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Reign of Soulless #2
These Hearts We Shatter
Take the throne.
Ensnare the enemy.
Guard your heart.
After the Daemon King’s betrayal, Sersa Scáth never wants to see Sin Drumghoul again, let alone hear his sullied name. At least, that’s the lie she clings to in hopes it will become true—all while drowning in memories of him that feel like a lifetime ago.
But even after three moons apart, Sersa is blinded by anger and sees no way to defuse the emotion that’s altered her magic indefinitely. To make matters worse, Jestin Drumghoul is out for blood and vengeance for the Old King’s murder, and his main target isn’t Sin. It’s her.
In the Soullanders’ eyes, murdering the king is Sersa’s claim to the throne—a claim Sin would kill for her to accept. He wants nothing more than for her to rule beside him, even if it means baring the ugly secrets he’s concealed to win her back. But Jestin isn’t the only one who has other plans for her…
Giving Sin a second chance to not only prove his love but also repair Sersa’s trust in him isn’t easy, and her ice-cold heart is in danger of shattering before it ever truly thaws. But secrecy isn’t just for kings, and Sersa finds herself questioning illusion versus reality once again. Failing to decipher between the two might just tear she and Sin apart once and for all—if their enemies don’t do it first.
Ensnare the enemy.
Guard your heart.
After the Daemon King’s betrayal, Sersa Scáth never wants to see Sin Drumghoul again, let alone hear his sullied name. At least, that’s the lie she clings to in hopes it will become true—all while drowning in memories of him that feel like a lifetime ago.
But even after three moons apart, Sersa is blinded by anger and sees no way to defuse the emotion that’s altered her magic indefinitely. To make matters worse, Jestin Drumghoul is out for blood and vengeance for the Old King’s murder, and his main target isn’t Sin. It’s her.
In the Soullanders’ eyes, murdering the king is Sersa’s claim to the throne—a claim Sin would kill for her to accept. He wants nothing more than for her to rule beside him, even if it means baring the ugly secrets he’s concealed to win her back. But Jestin isn’t the only one who has other plans for her…
Giving Sin a second chance to not only prove his love but also repair Sersa’s trust in him isn’t easy, and her ice-cold heart is in danger of shattering before it ever truly thaws. But secrecy isn’t just for kings, and Sersa finds herself questioning illusion versus reality once again. Failing to decipher between the two might just tear she and Sin apart once and for all—if their enemies don’t do it first.
803 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2023
65 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Shannon R. Lir
2 books79 followersShannon R. Lir is a YA and NA fantasy romance author. Her favorite stories are about young women with sharp daggers, perpetually smirking love interests, and all shades of morally gray characters.
THIS DECEIT OF OURS is Shannon’s debut novel and the first book in the Reign of Soulless series. Sign up for her newsletter on shannonrlir.com for exclusive sneak peeks, including title and cover reveals, excerpts, ARCs, giveaways, and more!
THIS DECEIT OF OURS is Shannon’s debut novel and the first book in the Reign of Soulless series. Sign up for her newsletter on shannonrlir.com for exclusive sneak peeks, including title and cover reveals, excerpts, ARCs, giveaways, and more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 5, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This series is great for readers who love a slow burn and enjoyed The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole and the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy.
I was excited to return to Sersa and Sin’s world after the cliffy in Book 1 (and thankfully the author was merciful and did not put that level of pain on us a second time). I love how the author took different twists on popular tropes and made this a world of its own. This is a place of demons, druids, magic, gods, ghosts, wyvern, fae, and monsters of a wide variety. There is plenty of spice and tension between the two main characters along with political intrigue and subversion. The level of creativity that the author put into this world and the plots is refreshing in a genre oversaturated with predictable plots and cliches.
A warning, however, that the pace slows considerably for a good portion of the story. This installment starts out with a hook of early action and then takes a long, slower journey that really focuses on the romance plot. This is, after all, a fantasy romance. So for the reader who likes to simmer in that tension and revel in the slow burn, this delivers.
I needed some more mystery and action, though, to really keep me engaged. I think some of the writing style challenged my focus, too, as I read much more quickly when most of the sentences are in active voice. I stopped and read another book in the midst of this, which isn’t something I usually do.
I was glad I stuck with it, as the action definitely came in the third act, with a few points of action along the way. The big conflict kept me on the edge and flipping pages, making the end of the book fly by.
This installment relies heavily on the premise of lost/stolen memories, which leads to fairly constant miscommunication and misunderstanding. It really challenged Sersa and her arc was impressive - she was always a bad ass but really grew into her crown by the end of this story.
Overall, I loved the first book a lot more but I enjoyed this one too. I’ll be picking up the next book and sticking with the series.
This series is great for readers who love a slow burn and enjoyed The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole and the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy.
I was excited to return to Sersa and Sin’s world after the cliffy in Book 1 (and thankfully the author was merciful and did not put that level of pain on us a second time). I love how the author took different twists on popular tropes and made this a world of its own. This is a place of demons, druids, magic, gods, ghosts, wyvern, fae, and monsters of a wide variety. There is plenty of spice and tension between the two main characters along with political intrigue and subversion. The level of creativity that the author put into this world and the plots is refreshing in a genre oversaturated with predictable plots and cliches.
A warning, however, that the pace slows considerably for a good portion of the story. This installment starts out with a hook of early action and then takes a long, slower journey that really focuses on the romance plot. This is, after all, a fantasy romance. So for the reader who likes to simmer in that tension and revel in the slow burn, this delivers.
I needed some more mystery and action, though, to really keep me engaged. I think some of the writing style challenged my focus, too, as I read much more quickly when most of the sentences are in active voice. I stopped and read another book in the midst of this, which isn’t something I usually do.
I was glad I stuck with it, as the action definitely came in the third act, with a few points of action along the way. The big conflict kept me on the edge and flipping pages, making the end of the book fly by.
This installment relies heavily on the premise of lost/stolen memories, which leads to fairly constant miscommunication and misunderstanding. It really challenged Sersa and her arc was impressive - she was always a bad ass but really grew into her crown by the end of this story.
Overall, I loved the first book a lot more but I enjoyed this one too. I’ll be picking up the next book and sticking with the series.
July 31, 2025
Oh my god! Why is booktok not blowing this book up?! It's incredible!
Sin and Sersa have become my newest favorite book couple. I am absolutely obsessed with them. This book was so good. The angst, the character development, the spicy scenes, the romance, the battles!! It has literally everything. Sersa is such a bad ass and Sin tries so hard to protect her. I love their bond and I cannot wait for the next book.
Sin and Sersa have become my newest favorite book couple. I am absolutely obsessed with them. This book was so good. The angst, the character development, the spicy scenes, the romance, the battles!! It has literally everything. Sersa is such a bad ass and Sin tries so hard to protect her. I love their bond and I cannot wait for the next book.
June 29, 2023
I was so excited to get an ARC for this book and it has become one of my favorite reads of the year. After the soul-wrenching cliffhanger in This Deceit of Ours, I promise this is all the relief you want and more.
Sersa and her Daemon King Sin are immediately confronted with the impact of his betrayal, and she has to figure out if she can still trust him, all while his brother Jestin brings new danger. Sersa’s journey with her emotions and how they manifest in her magic is so relatable. It’s so hard to trust after you’ve been hurt. Every page of their struggle is worth it.
One of my favorite parts was getting to experience Sin’s POV. His thoughts and experiences were so key, and I love that we see some of the story through his memories as well.
This book is almost TWICE as long as the first one, and there is plenty of action, along with the deep transformative moments for the characters.
I loved all the surprise reveals and the new characters. I hope we get even more time with Ciel and Devlin in the future. I can’t wait to see what Sersa learns about her magic. And even though this does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending, it’s nowhere near as painful as the first so thank you for that Shannon! 💙💙
Sersa and her Daemon King Sin are immediately confronted with the impact of his betrayal, and she has to figure out if she can still trust him, all while his brother Jestin brings new danger. Sersa’s journey with her emotions and how they manifest in her magic is so relatable. It’s so hard to trust after you’ve been hurt. Every page of their struggle is worth it.
One of my favorite parts was getting to experience Sin’s POV. His thoughts and experiences were so key, and I love that we see some of the story through his memories as well.
This book is almost TWICE as long as the first one, and there is plenty of action, along with the deep transformative moments for the characters.
I loved all the surprise reveals and the new characters. I hope we get even more time with Ciel and Devlin in the future. I can’t wait to see what Sersa learns about her magic. And even though this does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending, it’s nowhere near as painful as the first so thank you for that Shannon! 💙💙
July 9, 2023
An illuminating continuation that will keep you ensnared as more secrets are revealed.
This volume begins with Sersa stuck and unsure of her place in either of the worlds she knows now, but don’t distress, things pick up quickly. This book brings much more clarity to events and discussions from the first book and is absolutely worth picking up if you enjoyed the first book.
This volume is significantly longer than the first, but I was always surprised by the next twist and turn so it didn’t feel as long as it was.
This volume begins with Sersa stuck and unsure of her place in either of the worlds she knows now, but don’t distress, things pick up quickly. This book brings much more clarity to events and discussions from the first book and is absolutely worth picking up if you enjoyed the first book.
This volume is significantly longer than the first, but I was always surprised by the next twist and turn so it didn’t feel as long as it was.
July 10, 2023
once I remembered
It took forever to remember what the heck was happening, and the scenes which were happening but not happening at the start made that all the worse.
Once I got into it it felt like a ton of stuff happened, then nothing… and then Sersa would be an emotionally challenged dimwit all over again.
Good read, but too many pacing issues for me to really enjoy it.
It took forever to remember what the heck was happening, and the scenes which were happening but not happening at the start made that all the worse.
Once I got into it it felt like a ton of stuff happened, then nothing… and then Sersa would be an emotionally challenged dimwit all over again.
Good read, but too many pacing issues for me to really enjoy it.
June 23, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Loved Nessin and the banter between him and Sersa 🫠 🖤
And Laisrés 👀 what are you up to sir? Stirring the dang pot.
Now to wait for book 3 😭
Thank you Shannon R. Lir for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved Nessin and the banter between him and Sersa 🫠 🖤
And Laisrés 👀 what are you up to sir? Stirring the dang pot.
Now to wait for book 3 😭
Thank you Shannon R. Lir for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
✨ “I don’t need stars. I have you.” ✨
This book doesn’t just hurt, it claws through your chest with Sluagh hands and paints your heart in colours you didn’t know existed.
I genuinely loved this book, and as the second book in the series I feel like it ramped up on the emotional damage almost too hard because I genuinely cried my eyes out at the most random times.
Shannon did an excellent job of portraying addiction and relapse in a fantasy setting, and this is not something I expected but is something I love to see as it’s not often come across. It feels raw and real, and bought out so much emotional response from me.
Sersa, I feel like is an extremely relatable character. She lacks self confidence, she’s got trust issues to the moon, and she’s always second guessing her encounters with people.
Nessin has that energy of “I could crush you, but I won’t unless you beg” And I would. Loudly. In public. No shame. As long as he brings his gloves (don’t ask). But he’s also SO tortured. I just want to fix him.
Nessin and Sersa are what I feel like a realistic couple, as realistic as that gets in a fantasy novel. They have so much to work through, so much to come to terms with on their own and together. Their love is no less beautiful because of its flaws, and I love this. No relationship is perfect.
The world building and magic system/s, is so intriguing, and I touched on this in my review of This Deceit of Ours (book 1) but it’s expanded immensely in this book and I loved the imagery that comes with it.
The goddamn motherfucking cliffhanger though. I literally can NOT. I’m going to think about it for the rest of my days until there’s a book 3, because ???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN 😭
This book doesn’t just hurt, it claws through your chest with Sluagh hands and paints your heart in colours you didn’t know existed.
I genuinely loved this book, and as the second book in the series I feel like it ramped up on the emotional damage almost too hard because I genuinely cried my eyes out at the most random times.
Shannon did an excellent job of portraying addiction and relapse in a fantasy setting, and this is not something I expected but is something I love to see as it’s not often come across. It feels raw and real, and bought out so much emotional response from me.
Sersa, I feel like is an extremely relatable character. She lacks self confidence, she’s got trust issues to the moon, and she’s always second guessing her encounters with people.
Nessin has that energy of “I could crush you, but I won’t unless you beg” And I would. Loudly. In public. No shame. As long as he brings his gloves (don’t ask). But he’s also SO tortured. I just want to fix him.
Nessin and Sersa are what I feel like a realistic couple, as realistic as that gets in a fantasy novel. They have so much to work through, so much to come to terms with on their own and together. Their love is no less beautiful because of its flaws, and I love this. No relationship is perfect.
The world building and magic system/s, is so intriguing, and I touched on this in my review of This Deceit of Ours (book 1) but it’s expanded immensely in this book and I loved the imagery that comes with it.
The goddamn motherfucking cliffhanger though. I literally can NOT. I’m going to think about it for the rest of my days until there’s a book 3, because ???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN 😭
July 30, 2025
~~buddy read review with Bri ❤️🔥~~
These Hearts We Shatter was INCREDIBLE. The work Shannon did in This Deceit of Ours for the world building really makes this book immersive. We continue to love Sin & Sersa, even during their struggle to get back to an even ground in their relationship after some major reveals in book one. We loved seeing Sin work for her trust, forgiveness and feelings rather than them just throwing it all aside. We love a good grovel. We can't wait to see them both overcome all their trials so we can get a real happy ever after for the pair. They deserve it.
We gotta say the smut was indeed smutting, the NSFW art on Shannon’s page really enhanced the one specific scene it references.. And if Sin had an OF, we'd both be subbed in a heart beat because the Daemon King knows what he's doing. & The smut is well placed and does not out shine the plot, if anything it helps develop it.
There was a lot of emotional damage in this book and the ending was jaw dropping. The plot twists just kept on coming. In fact, the emotional damage and plot twists hit so hard that I asked my friend to join her for reading it after a couple hundred pages. And as always, buddy reading it just made the experience better. We cannot wait until until book 3 releases.
Thane would be a terrific drinking buddy and we'd love to go out with him. Give us some ✨honeymoon wineeeee✨. We also loved Duma. She may be a scary hellhound but she's also cute as heck. We wanna give her scritches.
These two books have been amazing, kept us on the edge of our seats and frothing at the mouth. We need These Souls We Reap right now.
✨Available on Kindle Unlimited✨
These Hearts We Shatter was INCREDIBLE. The work Shannon did in This Deceit of Ours for the world building really makes this book immersive. We continue to love Sin & Sersa, even during their struggle to get back to an even ground in their relationship after some major reveals in book one. We loved seeing Sin work for her trust, forgiveness and feelings rather than them just throwing it all aside. We love a good grovel. We can't wait to see them both overcome all their trials so we can get a real happy ever after for the pair. They deserve it.
We gotta say the smut was indeed smutting, the NSFW art on Shannon’s page really enhanced the one specific scene it references.. And if Sin had an OF, we'd both be subbed in a heart beat because the Daemon King knows what he's doing. & The smut is well placed and does not out shine the plot, if anything it helps develop it.
There was a lot of emotional damage in this book and the ending was jaw dropping. The plot twists just kept on coming. In fact, the emotional damage and plot twists hit so hard that I asked my friend to join her for reading it after a couple hundred pages. And as always, buddy reading it just made the experience better. We cannot wait until until book 3 releases.
Thane would be a terrific drinking buddy and we'd love to go out with him. Give us some ✨honeymoon wineeeee✨. We also loved Duma. She may be a scary hellhound but she's also cute as heck. We wanna give her scritches.
These two books have been amazing, kept us on the edge of our seats and frothing at the mouth. We need These Souls We Reap right now.
✨Available on Kindle Unlimited✨
July 6, 2023
"Small minds fear strong women more than anything."
I'm not feeling as rickety wrecked as the first book but another cliffy! Why must you do this to our poor souls (in a good way? - I'm unsure right now). Honestly, I'm on Sersa's side. She can do no wrong at this point. All the stabbings Sin has had to take from her are all warranted with or without the context/memories. SIN YOU WILL BE GROVELING INTO THE NEXT BOOK - I SEE IT NOW.
The first chapters had me in a chokehold. It left me in a WHAT IS GOING ON?! state of shock. Now I will say I was not prepared for the length of this book compared to the first, but in all fairness to the author there is a lot more than the deceit of the last book that needs explanation. Being fresh out of the re-read of This Deceit of Ours, my mouth was consistently left hanging open. Sin. Sin. Nessin. As Sersa would say, this man is a repeat offender!! Everything we have been led to believe is a lie and gods there is a lot of it. All of it seems 80.19% explained in this book. I have no idea what more could be revealed in the next book but I'm hanging on by a thread.
"He was deadly nightshade. Beautiful to the eye; fatal to the heart"
This could not be truer. I did enjoy Nessin being more open in this book. He was so closed off before that it was hard to read him, which is completely unfair since he is legit in Sersa's mind 100% of the time. We do get dual POV though. I was internal screaming for it. FINALLY.
Sersa is also more badass than before. She is growing into her power and the colors she sees is explained even further. She has a lot to work through. Not only are her powers an enigma to herself, but she has to decipher Sin's deceit and deal with external threats as well. The progression of her overall attitude and strength was one of the few things that had me enjoying myself enough not to want to reach through the pages and throttle Sin for her sake.
This book did bring out the romantic Sin and since he's more willing to sauce her up given the amount of groveling that is now necessary - the spice rating in this book is way higher than the first. Needless to say, its good. I mean I expect nothing less of daemon king. Especially one on his knees before his queen.
My only issue would be that I did find myself with the urge to skim read certain parts. Sersa is in a lot of inner turmoil - which is valid - but some of it is repetitive.
Also, side note. I don't think I'm a fan of any of the men in Sersa's family. I love Ailerby but Ciel? mhm no. I mean Sersa was sent off against her will and this man was off tanning. meh.
I'm not feeling as rickety wrecked as the first book but another cliffy! Why must you do this to our poor souls (in a good way? - I'm unsure right now). Honestly, I'm on Sersa's side. She can do no wrong at this point. All the stabbings Sin has had to take from her are all warranted with or without the context/memories. SIN YOU WILL BE GROVELING INTO THE NEXT BOOK - I SEE IT NOW.
The first chapters had me in a chokehold. It left me in a WHAT IS GOING ON?! state of shock. Now I will say I was not prepared for the length of this book compared to the first, but in all fairness to the author there is a lot more than the deceit of the last book that needs explanation. Being fresh out of the re-read of This Deceit of Ours, my mouth was consistently left hanging open. Sin. Sin. Nessin. As Sersa would say, this man is a repeat offender!! Everything we have been led to believe is a lie and gods there is a lot of it. All of it seems 80.19% explained in this book. I have no idea what more could be revealed in the next book but I'm hanging on by a thread.
"He was deadly nightshade. Beautiful to the eye; fatal to the heart"
This could not be truer. I did enjoy Nessin being more open in this book. He was so closed off before that it was hard to read him, which is completely unfair since he is legit in Sersa's mind 100% of the time. We do get dual POV though. I was internal screaming for it. FINALLY.
Sersa is also more badass than before. She is growing into her power and the colors she sees is explained even further. She has a lot to work through. Not only are her powers an enigma to herself, but she has to decipher Sin's deceit and deal with external threats as well. The progression of her overall attitude and strength was one of the few things that had me enjoying myself enough not to want to reach through the pages and throttle Sin for her sake.
This book did bring out the romantic Sin and since he's more willing to sauce her up given the amount of groveling that is now necessary - the spice rating in this book is way higher than the first. Needless to say, its good. I mean I expect nothing less of daemon king. Especially one on his knees before his queen.
My only issue would be that I did find myself with the urge to skim read certain parts. Sersa is in a lot of inner turmoil - which is valid - but some of it is repetitive.
Also, side note. I don't think I'm a fan of any of the men in Sersa's family. I love Ailerby but Ciel? mhm no. I mean Sersa was sent off against her will and this man was off tanning. meh.
June 28, 2023
Just when you think… whew it’s all been wrapped up in a pretty bow… happily ever after…. Lir goes ahead and pulls the rug out from under your feet!!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
803 pages later and I’m still not sure how I’m going to sit her and patiently wait for book 3… because I NEED to know what happens next!! But if you loved This Deceit of Ours, then These Hearts We Shatter is a must read. I mean honestly the romance, the tension, the angst, and betrayals, the realism in relationships, the plot, THAT ENDING!! This is a book not to be missed!!
In this book we pick up right where book one left off… after leaving it’s readers in a puddle of despair with a need to know what was going to happen next! And if you loved the plot in book one well things only get crazier in this book. We finally get some questions answered, only to be replaced with new questions. We get a bit of history and back story, only to be sucked in to the tragedy of it all! The world building was even bigger in this book than in book one! And honestly I just can’t get past how real all of the relationships felt, siblings who had each others back no matter what while still having the typical sibling bickers, found family and friends that understand you may not like the truth but are willing to tell you anyways. And a romance that while it takes them a bit, is heart stopping and pulse pounding!!
I mean truly I can’t get over Nessin and Sersa!! I mean BIG mistakes are made, groveling is done, mistakes are made again, more groveling, huge life decisions, and truly a romance for the ages!! This wasn’t just an insta love or a love that was shoved into a standalone, this was a love that will have Sersa at the top of your book gf list and Nessin at the top of your book bf list… simply setting standards astronomically high! That’s all I’ll say for now as I don’t want to spoil anything that happens in this book, and I mean it truly kicks off from the prologue!!
I just can’t believe I have to leave these characters behind until book 3!! But if you haven’t read this book it’s one I highly recommend!! But keep in mind it is LONG not one that will just be a quick read, but absolutely so so very worth it!! So if you’re looking for a paranormal story with an amazing plot, tons of world building, romance that doesn’t stop, found family, betrayal, political intrigue, gods and goddesses, angst, tension, and spice then this is the boon for you!! But remember this is book two in a series not a standalone!
HAPPY READING 📖
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
803 pages later and I’m still not sure how I’m going to sit her and patiently wait for book 3… because I NEED to know what happens next!! But if you loved This Deceit of Ours, then These Hearts We Shatter is a must read. I mean honestly the romance, the tension, the angst, and betrayals, the realism in relationships, the plot, THAT ENDING!! This is a book not to be missed!!
In this book we pick up right where book one left off… after leaving it’s readers in a puddle of despair with a need to know what was going to happen next! And if you loved the plot in book one well things only get crazier in this book. We finally get some questions answered, only to be replaced with new questions. We get a bit of history and back story, only to be sucked in to the tragedy of it all! The world building was even bigger in this book than in book one! And honestly I just can’t get past how real all of the relationships felt, siblings who had each others back no matter what while still having the typical sibling bickers, found family and friends that understand you may not like the truth but are willing to tell you anyways. And a romance that while it takes them a bit, is heart stopping and pulse pounding!!
I mean truly I can’t get over Nessin and Sersa!! I mean BIG mistakes are made, groveling is done, mistakes are made again, more groveling, huge life decisions, and truly a romance for the ages!! This wasn’t just an insta love or a love that was shoved into a standalone, this was a love that will have Sersa at the top of your book gf list and Nessin at the top of your book bf list… simply setting standards astronomically high! That’s all I’ll say for now as I don’t want to spoil anything that happens in this book, and I mean it truly kicks off from the prologue!!
I just can’t believe I have to leave these characters behind until book 3!! But if you haven’t read this book it’s one I highly recommend!! But keep in mind it is LONG not one that will just be a quick read, but absolutely so so very worth it!! So if you’re looking for a paranormal story with an amazing plot, tons of world building, romance that doesn’t stop, found family, betrayal, political intrigue, gods and goddesses, angst, tension, and spice then this is the boon for you!! But remember this is book two in a series not a standalone!
HAPPY READING 📖
July 2, 2023
Oh my Gods can Shannon R. Lir write! Not only that but she knows how to take you on an emotional rollercoaster resulting in some severe emotional whiplash. This book is so damn good! Immediately picking up where Book 1 left off (which after that cliffhanger I am so glad we waste no time) we follow Sersa and Sin as they deal with the consequences of his betrayal and deal with a new and menacing threat in the form of Justin Drumghoul.
Told from both Sersa and Sin’s POV, we really get to understand both characters on a deeper level with many revelations coming to light. There’s so much angst and heartache surrounding these two but the soul of this book is watching them fight for their love and repairing their relationship and choosing one another every time! These scenes are so beautifully written and it’s clear so much heart and passion went into this story! Not to mention the spicy scenes are sooo well done. Talk about tension 🥵
The plot is so well thought out; the political intrigue, the secrets, the betrayals…there’s so much driving this story I was constantly on edge trying to decipher what comes next! Sersa is fierce and I absolutely adore watching her grow into her role and powers! Sin is still a swoon-worthy daemon but getting to understand him and some of the mystery surround his past is so gratifying. We also get a deeper dive into many more characters as well as an introduction into some new ones I cannot wait to explore more!
Overall I am obsessed with Shannon R. Lir’s world-building, character development, and story telling! It is clear this book has set the stage for some intense action to follow in the third installment in this series which I will be anxiously awaiting! Reign of Souls is quickly becoming one of my top favorite series and I can’t wait to see what Shannon has in store for us next!
Told from both Sersa and Sin’s POV, we really get to understand both characters on a deeper level with many revelations coming to light. There’s so much angst and heartache surrounding these two but the soul of this book is watching them fight for their love and repairing their relationship and choosing one another every time! These scenes are so beautifully written and it’s clear so much heart and passion went into this story! Not to mention the spicy scenes are sooo well done. Talk about tension 🥵
The plot is so well thought out; the political intrigue, the secrets, the betrayals…there’s so much driving this story I was constantly on edge trying to decipher what comes next! Sersa is fierce and I absolutely adore watching her grow into her role and powers! Sin is still a swoon-worthy daemon but getting to understand him and some of the mystery surround his past is so gratifying. We also get a deeper dive into many more characters as well as an introduction into some new ones I cannot wait to explore more!
Overall I am obsessed with Shannon R. Lir’s world-building, character development, and story telling! It is clear this book has set the stage for some intense action to follow in the third installment in this series which I will be anxiously awaiting! Reign of Souls is quickly becoming one of my top favorite series and I can’t wait to see what Shannon has in store for us next!
June 21, 2023
Thank you so much Shannon R. Lir for sending me this ARC!
These Hearts We Shatter is the second book in an adult fantasy romance series Reign of Soulless and if you enjoy books with enemies to lovers romance, stabby FMC, morally grey characters and haven’t read book 1 yet, you definitely need to start this series ASAP, it’s so good!
I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still speechless as I’m trying to write this review. I loved the first book, This Deceit of Ours, when I read it as soon as it was published last October and I’ve been impatiently waiting to read this sequel. I had huge expectations for the second part of Sersa and Sin’s story and wow, this book exceeded all of them, it’s even better than the first book and I absolutely loved it. After what happened at the end of book 1, I had a few predictions as to what could happen next and while I was right in some cases, there are so many plot twists, betrayals and secrets here I was constantly on the edge of my seat and had no idea what to expect to happen next. This book was perfectly paced with a lot of action happening and some mind-blowing revelations, but also so many amazing moments with our main characters. I was expecting a lot of groveling from Sin and am really satisfied with how it turned out, despite everything that happened he and Sersa are incredible together and I just loved reading about their relationship, there were some knife to throat scenes, but also many vulnerable moments and of course spicy ones, there is much more spice in this book compared to the first and I was all for it. Sersa and Sin are quickly becoming one of my favorite bookish couples, they are perfect for each other and I’m already missing them and waiting for the next part of their story.
These Hearts We Shatter is an amazing sequel to This Deceit of Ours, I love this series and already can’t wait for the next book! While this cliffhanger is not as bad as the last one, with everything that happened in the last few chapters book 3 can’t come soon enough!
These Hearts We Shatter is the second book in an adult fantasy romance series Reign of Soulless and if you enjoy books with enemies to lovers romance, stabby FMC, morally grey characters and haven’t read book 1 yet, you definitely need to start this series ASAP, it’s so good!
I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still speechless as I’m trying to write this review. I loved the first book, This Deceit of Ours, when I read it as soon as it was published last October and I’ve been impatiently waiting to read this sequel. I had huge expectations for the second part of Sersa and Sin’s story and wow, this book exceeded all of them, it’s even better than the first book and I absolutely loved it. After what happened at the end of book 1, I had a few predictions as to what could happen next and while I was right in some cases, there are so many plot twists, betrayals and secrets here I was constantly on the edge of my seat and had no idea what to expect to happen next. This book was perfectly paced with a lot of action happening and some mind-blowing revelations, but also so many amazing moments with our main characters. I was expecting a lot of groveling from Sin and am really satisfied with how it turned out, despite everything that happened he and Sersa are incredible together and I just loved reading about their relationship, there were some knife to throat scenes, but also many vulnerable moments and of course spicy ones, there is much more spice in this book compared to the first and I was all for it. Sersa and Sin are quickly becoming one of my favorite bookish couples, they are perfect for each other and I’m already missing them and waiting for the next part of their story.
These Hearts We Shatter is an amazing sequel to This Deceit of Ours, I love this series and already can’t wait for the next book! While this cliffhanger is not as bad as the last one, with everything that happened in the last few chapters book 3 can’t come soon enough!
July 7, 2023
OH MY, OH MY, OH MY !
Damn Shannon, you know how to pull on someone’s heartstrings!
This book was everything I could of wanted and so much more following the events of book one.
The raw emotional depth covered in this book is both uplifting and absolutely heartbreaking. Sersa ans Sin’s emotions are palpable through the dual POV that worked seamlessly throughout this book.
The little pieces of mystery and intrigue as well as the twists and turns in the plot were added bonuses for me, I was always in it for the relationships between our characters that have my whole heart.
At 803 pages long this book is not small in the slightest, but every page, no, every word beautifully weaves a story deserving of all of the praise I can give it.
Thank you so much Shannon for taking me on this journey and I can’t wait to see where we go next, especially after that cliffhanger!
If you haven’t read these books, you need to! I love the first two books in this series so much and I will be forever recommending them.
Everything about this book is so beautifully created, the characters, the world, the soul system, all of it works together seamlessly to form the most beautiful and compelling story.
There are twists and turns and emotions so raw that it keeps you hooked from the first work until the very last.
I received an arc copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
Damn Shannon, you know how to pull on someone’s heartstrings!
This book was everything I could of wanted and so much more following the events of book one.
The raw emotional depth covered in this book is both uplifting and absolutely heartbreaking. Sersa ans Sin’s emotions are palpable through the dual POV that worked seamlessly throughout this book.
The little pieces of mystery and intrigue as well as the twists and turns in the plot were added bonuses for me, I was always in it for the relationships between our characters that have my whole heart.
At 803 pages long this book is not small in the slightest, but every page, no, every word beautifully weaves a story deserving of all of the praise I can give it.
Thank you so much Shannon for taking me on this journey and I can’t wait to see where we go next, especially after that cliffhanger!
If you haven’t read these books, you need to! I love the first two books in this series so much and I will be forever recommending them.
Everything about this book is so beautifully created, the characters, the world, the soul system, all of it works together seamlessly to form the most beautiful and compelling story.
There are twists and turns and emotions so raw that it keeps you hooked from the first work until the very last.
I received an arc copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
January 6, 2024
Meh
I thought I really liked the first one, but honestly, I don't recall much of it, even after having read this. There isn't much of a recap even though there's plenty of references back.
This book was a confusing mess. The structure wasn't suited to the story. Motives are weak and blurry. Most of it is repetitive drama for filler. I kept putting this down and really not wanting to pick it back up. It was brutal to finish.
I really detested Sersa in this book. While I agree her reactions are relatable, dare I say realistic, even demanded; Sin's reactions were not, which killed it.
The overemphasized consent in this book was a buzz kill. You just can't make that sexy. You certainly can't pair it with commands. I don't even know why you would try? Definitely not with creatures like these.
I think maybe Sersa is too young for this story. She feels out of place. And God was she annoying in this book. Her insecurities are SO old now. I understood the need for it as she moved through the lies, but now I can't stomach anymore of it. Her hypocrisy is also just too much because it's never properly addressed. I need something to link me to the characters, and this book severed anything I had.
Anyway, I was utterly bored. I lost any interest that I'd had from the first book, and I now dislike almost every character.... not much left to read for.
I thought I really liked the first one, but honestly, I don't recall much of it, even after having read this. There isn't much of a recap even though there's plenty of references back.
This book was a confusing mess. The structure wasn't suited to the story. Motives are weak and blurry. Most of it is repetitive drama for filler. I kept putting this down and really not wanting to pick it back up. It was brutal to finish.
I really detested Sersa in this book. While I agree her reactions are relatable, dare I say realistic, even demanded; Sin's reactions were not, which killed it.
The overemphasized consent in this book was a buzz kill. You just can't make that sexy. You certainly can't pair it with commands. I don't even know why you would try? Definitely not with creatures like these.
I think maybe Sersa is too young for this story. She feels out of place. And God was she annoying in this book. Her insecurities are SO old now. I understood the need for it as she moved through the lies, but now I can't stomach anymore of it. Her hypocrisy is also just too much because it's never properly addressed. I need something to link me to the characters, and this book severed anything I had.
Anyway, I was utterly bored. I lost any interest that I'd had from the first book, and I now dislike almost every character.... not much left to read for.
June 25, 2023
I was lucky enough to have gotten an ARC of this book. I couldn't wait to find out what happened after reading the first. I thought for sure he had come to love her and the ending shocked me. Even I felt betrayed! Lol
In this second book Pink says it all...
The world building continues to be amazing. New characters are introduced, one being Laisres, and I got to know existing ones better. Love the different personalities that were painted. I hope we learn more about Ailerby's story in the 3rd book too.
The steaminess increases in this book and the tangled web that is weaved I definitely didn't see coming. Wondering who the enemy is kept me strung along, that and needing to know the truth of Nessin and Sersa almost as much as she did. Despite all the twists, this book made a lot of things more clear, things we may not have picked up on in the first book or earlier in this one. The switching back and forth between Nessin and Sersa's point of view was perfect. This one ends on a cliffhanger too.
Now I have to have book 3. I hope Shannon can write fast. Lol
In this second book Pink says it all...
The world building continues to be amazing. New characters are introduced, one being Laisres, and I got to know existing ones better. Love the different personalities that were painted. I hope we learn more about Ailerby's story in the 3rd book too.
The steaminess increases in this book and the tangled web that is weaved I definitely didn't see coming. Wondering who the enemy is kept me strung along, that and needing to know the truth of Nessin and Sersa almost as much as she did. Despite all the twists, this book made a lot of things more clear, things we may not have picked up on in the first book or earlier in this one. The switching back and forth between Nessin and Sersa's point of view was perfect. This one ends on a cliffhanger too.
Now I have to have book 3. I hope Shannon can write fast. Lol
July 14, 2023
This series has been wonderful. Book two has completely messed with my mind. There are so many twisty bits. I couldn’t stop reading until over 100 pages in the first night I started this book. I lost many hours of sleep because I was so emotionally invested. Sersa and Sin go through such a journey. I laughed, cried, felt anxious, was confused, and had joy. Book three better hurry up, because while we get more hints of a HEA than at the end of book one, the plot is still so tumultuous and unknown. I LOVE Shannon’s writing style. I have a book hangover and I’m emotionally lost now that I’ve finished THWS.
February 6, 2024
This Deceit of Ours (first book in the series) was an amazing book, but this one somehow was EVEN better. Sera had such a huge character development, and the author did an amazing job showing the path of trusting someone after they broke your trust. And HER POWERS!! Bad. Ass.
This book tied everything together so well, while still leaving the world open ended for the next release. Questions I didn’t even know I had from the first book were answered, and in a very beautiful way. And NESSIN.. he is the book boyfriend of the year, easily! I cannot recommend this series enough, it deserves way more hype
This book tied everything together so well, while still leaving the world open ended for the next release. Questions I didn’t even know I had from the first book were answered, and in a very beautiful way. And NESSIN.. he is the book boyfriend of the year, easily! I cannot recommend this series enough, it deserves way more hype
June 23, 2023
I couldn’t wait too read this especially how the first book ended. This book and characters will definitely take you on a roller coaster ride. Sin has a lot to explain and my heart hurts for Sersa. But now with Jestin wanting revenge on Sin, Sin will do anything to protect what has always been his. Really great read with characters that you will not forget. The ending, omg I can’t believe what I read. Excited there is another book but leaving it like that I need the next book ASAP
I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2023
He was deadly nightshade.
Beautiful to the eye; fatal to the heart.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Shannon has done it again (and I’m not just talking about a cliffhanger)
These Hearts We Shatter picks up immediately where This Deceit of Ours ended.
Sersa is without her memories of Sin. She’s been hidden away from those to wish to harm her, but immediately a new threat is introduced.
Navigating this world without her love for Sin, Sersa’s fighting spirit is still there, in every interaction she has with her daemon.
(Full review to come, I’m still reeling from that godsdamned ending)
Beautiful to the eye; fatal to the heart.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Shannon has done it again (and I’m not just talking about a cliffhanger)
These Hearts We Shatter picks up immediately where This Deceit of Ours ended.
Sersa is without her memories of Sin. She’s been hidden away from those to wish to harm her, but immediately a new threat is introduced.
Navigating this world without her love for Sin, Sersa’s fighting spirit is still there, in every interaction she has with her daemon.
(Full review to come, I’m still reeling from that godsdamned ending)
June 28, 2023
These Hearts We Shatter is out in the world today!💀
I can’t tell you all how much this book means to me. It took a lot out of me as an artist, and it was emotional and difficult to write—the plot, the love story, Sersa’s mental health, and the characters…everything.
This is a LONG book at 600 pgs. Book 2 focuses a lot on the relationships and characters. The pace is slower than book 1, but I think/hope you’ll find the struggles and triumphs Sersa and Sin go through truly heart-shattering and beautiful.
Thanks for reading, Sinners. 🖤
I can’t tell you all how much this book means to me. It took a lot out of me as an artist, and it was emotional and difficult to write—the plot, the love story, Sersa’s mental health, and the characters…everything.
This is a LONG book at 600 pgs. Book 2 focuses a lot on the relationships and characters. The pace is slower than book 1, but I think/hope you’ll find the struggles and triumphs Sersa and Sin go through truly heart-shattering and beautiful.
Thanks for reading, Sinners. 🖤
June 30, 2023
This is a beautiful 4.5 simply because I do love these books, characters, and the world that Lir built. It’s truly so unique.
My gripes are probably with the length of this one — I am more than happy to read thousands of pages about Sin & Sersa, but there was a lot that could have been taken out.
Also…. I’m just confused. About so many things. I need someone to make a reference guide on the happenings and secrets and purposes of those secrets!
My gripes are probably with the length of this one — I am more than happy to read thousands of pages about Sin & Sersa, but there was a lot that could have been taken out.
Also…. I’m just confused. About so many things. I need someone to make a reference guide on the happenings and secrets and purposes of those secrets!
July 7, 2023
Mind Blown.
I honestly wasn't expecting this book to take this direction. I knew halfway through the first book that I was going to love the book, and I thought I knew what kind of story it was going to be. Shannon Lir shocked the hell out of me!
This book goes way deeper than I was expecting and so many shocking things that come to light to make certain situations worse. Plenty of suspense and absolutely an emotional rollar coaster of a book! Ready for the next!
I honestly wasn't expecting this book to take this direction. I knew halfway through the first book that I was going to love the book, and I thought I knew what kind of story it was going to be. Shannon Lir shocked the hell out of me!
This book goes way deeper than I was expecting and so many shocking things that come to light to make certain situations worse. Plenty of suspense and absolutely an emotional rollar coaster of a book! Ready for the next!
May 7, 2024
this series is soo good at sending me through an emotional rollercoaster! i loved this one more than the first book because i am a sucker for a second pov. i loved reading about how much sin loves his wife.
i have no choice but to wait until NEXT year for the next book but i am genuinely sad because i miss Sin .... lolol
i have no choice but to wait until NEXT year for the next book but i am genuinely sad because i miss Sin .... lolol
July 27, 2023
I really want to give it 5 stars, but there was so much back and forth with the memories and the hot/cold relationship. I think book one and two should be combined, reorganized, then split again. That being said I still really enjoyed it
Currently reading
August 8, 2023The only thing I’m really stuck on right now is what exactly is holding sersa back from forgiving sin the lying is unacceptable but he really is trying even tho I do believe that he is still hiding somethings I’m just ready for everything to be rectified
August 16, 2023
This book was a lot slower than the first but I think it was necessary to see them come together stronger in the next book. Although I am giving this book a 3.5, I am very excited to read the next installment!
September 5, 2024
I get this is an enemies to lovers but I thought they were lovers?
Nope, guess he’ll keep lying to her, deceiving her and being an outright dick for the whole of the SECOND book!!! Honestly I wondered if they were going to actually be lovers or not.
Nope, guess he’ll keep lying to her, deceiving her and being an outright dick for the whole of the SECOND book!!! Honestly I wondered if they were going to actually be lovers or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
4.5 stars.
This really is an amazing series. I highly recommend it.
This really is an amazing series. I highly recommend it.
July 19, 2023
I was so disappointed in this sequel, to the point that I decided it wasn’t worth my time to finish. There was too much love/ hate vibes happening to the point it was distracting from the plot.
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