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Brides of Prophecy #8

Leaving the Shadows

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Lead guitarist and apprentice mage Sylvis Jagwolfe has always been the quiet member of Rage of Angels. Though she enjoys spending time with her bandmates, she treasures moments of solitude when it's just her, a guitar, and the wolf that's been glued to her side lately. However, when battles against the Evil One's horde accelerate, and her wolf turns out not to be a wolf, Sylvis discovers that she can't remain in her shell any longer. She must emerge from the shadows, embrace her growing powers, and confront her awakening heart, or risk her side losing a critical alliance in the wars to come.

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2021

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About the author

Brooklyn Ann

44 books607 followers
Author also writes as Brooklyn Ann Butler

Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing romance, urban fantasy, and horror novels featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. Author of historical paranormal romance in her critically acclaimed “Scandals with Bite” series, urban fantasy in the cult favorite, “Brides of Prophecy” novels, rockstar romance in the award-winning, “Hearts of Metal” series, and horror in the “Final Couples” series, horror romances riffing on the 1970s and 1980s B horror movies that feature a Final Couple instead of a Final Girl.

She also writes horror under the pen name Brooklyn Ann Butler.

She lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with her gamer son, rockstar/IT Guy boyfriend, three cats, a few project cars, an extensive book collection, and miscellaneous horror memorabilia.

She can be found online at https://brooklynannauthor.com as well as on Twitter, Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram.

For exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and giveaways, sign up for Brooklyn Ann’s Newsletter at https://www.brooklynannauthor.com/new...

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5 stars
35 (53%)
4 stars
21 (31%)
3 stars
5 (7%)
2 stars
4 (6%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Rajiv.
1,009 reviews70 followers
August 2, 2021

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Vampires, mages, and Luminites made “Leaving the Shadows” an entertaining read.

I have not read any of the previous books in the series, so I had no idea what to expect when I started reading “Leaving the Shadows.” I picked it up as I enjoyed the synopsis, and the cover looked interesting.

The story did take me a while to adjust. Firstly, we have characters with complex names like Xochitl, Kerianne, and Sylvis. But, once I got past the first chapter, the story was pretty interesting. For me, the highlight of the story was Sylvis and Gabriel. I enjoyed how shocked Sylvis on how she meets Gabriel. The chemistry that the two share is exciting and was what hooked me to the story. The author also spices the story when Xochitl comes into the picture.

The world-building is also fascinating. Since this is the first book I am reading of the series, I liked the concept of the luminite man, Nightwatch society, and the Lord Vampire. Moreover, the author also makes some scenes exciting, like when the Renfields attack or meet the Wurrak Healers.

However, the downside to my reading experience is that the author references the previous books that just went past me. I felt this book was not sufficient to be read as a standalone. I would have probably appreciated this story much more had I read the series from the beginning. But I am sure fans of the series will enjoy this continuation if even a newbie like me can enjoy it.

Overall, “Leaving the Shadows” is a fun urban fantasy with vampires and shapeshifters, and it intrigued me to pick up the first book to see how it started.
29 reviews
February 18, 2026
Book Review: Leaving the Shadows by Brooklyn Ann
Leaving the Shadows is a masterclass in urban romance and paranormal romance, blending heart, heat, and high-stakes emotion into a story that refuses to let go. This novel beautifully explores the power of stepping into your true self and the magic that unfolds when you face your fears and choose love anyway.
At the center of the story is Sylvis, the fierce and unforgettable lead guitarist of Rage of Angels. As a character, Sylvis shines not only for her strength and vulnerability, but also for what she represents. She is a rare and powerful depiction of a demisexual heroine in the romance genre — a representation that feels authentic, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful. Her journey highlights that emotional connection, trust, and safety are not just romantic ideals, but essential foundations for love.
Brooklyn Ann delivers sublime storytelling that has you zinging from one world to another, seamlessly weaving the supernatural with deeply human emotion. From the very first chapter, you’re swept into a journey of transformation and self-discovery. Watching Sylvis blossom into the person she is meant to be — discovering hidden strength in moments of struggle and learning to trust her intuition — is both inspiring and deeply moving.
At its core, this story is about courage — the courage to embrace who you are without apology, to face old fears, and to allow yourself to be truly seen. The emotional growth is just as compelling as the paranormal elements, creating a rich, layered narrative that keeps you invested every step of the way.
As always, Brooklyn Ann crafts characters who feel like more than just names on a page. You fall in love alongside them, cheer for their triumphs, and ache during their setbacks. The romance is passionate yet grounded in emotional depth, perfectly balancing tension, danger, music, magic, and moments of unexpected tenderness.
Leaving the Shadows is an unforgettable addition to the Rage of Angels world — a story about stepping into the light, claiming your power, and discovering that love, built on understanding and trust, is the greatest magic of all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
413 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2021
Sylvis is the lead guitarist in the band Rage of Angels and prefers to be the quiet member who is also an apprentice mage.
Liking to spend time with her band mates, she actually prefers her own company with the wolf who doesn't leave her alone.
Battles escalate against the horde controlled by the evil one and Sylvis finds out the wolf isn't what he appears to be.
Staying quiet won't get her anywhere any longer and she must emerge fully.
She must take control of her heart and her powers or risk losing an important aid for the upcoming fight.

A totally unexpected and different take on magical beings and the various ways they can use that magic.
I liked how shy Sylvis seemed to be at first and think it worked surprisingly well for later in the book.
I enjoyed the blossoming relationship between her and Gabriel after his Wolfy secret is out.. It was refreshing to see his care towards her and was written in such a way, you can't help but love them together.
I found this to be a unique and complicated story which added more intrigue and instantly made me hope for more between Sylvis and Gabriel.
The writing style made me unable to leave this alone once i started with its fights, love, power and danger.
Well worth the time I gave to it and fully makes me wish to own the other books of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
34 reviews
June 8, 2021
I can only assume this is the wrong upload

I have loved this series so much I read it from the beginning every time a new book is released. However, in this book as I neared 80% the plot slowed down significantly (not a problem as sometimes it leads to the cliffhanger and therefore an AMAZING first chapter in the next instalment) - unfortunately at 92% there were unfinished sentences, missing words and punctuation as well as having a very rushed feel to it. At least 10 times there was no description for who was speaking instead just the character name and “blah blah” attached to it…chapter twelve is headed on an empty page the Random scenes at the end of the book are disjointed and release what I would consider VITAL information. Like certain characters getting their wings; Shapeshifting abilities and the new coven abilities. I am more than unimpressed if this is actually the finished article, hoping it gets re-released when it’s sorted as I will definitely come back :)
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.5k reviews372 followers
August 10, 2021
Sylvis and Gabriel . . .

Lead guitarist and apprentice mage Sylvis Jagwolfe has always been the quiet member of Rage of Angels who will soon need to come out of her shyness. She enjoys the company of a wolf which has stayed constantly by her side lately. It isn’t until battles against the Evil One heat up that her wolf turns out not to be just a wolf but a wolf who turns into a man. I enjoyed the relationship between Sylvis and Gabriel (her wolf) once she knows what he is. His protectiveness and the way he shows how much he cares make his feelings for her obvious.

This was a different type of story line that kept everything intriguing for the reader. Will more develop between Sylvis and Gabriel?
2 reviews
December 30, 2021
stormynight's reviews

Amazing series of equally amazing stories!!! I really hope this isn't going to be the last one!!!! I really would suggest that you write at least two more in order to finish the entire storyline. Then again this is just my personal opinion. Again I love the entire series!! One subject that I would like to clarify is will the evil one finally be destroyed and all of his prisoners finally be freed? I mean they will eventually have to battle xochitl's father himself so that in its own right then needs to be another story in this series!! Other than that I am going to say that this series is on my personal favorites list!!!
Profile Image for Nancy Nordyke Nelson.
16 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2021
Left me confused

Great start to Sylvis and Gabriel's story. The ending left me wondering where the rest of the story went. It felt like the story ended in the middle. The random scenes section felt like notes that should have been added to the book. I enjoyed the book until the last couple of chapters. Felt like the book was published before it was completed. Still looking forward to how Brooklyn Ann continues the series.

Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,510 reviews48 followers
August 9, 2021
This is book 8 in the Brides of Prophecy series I’ll admit that I haven’t read all of the books in this series yet but I plan to because Brooklyn Ann is a fairly new author to me and the other books that I did read were brilliant so I can’t wait to read more. I loved Gabriel’s and Sylvis’s story but sorry guys no spoilers, it’s a fantastic story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend this book just make sure you get the right version.
1,868 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2021
Sylvis and Gabriel’s story was well worth the wait. I laughed when you find out the wolf is Gabriel and he is in love with Sylvis. The bands magic is growing and good things are happening. They are getting closer to saving the world from the Evil One. This was a wonderful story and a delightful read. I would recommend this book and series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
17.7k reviews202 followers
August 10, 2021
She is in a band but she loves being in the shadows with her guitar. She has gained a wolf but life is about to change including her wolf. Her wolf is also a man and he needs her help to stop evil. Can they work together? Can they stop the danger? See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
126 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2023
Wonderful adventure!

This series keeps my attention all the way through. Can hardly wait for the next installment! The characters are all unique and interesting. And the story has loads of action, adventure, and romance. Brooklyn Ann is now one of my favorite authors. Great series. Not one dull moment!
1 review
June 1, 2021
Not finished

As you get to the end you notice that it seems there are points she meant to add more and just wrote blah blah! The last 2 chapters and epilogue are just a description of her idea for them! Otherwise was great up till that point hope it is finished soon!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews