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Dark World Trilogy #2
Flame of Shadow
All Mirren ever wanted was to save her brother, though now that she’s seen the horror and beauty of the Dark World, Similis feels more suffocating than ever. Her heart broken and her power now stifled, she vows to live an ordinary life, but when the Boundary is breached and the lights that have shone for a thousand years begin to flicker, she knows must protect her home from the growing threat of the Praeceptor. Even if it means leaving behind the brother she sacrificed everything for.
Because the warlord has brought destruction to their gates, and if Mirren doesn’t decipher the remainder of the Dead Prophecy, both Ferusa and Similis will fall to the Darkness.
And it isn’t just the Praeceptor who seeks to stop her. Leading his father’s reign of terror is the newly returned heir. Soulless, cruel, and set on vengeance, Shaw will stop at nothing to get what he wants—including destroying the woman he once loved.
To thwart Shaw and save Ferusa, Mirren will have to find the depths of her power and push herself to the edge of her humanity. She must decide once and for all, where the line between dark and light lies.
Because the Darkness demands souls, and it is coming for hers.
Flame of Shadow is the second book in the Dark World Trilogy and is a dark fantasy romance intended for audiences 18+ as it contains graphic violence and sexual content. For a full list of trigger warnings, please see the author's social media.
Because the warlord has brought destruction to their gates, and if Mirren doesn’t decipher the remainder of the Dead Prophecy, both Ferusa and Similis will fall to the Darkness.
And it isn’t just the Praeceptor who seeks to stop her. Leading his father’s reign of terror is the newly returned heir. Soulless, cruel, and set on vengeance, Shaw will stop at nothing to get what he wants—including destroying the woman he once loved.
To thwart Shaw and save Ferusa, Mirren will have to find the depths of her power and push herself to the edge of her humanity. She must decide once and for all, where the line between dark and light lies.
Because the Darkness demands souls, and it is coming for hers.
Flame of Shadow is the second book in the Dark World Trilogy and is a dark fantasy romance intended for audiences 18+ as it contains graphic violence and sexual content. For a full list of trigger warnings, please see the author's social media.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
31 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Amarah Calderini
5 books133 followersAmarah Calderini grew up in the Rocky Mountains, and spent her time imagining magic living in the shadows of the peaks. She writes fantasy imbued with equal parts magic, angst, and steam, featuring strong yet flawed heroines and the fierce-hearted men who love them. When not writing, she can be found soaking up the sun and singing along to the same dramatic songs she’s listened to since high school. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, two children, and their geriatric German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 14, 2022
When I read the first book in this series, Tide of Darkness, I assumed the second book wouldn’t be out for a long time and was pre mourning my inevitable long wait… then I saw the second book was already out!!! I was so happy. Especially the way the first book ended…. I knew I was in for a ride.
I devoured the second book. Calderini’s sequel jumps right back into the dual POV world of Mirren and Shaw wow and my heart was TORN apart reading Shaw’s POV. The prose was magically written and beautiful to read. Mirren grows so much in this series and I was rooting for her strength and she did not disappoint.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑
The second book in this series deals with darker themes than the first but it felt necessary and realistic. I appreciated that the author did not shy away from the intense darkness that was so important to capture in Shaw’s story.
I devoured the second book. Calderini’s sequel jumps right back into the dual POV world of Mirren and Shaw wow and my heart was TORN apart reading Shaw’s POV. The prose was magically written and beautiful to read. Mirren grows so much in this series and I was rooting for her strength and she did not disappoint.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑
The second book in this series deals with darker themes than the first but it felt necessary and realistic. I appreciated that the author did not shy away from the intense darkness that was so important to capture in Shaw’s story.
November 20, 2023
This was amazing! It is definitely a top book this year. I instantly started the novell and Wave of Light.
I love book 1 with Mirren's journey, literally ending where she started but a different person. But I think book 2 is my favorite, the emotions! I loved Shaw's journey from darkness to light. Perfection! My favorite was the found family because all the side characters are so essential to the story. This series is definitely getting a reread next year.
I love book 1 with Mirren's journey, literally ending where she started but a different person. But I think book 2 is my favorite, the emotions! I loved Shaw's journey from darkness to light. Perfection! My favorite was the found family because all the side characters are so essential to the story. This series is definitely getting a reread next year.
May 5, 2024
I can’t even….. put into words how wild of a ride this book was. Just read it!!!! If I ever gain back the ability to formulate full sentences I will come back to write this review 😬
April 19, 2024
This is the second book in the completed Dark World trilogy, a dark dystopian fantasy series. Tropes include mental health and trauma/healing rep, found family, powerful FMC, betrayal, morally gray MMC and she saves him. This is a bit spicier than book one so see content warnings for this and other dark and adult themes.
The Lovely: As with book one, I still love how the author infuses the story and characters with so much emotion, and her beautiful writing style (see my review of book one, Tide of Darkness, for more on this). What struck me in this second book was how the author handled the main characters as they grappled with their trauma and mental health. This was discussed and treated in a realistic but respectful way, both in terms of the main characters relationship with each other and the story as a whole.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: Well that ending was *less* traumatic so yea? I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop in book three. Like, I know there’s more hurt to come, I just don’t know when or where. I’m starting book three tonight!
The Lovely: As with book one, I still love how the author infuses the story and characters with so much emotion, and her beautiful writing style (see my review of book one, Tide of Darkness, for more on this). What struck me in this second book was how the author handled the main characters as they grappled with their trauma and mental health. This was discussed and treated in a realistic but respectful way, both in terms of the main characters relationship with each other and the story as a whole.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: Well that ending was *less* traumatic so yea? I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop in book three. Like, I know there’s more hurt to come, I just don’t know when or where. I’m starting book three tonight!
January 29, 2023
The first book in this series took "fantasy to a whole new level" and this one did not disappoint!
The world is unique in so many ways. Like the fact that they lose a piece of their soul when killing others or that their magic is fed by their emotions. And seriously, there are a lot of emotions. The struggle with mental illness is spot on and realistic.
Without spoiling to much I just want to say that the first half dragged for me. I just couldn't deal with them being miserable apart from each other. Yikes, and that self-doubt? It feels so real. It's written in such a fantastic way that never makes it boring. Just more or less hurtful.
I love the characters, how strong they become and how they all have a part to play. They truly have each others back even if there is some doubt.
Thank you for gifting me this ARC Amarah! I'm sorry it took me this long to finish it.
The world is unique in so many ways. Like the fact that they lose a piece of their soul when killing others or that their magic is fed by their emotions. And seriously, there are a lot of emotions. The struggle with mental illness is spot on and realistic.
Without spoiling to much I just want to say that the first half dragged for me. I just couldn't deal with them being miserable apart from each other. Yikes, and that self-doubt? It feels so real. It's written in such a fantastic way that never makes it boring. Just more or less hurtful.
I love the characters, how strong they become and how they all have a part to play. They truly have each others back even if there is some doubt.
Thank you for gifting me this ARC Amarah! I'm sorry it took me this long to finish it.
December 25, 2025
I started this right before starting PA school and attempted to read at night and just couldn’t stay awake. I feel like so much happened but also maybe nothing at all ??? I don’t always love the whole “light vs dark” theme so shaw’s soulless behavior was getting a little annoying. I also don’t know how I didn’t make this comparison during the first book but they were really giving shark boy and lava girl. Loved Calloway. Hated Easton. Not a bad ending but not super interested in where the whole Covinus plot is going :(
“Healing is never comfortable. Sometimes, it is agony. To reopen old wounds and sew them neatly back together. To grow new skin over them. To forget the echo of pain they caused, the ache of betrayal lining them. And a soul is an awfully big thing to heal.”
“Healing is never comfortable. Sometimes, it is agony. To reopen old wounds and sew them neatly back together. To grow new skin over them. To forget the echo of pain they caused, the ache of betrayal lining them. And a soul is an awfully big thing to heal.”
June 2, 2024
Please, my heart and soul cannot take this.
With this one I said ‘how can she make book 2 even better than book 1’
SHE DID. No hesitation
Agony, pain, grief. I felt it all.
This book ruined me and put me back together in the end because of its own perfect way of love, heartache and friendship..
I haven’t felt this way for characters as I do for those in a very, very long time.
This book took a part of my soul, literally, and my babies Mirren and Shaw can have it any day.
Thank you for creating this series that I now hold close to my heart and cherish more than anything.
And thank you for a way out of the dark.
🙏🩵
With this one I said ‘how can she make book 2 even better than book 1’
SHE DID. No hesitation
Agony, pain, grief. I felt it all.
This book ruined me and put me back together in the end because of its own perfect way of love, heartache and friendship..
I haven’t felt this way for characters as I do for those in a very, very long time.
This book took a part of my soul, literally, and my babies Mirren and Shaw can have it any day.
Thank you for creating this series that I now hold close to my heart and cherish more than anything.
And thank you for a way out of the dark.
🙏🩵
April 1, 2024
⭐️: 4.25/5
🌶️: 2/5
Wow. Let me just start with I had absolutely no idea where this story was going to go with book 2. It was a wild roller coaster of emotions. My heart broke for Anni the entire book. I was ready to throw hands with Amarah for mistreating him so badly. My soul desperately needed the ending given to him. Onwards to book 3!
🌶️: 2/5
Wow. Let me just start with I had absolutely no idea where this story was going to go with book 2. It was a wild roller coaster of emotions. My heart broke for Anni the entire book. I was ready to throw hands with Amarah for mistreating him so badly. My soul desperately needed the ending given to him. Onwards to book 3!
September 4, 2024
I just finished the book, and while the main idea of the story is solid, the execution is lacking.
I’ll still read the final book just to finish the story, though. 🤷
I’ll still read the final book just to finish the story, though. 🤷
January 11, 2025
This book is an emotional train wreck to the soul -- it will absolutely gut you. And you will love every damned minute of it. Amarah Calderini delivers one of the best emotional, character-driven follow-ups to Tide of Darkness. I mean, the characters ache and so does the reader.
The plot:
Following the explosive ending to Tide of Darkness, this book kicks off after a bit of time. We get updates from Shaw, Mirren, and Cal about where each of them stands in the wake of the fallout. The plot now becomes two-fold: saving one of their own (if possible) and making sure that the Praeceptor doesn't taken control of all of the Dark World. Calderini does an amazing job of layering the plot advancement with these juicy moments of character development.
The characters:
The twist on Shaw's character in this book is so dark and delicious all at the same time that you will be hooked to his POV. It so different from the character you come to know in ToD -- you will flinch, you will gasp, and you will be invested. The development that Amarah drags out of Shaw throughout this whole book is phenomenal.
As four FMC, Mirren -- she has not lost her spirit or her backbone -- and I love her for it. She is one of those characters that you cannot help but root for. The way she refuses to give up in this book just really show how much she cares for those around her. She also some amazing magical growth in this book that I loved seeing.
Calderini also added in brief Cal moments -- and as a huge Calloway fan -- I am here for it! I hope we see more of him in the future. I was also intrigued by his connection to another character in this book -- that was unexpected in all the best ways! There was one other side character I was so excited to see return and I love how his character was given so much more dimension and backstory in this book. It made really love him even more.
Over all, this book was a stunning following up to Tide of Darkness and made Amarah Calderini an auto-buy author for me.
The plot:
Following the explosive ending to Tide of Darkness, this book kicks off after a bit of time. We get updates from Shaw, Mirren, and Cal about where each of them stands in the wake of the fallout. The plot now becomes two-fold: saving one of their own (if possible) and making sure that the Praeceptor doesn't taken control of all of the Dark World. Calderini does an amazing job of layering the plot advancement with these juicy moments of character development.
The characters:
The twist on Shaw's character in this book is so dark and delicious all at the same time that you will be hooked to his POV. It so different from the character you come to know in ToD -- you will flinch, you will gasp, and you will be invested. The development that Amarah drags out of Shaw throughout this whole book is phenomenal.
As four FMC, Mirren -- she has not lost her spirit or her backbone -- and I love her for it. She is one of those characters that you cannot help but root for. The way she refuses to give up in this book just really show how much she cares for those around her. She also some amazing magical growth in this book that I loved seeing.
Calderini also added in brief Cal moments -- and as a huge Calloway fan -- I am here for it! I hope we see more of him in the future. I was also intrigued by his connection to another character in this book -- that was unexpected in all the best ways! There was one other side character I was so excited to see return and I love how his character was given so much more dimension and backstory in this book. It made really love him even more.
Over all, this book was a stunning following up to Tide of Darkness and made Amarah Calderini an auto-buy author for me.
April 9, 2025
Once again, Amarah blows me away. I totaled around 160 tabs for this book. Some favorites are listed below.
“I was torn apart and remade in the Darkness, Ivo. I am what's been awoken”
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. I loved having Mirren's, Shaw's, and Cal's POVs to really get the full scope of the story. Shaw is basically fractured into 3 selves: The Heir, Shaw, and Anrai. His story here was so heartbreaking and so full of hope at times.
"I know the scent of you. I know the sweet taste of you on my tongue and the timbre of your moans when you find your pleasure.”
The romance, as always, between Anrai and Mirren is exquisite. Amarah has such a way with words and writes men that truly bow down at their women's feet and worship them. The struggle to get back to where they were in book 1 is a torment for both of them. And once the Darkness is let in, you're never the same again.
There were quite a few things in this that had me screaming "I KNEW IT" and I absolutely cannot wait to read the third one. After a little break to let my heart recover so I don't go into full book slump mode from the way her books consume me.
Read if you love:
-Elemental Magic
-Dystopian worlds
-Morally black to grey MMC
-Secrets and revelations
“I was torn apart and remade in the Darkness, Ivo. I am what's been awoken”
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. I loved having Mirren's, Shaw's, and Cal's POVs to really get the full scope of the story. Shaw is basically fractured into 3 selves: The Heir, Shaw, and Anrai. His story here was so heartbreaking and so full of hope at times.
"I know the scent of you. I know the sweet taste of you on my tongue and the timbre of your moans when you find your pleasure.”
The romance, as always, between Anrai and Mirren is exquisite. Amarah has such a way with words and writes men that truly bow down at their women's feet and worship them. The struggle to get back to where they were in book 1 is a torment for both of them. And once the Darkness is let in, you're never the same again.
There were quite a few things in this that had me screaming "I KNEW IT" and I absolutely cannot wait to read the third one. After a little break to let my heart recover so I don't go into full book slump mode from the way her books consume me.
Read if you love:
-Elemental Magic
-Dystopian worlds
-Morally black to grey MMC
-Secrets and revelations
August 7, 2024
This book was excellent!! It picks up on the cliffhanger of Mirren back in Similis and Anrai soulless and at his father’s mercy. The story takes you through Mirren reentering the dark world to escape the tyranny of the Covinus and journeying back to Nadjaa to find aid for Similis as the boundary fails. On the journey she comes face to face with the new, painful version of Anrai.
I will say that the first 1/3 of this book is slow but moving through that the story picks up as you see Anrai’s struggle with his darkness and Mirren’s inability to give up on him. Mirren’s and Anrai’s experiences dealing with despair and hope are beautifully written and incredibly raw (chapters 31 & 32 wrecked me in the best, gut wrenchingly way possible). This book shows you more locations in the dark world, more into side characters backgrounds (like Cal & Avedis), and more about the elemental magic that Mirren wields.
I thought this book was excellent & a little better than the first. It’s a great read for anyone who loves fantasy worlds, magic, enemies to lovers, soulmates, betrayal, loyalty and found family. It has a few spicy scenes. Very excited to read the final book!
I will say that the first 1/3 of this book is slow but moving through that the story picks up as you see Anrai’s struggle with his darkness and Mirren’s inability to give up on him. Mirren’s and Anrai’s experiences dealing with despair and hope are beautifully written and incredibly raw (chapters 31 & 32 wrecked me in the best, gut wrenchingly way possible). This book shows you more locations in the dark world, more into side characters backgrounds (like Cal & Avedis), and more about the elemental magic that Mirren wields.
I thought this book was excellent & a little better than the first. It’s a great read for anyone who loves fantasy worlds, magic, enemies to lovers, soulmates, betrayal, loyalty and found family. It has a few spicy scenes. Very excited to read the final book!
December 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
1/5 Spice Level
Amarah took me on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride with this book! I feel like each book gets more and more stressful lol not in a bad way. Well, bad for my health lol but good as far as the book goes. I love how much Mirren has grown throughout the first and second books. I also loved all the different ways love is shown in this book. From platonic to romantic love this book has it all. Also, if you are looking for a book with mental health rep you found your series. I cannot say much more as I don't want to give anything away. This book is a bit slower-paced than the first but still has all the edge-of-your-seat anxiety that you get from the first book lol. If you love post-apocalyptic stories with a dash of fantasy and romance pick this series up!
1/5 Spice Level
Amarah took me on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride with this book! I feel like each book gets more and more stressful lol not in a bad way. Well, bad for my health lol but good as far as the book goes. I love how much Mirren has grown throughout the first and second books. I also loved all the different ways love is shown in this book. From platonic to romantic love this book has it all. Also, if you are looking for a book with mental health rep you found your series. I cannot say much more as I don't want to give anything away. This book is a bit slower-paced than the first but still has all the edge-of-your-seat anxiety that you get from the first book lol. If you love post-apocalyptic stories with a dash of fantasy and romance pick this series up!
April 8, 2025
This series for sure becoming a top series for me. The plot is incredible. The world building intriguing. The characters and character development are perfection. This series is also extremelyyyy relevant to the real world today. I kept reading it and going, wowwww this is hitting a little too close to home.
Shaw's journey and development in this book was heartbreaking and incredible. I absolutely loved it.
I loved getting to see the romance develop more.
The ending, had me STRESSED. Amarah. You're killing me here 😮💨
The book does not end on a cliffhanger which is kind of a nice reprieve. I need to emotionally decompress after this read and I'm terrified to start the last book 😭
Shaw's journey and development in this book was heartbreaking and incredible. I absolutely loved it.
I loved getting to see the romance develop more.
The ending, had me STRESSED. Amarah. You're killing me here 😮💨
The book does not end on a cliffhanger which is kind of a nice reprieve. I need to emotionally decompress after this read and I'm terrified to start the last book 😭
April 17, 2024
Shaw and Mirren…..
These two are just so absolutely a beautiful pairing. I had to take a break from it about 75% through, but when I came back to it, I realized how beautiful the writing was. These two are just so intense with how much they care for each other and it’s written to perfection! Amarah has a way with words that such sucks you in and steals your breath. Incredible!
Shaw as dark Shaw was just…heartbreaking, but how Mirren doesn’t give up on him is SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. And when she saves him…..Chef’s Kiss 💋
Well done, Amarah!
These two are just so absolutely a beautiful pairing. I had to take a break from it about 75% through, but when I came back to it, I realized how beautiful the writing was. These two are just so intense with how much they care for each other and it’s written to perfection! Amarah has a way with words that such sucks you in and steals your breath. Incredible!
Shaw as dark Shaw was just…heartbreaking, but how Mirren doesn’t give up on him is SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. And when she saves him…..Chef’s Kiss 💋
Well done, Amarah!
April 12, 2024
The premise is great but the plot falls short in a few places. I really did enjoy the characters and overall story line, but there’s just a lack of continuity in the book which bugs me.
Merton can freeze blood, but all of a sudden when she is faced with Covinus and Cullen, she is scared in a corner and can’t do anything.
Easton was in a relationship with Harlan, but has followed the keys to the letter his whole life?
Merton can freeze blood, but all of a sudden when she is faced with Covinus and Cullen, she is scared in a corner and can’t do anything.
Easton was in a relationship with Harlan, but has followed the keys to the letter his whole life?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
I’m still really enjoying the world and the magic system of this story. The whole time I was reading this I felt like I liked it even more than the first until the end…while I liked the ending I was a little bit underwhelmed. However I’m pretty obsessed with the FMC. Her being the possessive one is 😍😍. Definitely a great series so far.
December 26, 2022
I just finished this and am still reeling, so all I will say is this: if you liked Kingdom of Ash and are looking for something that hits just as hard, this is it! I am eagerly awaiting the final installment of one of my new favorite series.
January 19, 2023
This. Book.
The emotional roller coaster ride this book took me on. I love this world and these characters so much. The way this author writes about inner turmoil and mental health is so powerful. I look forward to getting my hands on book three of the Dark World Trilogy!
The emotional roller coaster ride this book took me on. I love this world and these characters so much. The way this author writes about inner turmoil and mental health is so powerful. I look forward to getting my hands on book three of the Dark World Trilogy!
January 2, 2024
Calderini's prose is so beautiful and evocative. She makes Mirren and Shaw's POV heartachingly real. Her ability to bring emotion to life and in such different ways (Max, Cal, etc) made me feel every moment while reading.
May 27, 2024
So good
I really enjoyed how the characters grew in this book. I honestly wish it would have ended with this book.. I'm worried the next one will be more of the same and then I will hate it.
I really enjoyed how the characters grew in this book. I honestly wish it would have ended with this book.. I'm worried the next one will be more of the same and then I will hate it.
September 8, 2024
Whew, that was a ride. Seeing someone struggling with a life of trauma and finding the strength to accept help from friends and someone who loves you to leave that trauma behind was amazing. I was riveted by Shaw's journey. Couldn't put it down. Ready for the third book!
November 2, 2024
Okay so I went 3 for 4 on my theories for this book. Not bad
The first, like, 65% of the book I was pretty into. But then it got kinda slow until the last 10%. I do feel like the writing gets a bit rambly at times. There’s a lot of inner turmoil that probably could have been shortened.
The first, like, 65% of the book I was pretty into. But then it got kinda slow until the last 10%. I do feel like the writing gets a bit rambly at times. There’s a lot of inner turmoil that probably could have been shortened.
April 30, 2025
NO NOTES. This book is so beautifully written that you won’t want to put it down. These characters grow, bend, and may break but the joy between characters makes the pain worth it. I love everything about the action and the spice.
June 8, 2025
I started this weeks ago, moved, then lost interest (not the book’s fault)! The plot was pretty solid, but the new villain storyline at the end isn’t an exciting concept. Sometimes, I thought the writing was poetic. Other times, I thought it was cringe. Don’t know if I’ll finish the trilogy.
April 27, 2024
4 stars only bc it didn’t make me cry!
September 16, 2024
3.5 stars
March 24, 2025
Wow. This just keeps getting better with each book. So beautifully written and unique.
April 22, 2025
"Born in the Darkness, baptized in pain, I persevere. Broken, but never shattered, pain does not defeat me- it drives me "
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews