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Waking The Divine #1
Smoke & Shadow
What do you do when you find out your life has been an illusion?
For seventeen years, Elara lived a typical life with only one goal, finish high school.
It took one stupid party, one bully, and a mysterious stranger to change it all.
The world Elara knows begins to crumble piece by piece.
Secrets of the past are revealed.
Enemies come from the shadows.
Strangers are found in plain sight.
No one is who they seem, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Can Elara come to terms with her new future or will it swallow her whole?
***
Dear Readers,
Smoke and Shadow is a paranormal romance and the first book in the
Waking the Divine Trilogy.
It is a roller coaster ride of sweet and slow, hot and heavy, and love & loss.
It is a medium burn traditional M/F relationship
Recommended for 18+.
Please be aware that this book contains physical and sexual assault, kidnapping, and harsh language. If these are situations that you would not like to read about, this book is not for you.
For seventeen years, Elara lived a typical life with only one goal, finish high school.
It took one stupid party, one bully, and a mysterious stranger to change it all.
The world Elara knows begins to crumble piece by piece.
Secrets of the past are revealed.
Enemies come from the shadows.
Strangers are found in plain sight.
No one is who they seem, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Can Elara come to terms with her new future or will it swallow her whole?
***
Dear Readers,
Smoke and Shadow is a paranormal romance and the first book in the
Waking the Divine Trilogy.
It is a roller coaster ride of sweet and slow, hot and heavy, and love & loss.
It is a medium burn traditional M/F relationship
Recommended for 18+.
Please be aware that this book contains physical and sexual assault, kidnapping, and harsh language. If these are situations that you would not like to read about, this book is not for you.
- GenresParanormal
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2021
16 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 3, 2022
When I 1st started reading this book, I thought it would be a classic high school fantasy, a teen with a small circle of friends, who finds out she's a magical being and the adventure which will follow. Well, I was wrong! Ok, it IS about a teen in high school, she DOES find out she's not quite human but that's where the similarities end! What ensues is a tale of mystery, intrigue and a multitude of secrets! When Elara meets a handsome stranger, she is confused by her feelings, she just knows she is drawn to him. As she learns who she actually is, she finds out that Zander is a prince of the very tribe that brought destruction and killed her parents. The story progresses well, is well written and the characters are all well rounded. I enjoyed reading how Elara discovers her abilities, a lot of them purely instinctively and her reaction to her changing status and world. There are prophecies that no one can fully understand but Elara and her friends, including Zander, set about a dangerous mission. Zander is a particularly interesting character and his internal struggles are so credible, essentially with Elara. It's insightful and the different worlds are beautifully created. The entire world on the other side of the veil is depending on Elara and it will be fun to read how this will pan out further, especially with such a cliffhanger at the end!
June 11, 2021
Smoke and Shadow is the first book in the Waking the Divine Trilogy.
Elara thinks she all she has to worry about is finishing school and her job at a bookstore but that all changes after one night at a party. There she meets a mysterious man that seems to come out of the shadows. Soon, Elara finds out everyone around has been keeping secrets from her that will change everything that she knows.
If you want to read a magical tale filled with prophecy, magical places and magical tribes then you need to read this book because once you start you won’t be able to stop until you reach the end!
Elara thinks she all she has to worry about is finishing school and her job at a bookstore but that all changes after one night at a party. There she meets a mysterious man that seems to come out of the shadows. Soon, Elara finds out everyone around has been keeping secrets from her that will change everything that she knows.
If you want to read a magical tale filled with prophecy, magical places and magical tribes then you need to read this book because once you start you won’t be able to stop until you reach the end!
June 25, 2021
This is another one of those books for me, where I read the description and thought I knew exactly what I was getting into, but then it turned out to be nothing like what I thought it would be, yet everything the description said it would be! I love being pleasantly surprised like that!
Shortly before Elara graduates high school and her eighteenth birthday approaches, she meets a mysterious man who she seems to have an instant connection with and she falls fast and hard for him. She soon discovers that not only is he from another realm and not 100% human, but neither is she or any of her closest friends or family. When trouble finds her, Elara must escape from the only world she’s ever known and learn all about who she truly is and where she really comes from. With the help of her closest friends, they will set out on a journey together to help Elara become the person she’s destined to be!
This book was fast-paced and there was never a dull moment! There was a lot of magic, a little steam, some witty banter, and a bit of torture. We were constantly learning something new but it wasn’t overwhelming the way some books can be.
Overall it was a great read and I’m super excited to find out what happens next in the story!
Shortly before Elara graduates high school and her eighteenth birthday approaches, she meets a mysterious man who she seems to have an instant connection with and she falls fast and hard for him. She soon discovers that not only is he from another realm and not 100% human, but neither is she or any of her closest friends or family. When trouble finds her, Elara must escape from the only world she’s ever known and learn all about who she truly is and where she really comes from. With the help of her closest friends, they will set out on a journey together to help Elara become the person she’s destined to be!
This book was fast-paced and there was never a dull moment! There was a lot of magic, a little steam, some witty banter, and a bit of torture. We were constantly learning something new but it wasn’t overwhelming the way some books can be.
Overall it was a great read and I’m super excited to find out what happens next in the story!
July 5, 2021
So I had a hard time getting into the story at first. Once the plotline picked up though I was enthralled and couldn't stop reading! Please note there is triggers in this story!!!! Read at your own risk for that! But if you aren't bothered by those then pick up this book! It's so good for a first time novelist!
July 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and discovered that once i started it I could not put it down until I finished the very last page. It moves along at a really great pace making for an easy read. The characters are fantastic and you will love them and you want to know more about them. The story grabs you keeping you interested till you finish the book. This is a must read and it needs to be on your list of books to be read.
July 1, 2021
Well hello fabulous book! What a fantastic start to the series! It grabbed me from page one, sucked me in and then spat me out the end wondering what the hell just happened! Elara goes on quite the learning curve when she discovers who she really is but with the help of her faithful friends (who aren’t all they appear to be!) and the mysterious Zander she slowly learns to find her feet. This was a great journey of discovery, for more than just Elara, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Especially after that ending! Gah! It killed me! What a cliffhanger!
June 25, 2021
This is a slow burn PNR with plenty of self discovery, mystery and a whole heaping of secrets to go with it. 🤫 The characters in this book are fantastic and each had their own enduring quality that drew you to them as they grew throughout the book. The action was continuously moving along doing something it felt like the poor Elena would never catch a break. 🤣 I think that’s exactly why she does some of the things she does! The story overall a couple of times would over focus on something or skip by a couple of weeks in a flash but mostly I think that’s a me niggle rather than a real issue though.
June 26, 2021
I say this is a more 3.5 star, this is her debut novel where the fmc is a girl who doesn't know what she is, I found this book got into everything very very fast and then slowed down a little in the middle before speed up again. I found the world building absolutely fantastic it made me feel like I was there but I think ari just accepted everything far too easy for my liking, there was no questions really and I didn't get a good mental image of the other characters, however the ending left me wanting more and I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen next
June 20, 2021
Harper Shay is a new author to me but let say she did not disappoint with this book. This book was both and amazing and so different in the way it was presented. Elara believes she is just a typical teenage girl until a meeting with a stranger at a party. From that moment forward her whole life is changed. She learns the secrets of who she and her right knit group of friends really are and the destiny that waits them. Zander deals with internal struggles of who is family is and the role they played in how Elara's life turned out and how she came to live the life she currently has. Just when we think we have figured out everything Harper hits us with another twist in the story and another bump in the road. If that was not enough Elara is hit with the loss of someone dear and the rejection of someone she loves. And Harper must have known I love a good cliffhanger because she delivered that and now I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2021
Smoke & Shadow is the first book in the Waking the Divine trilogy and oh my god what an amazing trilogy this is going to be. All of the characters are interesting, unique and complex in their own way. I really enjoyed watching Elara evolve and become stronger throughout this book. I absolutely love Zander and the fact that Elara is the light to his darkness. This book ends on one hell of a cliffhanger that I never saw coming and I am excited to see what comes next but at the same time I am also really scared.
June 21, 2021
Fantastic debut!!! Elara is a great character full of heart, she is caring with a fierceness to her to rule everything. This story had me from the first page. I was super intrigued at all the mystery and finding out how everything is going to play out. The secondary characters add so much to the story and the friendship they have with Elara. Zander is very mysterious which draws me to him so much more and I need to know everything there is about him. Elara is definitely Zander’s light to his dark and I fell in love with both of them. The story was very well written and will capture your attention and with that cliffy we are left with I am dying to get my hands on book 2 like YESTERDAY!!! Cant want to see where these characters take us.
June 20, 2021
A most unique story. I absolutely loved the storyline. It really was different and unique. I had a bit of trouble with El at times. Yes, she is younger but she also at times acted like a spoiled brat. Yes, I do see her grow throughout the story and she becomes so much more interesting. At times in different places the story seemed a little slow but boy does it pick up. It is well written and the decision throughout the story were vivid and allowed you to easily picture what is happening. The ending was major and I am excited to see what is going to happen next. It most certainly is a must read and honestly it will not disappoint.
June 14, 2021
A thoroughly magical debut novel! Harper Shay has an ingenious and stunning way of immersing you into Elara’s magic world. The fantasy world development in the book, is like no other. I loved learning about the world beyond the veil. Each city and town was different and unique. The character development was phenomenal. Elara is a kind hearted, captivating and very special FMC, destined to be a Queen. She stands with her best friends Finn, Ryder, and Serena, and the mysterious Zander (no spoilers here, but he is definitely dark to her light,) to take on the dark forces who have corrupted the Elementals. I was absolutely floored by this book and can’t wait to see where this captivating story will lead next, because that cliffhanger was just heartbreaking 💔
June 26, 2021
Wow!!!
What a wonderful book. Very well written, fantastic characters. Page turner, action packed, haunting.
What an epic first book in this trilogy!
Harper Shay has done a fabulous job.
I am looking forward to book 2
What a wonderful book. Very well written, fantastic characters. Page turner, action packed, haunting.
What an epic first book in this trilogy!
Harper Shay has done a fabulous job.
I am looking forward to book 2
June 15, 2021
This book wasn’t what I started off expecting but it definitely didn’t disappoint. It was incredibly well written and had me hooked from the very beginning and I need the next book like yesterday lol.
June 15, 2021
What a book! I was gripped from the very beginning and loved the way the story grew. The further I got in the book the more I just couldn’t put it down. Absolutely loved reading this and the ending!!! Cannot wait to read book 2!!
June 14, 2021
I am a complete newbie by this author, I read the blurb for this and it sounded amazing so I knew I needed to read it. It’s a slow burn MF romance, with self discovery and action all around I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to book 2.
July 12, 2021
Well that was one epic ride . The first half of the book was crazy and royally screwed up ( in the best way possible. ) the second half is self discovery and learning about her past and her families past . Learning to be her true self and becoming who she is meant to be but that ending was wow . I can’t believe what just happened I’m in shock and I totally need book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2021
A 3.5 nearly 4 star debut novel set in the world of Alethia where magic reigns and people can wield elemental powers and perform all kinds of magic. The fantasy and more historical theme was something I enjoyed and throughout the book it is clear the author has paid attention to detail to bring it to life. It is evident the author has thought about every aspect of the world they created and explain this well.
The book starts off at a fast pace with lots of action that kept me captivated and desperate to know what would happen next. The relationship was a very fast burn and whilst I prefer a slower burn to the start of relationship fast-burn lovers who like this will enjoy this book. After it slows down as the main character learns about her new world and nothing huge happens but the author uses this chance to fully explain the world they have created which I loved.
Elara is the main female character and her kind, caring nature shines throughout. Though she accepts her destiny a little fast for my liking this is very true to the character's personality. She is an inquisitive and curious person always wanting to know everything and taking each new revelation in stride as best she can.
Other main characters include Finn her best friend and the most loyal to Elara, he is sworn to protect her with his life. Next are Ryder and Serena the ones with magic who complete the group. Finally, is Zander, the Dark Prince who is one of my favourite characters with his troubled past he has suffered much. However, he doesn't let this affect him as he gives his heart to Elara and we get to see a more protective side to him as he comes out of his shell.
Overall, I enjoyed a lot of the book but there were on or two things I didn't but that is just down to story preferences than anything else. The book and story is well-written and I loved the relationship between Zander and Elara despite it's fast start . The first book is all about introducing you to the world and isn't hugely action packed and I recommend this book to people if they enjoy this type of world. And I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens with that cliffy at the end.
The book starts off at a fast pace with lots of action that kept me captivated and desperate to know what would happen next. The relationship was a very fast burn and whilst I prefer a slower burn to the start of relationship fast-burn lovers who like this will enjoy this book. After it slows down as the main character learns about her new world and nothing huge happens but the author uses this chance to fully explain the world they have created which I loved.
Elara is the main female character and her kind, caring nature shines throughout. Though she accepts her destiny a little fast for my liking this is very true to the character's personality. She is an inquisitive and curious person always wanting to know everything and taking each new revelation in stride as best she can.
Other main characters include Finn her best friend and the most loyal to Elara, he is sworn to protect her with his life. Next are Ryder and Serena the ones with magic who complete the group. Finally, is Zander, the Dark Prince who is one of my favourite characters with his troubled past he has suffered much. However, he doesn't let this affect him as he gives his heart to Elara and we get to see a more protective side to him as he comes out of his shell.
Overall, I enjoyed a lot of the book but there were on or two things I didn't but that is just down to story preferences than anything else. The book and story is well-written and I loved the relationship between Zander and Elara despite it's fast start . The first book is all about introducing you to the world and isn't hugely action packed and I recommend this book to people if they enjoy this type of world. And I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens with that cliffy at the end.
July 18, 2021
Harper Shay surprised me with her debut novel Smokes and Shadows. What seems to be a typical YA novel soon becomes anything but as Elara discovers that ever known is a lie. Elara is forced to confront the truth that is lying in front of her that has been slowly emerging as she prepares to finish high school . A mysterious stranger offers answers to everything that she could ever desire but there is a cost to this. A cost far great then her simple dreams she ever wished for herself.
This coming of age novel had plenty of entertainment with its fast moving plot and the smouldering tension between Elara and Zander a character who comes to have great significant in this book. Elara wields great power over the paranormal world that Shay has created for this series . She maybe clueless to her truth destiny, Elara is quick to adapt to things which helps given that tensions run high throughout the book .
Everyone wants the best for Elara but Elara has to make the decisions as there is plenty of good and evil residing in this world. Elara is tasked of picking through the pieces and making her own choices, guided by her friends. Elara isn’t someone to trifle with as she quick to seek out the answers and train herself to be the best she can be . Elara isn’t one to shy away from the action and this book delivers plenty of it.
The world building shows a lot of this world and we gain quick an understanding of who is Elara is as a person and her friends who are tasked to help with this course of destiny. It’s a well around paranormal book that provides plenty of entertainment whilst building a world that you can get lost in and spend time discovering the little things that helped create this vast world. The ending was a killer and I do hope that we get the answers to what will happen to Elara and the gang now.
This coming of age novel had plenty of entertainment with its fast moving plot and the smouldering tension between Elara and Zander a character who comes to have great significant in this book. Elara wields great power over the paranormal world that Shay has created for this series . She maybe clueless to her truth destiny, Elara is quick to adapt to things which helps given that tensions run high throughout the book .
Everyone wants the best for Elara but Elara has to make the decisions as there is plenty of good and evil residing in this world. Elara is tasked of picking through the pieces and making her own choices, guided by her friends. Elara isn’t someone to trifle with as she quick to seek out the answers and train herself to be the best she can be . Elara isn’t one to shy away from the action and this book delivers plenty of it.
The world building shows a lot of this world and we gain quick an understanding of who is Elara is as a person and her friends who are tasked to help with this course of destiny. It’s a well around paranormal book that provides plenty of entertainment whilst building a world that you can get lost in and spend time discovering the little things that helped create this vast world. The ending was a killer and I do hope that we get the answers to what will happen to Elara and the gang now.
July 12, 2021
A freaking amazing debut book by this author that had me completely and utterly addicted from start to end. The blurb alone had me intrigued. It really did not disappoint at all once I started it. I really liked Elara a lot. I am definitely in need of the next book after that ending and just needing more.
July 12, 2021
I was hesitant about this book when I first started reading, because it started off slow for me. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it, but I am so glad I stayed with it! The characters were great and the relationship between Elara and Zander was one of my favorites. And as the author warned, this does end on a cliffhanger, which even though I knew it was coming, still took me by surprise!
June 8, 2022
An exciting fantasy romance
-Indie TBR takeover review-
At seventeen, Elara has one goal in mind - finish high school. But when a mysterious stranger shows up at a party to defend her from a bully, everything changes for her. She is drawn to him, although she doesn't know why, and secrets about herself and her life will be revealed. Enemies she never knew existed darken her future and she will have to trust her friends to save herself.
This book started out a bit cliché, but it got dark and interesting quite fast. I really enjoyed the world and the plot. It was full of action and plot twists that were really entertaining. The characters were quite relatable and realistic and I liked being on this journey with them. However, I found the changes of POVs a bit confusing at times, a bit too frequent. The romance was also too fast for me, I prefer when the characters have more time to get to know one another before they connect romantically. But that's really personal taste and didn't prevent me from enjoying the story. Apart from that, I had a lot of fun reading this book, the writing being addictive and easy to read. The spice was fun as well, not my favorite, but it was good! The plot was very entertaining and kept me guessing, making me worry about the characters a lot. But they are really badass and strong and managed to save themselved quite well. I can sense that the world has a lot of potential and I'm excited to learn more about it in the sequel.
I recommend if you like fantasy romance with some spice.
"She was my light, and without her brilliance, I would forever be trapped in a never ending abyss."
TW: sexual assault, violence, blood, assault, sexually explicit scenes, kidnapping, gore
-Indie TBR takeover review-
At seventeen, Elara has one goal in mind - finish high school. But when a mysterious stranger shows up at a party to defend her from a bully, everything changes for her. She is drawn to him, although she doesn't know why, and secrets about herself and her life will be revealed. Enemies she never knew existed darken her future and she will have to trust her friends to save herself.
This book started out a bit cliché, but it got dark and interesting quite fast. I really enjoyed the world and the plot. It was full of action and plot twists that were really entertaining. The characters were quite relatable and realistic and I liked being on this journey with them. However, I found the changes of POVs a bit confusing at times, a bit too frequent. The romance was also too fast for me, I prefer when the characters have more time to get to know one another before they connect romantically. But that's really personal taste and didn't prevent me from enjoying the story. Apart from that, I had a lot of fun reading this book, the writing being addictive and easy to read. The spice was fun as well, not my favorite, but it was good! The plot was very entertaining and kept me guessing, making me worry about the characters a lot. But they are really badass and strong and managed to save themselved quite well. I can sense that the world has a lot of potential and I'm excited to learn more about it in the sequel.
I recommend if you like fantasy romance with some spice.
"She was my light, and without her brilliance, I would forever be trapped in a never ending abyss."
TW: sexual assault, violence, blood, assault, sexually explicit scenes, kidnapping, gore
June 9, 2022
incredible
This book was riveting! I absolutely love Finn, Zander, Ryder, Serena and of course Ari. This was so easy to get lost in.
This book was riveting! I absolutely love Finn, Zander, Ryder, Serena and of course Ari. This was so easy to get lost in.
June 6, 2022
Okay
The characters and story needs more development . the MFC is very whining and cries too much. The story needs work.
The characters and story needs more development . the MFC is very whining and cries too much. The story needs work.
July 7, 2021
Absolutely loved this book! It's not the typical paranormal I go for (I usually dive after vampires or gods. If I see anything about Egyptian or Greek, I fall hard). A high school girl just trying to finish her last year is definitely not something I've done in a while, but Harper Shay seized my attention and held it! I was captivated by the mysteries that began to unravel before El, the dangers that clawed at her from every angle. Not to mention...you can't have a good novel without a mysterious, yummy man!
I was enjoying this book so much that I was not ready for it to end. Definitely looking forward to the second one. Shay did a fantastic job!
I was enjoying this book so much that I was not ready for it to end. Definitely looking forward to the second one. Shay did a fantastic job!
July 10, 2021
This is such an amazing story! Elara is an amazing character and so well written. She goes from being a typical teenager questioning what is next in life to being a strong, caring, leader of her group. The author does an amazing job of showing each step of her growth and how she obtains her strength, power, and natural leadership abilities. Zander is such a wonderful character he makes a natural anti-hero that you fall in love with. Every character has their own unique personality and relationships and the author does a wonderful job intertwining them all for one of the best stories I have ever read. I can’t wait to see what happens next, I am very impatiently waiting lol.
October 24, 2021
The peace you hold within you is not true peace until it braves the darkeness
I found this story quite interesting. The concept of the Vail is not new, but the existence of a Divine saviour of divided races is different. Elara seems like an ordinary girl in the Earth's realm. Surrounded by three friends that are close to her and a mother that loves her. Her entire life is about to change on the verge of her 18th birthday. Her travels are extraordinary and her gifts are growing.
I found this story quite interesting. The concept of the Vail is not new, but the existence of a Divine saviour of divided races is different. Elara seems like an ordinary girl in the Earth's realm. Surrounded by three friends that are close to her and a mother that loves her. Her entire life is about to change on the verge of her 18th birthday. Her travels are extraordinary and her gifts are growing.
July 18, 2021
wow what a great start to a new series, I could not put this book down as it just draws you in. Just before Elara's 18th birthday her world is turned around when she meets a mysterious man and she finds out that everyone has been keeping secrets from her. This book is face paced with magic and banter, with some chemistry and steam thrown in. This story is well written and will keep you interested until the very end. I cannot wait for the next book.
July 12, 2021
Great start to this new series. One of the first stories I have read from this author and she so didn’t disappoint at all. Story was very well written and I got into it right in the beginning. All the characters are fantastic. Storyline is really good. Really looking forward to reading the next book. This one was just so good!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews