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Splinter and Soul
A soldier haunted by an ancient enemy. A prince torn between love and vengeance. An alliance that demands a sacrifice.
Kaia Velaverde has barely recovered from the battle that nearly forced her to kill the man she loves when she is sent back into the fight. Now able to wield the telepathy she once believed impossible, Kaia is stationed in the Wilds, where Allende and Kadaron remain locked in a brutal stalemate.
But King Malek hasn’t forgotten the Egonite, and the threat of another Kadaron invasion looms over Allende. Though the nation is rebuilding with Leander’s help, its leaders know they cannot face Malek alone. Their best hope for an ally lies thousands of miles to the east in the nation of Eyre.
When Kaia is ordered to carry the Egonite to Eyre for safekeeping, she reluctantly agrees. For the first time in months, Kaia and Leander are reunited, with a chance to imagine a future beyond the war.
But beneath Eyre’s beauty lies a political struggle Kaia never expected to face. To protect Allende, Kaia may have to make a sacrifice she never imagined. And this time, saving the people she loves may mean giving up the one person she cannot bear to lose.
Splinter and Soul is the second book in the Heartweaver series. Fans of high-fantasy, political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, and slow burn, spicy romance will enjoy this series.
Kaia Velaverde has barely recovered from the battle that nearly forced her to kill the man she loves when she is sent back into the fight. Now able to wield the telepathy she once believed impossible, Kaia is stationed in the Wilds, where Allende and Kadaron remain locked in a brutal stalemate.
But King Malek hasn’t forgotten the Egonite, and the threat of another Kadaron invasion looms over Allende. Though the nation is rebuilding with Leander’s help, its leaders know they cannot face Malek alone. Their best hope for an ally lies thousands of miles to the east in the nation of Eyre.
When Kaia is ordered to carry the Egonite to Eyre for safekeeping, she reluctantly agrees. For the first time in months, Kaia and Leander are reunited, with a chance to imagine a future beyond the war.
But beneath Eyre’s beauty lies a political struggle Kaia never expected to face. To protect Allende, Kaia may have to make a sacrifice she never imagined. And this time, saving the people she loves may mean giving up the one person she cannot bear to lose.
Splinter and Soul is the second book in the Heartweaver series. Fans of high-fantasy, political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, and slow burn, spicy romance will enjoy this series.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published September 27, 2026
About the author
Yashira Ponce
2 books23 followersYashira Ponce is a writer and filmmaker. Having grown up in a family of mostly women, she loves writing stories featuring complex female leads. She spends her free time speedreading romantasy, rewatching Gilmore Girls, and alternating between cozy and gory videogames. Born in Honduras, she now lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and no cats.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 14, 2026
If you loved the first book, Splinter and Soul is an absolute triumph that somehow manages to top it! While the first book was a fast-paced, high-stakes sprint featuring a desperate prison escape, this second installment takes a slightly slower, deeper dive into the world and its characters—and I honestly loved it even more for that.
One of the standout highlights for me is how much the main relationship has evolved. Gone is the initial awkwardness and slow-burn shyness; these two are a seasoned couple now, and the book delivers significantly more heat, passion, and spice that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Because the plot separates the main characters for a good portion of the middle, the story takes the time to expand the universe in wonderful ways. We get introduced to a brand-new region with a different culture, unique people, and fascinating new powers. Watching the main character dive deeper into her heritage, family history, and her evolving abilities—while her partner works on strategic alliances and building crucial ties for what's ahead—makes for a richly layered read. There’s even a fun bit of fake dating thrown into the mix for those looking for that trope!
The character growth across the board is phenomenal. Not only do we get to see the bond between the main couple mature, but we also get wonderful dynamics with both returning favorites and fantastic new friends. The world-building expands seamlessly, and the finale packs plenty of action and gripping moments to bring it all home.
If you love deep character development, higher-stakes romance, rich lore, and a story that lets its world breathe while still keeping you hooked, this is a must-read five-star sequel!
One of the standout highlights for me is how much the main relationship has evolved. Gone is the initial awkwardness and slow-burn shyness; these two are a seasoned couple now, and the book delivers significantly more heat, passion, and spice that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Because the plot separates the main characters for a good portion of the middle, the story takes the time to expand the universe in wonderful ways. We get introduced to a brand-new region with a different culture, unique people, and fascinating new powers. Watching the main character dive deeper into her heritage, family history, and her evolving abilities—while her partner works on strategic alliances and building crucial ties for what's ahead—makes for a richly layered read. There’s even a fun bit of fake dating thrown into the mix for those looking for that trope!
The character growth across the board is phenomenal. Not only do we get to see the bond between the main couple mature, but we also get wonderful dynamics with both returning favorites and fantastic new friends. The world-building expands seamlessly, and the finale packs plenty of action and gripping moments to bring it all home.
If you love deep character development, higher-stakes romance, rich lore, and a story that lets its world breathe while still keeping you hooked, this is a must-read five-star sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't even know where to begin on this one, I loved this book in the series, I actually enjoyed it better than the first one!
Kaia seemed a little immature, selfish and ignorant in Captive and Crown, all of that seemed resolved in Splinter and Soul. She actually thought through her decisions in high stake situations, which was something she was severely lacking before. I was very glad to see that she thought of others, or saw the bigger picture before she acted.
I was happy to see that Kaia and Leander's relationship was really put to the test multiple times in the story, it really had me on the edge of my seat. I felt so much more invested in the characters and the plot.
The ending was heart wrenching. No spoilers though... you just have to go along for the ride...
Overall it was an amazing improvement from from the first book, in my personal opinion. It was an emotional and hard to put down ride. I can't wait to see what happens and hopefully the next book has a happier outcome.
Kaia seemed a little immature, selfish and ignorant in Captive and Crown, all of that seemed resolved in Splinter and Soul. She actually thought through her decisions in high stake situations, which was something she was severely lacking before. I was very glad to see that she thought of others, or saw the bigger picture before she acted.
I was happy to see that Kaia and Leander's relationship was really put to the test multiple times in the story, it really had me on the edge of my seat. I felt so much more invested in the characters and the plot.
The ending was heart wrenching. No spoilers though... you just have to go along for the ride...
Overall it was an amazing improvement from from the first book, in my personal opinion. It was an emotional and hard to put down ride. I can't wait to see what happens and hopefully the next book has a happier outcome.
August 20, 2026
I have been dying for the sequel to Captive and Crown and Splinter and Soul did not disappoint! The story starts a few weeks after the first book ends and the action is immediate. I was instantly immersed back into this world and could not put the book down. I loved seeing a new part of the world and how it all connected to Kaia. I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing how the land of Eyre works and the political issues they have.
The struggles they faced when there were not always as high stakes as in the first book (except for Kaia's) but it also broke my heart in so many ways for not only Kaia and Leander but also Aksel. I have so many questions now and of course the book ended on a cliff hanger and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book in 2027 to see what happens to Eyre and Leander and Kaia! I feel like I have so much more to say but I don't want to spoil anything either!
I would suggest reading the first book Captive and Crown before Splinter and Soul to have a full understanding of what is going on and the characters, you will not be disappointed and you will soon be hooked to the Heartweaver Series, like me!
The struggles they faced when there were not always as high stakes as in the first book (except for Kaia's) but it also broke my heart in so many ways for not only Kaia and Leander but also Aksel. I have so many questions now and of course the book ended on a cliff hanger and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book in 2027 to see what happens to Eyre and Leander and Kaia! I feel like I have so much more to say but I don't want to spoil anything either!
I would suggest reading the first book Captive and Crown before Splinter and Soul to have a full understanding of what is going on and the characters, you will not be disappointed and you will soon be hooked to the Heartweaver Series, like me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Picking up just weeks after Captive and Crown, this sequel wastes no time throwing Kaia back into danger, this time wielding a telepathy she never thought she'd have. She's barely had a chance to breathe before she's sent into the Wilds, caught in the ongoing stalemate with Kadaron, and later tasked with carrying the Egonite to the new nation of Eyre. Her reunion with Leander is one of the sweeter threads here, a brief chance to imagine life after the war, but Eyre turns out to have its own tangled politics waiting for them. The new setting is genuinely fun to explore, adding fresh texture to the world without losing the thread of Kaia's story, and the emotional beats hit harder than expected, especially for Kaia, Leander, and Aksel. The stakes feel a touch lower than the first book at times, but the characters carry it. It closes on a cliffhanger sharp enough to leave you counting down to book three. A worthy follow-up that rewards readers who came in from Captive and Crown, and deepens what's shaping up to be a really compelling series.
Picking up just weeks after Captive and Crown, this sequel wastes no time throwing Kaia back into danger, this time wielding a telepathy she never thought she'd have. She's barely had a chance to breathe before she's sent into the Wilds, caught in the ongoing stalemate with Kadaron, and later tasked with carrying the Egonite to the new nation of Eyre. Her reunion with Leander is one of the sweeter threads here, a brief chance to imagine life after the war, but Eyre turns out to have its own tangled politics waiting for them. The new setting is genuinely fun to explore, adding fresh texture to the world without losing the thread of Kaia's story, and the emotional beats hit harder than expected, especially for Kaia, Leander, and Aksel. The stakes feel a touch lower than the first book at times, but the characters carry it. It closes on a cliffhanger sharp enough to leave you counting down to book three. A worthy follow-up that rewards readers who came in from Captive and Crown, and deepens what's shaping up to be a really compelling series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Yashira Ponce for the ARC of Splinter and Soul.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Splinter and Soul is the second book in The Heartweaver Series, following MFC Kaia not long after the events of the first book.
I really enjoyed seeing Kaia continue to explore her abilities, as well as learning more about her mother’s side and getting to explore another culture within the world. I also liked that the struggles Kaia faces in this book are very different from those in the first, which kept the story feeling fresh and unpredictable. I obviously won’t say too much because I don’t want to give away any spoilers!
I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next for Kaia and Leander and where the story takes them.
I would recommend reading Captive and Crown first, as it will give you a much better understanding of the main characters, the world, and everything that has happened so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Splinter and Soul is the second book in The Heartweaver Series, following MFC Kaia not long after the events of the first book.
I really enjoyed seeing Kaia continue to explore her abilities, as well as learning more about her mother’s side and getting to explore another culture within the world. I also liked that the struggles Kaia faces in this book are very different from those in the first, which kept the story feeling fresh and unpredictable. I obviously won’t say too much because I don’t want to give away any spoilers!
I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next for Kaia and Leander and where the story takes them.
I would recommend reading Captive and Crown first, as it will give you a much better understanding of the main characters, the world, and everything that has happened so far.
September 26, 2026
I was able to dive into this right after finishing book one (which I would recommend reading first). It picked up a few weeks after the ending of book one which was nice because you got to see how rebuilding was going without feeling like so much time passed that you missed everything.
There were some times that I felt so frustrated by the challenges facing Kaia and Leander that I wasn’t as engaged as in the first book, however that was quickly thrown out the window. Despite not as much interaction between characters as I’d hoped (keeping it vague to avoid spoilers), I ended up so much more invested than in book one. I was SO impressed by the writing, especially during the different POVs towards the end (iykyk). The cliffhanger is brutal but I’m so invested in this story and I can’t wait to see how Kaia and Leander continue their journey!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC ❤️
There were some times that I felt so frustrated by the challenges facing Kaia and Leander that I wasn’t as engaged as in the first book, however that was quickly thrown out the window. Despite not as much interaction between characters as I’d hoped (keeping it vague to avoid spoilers), I ended up so much more invested than in book one. I was SO impressed by the writing, especially during the different POVs towards the end (iykyk). The cliffhanger is brutal but I’m so invested in this story and I can’t wait to see how Kaia and Leander continue their journey!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC ❤️
October 1, 2026
This book was an emotional ride… I genuinely was not expecting half of the things this book had. The FMC, Kaia, faced more of a mental and emotional battle than before so it was gut wrenching to see her got through all of that right when things were getting better and there was hope for a future. We didn’t get too many interactions with the MMC which was sad but the story needed it. This book delivered the plot twist with grace and great writing for the transition (hopefully you will know what I’m talking about). When I finished this book I was on the edge of my seat, and that cliffhanger had me reeling, I hope we finally get this battle over so we can get a HEA because both the FMC and the MMC have been through it so bad. I have hope for them as I loved how Leander’s pov ended and am looking forward to the next book. 2027 get here now!
Thank you to Yashira Ponce for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Yashira Ponce for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Splinter and Soul was a decent read, though Captive and Crown is still my favorite!
The best part was definitely Leander and Kaia. Watching their reunion and seeing their relationship grow kept me invested.
However, the story felt a bit dragged out at times, and there were still too many unanswered questions by the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The best part was definitely Leander and Kaia. Watching their reunion and seeing their relationship grow kept me invested.
However, the story felt a bit dragged out at times, and there were still too many unanswered questions by the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️
Sometimes Book 1 is good and the sequel isn’t better, but in this case, Book 1 was just alright for me. Book 2, on the other hand, was super investing.
It was nice getting to see Kaia’s roots, and I really commend her for the choices she made. Though, I do think Eshe deserved what was coming to her, unlike Kaia.
And that last ch… poor Leander. Idk if I’ll pick up the sequel though. Guess we’ll see.
Sometimes Book 1 is good and the sequel isn’t better, but in this case, Book 1 was just alright for me. Book 2, on the other hand, was super investing.
It was nice getting to see Kaia’s roots, and I really commend her for the choices she made. Though, I do think Eshe deserved what was coming to her, unlike Kaia.
And that last ch… poor Leander. Idk if I’ll pick up the sequel though. Guess we’ll see.
October 5, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Single POV
Cliffhanger; Book 2 of the Heartweaver series
Thank you Yeshira and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Single POV
Cliffhanger; Book 2 of the Heartweaver series
Thank you Yeshira and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Ponce Publishing for the ARC.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 3.75/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.5/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I really enjoyed the first book, it had some great moments and great characters and this book is a good sequel that picks off right where book one left off. However, it didn’t grip me as much as I would have liked. In a way it felt a little redundant.
-The characters were alright. I still enjoyed their story. Though I am the type who kind of gets bored when enemies turn lovers and then it’s just them being lovers. The romance between Kaia and Leander kind of felt like that, redundant and boring.
-The ending does leave something to look forward to. The cliffhanger left me surprised and wanting more so that’s definitely a bonus for this book and it makes me want to go on reading the series.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 3.75/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.5/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I really enjoyed the first book, it had some great moments and great characters and this book is a good sequel that picks off right where book one left off. However, it didn’t grip me as much as I would have liked. In a way it felt a little redundant.
-The characters were alright. I still enjoyed their story. Though I am the type who kind of gets bored when enemies turn lovers and then it’s just them being lovers. The romance between Kaia and Leander kind of felt like that, redundant and boring.
-The ending does leave something to look forward to. The cliffhanger left me surprised and wanting more so that’s definitely a bonus for this book and it makes me want to go on reading the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews