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Hallowed Blades
War is coming.
A new king has taken over, flooding Haleos with propaganda and persecution. Kairo works to stop the impending conflict; but when he crosses paths with an ambitious teen, a proposal is made. Join the rebellion, and find the Black Hawk to lead them. Pulled between new loyalties, Kairo must find a way to free the people of Aesteria, and reunite with Azlyn—before he is forced to watch her light go out.
Haunted by the lives lost in Haleos, Azlyn grapples with the cracks forming within as she fights her way back to Eyribus. Grief festers as she is consumed by the guilt of her failures, the weight of her newfound power, and the burden of taking on a god of war. Home doesn’t feel safe anymore, and Azlyn’s soul is… changing.
A new king has taken over, flooding Haleos with propaganda and persecution. Kairo works to stop the impending conflict; but when he crosses paths with an ambitious teen, a proposal is made. Join the rebellion, and find the Black Hawk to lead them. Pulled between new loyalties, Kairo must find a way to free the people of Aesteria, and reunite with Azlyn—before he is forced to watch her light go out.
Haunted by the lives lost in Haleos, Azlyn grapples with the cracks forming within as she fights her way back to Eyribus. Grief festers as she is consumed by the guilt of her failures, the weight of her newfound power, and the burden of taking on a god of war. Home doesn’t feel safe anymore, and Azlyn’s soul is… changing.
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First published December 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 26, 2025
Dear Cierra Reyes,
I do not accept your apology. You cannot rip my heart out, put it back, then completely halt it from beating.
꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂
I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Cierra Reyes for the free digital copy; thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
*Possible Spoilers for book 2 below. Read at your own risk.
------------------------------------------
After the events in book one that broke my heart, I did not think it could get much worse. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
Azlyn has gone through so much, even before the sequel started. But now she battles with the darkness inside that's corrupting her further. Something everyone battles with. But the difference is, her darkness could destroy everything she holds dear.
I love love LOVE the themes in this series. I love how Azlyn isn't some pure hearted heroine; she feels like a friend, someone who listens to you while they have their own drama to deal with. All of the characters have a little darkness in them, it makes them all so relatable.
I don't know what part was my favorite; because the whole book was! None of the characters felt like they were put on the backburner. They all had their moments to shine. The world is so immersive that it just takes you with it.
One of the best parts of the book, is seeing both Liam and Valeria grow. After the devastating loss of Leah, it felt like Liam would lose himself to his darkness; he even scared Valeria at times, and she was never one to shy away from his dark side before.
And for Valeria, to see her become so confident in herself, to see her stand up for the things she believed to be right. Ugh, my heart just can't take it. Most all of the characters have had some sort of growth; though Donovan is the only one who really hasn't, but he is also older and more resigned to his fate.
The mix of gods having fallen, the seelie & unseelie; its all so perfect. This truly is so well done, and one of my highest rated books of the year; 6🌟!! I don't give those out often, they are rare. But I feel like Hallowed Blades deserves it. The story is cohesive, there's progression and amazing world building and lore. It is truly a read worthy of 6🌟.
Now, Cierra; where is book 3?!?! 😭💔
I do not accept your apology. You cannot rip my heart out, put it back, then completely halt it from beating.
꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂
I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Cierra Reyes for the free digital copy; thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
*Possible Spoilers for book 2 below. Read at your own risk.
------------------------------------------
After the events in book one that broke my heart, I did not think it could get much worse. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
Azlyn has gone through so much, even before the sequel started. But now she battles with the darkness inside that's corrupting her further. Something everyone battles with. But the difference is, her darkness could destroy everything she holds dear.
I love love LOVE the themes in this series. I love how Azlyn isn't some pure hearted heroine; she feels like a friend, someone who listens to you while they have their own drama to deal with. All of the characters have a little darkness in them, it makes them all so relatable.
I don't know what part was my favorite; because the whole book was! None of the characters felt like they were put on the backburner. They all had their moments to shine. The world is so immersive that it just takes you with it.
One of the best parts of the book, is seeing both Liam and Valeria grow. After the devastating loss of Leah, it felt like Liam would lose himself to his darkness; he even scared Valeria at times, and she was never one to shy away from his dark side before.
And for Valeria, to see her become so confident in herself, to see her stand up for the things she believed to be right. Ugh, my heart just can't take it. Most all of the characters have had some sort of growth; though Donovan is the only one who really hasn't, but he is also older and more resigned to his fate.
The mix of gods having fallen, the seelie & unseelie; its all so perfect. This truly is so well done, and one of my highest rated books of the year; 6🌟!! I don't give those out often, they are rare. But I feel like Hallowed Blades deserves it. The story is cohesive, there's progression and amazing world building and lore. It is truly a read worthy of 6🌟.
Now, Cierra; where is book 3?!?! 😭💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
What an amazing book. Picking up shortly after the events of book one and the characters are still reeling from the loss of one of their own. I really enjoyed how Azlyn and Liam worked through their grief on their way back Eryibus and how they don’t get over it but kind of learned to live with it. Valeria was a complete bright spot throughout the book and I loved how much she grew as a character along the way. Remris actually shocked me with the amount of personal development he had and how much his time with the mortals had influenced him. Ambrose got so much flak from his companions all the time and I don’t understand why, I thought he was hilarious and he had always been very clear about what he was and wasn’t willing to do so I don’t know why everyone acted like he was being unreasonable. Kairo’s activities with Revan and Donovan in Aesteria were really interesting and I loved the way Kairo became more of a leader during that time. The way Azlyn continued to grow and become more powerful was absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to see what she’s capable of in the next book. I loved all the new information we got about Azlyn’s origins and I wonder if we’ll find out who her bio-dad is in later books. Kairo and Azlyn’s devotion to each other was so wonderful and I loved seeing that distance didn’t damage their relationship at all. This was truly remarkable read and I’m really look forward to whatever is next after that crazy ending!
January 9, 2026
CW: violence, gore, torture, referenced DV/abusive relationship, mental health, loss some others
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Hallowed Blades” is available now!
When the author’s note for the ARC readers was an apology, I should have realized I wouldn’t be sleeping.
Still reeling from their losses, Azlyn’s team has split. While half stays in Haleos with Kairo, Azlyn takes the other half to warn Eyribus. As Azlyn and Kai struggle to find a path, gods and monsters bar their way, looking to devour their very souls.
Listen, I picked up my book last night at approximately 50% completion and thought, “Oh, I’ll just read for a bit and then finish the book tomorrow.” This was a mistake. I finished the entire book and didn’t get into bed until after 4am. I have no regrets.
I’ve been so excited to dive back into this world, and this book did not disappoint. The entire crew is being held together by duct tape and spite at this point, but they’re every bit as delightful and stabby as I remembered.
Don’t even get me started on the magic. It’s incredible and beautiful, and I love the way Azlyn interacts with her power. The world-building is immaculate. The emotions are real, and they permeate every page of this story. Don’t even get me started on how stressed I was in those last 100-ish pages. I think I’m still stressed about it. I need book 3 immediately.
Is this review as cohesive and expansive as I’d prefer? No, but I was up until 4am; give me a break. This is a fantastic sequel and you should go read book 1 immediately. That is all.
Also, the cover art?! Unreasonably beautiful.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Hallowed Blades” is available now!
When the author’s note for the ARC readers was an apology, I should have realized I wouldn’t be sleeping.
Still reeling from their losses, Azlyn’s team has split. While half stays in Haleos with Kairo, Azlyn takes the other half to warn Eyribus. As Azlyn and Kai struggle to find a path, gods and monsters bar their way, looking to devour their very souls.
Listen, I picked up my book last night at approximately 50% completion and thought, “Oh, I’ll just read for a bit and then finish the book tomorrow.” This was a mistake. I finished the entire book and didn’t get into bed until after 4am. I have no regrets.
I’ve been so excited to dive back into this world, and this book did not disappoint. The entire crew is being held together by duct tape and spite at this point, but they’re every bit as delightful and stabby as I remembered.
Don’t even get me started on the magic. It’s incredible and beautiful, and I love the way Azlyn interacts with her power. The world-building is immaculate. The emotions are real, and they permeate every page of this story. Don’t even get me started on how stressed I was in those last 100-ish pages. I think I’m still stressed about it. I need book 3 immediately.
Is this review as cohesive and expansive as I’d prefer? No, but I was up until 4am; give me a break. This is a fantastic sequel and you should go read book 1 immediately. That is all.
Also, the cover art?! Unreasonably beautiful.
December 29, 2025
Spoiler-free ARC review!
I read book one and then got the ARC for book two. I feel so lucky & thankful to have been chosen for this because… book two??? Why was this even better than the first!!
The stakes are immediately higher and the story feels darker, sharper, and way more intense. Everything that was slowly building before finally starts to pay off, and I was fully locked in from the beginning. The world feels bigger, the danger feels real, and the tension is constant.
The characters are still messy (complimentary), but now they’re dealing with the consequences of their choices — and it hurts in the best way. The emotional depth is stronger here, the internal conflicts are heavier, and the relationships are packed with unresolved tension. The slow burn somehow burns slower and hotter, which feels illegal… but I’m not mad about it.
Overall, this book takes everything that worked in book one and cranks it up. More emotion, more tension, higher stakes, and a plot that refuses to let you relax. If you loved the first book and wanted more angst, more depth, and more “I need the next chapter immediately,” this one 1000% delivers!
I read book one and then got the ARC for book two. I feel so lucky & thankful to have been chosen for this because… book two??? Why was this even better than the first!!
The stakes are immediately higher and the story feels darker, sharper, and way more intense. Everything that was slowly building before finally starts to pay off, and I was fully locked in from the beginning. The world feels bigger, the danger feels real, and the tension is constant.
The characters are still messy (complimentary), but now they’re dealing with the consequences of their choices — and it hurts in the best way. The emotional depth is stronger here, the internal conflicts are heavier, and the relationships are packed with unresolved tension. The slow burn somehow burns slower and hotter, which feels illegal… but I’m not mad about it.
Overall, this book takes everything that worked in book one and cranks it up. More emotion, more tension, higher stakes, and a plot that refuses to let you relax. If you loved the first book and wanted more angst, more depth, and more “I need the next chapter immediately,” this one 1000% delivers!
January 2, 2026
Hallowed Souls might have been full of quips and adventure, but Hallowed Blades takes you on a full fledged journey of war, grief and acceptance.
There are so many moving parts in this one and the multiple POVs sets us up for action all the way through the book with few breaths in-between. Kairo, staying in Aesteria and trying to stave off the war. Azlyn, trying to go back to Erybus to warn her people of what to come, while figuring out her own power. Valeria, seeing the world for the first time alongside broken Liam. Remris, the god that may have strayed a bit too far.
There's also a lot more character backstory with a few flashbacks to understand how each person became who they are. We get to fully see the dynamics of the crew and feel the anguish and fondness that each character have for each other.
The thoughts of "WHY?!" and "NOOOOO" start from the first page all the way to the end and I can't wait to dive back in for book 3.
Thank you Cierra Reyes for the ARC and the heartbreak.
There are so many moving parts in this one and the multiple POVs sets us up for action all the way through the book with few breaths in-between. Kairo, staying in Aesteria and trying to stave off the war. Azlyn, trying to go back to Erybus to warn her people of what to come, while figuring out her own power. Valeria, seeing the world for the first time alongside broken Liam. Remris, the god that may have strayed a bit too far.
There's also a lot more character backstory with a few flashbacks to understand how each person became who they are. We get to fully see the dynamics of the crew and feel the anguish and fondness that each character have for each other.
The thoughts of "WHY?!" and "NOOOOO" start from the first page all the way to the end and I can't wait to dive back in for book 3.
Thank you Cierra Reyes for the ARC and the heartbreak.
December 24, 2025
The writing style of this book was very similar to the first one in that it had a slow plot progression. Once we hit about 65% of the way through, the action started and the story picked up pace. I found it difficult to get to this point, like the first half of the book could have been condensed.
The second half was phenomenal. The action was intense, devastating, and honestly a bit heartbreaking. Azlyn as always is willing to sacrifice herself for her people, even if it breaks her. Remris having the epiphany that he was wrong all along was a relief, but it came too late and he willingly gave himself to Azlyn to try to compensate.
I look forward to seeing what Azlyn can do and what the plan is to destroy Lorix is. As always, I adore Liam. I love that he and Valeria found each other. He helped her find herself and her strength. And fingers crossed Aesteria is getting it together and comes to their aid.
The second half was phenomenal. The action was intense, devastating, and honestly a bit heartbreaking. Azlyn as always is willing to sacrifice herself for her people, even if it breaks her. Remris having the epiphany that he was wrong all along was a relief, but it came too late and he willingly gave himself to Azlyn to try to compensate.
I look forward to seeing what Azlyn can do and what the plan is to destroy Lorix is. As always, I adore Liam. I love that he and Valeria found each other. He helped her find herself and her strength. And fingers crossed Aesteria is getting it together and comes to their aid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
Where to begin. This book was a great read. I could not put it down. For me, the story seemed to get better in book. 2. I dare say better than book 1. The writing from the author for me has evolved.
Book 2 immediately starts off from a terrible loss of a member from this found family. I particularly felt all the emotions this story portrays. As the story continues you can feel the escalation to the boiling point of the story. The tension keeps you on the edge and its completely messy. I was here for all of book 2 chaos.
Book 2 immediately starts off from a terrible loss of a member from this found family. I particularly felt all the emotions this story portrays. As the story continues you can feel the escalation to the boiling point of the story. The tension keeps you on the edge and its completely messy. I was here for all of book 2 chaos.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐
This is book 2 in the Divine Souls series and it was pretty good! I've really enjoyed reading this series so far and the cliffhanger left me with a lot of questions that I need answered 😂
I can't wait to see what comes next!
This is book 2 in the Divine Souls series and it was pretty good! I've really enjoyed reading this series so far and the cliffhanger left me with a lot of questions that I need answered 😂
I can't wait to see what comes next!
December 28, 2025
Az really grows into her character in this book and embraces her darkness! She doesn't let anything get in her way when it comes to protecting the people she cares about. Val has finally found a place where she feels like she belongs and is useful. I am curious to see if Ronan was Az's father?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
The depth of the emotions I felt with these characters…
This book was so good.
I’m too tired to articulate right now. It’s past my bedtime 🤣
I’ll write a review at a later day and time.
This book was so good.
I’m too tired to articulate right now. It’s past my bedtime 🤣
I’ll write a review at a later day and time.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews