I cant make up my mind if I want to read the 2nd book. I love this book in hindsight, and I think the excessive descriptions were purposeful but not a great fit for an ADHD reader like myself. Great story however, and I need a good TL;DR for this series.

Several twists & turns along the way. The ending was a semi-cliffhanger. But also answered a couple questions I had while reading. I can’t wait to read the next & hope as good as this one.

Okay, first of all this book is well thought out. The characters are well developed. And second of all I really wasn’t expecting that twist at the end!!! Damn.

Well written, strong and believable heroine, great character development, and good pacing. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the second.

Loved all 3 books! Twists, turns, love, loss and family. Great trilogy. Enjoyed reading them all. Would definitely recommend the books

Good read, a few slow places but I felt her emotions And really enjoyed the characters. Would read again too

Loved the characters and how they all merged. Theres were quite a few exciting twists and turns in the plot that made it hard for me to put the book down. You've created a world I'd like to visit. Thanks for a great series.

I absolutely adore that the author let her characters stay true to themselves, straight through the end. Not enough authors allow their stories to be so authentic. I absolutely loved this series 🖤

I read the Mage Chronicles by this author and that series was okay. It is hard to find non RH books. I gave this series a chance and I absolutely loved it. I almost cried at the wall scene in book three.

I absolutely loved this series and that ending was perfect! It was something you suspected the entire time but when it gets there it definitely made me cry! I loved it

Politics, magic, wings, subterfuge, Robin Hood-tropes, various characters’ POV, this book has all of these and more. Complex characters who grow and develop as the story continues (with some pausing for self-reflection too!) The world building was strong and the descriptions vivid. The caste system was also well done and something I hope is explored more in the next books in the series. This book sets the stage for several more books in the series and I’m looking forward to reading them all.

What a fascinating universe! I loved the depth of conflict depicted in the story, not all is as it seems. I was very shocked by the ending. I admit to being a rough start into the book. I felt like I missed the first book, and if I didn't there is definitely room for a prequel. I was left wondering what happened to Tal for much of the book but maybe that was the intention, but I wasn't a huge fan of that part, Very pivotal to Tal as a character. I can't wait for the next adventure!

This entire series was a roller coaster of surprises, laughter, and everything in between. The depth of the authors creativity in the entire plot is unfathomable. This final book in the series had me at the edge of my seat and I will still be thinking about Cuinn and Tarlyn’s story for days to come.

Fantastic series, Ms. Cassidy! Thank you for getting the characters out of your head and into print for all of us to enjoy. When I first saw the length of the books, I was skeptical that they would be worth my time (many long books seem to drag). I was quite surprised to be drawn into the storyline from the beginning. I stayed up way too late just to finish one more chapter. While I could figure out a lot of the hidden characters, my attention was held and my enjoyment lasted.

This was such an amazing series that is so easy to become invested in. The world building and character development topped the charts. The emotions the author brings out in the reader spans from anger, sobs, happiness and frustration. Perfect all the way around!

It took me a little to get into this story, partly because the world the author is so complex. But once I got interested in the protagonist and her fate, I never looked back. So many of the characters were memorable. This one kept me up late at night. Then I got to the stunning twist at the end and promptly bought the next one.

I read a lot and this series has brought me into the world being created. While reading I found I fought myself to put it down. I found hints of what was to come but could not link them all together. That is rare for me. I have enjoyed each book in this series and am looking forward to the next book

Thoroughly enjoyed the entire saga and the surprises at the end. Worth the time to read. There were a few editing errors, but most were easily overlooked. I look forward to more epic stories from this author.

The ending.... was so unexpected i almost had a hear attack !! But it was such a good ending that makes me want to continue binge reading this series... ugh i am such a bookaholic and this series is totally hitting the spot!!! I love how Talyn’s character progressess and blooms into a confident warrior leading soldiers into battle!! badass? for sure Warrior? For sure A little anticipation of romance? Aaaa yesss ( the tension i felt was THERE and i hope 🤞 i wasn’t imaging it and will see it later in the series) Action? Duh Originality? No question. Read it. Like for real. Don’t bother reading comments just go click buy.... you wont regret. (Although it does kinda start off slow and confusing, everything starts to make sense and add up as you keep going)

It's been a while since I found books that took me by the neck and wouldn't let go. Complex characters, strong people all around. I'd love to have a drink with this lot if they were real people. It's the series I needed to read during these tough times. Thought provoking and brought me hope. I enjoyed these books so much I didn't mind the occasional miraculous rescue. 😉 Looking forward to reading more of this author's work.

I am delighted to have discovered Lisa Cassidy's A Tale of Stars and Shadows Series. Rich, complex and flawed characters, a sweeping multi continent saga and story telling so sharp and unexpected, she had me from book one and I couldn't stop reading until the last page of book four. I don't think I've ever sobbed while reading fantasy fiction before. But I cheered out loud and wept with this series. Lisa is a brilliant story teller. Highly recommend.

The summary here is quite honestly very lackluster and I read it several times and passed while browsing on KU. Finally desperate for something new to read, I read it. Hoooly heck, what a ride. You know a book has me in its clutches when I finish it and continue to dwell on it. This is one of those books. Great start to a series. Extremely slow burn, which I love, so if you're looking for strong romantic attraction in the first book, move along.

Lisa Cassidy knows how to fill out her characters gradually so that the reader keeps learning what makes everyone tick as the story evolves. Action, loyalty and intrigue are a constant in5is coming of age story that has nothing to do with age...maybe coming of self is a better term. I love what the author is accomplishing.

This series is absolutely binge worthy! I read the first book and couldn’t stop! I think I read all four books in a week. The story line pulls you in from the first moment. Cuinn frustrated me a little towards the end of the series because I thought he was toughening up, becoming more realistic and practical rather than the weak idealist he had been and was disappointed when he went back to that, but the way the story ended needed that to end the way it did. (That may sound vague but I don’t want to spoil anything!) Either way the journey was highly entertaining and I would definitely recommend this book.

I've never read so many books in one month! It's all because of @Icasswrites and her series: a Tale of Stars and Shadow!! Her first book began slow but all to the benefit of the world building and character development. There amazing and after that book I couldn't stop thinking about Talyn and her wolf's. Book 2 will make it clear that there is so more to the story and book 3 and 4 are just killing! There fast paced, packed with action and you just can't stop reading!! This series is for you if you love enemies to lovers, epic battles, fierce woman en men, spies, political intrigues, mistery, magic and fantasy! If you loved the cruel prince series, game of thrones, from blood and ash, the bridge kingdom and a curse so dark and lonely then go and read this series!

I came across this book, and this author, by accident. I’m so unbelievably glad I did. This series is impeccable — and has made me fall in love with reading again. Magic. Royalty. War. Loss. Love. Honor. Independence. Loyalty. These themes are all woven into a story so well-written by a writer who has a true gift for world-building. IMHO, Lisa Cassidy surpasses even Tolkien and Rowling.

Slow rich world building and solid character development lead well into tense action and intrigue as the pace accelerates. I very much enjoyed the story and after tearing through it today, have the next in the series downloaded to my kindle.

I’m not quite YA at 64 but was continuously drawn to the characters created by Ms Cassidy. Recommended to me by my daughter and she was spot on. The depth and weave of this magical story kept me counting days to the final Book 4. Thanks, Lisa, for the way you’ve broadened my love of fantasy and especially crazy creative names. Sheila Eddison

I received an advance copy of A Duet of Sword and Song. And I loved it! I think Book 4 is my favourites in the series, but it's a close call. It is bittersweet that this is the finale to the series, but that said, it totally delivers as a finale. I'm going miss these characters which have become so vividly familiar. I got so drawn into this series and remain impressed at how much story the author fits into a book. Lisa Cassidy's writing is so strong, the story moves at a good pace and she writes the absolute best fight scenes! Great story, great characters and another fantastic read.

I loved everything about this book! Great world building, characters I care about, different stories woven together, a twist I didn't anticipate, and a truly great, strong, smart, level-headed female protagonist. She never made decisions that let me down. I couldn’t put it down and finished all three in a weekend. It’s been a long time since I felt this way about a series. I can’t wait for book 4!

Are you a reader of Fantasy? Do you like a bit of Mystery thrown in? How about assembling a team of Rag Tags to set off an adventure? Snappy writing and a twisting plot will keep you up late at night reading and a desire to continue first thing in the morning. Snag this tale right now and have bragging rights you knew Lisa Cassidy back when Lisa was Self Published !

While the book did take a bit to get going, but it had all the ingredients of a good novel and it turned out quite delicious!

This is a great read. Great character development and a story line that has so many possibilities! The main character is strong with facets that make the reader long for more of her backstory. I wasn't ready for the book to end! I'm looking forward to the release of the sequel - preordered it the minute I finished!

If you like strong characters, storylines with bite, and a good dose of espionage with your fantasy, then buy this book now! The characters are believable, really well developed, likeable when they're supposed to be, and irksome when they're not, but the real magic is how the story and charachters are woven into a seamless tapestry that I just couldn't put down! Lisa, get a cup of coffee and finish the next book already so i can get my fix!

Amazingly good. One of the best books of this kind I’ve read in quite a while. A great tale well written. Every character was fully developed and made you care deeply about them. My only regret is having to wait to see what happens next. I read it for free and then purchased it because it is a favorite that I know I will read again.