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Dividing Illumination: The Webs Of Fate Book Two
The second book in the Webs Of A decadent, dark story about fate. The Webs of Fate series is an addicting forbidden love, dark romantic fantasy with witty banter, heart-stopping action, and blistering hot romance set in a vibrant modern-day world full of magic where myth and history blur together in a mockery of truth.
Callahan
I had an unexpected morning that led to me acquiring Natalia. She claims to be Magia but has manifested with the Light. I believed her until I put her to the test as my partner in Gathering Shadows. I have a hunch she’s more than she claims.
I meet with the Council to defend the allegations that I coerced Natalia into her contract, but what I learn leaves me reeling. In pursuit of learning the truth, I lose everything.
Natalia
They say bad things come in threes.
I am banished. I lose my home and Callahan. My contract warns me of contempt in the middle of the night. Callahan is in danger, and there is nothing I can do. The next morning, media sources are reporting Callahan’s death, and the Magia are hunting for me.
With no other options, Ness and I run straight to Izul, the capital of the Light, to save ourselves. Pierre Bordeaux personally grants us entrance into the city, but all too soon, I’m wishing for a way out.
This series contains depictions of graphic violence and adult situations. It is recommended for readers 17+.
Callahan
I had an unexpected morning that led to me acquiring Natalia. She claims to be Magia but has manifested with the Light. I believed her until I put her to the test as my partner in Gathering Shadows. I have a hunch she’s more than she claims.
I meet with the Council to defend the allegations that I coerced Natalia into her contract, but what I learn leaves me reeling. In pursuit of learning the truth, I lose everything.
Natalia
They say bad things come in threes.
I am banished. I lose my home and Callahan. My contract warns me of contempt in the middle of the night. Callahan is in danger, and there is nothing I can do. The next morning, media sources are reporting Callahan’s death, and the Magia are hunting for me.
With no other options, Ness and I run straight to Izul, the capital of the Light, to save ourselves. Pierre Bordeaux personally grants us entrance into the city, but all too soon, I’m wishing for a way out.
This series contains depictions of graphic violence and adult situations. It is recommended for readers 17+.
614 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2025
This was another great installment in the Webs of Fate series! Be warned, there might be spoilers below.
This book picks up shortly after Natalia and Cal got back from gathering shadows, and things don't stay peaceful for long. Just from the name, and cover of the book, I had a feeling that we would get to see more of the Light, but wooohooo boy I did NOT expect them to be such self-entitled pricks. They don't even like swearing, and think it's one of the worst ways to use your words. Due to some unfortunate events, Natalia and Vanessa both end up spending quite a bit of time with the light. It is very, ahem, enlightening, for both of them in different ways. Cal on the other hand is going absolutely insane that they are among the Light. But besides storming in and killing himself, and Talie in the process. But when they finally do reunite? Sparks freaking fly.
I really enjoyed how we got more world building in this book. I don't read many book where the authors think of a whole new world, that has different ways of keeping time often, and when I do, it's usually brushed over or not mention often. That is not the case in this series, and with each book I read I'm even more sucked in and in awe of the world CJ has created. I can't decide if I want to live in it, or just read about it. The jury is still out on that one, because life is not fun depending on what powers you are born with, and if you are really lucky, you won't be human.
This book picks up shortly after Natalia and Cal got back from gathering shadows, and things don't stay peaceful for long. Just from the name, and cover of the book, I had a feeling that we would get to see more of the Light, but wooohooo boy I did NOT expect them to be such self-entitled pricks. They don't even like swearing, and think it's one of the worst ways to use your words. Due to some unfortunate events, Natalia and Vanessa both end up spending quite a bit of time with the light. It is very, ahem, enlightening, for both of them in different ways. Cal on the other hand is going absolutely insane that they are among the Light. But besides storming in and killing himself, and Talie in the process. But when they finally do reunite? Sparks freaking fly.
I really enjoyed how we got more world building in this book. I don't read many book where the authors think of a whole new world, that has different ways of keeping time often, and when I do, it's usually brushed over or not mention often. That is not the case in this series, and with each book I read I'm even more sucked in and in awe of the world CJ has created. I can't decide if I want to live in it, or just read about it. The jury is still out on that one, because life is not fun depending on what powers you are born with, and if you are really lucky, you won't be human.
July 13, 2025
"Dividing Illumination" is everything a sequel should be and more. CJ Wallingsford takes the foundation built in the first book of the series and masterfully expands upon it, creating a richer, more complex world that is an absolute joy to get lost in. This isn't just a continuation of the story; it's an elevation of it.
The character development is simply phenomenal. The protagonists we grew to love in the first installment are back, but they are not the same people. They are forced to confront their flaws, challenge their beliefs, and grow in ways that feel both earned and heart-wrenching. Wallingsford introduces new characters who are just as compelling and multi-dimensional, weaving them into the narrative so seamlessly it feels as if they were always meant to be there.
The plot is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling. The stakes are higher, the conflicts are more intricate, and the twists are genuinely shocking. Just when you think you have a handle on the direction of the story, Wallingsford pulls the rug out from under you, but it never feels cheap or unearned. Every revelation is a carefully placed piece of a much larger, more intricate puzzle. The "Webs of Fate" are not just a title; they are a tangible force within the story, and watching them untangle (and sometimes tighten) is a breathtaking experience.
Wallingsford's prose is as sharp and evocative as ever, painting vivid pictures of sprawling landscapes and intense, magical battles. The pacing is relentless, yet it never sacrifices the quiet, emotional moments that give the story its soul. "Dividing Illumination" is a triumph. It's a rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in every way.
This is epic fantasy at its absolute finest, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am already counting down the days until the next book. A clear and easy 5 stars.
The character development is simply phenomenal. The protagonists we grew to love in the first installment are back, but they are not the same people. They are forced to confront their flaws, challenge their beliefs, and grow in ways that feel both earned and heart-wrenching. Wallingsford introduces new characters who are just as compelling and multi-dimensional, weaving them into the narrative so seamlessly it feels as if they were always meant to be there.
The plot is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling. The stakes are higher, the conflicts are more intricate, and the twists are genuinely shocking. Just when you think you have a handle on the direction of the story, Wallingsford pulls the rug out from under you, but it never feels cheap or unearned. Every revelation is a carefully placed piece of a much larger, more intricate puzzle. The "Webs of Fate" are not just a title; they are a tangible force within the story, and watching them untangle (and sometimes tighten) is a breathtaking experience.
Wallingsford's prose is as sharp and evocative as ever, painting vivid pictures of sprawling landscapes and intense, magical battles. The pacing is relentless, yet it never sacrifices the quiet, emotional moments that give the story its soul. "Dividing Illumination" is a triumph. It's a rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in every way.
This is epic fantasy at its absolute finest, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am already counting down the days until the next book. A clear and easy 5 stars.
June 11, 2025
CJ Wallingsford has done it again. Dividing Illumination is a romantasy that beautifully unravels the tension between light and dark, not just as opposing forces but as ideologies trying to mold people into something they’re not. And at the center of it all? Natalia.
Talia is the kind of heroine I love rooting for! She’s clever, sharp-tongued, and unshakably true to herself, even when the so-called “light” tries to bend her into their perfect vision. But it’s her bond with Vanessa that really stole my heart in this installment. Their friendship? Raw, loyal, and just as essential to the story as the romance. Give me more fierce female friendships like this in fantasy, please and thank you.
And then there’s Callahan. Broody. Dangerous. Magnetic. He’s the dark to Natalia’s light and the book boyfriend of my actual dreams. Watching these two claw their way back to each other, through chaos, doubt, and devastating choices, was both heartbreaking and electric.
The pacing, the emotional stakes, the nuanced look at identity and power, it all built into a sequel that felt even stronger than the first. If you love romantasy with depth, danger, and characters who choose love without losing themselves, Dividing Illumination deserves a spot on your shelf.
Talia is the kind of heroine I love rooting for! She’s clever, sharp-tongued, and unshakably true to herself, even when the so-called “light” tries to bend her into their perfect vision. But it’s her bond with Vanessa that really stole my heart in this installment. Their friendship? Raw, loyal, and just as essential to the story as the romance. Give me more fierce female friendships like this in fantasy, please and thank you.
And then there’s Callahan. Broody. Dangerous. Magnetic. He’s the dark to Natalia’s light and the book boyfriend of my actual dreams. Watching these two claw their way back to each other, through chaos, doubt, and devastating choices, was both heartbreaking and electric.
The pacing, the emotional stakes, the nuanced look at identity and power, it all built into a sequel that felt even stronger than the first. If you love romantasy with depth, danger, and characters who choose love without losing themselves, Dividing Illumination deserves a spot on your shelf.
June 21, 2025
I enjoyed book two! Like the first book, I found many typos. There are several your/you're errors and even names misspelled! That's okay, it's sweet. The story was good, I appreciated the insight into the world of the Light, those greedy bastards. It was great getting to know Ness a little more. I thought it was funny when Ashley (sometimes spelled Ashely) dropped the girls off at the house, and everyone split off to get rowdy with their lovers, and Ashley just wasn't acknowledged at all. Where did she go, what did she do? I can't wait for book three!
June 16, 2025
wow just wow...
This book made me cry, made me happy, but for a really long time it made me angry... aaargh how they were doing to Tallie, just not fair... but she is stronger and smarter then the Light 'fuckers' thought. 😍
Okay but for real, this book was soooo good and I really needed the story of Cal and Tallie to continue. When Cal was dead and Tallie and Ness had to run for the Magia, they decided to go to Inzul, the city of light. A little while before they were at Inzul, they decided to sleep and think about the decision they were going to make; enter, of leave, but it didn't came that far...
This book was so very well written and I liked the multiple POV's. That way you really get to know a character.
Please tell me your next book will be there soon, because I really want to read more about Cal and Tallie but also about Mass and Ness🫣🥰🥰
This book made me cry, made me happy, but for a really long time it made me angry... aaargh how they were doing to Tallie, just not fair... but she is stronger and smarter then the Light 'fuckers' thought. 😍
Okay but for real, this book was soooo good and I really needed the story of Cal and Tallie to continue. When Cal was dead and Tallie and Ness had to run for the Magia, they decided to go to Inzul, the city of light. A little while before they were at Inzul, they decided to sleep and think about the decision they were going to make; enter, of leave, but it didn't came that far...
This book was so very well written and I liked the multiple POV's. That way you really get to know a character.
Please tell me your next book will be there soon, because I really want to read more about Cal and Tallie but also about Mass and Ness🫣🥰🥰
June 14, 2025
This book was wilddddddddd. I loved it so much. I thought book 1 was intense, but book 2 slapped that idea down so fast. It picks up right where we left off in book 1 and sucks you in! So much action and world building. Cal is just... 🤌 I love him. While he was a bit idiotic at one point at the beginning of the book, eventually when he finally realized that and actually communicated his thoughts, it was awesome. Natalia was also so extra in this book and I am here for it. I was expecting her to burn down Izul 🫣 but instead we got character growth. I may have hoped for the 🔥, just a little bit. The other characters were also a big highlight for me. I loved getting their POV. Vanessa was an absolute queen and my new favorite bestie character. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
June 13, 2025
In this second installment of the series, we get to see more of the world. I enjoyed getting to see more of the Light and of Izul. I can honestly say I wouldn’t like it there! All of the rules and everything would drive me crazy. Also, never being able to turn the lights off to go to sleep? No, thanks! Natalia and Vanessa are still two of my faves! I was also glad to see the return of quite a few characters from the first one like Thames and Hiro! I definitely can’t wait to know more about the Ancients! So excited for more of this series by this author! This one is now available to buy and is on KU!
June 11, 2025
🌶️🌶️
Do you like when book two starts with the delicious spice scenes you have been craving since book one and then you board the emotional roller coaster for the rest of the book?!?! I loved every single moment of this ride even when I wanted to punch stupid people in their handsome faces and shake some sense into silly FMCs who continue to be full of surprises.
“You’re mine,” he snarls in a guttural grumble that leaves me breathless. The sheer possessiveness in his tone sets me on fire with need."
Thank you, CJ Wallingsford for an eARC!
“Why aren’t there normal clothes here?” “I’m afraid I don’t understand your question,” he says, offering his hand. “Ready?” I cross my arms and glance at myself. “Everything is white, gold, tan, beige…” I throw my hands down at my legs in exasperation. “I’m wearing tan pants.” “You look beautiful.” “I want black.” Zander moves to the door. “There is none here, love.” “I’ll settle for dark blue.” “You won’t find anything remotely close. We abhor it.”
Obviously, the title and blurb told us this was the lighter society book and, wow, I thought they were going to just be self-righteous stick in the mud, but who could have guessed how much worse they are. CJ continues her amazing high fantasy level of world building as she teaches us how differently the light lives from the dark. Their traditions, political structure, protocols, social hierarchy and more are all perfectly introduced throughout the story seamlessly without expositing. CJ also continues to spoil us with resources to consult and look back on at the end of the book. Don't spoil it for yourself. Please enjoy it after you read the book or as a refresher when you continue into book three. The bonus chapter is also not optional. I don't think I have ever read a bonus chapter that offered up so much to be read between the lines and I devoured every word of it.
“Are you telling us you’re afraid of fun noodles? You? A big, bad, Dark Seraphinus, better known as a Darkling to us Magia, with ultimate power, like, the total badass, fine- ass package, is scared of this little guy?”
I loved how much Vanessa came into her own as a FMC in this book. I love her just as much as Natalia! I really enjoyed all the different PoVs we got in this book, but Vanessa's really were some of my favorites, especially when her love of reading and history came in clutch many times. As someone who feels like she is full of random "dead information and skills" I really enjoyed how much I related to Vanessa. I wish I knew dead languages, but I am not quite on her level there.
“Reading is one of the best things in life, following only after sex, pizza, tacos, and warm blankets. Scratch blankets, that’s a necessary part of reading, so redundant to list.”
The biggest thing that kept making me smile while reading this book was how much Talia has learned and grown since being contracted to Cal. Even when she was hurting, against all odds and one bad thought away from just curling up into a ball and losing it, she was remembering and using the tools she learned to survive in another society she didn't belong in. If you love dark fantasy, real alpha males, and you can handle some emotional damage, don't forget to read Gathering Shadows: The Webs of Fate Book One first and then dive into Dividing Illumination. This series is a must-try for fans of The Ever Seas and The Bridge Kingdom.
I have lost my home and my heart.
🌟Strong FMCs On The Run
🕸️Alpha MMC
🌟Hidden Identity
🕸️Secret Parent
🌟Political Games
🕸️Coercion
🌟Sibling Rivalry
🕸️New Romances
🌟Forced Proximity
🕸️Longing For Long Love
🌟Loss of Self
🕸️Hidden Magic
🌟Found Family
🕸️Bookworm and Warrior Besties
“May your webs of fates be fortunate.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you only want to see books I rate 4-stars or higher, get book recommendations or just connect and talk books follow me on Booksta
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Do you like when book two starts with the delicious spice scenes you have been craving since book one and then you board the emotional roller coaster for the rest of the book?!?! I loved every single moment of this ride even when I wanted to punch stupid people in their handsome faces and shake some sense into silly FMCs who continue to be full of surprises.
“You’re mine,” he snarls in a guttural grumble that leaves me breathless. The sheer possessiveness in his tone sets me on fire with need."
Thank you, CJ Wallingsford for an eARC!
“Why aren’t there normal clothes here?” “I’m afraid I don’t understand your question,” he says, offering his hand. “Ready?” I cross my arms and glance at myself. “Everything is white, gold, tan, beige…” I throw my hands down at my legs in exasperation. “I’m wearing tan pants.” “You look beautiful.” “I want black.” Zander moves to the door. “There is none here, love.” “I’ll settle for dark blue.” “You won’t find anything remotely close. We abhor it.”
Obviously, the title and blurb told us this was the lighter society book and, wow, I thought they were going to just be self-righteous stick in the mud, but who could have guessed how much worse they are. CJ continues her amazing high fantasy level of world building as she teaches us how differently the light lives from the dark. Their traditions, political structure, protocols, social hierarchy and more are all perfectly introduced throughout the story seamlessly without expositing. CJ also continues to spoil us with resources to consult and look back on at the end of the book. Don't spoil it for yourself. Please enjoy it after you read the book or as a refresher when you continue into book three. The bonus chapter is also not optional. I don't think I have ever read a bonus chapter that offered up so much to be read between the lines and I devoured every word of it.
“Are you telling us you’re afraid of fun noodles? You? A big, bad, Dark Seraphinus, better known as a Darkling to us Magia, with ultimate power, like, the total badass, fine- ass package, is scared of this little guy?”
I loved how much Vanessa came into her own as a FMC in this book. I love her just as much as Natalia! I really enjoyed all the different PoVs we got in this book, but Vanessa's really were some of my favorites, especially when her love of reading and history came in clutch many times. As someone who feels like she is full of random "dead information and skills" I really enjoyed how much I related to Vanessa. I wish I knew dead languages, but I am not quite on her level there.
“Reading is one of the best things in life, following only after sex, pizza, tacos, and warm blankets. Scratch blankets, that’s a necessary part of reading, so redundant to list.”
The biggest thing that kept making me smile while reading this book was how much Talia has learned and grown since being contracted to Cal. Even when she was hurting, against all odds and one bad thought away from just curling up into a ball and losing it, she was remembering and using the tools she learned to survive in another society she didn't belong in. If you love dark fantasy, real alpha males, and you can handle some emotional damage, don't forget to read Gathering Shadows: The Webs of Fate Book One first and then dive into Dividing Illumination. This series is a must-try for fans of The Ever Seas and The Bridge Kingdom.
I have lost my home and my heart.
🌟Strong FMCs On The Run
🕸️Alpha MMC
🌟Hidden Identity
🕸️Secret Parent
🌟Political Games
🕸️Coercion
🌟Sibling Rivalry
🕸️New Romances
🌟Forced Proximity
🕸️Longing For Long Love
🌟Loss of Self
🕸️Hidden Magic
🌟Found Family
🕸️Bookworm and Warrior Besties
“May your webs of fates be fortunate.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you only want to see books I rate 4-stars or higher, get book recommendations or just connect and talk books follow me on Booksta
🖤🖤🖤🖤
August 3, 2025
"Fate doesn’t ask for permission. It demands surrender." Book two of The Webs of Fate series is a masterclass in dark romantasy—blistering with tension, drenched in magic, and unapologetically bold.
Wallingsford plunges us deeper into the tangled destinies of Callahan and Natalia, where betrayal and longing twist like twin flames. The stakes are higher, the emotions sharper, and the romance? Utterly feral. Natalia’s journey from banishment to survival in the capital of Light is a brutal unraveling of trust, identity, and love. And Callahan? His possessiveness is both terrifying and magnetic—every line he speaks feels like a spell cast in shadow.
🕸️ Forbidden love ⚔️ Political intrigue and magical warfare 🌶️ Spice that scorches and dialogue that bites.
This book doesn’t just continue the story—it elevates it. If you’re drawn to morally grey characters, high-stakes romance, and stories that dare to be emotionally raw, Dividing Illumination will leave you breathless.
Wallingsford plunges us deeper into the tangled destinies of Callahan and Natalia, where betrayal and longing twist like twin flames. The stakes are higher, the emotions sharper, and the romance? Utterly feral. Natalia’s journey from banishment to survival in the capital of Light is a brutal unraveling of trust, identity, and love. And Callahan? His possessiveness is both terrifying and magnetic—every line he speaks feels like a spell cast in shadow.
🕸️ Forbidden love ⚔️ Political intrigue and magical warfare 🌶️ Spice that scorches and dialogue that bites.
This book doesn’t just continue the story—it elevates it. If you’re drawn to morally grey characters, high-stakes romance, and stories that dare to be emotionally raw, Dividing Illumination will leave you breathless.
October 11, 2025
So freaking good! I normally hate book two in a series because it's just filler before you get to the next exciting thing but this one pulled me in and kept my attention the entire time. And yes I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room at one point (if you know, you know) but I take that as a sign of a good book. If it gives me emotions then it was a worthwhile read, and this one gave me all the feels! Can't wait for book 3!!
June 14, 2025
This is the second book in the Webs of fate and it had me just as hooked as the first!
I don't want to add any spoilers but you do have to read these in order. I was sucked right back into Tallie and Cal's world and boy does C.J. know how to write a story! Her world building is phenomenal and I'm so happy we are starting to figure out what Tallie is.
100% encourage you to read this series!
I don't want to add any spoilers but you do have to read these in order. I was sucked right back into Tallie and Cal's world and boy does C.J. know how to write a story! Her world building is phenomenal and I'm so happy we are starting to figure out what Tallie is.
100% encourage you to read this series!
August 2, 2025
Dark. Light.
Magia.
Ancient.
Talia and Cal - can they ever catch a fucking break?
Ness and Mass - will they ever admit what the feel, before its too late?
This book had me rooting for the destruction and pain of so many fucking people, and just when I thought we got somewhere, y’all decide to save him? I cannot wait for book 3, and seeing 2 people in particular get what’s coming to them.
Magia.
Ancient.
Talia and Cal - can they ever catch a fucking break?
Ness and Mass - will they ever admit what the feel, before its too late?
This book had me rooting for the destruction and pain of so many fucking people, and just when I thought we got somewhere, y’all decide to save him? I cannot wait for book 3, and seeing 2 people in particular get what’s coming to them.
August 5, 2025
So freakin' good!
CJ has a way of holding you in suspense that just pulls you forward, page after page. And I can never get enough. Not enough of these characters and not enough of this story.
I hope it never ends!
Oh, and as for Callahan... I'm in love. ;)
CJ has a way of holding you in suspense that just pulls you forward, page after page. And I can never get enough. Not enough of these characters and not enough of this story.
I hope it never ends!
Oh, and as for Callahan... I'm in love. ;)
January 31, 2026
I absolutely love this series. I love Ness and Tallie so much. The lighters are so aggravating. I can’t get enough of this story! I will continue to read the rest of the series.
July 5, 2025
"Don't know how happy I'll be faking pleasantries and adding superfluois dialogue to my life," I say. "I think I might prefer being destroyed." - Tallie
This book made me feel trapped. I don't want to give anything away, but it does say in the blurb that she runs to Pierre and and is wishing for a way out. The entire time she's there I felt trapped. Like it was hard to breathe for both her and Nessa. I suppose Nessa had more freedom but she was also treated poorly. I could not predict the twists and turns in this one. They made a lot of decisions for their survival that I was surprised by.
I find that I don't really enjoy most book 2s of a series because there's usually not as much going on emotionally. That was the case here a little bit because Cal was out of the picture, but instead we got to know Nessa better, and we learned more about the Light, and we saw Tallie tested to her mental and emotional limits. So there was still enough going on that I really enjoyed this follow-up to book 1. I especially enjoyed the last 30% of the book!
I really love this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This book made me feel trapped. I don't want to give anything away, but it does say in the blurb that she runs to Pierre and and is wishing for a way out. The entire time she's there I felt trapped. Like it was hard to breathe for both her and Nessa. I suppose Nessa had more freedom but she was also treated poorly. I could not predict the twists and turns in this one. They made a lot of decisions for their survival that I was surprised by.
I find that I don't really enjoy most book 2s of a series because there's usually not as much going on emotionally. That was the case here a little bit because Cal was out of the picture, but instead we got to know Nessa better, and we learned more about the Light, and we saw Tallie tested to her mental and emotional limits. So there was still enough going on that I really enjoyed this follow-up to book 1. I especially enjoyed the last 30% of the book!
I really love this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews