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The Smoke In The Shadows
The world went up in flames fifty years ago. Ninety-five percent of the human population was burned to ash. Buildings that once stood tall and proud, skyscrapers known for their height and impressive views, crumbled to the ground as if they had been made of sticks and glue. The sky turned gray, and the sun disappeared from view.
All hope ceased to exist as humanity feared for its extinction.
Until a group of supernaturals used their powers to save those who hunted them.
Those people are called Potens, and they rule their own cities now. The places where they concentrate most of their powers to keep what they’ve built from being torn apart as easily as the rest of the world was.
My parents are Potens. My father is one of the most dangerous ones there is, which is why my mother sent me away when I was ten years old. She had hoped I’d be safe from the man who tortured me most of my life, but I should have known he’d find me. My powers are far too strong for him to let go of, especially with a war on the horizon.
A war they cannot win without me.
All hope ceased to exist as humanity feared for its extinction.
Until a group of supernaturals used their powers to save those who hunted them.
Those people are called Potens, and they rule their own cities now. The places where they concentrate most of their powers to keep what they’ve built from being torn apart as easily as the rest of the world was.
My parents are Potens. My father is one of the most dangerous ones there is, which is why my mother sent me away when I was ten years old. She had hoped I’d be safe from the man who tortured me most of my life, but I should have known he’d find me. My powers are far too strong for him to let go of, especially with a war on the horizon.
A war they cannot win without me.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, officially, this is one of my favorite books ever!!
I don't even know where to start.
The character development is amazing, and the relationships are so intricate and full of thought. I fell in love from the very first page. And while we're talking about relationships, let me tell you about this enemies-to-lovers thing. You've surely come across this trope before, but in 15 pages, they're already in love? Nuh-uh, not the case here. Their hate gradually fades and lets the love come alive in such a natural way, and it's not rushed at all.
Character-wise, Nova and Torianna are just the best. Their past, their present, their planned future, everything is just perfect. I love that they have a thorough backstory. You understand why they do what they do, and I really enjoy this detailed aspect of the book.
I'll keep this short and end it here: the tropes and plot are amazing, smooth, and natural. The book isn't rushed, and the tropes don't just happen all of a sudden.
That being said, I am in love with everything about this book, even the ending. I AM WRECKED that there's no book 2 yet, but I'm sure it's worth the wait!! 💗
I don't even know where to start.
The character development is amazing, and the relationships are so intricate and full of thought. I fell in love from the very first page. And while we're talking about relationships, let me tell you about this enemies-to-lovers thing. You've surely come across this trope before, but in 15 pages, they're already in love? Nuh-uh, not the case here. Their hate gradually fades and lets the love come alive in such a natural way, and it's not rushed at all.
Character-wise, Nova and Torianna are just the best. Their past, their present, their planned future, everything is just perfect. I love that they have a thorough backstory. You understand why they do what they do, and I really enjoy this detailed aspect of the book.
I'll keep this short and end it here: the tropes and plot are amazing, smooth, and natural. The book isn't rushed, and the tropes don't just happen all of a sudden.
That being said, I am in love with everything about this book, even the ending. I AM WRECKED that there's no book 2 yet, but I'm sure it's worth the wait!! 💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you, Laura, for having me as an ARC Reader; always a pleasure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
I NEED BOOK 2!! Laura, MADAM! I NEED BOOK 2!!! i CANNOT TALK!! wHAT JUST HAPPENED!??
MISS LAURA DELLA CORTE, congratulations! You've made me read and LOVE a dystopian romance. Seems like I'm supposed to dip my toes in new book genres while holding your hand in one way or another. And I am glad it has been you.
The book, OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THE BOOK! (This is me holding myself back from begging for Book #2) Ask me how long it took to finish this book? 3 hours (give or take 20 minutes). Oh yeah! I DEVOURED!! Which is me surprising myself because I don't traditionally gravitate towards dystopian books. But then again, I'd read Laura's grocery lists if I were allowed to, so that checks out. But here are a couple of thoughts I wrote while wolfing this book down!! Keep in mind that there might be spoilers.
1. Tori and Echo ARE the cutest🥰
2. I fucking HATE Maven. 😀 🔪
3. EXCUSE ME, ECHO. 🫣🫢
4. Elena and Torianna😭😭😭😭
5. Beast + Swim happened on Spotify shuffle while on Chapter 26 🫣🫠
6. "My perfect woman" *SCREAMING INTENSIFIES* 🫠🫠🫠
7. How does 'Lose My Mind' fit in Chapter 30 SOO FUCKING WELL??! 🥵🥵🥵
8. WHY SEPARATE MY BABIES😭😭😭😭
If you love:
☑️ Dystopian romances,
☑️ A FMC who doesn't let the ugly world take away her shine and
☑️ Who also doesn't know the extent of her powers
☑️ An MMC who gives off 'who did this to you?' energy
☑️ 'Touch her & Di#' energy
☑️ While also wanting to give his woman a better life and a better future
☑️ And somehow also is a major 'Midnight Rain' coded scarred Knight.
READ! THIS! BOOK!
Misery loves company, and I am in pain with that ending! So please, come be in pain with me😭LAURA, MY NEED FOR BOOK 2 IS EXPONENTIAL!!! PLEASE PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY!!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
I NEED BOOK 2!! Laura, MADAM! I NEED BOOK 2!!! i CANNOT TALK!! wHAT JUST HAPPENED!??
MISS LAURA DELLA CORTE, congratulations! You've made me read and LOVE a dystopian romance. Seems like I'm supposed to dip my toes in new book genres while holding your hand in one way or another. And I am glad it has been you.
The book, OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THE BOOK! (This is me holding myself back from begging for Book #2) Ask me how long it took to finish this book? 3 hours (give or take 20 minutes). Oh yeah! I DEVOURED!! Which is me surprising myself because I don't traditionally gravitate towards dystopian books. But then again, I'd read Laura's grocery lists if I were allowed to, so that checks out. But here are a couple of thoughts I wrote while wolfing this book down!! Keep in mind that there might be spoilers.
1. Tori and Echo ARE the cutest🥰
2. I fucking HATE Maven. 😀 🔪
3. EXCUSE ME, ECHO. 🫣🫢
4. Elena and Torianna😭😭😭😭
5. Beast + Swim happened on Spotify shuffle while on Chapter 26 🫣🫠
6. "My perfect woman" *SCREAMING INTENSIFIES* 🫠🫠🫠
7. How does 'Lose My Mind' fit in Chapter 30 SOO FUCKING WELL??! 🥵🥵🥵
8. WHY SEPARATE MY BABIES😭😭😭😭
If you love:
☑️ Dystopian romances,
☑️ A FMC who doesn't let the ugly world take away her shine and
☑️ Who also doesn't know the extent of her powers
☑️ An MMC who gives off 'who did this to you?' energy
☑️ 'Touch her & Di#' energy
☑️ While also wanting to give his woman a better life and a better future
☑️ And somehow also is a major 'Midnight Rain' coded scarred Knight.
READ! THIS! BOOK!
Misery loves company, and I am in pain with that ending! So please, come be in pain with me😭LAURA, MY NEED FOR BOOK 2 IS EXPONENTIAL!!! PLEASE PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
rating: 4.75💫
release day: 31.10.2026
first of all, let me start and thank laura for sending me this arc!! you're an absolute angel and i had the best time reading it 🤭
now i have to start with tori. this woman has been through SO much and still manages to stand tall and fight back. she's an absolute badass and i'm here for it!!! i love a heroine who has every reason to give up but keeps going anyway. i would defend her with my entire life, thank you very much. also the violet eyes kinda made me jealous 🙈
and then there's nova. the way he just crawled his way to my heart was just so🤭 i love reading about a strong broody man who has a soft spot for his girl😌 the banter, the chemistry, THE TENSION between those two!! there were so many parts were i was like, "THAT MAN🤭" but i think my fav one was the one with the paint (you're gonna have to read it to understand 🙈)
as for the worldbuilding?? the whole setting of the world, the different kinds of powers potens have, and the fact that they bond canines (mab i'm coming for you wolf🙃)?? i loved all of it. we also got a little overprotective bonded with echo, and it"s gonna be really interesting to see the way things continue with him in book 2.
overall, i had so much fun reading this book and honestly cannot wait for book 2!!🖤
tropes:
• hate to love
• forced proximity
• paranormal romance
• "f*ck it" moment
• everyone is queer
• mental health rep
• open door
• morally grey/masked/biker mmc
release day: 31.10.2026
first of all, let me start and thank laura for sending me this arc!! you're an absolute angel and i had the best time reading it 🤭
now i have to start with tori. this woman has been through SO much and still manages to stand tall and fight back. she's an absolute badass and i'm here for it!!! i love a heroine who has every reason to give up but keeps going anyway. i would defend her with my entire life, thank you very much. also the violet eyes kinda made me jealous 🙈
and then there's nova. the way he just crawled his way to my heart was just so🤭 i love reading about a strong broody man who has a soft spot for his girl😌 the banter, the chemistry, THE TENSION between those two!! there were so many parts were i was like, "THAT MAN🤭" but i think my fav one was the one with the paint (you're gonna have to read it to understand 🙈)
as for the worldbuilding?? the whole setting of the world, the different kinds of powers potens have, and the fact that they bond canines (mab i'm coming for you wolf🙃)?? i loved all of it. we also got a little overprotective bonded with echo, and it"s gonna be really interesting to see the way things continue with him in book 2.
overall, i had so much fun reading this book and honestly cannot wait for book 2!!🖤
tropes:
• hate to love
• forced proximity
• paranormal romance
• "f*ck it" moment
• everyone is queer
• mental health rep
• open door
• morally grey/masked/biker mmc
October 31, 2026
Wow I’m absolutely blown away over how good Laura’s dystopian debut is! It’s a new favourite for me for sure 🥹
The world building in this book was insane and it all flowed so smoothly. I absolutely loved reading about all the different characters and different abilities people had. The names for people’s abilities were so clever. If I had to choose one I’d love to be a Elementalis, who controls the elements or a Versipellis aka a shapeshifter 🤭
I absolutely love our fmc, Torianna. She is such a strong character with a good heart. I loved seeing her confidence grow as she got a handle on her powers. She reminded me a lot of Daisy Johnson “Quake” from Agents of Shield, who is one of my fictional characters.
I love when Laura doesn’t just write her men just to be all grumpy and emotionless. Instead her book men are caring and have a soft side for their love interests even if they have a hard exterior towards others. Nova, the mmc was down bad on an other level. He is the definition of “risking the world to save the love of his life”.
Overall I loved this book. The writing and world building was so well done. It is definitely a new dystopian favourite for me. Run, don’t walk to grab this book!
*Make sure to check the Trigger Warnings in this book.*
The world building in this book was insane and it all flowed so smoothly. I absolutely loved reading about all the different characters and different abilities people had. The names for people’s abilities were so clever. If I had to choose one I’d love to be a Elementalis, who controls the elements or a Versipellis aka a shapeshifter 🤭
I absolutely love our fmc, Torianna. She is such a strong character with a good heart. I loved seeing her confidence grow as she got a handle on her powers. She reminded me a lot of Daisy Johnson “Quake” from Agents of Shield, who is one of my fictional characters.
I love when Laura doesn’t just write her men just to be all grumpy and emotionless. Instead her book men are caring and have a soft side for their love interests even if they have a hard exterior towards others. Nova, the mmc was down bad on an other level. He is the definition of “risking the world to save the love of his life”.
Overall I loved this book. The writing and world building was so well done. It is definitely a new dystopian favourite for me. Run, don’t walk to grab this book!
*Make sure to check the Trigger Warnings in this book.*
October 31, 2026
I was left speechless - in a good way.
Tori and Nova, two persons with so different personalities but not so different experiences in life, different coping mechanisms have to stick together for the same reasons...
What happens if you trauma bond two people in a world of control and powers you can't escape? A world which is not the world we knkw...
Mix it with some enemies to lovers, masked MMC and a sunshine FMC and voila you have the grumpy Shadow begging his princess.
Add some shifting creatures and supernatural powers and make it a slowburn.
The perfect mix of Dark Romance and Fantasy combined with humor.
Tori and Nova, two persons with so different personalities but not so different experiences in life, different coping mechanisms have to stick together for the same reasons...
What happens if you trauma bond two people in a world of control and powers you can't escape? A world which is not the world we knkw...
Mix it with some enemies to lovers, masked MMC and a sunshine FMC and voila you have the grumpy Shadow begging his princess.
Add some shifting creatures and supernatural powers and make it a slowburn.
The perfect mix of Dark Romance and Fantasy combined with humor.
November 1, 2026
Pfew what a wild ride 🤯
I signed up for an arc of this book to support this lovely author because I love all of her contemporary romance books under her other name, and I was hesitant about this genre but this book had me in a chokehold.
I hated one of the mmc's (she told me i apparently am the only one) but she wrote him in such a way that he eventually grew on me 🥰
And then you have Echo, the most sarcastic and fun character in the book I can not express how funny he is 😂.
And then the last few chapters, I had to dm the author (in all caps lock) because oh my god, the feelings I felt 😭😂
I signed up for an arc of this book to support this lovely author because I love all of her contemporary romance books under her other name, and I was hesitant about this genre but this book had me in a chokehold.
I hated one of the mmc's (she told me i apparently am the only one) but she wrote him in such a way that he eventually grew on me 🥰
And then you have Echo, the most sarcastic and fun character in the book I can not express how funny he is 😂.
And then the last few chapters, I had to dm the author (in all caps lock) because oh my god, the feelings I felt 😭😂
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews