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Soul Court Ascension #4
Echoes of Earthshine
If you insist on coming to my court, you are mine until you leave.
The only reason the winged Earth Lord Mica agreed to let the insidious human accompany the elemental girl sent to his court for training was desperation. He fell for Ra's charm and seduction once and the man betrayed his trust. Ra is a too-beautiful distraction he can't afford, but his technology is the only hope of healing his sentient stronghold.
Any feelings Ra had for Mica disappeared the moment the elemental turned against his chosen family. Ra doesn't regret extorting Mica, but it's making tensions high now he's living in his home. Ra's focus is providing solace to the niece of his heart Kaia as she trains and solving the puzzle of the broken stronghold before it puts her in danger. If only he wasn't so tempted to provide solace to the broken elemental lord as well.
As Mica's people prepare to celebrate 1,000 years of his rule, they have no idea how close they are to ruin. If Ra and Mica can't work together to save the stronghold, the backblast from its death will send a shockwave of destructive magic across a world already reeling from disaster.
Echoes of Earthshine is a standalone MM enemies to lovers paranormal romance featuring forced proximity, a reluctantly possessive earth lord, and a man who’s all sunshine until you threaten the people he loves. It takes place in the Melded Earths world immediately following the events of the Soul Court Ascension trilogy.
The only reason the winged Earth Lord Mica agreed to let the insidious human accompany the elemental girl sent to his court for training was desperation. He fell for Ra's charm and seduction once and the man betrayed his trust. Ra is a too-beautiful distraction he can't afford, but his technology is the only hope of healing his sentient stronghold.
Any feelings Ra had for Mica disappeared the moment the elemental turned against his chosen family. Ra doesn't regret extorting Mica, but it's making tensions high now he's living in his home. Ra's focus is providing solace to the niece of his heart Kaia as she trains and solving the puzzle of the broken stronghold before it puts her in danger. If only he wasn't so tempted to provide solace to the broken elemental lord as well.
As Mica's people prepare to celebrate 1,000 years of his rule, they have no idea how close they are to ruin. If Ra and Mica can't work together to save the stronghold, the backblast from its death will send a shockwave of destructive magic across a world already reeling from disaster.
Echoes of Earthshine is a standalone MM enemies to lovers paranormal romance featuring forced proximity, a reluctantly possessive earth lord, and a man who’s all sunshine until you threaten the people he loves. It takes place in the Melded Earths world immediately following the events of the Soul Court Ascension trilogy.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Mel Harding-Shaw
6 books46 followersMel Harding-Shaw is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy author from Wellington, New Zealand. Her debut novel, City of Souls, was released in November 2022.
She is also a widely published speculative short fiction writer under Melanie Harding-Shaw.
She is also a widely published speculative short fiction writer under Melanie Harding-Shaw.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 28, 2024
This was the first book for me for the author with this story and won't be the last. This is the standalone sequel to Soul Court Ascension Male/Female Trilogy which I haven't read.
Ra and Mica are enemies in the paranormal world but love flirting with each other, they’d first appeared in the trilogy series, I’m curious to read the previous stories to see how their relationship develops to this novel.
Ra was a computer technology in surveillance and updating the security was needed after the last battle in the Soul Tower. Mica and Ra had previously shared a brief kiss but that was yonks ago, now Ra was to go to the Earth Court on a matter which Mica forbade him to attend as head leader.
A hot first meeting as the story begins and Mica and Ra are at olds with of each other.
This took me a while to get into the story as I had never read the trilogy before. There's a lot of information to digest having to figure out where the characters fit in with each other. But once I'd gotten into the story it kinda dragged me into their romance. Ra and Mica’s chemistry was explosive as mixed feelings get between them.
Ra is trying to make sure his niece is safe before she leaves with Mica for her magical training, with a plan in place to tag along. She had an honorific time in the previous books as she was held captive by an enemy which continued to haunt her.
I loved how Ra pushed Mica buttons which I figured there were a lot especially with Ra's new fashion accessory he didn't want.
Trouble is brewing as Ra notices Earthshine wasn’t healing and their time was running out to fix the damages.
I loved how the story progresses with both characters given their povs into how they feel. Despite how Mica appears to dislike Ra his inner feelings are complex and he fights what to do.
Dramas unfold for Earthshine as hidden enemies within, and the plot of a downfall features. I loved the ending and their HEA.
I liked how this book was written with equal parts of narrative story and dialogue. With this book being number 4 for the series, I felt it can be read as a standalone as there's enough backstory to fill in the empty spaces.
Ra and Mica are enemies in the paranormal world but love flirting with each other, they’d first appeared in the trilogy series, I’m curious to read the previous stories to see how their relationship develops to this novel.
Ra was a computer technology in surveillance and updating the security was needed after the last battle in the Soul Tower. Mica and Ra had previously shared a brief kiss but that was yonks ago, now Ra was to go to the Earth Court on a matter which Mica forbade him to attend as head leader.
A hot first meeting as the story begins and Mica and Ra are at olds with of each other.
This took me a while to get into the story as I had never read the trilogy before. There's a lot of information to digest having to figure out where the characters fit in with each other. But once I'd gotten into the story it kinda dragged me into their romance. Ra and Mica’s chemistry was explosive as mixed feelings get between them.
Ra is trying to make sure his niece is safe before she leaves with Mica for her magical training, with a plan in place to tag along. She had an honorific time in the previous books as she was held captive by an enemy which continued to haunt her.
I loved how Ra pushed Mica buttons which I figured there were a lot especially with Ra's new fashion accessory he didn't want.
Trouble is brewing as Ra notices Earthshine wasn’t healing and their time was running out to fix the damages.
I loved how the story progresses with both characters given their povs into how they feel. Despite how Mica appears to dislike Ra his inner feelings are complex and he fights what to do.
Dramas unfold for Earthshine as hidden enemies within, and the plot of a downfall features. I loved the ending and their HEA.
I liked how this book was written with equal parts of narrative story and dialogue. With this book being number 4 for the series, I felt it can be read as a standalone as there's enough backstory to fill in the empty spaces.
July 22, 2024
Mica and Ra!!!!! I've been waiting for this story and I'm glad I was able to read it!! Mica and Ra are so complicated and fun together. I loved their banter and their repressed feelings for each other.
Mica and Ra are not particularly happy with the other but each one has betrayed the other, and it's pretty difficult to build back a relationship from that. Ra plans on helping Mica fix the Earth stronghold, but he has to do it stealthily to not upset the sentient stronghold. I enjoyed Ra's shenanigans towards Mica and Mica being bent out of shape from it. I liked getting to know Mica more and having chapters from his perspective. He's a nice foil to Ra's emotiveness. I also liked Mica's obliviousness, it offered some amusement because Ra made sure to rub salt in those wounds.
I really liked when Mica and Ra worked together on things and were able to grow, rather than just hurt each other.
Kaia was wonderful! I loved all of her astute comments and general demeanor and I really hope she gets her own book one day!
This is an MM book, meaning two males have a relationship (and they aren't just really good friends) in this story. There are scenes of steamy nature, some violence, talk of past trauma, and wonderful betrayals!
This is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read without reading the previous three (but I do recommend reading them to make understanding the story easier).
Mica and Ra are not particularly happy with the other but each one has betrayed the other, and it's pretty difficult to build back a relationship from that. Ra plans on helping Mica fix the Earth stronghold, but he has to do it stealthily to not upset the sentient stronghold. I enjoyed Ra's shenanigans towards Mica and Mica being bent out of shape from it. I liked getting to know Mica more and having chapters from his perspective. He's a nice foil to Ra's emotiveness. I also liked Mica's obliviousness, it offered some amusement because Ra made sure to rub salt in those wounds.
I really liked when Mica and Ra worked together on things and were able to grow, rather than just hurt each other.
Kaia was wonderful! I loved all of her astute comments and general demeanor and I really hope she gets her own book one day!
This is an MM book, meaning two males have a relationship (and they aren't just really good friends) in this story. There are scenes of steamy nature, some violence, talk of past trauma, and wonderful betrayals!
This is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read without reading the previous three (but I do recommend reading them to make understanding the story easier).
July 27, 2024
Any year with a new Mel Harding-Shaw book in it is my best reading year. I trust Mel to deliver exceptional stories that make me want to rush to the end, then return to the start to revisit that unique world and glorious array of characters. The sharp, snappy banter, the found family vibes that are genuinely heartwarming, the action that is breath-taking and vividly described, evil characters that I know deserve a good come-uppance and will get one eventually, the magic system that keeps me enthralled, the inescapable and relentless build of tension between the main characters.
Reading this magnetic story makes it easy to see the quality of the writing, when other recent books have not kept me quite as immersed and proof to distraction.
Ra and Mica's story is one I've been on the edge of my seat for since the author announced it! They are both strong, passionate men, with the drive to protect their own. Any relationship was going to be filled with sparks and heat, and Mel has written it so well! I loved watching the progression of their feelings under the scrutiny of friends, enemies and Earthshine itself. Another plus for me is the diverse character list. We also are gifted with visits from Bast, Hel and others from previous books, to keep the plot tight and bound to the same time and melded world.
This book is a brilliant page-turner! This series is astounding! This author is a wellspring of entertaining and riveting originality! I cannot recommend her work highly enough!
Reading this magnetic story makes it easy to see the quality of the writing, when other recent books have not kept me quite as immersed and proof to distraction.
Ra and Mica's story is one I've been on the edge of my seat for since the author announced it! They are both strong, passionate men, with the drive to protect their own. Any relationship was going to be filled with sparks and heat, and Mel has written it so well! I loved watching the progression of their feelings under the scrutiny of friends, enemies and Earthshine itself. Another plus for me is the diverse character list. We also are gifted with visits from Bast, Hel and others from previous books, to keep the plot tight and bound to the same time and melded world.
This book is a brilliant page-turner! This series is astounding! This author is a wellspring of entertaining and riveting originality! I cannot recommend her work highly enough!
August 8, 2024
Wonderful idea, but the reality? Not so much.
I can take the modern take on such an intrinsically paranormal world, I didn't have much of a problem with this being a "mate!" kind of story and I was mostly okay without reading the trilogy that preceded this whole affair. The drama? The angst and the characters? I guess I wasn't prepared for that and considering how much I skipped, I probably should have stopped before this point.
I think that what made this more of a bust than a one-night stand (get it, enjoy the sometimes just mildly enjoyable experience and get out) is that there was no real draw. You can take a book as long as there's that one thing that keeps you going and I couldn't find such thing here. The romance was no help, it was drama and super bad and extreme emotions all the time and that's just not my jam. The world sounded interesting but since the most prominent feature of said world was the love interest having wings and a talking building... well, one was kind of goofy, the other just a make-him-interesting thing so, no luck there. The side characters might have helped if I cared about them aka read the previous books. Which I don't actually plan to do after reading this.
To be fair, there is nothing that would have made me outright reject the book but the overall vibe (writing style if you want) just didn't click with me.
I can take the modern take on such an intrinsically paranormal world, I didn't have much of a problem with this being a "mate!" kind of story and I was mostly okay without reading the trilogy that preceded this whole affair. The drama? The angst and the characters? I guess I wasn't prepared for that and considering how much I skipped, I probably should have stopped before this point.
I think that what made this more of a bust than a one-night stand (get it, enjoy the sometimes just mildly enjoyable experience and get out) is that there was no real draw. You can take a book as long as there's that one thing that keeps you going and I couldn't find such thing here. The romance was no help, it was drama and super bad and extreme emotions all the time and that's just not my jam. The world sounded interesting but since the most prominent feature of said world was the love interest having wings and a talking building... well, one was kind of goofy, the other just a make-him-interesting thing so, no luck there. The side characters might have helped if I cared about them aka read the previous books. Which I don't actually plan to do after reading this.
To be fair, there is nothing that would have made me outright reject the book but the overall vibe (writing style if you want) just didn't click with me.
August 14, 2024
I went into Echoes of Earthshine without reading the Author's previous work and even though this was a sequel to the Soul Court Ascension trilogy, it was a fabulous read.
We are met with Ra who has the technology to save Lord Mica's stronghold. The problem is, they have a history and Lord Mica can't bear the thought of being in Ra's presence for the next 3 years and not just because he gets under his skin. As things get worse, Lord Mica has to learn to trust Ra and the tugging of their bond he is so determined to ignore.
I found it a little tricky to understand what was going on and who was who at the start, but it was very easy to get into the book's rhythm after a few chapters. Ra's character was so charismatic and fun. I adored his relationship with his family. The world was beautiful to read and I wish we had more adventures!
The tension between Ra and Lord Mica was so well written! I could feel it heating off my Kindle! This book does have some spice, and as a low-spice reader, it didn't take away from the book. There's lots of tension that gets built but it doesn't take away from the plot which I love.
This was a fantastic read and I thoroughly enjoyed it once I understood what was happening.
We are met with Ra who has the technology to save Lord Mica's stronghold. The problem is, they have a history and Lord Mica can't bear the thought of being in Ra's presence for the next 3 years and not just because he gets under his skin. As things get worse, Lord Mica has to learn to trust Ra and the tugging of their bond he is so determined to ignore.
I found it a little tricky to understand what was going on and who was who at the start, but it was very easy to get into the book's rhythm after a few chapters. Ra's character was so charismatic and fun. I adored his relationship with his family. The world was beautiful to read and I wish we had more adventures!
The tension between Ra and Lord Mica was so well written! I could feel it heating off my Kindle! This book does have some spice, and as a low-spice reader, it didn't take away from the book. There's lots of tension that gets built but it doesn't take away from the plot which I love.
This was a fantastic read and I thoroughly enjoyed it once I understood what was happening.
June 5, 2025
This is an intriguing story that many readers of the authors books has been yearning to read.
Earth Lord Mica needs to work with Ra to prevent a magical catastrophe from ruining all planes of existence. The problem of course is that Mica and Ra do not get along with each other, histories between the two has been twisted, deceitful, and downright disgraceful.
Perhaps the Elemental girl that has joined Mica could help bind these opposing powers together long enough to prevent doom, and maybe she can find that between the two great powers, there is still something resembling love and hope.
This author is a master of weaving the intrigue with mystery and fantastical characters into a story for the ages. Not only does this story doesn't disappoint, but there is now a need to read more adventures with Mica and Ra.
Earth Lord Mica needs to work with Ra to prevent a magical catastrophe from ruining all planes of existence. The problem of course is that Mica and Ra do not get along with each other, histories between the two has been twisted, deceitful, and downright disgraceful.
Perhaps the Elemental girl that has joined Mica could help bind these opposing powers together long enough to prevent doom, and maybe she can find that between the two great powers, there is still something resembling love and hope.
This author is a master of weaving the intrigue with mystery and fantastical characters into a story for the ages. Not only does this story doesn't disappoint, but there is now a need to read more adventures with Mica and Ra.
September 3, 2024
Oh my god! I loved it!!!!!!!! Mel Harding -Shaw has done an absolutely amazing job with this storyline - not like I was expecting anything different with how amazing Bast and Hel’s story is! This story has love, hurt, betrayal, healing, growth and so much more and it’s been done in such a beautiful and naturally flowing way! None of it feels forced or rushed. I adore Ra and loved watching Mica’s character growth in this book!
May 22, 2025
It was an alright book, definitely not as good as the others. The downside for me was how quickly Mica's personality shifted and how he quickly started using pet names. He would change with the book's progress, but it felt immediate rather than gradual. While I knew this book would focus on Ra and Mica, I was hoping we would see more of Kaia. She felt more like a side character, sadly.
I did skim read a lot of the last part of the book, probably around the 70% mark.
I did skim read a lot of the last part of the book, probably around the 70% mark.
July 14, 2024
I absolutely FLEW through this book. I was so excited for Micah and Ra’s story, especially with the teasing glimpses we got during Hel and Bas’ trilogy!
1) Micah is feral and I love it
2) I just loved this book. Read it in one day, highly recommend this book
Thank you to Mel for allowing me to read this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
1) Micah is feral and I love it
2) I just loved this book. Read it in one day, highly recommend this book
Thank you to Mel for allowing me to read this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 7, 2024
This was such a fun read! I loved following Ra's journey. I enjoyed the Soul Court Ascension books and glad to see it follow one of the supporting characters. Everybody deserves a chance to be the hero of their own story. Also, the depiction of healthy 'interaction' is a plus (iykyk)
Paranormal romance
MM romance
Elemental magic
Second chances
Winged characters
Paranormal romance
MM romance
Elemental magic
Second chances
Winged characters
June 15, 2025
A great side story!
I really loved this standalone to accompany Hel & Bast's trilogy. It was fascinating to see more into Mica & Ra's characters. It's rare the same sex couples in books get more than the side story love story in the same book as the "main" couple. I loved that they had their chance for their own HEA.
I really loved this standalone to accompany Hel & Bast's trilogy. It was fascinating to see more into Mica & Ra's characters. It's rare the same sex couples in books get more than the side story love story in the same book as the "main" couple. I loved that they had their chance for their own HEA.
August 8, 2025
This book is absolutely awful. It’s heavy-handed and overwrought. I only gave it two stars because I didn’t see any typos and I DFNed it at 40%.
I enjoyed the other books in the series so I’m really surprised at how much I dislike this one. Reading it is like hearing a dramatic soundtrack that never changes pitch.
I enjoyed the other books in the series so I’m really surprised at how much I dislike this one. Reading it is like hearing a dramatic soundtrack that never changes pitch.
October 5, 2025
A fun and natural continuation of the series with 2 prominent side characters. Felt very organic to follow their story next and tie up a few loose ends that didn't "have" to be resolved in the main trilogy but satisfying to get them resolved here.
September 25, 2024
Enjoyable
It was great to read how Ra and Mica finally get together.
I'd like to see more books in this world and I'm sure I know what's up with the Water Court.
It was great to read how Ra and Mica finally get together.
I'd like to see more books in this world and I'm sure I know what's up with the Water Court.
July 27, 2024
I absolutely loved it!
I loved getting to see the aftermath of the main trilogy as well as how this one picks up with Ra and Mica. I adored Ra in the main trilogy and I'm so so so happy to be given a story where he also gets his HEA. And the dual POV plus cameos of previous characters was fantastic!
This was a delightful enemies to lovers. The tension was so good it was thrumming of the darn page!!
I'm just in love with the world and characters that Hardingshaw has created in this series. Also, getting to spend more time with the sentient stronghold was a lot of fun. I do enjoy the sentient dwelling trope and the way this one was woven into the story was masterful.
The damage to the earth kingdoms stronghold is taking it's toll and could present a catastrophe, but will Mica be able to trust Ra enough to let him help heal the damage before it's too late?!
Let me just say that it is a rather high stakes problem with a lot of underhanded court politics going on, and yet, somehow, this thing going on between Mica and Ra creates this sort of bubble of swoon and steam amidst all the chaos and its just so fantastic.
Can you get away with reading just this story? Yes, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the main trilogy first because having the insight of the previous stories makes everything in this book so much better.
I loved getting to see the aftermath of the main trilogy as well as how this one picks up with Ra and Mica. I adored Ra in the main trilogy and I'm so so so happy to be given a story where he also gets his HEA. And the dual POV plus cameos of previous characters was fantastic!
This was a delightful enemies to lovers. The tension was so good it was thrumming of the darn page!!
I'm just in love with the world and characters that Hardingshaw has created in this series. Also, getting to spend more time with the sentient stronghold was a lot of fun. I do enjoy the sentient dwelling trope and the way this one was woven into the story was masterful.
The damage to the earth kingdoms stronghold is taking it's toll and could present a catastrophe, but will Mica be able to trust Ra enough to let him help heal the damage before it's too late?!
Let me just say that it is a rather high stakes problem with a lot of underhanded court politics going on, and yet, somehow, this thing going on between Mica and Ra creates this sort of bubble of swoon and steam amidst all the chaos and its just so fantastic.
Can you get away with reading just this story? Yes, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the main trilogy first because having the insight of the previous stories makes everything in this book so much better.
January 25, 2025
Flew through this book, I loved it! I also haven't read any of the other books in this series so I might have to check them out.
Reread: read this again to see if i got more of the references after reading the Hel and Bast trilogy. Still missed the rice argument somehow - maybe it didn't come up in the previous books? Really liked this book and the world - favourite of the series.
Reread: read this again to see if i got more of the references after reading the Hel and Bast trilogy. Still missed the rice argument somehow - maybe it didn't come up in the previous books? Really liked this book and the world - favourite of the series.
July 26, 2024
As usual Mel writes a book that keeps you completely enthralled and racing for the end then crying and looking for more. This story between Ra and Mica was just as intense and gripping as her other books in this series I find myself truely hoping that there will be more.
I received a free ARC copy for a voluntary review.
I received a free ARC copy for a voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews