Crown of the Mist

The Ether Chronicles, Book 1

By: Zora Stone

Narrated by: Lauren Hilary

Bree Holloway has two rules: stay invisible, and never trust the mist that follows her everywhere.
Too bad the mist has other plans.

After years of dodging her abusive father and predatory landlords, Bree has perfected the art of disappearing. She works double shifts, keeps her head down, and ignores the silver mist that swirls around her like a storm cloud with abandonment issues.

It works—until a violent attack changes everything.

Gray, Rhett, Jace, Theo, and Wes—the five boys who once felt like home—rush in to protect her, just like they always would’ve if she hadn’t pushed them away. They’re steady, infuriating, and impossible to ignore… especially when the world starts shifting around her.

Something is stirring beneath the surface.
Something that pulls her toward an attic room that shouldn’t exist—
To a crown that calls her name in a voice she doesn’t recognize, but can’t ignore.

Power always comes with a price. And some truths are buried so deep, uncovering them might destroy everything she’s fought to rebuild.

The mist has been waiting for this moment.
The question is: will she be brave enough to find out why?

Crown of the Mist is the first book in The Ether Chronicles, a slow-burn why-choose fantasy romance featuring:

• A trauma survivor discovering her strength
• Five protective men with secrets of their own
• Found family that becomes chosen family
• Mist with serious attachment issues
• Magic that feels like coming home
• Romance built on healing, not fixing

Perfect for fans of magic that chooses you, love that doesn’t make you choose, and heroines who save themselves—with a little help from their devoted disaster squad.

©2025 Zora Stone (P)2026 Zora Stone

A Strong Start to a Promising Series

This was one of those books I genuinely enjoyed from start to finish. The narration was spot-on and really brought the story and characters to life. While this first book lays the groundwork for what’s to come, it never felt like a filler—there’s plenty of substance here. The characters are well developed, each with their own secrets and backstories that kept me fully engaged. I’m already eager to read—and listen to—the next book. Book 2 can’t come soon enough.

Horror

Great horror book. Very enjoyable and definitely a great listen. It's very well narrated and written. Definitely recommend this book.

Interesting story-Great narration

Intriguing story, told via the POVs of Bree and the boys, although I found it a little bit confusing to distinguish between all of them. Fantastic narration by Lauren Hilary, who gave all the characters distinctive voices.

Confusing Beginning, Mixed Feelings

This one was a bit confusing at the start—I honestly wondered if I’d accidentally jumped into the middle of the series because it took a while to figure out what was going on. By around chapter seven, things became clearer, but the story never fully clicked for me. I didn’t really connect with the main female character, which made it harder to stay invested, though I did find the male characters slightly more interesting.

The narration had a consistently tense, on-edge tone, which I’m guessing was intentional and fit the mood of the story. The narrator did a solid job conveying that atmosphere, even if it wasn’t quite my preference. Overall, this one just didn’t work for me, and I don’t feel especially drawn to continue exploring the mystery at this point.

Not a duet-style narration

Very slow paced book. You can tell that this will turn into a series. The first half of the book we learn about Bree backstory and her trauma. The second half did start to get a little better.
There is no spice in this book which surprised me a little.
The nariation was also interesting. There is only one female narrator in book that mostly has male characters.