What do you think?
Rate this book
Cedars & Concrete: A Teen Dystopian Romantasy
To save her sanctuary, she must destroy its peace.
Nova Stormont thought surviving Echelon was the hardest thing she would ever do. Now she has to go home.
Fresh from freeing her oldest friend, Nova returns to Whitebark Haven carrying scars, a fractured heart, and a warning no one wants to the Commonwealth of the Golden Sun is advancing, and Whitebark sits directly in its path.
But her forest collective has changed. Chief Wilm has tightened his grip, enforcing isolation in the name of protection, silencing anything that threatens the fragile peace he has built.
Nova knows better. If Whitebark Haven remains hidden, her people will be defenseless when the soldiers arrive. But preparing them for war means defying the chief who rules them and breaking the very isolation he believes will keep them safe.
When the threat reaches their doorstep, Nova is driven to the very people her collective has spent generations learning to fear. And as old ties resurface, she must confront where her loyalty truly lies.
Nova Stormont thought surviving Echelon was the hardest thing she would ever do. Now she has to go home.
Fresh from freeing her oldest friend, Nova returns to Whitebark Haven carrying scars, a fractured heart, and a warning no one wants to the Commonwealth of the Golden Sun is advancing, and Whitebark sits directly in its path.
But her forest collective has changed. Chief Wilm has tightened his grip, enforcing isolation in the name of protection, silencing anything that threatens the fragile peace he has built.
Nova knows better. If Whitebark Haven remains hidden, her people will be defenseless when the soldiers arrive. But preparing them for war means defying the chief who rules them and breaking the very isolation he believes will keep them safe.
When the threat reaches their doorstep, Nova is driven to the very people her collective has spent generations learning to fear. And as old ties resurface, she must confront where her loyalty truly lies.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2026
About the author
Kalleigh Royn
7 books51 followersKalleigh Royn is an award-winning author who crafts stories with heart, grit, and hope.
She is the author the of YA Dystopian Romantasy Series: The Scattered Seeds
Book 1: Roots & Rubble
Book 2: Sprigs & Stone
Book 2.5: Pines & Petrol
Book 3: Cedars & Concrete
Book 4: Marigolds & Mortar
Kalleigh lives in a beautiful mountain town in Southern Alberta, where she balances her work as a middle school administrator with her passion for writing. Drawing from her experiences, she weaves themes of resilience and leadership into her stories. When she's not writing or working, she can be found hiking, running, biking, or spending time with her partner and their adventurous corgi, Corgmander Riker.
Follow Kalleigh Royn on instagram https://www.instagram.com/kalleighroy...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 23, 2026
“I’m in love with the person I became in Echelon.” - Nova
I loved seeing Nova’s character arc in this third installment of the Scattered Seeds series. Although she can still be frustrating at times, I loved seeing her finally choose herself.
This book had some of my favourite moments from the series. I loved the reveals, watching Kieran and Leon go head to head and chapter 46 IYKYK.
I can't wait for the next (and final?) book.
I received an ARC from the author, but all opinions are my own.
I loved seeing Nova’s character arc in this third installment of the Scattered Seeds series. Although she can still be frustrating at times, I loved seeing her finally choose herself.
This book had some of my favourite moments from the series. I loved the reveals, watching Kieran and Leon go head to head and chapter 46 IYKYK.
I can't wait for the next (and final?) book.
I received an ARC from the author, but all opinions are my own.
October 13, 2026
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!! OMG, WHERE DO I START?!
Even though I was mad at Nova for what happened at the end of Sprigs & Stone, she shows up for her people over and over again. She puts herself in danger for those she loves. I guess I have to respect that. There were a lot of reveals. Like Nova's mom 👀. I loved all the confrontations between Leon and Kieran. I LOVED seeing Leon grow! I also think I have a new favorite character. Crux, my boy, your page time wasn't much, but it left an impact!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure many people will be happy with where the romance went, but let me say, I'm still TEAM LEON.
Even though I was mad at Nova for what happened at the end of Sprigs & Stone, she shows up for her people over and over again. She puts herself in danger for those she loves. I guess I have to respect that. There were a lot of reveals. Like Nova's mom 👀. I loved all the confrontations between Leon and Kieran. I LOVED seeing Leon grow! I also think I have a new favorite character. Crux, my boy, your page time wasn't much, but it left an impact!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure many people will be happy with where the romance went, but let me say, I'm still TEAM LEON.
October 10, 2026
5/5 STARS | ARC REVIEW
I expected to enjoy this book. I did NOT expect it to become my favourite of the series so far!
This was such an easy 5 STAR READ!
It was so fast-paced, it flew by from start to finish. And those last few chapters somehow just kept getting better and better. I was completely glued to it.
And then it ended.
On THAT cliffhanger.
I genuinely stared at the wall afterward because I was so sad it was over. I honestly have no idea how they're going to get through what's coming next.
One of my favourite things about Kalleigh Royn's writing is how immersive these books feel. You feel the dirt, the rubble, the concrete. True to their titles, she has a way of pulling you directly into the setting and making the world feel tangible.
But you also feel how much being grounded means to Nova herself. Her connection to the earth, to growing things, and to putting down roots reflects something deeper: her search for belonging, purpose and a place in the world where she can be valued for who she truly is.
And I think that's what makes the setting so meaningful. In a world where everything is constantly being fought over, destroyed or taken away, you can feel how desperately Nova wants something she can call her own. Somewhere she belongs, people she can trust, and a future where she doesn't have to fight just to prove she deserves a place in it.
And Cedars & Concrete gets DARK.
The warring factions, the fights over territory and resources, and the way power can become more important than the actual wellbeing of people felt disturbingly believable in a post-apocalyptic world.
We also meet several new characters who somehow quickly feel like they've always been part of this world, although I definitely found myself wishing we'd gotten more time with a few familiar faces. (E.g. Bradger!)
And if you haven't read the novella before Book 3: READ IT.
I genuinely wonder how differently I would have interpreted Leon's actions without having that insight into him first. Highly recommend it!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FROM HERE
Before going into this book, I was actually scared about the trajectory Leon's character was taking. After everything that happened in the novella, I genuinely didn't know how I was supposed to keep rooting for him.
And that's part of what made this book so interesting.
In Book 2, we watched Keiran and Leon take completely opposite trajectories from what I expected.
One begins to unravel.
The other slowly becomes the person we once thought his brother was.
And in Book 3, we finally start to understand why.
We get to see who these brothers truly are at their core, and I thought the way their arcs were handled was brilliantly done.
MAJOR SPOILERS
The confrontation between Leon and Nova had me in TEARS. It was painful, complicated and incredibly bittersweet.
Then Nova and Keiran FINALLY getting together, and the conversation they have?! SO GOOD.
But Keiran and Leon's confrontation might have hurt even more. I suffered for both of them as brothers, while also feeling Nova's own heartbreak through everything happening between them.
I especially loved Leon finally seeing that Keiran genuinely cares about his people. I'd wondered how Leon could have missed something that seemed increasingly obvious to us, until their confrontation put their history and their perceptions of each other into perspective.
And BRADGER.
I'm so glad he stayed and eventually came to understand, and at least begin to forgive, Nova. Their friendship was one of my favourite parts of Book 1, so I'm really hoping we get more of them again. And more Bradger and Leon too!
If you're a YA reader who loves wilderness survival, dystopian settlements, enemies to lovers, painfully slow burns and complicated love triangles, you NEED to check out the Scattered Seeds series!
I can't stop thinking about this book. The character arcs, the increasingly complex post-apocalyptic world, Nova as a female lead... there was just so much I loved about it.
Book 4 cannot come soon enough!
ARC provided for review. All opinions are my own.
I expected to enjoy this book. I did NOT expect it to become my favourite of the series so far!
This was such an easy 5 STAR READ!
It was so fast-paced, it flew by from start to finish. And those last few chapters somehow just kept getting better and better. I was completely glued to it.
And then it ended.
On THAT cliffhanger.
I genuinely stared at the wall afterward because I was so sad it was over. I honestly have no idea how they're going to get through what's coming next.
One of my favourite things about Kalleigh Royn's writing is how immersive these books feel. You feel the dirt, the rubble, the concrete. True to their titles, she has a way of pulling you directly into the setting and making the world feel tangible.
But you also feel how much being grounded means to Nova herself. Her connection to the earth, to growing things, and to putting down roots reflects something deeper: her search for belonging, purpose and a place in the world where she can be valued for who she truly is.
And I think that's what makes the setting so meaningful. In a world where everything is constantly being fought over, destroyed or taken away, you can feel how desperately Nova wants something she can call her own. Somewhere she belongs, people she can trust, and a future where she doesn't have to fight just to prove she deserves a place in it.
And Cedars & Concrete gets DARK.
The warring factions, the fights over territory and resources, and the way power can become more important than the actual wellbeing of people felt disturbingly believable in a post-apocalyptic world.
We also meet several new characters who somehow quickly feel like they've always been part of this world, although I definitely found myself wishing we'd gotten more time with a few familiar faces. (E.g. Bradger!)
And if you haven't read the novella before Book 3: READ IT.
I genuinely wonder how differently I would have interpreted Leon's actions without having that insight into him first. Highly recommend it!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FROM HERE
Before going into this book, I was actually scared about the trajectory Leon's character was taking. After everything that happened in the novella, I genuinely didn't know how I was supposed to keep rooting for him.
And that's part of what made this book so interesting.
In Book 2, we watched Keiran and Leon take completely opposite trajectories from what I expected.
One begins to unravel.
The other slowly becomes the person we once thought his brother was.
And in Book 3, we finally start to understand why.
We get to see who these brothers truly are at their core, and I thought the way their arcs were handled was brilliantly done.
MAJOR SPOILERS
The confrontation between Leon and Nova had me in TEARS. It was painful, complicated and incredibly bittersweet.
Then Nova and Keiran FINALLY getting together, and the conversation they have?! SO GOOD.
But Keiran and Leon's confrontation might have hurt even more. I suffered for both of them as brothers, while also feeling Nova's own heartbreak through everything happening between them.
I especially loved Leon finally seeing that Keiran genuinely cares about his people. I'd wondered how Leon could have missed something that seemed increasingly obvious to us, until their confrontation put their history and their perceptions of each other into perspective.
And BRADGER.
I'm so glad he stayed and eventually came to understand, and at least begin to forgive, Nova. Their friendship was one of my favourite parts of Book 1, so I'm really hoping we get more of them again. And more Bradger and Leon too!
If you're a YA reader who loves wilderness survival, dystopian settlements, enemies to lovers, painfully slow burns and complicated love triangles, you NEED to check out the Scattered Seeds series!
I can't stop thinking about this book. The character arcs, the increasingly complex post-apocalyptic world, Nova as a female lead... there was just so much I loved about it.
Book 4 cannot come soon enough!
ARC provided for review. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2026
Nova has returned home to try and warn her people. War is coming. And it’s closer than they realize. She wants to arm them against the coming danger. Not just with weapons but knowledge! She learned much from her time in Echelon.
However instead of being welcomed back with open arms, she’s met with fear, distrust and contempt. When the person whose job it was to protect her community turns them in out of spite, Nova must make the hardest decision she’s ever had to make. Which is letting everyone around her make their own choices.
The fragile peace created gets an abrupt interruption when forces show at the gates. And Nova decides that she’s taking action. One that will make or break the tension and ultimately shape the future. She’s got the deadliest weapon of all. Hope.
This book chewed me up and spit me out. The tension is palpable. The pain is devastating. But that tiny flame of hope that lives inside is going to give way to an inferno! Can’t wait to find out what happens next.
However instead of being welcomed back with open arms, she’s met with fear, distrust and contempt. When the person whose job it was to protect her community turns them in out of spite, Nova must make the hardest decision she’s ever had to make. Which is letting everyone around her make their own choices.
The fragile peace created gets an abrupt interruption when forces show at the gates. And Nova decides that she’s taking action. One that will make or break the tension and ultimately shape the future. She’s got the deadliest weapon of all. Hope.
This book chewed me up and spit me out. The tension is palpable. The pain is devastating. But that tiny flame of hope that lives inside is going to give way to an inferno! Can’t wait to find out what happens next.
November 2, 2026
ARC review
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Truthfully I have loved every book in this series but this one is by far my favourite.
Nova really stepped into her power in this book and really owned who she wanted to be, not doing what she was told she needed to be. Love the character development. Top notch.
Other things that kept me turning pages:
The dynamics between Nova and Stedd and the return to and fall of Whitebark Haven and the return to Echelon brought so many pieces back from the first book and then answered some questions that lingered about her mom.
The triangle of Leon, Nova and Kieran! The yearning, and the hookup FINALLY happening that I have been waiting for had me squealing!
The confrontation between brothers, the kindness given by Novas found family even when they are on opposing sides, the coming back together as a cohesive unit and the book ends with so much waiting to happen in the next one! I can’t wait to see what happens with the looming threat of the commonwealth, the missing villain, and how the dynamics between brothers plays out.
Chefs kiss! So good. Can’t wait for the next one!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Truthfully I have loved every book in this series but this one is by far my favourite.
Nova really stepped into her power in this book and really owned who she wanted to be, not doing what she was told she needed to be. Love the character development. Top notch.
Other things that kept me turning pages:
The dynamics between Nova and Stedd and the return to and fall of Whitebark Haven and the return to Echelon brought so many pieces back from the first book and then answered some questions that lingered about her mom.
The triangle of Leon, Nova and Kieran! The yearning, and the hookup FINALLY happening that I have been waiting for had me squealing!
The confrontation between brothers, the kindness given by Novas found family even when they are on opposing sides, the coming back together as a cohesive unit and the book ends with so much waiting to happen in the next one! I can’t wait to see what happens with the looming threat of the commonwealth, the missing villain, and how the dynamics between brothers plays out.
Chefs kiss! So good. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 16, 2026
Book three of The Scattered Seeds series did not disappoint!
I love experiencing the journey of a book without knowing what’s coming, so I won't spoil any storyline details here! But I will say: I was expecting Nova and Stedd’s return to Whitebark to go more smoothly but I should have anticipated Kalleigh Royn would throw in some twists and turns along the way—and head right back to Echelon!
Learning pieces of the past about Ophelia, Keiran and Leon gives great insight into why Nova feels such a natural bond with Echelon, as well as why there is such turmoil between the brothers.
Two of my favourite quotes:
- Apparently, some chains don’t need iron to hold you.
- The feeling that I was disappearing inside someone else’s expectations.
I’m completely invested in where these characters go next and am eagerly anticipating the next book—another stellar entry in the series!
I love experiencing the journey of a book without knowing what’s coming, so I won't spoil any storyline details here! But I will say: I was expecting Nova and Stedd’s return to Whitebark to go more smoothly but I should have anticipated Kalleigh Royn would throw in some twists and turns along the way—and head right back to Echelon!
Learning pieces of the past about Ophelia, Keiran and Leon gives great insight into why Nova feels such a natural bond with Echelon, as well as why there is such turmoil between the brothers.
Two of my favourite quotes:
- Apparently, some chains don’t need iron to hold you.
- The feeling that I was disappearing inside someone else’s expectations.
I’m completely invested in where these characters go next and am eagerly anticipating the next book—another stellar entry in the series!
October 21, 2026
Sigh. That was fantastic.
I've loved all three books in this series so far. Despite some annoyance with Nova, the brothers are intriguing.
This one took a little bit of time to get into, but once it got moving, I couldn't put it down. I adore Kieran. Leon is a tragic hero in his own right.
I did struggle a little bit keeping all the locations separate. The author puts a guide in the front, but I honestly forgot about it until right now. It's not convenient to flip back and forth when reading an electronic copy.
Overall, this has been a great series, I'm really excited to see what happens next with Nova, Kieran, Leon and all of their friends, families and people. I'd love to get a little more insight into Ophelia's story as well.
5/5 definitely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've loved all three books in this series so far. Despite some annoyance with Nova, the brothers are intriguing.
This one took a little bit of time to get into, but once it got moving, I couldn't put it down. I adore Kieran. Leon is a tragic hero in his own right.
I did struggle a little bit keeping all the locations separate. The author puts a guide in the front, but I honestly forgot about it until right now. It's not convenient to flip back and forth when reading an electronic copy.
Overall, this has been a great series, I'm really excited to see what happens next with Nova, Kieran, Leon and all of their friends, families and people. I'd love to get a little more insight into Ophelia's story as well.
5/5 definitely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2026
Nova is back where she started, tucked away in Whitebark, but she has seen more of the world now and wants to warn her people of what’s to come. However, Wilm, a controlling leader of the collective, doesn’t welcome her information or warnings.
Can she protect her people while at the same time figuring out where she belongs, who she is, and who to trust?
Nova’s character has grown into the culmination of her upbringing, her journey, and her relationships. She’s strong, resilient, and skilled. She knows what she wants and stands up for herself. I like the person she’s growing into. And I think she’s more like her mother than she ever suspected.
Some faces we know from other books in the Scattered Seeds series show up along Nova’s path, and we’re treated with the author’s skillful handling of complicated relationships. Kalleigh Royn really understands the intricacies of people’s personalities and gives realistic accounts of how they’d react to the situations thrown at them.
Can she protect her people while at the same time figuring out where she belongs, who she is, and who to trust?
Nova’s character has grown into the culmination of her upbringing, her journey, and her relationships. She’s strong, resilient, and skilled. She knows what she wants and stands up for herself. I like the person she’s growing into. And I think she’s more like her mother than she ever suspected.
Some faces we know from other books in the Scattered Seeds series show up along Nova’s path, and we’re treated with the author’s skillful handling of complicated relationships. Kalleigh Royn really understands the intricacies of people’s personalities and gives realistic accounts of how they’d react to the situations thrown at them.
November 2, 2026
I’m really enjoying this series which though there is no spice!
I’m liking the growth of the characters and seeing the connections. I’m looking forward to the next book! I need to know what happens!
Also I think I’m team Kieran now! Hehe
I’m liking the growth of the characters and seeing the connections. I’m looking forward to the next book! I need to know what happens!
Also I think I’m team Kieran now! Hehe
November 5, 2026
Kalleigh outdid herself with this one. Phenomenal story telling, lead ups, and executions. Im so sad I finished it because I just need more!
October 16, 2026
Sometimes going home is the hardest journey of all. 🌲🖤
Nova Stormont has already fought to survive a world that wanted to break her, but returning to Whitebark Haven brings a whole new set of challenges. The place she once considered a sanctuary has changed, and the peace her people cling to may be little more than an illusion.
With danger approaching and the Commonwealth of the Golden Sun threatening everything Nova holds dear, she faces an impossible choice: remain loyal to the rules that have kept her community isolated, or challenge the very people who believe they're protecting it.
What makes this premise so compelling is the idea that protection and control can become difficult to distinguish. Sometimes the greatest danger isn't just the enemy approaching from outside, but the fear and rigid thinking that prevent people from preparing for what's coming.
Nova's journey continues to explore resilience, loyalty, freedom, and the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, even when it means challenging the people you love. Returning home doesn't necessarily mean returning to where you belong, and sometimes protecting your community means being willing to disrupt its fragile peace.
Overall, Cedars & Concrete promises another compelling chapter in Nova's journey, with difficult choices, shifting loyalties, and the threat of conflict raising the stakes for everyone involved.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🌿
Nova Stormont has already fought to survive a world that wanted to break her, but returning to Whitebark Haven brings a whole new set of challenges. The place she once considered a sanctuary has changed, and the peace her people cling to may be little more than an illusion.
With danger approaching and the Commonwealth of the Golden Sun threatening everything Nova holds dear, she faces an impossible choice: remain loyal to the rules that have kept her community isolated, or challenge the very people who believe they're protecting it.
What makes this premise so compelling is the idea that protection and control can become difficult to distinguish. Sometimes the greatest danger isn't just the enemy approaching from outside, but the fear and rigid thinking that prevent people from preparing for what's coming.
Nova's journey continues to explore resilience, loyalty, freedom, and the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, even when it means challenging the people you love. Returning home doesn't necessarily mean returning to where you belong, and sometimes protecting your community means being willing to disrupt its fragile peace.
Overall, Cedars & Concrete promises another compelling chapter in Nova's journey, with difficult choices, shifting loyalties, and the threat of conflict raising the stakes for everyone involved.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🌿
November 4, 2026
Cedars & Concrete is a gripping dystopian adventure packed with heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists at every turn. Nova is truly an inspiring and strong female lead who makes a stand against oppression and is the voice for others to have the right to choose their own destiny. As war looms between factions, Nova relies on her clever and resourceful ingenuity and her healing skills. The slow-burn romance, high-stakes tension, and the found-family elements make this story even more page-turning. I absolutely love the third book in The Scattered Seeds series!
November 5, 2026
Wow this series just keeps getting better. I couldn't put it down. I love this series so much!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews