Crystal Iris

#1 Crystal Iris series

by Blair Shadows

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Book 1 of Crystal Iris

Pub Date Dec 01 2024 | Archive Date Dec 03 2025

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

New Adult | Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy

Talking about this book? Use #CrystalIris #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

Are you into spicy romance tangled with cursed objects?

Characters who make bad decisions they can’t take back?

Secret societies and magic that demand sacrifice?

That’s Crystal Iris.

Imagine dark, mystical academia colliding with the grit of a modern western.

A whiskey glass full of longing.

A black horse under a full moon.

A silk dress stained in blood—

and cufflinks slipping from a cowboy’s hand.

This is the story of Iris De Loughery.

Thirty. Engaged. Harvard professor.

Perfectly put together—

until she inherits a prism necklace she can’t remove.

Until it connects her to a man she should never want.

Hoyt Locklear.

Wealthy. Cursed. With a prism of his own.

And completely out of reach.

Because every time she touches him, the magic burns him alive.

And still, he says—try again.

Now she’s spiraling.

Because the closer they fall, the more the prism pulls—

toward mirrors, secrets, and blood.

And this is only the beginning.

Seven prisms lie hidden across the world.

Each with power. Each with a price.

“I should run. Instead, I reach for him.”

Are you into spicy romance tangled with cursed objects?

Characters who make bad decisions they can’t take back?

Secret societies and magic that demand sacrifice?

That’s Crystal Iris.

Imagine dark...

Advance Praise

"The story's pace is slow and deliberate, balancing introspection with thrilling revelations, and moments of light humor and clever dialogue provide levity amid darker elements. Iris' internal conflict and evolving identity anchor the tale, making her journey as poignant as it is fantastical. This richly developed tale promises deeper revelations and emotional stakes in future installments." — Kirkus

"Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows is a gripping, addictive, mystical fantasy. The author has created an expertly crafted page-turner with mystery, modern conflicts, betrayal, art, magic, and hot romance. The unpredictable twists, intrigue, supernatural elements, and authentic love story make it the perfect start to a mesmerizing romance series. The end of this slow-burn romance had me completely enthralled, and now I cannot wait for the second installment. I highly recommend it to new adult readers and fans of magical realism, paranormal, and supernatural stories with a strong female lead, mature themes, and plenty of spice. I appreciate that this story also focuses on the main character's journey of self-discovery and personal growth." — Readers' Favorite

"The story's magic system, artistic motifs, and emotional depth make it a memorable read. Blair M. Shadows has crafted a world that invites readers to explore the delicate balance between duty and desire, comfort and adventure." — Literary Titan

"The story's pace is slow and deliberate, balancing introspection with thrilling revelations, and moments of light humor and clever dialogue provide levity amid darker elements. Iris' internal...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9198991800419
PRICE

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)

Send to Kindle (EPUB)

Download (EPUB)

Additional Information

Average rating from 16 members

Featured Reviews

Alanna F, Reviewer

A 3.5 for me, the story was good and the last few chapters lead up to a great cliff hanger for a second book making me want to know more about the prisms but I just couldn’t get over how much I disliked the main characters- iris didn’t have the balls to tell Aaron she didn’t love him so she broke his heart by emotionally cheating on him. Aaron was a needy spoilt brat and Hoyt just seemed off to me. When the next in the series comes out I may continue to read
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review, I also enjoyed the audiobook

Was this review helpful?

Daniel E, Librarian

This book surprised me—in the best way. I didn’t expect to finish it in one night, but once I got past the early chapters, I couldn’t stop. The beginning wasn’t confusing because of the writing; I was just too focused on waiting for that big narrative shift. I kept anticipating the “moment everything changes,” so I read the opening with a kind of restless impatience. Once the story hit that point, though? I was all in.

Iris completely won me over. She’s academically sharp, self-possessed, and never afraid to voice her thoughts—even when she’s feeling shy. Her growth arc is handled with so much respect; it doesn’t infantilize her or make it seem like she’s helpless. Instead, we watch her confront the limitations she’s placed on herself and slowly release them. It was genuinely relatable and refreshing.

Honestly? Peak male character energy. His devotion to Iris is clear from the start, not through dramatic declarations but through consistent, deliberate action. He’s protective without being controlling, confident without being arrogant,

What I appreciated most is that the romance and spice never overwhelm the plot. The steamy moments are well-paced and meaningful, Just enough to add heat, not enough to eclipse the storyline.

Overall, really good!

Was this review helpful?

Reviewer 1808760

Loved the twist at the end but this storyline did not give me anything incredibly unique in the urban fantasy sector. I believe the romance and plot ar well balanced - this would be a great way for someone to approach something alittle more spicy than just an entry level novel.