The Bloodstained Shade

Aven Cycle #3

by Cass Morris

Latona of the Vitelliae, mage of Spirit and Fire, lies still as death. Her fate rests in the hands of her allies, who must redeem her soul from the churning void where Corinna, leader of a banished Discordian cult, has trapped it.

Protected by a cabal of corrupt priests and politicians, Corinna plans her most daring assault yet: a ritual striking at the ancient heart of Aven, with the power to swallow the city in a maw of chaos and strife. Her success would be Aven's doom, and the greatest violence would fall upon the most vulnerable.

Before Sempronius Tarren can join Aven's defense—and his beloved Latona—at home, he must end the war abroad, outwitting the blood-soaked machinations of his Iberian opponents. His own magical talents remain hidden, but dire circumstances tempt him to succumb to ambition and use forbidden tactics to hasten the way to victory.

To defeat Corinna, Aven's devoted protectors will need to perform extraordinary magic, rally support from unexpected quarters, and face the shadows on their own souls.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Speculative Fiction

662 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

Cass Morris is a writer and research editor living in central Virginia. Her debut series, The Aven Cycle, is Roman-flavored historical fantasy. She is also one-third of the team behind the Hugo Award Finalist podcast Worldbuilding for Masochists. She currently holds the position of Research Editor and Worldbuilding Specialist at Plato Learning, a company which runs mythology-themed summer camps and other educational programming. Cass provides dramaturgical research and developmental editing for the camps' immersive, interactive theatrical experiences. Previously, she worked as Academic Resources Manager at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA. She holds a Master of Letters in Shakespeare studies from Mary Baldwin University and a BA in English and History from the College of William and Mary. She reads voraciously, wears corsets voluntarily, and will beat you at Mario Kart.

Support Cass's Patreon and get special behind-the-page access and other goodies!

Represented by Connor Goldsmith of Fuse Literary.

Social Media:
Twitter: @CassRMorris
Instagram: instagram.com/cassrmorris/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/CassRMorris

Reviews

[Kahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of the Aven Cycle since the first book, From Unseen Fire, and I'm thrilled that the series has maintained its quality even as the author has been let down by the original publisher, DAW.

Since the beginning, this series has always threaded the needle well when it comes to its main characters, particularly Latona. This is (fake) ancient Rome, so the patriarchy is ever present, but Morris gives her female characters genuine agency and power, while also being cognisant of the ways in which that power was limited, or poorly understood by men. The result is a book that feels as close as the modern reader can get to the historical setting, rather than a modern fantasy which just happens to take place against the backdrop of a Roman aesthetic. The characters - particular the women - have aspirations and character traits that are shaped by the setting, but also allow them to be genuinely interesting in their own right. The magic system is also fun, and there are plenty of action scenes to keep the story moving.

I expected this series to be a trilogy, so was pleasantly surprised to discover there will be (at least) a fourth book - though it does mean that readers have to wait longer for the true ending to Latona and Sempronius' romance, as well as a number of other character arcs that haven't fully played out. I'll be keeping an eye out for news of the next instalment.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Bloodstained Shade, Cass Morris saves her devoted fans (and main character Latona) from the cliffhanger ending she left us with in Give Way To Night. But she doesn't make anything easy on her characters, clearly being an author who believes that roasting characters in a fire brings out their strongest qualities. Latona and Vibia remain the two main Aven-centered characters, although I was glad to see sisters Aula and Alhena getting more of a role here as well. Both sisters continue to develop as strong secondary characters, willing to face their fears despite the risks, and I'm hoping for even more from them in the next book, particularly from Alhena and her magic.

We get to see Sempronius, Latona's brother Vitellius, and their allies finish the war in Iberia, and I liked how Morris wrapped that up. enemies became allies, but even among the enemies and the terrible things they were doing, there was a deep humanity to every action. Morris examines how different people handle the gruesomeness of war- this kind of war in particular- in different ways, and can come back sometimes changed for the better, or at least come back thinking differently. Sempronius gets a few shocks along the way and didn't really know what to do with them, or his emotions, or the idea of possibly being vulnerable in any way. I have to admit I rather enjoyed that- suddenly he became a very human character, realizing the mistakes he was making and what he was risking in a way that his confidence had never allowed him to do before. I also have to admit, I'm pretty worried for what Morris is setting him up for in the next book, with a few of the not-very-subtle clues she dropped in this one.

One of the messages I loved in this book was the idea that we are who we make ourselves. Corinna may get to say it best when she chides Latona for trying to tell Corinna's story. "Never try to reduce another woman down to something smaller than she is" Corinna tells Latona. Corinna has refused to allow that to happen to her from the beginning. But it's a fight Latona's had across the whole series, being made smaller than she is and gradually growing out of that- although it is something she still fights with here. One of the reasons enemies fear Latona (and Sempronius) is for trying to step out of their normal roles in society and reach for something bigger. Throughout the book, and the series, is always the question, will we give in to temptation? Will we blame someone else for out actions? Or will we, in the end, accept that we are both the good and the bad of ourselves, and that can make us weak, or incredibly, unbelievably, strong and united.

Full of fast-paced scenes, and excellent writing, with vastly different characters and places woven together into a brilliant and heart-pounding finale. Secondary characters continue to shine and develop, our main characters continue to show strengths and flaws enough to keep them both likable and relatable. Cass Morris' Aven continues to shine as an ancient Rome-inspired world built into something new and different, and I can't wait for the next book in this incredible series.



Bloodstained Shade starts with a very good "previously in Aven" summary for readers who didn't reread the first two books before starting Book 3, but I wouldn't recommend starting Shade without having read From Unseen Fire and Give Way to Night first. This is a series that build from one book to the next.

[Jay Templin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Cass Morris’ Aven Cycle when it was just one book, and I was hooked immediately. Ancient Rome, kinda. Magic and politics and fascinating characters living their lives as best they can within the constraints of their classical society- and I devoured it. I could barely wait for the sequel! And when that arrived, there were all the characters I loved (and those I loved to hate), but they were on another level- the prose was richer, the characters were growing into themselves. The action sequences were great, the story compelling, and then- it was over.

I’ve waited for months, and Bloodstained Shade was worth every second of it! Watching the bonds amongst the Vitelliae mature as the sisters change and grow is heartwarming, and the interplay between Sempronius and his sister Vibia is absolutely believable. Seeing how Latona and Alhena find love, and watching the various ways that their relationships with their partners develop is thrilling. And, as a father myself, the struggle of Aulus to allow his children to live their lives and find their own way despite his need to gather them in and protect them from harm (both physical and magical) resonates with me. Sempronius, Gaius Vitellius, and the other men of the legion -together with their allies- treat us to a look at cultural identity and nascent imperialism that stretches beyond the facile tropes so often employed in fantasy. Bartasco and Hanath are no simple barbarians, but fully realized characters who happen not to be Avenian.

Much of Bloodstained Shade, like its predecessors, revolves around the deeply partisan struggles of political factions in the Republic, and Morris does a great job of keeping the parties from becoming two-dimensional caricatures of their respective positions. You can see how each side arrived at their positions, even when you utterly disagree with them. The Optimates and Popularists are nuanced; no mustache twirling or ham-fisted preaching. Rabirus and Buteo aren’t simply power-hungry; they genuinely believe that they are working to bring about what’s best for Aven. Which, of course, makes them the most dangerous yet believe of badguys. The buildup to the climactic battle between the evil Discordian mages led by Corinna and our heroines and heroes is thorough and well crafted, yet still leaves room for stunning surprises. Woven through it all, the tragedy of Ekialde and Neitin and their Lusetani people forms a stark counterpoint to the tale of Latona and Sempronius. Even more minor characters like Merula, Sakarbik, Felix, and Ama Rubellia play an important part in populating the story.

Morris’ worldbuilding is on point. The differences in magic and its use in the various cultures we see, the roles of individuals in the different societies, the flexibly cosmopolitan yet oddly parochial and rigid character of Aven itself - all blend seamlessly into the tapestry that serves as the backdrop to the story.

TL;DR- this tale of love, war, politics, and magic is the best book to date in a series that started good and just keeps getting better. I am already impatiently awaiting the release of Book 4.

I was provided with an advance review copy of The Bloodstained Shade for free. I have written this review voluntarily.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

*copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review*

I'm going to say up front that I think Cass Morris is an author who I think deserves more exposure. Her dialogue is snappy, her descriptions always give you enough detail to build out a lush, intriguing world without being overwhelming. Her characters feel like people, with real thoughts, feelings and oh my opinions of their own, and her stories have that elusive capacity to keep you turning pages to see what happens next. I've been talking about her work for years now, and I really, really want the tl;dr of this review to be: this is an excellent book in an excellent series, and you should go now and read both.
With that out of the way, lets move on to The Bloodstained Shade in particular. Set in the alternate history of Aven, a Rome where magic is very real, and where mages exist throughout society, the narrative focuses on Latona of the aristocratic family Vitelliae, as she attempts to unravel an apocalyptic conspiracy at the heart of the city's government. It does also venture further afield, into warfare and diplomacy with other peoples out in the provinces, with Sempronius, a man who leads legions, does so rather illegally by being a secret magic-user, and does both of those things while being in love with Latona. But while we do get chapters from his point of view, and while I always enjoy the kinetic, fiercely physical feelings of tension that the author brings to her battle scenes, the focus of the story feels more tightly on Aven and environs than in other volumes of the series.

Fortunate, then, that Aven, the city, is a star all its own. From the graffiti-laden streets run by concerns of armed men, to the luxurious villas of the aristocracy, part sunroom, part fortress, to the austere, echoing halls of power that are the senate, the city has a grit, a grime and an energy that makes it feel alive. The same is true of the outskirts - the fields where returning legions camp, the quiet guesthouses whose hosts may or may not also be jailers. Therre's a vitality to Aven, a raw feeling of a melting pot on the move, that you can feel between the spaces of the words. That said, it's also a city in tension with itself; while diversity of peoples may ensure a better city, there's certainly people on hand who want to push back on that notion, to go back to the Good Old Days, which happen to have been good for them, rather than anyone else. There's an undercurrent of fear, of distrust, of wrestling with the pace of change. All concerns which may sound very familiar to the modern reader! Anyway, this is a long way of saying that there's texture and context to the world that Morris is building here. We known enough, even from a Hollywood history of Rome, to fill in some of the details, but what she makes explicit is exciting, intriguing, and most importantly, feels real.

The same is broadly true of the characters. I don't want to delve too deep for the sake of spoilers, but I will say that Latona has grown, here/ A woman looking for a role, stepping out of the shadow of expectations of others, has found it and is now pushing at the boundaries of society around her. Pushing back with an ideal of decency and service to the good. That evolution is the natural culmination of two previous books worth of effort, and the character fills it out perfectly. She's confident in herself, but cognizant of and coping with the fractures running through her emotions, through the trauma in her past. Latona is a power in her own right, now, but she's a person, wrapped in as much nonsense and damage as anyone else - often considerably more. But she's capable of strength and virtue and, let us say it loudly, kicking butt. She's a great one to follow around.

In this she's aided by a sterling cast of supporting characters, many of whom she's related to They all have their own agenda, their own needs and wants and desires and hatreds and loves. There's a delightfully gentle sapphic romance at one point that kept making me smile because oif both how awkward and how genuine it felt, and there's confrontations with antagonists that make you reel back in horror and long for the catharsis of their defeat. Incidentally, I want to say that Corinna, one of the main antagonists, a mage herself of no small distinction, is an excellent nemesis, a dark, broken mirror of Latona, someone as unwilling to accept the bounds society places on her, but perhaps even more willing to go further, to ends less salubrious. Every time she was on the page was a skin crawlingly evil joy.

And the story...again, no spoilers. But it ramps up well, pages of ratcheting tension keeping you going, dipping into battles and conspiracies and betrayals and revelation in equal measure. It's a story of women fighting expectations, and a story with magic in the air and blood on the floor. It's a story of government and grace. It's a story that you won't want to put down - and nor should you. Go read it, right now!

[L. Glama · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I can't believe Morris' publisher didn't want to publish this book after the previous instalment, which was released during Covid, didn't perform well. That's such a disservice to the existing books, to the author and to the readers. I am, thus, beyond glad that Morris has chosen to continue the series despite all the obstacles which have been thrown in her way.

Anyway, I have been wanting to read this book for quite a while and jumped at borrowing when I saw that my library had finally obtained a copy (the delay, I'm guessing, arose from the shift to self-publication). It was a joy to return to the world of Aven, with its rich, complex political and magic systems and its lovable cast of characters. It's gratifying to see Latona's growth as a character, and her relationships with her friends and allies as they explore the bounds of women's power in a male-dominated society. We see two of the main arcs (the Discordian cult and the war in Iberia) concluded very satisfyingly, but this still leaves a lot of room for more: I'm expecting the next book (I get the impression that Morris decided to write four books instead of three after the mess with the publisher? If so, that's a silver lining) to focus more on Aventine politics, which hopefully means more of the speeches that I loved reading in From Unseen Fire. (There has also been some amount of foreshadowing about Sempronius' secrets being revealed, which I am bracing myself for.) I can't wait.

(Random side note: is "cursus honorem" a typo? This appears several times, though it's (correctly, in my opinion) cursus honorum in the glossary and the genitive makes a lot more sense than the accusative.)

[Audrey Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much or more than the previous two in the series. It combines realistic human characters with a magically-infused plot that presents an alternate history for the ancient Roman republic. There are no Caesars here, no emperors. We see the various governing bodies in action, with both good and bad politicians, and the turbulence of a crowded and expanding city. Along with events at home, there is the conclusion of a military campaign in Iberia that involves magical practices of the indigenous peoples of the region. A struggle between blood magic and healing magic has dire consequences for an aspiring war-leader and his wife and child.
I admired the way the two main characters of the series, Latona and Sempronius, learn about their own magical gifts, and how events in their spheres of action relate to one another. Descriptions of magical events are vivid and believable, making it clear that they require skill and sacrifice on the part of those invoking them. I especially appreciated the research carried out by Latona and her colleagues into the thaumaturgical traditions of Aven to form a strategy for dealing with the Discordian cult that threatens their city. This, although part of the fantasy, seemed to ground that element in reality.
I recommend this series to anyone interested in Roman history and/or with a taste for realistic fantasy. I hope there will be at least one more book in the series.

[Mariya T (msbookworld) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to keep the review as spoiler free as possible so I’ll start by saying this book was phenomenal! The main conflict of the series reaches a boiling point in this book. There were also a number of surprises in terms of how certain characters’ arcs progressed as well as a very happy event for my fav couple. In the Bloodstained Shade Cass Morris managed to leave the reader both satisfied and wanting more.

In terms of characters, Latona and Sempronius have a special place in my heart, but in this book I enjoyed seeing Latina’s sisters take a more active role in the events of the book. I loved seeing Alhena begin to embrace her power and her unexpected love story was one of the sweetest parts of the book! And Aula is a force of nature. She never fails to make me laugh with her banter, but I also adore how she is always there for her sisters even when she doesn’t quite understand the magical circumstances they find themselves in.

Fans of historically inspired fantasy like The Poppy Wars and Assassin’s Apprentice should definitely pick up this book and series. A series full of Magic, political intrigue and love (of family, country and romantic partner) it is one I will never stop recommending

[whatnolareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I embarked on my journey through "The Bloodstained Shade" by Cass Morris, I was immediately captivated by the intricate world she wove. From the outset, Morris skillfully immersed me in a realm I found myself eagerly diving deeper into the shadows alongside the protagonist.

The characters she brings to life are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own secrets and motivations that drive the narrative forward. As I followed their journey, I became increasingly invested in their struggles and triumphs, eagerly rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path.

One of the aspects of "The Bloodstained Shade" that I found most compelling was Morris's ability to keep me guessing. With each new revelation and twist in the plot

Nevertheless, "The Bloodstained Shade" is a captivating and atmospheric read that left a lasting impression on me. Morris's talent for crafting compelling characters and building tension shines through on every page, making this a must-read for history and sci-fi & fantasy fans.

This book was given to me as an arc read and all opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley for giving me a chance to review this book.

[Marina Shankle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most emotionally satisfying books I've read all year. It felt almost cathartic to read it (and the series as a whole).

I think author Cass Morris's strengths lie in both world-building (Who doesn't love ancient Rome with magic!?) and creating characters who fit perfectly into that world and who feel real. I felt like throughout this series (and especially in this book since I've been with these characters for a while now), I've really gotten to know the characters and come to care about them. There were a few times I was tempted to bite my nails worrying about Latona, Sempronius, Vitellius, and Vibia (my favorites), and I wanted to cheer aloud at their triumphs. Latona, in particular, felt super real to me, maybe because her personality is most similar to mine of all the book's characters. I felt like I understood her and experienced her emotions along with her.

This book could serve as an ending to the series, but I really hope that it's not! I look forward to taking a trip to Aven again and following my favorite characters on more adventures.

[Jerome Rondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you were very invested in the book when you start reading and three hours later you look up and think "Really!" I loved this ending. Does it tie up any loose ends, well it did the main ones. But Cass Morris has left enough hooks, she could milk the stories for another 3-4 books.
Ex.
The Iberian princess and her very young son. What will become of her.
The female MC and the changes she is going to try and bring in (Like a magic school for the lower classes)
The male MC and his desire to reform the political system
The Magic system she has come up with and how the Other Nations seem to have their own systems. I would love to see a novel set in one of those countries so she could plumb the magic philosophies

But the best part is I want to see what happens to these people. Even the main villain for all her cruelty, had some good points to make. To me that is a testament to her skill that even the villain is relatable.

So 5 out of 5!

[Alyssa Palombo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge fan of Cass Morris and her Aven Cycle ever since the first book was released, and so I was very excited to read book 3, THE BLOODSTAINED SHADE. It's now definitely my favorite book in the series so far! It had everything I hoped would happen in this book, as well as some surprises along the way. Too, I just adore this cast of characters, and how deeply developed all of them are, even the more minor characters. Morris's command of her cast and of the extraordinary world she's built is truly something to behold, and it makes for one of the most excellent reading experiences I've had. Do read these fabulous books if you haven't already! They are a treat not to be missed!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Aven Cycle books have absolutely become all-time favorites of mine, and THE BLOODSTAINED SHADE is now my favorite of the series so far. From a plot perspective, it gave me everything I was hoping for (and more!) and it was truly just a joy to spend more time with Morris's wonderful characters, in this excellent crafted world that feels so real and lived in. I loved watching these characters that I've grown to know so well face new challenges and see how they responded to everything thrown their way. And, no spoilers, but I am VERY HAPPY FOR MY OTP! Cannot wait for book 4, whenever it arrives!

[RuinEleint · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Aven cycle easily maintains the high standards of quality established by its predecessors. Latona and Sempronius continue to be intriguing leads to follow and their supporting casts, especially Latona's get plenty of chances to shine. In terms of characterisation, pacing, plot, flow this book is absolutely excellent and of course the world building and magic system already created in the previous two books is maintained and added to. Cass Morris has done a truly exceptional job here of writing an alternate fantasy Rome. This book was also a milestone as several long standing plotlines are resolved, but the final crisis and the main antagonists remain in play. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

[Seth Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a joy to re-enter the world of Aven and experience more of all it’s characters especially after the cliffhanger ending in book 2. That cliffhanger left me with a hunger of wanting more. This book did not disappoint at all. Yet it also left space open for further adventures with the characters we know and maybe ones we’ve yet to meet. This book, like previous ones, read in a very cinematic way that was pleasing to my imagination. Loved this one and if there are further adventures in Aven, I’ll be there for them too.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great entry in the Aven Cycle series, it was a strong entry in the series and had such a strong writing style. I enjoyed the plot of this book and going through this journey. The characters were what I was hoping for from the previous books. Cass Morris had a great writing style and I'm excited to read more from her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third and probably last book in this trilogy. Though there is a part near the end which seems to imply that there is a possibility for a sequel. Could just be a worldbuilding thing making sure we know that the world goes on even after the story is done.

Everything that really needed to be addressed did get done and it's a good place to call end.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series has been so good but the ending was lacking.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a richly satisfying read!

Of course I should immediately say that this is a love story but it is also about who should have power in societies.

Alternate history Rome with magic! This book is a fantasy set on a different world, which happens to have the same geography and buildings as Rome and the same world
geography in general (Iberia is recognizably still Spain). The author has set this world up to be as like to Rome as desired but different (such as the magic) whenever she
needs it to be different for story purposes.

I have always loved Ancient Rome. In this case, Aven (the city state in this book) still has its Republic. Yes, it did have a Dictator but that that man's death, the Republic
reasserted itself and the consuls and senators ruled, as before.

I do find it interesting that magic does not necessarily run in families in Aven. That is, anyone might have his or her child start displaying magical powers (say, at age six) so
any laws regarding magic regulation have to take that into account. Non-magical families may gain a magic user and only some members of magical families may inherit
magical talents.

And I love elemental magic. Our main protagonist Latona is a Fire and Spirit mage. Her older sister has no magic but her younger sister is a Seer (sees possible futures).

Women are definitely not liberated in Aven. Rather, their fathers chose their husbands and women do not have the right to vote. Women live under their father's care until
marriage and after marriage under their husband's care. Fortunately, women can divorce their husbands (even if only upperclass women have that right - our main protagonist
did have that option.)

Ambitious men have to stand for annual election (including many campaign speeches, etc.) for the various offices.

The other aspect of this book which I really enjoyed so much was the fact that the main woman protagonist's servant (slave) was from another country. Yes, she spoke the Aventan
language but her word order was different and her attitudes were certainly different. In Iberia, one of the main man protagonist's most valuable ally (while on campaign against
the local troublemaking tribe) was a female warrior, again from another country but this was a free woman beholden to no man. I enjoyed the differing perspectives the people
from the various cultures contributed.

Can't wait for the next installment of the Aven Cycle! Highly recommended for all who enjoy a good love story, alternate history, elemental magic, plenty of political intrigue, and
lots of character-driven action!