Shards of Stasis

Soul Court Ascension #2

by Mel Harding-Shaw

The reality contagion threatening the Melded Earths might be temporarily stable, but the unintended mating bond between Hel and Bast is anything but. Hel's link to his necromancy is drowning her in deaths. On top of that, ominous shards of stone are emerging from the earth—deadly to both their people and Hel's secrets.

If Bast can't find a way to protect Hel from his power, they'll both die leaving the contagion to annihilate their world. With the Lady of Air marshalling her forces, starhounds prowling the city's streets, and their tenuous truce with the other elemental rulers crumbling, Bast is pulled in all directions as he fights to save his mate.

Under attack from outside and within, they fly from court to court in desperation. Inextricably bound together, their only hope of survival lies in the same mating bond that’s killing them.

Shards of Stasis is book two of the Soul Court Ascension trilogy—a steamy enemies to lovers Paranormal Romance with a side of Urban Fantasy. It is not a standalone.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Urban

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2023

About the author

Mel Harding-Shaw is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy author from Wellington, New Zealand. Her debut novel, City of Souls, was released in November 2022.

She is also a widely published speculative short fiction writer under Melanie Harding-Shaw.

Reviews

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm definitely middle of the road with this book especially since City of Souls was so incredibly good. Hel and Bast have unintentionally become mates after pretending to be. The chemistry bubbled over quite nicely but in this book it's all about why it was such a bad idea. The back and forth of why they could never be intimate again was kinda ridiculous. On top of that, because of the true mate bond the souls that are constantly present with Bast always try to save Hel by overwhelming and draining her senses so completely that she basically is borderline insane for most of the book.

I definitely got over the Hel does something reckless then Bast saves her and the souls taint her and then she almost diwes after the second time and if happens for about 3/4s of the book. Their chemistry was still there it was just every time it would start to bloom and we get a taste of the romance from book 1, it would fizzle out again and that was driving me crazy.

I did like how we get a bit more of Hel's backstory and who she really is especially her dad who is hunting her. It definitely had great pacing following book 1 however I feel like her dad's name, Sol, was thrown out there randomly with hardly any followup context and I was left questioning by the end how the Elementals, Aliya specially, had access without anyone knowing?

Also a lot of characters had complete 360 personalities compared to book 1 like Mica and Tir. They went to almost lovable to straight conniving. Tir's role also didn't make sense when he had the solution to "save" Hel by helping her shift into her real form but only if promised a life debt? Like where did that come from? And if he had this answer the whole time why go the route of the Fire Court which ended up exacerbating everything anyway?

The epilogue is super long. Basically a chapter but we were introduced to Kairon and that was the best part of the book honestly. I can't wait to learn more about him in the 3rd book. He was very compelling and I'm intrigued.

It seems like lot of negatives but I did read the book the whole way through. Wasn't as good as the first book but I'll definitely read the 3rd one when it comes out.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

SHARDS OF STASIS picks up right where book 1 left off but I have to be honest and say this was not as engaging of a read. The first half of the book is slow to get into the meat of the story but the second half does pick up and the last 10% was a completely wild ride of revelations.

Hel and Bast might have a mating bond now but that doesn't mean they're in love. In fact, they're doing everything they can to keep their distance from each other and locate a way to block or sever the bond. These two had so much to work out and while their reluctance in book 1 was filled with flirty and sexy moments, this time it just felt angsty and sad. I didn't enjoy how long it took for them to work out their feelings during this book.

All that being said, I'm still very curious to know what happens in book 3, especially after that cliffhanger, and there are plenty of side characters I'm hoping will get stories. This is definitely an author I want to read more from.

Content Warning: past death of a loved one; cliffhanger

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:

“Even when you hated me, you saved me, and you have no idea what it means to me that you’d do anything to protect our family, our city, and me. You challenge me. Excite me. Accept me. You fill a hole in my life, in myself, that I didn’t even know was there. I don’t want to go back to who I was without you.”

- - - - -

“I claimed you. My home is your home. Always. All you have to do is choose it,” he said.

