Calla, Queen of Arenysen, has just recently lost her parents- forcing the crown upon her head- when her beloved husband tragically dies right before her eyes. Brennan is scarely buried before her scheming assembly of advisors informs her that in order to keep her family's crown she will need to find a new husband.. in a matter of weeks.

When General Matthias Orelian, of the Emeryn Army, hears a rumor that Queen Calla may have killed her husband Brennan, he knows that he needs to find out the truth of what has happened to his friend. The trials that the Queen is holding to find her next husband are the perfect opportunity for him to infiltrate the castle and get close enough to the Queen to learn the truth. And deliver justice at the end of his poisoned blade.

I should start by saying that I haven't read the first book in this series... but it didn't impact my enjoyment of this story one bit. The characters were so beautifully written that I felt connected to them from the first moments. The way that Vanessa handled Calla's grief felt so authentic. And the fact that Matthias saw her hurting so early on and immediately tried to provide comfort was really beautiful.

The trials aspect of this story was really exciting and the action scenes were so fun to listen to! I also loved that this book flipped all my favourite romantasy tropes on their heads
- SHE is the Shadow Queen
- SHE is the ruler who needs a spouse
- SHE is morally grey
- SHE says "who did this to you?"
- touch HIM and die
- SHE pursues him "for release"

I really loved this! It was such a departure from the normal romantasy books! I just ADORE a badass Queen and this book delivers!

2🌶 for those of you dying for a Dorian or Xaden-esque shadow scene... SHE. Uses. Her. Shadows. On. HIM 👏👏👏

🎧 Shane East could never disappoint me. His sarcastic and cocky Matthias is obviously perfect! And I really enjoyed Zura Johnson and how well she played the emotional turmoil that Queen Calla was experiencing.

I fear this review will be all over the place because I still haven’t been able to put my own feelings together after reading Once the Skies Fade.

4/5 stars.
3/5 spice.

I genuinely was hesitant going into this book. It was hard to read about someone who is grieving, a widow specifically. Calla goes through so much. She internalizes her trauma for many reasons. It was a subject I don’t typically approach or read about. However, Vanessa handled the topic beautifully. The execution in which Calla grows and heals was beautiful. I think I’m more impressed with Calla than Matthias just because of her personal growth and healing!

Oh Matthias! We all loved him in book 1 so for him to get his own book was amazing. For him to find love like he didn’t think he would. He’s such an admirable character. Truly will forever be obsessed with him because he’s just that guy that will 10000% back you up no matter what.

I’m still reeling from the last 20-25% of the book. Can’t stop thinking about honestly. It’s so hard putting it into words how amazing Vanessa writes. How the story ebs and flows in ways you wouldn’t think! I love it.

Thank you Vanessa Rasanen, Crab Apple Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read/listen to this book. All opinions are my own.

Where to start! I need the next book ASAP! This one is going to cause a massive book hangover, I can just feel it!
First thing’s first, the characters are top notch, both protagonists and antagonists. Matthias is swoon worthy, funny, witty, brave, kind, just serious enough that he’s believable, and always with a quick quip to further endear him to the reader (and piss off his enemies). Calla’s journey of grief is a heartbreaking road to traverse with her, but one that is so worth it; Vanessa has crafted the most beautiful tale of loss, suffering, and redemption in this character arc. Grief impacts everyone differently, and V has shown that beautifully in this book.
The narrators are incredible, and bring the characters to life flawlessly. Zura is perfect for the role of Calla, she’s regal and captures the outward coldness and inner warmth and turmoil Calla is going through perfectly. And Shane brings Matthias’ easy charm to life and if anything makes him even swoonier than he already was. Brilliant and flawless execution on both their parts!
There’s an uneasy atmosphere throughout the entire book, even before the tournament begins, and it makes it so difficult to trust anyone. Even as more mysteries are uncovered the air of unease continues right up to the climax, and whenever I had to set the book down I couldn’t stop thinking about it, pondering where the plot might go next, who the mastermind was behind everything, and who was going to meet an untimely end next.
The relationships, both romantic and platonic, were top notch as always with V’s books. The friendships are full of love and understanding for each other, even if the parties involved cannot always completely know what the others are going through.
And finally, the action, the intrigue, it all had me on the edge of my seat. I was messaging V throughout, in varying states of all block caps, and even a few voice notes like ‘YOU DID NOT JUST …’ .
So, overall? I think my rating says it all. Another stellar Rasanen romantasy, and I cannot wait for the next!

I adored this book! Prefacing by saying I had not read or listened to book 1 before picking this up, so the synopsis at the start was much appreciated! Adored Matthias and his sass throughout it all - It did take me about 1/3rd of the book to contextually understand a lot of elements though, so whilst this is set as a standalone in this series, I think I'd have probably enjoyed the story more if I had read book one first. Which I absolutely will do because this had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and the need to consume more content relating to this work is real!

The choice of narrators couldn't have been more perfect as well, they did an amazing job bringing us into the story and the whirlwind of emotions that came with it.

This was a 3.5 star for me.

I love the whole premise of this story - a shadow mommy, the fmc is the morally grey one, men are the ones competing trials. It was so fun to have some of our favourite tropes flipped around like that! Unfortunately, there was just something about Calla that I had a hard time connecting with, which was a bummer because I LOVE a morally grey fmc. Fortunately Matthias was a really fun character and I loved whenever we got his POV.
The narration was great - Zura Johnson was really able to get across a lot of Calla's heartache and conflicted feelings. Loved Shane East in this too, I'd only ever heard him narrate dark romances, but apparently he can do it all because he brought Matthias to life!
Thank you so Dreamscape Media and NetFalley for the ALC!

Thank you netgalley, the publisher, and author for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own!

I am obsessed with deadly trials in my fantasy books, so I just knew I would devour this. I loved the characters, i loved the plot, the twist…I didn’t see coming, and I adored the romance. Also, having a strong female lead was refreshing. I don’t think there was anything I disliked about this book. I truly could not put it down once I started it. Matthias had me hooked from the first chapter. I love him so dang much.

I will definitely be picking up more books by this author.

This book was incredible. Vanessa's writing is beautiful and her characters feel so real it leaves me wishing they were so I could be friends with them. Matthias is soooo swoony and I loved watching Calla's grief journey.

Bravo, Vanessa! So well done!

Absolutely LOVED this book!!

Of note: This is book #2 in the series. A synopsis of book #1 is given in the beginning, but I did NOT read book #1, and did fine reading this one alone.
But, I will probably go back and read it at some point! 😉

So in this book we open up with Calla and Brennan, the newlyweds…smitten and in love…. Unfortunately that doesn’t last long, as Brennan DIES right in front of her. And there’s nothing she can do to help him! 🫣
***This is the opening of the book, and noted in the promos, so I’m not giving anything away… ***

Calla is the Queen, and unfortunately, she is now being tasked with finding a new husband in a very short amount of time. She has no interest in doing this, but if she doesn’t want to lose her kingdom, she must.

So, she and her general (Isla? Not sure of the spelling…) go about trying to figure out how to narrow down the prospects…and the scene that follows? Well, I was cracking up!!😆🤣

Some scary stuff. Some horrible stuff. Some sweet stuff. And some horrific, blood-curdling, vomit-inducing stuff follow…
But, I wouldn’t trade ANY of it, because it all makes this one… ONE TO REMEMBER!!

Oh…and did I mention…Fae and Dragons and Shape-Shifting, and… hidden powers??? It all adds up to a terrific book!!

I don’t believe I’ve read any of her books before, but I will be looking for more now!!

All the stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨
Brings out all the emotions, and then some!!

#OnceTheSkiesFade (Immortal Reveries #2) by #VanessaRasanen and narrated beautifully by #ZuraJohnson and #ShaneEast.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and ##DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date is March 18, 2025 so look 👀 for it on shelves soon !! ***

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

First off, I love how the narrators give life to the depths of these characters. Calla is so full of angst and grief (rightfully so) but still manages to find the strength to endure all this political turmoil, even if she makes some questionable decisions along the way. And Matthias, oh Matthias, while he always has a quip for every situation, he's still been through plenty on his own and manages to use that to navigate his own trials in order to survive but also find empathy for our shadow queen. I've really come to love these characters and their story is wholly unique and not to be missed.

I loved the mix of mystery, fantasy, and romance. The narrators did great job illiciting the emotion out of story. There were some slow parts, where I felt the scene dragged longer than needed.

Then banter between the characters are great. I felt they all had depth. 

I think this is a great read, especially those who are getting into fantasy. I don't think you need to read book 1 to enjoy this book, but it would enhance the experience.

I had the pleasure of both beta reading this book and then listening to it on audiobook early from Netgalley!

Let me tell you, the narrators are incredible! I could listen to Shane East read the phone book (and he was the perfect Matthias) and Zura Johnson was incredible as Calla!

This book is a little darker than the first and I love how it digs deep into loss and grief and how to fight your way through the darkness to the other side.

I loved the whole deadly trials aspect. It is one of my favorite all time tropes and was done so well! The high stakes kept me on the edge of my seat.

Calla's shadow magic was so cool! I love that Vanessa switched things up and created a bada** shadow mama in a genre of shadow daddys.

I absolutely loved it!! I can't wait to see more of Asher, the dragon shifter, in the next book!

A little more info on the book: Once the Skies Fade is the second in a fantasy romance collection of interconnected stand-alones set in a magical war-torn world, where secrets have power and allies are few. This tale of love lost and fated mates brings a morally grey queen with shadowy secrets and the sarcastic general who could mend her heart…if he doesn’t put a dagger in it first.

Read if you like:

⚔️ morally grey FMC with shadow magic
⚔️ grumpy/sunshine
⚔️ fated mates
⚔️ who did this (but SHE says it)
⚔️ touch HIM and die
⚔️ deadly tournament
⚔️ political drama

I absolutely loved this book, Vanessa blew us away with Calla and Matthias’ story. It was packed full of action, adventure, heart ache and it was also deliciously spicy 🥵

The fact that Calla was the dark shadowy one and also said ‘Who did this to you’ perfection. Chiefs kiss. Give me more of that!

The narrators did such a good job making this book cone to life. The captured the characters so well.

Once the Skies Fade was such a fantastic story! One of my favorite things about this story was that Calla was the morally grey character, because we rarely get that with our FMC. I also didn't realize how much I liked Matthias. The voice acting was well done, highly recommend this story

I can proudly say that this book is freaking entertaining and has twists and turns that made me love it so much that so far it’s the top read of the year for me. I have adored book one but book two had surpassed my feelings. I am in love with the plot, the characters and the writer. Everything together is a blasting mix of perfection.

Gosh Isa is so so so so misunderstood. We got to see it in book one in a glimpse and she sounded cute but here omg so much is happening in her life and I’m glad that I could be a part of it by reading it. Everyone should read the story, I know they will love her. She is an amazing fierce character with the vibe of a villain who will burn the world for him.

Matthias in the other hand was very silent kind in book one and here he was the absolute book boyfriend material. The dangerous vibe does it for me and I fell for him at the start of the book. The banter here is wow and captivating. The pull between the characters is undeniably sexy and the best part Isa takes stand for what she wants.

Small chapters helped me feel accomplished of getting forward in the book and the pacing was fast but there was a lot of ground to cover so it is a chunky one. All is worth it. I also got to listen up the audiobook that definitely enhanced my reading experience. Narrator’s are gorgeous, their voice soothes the soul while listening up the story.

There were so many parts that I was not expecting and they kept coming making me more and more intrigued about it all. The political intrigue chaos was icing in the cake. So much happens when politics is involved. We se all kinds of species including some dragons and I have theories for the next book. Can’t wait for it too.

I really enjoyed the audiobook and how the narrators brought Matthias and Calla alive. You can feel the sorrow, frustration, surprise, and power in Zura Johnson's voice. And Shane East is an incredible Matthias as he portrays the flirty, confident, and conflicted character. It feels more like an audio play than an audiobook and it really helps connect with the story and the characters!

I am not sure how I feel about a morally Grey female character. It was definitely different and I loved her being the one with all the power. I did read book one to prepare for this one, and I think it was helpful. I enjoyed this book much more and it made me start to really love the world that is being built.

I did not appreciate Matthias in the first book, and I now regret it.
His character growth in this book was top-notch. He is funny, sexy, brave, caring, and so much more.
When I started, I did not realize who the queen was or her deceased husband, i know I should have, but I didn't want to admit it, I suppose. As it became clear to me what was going to happen and who would die, I had to take a minute.
While I'm very sorry he died so Calla could find her mate, and how much Matthias went through to be with her. It was exactly how they were fated to be.
The story started at a normal pace but quickly picked up and was sprinting right until the end.
I loved it. Loved the morally grey fmc and how true mates can save each other.
I received an advanced reader copy and these thoughts are my own.

Edit for audiobook
This was a fantastic listen. The narrators really brought out the smart-ass in Matthias and the heartbreak in Calla.
I loved listening to them come to life and find their hearts.
The torture scenes were even more heart wrenching to listen and listening to Matthias slowly give up hope broke my heart all over again.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy and these thoughts are my own.

A shadow MOMMY? The MAN has to be the one competing in trials for the queens heart? This was so fun and I really enjoyed it.

Until The Stars Fall and Once The Skies Fade are set in the same world and are interconnected standalones, but I think it makes it much more meaningful to read UTSF first because we get to see some of the same characters!

I listened to the audiobook and thought both narrators did a really good job.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

When I tell you, you need to listen to OTSF, I mean you NEED to listen to it!!!

I am OBSESSED with OTSF and listening to this story really brings it to life! Vanessa is a fabulous author♥️

The narrators were perfect!! Their voices are phenomenal! zura johnson & teddy hamilton are some of my favorite audiobook narrators and they made the perfect pair for these MC’s!!


✨Tropes✨
Shadow Queen
Fated Mates
Grumpy/Sunshine
Deadly Tournaments
Who did this to you?
Touch him and ☠️
Political drama

Vanessa Rasanen has done it again! This is book 2 in the Immortal Reveries series. The first book, Until the Stars Fall, was one of my favorite reads of 2024. This next book did not disappoint. I love a strong FMC, and Queen Calla is definitely that. Matthias, who appeared in the first book as a supporting character, is the MMC in this one. And I fell in love with him 🥵 I love his personality and quips.

This book has:

🥵 Sarcastic cinnamon roll MMC
👸🏻 Morally grey shadow mama FMC
⚔️ Deadly trials
♥️ Fated mates
🌶️ Sexy banter with some spice

I tandem read the eARC along with the ALC of this book. The dual narration was so good. Shane East’s voice is perfection. The only con is that it wasn’t duet.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the early copy of this audiobook. And thank you to Vanessa Rasanen for the early copy of the ebook. I left all of my thoughts voluntarily and all of them are my own.