Book of the Doomshroud
An epic fantasy series for readers who love political intrigue, a fierce found family, and a morally grey queen who trusts no one.
Kaeri Venador won her crown. Now she has to keep it.
The long-awaited sequel to A Tale of Stars and Shadow, Book of the Doomshroud returns to a world readers know — and reveals how much of it they’ve never seen.
Two years after claiming the right to rule Montagn, Kaeri is discovering that winning a throne and holding one are very different kinds of war. Powerful Houses challenge her authority at every turn, old alliances fray under the weight of hard choices, and a kingdom still raw from revolution is far more brittle than it appears. Every decision she makes risks unrest, rebellion, or the unravelling of everything she fought to change.
When events strip her of the protection of her crown and court, Kaeri must rely on people she doesn’t know and cannot afford to trust — including the enigmatic Nightbird, whose motives are far from clear. But the most dangerous threat facing Montagn may not come from inside its borders at all. From the rebel port of Avarai come rumours no one is willing to take seriously. Stories of monsters. Of something moving in the dark.
What if they’re not just stories?
What Readers Say 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 Book of the Doomshroud about?
Book of the Doomshroud is an epic fantasy series set in a richly layered world of political courts, fractured power, and something dark stirring beyond the reach of polite civilization. The first book, Call of the Shadow Rift, follows Queen Kaeri Venador as she fights to hold Montagn together against noble Houses that want her throne, alliances that won’t hold, and a populace still raw from everything it took to get here. Meanwhile, from the rebel port of Avarai come rumours — stories of monsters, of things in the night. Rumours that no one is listening to. Yet.
Is Book of the Doomshroud a sequel to A Tale of Stars and Shadow?
Yes. Call of the Shadow Rift is the direct sequel series to A Tale of Stars and Shadow, picking up in the same world two years after the events of A Duet of Sword and Song. If you’ve been waiting to find out what comes next for this world — this is it. New readers are also warmly welcome.
Who is the main character?
Call of the Shadow Rift centres on Kaeri Venador — a queen who won her throne through will and sacrifice, and is discovering that keeping it is its own kind of war.
Do I need to read Lisa Cassidy’s other series first?
No. Call of the Shadow Rift is written so that new readers can step in without any prior knowledge of Lisa’s other books. That said, readers who have already spent time in A Tale of Stars and Shadow or The Inkweaver Archive will find extra layers waiting for them — familiar threads, and something much bigger connecting them than they may have realised. If you’re a returning reader: pay attention.
Is this romantasy?
No — this isn’t romantasy. A slow-burn sapphic romance threads through the series and deepens as it goes, but it never drives the plot. The engine here is political and epic: courts, power, and a rising darkness. If you want a love story woven through a story that stands fully on its own — not one built to romance-genre beats — you’ll feel right at home.
Is this series adult or young adult?
This is adult epic fantasy, recommended for readers who enjoy political complexity, morally weighted decisions, and nuanced characters.
What is the reading order if I’ve already read Lisa’s other series?
If you’ve read A Tale of Stars and Shadow and/or The Inkweaver Archive, those are worth reading before Call of the Shadow Rift — not because the book requires it, but because coming to this series as a returning reader is an experience best arrived at properly. You’ll understand why when you get there.
How many books will be in the series?
The full series length hasn’t been announced, but this is a story with significant scope. Call of the Shadow Rift is the first book. Watch this space — and the shadows.
What kind of readers would enjoy this series?
Fans of Robin Hobb, Samantha Shannon, Brandon Sanderson, and AE Rayne; readers who enjoy character-driven epic fantasy with political tension and a strong emotional heart.
.