Sonnets and Serpents

Casters & Crowns, Book 2

By: Elizabeth Lowham

Narrated by: Jess Moran, Nick Mondelli

A cynical shapeshifter. A hopeful princess. A love they never saw coming.

Silas Bennett grew up in a kingdom where magic-users are persecuted, especially those with the rare ability to transform into animals. After discovering he could shapeshift into a serpent, Silas was nearly killed—only to escape to a neighboring kingdom where he could study and use his magic freely. Now, he is determined to become a professor at the university he calls home, even though he is only nineteen. But first he must distinguish himself in his research field by proving that legendary magic stealers exist.

Princess Eliza, a hopeless romantic inspired by sonnets and their promises of true love, refuses to believe her beloved Henry perished at sea. She will do whatever it takes to find him and bring him home—even if it means traveling to another country and asking for help from a shapeshifting outcast.

With Eliza’s relentless optimism pitted against Silas’s unyielding cynicism, the two enemies can’t seem to have a civil conversation. But when they are unexpectedly bound by a pair of magical bracelets, which can only be unlocked by a kiss of true love, they quickly discover that they’ll have to work together as they navigate different languages, their past prejudices and fears, and a blossoming relationship. When their search for the truth about magic stealers threatens both Silas’s magic and Eliza’s safety, the two must learn to be vulnerable and trust each other’s hearts.

©2025 Elizabeth Lowham (P)2025 Shadow Mountain Publishing

Amazing Narration

I adored the narrators! Dive into a world where love and fear collide, where connection battles betrayal, and where unlearning the dehumanization of others is a journey worth savoring. The storytelling is warm, sincere, and utterly compelling—an enjoyable light fantasy that captivates from start to finish.

With its fascinating world-building, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and a multitude of twists, 'SONNETS AND SERPENTS' will ensnare you in its grip, keeping you hooked until the very last breathless moment. It's an absolute delight!

Elizabeth has crafted a story that does more than just enchant—it makes you swoon and leaves you utterly spellbound. She has woven a rich fantasy realm, a captivating kingdom, an intriguing academic platform, and even a unique language, all brought to life through characters who feel authentic. They grapple with real problems, face judgment, overreact, regret, make mistakes, learn, and strive to do better.

Prepare for a journey that will entertain, move, and resonate long after the final page.

A beautifully woven story

I loved this book so much! Maybe even more than the first, and I LOVED Casters and Crowns. Thank you for writing this story Liz, I needed it

So innocently sweet

Sonnets and Serpents is absolutely beautiful; this story is so thoughtfully and elegantly written. Eliza and Silas’ journey completely stole my heart, delivering all the warmth, tenderness, and emotional depth of a truly heart-warming romance without relying on spice, which felt refreshing and perfect. It was genuinely a breath of fresh air in the genre. The dual narration by Jess Moran and Nick Mondelli was excellent, adding even more feeling and nuance to an already lovely story. This one is well worth both the read and the listen.