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Lady of Darkness #4.5
The Reaper
Before he was the Fire Court Third, he was the Reaper.
And before he was the Reaper, he was her Ash Rider.
Moranna. The Baroness of a colony hidden away on the Southern Islands. She works tirelessly to keep some of the most powerful Fae of the realm safe from those who seek to use them for their gifts.
Or that's what Rayner has always believed.
When he learns the Baroness's darkest secrets, he finds nothing is as it seems, and he realizes he has more to fight for than he ever thought. Vowing to put an end to her and everything she has created on the islands, he finds himself the center of a curse as punishment for his rebellion.
The path back to vengeance is wrought with violence, grief, and unexpected allies, and Rayner knows better than anyone: Some nightmares never end.
This novella is Rayner's backstory. To avoid series spoilers, it should not be read until AFTER reading Lady of Embers, book four in the Lady of Darkness series. This novella is dark! Please protect your mental health and be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the novella.
And before he was the Reaper, he was her Ash Rider.
Moranna. The Baroness of a colony hidden away on the Southern Islands. She works tirelessly to keep some of the most powerful Fae of the realm safe from those who seek to use them for their gifts.
Or that's what Rayner has always believed.
When he learns the Baroness's darkest secrets, he finds nothing is as it seems, and he realizes he has more to fight for than he ever thought. Vowing to put an end to her and everything she has created on the islands, he finds himself the center of a curse as punishment for his rebellion.
The path back to vengeance is wrought with violence, grief, and unexpected allies, and Rayner knows better than anyone: Some nightmares never end.
This novella is Rayner's backstory. To avoid series spoilers, it should not be read until AFTER reading Lady of Embers, book four in the Lady of Darkness series. This novella is dark! Please protect your mental health and be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the novella.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
460 people are currently reading
13920 people want to read
About the author
Melissa K. Roehrich
15 books4,936 followersMelissa is a dark fantasy romance author who loves coffee, dragons, and constantly rearranging her bookshelves. She spends her time writing, reading, and homeschooling her three boys in the Middle-of-Nowhere, North Dakota, where she lives with her boys, husband, dogs, multiple barn cats, and chickens on a small farmstead. She is constantly trying to convince her husband they need to add goats and ducks to the mix, and one day, she'll succeed.
She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:
*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich
She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:
*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
August 13, 2023
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
let the Reaper die here with me.
Only let him rise again to save your family.”
I did not expect this to be as painful as it was,
but here we are.
let the Reaper die here with me.
Only let him rise again to save your family.”
I did not expect this to be as painful as it was,
but here we are.
May 3, 2023
4.5 stars
I never had a clear picture of Rayner but now he made his way into my heart just like the other characters in this series have done. We get a little information on how this novella goes from Lady of Embers but there are still surprises and it's been so good to read this!
I never had a clear picture of Rayner but now he made his way into my heart just like the other characters in this series have done. We get a little information on how this novella goes from Lady of Embers but there are still surprises and it's been so good to read this!
January 8, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I’m not a fan of short novels🤷🏻♀️ It was okay to read for the backstory, but this book wasn’t anything special to me.
I’m not a fan of short novels🤷🏻♀️ It was okay to read for the backstory, but this book wasn’t anything special to me.
October 21, 2024
Rating- 4 stars
(Kindle Unlimited)
It was great to have this book so we could learn more about Rayner. It really made a lot of things clear about why he was attached to Tula. The last chapter was heartbreaking and really pulled at the strings 💔
It was lovely as well to see the Inner Court when the war was settling down and saw how they became to become the Court that they are in Lady of Darkness Series. I have to say that both Rayner and Cyrus are like Scarlet even being decades apart 🤣 Overall it was a great novella and made me understand and appreciate Rayner a lot more.
(Kindle Unlimited)
It was great to have this book so we could learn more about Rayner. It really made a lot of things clear about why he was attached to Tula. The last chapter was heartbreaking and really pulled at the strings 💔
It was lovely as well to see the Inner Court when the war was settling down and saw how they became to become the Court that they are in Lady of Darkness Series. I have to say that both Rayner and Cyrus are like Scarlet even being decades apart 🤣 Overall it was a great novella and made me understand and appreciate Rayner a lot more.
April 5, 2024
Ouch, my heart was not ready for this emotional rollercoaster!
This novella promised to be dark, and it damn well delivered. I'll admit that I almost skipped this to go straight into book 5, but now I am so glad I took the time to take a glimpse into Rayner's past to learn about how he became the guarded broken soul that we know in the main series.
Not only did I come to understand Rayner on a much deeper emotional level, but I also just really enjoyed seeing some favourite familiar faces in a much different light. I mean, I wasn't expecting to see the inception of the beloved Inner Court found family here, but I enjoyed very second of it.
The main highlight was Rayner's personal revenge quest though, and that was just as brutal and bittersweet as I had guessed (and hoped?) it would be. There is so much raw human emotion packed into these few pages, and by the end I was emotionally drained in the best way possible.
Definitely don't miss out on this gem of a novella, it will keep you in a chokehold from start to finish!
This novella promised to be dark, and it damn well delivered. I'll admit that I almost skipped this to go straight into book 5, but now I am so glad I took the time to take a glimpse into Rayner's past to learn about how he became the guarded broken soul that we know in the main series.
Not only did I come to understand Rayner on a much deeper emotional level, but I also just really enjoyed seeing some favourite familiar faces in a much different light. I mean, I wasn't expecting to see the inception of the beloved Inner Court found family here, but I enjoyed very second of it.
The main highlight was Rayner's personal revenge quest though, and that was just as brutal and bittersweet as I had guessed (and hoped?) it would be. There is so much raw human emotion packed into these few pages, and by the end I was emotionally drained in the best way possible.
Definitely don't miss out on this gem of a novella, it will keep you in a chokehold from start to finish!
June 5, 2025
0🌶️ i was excited for this novella but idk why cause it was absolutely fucking heartbreaking 😭 i love him so much omg. seeing the inner court in their early days together made me happy though, it was what this dark dark past story needed. ugh i can’t believe the next book is the last one. i’m not ready for this series to be over!! 😭
April 3, 2023
Great novella and incredible insight into Rayner's character and history. It is more than worth the read.
October 21, 2024
"'Do you know what a dreamer's lie is?'
- 'That all nightmares have an end. Some never do. I didn't know if mine ever would.'"
Oh Rayner. More Rayner book five plz!!
- 'That all nightmares have an end. Some never do. I didn't know if mine ever would.'"
Oh Rayner. More Rayner book five plz!!
May 19, 2023
Honestly. You can skip it. It was fine, it showed some more evil, it gave us a bit of Rayners story, but not much more than what we already know. It did not bring anything new to the story, so if you feel like you are in a hurry, just skip to Lady of Starfire 😘
May 20, 2025
i knew by pg 8 that this novella was going to wreck me 😅 please check trigger warnings before reading, this is DARK, but also so incredibly moving. rayner quickly became one of my favorite characters in this series, and this novella definitely cemented that. the slightly ominous reveal surrounding a fairly new character was so intriguing, and the glimpses of eline, sorin, and young talwyn were so sweet. i loved reading more of the backstory surrounding how my favorite members of the fire court found each other 🖤
August 8, 2025
This was a heartbreaking little novella 😭 I’m so glad we got more insight into Rayner’s past — after discovering what he went through I fully understand why he is this quiet and mysterious character, and why he is so protective of a certain character in the series. Rayner deserves the world 🖤 and I loved that we got to see some of the backstory on the fire court members 🥹
Once again, Melissa did a phenomenal job of writing something that truly makes you feel all of the emotions as a reader!
Once again, Melissa did a phenomenal job of writing something that truly makes you feel all of the emotions as a reader!
July 13, 2023
I loved this little novella. Explains a lot. Filled with love and vengeance and heartache. And explains a bit on Sorins court.
I did some sobbing as well, of course. A nice break before reading her final book where I know my gear will get ripped to shreds again.
I did some sobbing as well, of course. A nice break before reading her final book where I know my gear will get ripped to shreds again.
May 13, 2025
4.5
Rayner is one of my favorite characters in The Lady Of Darkness Series. Learning about his history and how he became the third to Sorin in the Fire Court was heartbreaking and moving. Truly enjoying everything about this series.
Rayner is one of my favorite characters in The Lady Of Darkness Series. Learning about his history and how he became the third to Sorin in the Fire Court was heartbreaking and moving. Truly enjoying everything about this series.
July 10, 2025
Rayner ❤️🥹 this story was tragic and beautiful all at once. thank goodness for sorin taking all the strays into his court and giving them the family they deserve! if only our other favorite spy master azzy could get a little backstory novella like this.
October 5, 2024
Sobbed through this one
January 29, 2025
4.75 stars
This was a great addition to the series. I love the insight into Father's history as the Ash Rider that was alluded to in book 4.
This was a great addition to the series. I love the insight into Father's history as the Ash Rider that was alluded to in book 4.
August 11, 2025
99 pages isn’t enough i need a whole book for rayner 😭
August 27, 2025
Yes indeed I do love pre-trauma before final book trauma.
September 1, 2025
Rayner ❤️
May 6, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Suitable for 18+ readers. May have triggers of love-hate themes, violence, sexual scenes, references to sexual assault/rape (not on page), death, depression, physical abuse, war, blood, hostages, infertility, kidnapping, sexually explicit scenes, miscarriage, murder, torture, pregnancy, profanity, and graphic violence.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is Book 4.5 (a Novella) of the Lady of Darkness series. It does end on a cliffhanger. This is a new adult, dark fantasy romance novel. It features slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers troupes. Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy will fall in love with this series. This novella is Rayner's backstory. To avoid series spoilers, it should not be read until after reading Lady of Embers, book four.
Before he was the Fire Court Third, he was the Reaper, and before he was the Reaper, he was her Ash Rider, Moranna, the Baroness of a colony hidden away on the Southern Islands. She works tirelessly to keep some of the most powerful Fae of the realm safe from those who seek to use them for their gifts, or that's what Rayner has always believed.
When he learns the Baroness's darkest secrets, he finds nothing is as it seems, and he realizes he has more to fight for than he ever thought. Vowing to put an end to her and everything she has created on the islands, he finds himself the center of a curse as punishment for his rebellion. The path back to vengeance is wrought with violence, grief, and unexpected allies, and Rayner knows better than anyone that some nightmares never end. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Suitable for 18+ readers. May have triggers of love-hate themes, violence, sexual scenes, references to sexual assault/rape (not on page), death, depression, physical abuse, war, blood, hostages, infertility, kidnapping, sexually explicit scenes, miscarriage, murder, torture, pregnancy, profanity, and graphic violence.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is Book 4.5 (a Novella) of the Lady of Darkness series. It does end on a cliffhanger. This is a new adult, dark fantasy romance novel. It features slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers troupes. Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy will fall in love with this series. This novella is Rayner's backstory. To avoid series spoilers, it should not be read until after reading Lady of Embers, book four.
Before he was the Fire Court Third, he was the Reaper, and before he was the Reaper, he was her Ash Rider, Moranna, the Baroness of a colony hidden away on the Southern Islands. She works tirelessly to keep some of the most powerful Fae of the realm safe from those who seek to use them for their gifts, or that's what Rayner has always believed.
When he learns the Baroness's darkest secrets, he finds nothing is as it seems, and he realizes he has more to fight for than he ever thought. Vowing to put an end to her and everything she has created on the islands, he finds himself the center of a curse as punishment for his rebellion. The path back to vengeance is wrought with violence, grief, and unexpected allies, and Rayner knows better than anyone that some nightmares never end. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
October 8, 2023
”Promise me you won’t be alone anymore, Rayner.”
”I promise, Aravis.”, he whispered. “I promise.”
And he held his sister while she took her last breath, staring at the sunny sky with a smile on her face.
BRO JUST RIP MY GODDAMN HEART OUT 💔💔
But for real. Well deserving 5 stars. I just want to hug rayner so much and tell him he did everything he could because he did. His sisters are proud, I just know it in my heart.
This was such a dark and heartbreaking journey of the ash rider aka the reaper aka Rayner. I knew it would make me cry but damn I was sobbing so much. He deserves the whole world.
BUT lady’s and gentlemen is he a green flag? Hell yes because he ripped hearts, organs and limbs from the body of rapists scum. THIS IS THE STANDARD!
I also loved the little insights on him, “the thief” and the prince.
Also seeing my queen Talwyn as a cute little kid was my absolute highlight. She was adorable with sorin.
This was such a great as heartbreaking novella of Rayner’s past.
NOW we know why hes so attached to the little tula. She’s the sister he couldn’t safe.🥺
”I promise, Aravis.”, he whispered. “I promise.”
And he held his sister while she took her last breath, staring at the sunny sky with a smile on her face.
BRO JUST RIP MY GODDAMN HEART OUT 💔💔
But for real. Well deserving 5 stars. I just want to hug rayner so much and tell him he did everything he could because he did. His sisters are proud, I just know it in my heart.
This was such a dark and heartbreaking journey of the ash rider aka the reaper aka Rayner. I knew it would make me cry but damn I was sobbing so much. He deserves the whole world.
BUT lady’s and gentlemen is he a green flag? Hell yes because he ripped hearts, organs and limbs from the body of rapists scum. THIS IS THE STANDARD!
I also loved the little insights on him, “the thief” and the prince.
Also seeing my queen Talwyn as a cute little kid was my absolute highlight. She was adorable with sorin.
This was such a great as heartbreaking novella of Rayner’s past.
NOW we know why hes so attached to the little tula. She’s the sister he couldn’t safe.🥺
February 17, 2024
What an absolutely amazing little novella this was. To be able to understand the quiet and mysterious Rayner finally was great.
I always wondered about Rayner through out the Darkness series. His love and care for little Tula made no sense to me. But after reading this, my heart is filled with joy and heartache for what Rayner had to go through to become who he was in the Darkness Series.
Having a novella about characters that you knew had layers but they were never explained is always a great way for readers to make connections and truly get the character arc that the author was hoping to depict. Melissa did this so well. Like all her other books, the writing style was fabulous. The tricks and turns were there to keep you guessing and the emotions flowed. Even with it being short, I felt all the feels.
I read this book after the series had been completed. I wish I had read it before starfire and then I would have had a better understanding of so many things at the time. But now that I have read this it has answered all my questions surrounding our broody male.
Another five stars. Melissa can do no wrong in my books. Ever!
I always wondered about Rayner through out the Darkness series. His love and care for little Tula made no sense to me. But after reading this, my heart is filled with joy and heartache for what Rayner had to go through to become who he was in the Darkness Series.
Having a novella about characters that you knew had layers but they were never explained is always a great way for readers to make connections and truly get the character arc that the author was hoping to depict. Melissa did this so well. Like all her other books, the writing style was fabulous. The tricks and turns were there to keep you guessing and the emotions flowed. Even with it being short, I felt all the feels.
I read this book after the series had been completed. I wish I had read it before starfire and then I would have had a better understanding of so many things at the time. But now that I have read this it has answered all my questions surrounding our broody male.
Another five stars. Melissa can do no wrong in my books. Ever!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
5⭐️
"Let me save you."
Wow. While this was short, this novella is filled with heavy darkenss. Rayner has always been my favorite. I'm grateful that I got to hear his history and understand him more. I only wish for a happy ending for him. The writing from Melissa in this novella is powerful. She has captured the emotion that was intended and makes the reader feel it all.
This was not a cute happy story. It is dark. But I loved every moment of it.
"Let me save you."
Wow. While this was short, this novella is filled with heavy darkenss. Rayner has always been my favorite. I'm grateful that I got to hear his history and understand him more. I only wish for a happy ending for him. The writing from Melissa in this novella is powerful. She has captured the emotion that was intended and makes the reader feel it all.
This was not a cute happy story. It is dark. But I loved every moment of it.
December 19, 2023
The Lady of Darkness series is one of my favorite series of all time. I absolutely love these characters so much. With that being said, I did not feel like this story added much. We didn’t really get any behind the scenes looks at Rayner’s relationships with his sisters. When they died, I was sad for Rayner, but no more than I was when I found out about them in the actual series. But really, I don’t think we gained much of any new information to make this an outstanding read. Therefore, three stars is the best I could do.
February 3, 2025
Rayner is one of the only characters in this stinking series that I don’t actively dislike with a passion, so I’m really glad that this Novella was about him.
It’s a truly heartbreaking story from start to finish, but his comeuppance in the end almost - ALMOST - makes it worth it. It was interesting to finally learn his entire story, and to see what made him the way he is.
I mostly enjoyed the end where we got to see Sorin collecting those he keeps close, it was a nice little break from the constant turmoil this series is.
It’s a truly heartbreaking story from start to finish, but his comeuppance in the end almost - ALMOST - makes it worth it. It was interesting to finally learn his entire story, and to see what made him the way he is.
I mostly enjoyed the end where we got to see Sorin collecting those he keeps close, it was a nice little break from the constant turmoil this series is.
June 12, 2023
This novella was the perfect subject. We weren’t getting a lot about Rayner’s backstory and how he fit in with the group and this mapped out his life before coming to be a part of the fire court. It was a dark read, definitely gut-wrenching in parts. Some of the connections made between characters of the main series seemed really rushed to me. Like, they met and then BOOM right away they’re vowing to be a part of each others lives. It seems like there should have been more time for the characters to meet and get to know each other before deciding they would work together for the rest of their lives. That’s my only complaint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews