What do you think?
Osparia #2
Wrath of Suns and Shadows
Joining the rebellion changed everything—until it all went up in flames.
When Kade’s firestorm reduces their camp to ashes, Emelyn finds herself separated from the two people she relied on most. Struggling to cope without Ace and Crow, she begins to uncover the true extent of the Peacebringer’s power within her. But that power makes her a target, and it isn’t long before she becomes a prisoner of war.
The sliver of hope she clings to is shattered when the powerful Prince of Ember, Kade, claims her for his own gain. Though his family is feared for their cruelty, there’s a side to Kade that only Emelyn sees—a side that confuses her, drawing her toward him in ways she never expected.
Trapped in a web of deception, Emelyn must play along as they journey back to Ember’s empire. Under Kade’s protection and Crow’s watchful shadows, Emelyn is torn between the undeniable pull she feels toward both men and her desperate need to escape. But the calm is fleeting, and Emelyn soon realizes that safety was never an option.
A greater evil looms, and she might be the key to stopping it—or the catalyst that unleashes it.
Wrath of Suns and Shadows is a sexy, action-packed fae fantasy romance—an ATLA-inspired adventure and the thrilling second installment of The Osparia Series.
When Kade’s firestorm reduces their camp to ashes, Emelyn finds herself separated from the two people she relied on most. Struggling to cope without Ace and Crow, she begins to uncover the true extent of the Peacebringer’s power within her. But that power makes her a target, and it isn’t long before she becomes a prisoner of war.
The sliver of hope she clings to is shattered when the powerful Prince of Ember, Kade, claims her for his own gain. Though his family is feared for their cruelty, there’s a side to Kade that only Emelyn sees—a side that confuses her, drawing her toward him in ways she never expected.
Trapped in a web of deception, Emelyn must play along as they journey back to Ember’s empire. Under Kade’s protection and Crow’s watchful shadows, Emelyn is torn between the undeniable pull she feels toward both men and her desperate need to escape. But the calm is fleeting, and Emelyn soon realizes that safety was never an option.
A greater evil looms, and she might be the key to stopping it—or the catalyst that unleashes it.
Wrath of Suns and Shadows is a sexy, action-packed fae fantasy romance—an ATLA-inspired adventure and the thrilling second installment of The Osparia Series.
- GenresFantasyFantasy Romance
ebook
Published August 27, 2024
About the author
Lashell Rain
15 books250 followersLashell Rain is a foodie fueled by a shameless amount of caffeine and a passion for storytelling. The Texas native lives at home with her two beautiful kids. Between being a mom by day, and a writer by night, she brought her dreams of becoming an author into a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 9, 2024
3.5⭐️ but rounding down to 3
I've really been looking forward to reading this sequel since I read the first book last year. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately I walked away feeling a bit disappointed by the pacing of the plot and the somewhat misleading title. I still plan on reading book 3, but book 2 did not meet the expectations that book 1 gave us. Also, I will preface this review by saying that I have not re-read book 1 since the author updated the story after developmental edits, however I did not feel that the story was lacking or that I was missing any information, just as an fyi to other readers in the same situation.
But first, let's start with what I liked/enjoyed. I'm gonna go rapid fire here:
~ ACE 😍🥹 That sky elf has my whole entire heart. I love him so much and I'm so glad that he was still such a big part of this story. Him and Em's friendship touched my heart so deeply from book 1 and while they're separated for pretty much this whole book, they still have so much palpable love for each other despite their distance. I thought the development of his character in this book was done well, although I also had other opinions about that too (I'll get to that). His overall journey in this book alone had me tearing up A LOT. He went through a good bit in these pages. Got me right in the heart. Also really appreciated his soul when it came to him and Lu...I wish their timeline could have sped up some though.
~ The dragons 🐉 I was really happy to see some more of Emeris, Draken, and the other dragons in this book. I also liked that Shay's character got some more spotlight since she was highlighted in the prequel novella to the series.
~ Development with Kade 🔥 Without going into too much detail about this point, I'll just say I'm glad we finally got SOMETHING in regards to this man, because I was gonna RIOT if he told our girl to "just trust him" ONE MORE GD TIME. SHEESH! Talk about edging...
~ Writing style/descriptions ✍🏼 Something I noticed and really enjoyed about Rain's writing (in the previous books as well as this one) was her emotional descriptions and indicators of what the character's faces or body language looked like during moments of tension or excitement or whatever the case was. It made me feel more connected to the characters and I really appreciated that.
Ok, so now for the not so great. Again, rapid fire:
~ PACING: In my opinion, I think this series should have been a duet instead of a trilogy. And the unfortunate slog of pacing that was this book gives credence to that opinion. I was enjoying myself until I got to about the 70-75% mark and I realized that we didn't know anymore about any of this story or plot at that point than we did at the start of the book. And what we had learned had not been fleshed out well (I'll let Em being super distracted be the excuse for the lack of development of her "peace bringer" power). There's quite a bit that could have been cut from this book or more of the story progress made. It felt like 1/3 should have been combined with book 1, 1/3 cut, and 1/3 combined with book 3. The real meat and potatoes of the revelations and forward progress of plot doesn't come until the last like 5-10% of the book. I was quite surprised it was held for that long. Not to mention, it was quite predictable based on the lack of POV chapters of certain characters throughout the book. Not saying I didn't still smile and scream "I knew it!", but there you go. And even at the end, the largest plot point we still do not know. Literally the question that Emelyn has been asking the whole time: Why does Valos want her alive? We still don't know. And I get leaving some stuff for book 3, but that's why I say that it didn't seem like there was enough story/plot for a whole book here. I don't like saying this because I had really high expectations for this sequel.
~ Lack of spice: I was disappointed with this aspect on a personal level. I can honestly say this aspect had no bearing on my overall rating, but compared to book 1, I was a little surprised at the lack of spicy time in this one. We did get one quick scene, which was great, but really would have loved more. This is where I will input my thoughts about Ace and Lu. I really wish their relationship had seen some faster progress. There was plenty of time and opportunity for both organic development of the relationship as well as physical progress. I just think by the end, I was a little bored of their interactions and they seemed almost juvenile. Not in a bad way, but just not making real progress. Like it's been weeks of them just going on walks and talking and they haven't kissed once? I don't know...I mean I get it, I love me some organic build-up, I do, but I had had enough of it with them by the 80% mark, LMAO. Unfortunately I can't take about Crow/Em/Kade because, spoilers...
Recommendation:
So based on book 2, I think I gotta go with a "paused" recommendation (it pains me to say that). And by that I mean, if you've read book 1 already, wait to read book 2 until book 3 is out, because you're probably going to be frustrated with the lack of plot development if you don't have book 3 to immediately go into. If you haven't started this series (which, I don't know why you'd be reading this if you haven't) then I might say wait until the series is finished to start this. Unless you're great at remembering things, then maybe go ahead. I still would recommend this series overall, and I trust this author to bring us a solid ending, but if you're not super invested just yet, maybe wait until it's concluded. I think that will give more satisfaction. Happy reading friends 🤙🏼💕
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book. As always, this review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.
I've really been looking forward to reading this sequel since I read the first book last year. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately I walked away feeling a bit disappointed by the pacing of the plot and the somewhat misleading title. I still plan on reading book 3, but book 2 did not meet the expectations that book 1 gave us. Also, I will preface this review by saying that I have not re-read book 1 since the author updated the story after developmental edits, however I did not feel that the story was lacking or that I was missing any information, just as an fyi to other readers in the same situation.
But first, let's start with what I liked/enjoyed. I'm gonna go rapid fire here:
~ ACE 😍🥹 That sky elf has my whole entire heart. I love him so much and I'm so glad that he was still such a big part of this story. Him and Em's friendship touched my heart so deeply from book 1 and while they're separated for pretty much this whole book, they still have so much palpable love for each other despite their distance. I thought the development of his character in this book was done well, although I also had other opinions about that too (I'll get to that). His overall journey in this book alone had me tearing up A LOT. He went through a good bit in these pages. Got me right in the heart. Also really appreciated his soul when it came to him and Lu...I wish their timeline could have sped up some though.
~ The dragons 🐉 I was really happy to see some more of Emeris, Draken, and the other dragons in this book. I also liked that Shay's character got some more spotlight since she was highlighted in the prequel novella to the series.
~ Development with Kade 🔥 Without going into too much detail about this point, I'll just say I'm glad we finally got SOMETHING in regards to this man, because I was gonna RIOT if he told our girl to "just trust him" ONE MORE GD TIME. SHEESH! Talk about edging...
~ Writing style/descriptions ✍🏼 Something I noticed and really enjoyed about Rain's writing (in the previous books as well as this one) was her emotional descriptions and indicators of what the character's faces or body language looked like during moments of tension or excitement or whatever the case was. It made me feel more connected to the characters and I really appreciated that.
Ok, so now for the not so great. Again, rapid fire:
~ PACING: In my opinion, I think this series should have been a duet instead of a trilogy. And the unfortunate slog of pacing that was this book gives credence to that opinion. I was enjoying myself until I got to about the 70-75% mark and I realized that we didn't know anymore about any of this story or plot at that point than we did at the start of the book. And what we had learned had not been fleshed out well (I'll let Em being super distracted be the excuse for the lack of development of her "peace bringer" power). There's quite a bit that could have been cut from this book or more of the story progress made. It felt like 1/3 should have been combined with book 1, 1/3 cut, and 1/3 combined with book 3. The real meat and potatoes of the revelations and forward progress of plot doesn't come until the last like 5-10% of the book. I was quite surprised it was held for that long. Not to mention, it was quite predictable based on the lack of POV chapters of certain characters throughout the book. Not saying I didn't still smile and scream "I knew it!", but there you go. And even at the end, the largest plot point we still do not know. Literally the question that Emelyn has been asking the whole time: Why does Valos want her alive? We still don't know. And I get leaving some stuff for book 3, but that's why I say that it didn't seem like there was enough story/plot for a whole book here. I don't like saying this because I had really high expectations for this sequel.
~ Lack of spice: I was disappointed with this aspect on a personal level. I can honestly say this aspect had no bearing on my overall rating, but compared to book 1, I was a little surprised at the lack of spicy time in this one. We did get one quick scene, which was great, but really would have loved more. This is where I will input my thoughts about Ace and Lu. I really wish their relationship had seen some faster progress. There was plenty of time and opportunity for both organic development of the relationship as well as physical progress. I just think by the end, I was a little bored of their interactions and they seemed almost juvenile. Not in a bad way, but just not making real progress. Like it's been weeks of them just going on walks and talking and they haven't kissed once? I don't know...I mean I get it, I love me some organic build-up, I do, but I had had enough of it with them by the 80% mark, LMAO. Unfortunately I can't take about Crow/Em/Kade because, spoilers...
Recommendation:
So based on book 2, I think I gotta go with a "paused" recommendation (it pains me to say that). And by that I mean, if you've read book 1 already, wait to read book 2 until book 3 is out, because you're probably going to be frustrated with the lack of plot development if you don't have book 3 to immediately go into. If you haven't started this series (which, I don't know why you'd be reading this if you haven't) then I might say wait until the series is finished to start this. Unless you're great at remembering things, then maybe go ahead. I still would recommend this series overall, and I trust this author to bring us a solid ending, but if you're not super invested just yet, maybe wait until it's concluded. I think that will give more satisfaction. Happy reading friends 🤙🏼💕
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book. As always, this review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.
August 18, 2024
Speechless and stunned. Frustrated and tearful. Giddy and giggling. Lastly, Impatient and anxious. All feelings I felt throughout this rollercoaster of a story.
This book will lead you right into where book 1 left off. This world keeps getting more complex and captivating. There's heartbreak, love, betrayals, secrets, political competition, hard lessons, and tough decisions. You'll once again see Ace and Emelyn's found family, but also new villains in the story. You'll question your feelings towards some of the characters. Some of the plot twist's I had an inkling toward or wanted it to be true. Others were a complete surprise.
I absolutely love the tension, comradery, banter, and friendship in this book. The author does a wonderful job reeling in the readers and provoking high emotions during crucial scenes. I'm excited to see where book 3 leads these characters, but I feel like I might need some tissues by the time it is done.
This book will lead you right into where book 1 left off. This world keeps getting more complex and captivating. There's heartbreak, love, betrayals, secrets, political competition, hard lessons, and tough decisions. You'll once again see Ace and Emelyn's found family, but also new villains in the story. You'll question your feelings towards some of the characters. Some of the plot twist's I had an inkling toward or wanted it to be true. Others were a complete surprise.
I absolutely love the tension, comradery, banter, and friendship in this book. The author does a wonderful job reeling in the readers and provoking high emotions during crucial scenes. I'm excited to see where book 3 leads these characters, but I feel like I might need some tissues by the time it is done.
August 27, 2024
Wrath of Suns and Shadows by Lashell Rain is book two in the Osparia Series. After reading the first book I was really looking forward to this one. Needless to say you do have read the previous book as this picks up after. I read this in about a day; it took me on such a journey. This was an interesting read as it had some expected turns but there were twists I didn’t see coming; looking at you cliffhanger. Anyway, I’m a fan of the banter and friendships in this story. I also like how it delves into hard choices and the lessons learned. Overall I thought the book was good even though at some points I thought things started to drag. The pacing kind of slowed down but at other points it ramped up. Like I said the ending is a cliffhanger so be aware of that, that twist made me gasp out loud. I’m going to be be looking forward to book three. In the end I had an enjoyable reading experience and would recommend this series.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
September 3, 2024
I started out this Osparia series journey with Ashes in the wind and to say i was hooked was an understatement. I devoured that in hours . This series is truly amazing i loved all the characters and the unexpected surprises with each of their stories . The FMC is not like others, she’s unique in her strength and her feelings . The MMC has my heart in the palm of his hand . This is not a predictable story or series for that matter… all the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and I’m still there ! I think i might die of anxiety before the next book comes out !!!! It does end on a cliffhanger but absolutely worth reading .
September 22, 2024
Wrath of Suns and Shadows was slow getting started, but the pacing was improved from the first book.
I would have liked to have gotten more scenes with growing sexual tension. Because not a lot was happening plotwise during the emotional building time, a lot of the small things and chemistry was skipped in order to focus on other storylines and POVs and I struggled with the romance because of it. We'd get hit with a time jump instead of time to explore the relationship.
I loved the reveal at the end and am so proud of myself for guessing it in book one.
Thank you to Lashell Rain for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my review.
I would have liked to have gotten more scenes with growing sexual tension. Because not a lot was happening plotwise during the emotional building time, a lot of the small things and chemistry was skipped in order to focus on other storylines and POVs and I struggled with the romance because of it. We'd get hit with a time jump instead of time to explore the relationship.
I loved the reveal at the end and am so proud of myself for guessing it in book one.
Thank you to Lashell Rain for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my review.
August 22, 2024
Wrath of Suns and Shadows unfortunately fell victim to the second book slump. There was only about half a book's worth of development in a full book's worth of pages. The pace was very slow, and the action was very drawn out. I was looking forward to this book, but it turned out to be a little bit of a letdown. It wasn't a bad book, just one that could have used a little more developmental editing.
September 2, 2024
Book 2
This book leaves off where Book 1 ended. You definitely should read book 1 as well as the prequel if you truly want to be able to understand the world this series takes place in. Same as book 1, we have twists and turns, ups and downs. Beware....we have another cliffhanger! Overall, great read.
This book leaves off where Book 1 ended. You definitely should read book 1 as well as the prequel if you truly want to be able to understand the world this series takes place in. Same as book 1, we have twists and turns, ups and downs. Beware....we have another cliffhanger! Overall, great read.
September 2, 2024
Ugh! I’m in love with this series so so much. I feel like we waited forever for the second and soon to be the 3rd book, for what seems like… FOREVER
this book was on my top 5 most anticipated reads for this year and you did NOT disappoint!! I didn’t see that coming!!! I was freaking out, so many things just clicked and it was such an epic read.
I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book.
this book was on my top 5 most anticipated reads for this year and you did NOT disappoint!! I didn’t see that coming!!! I was freaking out, so many things just clicked and it was such an epic read.
I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book.
August 26, 2024
This book is a literally rollercoaster. It starts out slow and innocent and then just when you think there will be no hills, it throws you over a mountain. This book has such avatar the last Airbender vibes and I am living for it. The huge twist at the end involving our fire prince sent me reeling and that ending had me screaming for me. That cliffhanger is going to haunt me.
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September 30, 2023Coming soon?
August 22, 2024
ARRRRRRGGGHHHJ
May 7, 2025
Ahhhh! this was such a good follow up to the first book!
I loved the dragons and I hope Eme gets to see her dragon buddy in the future!
The plot twist (while I did have a feeling) was still surprised to see!!
and Omfg ACE!?
for sure looking forward to reading the next !
I loved the dragons and I hope Eme gets to see her dragon buddy in the future!
The plot twist (while I did have a feeling) was still surprised to see!!
and Omfg ACE!?
for sure looking forward to reading the next !
August 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book I had some theories that were right and was happy they were lol it has some great twists and turns and I can’t wait for the next book
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews