Rain of Shadows and Endings: The Legacy Series, Book 1

Tabitha Beach

OBSESSED

"This book is actually a masterpiece. It pulls you in immediately and does not let go. We start with Tessa being chosen by Theon to be his source of power and magically bound to him against her will, and from there it’s just nonstop tension, chaos, and emotional damage in the best way. It’s so obvious he wants her for more, and she gives him absolute hell for it, which I loved. The worldbuilding is SO, SO, SO immersive. High fantasy done right. The magic system is incredibly unique with legacies holding sort of godlike power and fae created to serve them, each with elemental abilities and blood that fuels that power. It’s such a cool concept and there’s still so much more to explore…like we are being FED. This is very much a character driven story and the characters are messy, layered, and complicated in a way that I absolutely love and eat up every single freaking time. Tessa has my whole heart. She’s been through so much, and then gets thrown into yet another situation where her control is stripped away, and watching her navigate that while battling everything internally just hit. I already know her character arc is going to go absolutely feral in the best way. And Theon… I am deeply unwell about this man. He is dark, twisted, VERY morally…not even gray..just dark, and somehow I still have the biggest soft spot for him. He made me feel every conflicting emotion possible. I love to hate him, I hate that I love him, and I know his arc is going to wreck me. He truly pisses me off and I’m really curious how he will be developed further. Their dynamic is not soft or easy. This is true enemies, not lovers, and it’s toxic, messy, crazy freaking tensionny(what is that word my brain put together😅) chaos that I fully devoured. The side characters are also everything. The found family is already forming and I’m obsessed. Luka… absolutely adore him and I want the world for him. I need more!! This isn’t super action heavy…yet, but I could not put it down for a second. The politics, the magic, the relationships, the character dynamics… it all just pulls you in deeper and deeper. Melissa writes trauma and recovery in such a raw and real way, and even with how heavy the themes are, it’s handled so thoughtfully. I genuinely don’t have anything negative to say. This book completely consumed me and I can already tell this series is going to become an all-time favorite. Tessa, Theon, Luka, Axel… I’m attached, I’m invested, I’m unwell. I will say that while not truly needed, I would recommend reading the Lady of Darkness series first…just because I think you would understand certain points deeper if you had. And that series is a banger, so you should anyway. I have already started reading the next book because I refuse to sit with these feelings for even one more second. ["

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April 1, 2026 Verified Purchase

Andreea B.

Definitely good, but I might still need a bit of time

"3.5⭐️ (maybe soon 4) Spoilers ahead! I will start by saying that this is definitely another masterpiece by Mellisa Roehrich, one that you will surely not be disappointed with. I will also explain the reason behind my rating of the book below by also mentioning that this is entirely based on my own taste and opinions on the book, therefore read this review knowing this fact! "Be what they want you to be now, so you can be who you were meant to be later." After falling in love with the writing style of Lady of Darkness, I was so excited for this new series and the new world we will be presented from this universe. And i have to admit my expectations were somehow reached especially in terms of writing. I was so pleased to find again the careful description of feelings and actions that made them feel so real that I came to love from Melissa. The writing is purely flawless, and it entirely managed to transport me into the magic filled world of Devram. However, I have to admit that I found it a bit hard to fully imagine the world of the story. The magic clearly combines with the modern and creates a rather advanced world. The presence of technological advancements, on the other hand, made the world seem a bit fractured at times. I do admit this might be fully intentional, but sometimes I found myself having a hard time imagining things like laptops and phones and TVs included in a world that seemed so keen on magic and so archaic in the same time due to its closeness to divinity despite the advanced technology that they possess. Of course, this is based fully on my personal taste and manner of imagining the world, but I did find it a bit hard at times to picture the characters in such a modern-inclined world. The characters. I started reading the series fully aware of the warning that they would be "probably not what you're expecting." I did not come with the expectations of reading about a new Sorin and a new Scarlett, which was really refreshing. Both Theon and Tessalyn are characters who clearly went through a lot of trauma, and they are both fighting their own demons. You could fully see and partly understand that trauma and the impact it had on both characters. But more than once, I found myself frustrated with the way they chose the deal with that trauma. Tessalyn is having a hard time adapting and trying not to feel like an outsider. Her frustration for being forced into a bond she knew nothing about and was not prepared for was definitely a great hit. Her constant anger and wish to rebel, to riot and find her freedom are entirely accounted for. However, the way she chooses to deal with all of these things made it hard to empathize with her struggles at times. Some of her actions are surely hard to defend. I, however, have to admit that the last part of the book totally brought up the fearsome and frightening character that I was completely willing to meet. This totally made me want to keep reading her story. Theon made me feel like he deserved to be punched more than once, and to say that he made me angry would be an understatement. The pressure that is constantly placed on him, the feeling of being powerless in front of his father, his constant wish to protect those close to him totally made me feel like we are in to meet another great male character. However, his need to constantly draw submission from those around him caused by his own need to feel in power due to all his fears of failure was a bit exaggerated at times. And we are not even going to talk about the scene with the wine cellar. It made my blood boil on so many different levels because of how incredibly cruel it seemed. The side characters, especially our two amazing Axel and Luka, definitely managed to make the whole story way more enjoyable and to bring the humour that it greatly needed. I have a feeling we are about to further meet the complete form of our new found-family soon enough. The characters are entirely flawed, which makes them feel real, which makes them relatable even. There is no great and amazing hero that is there to solve issues, but we are rather met with two characters who are far, far away from being heroes, but who will definitely set for great future accomplishments. I am inclined to believe we are going to see the development of two rather morally grey characters and I am excited to see how things will play out for them. The action of the book, I have to admit, was a bit slow at times. The constant back and forth between the two main characters made the action feel a bit repetitive. However, I am well aware that this is the first book from a series, and for such a complex world, it totally needed a lot of places to introduce new things and to set the background of the story, to explain the contexts. I really hope we are about to see a lot more action starting with the second book. Also I have to slightly mention the little easter eggs that we get to see in the book which ties the action to Lady of Darkness and which made me get shivers more than once upon being able to identify them. You totally do not need to read the Darkness series in order to be able to enjoy this new series, but it was a really nice feeling to see these small things that tied the two worlds together! "Know that sometimes we must break to be forged into who we were meant to be” In the end, I do think this is a great book for a first instalment, and I am entirely sure a great deal of adventures are awaiting us in the following books from the series. I would have wished I could felt a bit more attached to the characters in the book, but apart from some general traits (Theon - control, Tessalyn - anger) it was pretty hard to get to know the characters well enough to feel close to them. There is a still a mystery surrounding these characters and I am pretty sure my feelings about this first book might change in the future as we will be able to follow the development of these characters. I cannot wait to find out what will happen once "the scale tips, and Chaos rains" Thank you for introducing us to this new amazing world that I am so excited to find out more about! ["

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September 2, 2023 Verified Purchase

Virginia Scruggs

6-Star Romantasy

"A Favorite Quote: “You’re too busy trying to separate lies from reality. You’re too busy trying not to break so completely that you can’t be fixed. But that’s impossible. You always break. We help each other glue the pieces back together, but it’s never quite right. The pieces of yourself never quite fit back together the way they once did. Until eventually, you don’t remember what it was like to not feel cracked and scarred. Until eventually, you are just a shell of what you once were, but you know there’s no way to go back, so you just move forward, even if death’s song sounds sweeter and sweeter every time.” Self-written Blurb: “Who will be left standing, When Chaos comes to rein?” Tessalyn has spent her entire life trying to not be noticed, trying to keep her temper and this other thing that coils inside her under control. So when she bumps into a Legacy as she steals a piece of chocolate during the Source Ceremony… Tessa brushes it off. Little did she know- that Legacy was the Arius Kingdom’s heir, Theon. Little did she know… that was all it took to catch his eye and have him choose her to be his bonded source. Being a fae, she had no right to refuse the bond. It was what the gods had created the fae for. For the Legacy’s to be able to draw power from the fae. But as Theon attempts to control her, for his own dark and twisted secrets, the power and thing inside of Tessa fights back, refusing to allow her to give into the bond. In a classic tale of give and take, push and pull, light and dark, will Theon and Tessa come to whether the storm, or will Chaos prevail? What I enjoyed: Perfection. Chef’s Kiss. 6 stars. The first in a 4-book series, this novel has everything you would want. Angst, drama, carefully curated world-building, banter, tension, spice, twists, and turns. Melissa Roehrich has a way with words. I have found a new favorite author for sure! I love the way that she pulls you in with her writing and the way that it touches your heart, mind, and soul. I could feel Tessa’s desperation as her soul shattered a little more with each and every page. The banter between Tessa and Theon was pure gold. I could not get enough. The storyline was epic and the world-building was nothing short of brilliance. I haven’t screamed “WHAT!?” and thrown by book in a while. Any struggles?: My literal only struggle with this book was WISHING to the gods that it was a why choose. Because Luka and Axel… would make an excellent harem, along with Theon of course. Will I recommend and to who: If you enjoyed the resistance and push and pull that you got with Tory and Daris from Zodiac Academy- THIS book is for you! If you like a dark fantasy romance- THIS book is for you. If you like J Bree and The Bonds that Tie series- THIS book is for you. If you like Jennifer Armentrout and the From Blood and Ash series- THIS book is for you. I will forever recommend this book to anyone who is willing to listen. ["

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April 17, 2025 Verified Purchase

Jennelle Glassburn

You'll be HOOKED. So GOOD!

"This book is the definition of gripping. From the very first page, I was pulled into a world that is dark, intense, and unlike anything I’ve read before. But let me warn you: this story is not for the faint of heart. It’s a dark fantasy romance that doesn’t shy away from heavy, challenging themes. If you’re considering diving in, please check the trigger warnings first—it’s vital for a book like this. 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅-𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 The world-building here is phenomenal. The magic system is so intricate and original, blending gods, Legacy’s with immense power, and elemental Fae who serve them. Throw in dragons, vampires, and witches, and you’ve got a universe bursting with potential. I was fascinated by the rules and hierarchies, and though the book only scratches the surface of this world, I can’t wait to see it expand in future installments. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒆 This story thrives on its characters. Tessa, the FMC, is deeply layered—she’s a survivor, grappling with a history of trauma and fighting to reclaim her agency in a world that constantly takes it from her. Watching her navigate this was both heartbreaking and empowering. Her journey is far from over, but the foundation is set for an incredible character arc. Then there’s Theon, the MMC, who is the epitome of morally gray. He’s dark, ruthless, and at times infuriating, but there’s a depth to him that makes it impossible to look away. His choices are often questionable, and yet you can’t help but feel a strange mix of anger and empathy for him. The tension between Tessa and Theon is palpable—explosive, toxic, and charged with emotion. The side characters are perfection. Luka, in particular, stole my heart. The found family dynamics had me feeling all the emotions, adding so much heart to the story. 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒍𝒅 This isn’t your standard enemies-to-lovers tale. It’s raw and messy—enemies-to-something closer to enemies-with-benefits. Their dynamic is full of conflict, and every interaction crackles with unresolved tension. If you’re looking for a romance that pushes boundaries, this one delivers in spades. Definitely an intriguing start to a promising series. Though it’s not action-packed, the story is rich in political intrigue, mysterious gods, and relationships that pull at your heartstrings. This book is emotionally heavy, unpredictable, and unapologetically dark. If you love morally gray characters, complex relationships, and a story that makes you think long after the last page, this one’s for you. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. ["

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February 21, 2025 Verified Purchase