The Darkswell

by Teshelle Combs

Hello Little Monsters. I knew one of you would find me eventually.

Welcome back to the mysterious world of Aurelie Kendrick as she demands justice for the shadowy creatures of Lykke.

Aurelie is finding success in her business ventures, which means she is utterly bored and ready to find new monsters and new danger. When she entangles herself with the enigmatically secretive Jaspar, her world explodes with chaos, intrigue, desire and temptation the likes of which she never knew could exist.

Will she survive her shadowy entanglement? Will she discover what it truly means to be a Strange One? Or the quiet one finally be silenced once and for all?

This one is a shade darker and a hair spicier. Are you ready for more?

The Moonbound Series
Book 1: The Underglow
Book 2: The Darkswell

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 12, 2026

About the author

Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.

She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).

Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.

Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.

Reviews

[Bevany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second part to this series, all your favorite characters are back with some interesting twists to keep you flipping pages. A great series for fantasy readers with a bit of smut bit not overdone.

[Tesha Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I loved this book even more than The Underglow! Aurelie faces new monsters, new dangers and new obstacles on her journey to free her pyres. I fell in love with Henry and the bond he has with Aurelie is very heartwarming. She has such an amazingly beautiful soul. I instantly loved Westley, his need to protect her was so strong and I yelled yes so loud and got tears in my eyes the further I read and learned more about him. I am still undecided how I feel about Jaspar, but he could be good and useful. Maybe. I don't know. I definitely missed Alexander.
This book presented so many perilous situations to Aurelie, I was nervous to keep reading but also had to know what was going to happen next. It was such a frightening and pulse pounding journey the entire time I read. Absolutely loved it!

I was given an advanced copy to read and willingly leave this review. I definitely recommend this book, this series, to anyone looking for a different take on vampires. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Quynh N-A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Books 1 and 2 in about a week, which should tell you how much I’ve been enjoying this series! One of my favorite aspects is the found family the FMC builds along the way. I love how the people closest to her understand and accept her without expecting her to change who she is. It makes the relationships and character dynamics that much more meaningful.
i also really appreciate the consistency in the FMC’s character. She’s strong-willed, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself. She refuses to bend to societal expectations or allow others to dictate who she should be. Yet, beneath that fierce independence, we also get glimpses of her growing awareness of just how much her fearlessness can worry those who love her.
The unique take on vampires and monsters is another aspect that sets this series apart. There’s clearly so much more to this world, and I can’t wait to learn more!
Overall, I’ve grown attached to these characters and am excited to see where the story goes in Book 3!

[Hilary Del dotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity by the author to read an advanced copy of The Darkswell, and I am so glad I did because I absolutely enjoyed it!

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into this book, and I definitely did not see many of the twists and turns coming. What makes this story so unique is Aurelie herself. Not only is she unable to speak, but she is also a fierce fighter who stands up for what is right no matter the cost. Her strength, determination, and heart made her such an inspiring character to follow.

This story takes readers on an adventure that will keep the pages turning. It's a tale of love, devotion, friendship, and found family, showing the power of fighting for the people you care about. The emotional connections between the characters made me root for them every step of the way.

And that ending! I was left completely stunned, gasping with my mouth hanging open. I need the next book immediately!

[Kiara · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

✨ 𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬
WOW. This book and series exceeded my expectations beyond words. The Darkswell dives deeper into the world of Lykke and it's many many monsters. Aurelie Kendrick may be mute, but she is a strong-willed, powerful FMC who defies societal expectations and fiercely defends those who cannot defend themselves, the twist of Jaspar Plattenat I did not see coming, new and even more dangerous monsters, and a little 🌶️ spicy 🌶️ scene in between made me fall deeper in love with this world. I particularly appreciated the episodical writing style of the books. The content is divided into short, engaging episodes rather than lengthy chapters, making the books easy to follow and allowing for long reading sessions without feeling overwhelmed or bored. The cliffhanger at the end has me at the edge of my seat. I cannot wait for book 3!!!

[Shem-May Mercado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed, The Underglow, but nothing could prepare me for this follow up. There was more action, more monsters and more spice! The FMC, Aurelie, despite being a mute she's such a badass and doesn't take crap from anybody. She fiercely protects the ones she loves and does not back down not even a little bit. In this second book, Aurelie has added to her found family and you can't help but love each one of them. June, Niall, Sam, Rosemary, Henry, CJ all have different strengths and when put together they're unstoppable. I loved the addition of lobulin and maybe I'm unstable, but I'm here for Jaspar!!! This story is going to take you on a roller-coaster ride and you have no idea which way it's gonna turn just that you will enjoy the ride. I am completely hooked and can not wait for book number 3!

[Lemmily · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Oh how I love the Wildlings. Every bit of chaos and love they bring is worth everything.
I have a new love as well. Darling Henry may be one of my new favorite characters and we can add Westley in there as well.
This story was fun with so many new characters joining all our favorite friends. New enemies and new friends alike. Not to mention some who might be both or neither?
I loved getting more of the stories and learning of the past. It gave so much to the story though I still don’t like certain lobulin, no matter what.
Excited to see where this story goes from here. So many ways this could all go horribly, beautifully, wrong. :)

[Keiry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a banger ~ and it was way more Spicer than the first book thats for sure. Im honestly surprised that there's a new suiter in town, but this new love interest definitely is the total opposite from our first one. I love that the second book gives more details and more dangers than the last. Book two definitely shows how much Aurelie grown since she was blessed with freedom away from the wicked men and women she was forced to endure. I can't wait for her to speak upon these terrible people she has to be challenged by. I can't wait for book 3! We need to know what happens next ~

[Lane Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your average Vampire/Werewolf book. New Monsters and Adventures. The second book in the Moonbound Series, The Darkswell, is intense and exciting. This book will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time you're reading. Teshelle Combs weaves more of Aurelie's world beautifully and takes you on an adventure you'll never forget. This is a can't put down read that have you screaming for book 3 at the end.

[Jessica Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurelie is back and ready to save all of the monsters! I love how strong a female she is and how she does not shy away from anything, from the darkest of monsters to the most disgusting of men. Her new companions make this book even better than The Underglow as they help round out Aurelie and her love for everyone. Loved it, can't wait for the next one 😊

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I loved book 2 more than book 1! I am still soo amazed that Aurelia can get around so easily without talking and how everyone seems to know what she wants when she wants it. She communicates better than I can and she doesn’t speak! I love all the new monsters and characters introduced too. Ready for book 3!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. Aurelie is such a strong character. Was not expecting the twist with jasper! Also the ending!!(what is happening). I can not wait for the next book in this story.

[Kelly Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG.... Femme Aurelie is an absolute BEAST at life.. This woman has it all figured out. She is an absolute must to the survival of all beasts and man kind alike. Amazing Book 2 and a MUST read. Thus book will keep you on the edge of your seat and for sure will keep upu turning the page..

[Elisha Ethridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg.. Auri is fabulous, I adore her and her loves. This is another wonderful tale by the great mind of Teshelle Combs, and she did not let me down!! I highly recommend it.

5 🌟 Characters
5 🌟 World
5 🌟 story

[Katarina Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved reading more about Aurelie! She’s one of my favorite characters for sure. I’m already so excited for book 3! Teshelle sure knows how to tell a story and rope a reader into her world!