The Lost Thread

by Celeanne Dorrington

"I am the Rupture. And I do not bow to the King."
— She was born to be a Queen. The world would kneel or break before her.


DYSTOPIAN DARK FAE ROMANTASY TRILOGY

The day the Veil shattered, the world broke—and every soul was marked. Every fae now bears a soulmark. Luminar or Shadowmarked. Revered or enslaved.
But our fae heroine was born with both.
And he was forged to destroy her.
Some say their bond is prophecy.
Others call it a curse.
Either way—if it completes, it could end the war…
or end the realm


Dark fae trilogy, Real enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, fated mates, morally gray, the chosen one, found family, and level 3 spice but with deep themes and epic fantasy world.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

591 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

To sum it up for my trope lovers:

Indie author in my villain origin story era. Morally gray FMC energy with a 'knife-to-the-throat' vibe and a “burn the world for the ones I love” devotion.

I'm now choosing sovereignty over compliance daily and I will not apologize for it or ask permission.

To my readers:

“Let them have their villain. I will be theirs and everyone else’s. But never for you.”
— Slade Ravinger

For those who enjoy diving deeper:

I’ll attempt to solidify some of the prominent experiences that contributed to the creation of this series:

Foundationally, I have formal education in the following: creative writing, screenplay writing, visual arts, philosophy, and political science.

Public exposure that has contributed: my experience in the music industry, experience as a professional screenplay writer and associate producer, a published author, and our favorite artistic ingredient: pain and suffering.

Internal world attribution: lineage-based tantra training, lineage-based shamanism guidance, traditional teacher training in Kundalini yoga, and lastly, I’ve landed in my home of Shaktism, with my beloved Kali Maa.

As you can imagine this catastrophic combination of experiences led to being: a full-blooded anarchist, painfully rebellious, a bleeding sensitive heart, magical af, reclusive, with a strong dose of feral.

And lastly, on a personal note: this series represents my coming into sovereignty and my liberation. I fought armies of inner demons to be here with you today.

I welcome you into my realm with open arms and heart offered freely. May you fall in love, may you cry, may you laugh, may your soul be reforged. May we taste unity and liberation for just a moment together as we co-create as reader and writer.

Reviews

[Allyza Spivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I CANNOT BEGIN with how I feel right now

First of all THANK YOU Celeanne for this Advance Reader Copy

But anyway, this is by far one of the best series I’ve read this year!

My only grievance is how playable our FMC with the “right” words to blind her with instant rage. I wasn’t expecting this from an FMC that is so strong willed to be easily manipulated with words.

Eryndor.. my man. His yearning is top tier. It’s done right and I will grovel for this type of yearning

My favorite, Maxx. The not so side character that is the joy when the moments are bleak. I have laughed harder that I have and I wish everyone has a Maxx in their corner.

Serenya, the things she’s gone through has truly broken my heart and everytime her “eye go blank” I just sob. She the glue that hold them together and I’m DEVASTATED that’s she must be the one. I am trusting the process because I will not rest until I get the happy ending. Good thing, I have book three waiting for my broken heart

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Celeanne Dorrington for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review… also thank you for ripping out my heart😭

There is group of books out there where everyone says one is good, the second book is better. Folks this second book was so amazing and heart wrenching and all I can say is thank goodness I have book 3.

Where book one is more plot driven and very world building and lore heavy, book to is character driven and it is EVERYTHING! We see the stakes to the plot still while getting to watch the push, pull, and growth of our FMC and MMC. The whole thing was a constant ride, and that ending… oh the emotional damage!

Thank goodness we have Maxx to help us hold it together and laugh a bit ❤️

Now for a deep breath and a reminder to trust the process as I jump into book 3!

[Melissa Hormann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

My heart 💔 this series is becoming one of the best I’ve read so far this year. I DEVOURED book 2, and I need my heart mended in book 3.

Amaria, Eryndor, and the gang going through everything they did only to be bamboozled by the king? And THE HUNTER?! I sobbed. I can’t wait to dive into book 3!

[Amanda Nelson-Van Wagenen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author for an honest review.

I started this series not really knowing what I was getting into, and this author was new to me. I can honestly say I am beyond impressed. The writing is phenomenal, and the world and magic system is unlike anything I’ve read. The personality of each character comes out, and unlike a lot of books you fall in love with each one. I am beyond vested in each character and would love spin off books!

This book starts at the beginning of the first book’s cliffhanger, and there is no awkward pause you just dive on in. There are some new characters introduced in this book and so many new twists! None of which I anticipated, which is another reason I would recommend this series. I can say the FMC does frustrate me in this book and I do think she’s slowly growing and learning that jumping to action or conclusions isn’t the greatest idea. You also come to understand more of why the MMC is the way he is and boom big development with him!

All in all this book does not drag, it is packed full of action and developing plot that keeps you flipping the pages.

[Karagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I crashed out at about the ninety-eight percent mark, and other than fill this box with a string of expletives and spoilers, there isn't much more I dare to offer other than WTF?!

Expect back-to-back plot twists, a jaw-dropping betrayal, and everything you’ve thought we’ve gained to be nuked into oblivion by the end of this sequel.

*This is an ARC review

[ShannonL · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADVANCED COPY GIVEN BY AUTHOR

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, Spice 🌶️
This book left me wanting more, just a free chapters in and she had me giggling from an interaction between Eryndor and Dreadscale. A little context Eryndor was hurt and wanted to get up and you have Dreadscale scolding him like a parent is to a child. Honestly the scene was so funny I’ve been thinking of drawing it out. I couldn’t put the book down. We continued on the journey and we get to learn a secret that’s been hidden and someone new. I feel this could be a why choose but not with the main FMC Amaria but with the friend Serenya. I line the pace of the story and that we get to learn new things along with the characters. And that with everything they have been thru they still fight for each other and stay together. As for the spice we get a little action and it was good. My expectation for book 3 is a little more spice and to see if we have a potential why choose

[Shannon Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself utterly absorbed by the intricate tapestry woven through this extraordinary world and its unforgettable inhabitants. Never before have I encountered a narrative so masterfully crafted, one that continually defies expectations and sets a new benchmark for originality.

The story unfolds with relentless intensity, each chapter drawing me deeper into a labyrinth of suspense, unexpected twists, and heart-pounding stakes. Yet, beyond the thrilling plot, it is the profound depth and nuanced development of its characters that truly distinguishes this series.

Amaria, in particular, has cemented her place as one of the most compelling and multi-faceted protagonists I have ever had the privilege to follow. Her journey is a profound exploration of resilience, wit, and evolving strength, making her an enduring favorite. Alongside her, Eryndor embodies everything one could hope for in a leading male figure – complex, powerful, and possessing a compelling blend of heroism and relatable flaws, creating a truly electric dynamic.

Crucially, the supporting cast is far from peripheral; they are integral to the unfolding drama, each contributing significantly to the overarching plot and enriching the narrative with their distinct personalities and motivations. They feel genuinely lived-in and consequential. The enigma surrounding Dreadscale continues to be a source of mystery, and the anticipation of unraveling more about this compelling force is almost unbearable as I approach the concluding volume.

Embarking on the third and final installment fills me with both immense excitement for its resolution and a touch of wistful sadness, knowing this incredible journey is nearing its end. I anticipate that this series will redefine my expectations for fantasy literature, setting an almost impossibly high bar for future reads.

This phenomenal achievement is, of course, a testament to Celeanne's extraordinary talent as an author. Her ability to construct such an immersive world, populate it with such vivid characters, and drive such a captivating story is nothing short of brilliant. If you have not yet delved into this remarkable saga, you are genuinely missing out on one of the most exceptional literary experiences available today.

[Chelsea Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Just like the author promised... this book tore me up the whole time. I kept oscillating from angry to gutted this entire book. I love a book that makes me feel so many emotions and I can't wait to start the next one!

[Jennifer Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest review of an advance reader copy.

I cannot begin to even express every emotion felt while reading this book! It left me completely speechless. My heart is shattered and my life is in shambles till I dive into book 3! Not that I expected anything less from Celeanne.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues, and what a WILD ride it was!! SO much happens in this book!

I am obsessed with this story. I think this is going to be my top series of 2026. It has put me in a reading slump and made it hard to like other books. I haven’t felt this way since TOG.

The characters? Love them.
The magic system? Unique.
The vibes? Immaculate.
The yearning? Unmatched.
The found family? The best.
The world building? Immersive.
The plot? Captivating.
The character development? Phenomenal.
The pacing? Perfect.
The plot twists? Gasp worthy.

I absolutely LOVE the characters in this book. They are so multilayered, relatable, funny, and lovable. Maxx is hands down my favorite side character ever, rivaling Kipp from Blood and Steel. The side characters aren’t even side characters, they’re all main characters in my opinion.

Celeanne does a fantastic job at balancing dark themes and humor. Never have I read a book that had me cracking up and then crying within a few minutes of each other. I felt like I was on the journey with these characters. I am so emotionally invested in this story it’s not even funny. I cannot wait to see how everything wraps up in the third and final book!

All 3 books are dropping at once this month and you NEED to read them!!

[Tabbed and Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had a really good time with this one. The writing is easy to get into, and the dialogue flows naturally, especially the back-and-forth between characters.

The plot hooked me pretty quickly. The forced proximity and yearning were done right, which is always a win for me. Some outcomes were predictable, but there were also moments that caught me off guard, so it never felt flat or boring.

Eryndor… yeah. That’s yearning done right. The kind that really makes you feel the weight of “what are you willing to sacrifice.” Amaria was more frustrating at times, a bit rash and wishy-washy. But when they were truly aligned with each other and fully bonded, it was so good. I just wish it had lasted longer.

Overall, really enjoyable and definitely worth the read. I’m excited to see where the third book goes.

[Natasha Tasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could legitimately write an essay just on how good this series & this book really is!

I spent the last few chapters yelling at the phone--I KNOW you LYYYYIN I KNOW you LYINNN, over and over an over again! I HAVE NEVER been more happy to have the next book in the series as I am in this very moment 😊

The beauty and richness of the loyalty and the honor this group, the chosen ones, shows and puts into each other is remarkably written! As a lover of Found Family, this book depicts the concept in way that was gut wrenching, hard f***** earned, deep, powerful and completely swallowed my heart!

They are fighting for each other, fighting to save the world, fighting to reveal the truth, fighting for those who are stuck in their comfort, fighting for those who are being used and discarded, fighting for love and redemption and honesty. And in the middle risking their lives countless times, the strength they find in each other gives them small moments to laugh, hug, dance and imagine a life where they can do just that without fear or fighting.

I'm not exactly sure how Maxx's character became even more loveable but it happened. On a scale of 1-10 he is abso-f*******-lutely a 100.
I'm also genuinely not sure nor could I have predicted or expected that Dreadscale could become more mysterious and more hot and more magicallllll, but he FU***** DID!

The yearning is top tier 👌🏽 The world Celeanne has built is magnificent, dark, gritty, wonderful, layered and brought to life in a way that she never once loses you.

There is a specific scene in this book when Maxx does what he does best, he glamours them all in exactly what they ask for, and it is a monumental moment for them and placed perfectly in the story bc lorT KNOWS by the time you get there in the book you need it. It will live in my head forever!

Serenya is my personal favorite character of this story so far, though I wholeheartedly adore them all.

There are a few twists in the book and I can't tell you about them, I HOPE you read this trilogy!! It is unique and powerful and has me in a chokehold!!

Celeanne Dorrington is a genius, a magician with a pen ((or keyboard 🤭)) and I am forever grateful to have been able to be on her Arc Team!!!

[Shiny Ruins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

ARC provided by the author.

Sophomore slump where‽ The .5 star taken off is because I'm still mad at Amaria. Maybe if I was able to pick her up and shake some sense into her. And goodreads needs to add .5 ratings already.

Nevertheless...

This book... this freaking book. As a fan of slow burn that is actually slow, this book was a delight. Everyone bloomed in this 2nd book, showing sides of themselves that they didn't show often or at all (Dreadacale IYKYK) in the first book.

The 2nd half was spent insanely upset at Amaria and her choices because it was so clear what Eryndor was doing. How could she not see it‽‽

The strength in the book was built in the relationships of this motley crew and how each had their moment. In merriment and in sadness, this book weaves them together much like the rupture they seek to mend.

"What if this time it takes something and doesn't give it back? The Codex is—it's everything. It's all I contribute. If I can't read, if I can't write, then what am I?"
"You're our friend," I said firmly. "That's what you are. The rest is—"
"The rest is who I am!" She pulled her hands from mine, pressing them against her temples. "I'm the keeper. The scholar. The one who remembers so everyone else can forget. Without that, I'm just—I'm nothing."

Serenya's heartbreak here was among the saddest in the book. Because who are you when you lose what you think you are, what gives you worth? Maybe for others it was just another string in the web that is this tale but this resonated with me since I'm coming to grip with something akin and I often feel like Serenya feels.

[Karissa Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am GUTTED. So thank C.D. for allowing me to be an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m gonna start by saying that I really did love book one. The only reason it didn’t get five stars from me was because, there’s a lot of lore/world building so it got a little confusing to navigate and there wasn’t a lot of character depth, so the book felt rushed. Minor things really, it was still written well and I loved the story.


BUT BOOK TWO!!!!! the way we explored the relationships in the group and the character arcs that were happening!! I feel like everything that I had a problem with them book one immediately got fixed in book 2, and it was absolutely amazing!

Eryndor graduated with a doctorate in yearning and it shows. The way that this book had me outright laughing until I couldn’t breathe, yelling my anger at the book like I’m a 35 year-old man watching football, and sobbing because I was experiencing everything with these fictional characters just goes to show how well it is written.

If the series isn’t on your TBR when it comes out, it should be.

[Nicole Contreras · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️1.5

The Lost Thread is one of those books that had me equally obsessed and frustrated 😅

After loving book one and the FMC’s impulsive “stab first, think later” personality, I was excited to jump back into this world—but wow, that trait definitely gets turned up in this book. There were honestly points midway through where her refusal to think through consequences frustrated me so much that I had to put the book down for a few days before continuing. I was THAT irritated.

That being said… I still ended up giving this 4 stars because once I came back to it, I couldn’t stop thinking about the story or the characters.

This book really expands the group dynamic and continues building the emotional tension between the characters. The slow burn romance is SLOW slow burn—like yearning, longing, almost-touching, emotionally tortured kind of slow burn. And just when it finally feels like we’re getting somewhere emotionally, this book absolutely rips the rug out from under you by the end 😭

The emotional tension and relationship dynamics honestly carried a huge part of this story for me. Even while I wanted to shake sense into the FMC, I was still deeply invested in how everything was going to unfold.

The pacing does improve as the story progresses, and by the final portion of the book I was completely locked in. And that ending?? Pain. Actual pain.

Now I desperately need to start book three because I HAVE to know how this series wraps up.

Tropes:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Extremely slow burn
✨ Yearning & tension
✨ Found family / group dynamics
✨ Emotional damage 😭
✨ High stakes fantasy

Overall, while the FMC tested my patience more than once, this sequel still kept me emotionally invested enough that I’m fully committed to seeing how this trilogy ends.

[meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so obsessed with this series. This picked up right where the devastation of book one left off. Things were looking pretty grim for Amaria and her friends as they navigated the destruction around them as well as how each of them were affected by what they all went through. There were some incredibly huge reveals in this that I am still processing, and I can't wait to learn more in the next book. It's such a struggle to unravel the truth when there are so many untrustworthy characters in Amaria's orbit. The absolute roller coaster of emotions I experienced with Eryndor alone... I am so happy this is a completed series so I can start reading book three right now and see what happens next after that ending. Also, there is a freaking cute dog in this that provides much needed comic relief and general adorableness. Highly recommend.

[Kelly Hooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Celeanne Dorrington for the advanced reader’s copy of this book for an honest review.


Also, thank you for making me fall in love with characters and RIPPING my heart out.

I know it’s for the greater good. I believe in the greater good. But my heart is hurting. Eryndor…you selfless, in love, pain in the ass, beautiful man.

I have completely devoured this book. I have laughed, I have cried, and I have screamed. My poor dogs have seen me go through the emotions as I read this book. They will not look at me the same.

I cannot wait to start book 3. I just hope my heart is fixed in the end.

[Madison Harter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off indulgent and getting to lick all the remaining honeycomb. But the slow burn, the sacrifice, the restraint. This series is everything. These characters are so full of life, the banter is witty and makes you just fall in love with the entire story. Beautifully written, and absolutely heart wrenching by the end. This one had me smirking, laughing, crying, and ready to jump in the fight right along side them. THANK GOD all 3 books are done because I would be truly unwell if left to sit and wait without it. So so honored to be an ARC reader for this series. This is it. This is the next series that breaks it all.

[Tia Rusher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pausing just long enough to write this so I can immediately pick up on the final book.

I need closure. It was sooo good. I'm crying. I'm screaming.

My heart is so beautifully broken and I've never been more ready to see Amaria truly come into herself and show everyone who she is now ready to become.

5 Freakin Stars. And now I leave you and have no plans to sleep until I finish the final book. 🤣

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

So, I liked this book, even better than book 1, but I still needed something more. I think I needed just a little more action. I think the pacing was off a little bit for me. I still loved the characters, even when Amaria pissed me off. And how Eryndor is just quietly pining.....swoon! This has been a very complex story so far and all the pieces and parts are coming together. I'll leave you with two warnings though......the tension is high and is still very much a slow burn. And lastly......before the cliffhanger!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

This series is breaking me. I cannot get enough of it. I was SOBBING by the end.

[Lacey Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author really wanted to make sure you felt every single emotion within this book. I feel like my heart and soul were ripped from my body. She really knew what she was doing when she was creating the struggles Amaria had to go through throughout this book. It was struggle after grueling struggle. I was absolutely obsessed with this book I didn’t want to put it down. I feel gutted and absolutely wrecked from this read. It is definitely in my top three reads for 2026. I can’t even begin to describe the roller coaster of emotions you feel in this book. It’s literally top god tier emotional damage. The author really knew what she wanted her readers to feel while reading this. I would give it a ten star rating if I could. If you want to be emotionally wrecked by the end of this book it’s definitely for you. I know that I will be recommending this series go every single person I know because I won’t be able to stop thinking about this book for days if not months. Don’t stop writing because you’re writing makes readers feel absolutely everything they could want while reading your books. I can’t wait to see where book three goes and if I’ll be just as wrecked by it as this one.

[Bri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I’m staring into the void. I’m possibly going to have to come back and add to this after I have processed everything. I’m feeling so many emotions right now.

This is an epic book 2. It does exactly what you need out of a middle book in a trilogy. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll rage.

Amaria and Eryndor. Ugh these two. I’ve never seen a pair more determined to punish themselves and protect the other at the detriment of their own survival. If a martyr complex could be personified it would be these two. Their chemistry just builds and builds, ready to combust. We feel them slowly tearing down the walls, then BAM, it all falls apart. Their journey to safety, then right back into danger just keeps you on your toes.

Thank god for Maxx. Bless his little chaotic heart, bringing humor at all the right times to get us through the pain and frustration. Poor Serenya, my heart is breaking for her. Also I can’t wait to see what happens with these two plus Dreadscale!?

The plot twist, the reveals (I am proud I predicted the two big ones) but man they hit hard! I was literally yelling at my screen I KNEW IT!!!!!

The ending, the prophecy …. I know book 2 shattered us so that book 3 we can rage and burn it all down to rebuild what it should have been all along.

I’m so glad I have the arc for 3 to start on immediately. The author is merciful and is releasing them all together so you should add this trilogy to your TBR pronto!

Tropes:
- forced proximity
- One horse
- Found family
- Banter
- Yearning
- Court politics & betrayal

Favorite Quotes:
- I will do it every time. I will throw myself in front of every arrow, every blade, every apocalypse. I will do it until there’s nothing left of me to throw.
- You are the only thing in this kingdom I would burn it all down to keep you
- "I have wanted to worship you like this since the first time you bared your teeth at me. I have held the weight of kingdoms." His voice was rough and he wrapped his hand around my throat and met my eye. "Nothing has brought me to my knees but you."


SPOILERS BELOW:
- I can’t wait to see her power really come out
- Eryndor a Prince , he needs to become kind with Amaria at his side
- I can’t believe she didn’t see everything he was doing for her ???????? She just let them severe the bond because she can’t stop thinking she’s a Posion??????
- the prophecy !? She thinks they have to repair the bond AND DIE ??????
- Caden , oh poor Caden. How he survived all that and is still the best brother. I’m so glad Amaria has him back and that he knows how worthy Eryndor is!
- Serenya poor girl!!! Her memory loss. At least she has a new puppy .
- also WHAT IS UP WITH HER MAXX AND DREADSCALE?????
- I hope the king gets what he deserves, the princess disappears and the bond doesn’t kill them.

[Laci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared. I repeat — I was NOT prepared.

If book one laid the foundation, book two took everything built so carefully and set it gloriously, devastatingly on fire. I finished this as an ARC and I am still not okay. My heart was ripped out, stomped on, handed back to me in pieces — and somehow I am begging for more.

The world of the Shadowmarked and Luminar continues to expand in breathtaking ways. The soulmark system, already fascinating in book one, becomes so much more layered here. Our heroine — born with both marks, belonging to neither side and yet embodying them both — finally steps fully into her power, and it is everything. She is morally complex, fierce, and utterly compelling. The line "I am the Rupture. And I do not bow to the King." lives rent-free in my head.

The enemies-to-lovers slow burn is doing what it's supposed to do: slow-burning me into ash. The tension, the push and pull, the fated bond that neither of them wants and both of them feel — it is executed with a patience and intensity that pays off in the most gut-wrenching ways. The spice is there (level 3, earned, and woven into the emotional stakes rather than just dropped in), but it's the deeper themes — found family, power, prophecy versus choice — that truly elevate this above the genre.

The found family storyline gutted me just as much as the romance, if not more. I didn't expect to feel so much for this group of characters, and yet here I am, emotionally compromised.

The ending. I cannot say anything about the ending except: how dare you. How dare you leave me here.

This trilogy is shaping up to be something special. Dark, epic, emotionally devastating, and impossible to put down. If you haven't started this series yet, start it — just make sure you have book three on standby, because the wait is going to be cruel.

*Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sitting here staring at the final page of The Lost Thread, and I honestly don't know how to move on with my life. If you thought the first book was high stakes, just prepare yourself, because this one is a total emotional wrecking ball.

The "forced proximity" trope is done so well here. Because Amaria and Eryndor are magically tethered, they literally can't be more than six feet apart without the bond snapping and causing absolute agony. Watching them navigate that—from bickering while sharing a single horse to the mandatory "recharge" sessions where they just have to sit and touch—was absolute perfection. The tension is just simmering on every single page, and seeing their walls slowly come down was so rewarding.

But honestly, it’s the found family that got me the most. The dynamic between Amaria, Eryndor, Maxx, Serenya, and Dreadscale is everything. I went from laughing at Eryndor "executing" carrots with military precision for a mediocre stew to crying over Serenya’s heartbreaking struggle with her memory loss. That "stolen lemon tart" scene was such a sweet, human moment in the middle of a literal apocalypse.

Also, can we talk about the Hunter? That reveal absolutely floored me. Finding out it was Caden all along was such a gut-punch, and the scenes in the dungeon were so visceral and heavy.

Fair warning: the ending is BRUTAL. The "Ceremonial Purification" scene completely broke me, and I’m still not okay with the sacrifice Amaria had to make to save her friends. Celeanne Dorrington has this way of making you care so deeply for these characters before putting them through the absolute ringer. If you love epic fantasy with a unique magic system and a plot that keeps you guessing, you need this on your shelf. I’ll just be over here counting down the days until the final book!

[Erin Dyches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Navhalir… and welcome to my emotional breakdown.

Celeanne Dorrington really said “let’s emotionally destroy my reader today” and honestly?? Mission accomplished.

This book had EVERYTHING. The world-building continues to be absolutely stunning. Every time I pick up one of Dorrington’s books, I feel like I’m walking beside Amaria and the crew. Navhalir feels alive in the best way possible.

Max was elite comedic relief in this one because I was laughing out loud constantly. And Dreadscale?? Between his all-knowing ancient intelligence and the scenes with the dog, I was obsessed. He checks every single one of my boxes at this point. Could not love him more at this point.

But let’s talk about the emotional DAMAGE.
Because Serenya?? Her memory leakage has me STRESSED. That is my ride or die and I need answers immediately. And the vines for bonded souls in the woods?? Such an imaginative concept that allowed Maxx's comedy to shine 😂. Also… excuse me while I spiral wondering Serenya is entering a why choose situation because I NEED TO KNOW MORE.

The tether between Amaria and Eryndor was phenomenal. The tension, the connection, the emotions — ALL OF IT. And Eryndor absolutely stole the show for me this time around. I already knew he was calculating and intelligent, but this book really showcased just how much of a mastermind he is. I feel like his walls FINALLY broke!

And THE BROOM CLOSET SCENE???
I was screaming FINALLY…
Only for Dorrington to immediately crush my hopes and dreams afterwards. RUDE. 😭

The balance between humor, tension, heartbreak, and fantasy was done so well. This series continues to pull me deeper into the world and I genuinely cannot stop thinking about these characters.

Thankfully, I already have book three because after that ending?? I would not have survived the wait.

[book babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good, so so so good

This novel allowed readers to explore love cloaked as betrayal, experience the significance of relief joy during grief & strife brings, illuminates that all that glitters is not gold, remembrance that powerful adversities often wear masks of compassion to hide manipulation, & those worth dying for - would rather have you than loose you. This was a beautiful thrilling adventure that touched a deep place inside me, there were so many incredible themes, lessons learned, & wounds that were revealed within me too. It was an incredible experience.

I feel grateful for novels like this one - the novels where you get lost in the story & step into the shoes of your favorite characters. Where you come out of the book with a new perspective on life, awareness of parts of yourself that you hid behind walls of guilt / shame / grief, & decisions to heal like charactersdid or overcome your own adversities. I leave this feeling the righteous divine feminine rage of Amaria, the humor of Maxx that will carry me through the hardest days, the comfort of S reminding me to call on my friends to just sit with me - even on the days that feel hopeless, & to channel the tenacity of the little fluffy dog learning to do patrol with the dragon born haha.

I adore these characters, the storyline, every twist & gut punching turn - I wouldn’t change any part of this tale. The comedic timing was fabulous, just when you thought you’d break - a one liner would slap you with a piece of tape & give a an “atta girl” pat on the head to keep going. I loved all of Maxx’s silly glamours, illusions, tricks, & schemes! And special thanks to the author for including an adorable dog & NOT killing it!!!

[RyssaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Thread was a fun sequel. I recieved this arc and I had high hopes, in many ways Celeanne Dorrington didn't disappoint. Sequels are difficult, there's always the risk of it feeling like a filler or dragging. However, this didn't feel like either of those things. While I had some issues, the majority of which was rectified by the devastating end.
At the start, I felt like it was unnecessary to have the fmc and mmc return to how they were in the first book considering how that first story ended. However, that was easily forgiven though, in seeing how the author was weaving their story together throughout. I ended up enjoying that side of things the most.
There was a deeper look into the lore of the world that I appreciated , but I do think it still feels a bit fractured. There are times where I feel just a touch lost. I believe though that its on purpose, by the third book things that I am questioning will slide into place. It is very much a moment of being like let the story cook.
The connections between characters have become more complex and strengthened which I really loved. And the side characters? Beloved to me. I need to know more on what is happening with them. I was so happy to get more PoV's, some of which were our side characters, I felt like getting those really helped round out the story, made things feel more lived in and rich. Oh, and that ending? My heart broke! I felt so devastated. Over all, I'm giving this 4☆.
There was a tension between the fmc and mmc that reached a boiling point, I'm going to give this a 3🌶. The tension throughout was an excellent push and pull.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this series—except to say you have to read it.

It has officially become one of my all-time favorite reads, and Celeanne Dorrington is now an auto-buy author for me. This is pure gold.

This series completely wrecks you, but in the best way possible. One moment you’re laughing, the next you’re on the verge of tears, and somehow you’re also full of hope while wanting to scream at the characters. It pulls you through every emotion and doesn’t let go.

Amaria and Eryndor’s chemistry is unforgettable, magical and down right HOT. Their connection feels so real that you’re right there with them—rooting for them, hurting for them, and completely invested in every choice they make.

And then there’s Maxx. Honestly, he steals every scene he’s in. He brings the humor at just the right moments and adds so much heart to the story. You can’t help but love him.

The plot just keeps delivering—twists, reveals, long-awaited answers, and secrets you never saw coming. I was cheering out loud when theories were confirmed and literally shouting at the book during the most twisted reveals. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, it hits you again.

And that ending… it absolutely shattered me. I’m so glad I have the next book ready to go, because there’s no way I could wait after that.

With all three books releasing together next month, this series should immediately jump to the top of your TBR. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER ** MY REVIEW IS MY HONEST OPINION**

Okay so like I totally forgot to write review because the ending was just such an emotional ending that I went straight into reading the third and last book in this emotionaly captivating trilogy. Celeanne Dorringtons writing is absolutely amazing. The first book ended with a cliff hanger that left you wanting NEEDING MORE. The second book?? It picked right up where the first one left off. Book one focused a lot on the plot and building up to everything in book two. I do suggest before reading book 2 read The Keepers Codex, it will help you understand everything so much better. Now if you are some one who loves to get emotionaly attached and obsessed THIS trilogy is made for you. It has been one of the best series i have ever read. Book two starts right off with the cliff hanger from book 1. Its emotional, you get to watch the FMC Amaria and MMC Eryndor bond grow ( so much emotions they will have crying) you're going to be mad at some of the things the FMC does, You're going to laugh at the unhinged Maxx. The king... you will hate. You are going to be so obsessed that when you get to the end of book 2 you will have no choice but to read book 3. The love, the heart break, the laughs, the happiness. They way Celeanne Dorrington captures the readers attention and feeling with her writing that you feel like you are there going through everything with the characters is just astounding. When you can feel like your experiencing everything with the characters, that's what makes a book an amazing piece of art, and Celeanne did just that. I am so grateful to have been able to get an advance copy and be an Arc reader and I can not wait to see other people read this trilogy and get as obsessed as I am !!
❤️❤️❤️❤️