Tag: tantor audio

Book Review: From the Silence of the Shadows (The Veridian Empire #3) by V.B. Lacey

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 574 pages
Author: V.B> Lacey
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: January 28th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Hades and Persephone meets Six of Crows in this dark fantasy romance standalone with dragons, shadow wielders, hate-to-love no spice romance, and an epic rebellion against their darkest foe. Not all prisons are made of stone.

For nineteen years, Nox Duma has been a pawn to the Veridian Empire’s most ruthless tyrant, a man who tortures his own kind with cruel magical experiments. Haunted by the sister still trapped under this tyrant’s control, Nox struggles to lead a secret rebellion—until a captured traitor falls into his hands, one who may hold the key to victory.

Once a spy and now Nox’s prisoner, all Devora wants is freedom. But when she discovers her dormant shadow-wielding magic could provide the perfect opportunity to spy on the enemy, she’s forced to decide where her loyalty truly lies.

As the rebellion makes its final stand, Nox and Devora’s uneasy alliance deepens into something neither expected. To survive, they must test the limits of trust, power, and love against a foe who can bend magic to his will. But in a world where failure means more than death, can they survive the darkness threatening to consume their empire?

Or will the shadows finally cage them once and for all?

From the Silence of the Shadows is the third book in a series of interconnected fantasy standalones. This book includes a summary of books 1 and 2, In the Wake of the Wicked (1) and Of the Curse or the Crown , for those who have not read them. While it is advised to read books 1 and 2 first, it’s not necessary. From the Silence of the Shadows follows a rebel dragon Shifter and the woman he’s taken as his prisoner for crimes against the empire as they both navigate loyalty, forgiveness, and the darkness of their pasts while battling an enemy who has taken their magic into his own hands. Perfect for lovers of Hades and Persephone, the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent, and the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, this book is full of no spice enemies to lovers romance, epic quests and heists, plot twists, dragons, and a beautiful found family that will feel like your own.

Thank you Tantor Audio for the gifted audiobook.

GREAT READ.

I continually love coming back to V.B. Lacey’s books. I love that she writes closed door fantasy romances with heat and heart and that don’t come off silly. It is easy to recommend her books and it was fun to get to read this one as an audiobook! The audiobook narrators weren’t 100% my favorite but did grow on me. It was no where near bothersome enough to not be able to listen to the audiobook format.

I liked seeing more of the empire and Nox. I’ve been waiting to see his background and it did not disappoint. I loved his compassionate nature and how growly he was about all the things. The slow burn with Devora progressed well. Lacey does a good job creating a standalones that give genuine tension and wrap up big plots.

The pacing felt solid and the magic system unfolded without force. I loved seeing previous characters again and the moments between them too. It’s just a solid fantasy and I can’t wait for the last one!!

[Note: while a standalone these books really build on each other and should be read in order; I have read and enjoyed them all!]

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: loss of life, kidnapping, non-consensual drugging, assault

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Book Review: Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales (The Fatesworn Saga #1) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 650 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 26th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

What is inevitable?
Emmeline DeLeoste has always talked to the stars. As a member of a fortune-telling warrior clan, her exceptional magic allows her to read the Fates, earning her a prestigious Academy job. But it has also cost her everyone she loves.
Roremar Silventa has more responsibilities than any man should. Combined with his Reckless reputation haunting his every step, it’s left him burdened in more ways than one.
When women start disappearing from the drug-infested Isle of Lyra, Emmeline and Roremar are tasked with finding the culprit due to their unique skillsets. In return, each is offered the one thing they can’t refuse. There’s only one problem: the pair couldn’t be more different.
Amid mounting threats from the Fates, and with a murderer creeping closer, Emmeline and Roremar strike up an alliance only to realize that, despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, they may understand each other in a way no one else can.
Can they unveil fated pasts and catch a killer before they lose their lives–or their hearts?
Everyone on Lyra has a secret, and some things may be inevitable after all.
Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales is the first book in an Adult Romantic Fantasy series full of celestial magic, murder mystery, and sizzling, star crossed love. It is recommended for fans of Chloe C. Peñaranda, Sarah A. Parker, and Kayla Edwards.

Thank you to Tantor Audio for the gifted audiobook.

GOOD START.

I read and highly enjoyed NP’s previous series so I’ve been excited to see what other stories she’d write. I thought this was a great start to a new series and I’m excited to continue. I also listened to the audiobook and loved that format. The narrators (dual POV) did a great job with Emmeline and Roremar.

This had a murder mystery vibe but make it fantasy. Reluctant allies, Emmeline and Roremar, struggle to get along as they work towards the same goal of finding out what’s happening in their city. I super appreciated how much of a genuine slow burn this was and that the plot > spice. I liked the world system and the magic system. Things didn’t feel info-dumpy and slowly unveiled as the book went on. I also loved that Roremar took care of all of his siblings. He’s a protector at his core and it showed in multiple ways.

I know NP does a great job with reveals and twists (I’ve read her previous series) and that was no different here. I sat in stunned shocked for multiple chapters trying to figure out what the heck just happened. It was devastating and wild and made me even more excited for book two.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 2ish open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: murder, kidnapping, torture, loss of life

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Book Review: Lonely Hearts Day by Kasie West

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Romance Novella
Length: 113 pages
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Paper Kiss Press
Release Date: January 30th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

It isn’t that Scarlett Landry doesn’t believe in love, her parents’ relationship is perfect, after all. It’s just that she doesn’t think she should be forced to celebrate it. Forced to listen to terrible poetry and watch Valentine’s Day roses being distributed to everyone around her at school. If there is a relationship status that deserves its own holiday, it’s single-hood.

So, she enlists the help of her best friend, Jack Bowman, to throw a party for all the lonely hearts of their high school. She’s known Jack for years. He’s fun and nerdy and smart and will make the perfect co-host. There are two problems. One: the king and queen of school already throw a party on Valentine’s Day. Have for the last few years. And they are not fans of being dethroned. Two: when you become known for throwing a party to celebrate singles, you probably shouldn’t fall in love.

This fun, flirty YA contemporary romance novella, takes place over four Valentine’s Days. It follows the ups and downs of friendship, family, and falling in love.

Thank you Tantor Audio for the gifted audiobook.

IT’S CUTE.

I had no idea this story existed until I saw it on an influence audiobook list and of course I had to read it??? It’s Kasie West???

And she delivered another cute romance that’s bite sized and perfect for reading on Valentine’s Day. I thought the audiobook was excellent (under three hours) too. This story spans multiple Valentine’s Day(s?) and the ups and downs that come from growing up. While I would have loved some deeper and more expansive moments I think this encapsulated a full plot well in the short amount of pages.

If you didn’t know about this little gem either, definitely pick it up!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Contemporary Romance Novella
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Content warnings: divorce (FMC’s parents)

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