the books
SMOKE & SHADOWS SERIES
BOOK 1
BOOK 2
BOOK 3
FATED SERIES
BOOK 1
meet the Author
Rachael Staudt is an indie fantasy author with a love for morally gray men, strong-willed women, and stories that will get you emotionally invested.
When she isn’t writing, Rachael can usually be found spending time with her people, binge-watching shows she’s already seen a hundred times, or hyperfixating on her latest hobby.
You can also find her on Hulu’s Are You My First? because who doesn’t love a little reality TV side quest?
Testimonials
MARIA
The Prince of Power & Lies
What a sequel. This book is everything-these characters, the plot and the world that the author created will stick with me for a long time. One of my favorite, if not my favorite, fantasy books I’ve read.
NATALIE ROSE
Fated Grey
I can’t begin to tell you how addicting this book was- I literally devoured it. The MMCs and FMC were some of the best characters I’ve read in a LONG time.
BRI JACOBS
The King of Smoke & Shadows
I am a MAJOR fan of the world Rachael has created! If you loved Fourth Wing, Spellcaster, Shield of Sparrows, or anything in that realm, you’ll absolutely LOVE this too.
Pronunciation
avelion: ay-v-lee-on
nazrelia: naz-rail-ee-uh
cyron: kai-ron
strellesia: stre-less-see-uh
Aexetan: ax-uh-tan
dreodorian: dree-oh-dor-ee-un
WHAT'S NEXT
With more stories on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to. The Phoenix of Flames and Freedom, the third book in the Smoke & Shadows series, arrives November 24, 2026. The Fated series will continue with Book Two, with even more stories still to come.