- - - - -

“I want us to be partners. By choice and not just circumstance. I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning knowing that it’s because you want to be there. I need you because of this connection we share, but I love you because of who you are. Your strength. That compassion you try so hard to hide. You make me feel as protected as I hope you feel with me.”

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shards Of Stasis is the perfect follow-up to City Of Souls. While the story line of the contagion and intrigues of the Courts continues, the focus has been flipped so that while we watch Hel and Bast's evolving relationship through alternating POV's, it becomes clear that they are the precipitating factor in each critical incident even up to a national level, rather than events influencing them as a couple as was the case in City Of Souls.

This world is one of the most original I have ever read about. I love the concept of the melding, as it provides the author with so much scope for riveting storylines and character exploration.

The draw between Bast and Hel is fascinating and frustrating to watch. And so well written!! "why would he want to spend any longer time in her presence than he absolutely had to? And why did she want him to? Ugh. She needed a drink." It's like watching magnets being inexorably pulled together, knowing there will be a collision at the end and nothing can stop it. And the magnets don't want to stop the crash either - "they each filled a missing piece in the other". Yes, frustrating!

This is a fast paced story where the reader is constantly pulled forward through the book by the next threat of invasion and war, the next threat to someone's life, the next hint at Hel's past. The secondary characters all support this frenetic pace, as they are consistently solid with diverse and interesting personalities and could easily carry their own stories.

Then we are left in a terrible cliff-hanger.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book through an ARC campaign.

[Arliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so intense. I don't want to say toomuch in case of spoilers but..... Following Hel and Bast in their journey had me wanting more every chapter, especially with it being dual pov. I loved the plot twists and the continuing world building. This book is not out yet, but I'm already excited for book 3! That cliffhanger 🤯 honestly! I need book 3 already!

🗡️ Strong FMC
🗡️ Hidden past
🗡️ Destined lovers
🗡️ Unique magic system
🗡️ Found family
🗡️ Winged MMC 😉

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Trigger includes: Violence, kidnapping

I received an ARC of this book, but it comes out soon!! (May 18)

[Helen (Zass) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! This would is just so cool and unique and it was just so much fun getting to delve deeper into it! The tension was great, both with the romance and the plot. There is a big cliffhanger ending and I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens!

[Kreela · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Long novel, really long
• Unwanted Bond
• Possessive male
• Strong Woman
• High Tech plus Fantasy
• A little too much description for everything (wordy)
• Marriage vow ending
• Sweet romance
• HEA
I wish I had binge-read the first and second books back-to-back. Hel, or as her [proxy] niece calls her, Hellkitten 😉, overwhelms herself trying to target the source of the growing blight. The souls attracted to her every time she expends power makes her symptoms worse, and Bast finds her unconscious and takes her to his home. Feeling increasingly rejected as Bast avoids Hel, she decides to continue searching for the source of the blight and finds the worst possible outcome: evidence of her unknown father making inroads into this realm.

Meanwhile, Bast is trying to cover for her. Since she can portal, he knows she doesn’t belong to this world. Only humans and Elementals were known, if you exclude the Archivist, and Elementals cannot portal. They travel both apart and then together to find the various new portals, or “shards of stasis,” in the process also finding that one of the other political regions, The Lady of Air’s, is gearing up for war. Bast is alarmed because that realm is an enemy of his. My favorite scene is the trip to his brother’s region, where Bast has to admit he is trying to break the bond. Since Hel would be the only one affected, leaving Bast pining away, his brother agrees. But wait; there is more! His brother also has another thing up his sleeve!

The world is also unique. This is a world with tiny winged skinks! I am in awe. This is a world where the spirits work and organize their duties using a database.

The minor characters are endearing. Her niece is such a treat, comic relief, as she attempts to play hide-and-ambush on Hel. The Archivist is a teddy bear here, no longer the scary open jaw-of-death.

But you probably want to know about the romance. What a tease it is, since they constantly feel the pull of the mating bond but try to resist: “Her tongue darted out to lick her lips and he barely had time to groan before she was throwing herself into his arms, both legs wrapped around his waist …” I am sure they are just as frustrated as I.


“Bro! Are you decent? Actually, scratch that, I don’t care about you. Is Hel decent?” Ra’s voice [stated like a brother-in-arms.]

[2TNWalkers · Rating 1 out of 5]

The angst from both characters in the first chapter put me off…I am too old for teenager high school angst. But I pushed thru….And this book is 75% angst….

[Veronica and Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends, it’s two sequels in a row for me! And like with the other sequel review, I am going to be very brief as we are standing on the cusp of Spoiler City and I don’t want to cross town lines. I’ve been anticipating this release for a while now and was thrilled to have to opportunity to catch up with Hel and Bast and their elemental love affair with Shards of Stasis: Soul Court Ascension Book Two by Mel Harding Shaw.

A Little Bit of Plot
The contagion is spreading at an increasing speed. Hel is continually stalked by an starhounds by amassing numbers. Bast, meanwhile, is determined to find a course of action that will protect Hel from succumbing to the souls connected to his power - and breaking their mating bond is out of the question. Something ominous is on the horizon and both Hel and Bast are still holding onto secrets that could determine how they will face it, together or apart?

All the Top Buns (The Pros)
(Let’s be honest, top buns honors go to Johnathan Bailey…the inspiration of the #buttbitersclub)

Hel
Motherf#$@ Hel is still the boss. She’s a kick ass warrior with sharp wit and even sharper sword. I love my heroines bossy and badass as I will never be such in real life.

We do witness a few different sides of Hel in this installment, however, mostly due to her body’s response to Bast’s soul energy. Even when in a weakened state, this woman can bring men to heel, and that’s sexy as hell.

Ignoring her scowl, he braced her body while she took a moment to regain her balance after so long being carried in his arms.
“Why did you bring her? “ Mica asked him.
“She can hear you, asshole. She’s standing right here,” Hel snapped at the Earth Lord.
Mica blinked and swept into a bow. “Forgive me, Helaine. Why are you here?”
Bast hid a smirk as Hel figured out what to say in response. She must’ve felt his amusement because she glared at him again. He loved feeling her anger. The way her eyes glittered with emotion.

She and Bast are struggling to find a way in which the souls that power him won’t destroy her. The other courts want to hand her over to her father. Bast wants to keep her by his side indefinitely. They are at quite the impasse.

They’d sacrifice her in a heartbeat. Some of them would even enjoy it. She wasn’t selfish. She wouldn’t let the realities collapse again just to save herself. But when the time came, it would be her choice and no one else’s

Her sassiness and Bast’s inexplicable pull to her leads me to another bun…

The Sexual Tension

In the first book, we didn’t get the full scale ‘sexy times’ until the end of the novel. That sesh though, was two things: 1. HOT and 2. creates their bond (and her cool back tattoo). After that night, both have denied the pull, Bast, in particular, is struggling not to touch her or use their bond. Therefore, the two have not gotten busy since that night, but they feel this almost palpable sexual tension every time they share the same space.

His free hand dropped behind him, pushing the emergency stop. As the elevator car jerked to a halt, he lifted his eyes to meet Hel’s. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips and he barely had time to groan before she was throwing herself into his arms, both legs wrapped around his wait as she slipped her tongue into his mouth, just like he’d been fantasizing earlier. This woman. She was everything. His brain shut down. All he could think about was worshiping her.

Folks, that's just the makeout session...I can easily say when they come back together..HAWT.

There’s so much to rave about this book - the action story arcs are great, Harding does a wonderful job of creating tension and large action scenes. Also, this book moves! There’s no down time to be had here!

One last bun…
The Way that Bast Loves Hel

I love my #fallsfirstfallshard heroes and this is no exception. Both Hel and Bast are cut from the same cloth when it comes to their upbringing. There’s a lot of talk of dark/light and whether or not Hel and Bast seem like a complimentary couple. The greatest moment of ‘this is why we work’ comes after an 'interrogation' of sorts:

"Better faded than blind. You think him cold like the bodies of the dead? He’s literally overflowing with the power of innumerable lives. He shines with it. The dead gift him that power because of his care for people - his warmth - not because he’s cold. My faded dark self is his opposite…"
"You are neither faded, nor dark. Your soul is literally bleeding out of your body into the place between and you still burn bright."

Bast is in it 100% in this book. He was so angry with her for most of the first novel and she was with him; we needed this slow burn to get to where we are. Hel takes a little longer than Bast, but she gets there in the end.

It’s time for my trademark (still workshopping it) segment: The Moment the Hero Ruined Me From All IRL Men

This time it’s literally one line, and it’s beautiful. “It’s like she was made for me.”

Put the fork in me, folks, I’m done.

You ABSOLUTELY WILL need to read City of Souls before reading this book. You will be lost otherwise. I’m calling it now, I can see Hel being on my list again this year of favorite heroines - what with all her badassery and such.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happened? I was VERY pleasantly surprised at how good the first book was, to the point that I had been eagerly waiting for this followup for months. About one third of the way into the book, I was already struggling to stay engaged and could barely get through the entire thing. This book honestly felt like it was written by a completely different author! What changed? Was the first book just very well edited? Was this book rushed? No idea, but the difference is stark.

The writing style went from decent (not some amazingly beautiful prose, but just gets the job done) to a very elementary level, with cheesy and repetitive descriptions. As the reader, you feel caught in the middle of a LOT of navel gazing, whiny, wannabe angst from both sides. I say wannabe, because despite all the hand wringing about breaking the mate bond and the threat of death, at no point does it actually feel like a real threat - so it just leaves you feeling annoyed to read about it, like it's over emphasized for the sake of melodrama. The same goes for Bast and Hel's relationship. It's like reading about two moody teenagers, not two grown adults. Despite their bond, there is zero intelligent communication between them, just a lot of sulking and moaning and groaning about how much it sucks. The characterization for pretty much every character just regressed for no reason, until they're like a two dimensional version of who they were in the first book, without any of the charm. To put it in a nutshell, everyone in this book started behaving like characters, not people. So much of it was just over the top and felt ridiculous.

As I mentioned above, I was only about 30% of the way into the book before I really had the urge to chuck it against the wall because I couldn't stomach one more description of how much they really, REALLY wanted each other and could feel each other hurting and on and on and on. It really was starting to feel like the type of angsty fanfiction I read and wrote in middle school and high school - relevant because I expect better from adult relationships featuring adult characters supposedly taking on life or death matters. This review might read as overly harsh, but as someone who wrote a lot of quite popular but ultimately pretty awful works early on in my life, I think the frank reviews helped me improve. The really frustrating thing is that I know this can be better, because I've read better before. Otherwise I would've have bothered to write a review.

Sure, the first book was not the most original of concepts - to put it diplomatically - especially with the heavily Kate Daniels inspired background and the whole big bad Daddy dearest looking to kill the threat to his power - but it was actually executed well and the stakes and revelations not only matched, but actually surpassed, my expectations. This second was so underwhelming that I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.

[Deborah Mayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from Author with No spoilers in review!

Book 2 in Soul Court Ascension series - NOT stand alone and I highly recommend you read Bk 1, City of Souls first to get the most from this installment. Ends on a cliffhanger.

Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Enemy to Lover, Forced Proximity, dual POV, M/F,
Slow burn/ med spice.

City of Souls was one of my favourite reads last year and reminded me of what attracted me to this genre in the first place. Kick started it off again plus a new author, I was in 7th heaven and just had to wait for Book 2.
Thus, I was so excited upon the news Shards of Stasis was due for release - fellow Bookworms you know that feeling!

Well, this book is fabulous, it is more character driven, concentrating on Hel and Bast, the difficulties they face with their bond, increasing attraction and the decline in Hels health.
The character growth is superb but the story arc is not forgotten, we still have the Political intrigue, betrayals from unexpected sources, new exciting characters and a World that continues to develop and enrich the senses.

Cannot say too much for risk of spoilers but this installment is packed with action, no stagnation for characters nor plot line; all gains momentum and is quite a page turner!

Despite the tumult there is time for love and friendship to flourish and moments of humour whilst the pace gathers speed to one heck of a cliffhanger - my shrieking Noooooooo! sent the dogs scarpering off my lap!

Loved it and cannot wait, seriously, cannot wait for the next book as I reckon it will be explosive after this build up.

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

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shards of Stasis is the second book in Mel Harding-Shaw’s Soul Court Ascension series. It must be read after City of Souls (book 1) and cannot be read as a standalone.

Emotionally, I found Shards of Stasis to be lacking compared to City of Souls. I loved loved loved City of Souls because there was banter, trepidation, cunning ruthlessness, female strength and independence, and an enemies to lovers/fake dating feel I could’ve died over. For Shards of Stasis, it fell a bit flat emotionally. I was left wanting more back and forth tension between not wanting a bond but being drawn to each other with Hel and Bast. It didn’t feel as balanced as I was hoping for. Hel’s character was often seen as weakening because of the soul taint with Bast having to save her constantly. I would’ve liked to see her handle the soul taint in a more “Helcat” way. I wanted more spice. I’m sorry, I just did. I love the two of them and I wanted more “them time.” I also wanted more edge of the seat action. There was a lot going on in the first 75% of the book but it didn’t feel “gripping.” It left me at a place I could put the book down and wait before picking it back up again. I think Hel’s story had a lot of potential to be more adventurous and action-packed. Ultimately, that’s what I was looking for but didn’t get and I hate even saying that because I loved City of Souls so very much!

I’m looking forward to reading book 3 when it comes out! I’m hoping for more action, edge of the seat drama, plot twists, and mate action.

Thank you to BookSirens and Mel Harding-Shaw for providing me an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up right where the previous one leaves off as Hel and Bast figure out the whole mating thing.

It's a fun, slightly terrifying story will Hel trying to survive the mating and Bast's magic, while Bast is trying to prevent the mating from killing Hel. Plus the Council wants to hand Hel over to her father. All around good times.

It was an interesting dynamic, because Bast and Hel do care for each other, but they also don't want to deepen the mating bond, so it allows for that relationship to have some amusing jealousy and platonic moments.

The story did start slower than I'd have liked, and I needed to read about a third of the way through before it clicked with me and I couldn't but it down! I think it was more of the mystery of what Hel is and how to stop the spread of the contagion and what causes the contagion were what helped me get more into the story.

I will add, that Bast and Hel are way better beings than I am, if I was faced with that much betrayal and hostility, I probably wouldn't bother helping the other territories if they won't bother being me nice to me. But, luckily for the world, Best and Hel are better than me and will help out even to their detriment.

There's plenty of kicking butt in the story, with other violence included, and some steamy scenes.

This is the second book in the series and the first must be read in order to understand this story. Also, it ends on a cliffhanger.

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

[Nit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a great sequel to the first book, and I loved the focus on the developing relationship between Bast and Hel. It was really fun exploring more of the world as the two of them travelled around trying to solve their mating problems and save the world from Hel's father's mysterious forces along the way.

I would say about 60% of the book revolved specifically around the complications associated with Bast and Hel's mating, which meant more one-on-one time with our two protagonists. Their relationship was so sweet, and it was nice to see them slowly growing to trust and truly care for each other.

On the flip side of that though, Bast's resistance to intimately connecting with Hel and deepening their mating bond was extremely frustrating. It created a lot of tension, but I was irritated at the both of them -- Bast for avoiding Hel, and Hel for keeping her secrets from him. Most of my frustration came from the fact that I knew that Bast and Hel would end up together one way or another, so it was tough to see them keep fighting something that felt inevitable. Overall, their relationship was really fun and angsty, and I did enjoy the spicy scenes (I would probably rate this book 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 for spice).

This was a great second book in the series, and I can't wait for the third one!

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

[Nikita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed City of Souls, and while I wouldn't pass over Shards of Stasis I was still a little disappointed.

One of the main things I enjoyed in Book 1 was Hel's personality and independence. I feel like she lost that in this book and it mostly consists of Hel passing out and being saved by Bast - over and over again.

Shards of Stasis definitely feels more character driven and has less plot than City of Souls (there is still plot, it's just not the primary focus). I enjoyed the development of Hel and Bast's relationship as they navigated the bond that neither of them intended on.

With the cliffhanger ending I definitely think Book 3 will be more plot heavy and hopefully Hel's character will be a bit stronger (I feel like she was starting to get there at the end of Book 2). I think Shards of Stasis might just have second book syndrome - I'm still looking forward to Book 3 and continuing Hel and Bast's story!

*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an ARC from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! What a great sequel. Picking up two months after the conclusion of City of Souls, this book sets a rollicking pace that doesn’t let up. It’s so fun.

What I really appreciated was Hel and Bast’s character development. Was it frustrating when they were both denying their mate bond? Yes, absolutely. But their stubbornness and irritation with each other was a natural progression of the characters we got to know in the first instalment, and quite frankly, their chemistry is off the chain. They each have a strong sense of identity and really grapple with the changes in their world and their relationship.

While I would say I enjoyed this *slightly* less than the first one, I was still totally absorbed and couldn’t put it down. I’m usually more of a fan of standalone novels, but this is shaping up to be a great series and I can’t wait for the next instalment - especially after that cliffhanger. More please!

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

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from BookSirens for giving my two cents. Wow....what a read. We met Hel and Bast in previous books where they were mated and Bast his been keeping his distance from Hel bc being with him could kill her. All his souls are drawn to him. Hel doesn't know whether she wants to kiss or throttle Bast. She's getting weaker and weaker. Bast needs a way to break the bond...to keep her safe. Hel powers seem to have taken an extra ability being close to Bast. There are forces at work trying to catch Hel and that includes attacks from fellow courts. Hel knows he father is still after her and he has found her. But when Bast and her are attacked, Bast manages to portal to where Tir is. Tir is the best bet to help. Bast is shocked at the transformation of Hel. Hel is determined not to go down without a fight even if it means facing her father...but what will her cost her heart? Anand what a cliffhanger!! Next book please :)

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their mating bond is killing Hel and Bast is desperately searching for a way to dampen the effect of his magic on her. With the reality contagion seemingly contained they look for answers that will save both of their lives. Unfortunately, shards of a stone they can’t identify are pushing their way up through the earth and are deadly to all of them, and much to Hel’s distress they could threaten to reveal her secrets. To top it all off the council will conspire to capture Hel and turn her over to the being responsible for the Meldings.
Action packed and exciting read with magic, dragons, bloody battles, betrayal, and enough twist to make a reader dizzy. The characters are all compelling, unique, well written with fascinating interactions and engaging dialog. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I’m already looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the Soul Court Ascension series continues seamlessly from the last book. Bast and Hel are now united in their cause, but both suffering from the side effects of their mating bond. With hostile elemental lords, a world-melding father on the hunt and the constant threat of death through their bond, the stakes couldn't be any higher.
Still, the two of them find plenty of opportunity for yearning - something they both try to ignore at various levels. Needless to say that when they finally do get together, it's a big sigh of relief for the reader ;)
Add in a couple of delightful side characters (love the Archivar, plus their found family), two headstrong personalities that challenge each other and the delightful world-building melding fantasy, reality, and dystopia, and you've got a pretty good second volume in front of you. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys slow-burn enemies-to-lovers stories with heaps of life-threatening action.

[Karen Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reality contagion threatening the Melded Earths might be temporarily stable, but the unintended mating bond between Hel and Bast is anything but. Hel's link to his necromancy is drowning her in deaths. On top of that, ominous shards of stone are emerging from the earth—deadly to both their people and Hel's secrets.
If Bast can't find a way to protect Hel from his power, they'll both die leaving the contagion to annihilate their world.

Loved this as much as the first. Hel is still fighting her attraction to Bast and Bast is frustrated with Hel's hiding questions of herself, especially now they have both triggered a mating bond. The old 'Can't live with them, can't live without them lol! There's more intrigue within the Courts and Hel is struggling under the weight of Bast's souls which could eventually kill her. Her father is still hunting her and black monolithic shards are appearing, spreading the contagion. I admit I did skim a lot of the 'technical' jargon as it went over my head but looking forward to book 3 as this ended with a huge cliffhanger!

[Brittany ( BookWyvernLovesTea ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you met Hel and Bast yet? This is the second book in their story, and let me just say that I absolutely flew through it!
.
For the sake of everyone Hel concealed that she isn't human, but Bast not knowing has caused a magical faf that has placed Hel in mortal danger. Not to mention, it's still Bast and Hel against everyone to try and stop disaster. These two do not get a break!
.
Hardingshaw has created a delightful Urban SFF romance--SFFR? She's woven wonderful bits of contemporary culture into this melded world of fantastical creatures! There's
✨️magic
✨️bonded mates ( that are resisting)
✨️high stakes
✨️merged world
✨️so many wings!
✨️found family

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc voluntary review. Again this book astonished me with its depth and richness. The main characters have grown and strengthened and just make the story so facinating. This author creates a world of not only depth and beauty but has conflict and strife happiness and sadness and loss. I must admit I did cheat and look at the cover of the 3rd book I just couldn’t wait to see the transformation. By the end there were several characters I would gladly have done away with and truely hope they are made to pay in the next book for all they caused. I am anxiously waiting the next book. Thanks again for writing such an enthralling story

[Anna Shulzhenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fatasy books. This is a second book from the series and I highly recommend you to red the first one, though. But maybe you shouldn't read them at all yet, because I can't imagine how I'll be able to wait for the third one. The choice is yours.

In this book we are back to the City of Souls. Hel and Bast are fighting the mating bond between them, because this bond is slowly killing Hel. But no more spoilers!

Also, in this book we'll visit Nerida's and Mica's courts.

Shards of stasis has it all: it's action packed, has a strong FC, world building is top-notch, some hot scenes, and it's totally and completely unpredictable!

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stakes couldn’t have been higher in this action-packed sequel set in the rich world of Melded Earth. From enormous personal setbacks, to countless otherworldly hostilities, and frustratingly unfair court politics, this book built on the grand foundation of the first to weave a story full of danger and heart. Its nail-biting plot didn’t let up for a second, keeping readers glued to the pages as its characters fought with everything they had only to make it to the next problem. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, but above all, so, so entertaining.

[Italy · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

I really enjoy this storyline. I love Bast and Hel!

BUT

it’s kinda hard for me to keep track/understand some of the background for the world, and I’m not sure if I just missed it at the beginning of the first book or what, but I remember being confused reading that one too.

ALSO

I did feel like some of this dragged on and on and on, I found myself skimming more at the end because it felt like nothing was happening. Like pages were being taken up just talking about the feel of Hel in his arms. I need more than that.

[Tamara Ellen McCaffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whirlwind of emotions and adventure! I can’t put into words how much I loved this book! Hel and Bast just continue to make my heart melt. Plenty of plot twists to keep you on your toes. Amazing character and relationship growth and the world building is still amazing. However that cliff hanger ending has destroyed me. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

[P.L. Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second instalment in the City of Souls series. It's full of action and high emotions. Hel has finally found friends and even a family of sorts and she is opening herself to the possibility of being part and stop running away hopefully, but she's also dying from her own magic. There is a satisfactory progression in her relationships with others, but it ends with a big cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This follows up perfectly from book one, it must be read first, fo a good understanding of this story. I do enjoy a book written with dual POVs and it is good to know what the characters are thinking, as the story moves along. Bast and Hel have a lot to contend with in this one, and we are left at a cliff in the end, so I will wait. I believe that it will be worth it, I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

cliffhanger ending

Really hard double cliffhanger ending. However I do really enjoy the story and can’t wait to read the next one.

The elemental council is completely evil. The soul court are the only ones that care about anyone.

Really disappointed in side character Mica

Overall interesting story

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we pick up right where the first book left us with Bast and Hel’s mating bond being totally unstable as they try to work out how to survive this. It’s an exciting and intriguing story that has pulled me in from book one with the mystery and suspense, the action, the steam and the ongoing push, pull between our mc’s. It’s an incredible read and I so look forward to more.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't disappoint.

Another fantastic story and I'm itching to read the next book- too bad I have to wait a year. I also binged read this one, I couldn't put it down.

I love Hel and Bast's relationship. The banter between the two and the snark. Can't wait to see where things go next.