well done madame, well done!". It was this structure that kept me really not sure what was what until the 80% mark. Don't get me wrong, I had ideas of where certain threads were headed but nothing I could concretely confirm or theorize with certainty. This book series continues to surprise me new ways and I'm absolutely thrilled to have been able to read an ARC of this book prior to publication. If you have read Neverthorn, you better clear you schedule and hunker down because you do not want to miss a moment of Heathermoor.
August 2, 2026
"Another step, close enough now that I could feel the heat coming off him. "I'd know you if the world burned to ash, if I lost my sight and my hearing, if I was stripped of every sense, I would know you.""
Heathermoor, by @authorsannonmeyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|| 🫑
Dear Shannon Meyer, how dare you with THAT ending. I mean, WHUT?! I need answers. I have so many questions. And yes, it was amazing to be back in the Dwimmer world. No found family does found family like House Phoenix and Harlow remains her witty, foul mouthed self- although I did kind of miss the lack of rune gagging in this one- I will forever call people donkey holes since reading Neverthorn!
I feel like the second book in a series is always a tough one because if you loved the first one, you have so many high expectations, but I was not disappointed. Heathermoor is a first class sequel that gets straight into the action from page 1 and doesn't let up until the very end- no one could accuse this book of being slow! There's mystery, danger, and magic around every corner. You don't know who to trust, nothing is quite what it seems and it is a WILD ride.
There are more talking animals but some of the characters we know and love don't get as much page time as Neverthorn, simply because the world is expanding. One character that was an absolute TREAT however, was Calypso. She brought the snark, the banter, and I laughed out loud more than once at her one liners. Long before the end, I wanted to be an evil mermaid (not trapped in a wishing well though- god, no. That would be awful) and kind of still do.
In terms of romance, this is the slowest slow burn in the history of slow burns. Do I want more? Yes. Do I think it will be worth the wait? Also, yes. Can I wait however long until the next book? Well, I don't have a choice and that ending has me on hooks, but trust me when I say if I could spin a rune that would have this book in my hands right now, I would!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to @instabooktours, @michaeljbooks, and @authorshannonmeyer for yet another outstanding book and for having me on the tour.
#ad #gifted #heathermoor
Heathermoor, by @authorsannonmeyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|| 🫑
Dear Shannon Meyer, how dare you with THAT ending. I mean, WHUT?! I need answers. I have so many questions. And yes, it was amazing to be back in the Dwimmer world. No found family does found family like House Phoenix and Harlow remains her witty, foul mouthed self- although I did kind of miss the lack of rune gagging in this one- I will forever call people donkey holes since reading Neverthorn!
I feel like the second book in a series is always a tough one because if you loved the first one, you have so many high expectations, but I was not disappointed. Heathermoor is a first class sequel that gets straight into the action from page 1 and doesn't let up until the very end- no one could accuse this book of being slow! There's mystery, danger, and magic around every corner. You don't know who to trust, nothing is quite what it seems and it is a WILD ride.
There are more talking animals but some of the characters we know and love don't get as much page time as Neverthorn, simply because the world is expanding. One character that was an absolute TREAT however, was Calypso. She brought the snark, the banter, and I laughed out loud more than once at her one liners. Long before the end, I wanted to be an evil mermaid (not trapped in a wishing well though- god, no. That would be awful) and kind of still do.
In terms of romance, this is the slowest slow burn in the history of slow burns. Do I want more? Yes. Do I think it will be worth the wait? Also, yes. Can I wait however long until the next book? Well, I don't have a choice and that ending has me on hooks, but trust me when I say if I could spin a rune that would have this book in my hands right now, I would!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to @instabooktours, @michaeljbooks, and @authorshannonmeyer for yet another outstanding book and for having me on the tour.
#ad #gifted #heathermoor
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! Welcome to the sister academy to Neverthorn! The recap by Harlow at the beginning was a perfect refresher.
The world building starts immediately you are drawn back into an academic setting, this time in Heathermoor. Shannon's writing captivates readers, making it easy to become fully engaged in the story from start to finish. The plot unfolds seamlessly, leaving you eager to follow Harlow and the rest of the House of Phoenix as they navigate Heathermoor.
As soon as I began, I found myself unable to put the book down; I craved more! The twists and turns were so much fun and the witty banter added to the enjoyment. I love never knowing how the story is going to go. There is danger around every corner.
Harlow and crew need to find their way into Heathermoor without getting caught. If they do, that could spell their doom. The need to find the Kraken coin and get Harlow out of her predicament.
The characters are crafted so vividly that you can truly experience every moment of their journey, making you envision joining them. The theme of found family is beautifully highlighted throughout the whole story.
Wow, that was incredible; I loved the whole story! It really tugged at the heartstrings. The emotional depth allowed you to connect with the characters on a personal level, making their experiences feel real.
I was completely captivated by the entire story and found it hard to pull myself away. Book two ends on a huge cliffhanger and I need it now! I need to know what happens next!
Thank you Shannon for the arc. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
There’s always a way, you just gotta find it.
“In life some of us are called to sacrifice for the greater good. And sometimes it really f****** hurts, Harlow. We don’t all get the happily ever after that we deserve.”
"Let it go, Harlow. The fear. The worry. The uncertainty. Let it go and step into what waits."
“But within the pain we learn, Harlow, within the pain, we find our true path. We find ourselves. Be strong, my brave one.”
The world building starts immediately you are drawn back into an academic setting, this time in Heathermoor. Shannon's writing captivates readers, making it easy to become fully engaged in the story from start to finish. The plot unfolds seamlessly, leaving you eager to follow Harlow and the rest of the House of Phoenix as they navigate Heathermoor.
As soon as I began, I found myself unable to put the book down; I craved more! The twists and turns were so much fun and the witty banter added to the enjoyment. I love never knowing how the story is going to go. There is danger around every corner.
Harlow and crew need to find their way into Heathermoor without getting caught. If they do, that could spell their doom. The need to find the Kraken coin and get Harlow out of her predicament.
The characters are crafted so vividly that you can truly experience every moment of their journey, making you envision joining them. The theme of found family is beautifully highlighted throughout the whole story.
Wow, that was incredible; I loved the whole story! It really tugged at the heartstrings. The emotional depth allowed you to connect with the characters on a personal level, making their experiences feel real.
I was completely captivated by the entire story and found it hard to pull myself away. Book two ends on a huge cliffhanger and I need it now! I need to know what happens next!
Thank you Shannon for the arc. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
There’s always a way, you just gotta find it.
“In life some of us are called to sacrifice for the greater good. And sometimes it really f****** hurts, Harlow. We don’t all get the happily ever after that we deserve.”
"Let it go, Harlow. The fear. The worry. The uncertainty. Let it go and step into what waits."
“But within the pain we learn, Harlow, within the pain, we find our true path. We find ourselves. Be strong, my brave one.”
July 23, 2026
Holy smokes! What a crazy ending!!!! There’s so much that happened I have not yet processed it all!!!
The only thing that did not surprise me was Harlow best friend’s story line. You will figure that out soon enough.no spoilers!
We start where we left off with Harlow and her gang,the Phoenix’s, finding their strengths and on the run from Neverthorn and those wanting to hold them back. Trying to learn as much as they can’t for the final battle to save Magic from the enemy and Harlows father.
As they arrive at Heathermoor they have the extra challenge of finding a coin to help free Calypso of her curse and the well she was cursed to live in. A deal made to help Harlow and her friends escape but she only has two weeks. I actually fell in love with Calypso and so will you.
Arriving they actually fall in love with Heathermoor. It so much more than they ever could have imagined. A place that embraces magic and wants to teach kids magic and have given the kids freedom. Complete opposite from were they came from. Many challenges and battles will be thrown at this crew while here but it only makes them stronger and closer than before.
In the end of this story everything you thought about this story will be tossed upside down!! The end goals change and the battle ahead for the phoenix’s and all who love magic is made very clear. The bond Harlow and her crew have is so amazing and at this moment they seem indestructible. I so wish that to be true.
I can’t wait till the next book in this series. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but there are so many surprises with this one and so many possibilities and endings I can’t wait to see where the crew ends up! If you live Harry Potter and story’s as such you will the the world Shannon Mayer has created. Don’t miss it! Fast reads and wow! You don’t know what to expect next.
The only thing that did not surprise me was Harlow best friend’s story line. You will figure that out soon enough.no spoilers!
We start where we left off with Harlow and her gang,the Phoenix’s, finding their strengths and on the run from Neverthorn and those wanting to hold them back. Trying to learn as much as they can’t for the final battle to save Magic from the enemy and Harlows father.
As they arrive at Heathermoor they have the extra challenge of finding a coin to help free Calypso of her curse and the well she was cursed to live in. A deal made to help Harlow and her friends escape but she only has two weeks. I actually fell in love with Calypso and so will you.
Arriving they actually fall in love with Heathermoor. It so much more than they ever could have imagined. A place that embraces magic and wants to teach kids magic and have given the kids freedom. Complete opposite from were they came from. Many challenges and battles will be thrown at this crew while here but it only makes them stronger and closer than before.
In the end of this story everything you thought about this story will be tossed upside down!! The end goals change and the battle ahead for the phoenix’s and all who love magic is made very clear. The bond Harlow and her crew have is so amazing and at this moment they seem indestructible. I so wish that to be true.
I can’t wait till the next book in this series. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but there are so many surprises with this one and so many possibilities and endings I can’t wait to see where the crew ends up! If you live Harry Potter and story’s as such you will the the world Shannon Mayer has created. Don’t miss it! Fast reads and wow! You don’t know what to expect next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Neverthorn, but I absolutely loved Heathermoor. Shannon Mayer delivers a story with more secrets, magic, mysteries, a found family I can’t get enough of, and the stakes are even higher.
I loved spending more time with Harlow and the House of Phoenix. Their latest mission is to recover the Kraken Coin while remaining hidden in disguise, but if there's one thing you can count on, it's that nothing ever goes according to plan when Harlow and her friends are involved.
One thing Shannon Mayer consistently excels at is her incredible world building. The magical academy feels so vivid and immersive that it's easy to imagine yourself walking its halls. From the enchanting magic system and magical creatures to the danger lurking around every corner, every page is packed with adventure. The twists had me completely shocked, I never knew what was coming next.
Harlow has some major character growth in this story. We watch her struggle with the betrayals, all of the responsibility that’s fallen on her, and her fears. She is not perfect and that makes her so relatable. The found family dynamic continues, and I loved seeing these characters stand by one another through every challenge. Watching new friendships form while existing bonds grew even stronger made the story all the more meaningful.
Calypso was another standout character for me. Her bold personality, quick wit, and unapologetic sass had me laughing so many times, and she brought so much fun to every scene she was in.
If you love magical academy settings filled with mystery, unforgettable characters, incredible world building, and twists you never see coming, Heathermoor is a must read. Just be prepared, by the time you reach the ending, you'll be counting down the days until book three.
I loved spending more time with Harlow and the House of Phoenix. Their latest mission is to recover the Kraken Coin while remaining hidden in disguise, but if there's one thing you can count on, it's that nothing ever goes according to plan when Harlow and her friends are involved.
One thing Shannon Mayer consistently excels at is her incredible world building. The magical academy feels so vivid and immersive that it's easy to imagine yourself walking its halls. From the enchanting magic system and magical creatures to the danger lurking around every corner, every page is packed with adventure. The twists had me completely shocked, I never knew what was coming next.
Harlow has some major character growth in this story. We watch her struggle with the betrayals, all of the responsibility that’s fallen on her, and her fears. She is not perfect and that makes her so relatable. The found family dynamic continues, and I loved seeing these characters stand by one another through every challenge. Watching new friendships form while existing bonds grew even stronger made the story all the more meaningful.
Calypso was another standout character for me. Her bold personality, quick wit, and unapologetic sass had me laughing so many times, and she brought so much fun to every scene she was in.
If you love magical academy settings filled with mystery, unforgettable characters, incredible world building, and twists you never see coming, Heathermoor is a must read. Just be prepared, by the time you reach the ending, you'll be counting down the days until book three.
July 22, 2026
Heathermoor is yet another incredible read by Shannon Mayer! I’m convinced she can’t write a bad book! The world of Neverthorn/Heathermoor makes me wish I could jump through the pages and join this little House of Phoenix found family. Truly, WHERE IS MY QUIRK? 😜
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑 (no spice)
Heathermoor is the second book in the Of Quirks and Curses series and picks up immediately where Neverthorn left off. The House of Phoenix members are on the run from Tarquinius and they’ve got a few side quests to accomplish - find the kraken coin for Calypso & learn from the teachers at Heathermoor - with a few additional tasks once they arrive (Harlow just can’t leave anything alone). Nothing is ever easy for this group but they do see that not every school is as bad as Neverthorn. New friends and teachers are made, new quirks are found, new adventures are had, and throughout is the looming presence of Nocta.
I love this world Shannon has created, where rune casting is the predominant magic & everyone has a unique quirk. The characters are funny and lovable, the adventures keep you on the edge of your seat, the relationships are ever changing, and no one is as they seem. I cannot wait for the third book in this series (seriously, when is it coming out? 😜)!
I believe I mentioned this in my Neverthorn review as well but I must say it again, Shannon did such a good job with the anxiety representation in this book. Anxiety cannot be controlled & sometimes hits at the absolute worst time; Shannon perfectly captured how this happens with Harlow. Seeing her struggle and get through a panic attack both had me breaking for her and rooting for her achievements. She’s such a great FMC!
Highly recommend this series and all of Shannon’s books!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑 (no spice)
Heathermoor is the second book in the Of Quirks and Curses series and picks up immediately where Neverthorn left off. The House of Phoenix members are on the run from Tarquinius and they’ve got a few side quests to accomplish - find the kraken coin for Calypso & learn from the teachers at Heathermoor - with a few additional tasks once they arrive (Harlow just can’t leave anything alone). Nothing is ever easy for this group but they do see that not every school is as bad as Neverthorn. New friends and teachers are made, new quirks are found, new adventures are had, and throughout is the looming presence of Nocta.
I love this world Shannon has created, where rune casting is the predominant magic & everyone has a unique quirk. The characters are funny and lovable, the adventures keep you on the edge of your seat, the relationships are ever changing, and no one is as they seem. I cannot wait for the third book in this series (seriously, when is it coming out? 😜)!
I believe I mentioned this in my Neverthorn review as well but I must say it again, Shannon did such a good job with the anxiety representation in this book. Anxiety cannot be controlled & sometimes hits at the absolute worst time; Shannon perfectly captured how this happens with Harlow. Seeing her struggle and get through a panic attack both had me breaking for her and rooting for her achievements. She’s such a great FMC!
Highly recommend this series and all of Shannon’s books!
July 2, 2026
Holy crap that was a wild ride! Shannon, what sorcery are you weaving into your words, because WOW! This book did not disappoint in the least. I could not put this book down. I was drawn back in to Harlow’s chaotic world from the very first sentence. The world building immediately plunges us right into one that is richly imagined and full of lush vibrant detail full of incredible magic, adventure, magical creatures, danger, secrets and jaw dropping twists.
This book thrusts us back into the academic setting of the sister school, Heathermoor where Harlow and her fellow House Phoenix friends hope to build their strength and unleash the remaining Quirks. This is supposed to be a fresh start, but they quickly find themselves thrown into more chaos and political intrigue. But nothing seems to go as planned, as secrets unfold and danger looms. The sheer amount of twists and secrets revealed in this book had my head in a tail spin. The plot was constantly flowing at an impressive pace, never slowing down. I found myself having to pause so many times just to catch my breath.
The character’s growth throughout this book was magnificent. The way these characters stuck together, even through all the chaos and turmoil was heartwarming. They may not be perfect, but they truly have formed the most beautiful found family.
Heathermoor truly gave us everything we could imagine, including higher stakes, more mystery, more secrets and more magic. While so many questions from Neverthorn are answered, I am left with so many more and I can’t wait to delve into the next installment in this world.
Thank you to Shannon Mayer for the opportunity to read the eARC!
This book thrusts us back into the academic setting of the sister school, Heathermoor where Harlow and her fellow House Phoenix friends hope to build their strength and unleash the remaining Quirks. This is supposed to be a fresh start, but they quickly find themselves thrown into more chaos and political intrigue. But nothing seems to go as planned, as secrets unfold and danger looms. The sheer amount of twists and secrets revealed in this book had my head in a tail spin. The plot was constantly flowing at an impressive pace, never slowing down. I found myself having to pause so many times just to catch my breath.
The character’s growth throughout this book was magnificent. The way these characters stuck together, even through all the chaos and turmoil was heartwarming. They may not be perfect, but they truly have formed the most beautiful found family.
Heathermoor truly gave us everything we could imagine, including higher stakes, more mystery, more secrets and more magic. While so many questions from Neverthorn are answered, I am left with so many more and I can’t wait to delve into the next installment in this world.
Thank you to Shannon Mayer for the opportunity to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought book 1, Neverthorn, was a good book....and book 2, Heathermoor, was even better! The author flawlessly continued on with the story- building intrigue, suspense, and hopefulness into this second installment. The book starts off with our FMC right in the middle of the power struggle between the the headmaster of Neverthorn and her father, which most of her friends still don't know is her father. On top of that the members of house Phoenix were threatened with being separated (for their own good), and fled Neverthorn in their attempts to stay together. The Siren from the Wishing Well instructed them to go to Heathermoor to continue their journey. There is so much going on in book 2, questions are asked, some answers revealed. There is also the continuation of the love interest between the FMC and the two main lead MMCs - don't worry, the FMC does lean in the direction of one man only (so not a why choose situation). The romance and dedication of the MMC to the FMC is a side plot though and not the main focal point in book 2. Heathermoor is filled with so many elements beyond just a romance plot, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Book 2 does leave you with a BIG hook. Not a cliffhanger, because the story does resolve many of the conflicts and questions left from book 1. However, the last few pages of Heathermoor leave us readers with yearning for more, and I can't wait for book 3. I was gifted an ARC of Heathermoor, and I can't thank author Shannon Mayer enough because I have been desperately waiting for book 2 since finishing my read of Neverthorn over 6 months ago. Heathermoor comes out on July 21st, DO NOT HESITATE to add this to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read the eARC provided by the author.
That ending!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Are you kidding me?! Leaving me hanging like that??? Epic! Love every moment of it!
But first, the beginning. I was so glad to read a short recap at the beginning because it’s been a year since I read Book 1, Neverthorn.
It is a fast paced adventure within magic academy settings full of morally grey characters, yearning, found family and strong friendship, magic treasure hunting, and surprising developments.
Without giving any spoilers to Book 1 in case you did not read it yet (read it!), The House Phoenix is on the run on their way to Heathermoor, a school of magic in Scotland.
The bad news is Bandit, a talking raccoon, stayed behind in Neverthorn. The good news: they can finally swear! Yay! Also, we have a sassy Calypso in the absence of Bandit. Double yay!
This book made me smile all the way. It is an absolute comfort read, the one I have been waiting for since reading Book 1, Neverthorn.
How I love that it’s yet another magic academy, that it’s different from the previous one, that it has other houses and other creatures surrounding it.
I love the twists and the fact that I kept guessing.
I love the continuation of a love triangle and the tag and push between the characters.
I love the main character, Harlow, with all her panic attacks, insecurities, and need to help and save everyone.
I love having Opie’s POV and Calypso’s side of the story.
Love growing friendship, new quirks, and character development.
This series is for EVERY grown-up fan of Harry Potter books, for all who want to read about older characters in a magical urban fantasy world. Love Zodiac Academy books? You will love this series!
The torture of having to wait for Book 3 now after this ending? Oh, it’s cruel!
Love, love, love, love, love this book and this series. I honestly want to reread it all over again starting from Book 1. It is one of my favorite series now.
I am so happy I read it. Simply because reading it made me happy. 😊
That ending!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Are you kidding me?! Leaving me hanging like that??? Epic! Love every moment of it!
But first, the beginning. I was so glad to read a short recap at the beginning because it’s been a year since I read Book 1, Neverthorn.
It is a fast paced adventure within magic academy settings full of morally grey characters, yearning, found family and strong friendship, magic treasure hunting, and surprising developments.
Without giving any spoilers to Book 1 in case you did not read it yet (read it!), The House Phoenix is on the run on their way to Heathermoor, a school of magic in Scotland.
The bad news is Bandit, a talking raccoon, stayed behind in Neverthorn. The good news: they can finally swear! Yay! Also, we have a sassy Calypso in the absence of Bandit. Double yay!
This book made me smile all the way. It is an absolute comfort read, the one I have been waiting for since reading Book 1, Neverthorn.
How I love that it’s yet another magic academy, that it’s different from the previous one, that it has other houses and other creatures surrounding it.
I love the twists and the fact that I kept guessing.
I love the continuation of a love triangle and the tag and push between the characters.
I love the main character, Harlow, with all her panic attacks, insecurities, and need to help and save everyone.
I love having Opie’s POV and Calypso’s side of the story.
Love growing friendship, new quirks, and character development.
This series is for EVERY grown-up fan of Harry Potter books, for all who want to read about older characters in a magical urban fantasy world. Love Zodiac Academy books? You will love this series!
The torture of having to wait for Book 3 now after this ending? Oh, it’s cruel!
Love, love, love, love, love this book and this series. I honestly want to reread it all over again starting from Book 1. It is one of my favorite series now.
I am so happy I read it. Simply because reading it made me happy. 😊
July 21, 2026
A Masterclass in Magical Mayhem, Monster-Hunting, and Absolute Chaos!
If you thought Neverthorn was a wild ride, buckle up, because Shannon Mayer is back to prove that academy life can get even more unhinged. Heathermoor takes everything you loved about Book 1 and dials the stakes, the banter, and the heart-stopping magical chaos all the way up to eleven.
Following Harlow and her fiercely loyal House Phoenix crew as they escape the oppressive clutches of Neverthorn only to run headfirst into a Scottish landscape crawling with fashion-disaster vampires (baobhan sith, anyone?) and prehistoric lake monsters is pure, unadulterated perfection.
Harlow is the snarky, take-no-prisoners heroine we all deserve. She’s navigating trauma, a shattered bond, and a mountain of responsibilities, yet she still manages to serve up top-tier one-liners while everything is literally (and metaphorically) on fire.
"So kindly... f*** off."
Honestly? A whole mood.
The pacing is relentless, the world-building expands in the most delicious ways, and the team dynamics remind us why found family is the absolute best trope in fantasy. Plus, the banter hits so hard you’ll be laughing out loud while simultaneously turning pages at lightspeed to see if our favorite crew survives the night.
If you love snarky heroines, slow-burn emotional agony, high-stakes magical academies, and a healthy dose of monstrous hijinks, this is a five-star masterpiece. I am officially camping out at the publisher's door waiting for Book 3!
If you thought Neverthorn was a wild ride, buckle up, because Shannon Mayer is back to prove that academy life can get even more unhinged. Heathermoor takes everything you loved about Book 1 and dials the stakes, the banter, and the heart-stopping magical chaos all the way up to eleven.
Following Harlow and her fiercely loyal House Phoenix crew as they escape the oppressive clutches of Neverthorn only to run headfirst into a Scottish landscape crawling with fashion-disaster vampires (baobhan sith, anyone?) and prehistoric lake monsters is pure, unadulterated perfection.
Harlow is the snarky, take-no-prisoners heroine we all deserve. She’s navigating trauma, a shattered bond, and a mountain of responsibilities, yet she still manages to serve up top-tier one-liners while everything is literally (and metaphorically) on fire.
"So kindly... f*** off."
Honestly? A whole mood.
The pacing is relentless, the world-building expands in the most delicious ways, and the team dynamics remind us why found family is the absolute best trope in fantasy. Plus, the banter hits so hard you’ll be laughing out loud while simultaneously turning pages at lightspeed to see if our favorite crew survives the night.
If you love snarky heroines, slow-burn emotional agony, high-stakes magical academies, and a healthy dose of monstrous hijinks, this is a five-star masterpiece. I am officially camping out at the publisher's door waiting for Book 3!
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