A Tale of Stars and Shadow
A complete adult epic fantasy series filled with court intrigue, a fierce found family, layered magic, and a slow-burn, closed-door romance.
One kingdom bound by duty. Another ruled by fear. And a woman caught between them.
Once the finest warrior of her generation, Talyn Dynan now measures every step against the fear of failing again. Still haunted by the partner she couldn’t save, she takes an assignment far from home, hoping to find redemption. But Mithranar is no ordinary place. Its people have wings, its court is a viper’s nest of politics, and something restless stirs in the shadows beneath the surface. Tasked with forging a royal guard from the human outcasts no one else will touch, she builds the one thing she swore she’d never risk again—a family.
In the darkest streets of Mithranar, a masked rebel known as the Shadowhawk steals from the powerful and vanishes into the night. To the oppressed human folk, he represents something far more dangerous than crime. Hope.
Crossing his path forces Talyn to confront who she could become—and as loyalties blur and unrest rises, she must decide who she truly serves, and whether she’s willing to stand with the people who were never meant to be hers.
Ready for what comes next? Book of the Doomshroud is the sequel series — beginning with Call of the Shadow Rift in June 2026: LEARN MORE.
What Readers Are Saying About A Tale of Stars and Shadow
‘frustratingly delicious mystery, heart-pumping action, and moments of heartbreaking beauty!’
‘A truly masterful story and I can’t wait to see what comes next!’
‘I cried, I laughed, I cheered, I mourned and everything in between for these characters.’
‘Lisa Cassidy’s series has it all! Intrigue, espionage, redemption, power struggles, friendship, battles, magic and plot twists galore… Also the best sidekick twist! Completely engrossing!’
‘I binged this so hard. The plots, the characters, the intrigue. Sophisticated writing, entrancing, I couldn’t put it down … Absolutely amazing will be getting the second book and probably everything she writes. *chefs kiss*’
– Goodreads and Amazon reviewers
More about the series…
What is A Tale of Stars and Shadow about?
A Tale of Stars and Shadow follows Talyn Dynan, an elite warrior sent on a peacekeeping mission to a winged kingdom rife with unrest. As assassination plots emerge and magic resurfaces, Talyn and her unlikely allies must fight to protect a fragile alliance—and confront their own haunted pasts.
Is this romantasy?
No. While romance is present and emotionally significant, it never overshadows the central plot. The series focuses on political intrigue, loyalty, and the building of trust and family in the face of war. Readers who enjoy romance as a subplot often connect with Talyn and Cuinn’s emotional arc, but the series is not structured around romantic tropes.
Is this series adult or young adult?
This is adult epic fantasy, recommended for readers who enjoy political intrigue, deep character development, and found-family themes.
Is the series complete?
Yes. All four novels are available and the full arc concludes in A Duet of Sword and Song.
Where should new readers start?
Begin with A Tale of Stars and Shadow, the first book and entry point into the world.
What is the suggested reading order?
1. A Tale of Stars and Shadow
2. A Prince of Song and Shade
3. A King of Masks and Magic
4. A Duet of Sword and Song
The world continues in Book of the Doomshroud — beginning with Call of the Shadow Rift
What kind of readers would enjoy this series?
Fans of Robin Hobb, Anthony Ryan, Brandon Sanderson, and AE Rayne; readers who enjoy character-driven epic fantasy with political tension and a strong emotional heart.