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AURA Series #4
Ryld's Shadows
Ryld must learn to control his dangerous shadows before they kill someone he cares about or someone unscrupulous learns how to control him.
AURA’s offices have been quiet since the mage tower incident—as quiet as they can be for an agency dedicated to policing holes in reality—and the department heads have been free to turn their attention back to mundane matters. The return to quiet bureaucracy gives AURA’s Director of Research, Kai Hiltas, the time to turn his energy to a new issue—a young drow with unusual and dangerous powers named Ryld.
Though his shadows always lurk at the edges of his vision, Ryld does his best to live peacefully and not let them hurt anyone. He has his work, his apartment and a succession of minders assigned by AURA who are, ostensibly, there to keep him safe in his new world and to prevent him from causing any scenes with his shadows. Most of the time, the arrangement works. But one disastrous incident causes Ryld’s minder to leave him unattended and lost—the precise thing he was hired to prevent.
To replace the faithless minder, Kai suggests Hank, a half-goblin accountant recently in the middle of a string of terrible luck, while Kai works out how best to get Ryld the magical training he so desperately needs. For his part, Hank truly likes Ryld and insists he would be happier working as Ryld’s companion rather than as a controlling minder.
As Hank and Ryld slowly come to terms with sharing space—and eventually more—Kai’s search for a teacher for Ryld takes them out west on the invitation of the Elvenhome’s aelfe queen and right into the lap of inter-elven feuds, ancient prejudice, conspiracies and trafficking rings. What should have been a pleasant visit soon turns into more than even forever-scheming Kai can handle.
Reader advisory: This book contains references to past trauma and PTSD, kidnapping and kidnapping of a child.
AURA’s offices have been quiet since the mage tower incident—as quiet as they can be for an agency dedicated to policing holes in reality—and the department heads have been free to turn their attention back to mundane matters. The return to quiet bureaucracy gives AURA’s Director of Research, Kai Hiltas, the time to turn his energy to a new issue—a young drow with unusual and dangerous powers named Ryld.
Though his shadows always lurk at the edges of his vision, Ryld does his best to live peacefully and not let them hurt anyone. He has his work, his apartment and a succession of minders assigned by AURA who are, ostensibly, there to keep him safe in his new world and to prevent him from causing any scenes with his shadows. Most of the time, the arrangement works. But one disastrous incident causes Ryld’s minder to leave him unattended and lost—the precise thing he was hired to prevent.
To replace the faithless minder, Kai suggests Hank, a half-goblin accountant recently in the middle of a string of terrible luck, while Kai works out how best to get Ryld the magical training he so desperately needs. For his part, Hank truly likes Ryld and insists he would be happier working as Ryld’s companion rather than as a controlling minder.
As Hank and Ryld slowly come to terms with sharing space—and eventually more—Kai’s search for a teacher for Ryld takes them out west on the invitation of the Elvenhome’s aelfe queen and right into the lap of inter-elven feuds, ancient prejudice, conspiracies and trafficking rings. What should have been a pleasant visit soon turns into more than even forever-scheming Kai can handle.
Reader advisory: This book contains references to past trauma and PTSD, kidnapping and kidnapping of a child.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2022
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
96 books682 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 29, 2022
Ryld’s Shadows
Exciting! Another great addition to the series. I enjoyed the story it has plenty of twists and turns keeping me glued to the pages.
Exciting! Another great addition to the series. I enjoyed the story it has plenty of twists and turns keeping me glued to the pages.
July 30, 2022
Ryld's drow magic comes in the form of shadow beasts he has limited to no control. He has had a series of minders to help contain the damage when the shadows get loose, usually when he is upset. His current minder is an abusive jerk. When the shadows get loose the minder is injured and resigns. Hank is half goblin who gets attacked by a gang of goblin youth whose territory he has to cross to get to his subway stop to go home. Hank for his community service becomes Ryld's companion since they both dislike the term minder. A relationship form and they make a trip to the Pacific northwest where an elf queen offers help to train Ryld's to control his magic. Hank and the director of research for Aura soon learn everything is not right, and trusting the wrong being gets them captured and placed in a deliberate cave-in to prevent them from summoning help. Ryld's shadows get loose as dragons and destroys the elven queen's home when he learns Of Hank's supposed death.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2022
* Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hank’s a down on his luck half-goblin who runs into Ryld, a young, displaced Drow creation, by chance one evening. Both of them have seen far too much darkness in their lives, which creates an instant spark between the two young males.
Through a chain of coincidences, Hank is given a job as Ryld’s companion after his previous minder quits. It’s up to Hank to help Ryld navigate through this strange new world as he learns more about the shadows that haunt him, how to control them, and how to open himself up more to the opportunities afforded by their new life.
Another more influential Drow, Kai Hiltas, has taken a liking to the young Ryld and uses his AURA connections to get the Aelfe Queen’s assistance in Ryld’s training. But really, it’s Hank who helps Ryld the most, as they go from friends to lovers.
But while at the Aelfe refuge on the West Coast, the three discover that there’s much intrigue afoot. Both the Aelfe and Drow Queens are machinating in an effort to bring Ryld to their courts. His power is an enticing trophy. As they try to navigate the intricacies of the courts and the prejudices towards their species, Hank and Kai also uncover a magical-child trafficking ring running out of the orphanage right under the Aelfe Queen’s pretty nose.
It’s up to Ryld, Hank, and Kai to figure out what’s going on and how to stop it all, but will they manage in time...?
Another great book in the AURA series by Angel Martinez and Bellora Quinn! I couldn’t put it down, as usual. The writing flows so well. But I hope there’ll be another book that includes how Ryld’s progressed with his shadows because that’s the only thing that didn’t feel neatly resolved by the end of this new book.
Hank’s a down on his luck half-goblin who runs into Ryld, a young, displaced Drow creation, by chance one evening. Both of them have seen far too much darkness in their lives, which creates an instant spark between the two young males.
Through a chain of coincidences, Hank is given a job as Ryld’s companion after his previous minder quits. It’s up to Hank to help Ryld navigate through this strange new world as he learns more about the shadows that haunt him, how to control them, and how to open himself up more to the opportunities afforded by their new life.
Another more influential Drow, Kai Hiltas, has taken a liking to the young Ryld and uses his AURA connections to get the Aelfe Queen’s assistance in Ryld’s training. But really, it’s Hank who helps Ryld the most, as they go from friends to lovers.
But while at the Aelfe refuge on the West Coast, the three discover that there’s much intrigue afoot. Both the Aelfe and Drow Queens are machinating in an effort to bring Ryld to their courts. His power is an enticing trophy. As they try to navigate the intricacies of the courts and the prejudices towards their species, Hank and Kai also uncover a magical-child trafficking ring running out of the orphanage right under the Aelfe Queen’s pretty nose.
It’s up to Ryld, Hank, and Kai to figure out what’s going on and how to stop it all, but will they manage in time...?
Another great book in the AURA series by Angel Martinez and Bellora Quinn! I couldn’t put it down, as usual. The writing flows so well. But I hope there’ll be another book that includes how Ryld’s progressed with his shadows because that’s the only thing that didn’t feel neatly resolved by the end of this new book.
January 26, 2022
This fourth installment in the Aura Series reminds us that things are not always as they appear. Beautiful Elven queens may or may not be trustworthy. Dark Drow queens and drow mages with unknown powers aren’t necessarily evil. And not every goblin is itching for a fight or suited only for manual labor.
Ryle’s Drow people bred, raised and tormented him in an attempt to create the perfect weapon under their command. When threatened or afraid he has no control over the shadows his magic conjures to protect him. On Aura’s earth, Aura assigns him a keeper to help him cope with stressful situations and deal with the shadows. These keepers often fear and subjugate Ryld. None of them stay long, and Ryld remains friendless and alone despite his endearingly open personality.
Hank may be half goblin, but he hates being called an orc. He’s as intelligent as anyone else and fully capable of making a living using his accounting skills rather than his brawn. But when Hank is fired from the job he fought so hard for, he has no choice but to work construction.
When these two characters meet, there is an immediate connection. Rather than fearing young, artistic Ryld, Hank feels protective of him. And Ryld sees that there is more to Hank than his large size and intimidating tusks. When Ryld takes on the job of being Ryld’s caretaker, he resolves to be a companion rather than a keeper.
When they seek help from an elven queen to control Ryld’s dangerous shadows, they must decide who to trust, and betting on the wrong queen could cost them their lives!
Ryle’s Drow people bred, raised and tormented him in an attempt to create the perfect weapon under their command. When threatened or afraid he has no control over the shadows his magic conjures to protect him. On Aura’s earth, Aura assigns him a keeper to help him cope with stressful situations and deal with the shadows. These keepers often fear and subjugate Ryld. None of them stay long, and Ryld remains friendless and alone despite his endearingly open personality.
Hank may be half goblin, but he hates being called an orc. He’s as intelligent as anyone else and fully capable of making a living using his accounting skills rather than his brawn. But when Hank is fired from the job he fought so hard for, he has no choice but to work construction.
When these two characters meet, there is an immediate connection. Rather than fearing young, artistic Ryld, Hank feels protective of him. And Ryld sees that there is more to Hank than his large size and intimidating tusks. When Ryld takes on the job of being Ryld’s caretaker, he resolves to be a companion rather than a keeper.
When they seek help from an elven queen to control Ryld’s dangerous shadows, they must decide who to trust, and betting on the wrong queen could cost them their lives!
March 5, 2022
In order to review Ryld’s Shadows by Bellora Quinn and Angel Martinez in their AURA series, I went back and reread the first three books. It’s a credit to the authors’ excellent worldbuilding and engaging characters that it was like revisiting old friends. Although it’s been many years since I read the books, both the characters and plotlines came back to me vividly. In the new book, I loved that the authors have integrated some elements from the contemporary world that were not as prevalent when the series started. I also enjoyed that neither of the main characters is an elf but rather other of the paranormal creatures pulled through into our world by an Event. It was entertaining that most of the book was not set in New York but in the woods of the west coast Elvenhome instead. While the blurb warned of conspiracies, I did not foresee several of the twists that the plot took. As was true with the third book in the series, there are no dangling plotlines, but I still would love to know more about the western contingent of otherworldly beings. I was especially intrigued by Dzev. Fans can only hope for future stories.
March 8, 2022
Ryld's Shadow brings us four books deep into the Aura world - books that should absolutely be read in order - and I'm happy to see that this series is only getting better. Once again, the world-building and character development are awesome. The continuity with the series and within the book is amazing, because the author included the right amount of information from the previous installments for the reader to feel well grounded in the overall plotline and completely invested in the story.
This book is fast paced and compelling, with enough introspection and dialogue, action, mystery, humor, suspense and romance... never a dull or boring moment. And, the selling point of the story is represented by a broad cast of characters and their relationships. Of course, the heart of the book is the built up of feelings and trust between Ryld and Hank, but the plotline is moved forward not only by romance, and I really appreciated that.
The balance of plot development, character growth and romance built-up in Ryld's Shadow is top notch... an exciting read from beginning to the end.
This book is fast paced and compelling, with enough introspection and dialogue, action, mystery, humor, suspense and romance... never a dull or boring moment. And, the selling point of the story is represented by a broad cast of characters and their relationships. Of course, the heart of the book is the built up of feelings and trust between Ryld and Hank, but the plotline is moved forward not only by romance, and I really appreciated that.
The balance of plot development, character growth and romance built-up in Ryld's Shadow is top notch... an exciting read from beginning to the end.
March 7, 2022
This is an amazing paranormal/fantasy take on the bodyguard and forced proximity tropes. Hank initially seems like the least likely choice to act as a minder for Ryld, but when their connection becomes apparent and Hank steps way outside the minder role it’s clear what he offers is exactly what Ryld needs - love and someone who views him as an individual valuable for himself, not just his powers. Those powers, however, make him tempting bait for numerous factions and Ryld, Hank and Kai have to navigate all sorts of plots and schemes in an attempt to keep Ryld safe. Along the way, they stumble on an evil enterprise and have to figure out how to keep many more people than Ryld safe. An amazing mix of romance, adventure and mystery.
January 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this latest addition to the AURA series. In general, I love the way characters are not just stereo types of their species and how they love who they love and no one really cares. Ryld just jumped out and into my heart. Broken but not broken, still trying so hard. I really felt for him. Hank is so awesome in how he handles everything. The action is well paced, the world well developed and the characters growth is spot on. I would suggest reading the first three in the series as many characters return and it helps with the world building. Frankly, not reading them would be a crime as they are also extremely well written and engaging. Another win for this pair of authors.
March 2, 2022
Oh, I really enjoyed this! This is the first I’ve read of this series, and the first from the author. It’s a great world that’s been built here! There’s so many different species. They’re all well developed with satisfying characters. The story itself has a good mystery without too much conflict, and a great resolution.
Ryld himself is a fascinating person. He’s tormented by his past and power. He hates that he has to be “handled”. Hank is the perfect companion for him- strong, caring, and observant. They’re an unlikely pair, but it works.
I’m going to have to go get the first three book of the series. I need more!
Ryld himself is a fascinating person. He’s tormented by his past and power. He hates that he has to be “handled”. Hank is the perfect companion for him- strong, caring, and observant. They’re an unlikely pair, but it works.
I’m going to have to go get the first three book of the series. I need more!
March 9, 2022
These two are one of my favorite couples
Something about Ryld brought out my mothering instincts
I wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap and snarl at the meanies who refused to drop their prejudices
I wanted to bury a certain queen in rubble after I parted her out (just wait she is pure evil)
Then there was Hank the absolute sweetest most level headed accountant/companion half-goblin
These two were just perfect together -
I do not want to forget to mention that Kai is still learning /working on asking for help lol
I devoured this one - from beginning to end it was packed with action, twists, some serious OMG moments, and the most adorable cuddle times
Something about Ryld brought out my mothering instincts
I wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap and snarl at the meanies who refused to drop their prejudices
I wanted to bury a certain queen in rubble after I parted her out (just wait she is pure evil)
Then there was Hank the absolute sweetest most level headed accountant/companion half-goblin
These two were just perfect together -
I do not want to forget to mention that Kai is still learning /working on asking for help lol
I devoured this one - from beginning to end it was packed with action, twists, some serious OMG moments, and the most adorable cuddle times
April 15, 2022
Ryld has a dangerous power, he is also a displaced Drow creation. He needs magical training. Hank is a half-goblin accountant is tasked with being Ryld’s controlling minder, but he would rather be his companion. They are sent to get the Aelfe Queen’s help, but both the Aelfe and Drow Queens are trying to get Ryld into their court. All is not as it seems. The world building is top notch!! Overall, a fantastic story. The story is well written and flowed nicely, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
January 27, 2022
Ryld's Shadows is the fourth book in the AURA series. The book is an urban fantasy with some romance and follows the story of Ryld and Hank, with some of the previous characters also included. This book is more angsty than book 1 and 2 but still a good story. The book is filled with magic and magical creatures and has very good world-building. The book contains a good story and lots of great characters. Overall a very enjoyable read and looking forward to more in the series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2022
This is the fourth book from the Aura Series and so far it’s my favorite— I loved seeing Ryld and Hank recognize how well they fit together and build a relationship that plays to each of their strengths. It’s a really well done take on the bodyguard & charge fall in love storyline, supported by plenty of intrigue and a beautifully built world full of interesting paranormal elements, intrigue, complex characters, and more. Well worth a read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2024
Old animosities die hard even after being ripped from their home worlds. Ryld is living in the human world and doesn't fit in. When angry or upset the shadows that brood within him are released to cause chaos. The offer comes that mages at a sanctuary in the west to train him to control his shadows. He sets off with his companion Hank and Kai to find out what can be done. What they discover is devastating and brings up the animosities and divisions of the world the supernatural beings came from. An interesting if unusual read.
April 9, 2022
Hank is a great guy… but there’s a bit of an imbalance of power that made their relationship feel a bit unsettling to me. Ryld, artistically talented but emotionally damaged from years of abuse, has many of the same personality traits as my autistic brother. It’s not surprising that he would fixate on the first non threatening caregiver who’s actually nice to him. I’m glad Hank let’s him take the lead in the development of their relationship.
July 5, 2022
Wonderful addition to this fascinating series. The series concept is so unique and interesting and I have loved each book. However, Ryld is such an interesting character and Hank lets him be who he is instead of trying to change him into what is "normal" or what seems more social acceptable. Very enjoyable, and of course, I had to start at the beginning and read the series again (no hardship there!). I would like to see more books in this series if the muse moves the authors again.
March 8, 2022
This was the first book I've read in this series and wow what a deliciously delightful paranormal/fantasy story.
The moment you meet Ryld and Hank you just want to cheer for them as the figure out the deep stuff in life together.
. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The moment you meet Ryld and Hank you just want to cheer for them as the figure out the deep stuff in life together.
. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2022
so glad this series continues
I really loved this series and I was really thrilled to see another one pop up. What a great read! I loved the two main characters and it was great to see characters from previous books in the series. Really hope there are more coming!
I really loved this series and I was really thrilled to see another one pop up. What a great read! I loved the two main characters and it was great to see characters from previous books in the series. Really hope there are more coming!
March 9, 2022
Awesome
Didn't think I could be persuaded by a half goblin romance, but this was certainly it and it was a really cute story.
Didn't think I could be persuaded by a half goblin romance, but this was certainly it and it was a really cute story.
March 13, 2022
Loved It
Ryld is a drow with special powers and Hank is a half-goblin. Hank is hired to watch over Ryld, they become friends and then more. I do enjoy this series very much.
Ryld is a drow with special powers and Hank is a half-goblin. Hank is hired to watch over Ryld, they become friends and then more. I do enjoy this series very much.
March 21, 2024
I could barely contain my excitement at returning to this insanely wondrous world created by the combined talents of Angel Martinez and Bellora Quinn. I had often wondered whether another installment would be forthcoming as it has been a number of years since the previous release in the ‘AURA’ series, so I was delighted when the authors wrote Ryld and Hank’s story. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews for this series, these books must be read in order, and I’m not going to reiterate the worldbuild or acronyms used as I’ve already covered that information.
Ryld is a drow (dark elf), or more accurately, a drow construct. This means that the court he was born into purposely bred his mother, a slave, to his father because they had certain conditions that might allow for a very powerful drow. It did, in him, but unfortunately as a child he was tortured by them in order to force his power to answer to them. Ryld’s shadows don’t answer to anyone and it takes everything he has to simply keep them from escaping his control and causing damage and death. AURA has assigned minders for Ryld because when something bad happens, his mind checks out, and the shadows wreak havoc. Most of these minders, however, are not nice people and haven’t treated him well.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Ryld is a drow (dark elf), or more accurately, a drow construct. This means that the court he was born into purposely bred his mother, a slave, to his father because they had certain conditions that might allow for a very powerful drow. It did, in him, but unfortunately as a child he was tortured by them in order to force his power to answer to them. Ryld’s shadows don’t answer to anyone and it takes everything he has to simply keep them from escaping his control and causing damage and death. AURA has assigned minders for Ryld because when something bad happens, his mind checks out, and the shadows wreak havoc. Most of these minders, however, are not nice people and haven’t treated him well.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
March 8, 2022
I think my favourite character over the series is Kai - prickly drow on the outside with a soft mushy core.
I did like Ryld and Hank too. This wasn’t a light read with all the things going on at Elvenhome, but there were many sweet moments. This was extremely light in the sexy times, but it fit the story and characters.
I do think there is room for more stories in this world, but this would be a good place to end the series too.
I did like Ryld and Hank too. This wasn’t a light read with all the things going on at Elvenhome, but there were many sweet moments. This was extremely light in the sexy times, but it fit the story and characters.
I do think there is room for more stories in this world, but this would be a good place to end the series too.
April 24, 2022
Edited:
This series and all the books within the series are just captivating. Each book has its own charm. In Ryld's Shadows, we have the charm of Ryld and of his relationship with Hank.
Ryld's character is similar to a human with autism. It takes a real special person to understand and love how he is. And he has that with Hank and of course Kai.
I'm so glad I was lucky enough to read this series.
I hadn't realized that this was the forth book in a continuing series so I hadn't understood some things. But I was intrigued about the world building. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Ryld and his innocence about the human world.
This series and all the books within the series are just captivating. Each book has its own charm. In Ryld's Shadows, we have the charm of Ryld and of his relationship with Hank.
Ryld's character is similar to a human with autism. It takes a real special person to understand and love how he is. And he has that with Hank and of course Kai.
I'm so glad I was lucky enough to read this series.
I hadn't realized that this was the forth book in a continuing series so I hadn't understood some things. But I was intrigued about the world building. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Ryld and his innocence about the human world.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews