To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows—a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive.
Her guide? Thane Valkor: sorcerer, assassin, walking red flag. His name clears rooms. His magic kills quietly. And whatever he’s really after, it’s not salvation.
He promises to help. He might even mean it.
But Zaira knows better than to trust a liar with a blade and ice in his veins.
Shanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her versatile voice, diverse characters, and high-stakes stories. Whether grounded in reality, set in a world of magic, or immersed in suspense, her books explore connection, chaos, and emotions that linger long after the last page.
As a self-proclaimed “mood writer”, Shanora has never believed in boxing herself in. Her desire has always been to take risks and challenge herself. If a plot is relentlessly on her mind, she will try her hand at it.
When she isn’t writing, she’s deep in family life, binge-watching shows and movies, working out, gaming, or getting cozy with a book. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and three sons.
Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
Thank you Entangled and Shanora for the gifted copy.
✨Dangerous journey 🗡️Strangers to lovers ✨Hidden agenda 🗡️Dark magic
Shanora Shanora Shanora…Why did you leave us with that ending!! 😭😭 That’s ok I have faith in my shadow daddy and spectacle wearing girly pop 😌
Honestly, this is why I love fantasy and why especially I love Shanora’s fantasy. This world she built and the descriptions of the beastials was everything. On top of that the tension between Zaira and Thane did its thing and although the two do get down this isn’t the spiciest so keep that in mind
With the way I was able to picture everything and feel what each character was going through this was an easy 5 star for me
If you’re looking for an immersive romantasy with adventure and flawed but lovable characters then add this to your tbr. I love this ragtag group and can’t wait to see more
Kelrean tho 👀 I need more I just know I can be it for him 😂
Also pleeeeease tell me we get more character art! I’m dying to see everyone but especially Zephra
****edit to add****
That one handed swoop and grab Thane did on the horse 🥵🥵🥵🥵 sign. me. up
What an adventure! 😅 Mayhem and the Mortal definitely has its moments of chaos! If you are a reader of Shanora Williams, her humor is there even in this romantasy!
I wasn't sure what the outcome of Zaira picking Thane, who's a dark assassin, as her travel partner would be. While I was rooting for the crew to make it to their final destination, there were some moments I was like, "Oh no! Here's the end!" Each stop on their journey offers something different & unexpected. That alone kept me invested!
The world building of Thelanor & the magic system are easy to understand. The amounts of romance and fantasy were balanced where one doesn't overshadow the other. The pacing overall was great!
Let's talk about Thane 🩷.. my new shadow daddy! I love a multi layered, mysterious man who isn't afraid to fight for what he wants! I enjoyed trying to figure him out!
Even minor characters stood out & had reason for "being". (Zephra, I'm looking at you! 🤭) There was something to love with everyone involved.
The ending?! Is there going to be more? It's possible to continue this on - I'm here for it, if so!
Thank you to Shanora Williams and Entangled/Red Tower Books for the gifted ARC! 🩷
Shanora Williams has yet again stretched her glorious writing wings and given us one wonderful romantasy. The story dives right into the dilemma that Zaira Quinlocke is presented as her sister is being held captive by an evil sorcerer. Seferin has given Analla 30 days to give him a rare prosperity stone in order to gain her freedom from his dungeon. Zaira as the always loyal sibling then embarks on a mission to find someone to help her get to the dreaded Shallows where danger and death are always present with each step taken. When she practically begs the mysterious mask-covered Thane Valkor to help her, thus starts a journey that will ultimately change them both.
When I heard this talented author was going to give the popular romantasy genre a go, I knew she’d give her all and she definitely does! This book held my interest right from the start with Williams making it beyond easy to understand every moment of Zaira’s quest, never making the story too complicated with unfamiliar words and passages. My old brain was able to follow along and once I got going, it was really hard to put this book down.
Zaira and Thane are clearly not each other’s favorite but they find a peculiar rhythm as they pick up a few more members of what is now an interesting crew, each helping in their own way in order to reach The Shallows. The tension between Zaira and Thane, however, is what drives this story. Each finding the other frustrating as can be yet at the same time, wildly addictive. You know the very best kind of love-hate romance!
Even with many times of doubt, Zaira forges on with Thane as their days are filled with hesitation, despair and more than enough roadblocks to make anyone want to end this voyage. But there is a certain spark between them that eventually leads to desire and a passion neither could have ever imagined.
Although Thane is still guarding some heavy secrets, I loved how he started to come clean with Zaira, allowing her to see another side of this sorcerer-assassin. That they found in each other something they both craved but didn’t realize they needed. The steam level is white-hot and I really enjoyed just how well they fit together, both figuratively and literally.
Memorable secondary characters like Rynthea, Algar with his faithful companion Zephra and Prince Kelrean, give this story bursts of color when everything seems so bleak. There is a true sense of camaraderie and sincere friendship as they venture to The Shallows with Zaira and Thane and what develops is a level of trust that becomes the true savior for all of them.
There are plenty of dangerous moments, hair-raising scenes that are beautifully juxtaposed against true times of love, laughter and real companionship. I held my breath more than once as evil continues to plague Zaira, Thane and their wonderful crew, never knowing if their quest to The Shallows would prove to be all for naught.
With a wild cliffhanger that is bound to set the stage for more difficult interactions between our oft-times warring couple, I’ll be here when that next book arrives, knowing that Williams will be once again offering up another dramatic and incredible ride.
The Mortal and the Mayhem is a must-read and will definitely satisfy any romantasy fan. I couldn’t be happier for Shanora Williams and what I know will prove to be yet another fabulous notch in her storied writing career.
When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean I absolutely DEVOURED it. There were no crumbs left behind. None. I inhaled it.
I have been counting down the days since the author announced this release, and let me just say, it did not disappoint for a single second. From the very first page, we dive in with our FMC, Zaira, searching for her sister. And if there’s one thing about me? I would burn the world down for my sisters. That immediate connection to her determination and desperation had me hooked instantly.
The adventure in this story is relentless in the best way possible. The world-building? Absolutely stunning. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you already know I am OBSESSED with unique worlds and imaginative creatures born straight from an author’s mind. Fantasy is such an ambitious genre, it demands so much creativity, and that’s exactly why I adore it. Shanora crafted a world so vivid, so dangerous, and so alive that I wouldn’t mind stepping into it myself. Yes, it’s terrifying. Yes, it’s brutal. But Thane is there… and if he exists there? That’s exactly where I want to be.
Now let’s talk about the characters because WOW. Every single one of them stands out. Not one feels flat or forgettable. Each character carries a powerful backstory that makes you desperate to know more. The main crew is crafted so beautifully it will leave you in awe.
There’s Algar, the sharp-witted thief who’s been down on his luck but still manages to charm you effortlessly, especially alongside Zephra, his rare baby dragon companion (and yes, I would protect that baby dragon with my life). Then there’s Rynthea, a fierce female minotaur fighting not only for her ill brother, the last male minotaur, but for the survival of her entire people. Her strength and heart had me fully invested.
And then… there’s Thane. Listen. I might be biased because I am completely, hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with him, but he stole every scene he was in. Others might disagree, but give me a morally gray man teetering on morally black and I am DONE FOR. The tension in his character? That razor-thin line he walks? I was absolutely smitten.
Shanora’s writing is intricate, lush, and completely immersive. Her prose blooms across the page, pulling you deeper into a world that lingers long after you close the book. The emotional depth she weaves into every interaction is breathtaking. There were moments when I was convinced the story would take a certain turn because the characters felt like they would choose that path, and then it went somewhere entirely unexpected. I gasped more than once.
This is going to be the next big romantasy to hit the shelves. I’m not exaggerating. If you think I am, open it and see for yourself. There is nothing I love more than a fantasy bursting with rich plot and swoon-worthy romance woven seamlessly together. This book kept me on edge, constantly guessing, heart racing, desperate to see what waited around the next corner. And I loved every single second of it.
𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 More like “Mayhem and the Monsters”
🤩 This was so much fun!!
💫 I heard this described as ‘Dungeons & Dragons meets The Wizard of Oz’ and that couldn’t be more accurate.
🖤 This was a motley crew cast of characters that won’t soon be forgotten.
The journey starts with one girl looking to hire some muscle to protect her on her quest to the very dangerous and very deadly Shallows to find an object to save her sister who is cursed and being held captive by a powerful sorcerer. Along the way they embark on side quests while adding numbers to their party. Each character comes with their own baggage and sordid history, not fully trusting one another, but they manage to find common ground because they share the same goal. They all need something from this place that no one else seems to be able to return from.
⚔️ This adventure is full of beasties and battles. Blood and betrayal.
We’ve got magic, a badass minotaur with a temper, a territorial shadow (daddy) assassin (swoon), some serious tension, the most adorable mini, pink, fuzzy dragon companion, lots of action, (yes, that kind of action, too🌶️) and several deadly creatures.
True to the Romance part of this Romantasy, we end on a HEA🥰. But… This is still a Fantasy, so after the end comes the Epilogue which, of course, leaves it wide open for more mayhem and adventure. 🤘
With the short chapters, easy readability, entertaining characters, and heart-pounding action scenes you are sure to get swept away and lost in the pages.
🙌 HUGE thanks to Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for an ARC copy! 🙏
It's a mythical, dangerous world of magic and mayhem that Shanora creates, holding the readers spellbound. It’s just not sorcerers and damsels, she explores sisterly bonds with passion and loyalty. One that sends you in the most perilous journey across “The Shallows” Zaira wants to burn down the world to find her missing sibling and only an abyss of creatures and spells lays between them She has no choice but to accept the help of an assassin, Thane Valkor. On the way they meet Algar and his baby dragon Zephra. A fierce Minotaur - Rynthea who is also fighting for her brother. The world comes alive under Shanora’s skillful pen, and ends with an open heart so we probably could see some more “ 4.5 stars for epilogue twist” Follow me on: Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
Now, that's how you start a trilogy! Mayhem and the Mortal had it all. From an intriguing plot with excellent world-building and pacing to fantastical creatures you can't help but want to know more about.
Zaira and Thaine's story had me hooked from page one. I admired Zaira's devotion and strength. She was a lot tougher than she looked, and I was impressed that she was such a risk-taker. On the outside, Thaine appeared to bad news, unapproachable. But, there was more to him than meets the eye, and I couldn't wait to see where things would go.
Mayhem and the Mortal was filled with action, adventure, and a whole lot of steam. And if that's not enough for you, the betrayal and twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. This story took my breath away in the best possible way, and I loved every second of it.
Zaira and Thaine's story exceeded my expectations, and the doozy of an ending definitely has me desperate for more. If you're a fan of slow-burning, strangers-to-lovers, romantasies, you definitely need to add this one to the top of your to-read pile.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
Mayhem and the Mortal was engrossing, exciting and entertaining. When i wasn't reading this story, i was thinking about it, desperate to pick it back up again.
I love a good romantasy, the whole getting lost in a fantasy world with mythical creatures, lots of action, dangerous missions and intriguing characters just appeals to me, it's my ultimate escapisim.
The attention to detail was spot on i almost felt like i was along for the ride with the characters. The author did a fantastic job setting the scenes and describing everything, she really let her imagination run wild and created a unique fantasy world.
Zaria and Thane are strangers on a mission, a mission that's fraught with danger, a life and death situation so they need to trust each other to survive.
GAH! These two kept me on edge, all the tension between them, the chemistry just simmering away growing stronger with each day. Loved Loved Loved them.
The side characters were fantastic too, I'm really hoping to get more from Rynthea and her brother.
Shanora is a real unicorn to me. The woman can write great books in every category: Mystery/Thriller, Romance, and now Fantasy Romance (this was my first of hers).
Mayhem and Mortal was so enticing from the first page. The FMC, Zaira, is the most beautiful blend of being empathetic, kind-hearted, but also a bit of a bad-ass. Nothing will stop her from saving her sister. Her journey to get there is fraught with danger and emotional roller coasters.
The MMC, Thane, is quite mysterious and a bit of a jerk. He is very unlikeable in the beginning but slowly begins to grow on you. There are so many secrets surrounding him.
The cast of characters collected on the journey through this book is absolutely epic. Angar and Ryntheia are so entertaining. Funny and strong, so committed to finishing the journey. Also, so protective of Zaira.
Absolutely loved! Can't wait for book 2. I am really looking forward to the audio for this one.
It honestly took me waaaay too long to finish this but I locked in and got it done. Ms Williams, you need to FOREVER write these romantasys! You have a gift! You’re making me laugh, cry, feel these characters! I feel like I know Zaria, Thane, Algar, and Rynthea. I want more, I neeeed more. My favorite had to be Zephra, im an animal lover through and through! No matter the type. Thank you for allowing me to read this amazing book early!
Is there anything Shanora can’t write? I absolutely loved this book. Wonderful world building. I loved the characters in the book and really felt like I knew them. What an ending! I can’t wait for book 2!!!!