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Shadowblood Souls #5
Fearsome Dream
We are blood. And so are they...
We're finally free—and we intend to stay that way. But our most dangerous enemy has plans that could upend the entire world.
To carry out those plans, he's making more like us. More people twisted into something monstrous and forced to serve his psychotic ends.
My guys and I have to stop him. It's our only hope of getting the peace we've dreamed of—for us and everyone else we've come to care about.
But how can we even fight when the foes standing in our way... are shadowbloods just like us?
* Fearsome Dream is the final book in Shadowblood Souls, an urban fantasy series for those who love savagely possessive men and fierce heroines who'll fight for what's theirs.*
We're finally free—and we intend to stay that way. But our most dangerous enemy has plans that could upend the entire world.
To carry out those plans, he's making more like us. More people twisted into something monstrous and forced to serve his psychotic ends.
My guys and I have to stop him. It's our only hope of getting the peace we've dreamed of—for us and everyone else we've come to care about.
But how can we even fight when the foes standing in our way... are shadowbloods just like us?
* Fearsome Dream is the final book in Shadowblood Souls, an urban fantasy series for those who love savagely possessive men and fierce heroines who'll fight for what's theirs.*
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2023
856 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Eva Chase
124 books3,836 followersEva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 24, 2023
This book was really 2 stars, but I'm giving it 3 stars out of respect for the beginning of the series.
This is the final book in the Shadowbloods' story, and unfortunately, it was boring as hell. I struggled to get through this because it just didn't hold my attention. Truthfully, I think this series should have been a trilogy. It was about 2 books too long with too many villains and repetitive storylines (how many times was Riva & co captured? how many times did their plans fail?). What was particularly upsetting about this book is that they defeated the Big Bad relatively quickly (I think before 50%). The rest of the book was Shadowbloods fighting other Shadowbloods who had once been their friends. I'm not complaining that the Big Bad was finally defeated because frankly, he should have been taken down in the last book, but it was frustrating to just read more obstacles endlessly popping up. This series is just nonstop one-step-forward-three-steps-back. The Big Bad in the previous book, Balthazar, is a normal human and somehow he has been outsmarting this group of 6 superheroes with lethal powers for 1.5 books. It was unrealistic. Once again in this book, Riva has stupid plan after stupid plan. None of them ever work. As the reader, you know the plans won't work because Riva details the entire plan to the reader before the event takes place so you know what's supposed to happen...it's never what ends up actually happening. It just makes them look dumb. I'm not sure why every Eva Chase series seem to end with a "trap" plan. They basically always create monster mouse-traps which are just juvenile/obvious plans, rather than crafty or smart plans.
As I mentioned earlier, I was also bored while reading this book. This book was completely based on pushing the action/plot forward. The main characters had no interactions about anything other than to plan, scheme, and fight. In between all of this, there were about 4 chapters of mediocre sex scenes thrown in there. They were mediocre because the characters didn't really have any chemistry anymore because they did not interact at all or seem to be in a romantic relationship outside of their sex scenes. But anyways, that's all that happened: fighting, scheming, and occasional sex scenes. The one group sex scene with all 6 of them was confusing as fuck...I could not figure out who was where or doing what.
Anyways, this series started out so strong, but it should have been a trilogy. We did not need 4 Big Bad villains. Between the initial guardians they were on the run from, Clancy, Balthazar, and then the other Shadowbloods (Omar, Nadia, Cutler, etc.), it was just too much.
There was a sweet HEA at the end of it. I liked that chapter. I'm glad Riva and the guys finally found their place in normal life...god knows they deserve it after the author put them through getting outsmarted and constantly losing to numerous villains for 5 books.
This is the final book in the Shadowbloods' story, and unfortunately, it was boring as hell. I struggled to get through this because it just didn't hold my attention. Truthfully, I think this series should have been a trilogy. It was about 2 books too long with too many villains and repetitive storylines (how many times was Riva & co captured? how many times did their plans fail?). What was particularly upsetting about this book is that they defeated the Big Bad relatively quickly (I think before 50%). The rest of the book was Shadowbloods fighting other Shadowbloods who had once been their friends. I'm not complaining that the Big Bad was finally defeated because frankly, he should have been taken down in the last book, but it was frustrating to just read more obstacles endlessly popping up. This series is just nonstop one-step-forward-three-steps-back. The Big Bad in the previous book, Balthazar, is a normal human and somehow he has been outsmarting this group of 6 superheroes with lethal powers for 1.5 books. It was unrealistic. Once again in this book, Riva has stupid plan after stupid plan. None of them ever work. As the reader, you know the plans won't work because Riva details the entire plan to the reader before the event takes place so you know what's supposed to happen...it's never what ends up actually happening. It just makes them look dumb. I'm not sure why every Eva Chase series seem to end with a "trap" plan. They basically always create monster mouse-traps which are just juvenile/obvious plans, rather than crafty or smart plans.
As I mentioned earlier, I was also bored while reading this book. This book was completely based on pushing the action/plot forward. The main characters had no interactions about anything other than to plan, scheme, and fight. In between all of this, there were about 4 chapters of mediocre sex scenes thrown in there. They were mediocre because the characters didn't really have any chemistry anymore because they did not interact at all or seem to be in a romantic relationship outside of their sex scenes. But anyways, that's all that happened: fighting, scheming, and occasional sex scenes. The one group sex scene with all 6 of them was confusing as fuck...I could not figure out who was where or doing what.
Anyways, this series started out so strong, but it should have been a trilogy. We did not need 4 Big Bad villains. Between the initial guardians they were on the run from, Clancy, Balthazar, and then the other Shadowbloods (Omar, Nadia, Cutler, etc.), it was just too much.
There was a sweet HEA at the end of it. I liked that chapter. I'm glad Riva and the guys finally found their place in normal life...god knows they deserve it after the author put them through getting outsmarted and constantly losing to numerous villains for 5 books.
November 29, 2023
Honestly, this book is a 2…but I enjoyed the characters and the series for the most part I bumped it up.
Book 1 started off strong, I was hooked. Gave off the bonds that tie series vibes. The more the series went on though the less I loved it.
(Beware - spoilers below)
These poor people get captured then break free to then immediately get captured to then break free to then wait….get captured again. By book 5 I just needed a resolution but more plot was thrown into the mix. I was just done at this point.
Honestly, this series could have been so much better if condensed into 3 books rather than 5 and maybe reduce some of the plot that wasn’t necessary.
I do love the growing relationships between Riva and “her guys”. I like how she didn’t immediately forgive them all after book 1 as well. I loved Rollick too!
One thing that drove me crazy …. “We’re blood”….yes I know I have heard that saying probably once per chapter (okay I am being dramatic but AM I?). If this was thrown around less I would love the mantra, but it was overkill.
Also, can’t seem to find any fan art on instagram which is so sad because I need to see these depictions of Riva and the men!
Book 1 started off strong, I was hooked. Gave off the bonds that tie series vibes. The more the series went on though the less I loved it.
(Beware - spoilers below)
These poor people get captured then break free to then immediately get captured to then break free to then wait….get captured again. By book 5 I just needed a resolution but more plot was thrown into the mix. I was just done at this point.
Honestly, this series could have been so much better if condensed into 3 books rather than 5 and maybe reduce some of the plot that wasn’t necessary.
I do love the growing relationships between Riva and “her guys”. I like how she didn’t immediately forgive them all after book 1 as well. I loved Rollick too!
One thing that drove me crazy …. “We’re blood”….yes I know I have heard that saying probably once per chapter (okay I am being dramatic but AM I?). If this was thrown around less I would love the mantra, but it was overkill.
Also, can’t seem to find any fan art on instagram which is so sad because I need to see these depictions of Riva and the men!
August 9, 2024
2.5 ⭐
No soporte a la protagonista me tenía harta se la pasaba tomando decisiones estúpidas queriendo salvar a todos cuando claramente no se podía.
Por querer hacerse la heroína personas inocentes se estaban muriendo cuando la solución era clara.
La verdad que esta serie fácil pudo a haber sido una trilogía, los últimos 2 libros creo que estaban de más, alargaron la historia demasiado añadiéndo muchas cosas repetidas. Prácticamente era el mismo plot en todos los libros, los protagonistas queriendo huir y alguien más atrapandolos nuevamente.
No soporte a la protagonista me tenía harta se la pasaba tomando decisiones estúpidas queriendo salvar a todos cuando claramente no se podía.
Por querer hacerse la heroína personas inocentes se estaban muriendo cuando la solución era clara.
La verdad que esta serie fácil pudo a haber sido una trilogía, los últimos 2 libros creo que estaban de más, alargaron la historia demasiado añadiéndo muchas cosas repetidas. Prácticamente era el mismo plot en todos los libros, los protagonistas queriendo huir y alguien más atrapandolos nuevamente.
August 19, 2025
Ok so I didn't like this one as much as the others. It was okay but I feel like it was one book too many for this series.
April 23, 2024
Was okay, for the last book I found it okay.
A little less personality from the characters compared to the first couple of books.
There is steam and smut... but it was meh, and sometimes I had the "was that it" moment.
Anyway it ended with a sort of HEA...although to get there a lot of things happened that makes you think...really...that was the best solution. Really... that was the best twist in the plot. Really...is that the best pile up steam smut you could have... I mean, tentacles can do way more in that scene. A lot of really that's it moments for me 🤔
It's just...well, compare the angst and emotions in book 1 when she tries to die by train, to the emotions, etc, in this book, and it was just meh.
So 3.4 stars from me...meh 🤷🏿♀️
A little less personality from the characters compared to the first couple of books.
There is steam and smut... but it was meh, and sometimes I had the "was that it" moment.
Anyway it ended with a sort of HEA...although to get there a lot of things happened that makes you think...really...that was the best solution. Really... that was the best twist in the plot. Really...is that the best pile up steam smut you could have... I mean, tentacles can do way more in that scene. A lot of really that's it moments for me 🤔
It's just...well, compare the angst and emotions in book 1 when she tries to die by train, to the emotions, etc, in this book, and it was just meh.
So 3.4 stars from me...meh 🤷🏿♀️
October 27, 2023
Fearsome Dream by Eva Chase is an urban fantasy romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Amber Lee Connors and Adam Gold. This is the fifth and final book in the Shadowblood Souls series.
I absolutely loved this series! I couldn't help but binge the whole series in a week. Eva did a great job wrapping up the series. I loved the relationship between Riva, Jacob, Zian, Andreas, Griffin and Dominic. I really enjoyed getting all of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Amber and Adam did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this series if you're looking for an urban fantasy romances, why choose romances, or romantic suspense.
I absolutely loved this series! I couldn't help but binge the whole series in a week. Eva did a great job wrapping up the series. I loved the relationship between Riva, Jacob, Zian, Andreas, Griffin and Dominic. I really enjoyed getting all of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Amber and Adam did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this series if you're looking for an urban fantasy romances, why choose romances, or romantic suspense.
July 25, 2023
Okay. I loved this series as a whole.
**************
Spoilers Below
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But this final book felt so unnecessary to me. After Belthazar was killed and the shadowblood kids were basically freed, I saw no point in the kids remaining so evil that they went with the shadowblood convicts and continued to kill innocent people for really no reason but the convicts wanted to cause carnage. So many of the kids were killed and by the end, the ones that could be saved had to have their memories wiped. I sucked. They didn't remember their names or the connections and relationships they made (good for Nadia I guess because she doesn't remember Booker). Also WTF! Booker died!!! This gave me serious Divergent series flashbacks to stupid unnecessary death that didn't elevate the story to me (seriously, my sister and I still call Veronica Roth, She Who Shall Not Be Named for what she did to Tris and Four). I would have felt better if the battle with Belthazar was drawn out and the Firsts had to keep all the kids knocked out or even locked up until the Shadowkind found the serum cure. I still love the series but I wasn't fond of the turns this book too.
**************
Spoilers Below
**************
But this final book felt so unnecessary to me. After Belthazar was killed and the shadowblood kids were basically freed, I saw no point in the kids remaining so evil that they went with the shadowblood convicts and continued to kill innocent people for really no reason but the convicts wanted to cause carnage. So many of the kids were killed and by the end, the ones that could be saved had to have their memories wiped. I sucked. They didn't remember their names or the connections and relationships they made (good for Nadia I guess because she doesn't remember Booker). Also WTF! Booker died!!! This gave me serious Divergent series flashbacks to stupid unnecessary death that didn't elevate the story to me (seriously, my sister and I still call Veronica Roth, She Who Shall Not Be Named for what she did to Tris and Four). I would have felt better if the battle with Belthazar was drawn out and the Firsts had to keep all the kids knocked out or even locked up until the Shadowkind found the serum cure. I still love the series but I wasn't fond of the turns this book too.
July 24, 2023
Very Underwhelming 😟
I'm grateful this series is over, but I'm not quite satisfied with how it ended.
I felt like Eva had some of the best writing I've seen in years! I devoured all her series of books that tied into Riva's story.
There were always so many raw and emotional roller-coaster effects throughout every book, on top of a huge surprise factor in each book.
Fearsome Dream felt rushed to get the bad guy killed, and it played out without any surprise or intrigue. Then, the last half of the book felt like a bunch of sloppy extras thrown together to create some type of ending everyone.
It was quite boring and very slow to get through, but I had to finish it after ready so many other series of books to get to this end.
I feel so sad and disappointed that this book just didn't have the WOW factor in it like all the other books.
Maybe Eva was just more engrossed in writing her new series, to put the time and effort into this last book.
IDK?
If this was the first book, I would never have given the other books a chance.
But it did have some good moments.
In my opinion, it just needed more thorough thought planning than what I felt I got out of it.
I'm grateful this series is over, but I'm not quite satisfied with how it ended.
I felt like Eva had some of the best writing I've seen in years! I devoured all her series of books that tied into Riva's story.
There were always so many raw and emotional roller-coaster effects throughout every book, on top of a huge surprise factor in each book.
Fearsome Dream felt rushed to get the bad guy killed, and it played out without any surprise or intrigue. Then, the last half of the book felt like a bunch of sloppy extras thrown together to create some type of ending everyone.
It was quite boring and very slow to get through, but I had to finish it after ready so many other series of books to get to this end.
I feel so sad and disappointed that this book just didn't have the WOW factor in it like all the other books.
Maybe Eva was just more engrossed in writing her new series, to put the time and effort into this last book.
IDK?
If this was the first book, I would never have given the other books a chance.
But it did have some good moments.
In my opinion, it just needed more thorough thought planning than what I felt I got out of it.
August 14, 2023
2.5 but the series brings it to a 3. There was so much repetition when there could have been story advancements. Riva’s inner dialogue was tedious.
I enjoyed having the characters from the original series show up, but overall it was just kind of an unnecessary book, except for the HEA. It could’ve been all of book 4, edited of course and achieved the same end.
I enjoyed having the characters from the original series show up, but overall it was just kind of an unnecessary book, except for the HEA. It could’ve been all of book 4, edited of course and achieved the same end.
December 5, 2025
3.1 ☆
kindle unlimited
𝜗𝜚 tropes: forbidden romance | slow burn | second chance romance | rejected mates | fated mates | reverse harem 𝜗𝜚
ngl, rollick is the main reason i finished this series lmaooo. i love him. pearl, too. but in all seriousness, i really do believe this was unbelievably drug out. easily could’ve been 3 books like i said in my last review. i’m kinda overjoyed im done with this now.
riva really got on my nerves the last few books, but she did improve here. kinda, i guess. the story was wrapped up in a horrible way. i didn’t like the whole shadowkids gone rouge part at all. it mostly made no sense. happy they finally got freedom though. period.
𝜗𝜚 reaction:
okayy, rivas training with her borrowed power. they’re in southern spain. ROLLICK MY LOVE. it’s only been one day since they fled. they can all use rivas power without making a sound. toni’s still with them. pearllll. sorsha, ruse, & toni. omg. her necklace, toni got rivas necklace back. otto balthazar. toni was close with willa & peter )): toni was in love with willa. peter was shot. no. i’m sick. monsters tore willa apart. all the shadowkind are so fucking cool. balthazar is using criminals from prisons to turn them into hybrids. i hope they can save the younger shadowbloods. they’re going after otto first. no. he’s gonna have shadowblood use their powers & blame the shadowkind. she’s gonna borrow griffins power to find balthazar. griffin pov. matteo’s experiments didn’t work on griffin. balthazar is in tunisia. he’s in the middle of going somewhere else. on a plane or helicopter. no. the army launched an attack. fuck. omg. five key cities around the world. i am sick. they’re going to london to help. god i hope it works. they’re uncovering survivors. she told the cops otto’s the one who did it. zian pov. they know where the kids are being held. the army hit four more major cities. they’re planning to attack his mountain base. oh. he’s asking pearl for sex advice. OH. okay. well. he’s trying to breed riva. LMAO. stop. shadowkind can’t have kids but shadowbloods can. i just know it. they’re going to the mountain in the morning. three more attacks. i really hope whoever she slid the note too in the last book comes through. second time she’s mentioned balthazar to someone. lance & crag? why are they asking if rivas used her powers on her friends or the shadowbloods? oh. rollick wants to make sure her power works on shadowbloods. she agreed. what’s lances story? it takes more of her power to use against shadowkind. she broke lances finger. toni & pearl. they’re at the mountain. omg. the doors open. they’re almost in. did they find him? pls don’t let this be a trap. no. he hit a button. a shriek. fuck. NADIA. DEVON. TEGAN. he upgraded their powers. no. fuck. fuck. fuck. balthazar got away. no. fuck. i can’t believe he’s using the kids. there’s been another attack. no. soldiers. they’re wearing iron gear. andreas pov. he’s turned his whole room invisible. he’s pushing himself farther. now he’s practicing his stealth. pls don’t let him get stuck. toni): she suggested wiping his memories. balthazar is staying in the air most of the time. he moved the younger shadowbloods. shadowkind are dying. ajax is in china. omg she can head ajax in her mind. no. the kids are being drugged. turning them angry & violent. what is riva thinking now? jacob pov. they’re going to ask the fucking guardians for help? nooo. riva wants to use them. perioddd. rollicks so impressed with rivas plan. OMG. PEARL. yayyy. omg. one of balthazar’s men said something of the guardians. one of his biggest failures had to do with the guardians. omg. she got her hands on matteo. he set up a meeting with the guardians thinking balthazar would be pleased. omggg. they’re gonna convince the guardians that otto is working against them. omg. jacob has to set the plan in motion. they’re already back from the destruction. they’re staying in a cabin for the night, awhhh. a break. they deserve it. she finally got hour lemonade. she’s eavesdropping on rollick. his girl quinn. awhhh. steels throwing a fit. the shadowbloods think it’s odd they wanna use the guardians. ruse is gonna use his powers on riva & her guys to make sure their intentions are good? okay. they’re all good. toni’s gonna help omg. i ship pearl & toni. dom pov. lance is at his door. rollick wants him to practice. he can take from shadowkind, it’s just a bit harder. he’s gotta use his power on riva. he can take easiest from shadowbloods. rollick wants to talk to dom alone? omg. sorsha can burn doms tentacles away. omg. for when this is all over. the guardianship made plans to meet balthazar. he’s bringing the shadowkids with him. balthazar planted evidence that the firsts fled to freedom. that he had no hand in their capture. richmond’s there. shit. he’s there. he’s using a human shield. part of his prisoner shadowbloods are there. they have cuffs on too. nadia, booker, & devon are there. shit. they’re attacking. YES. balthazar is dead. woooo. oh. nadia burned their invisibility away. shit. the shadowblood are mad he’s dead. no. shit. shit. this is going horribly. no. what. why does nadia think that? i’m so pissed. booker believes riva. shit. they’re leaving to continue doing what they’re been doing. omg. booker & another girl stayed. thank fuck. zian pov. they’re in china. saving ajax. rivas investigating an office. ajax is safe. they’re breaking things. omg. the kids tho im sick. omggg. they’re talking of babies in the future. the other shadowbloods are attacking. fuck. okay. they’re going after them in the states. griffin pov. they’re in tennessee. that’s horrifying, pls stay away from me. griffin can’t get through their anger. shit. all the kids are out there. wtf. cutler is the main prisoner. i hate him so bad. omar. what is happening? the monster hunters have found them. someone called the cops. shit. that went horribly. billy my love. riva pov. they’re in a hotel. balthazar messed with the serum & made those kids more aggressive. i just know it. oh jesus. the shadowkind have leaders. bc ofc they do. the highest. oh jesus. rivas gonna stick the other shadowbloods in prison. they’re gonna capture them. shit. okay. they’re doing it. fuck. i’m scared. no. there’s a giant man snake one. with no ears. it doesn’t affect him. shit. STEEL NO. no. one of the devices is off. shit. shit. shit. pls. willows dead. no.tegans dead. booker. no. pls. no. booker. no. nadia. fucking nadia. all the guys are okay. shit. sorsha has vertigo now. pearls okay. thank fuck. omg. they’re so surprised that the firsts fought for the shadowkind. against the shadowbloods. toni’s there omg. no. they slaughtered fifty people. i’m sick. shit. she’s decided to take them down. i am sick. they’re back at the facility. what is riva planning? andreas pov. omg. andreas reversed whatever balthazar did to the boy. keith iis his name. andreas took all the angry memories out. bethany. pls let this work on everyone. it didn’t work for her. their plan is working. the word is spreading. guardians are coming. stop. ribs looks at sorsha as a mom. no fuck. shit. nadia): they know it’s a trap. dom pov. i’m terrified. they knocked the ones that cared out. no. andreas. what’s happening? the tentacles are done growing. he loves them now. no. riva. i’m so scared. what does cutler mean? they won’t get them all? shit. they left the instructions & serums behind. along with some others. shit. she paralyzed cutler. she got nadia down. fuck. pls. pls let it be over. sorsha burned the facility down. they got out. the last rouges are dead. i love seeing the kids happy omg. ajax & devon omg. omar’s doing so well. nadiaaa. she’s alive. sorsha my love. rollick. pearl & toni. CANON PEARL X TONI. omggg what’s happening. omg. rollicks gonna start a training facility. A SCHOOL. omg. they can finally be free. san francisco. one year later. dom has a garden. they live in a penthouse. jacob just listens to cop scanners & helps them take down bad guys lmao. jet?? andreas is writing a book. zian is an electrician. griffin volunteers at the hospital. riva volunteers at the learning center. mekah)): omg. dom wants to volunteer too. he kept his tentacles. he can put them back in his body. they go back & forth from the penthouse to the shadow academy. in new mexico. pearllll. nadia goes to another school. toniiii. omar’s doing good. they’re all doin so well. nadia. omg. omg. nadia’s going on a date. she got to go to typical high school. the monster hunters are gone. an antidote. i’m sick. i’m so happy for them. omg. their powers are reverting. they’re going clubbing? doms reading a why choose. LMAOOO.
𝜗𝜚 quotes:
- His companion looks equally intimidating with the square, stony jaw that juts from his face even more strikingly than the rest of his burly physique. It’s not hard to see the gargoyle in Crag even when he’s in human-like form.
- A flicker of doubt crosses Lance’s face. “The scream—it doesn’t make people do things under your control, does it?”
- “I know a little something about being most valued when you’re unseen. But I also know you can erase yourself too much and regret it.”
- Probably the thing I like most about the demon is the fact that he appreciates my woman’s brutal side as much as I do.
- There hasn’t been a whole lot of peace in our lives, but my talent lets me amplify those impressions and intensify them. I pour all the serenity I can summon in a deluge toward the forty or so figures stalking the suburban roads. The wave of calm sweeps toward them, propelled by my will—and smacks into their fury as if their anger is a solid wall of flame. The rage disintegrates my efforts before the emotions I’m projecting even start to penetrate it.
- This is our family. Our blood. And we’re finally truly free. What we’re doing here doesn’t just have the feeling of a party—it’s outright rejoicing. We’ve built something together in the past year. Something that’s by us and for us, exactly the way it should be.
kindle unlimited
𝜗𝜚 tropes: forbidden romance | slow burn | second chance romance | rejected mates | fated mates | reverse harem 𝜗𝜚
ngl, rollick is the main reason i finished this series lmaooo. i love him. pearl, too. but in all seriousness, i really do believe this was unbelievably drug out. easily could’ve been 3 books like i said in my last review. i’m kinda overjoyed im done with this now.
riva really got on my nerves the last few books, but she did improve here. kinda, i guess. the story was wrapped up in a horrible way. i didn’t like the whole shadowkids gone rouge part at all. it mostly made no sense. happy they finally got freedom though. period.
𝜗𝜚 reaction:
okayy, rivas training with her borrowed power. they’re in southern spain. ROLLICK MY LOVE. it’s only been one day since they fled. they can all use rivas power without making a sound. toni’s still with them. pearllll. sorsha, ruse, & toni. omg. her necklace, toni got rivas necklace back. otto balthazar. toni was close with willa & peter )): toni was in love with willa. peter was shot. no. i’m sick. monsters tore willa apart. all the shadowkind are so fucking cool. balthazar is using criminals from prisons to turn them into hybrids. i hope they can save the younger shadowbloods. they’re going after otto first. no. he’s gonna have shadowblood use their powers & blame the shadowkind. she’s gonna borrow griffins power to find balthazar. griffin pov. matteo’s experiments didn’t work on griffin. balthazar is in tunisia. he’s in the middle of going somewhere else. on a plane or helicopter. no. the army launched an attack. fuck. omg. five key cities around the world. i am sick. they’re going to london to help. god i hope it works. they’re uncovering survivors. she told the cops otto’s the one who did it. zian pov. they know where the kids are being held. the army hit four more major cities. they’re planning to attack his mountain base. oh. he’s asking pearl for sex advice. OH. okay. well. he’s trying to breed riva. LMAO. stop. shadowkind can’t have kids but shadowbloods can. i just know it. they’re going to the mountain in the morning. three more attacks. i really hope whoever she slid the note too in the last book comes through. second time she’s mentioned balthazar to someone. lance & crag? why are they asking if rivas used her powers on her friends or the shadowbloods? oh. rollick wants to make sure her power works on shadowbloods. she agreed. what’s lances story? it takes more of her power to use against shadowkind. she broke lances finger. toni & pearl. they’re at the mountain. omg. the doors open. they’re almost in. did they find him? pls don’t let this be a trap. no. he hit a button. a shriek. fuck. NADIA. DEVON. TEGAN. he upgraded their powers. no. fuck. fuck. fuck. balthazar got away. no. fuck. i can’t believe he’s using the kids. there’s been another attack. no. soldiers. they’re wearing iron gear. andreas pov. he’s turned his whole room invisible. he’s pushing himself farther. now he’s practicing his stealth. pls don’t let him get stuck. toni): she suggested wiping his memories. balthazar is staying in the air most of the time. he moved the younger shadowbloods. shadowkind are dying. ajax is in china. omg she can head ajax in her mind. no. the kids are being drugged. turning them angry & violent. what is riva thinking now? jacob pov. they’re going to ask the fucking guardians for help? nooo. riva wants to use them. perioddd. rollicks so impressed with rivas plan. OMG. PEARL. yayyy. omg. one of balthazar’s men said something of the guardians. one of his biggest failures had to do with the guardians. omg. she got her hands on matteo. he set up a meeting with the guardians thinking balthazar would be pleased. omggg. they’re gonna convince the guardians that otto is working against them. omg. jacob has to set the plan in motion. they’re already back from the destruction. they’re staying in a cabin for the night, awhhh. a break. they deserve it. she finally got hour lemonade. she’s eavesdropping on rollick. his girl quinn. awhhh. steels throwing a fit. the shadowbloods think it’s odd they wanna use the guardians. ruse is gonna use his powers on riva & her guys to make sure their intentions are good? okay. they’re all good. toni’s gonna help omg. i ship pearl & toni. dom pov. lance is at his door. rollick wants him to practice. he can take from shadowkind, it’s just a bit harder. he’s gotta use his power on riva. he can take easiest from shadowbloods. rollick wants to talk to dom alone? omg. sorsha can burn doms tentacles away. omg. for when this is all over. the guardianship made plans to meet balthazar. he’s bringing the shadowkids with him. balthazar planted evidence that the firsts fled to freedom. that he had no hand in their capture. richmond’s there. shit. he’s there. he’s using a human shield. part of his prisoner shadowbloods are there. they have cuffs on too. nadia, booker, & devon are there. shit. they’re attacking. YES. balthazar is dead. woooo. oh. nadia burned their invisibility away. shit. the shadowblood are mad he’s dead. no. shit. shit. this is going horribly. no. what. why does nadia think that? i’m so pissed. booker believes riva. shit. they’re leaving to continue doing what they’re been doing. omg. booker & another girl stayed. thank fuck. zian pov. they’re in china. saving ajax. rivas investigating an office. ajax is safe. they’re breaking things. omg. the kids tho im sick. omggg. they’re talking of babies in the future. the other shadowbloods are attacking. fuck. okay. they’re going after them in the states. griffin pov. they’re in tennessee. that’s horrifying, pls stay away from me. griffin can’t get through their anger. shit. all the kids are out there. wtf. cutler is the main prisoner. i hate him so bad. omar. what is happening? the monster hunters have found them. someone called the cops. shit. that went horribly. billy my love. riva pov. they’re in a hotel. balthazar messed with the serum & made those kids more aggressive. i just know it. oh jesus. the shadowkind have leaders. bc ofc they do. the highest. oh jesus. rivas gonna stick the other shadowbloods in prison. they’re gonna capture them. shit. okay. they’re doing it. fuck. i’m scared. no. there’s a giant man snake one. with no ears. it doesn’t affect him. shit. STEEL NO. no. one of the devices is off. shit. shit. shit. pls. willows dead. no.tegans dead. booker. no. pls. no. booker. no. nadia. fucking nadia. all the guys are okay. shit. sorsha has vertigo now. pearls okay. thank fuck. omg. they’re so surprised that the firsts fought for the shadowkind. against the shadowbloods. toni’s there omg. no. they slaughtered fifty people. i’m sick. shit. she’s decided to take them down. i am sick. they’re back at the facility. what is riva planning? andreas pov. omg. andreas reversed whatever balthazar did to the boy. keith iis his name. andreas took all the angry memories out. bethany. pls let this work on everyone. it didn’t work for her. their plan is working. the word is spreading. guardians are coming. stop. ribs looks at sorsha as a mom. no fuck. shit. nadia): they know it’s a trap. dom pov. i’m terrified. they knocked the ones that cared out. no. andreas. what’s happening? the tentacles are done growing. he loves them now. no. riva. i’m so scared. what does cutler mean? they won’t get them all? shit. they left the instructions & serums behind. along with some others. shit. she paralyzed cutler. she got nadia down. fuck. pls. pls let it be over. sorsha burned the facility down. they got out. the last rouges are dead. i love seeing the kids happy omg. ajax & devon omg. omar’s doing so well. nadiaaa. she’s alive. sorsha my love. rollick. pearl & toni. CANON PEARL X TONI. omggg what’s happening. omg. rollicks gonna start a training facility. A SCHOOL. omg. they can finally be free. san francisco. one year later. dom has a garden. they live in a penthouse. jacob just listens to cop scanners & helps them take down bad guys lmao. jet?? andreas is writing a book. zian is an electrician. griffin volunteers at the hospital. riva volunteers at the learning center. mekah)): omg. dom wants to volunteer too. he kept his tentacles. he can put them back in his body. they go back & forth from the penthouse to the shadow academy. in new mexico. pearllll. nadia goes to another school. toniiii. omar’s doing good. they’re all doin so well. nadia. omg. omg. nadia’s going on a date. she got to go to typical high school. the monster hunters are gone. an antidote. i’m sick. i’m so happy for them. omg. their powers are reverting. they’re going clubbing? doms reading a why choose. LMAOOO.
𝜗𝜚 quotes:
- His companion looks equally intimidating with the square, stony jaw that juts from his face even more strikingly than the rest of his burly physique. It’s not hard to see the gargoyle in Crag even when he’s in human-like form.
- A flicker of doubt crosses Lance’s face. “The scream—it doesn’t make people do things under your control, does it?”
- “I know a little something about being most valued when you’re unseen. But I also know you can erase yourself too much and regret it.”
- Probably the thing I like most about the demon is the fact that he appreciates my woman’s brutal side as much as I do.
- There hasn’t been a whole lot of peace in our lives, but my talent lets me amplify those impressions and intensify them. I pour all the serenity I can summon in a deluge toward the forty or so figures stalking the suburban roads. The wave of calm sweeps toward them, propelled by my will—and smacks into their fury as if their anger is a solid wall of flame. The rage disintegrates my efforts before the emotions I’m projecting even start to penetrate it.
- This is our family. Our blood. And we’re finally truly free. What we’re doing here doesn’t just have the feeling of a party—it’s outright rejoicing. We’ve built something together in the past year. Something that’s by us and for us, exactly the way it should be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
Such a disappointment after a strong finish. Many inconsistencies and it felt very rushed.
September 13, 2023
Book: Fearsome Dream
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Eva Chase
Narrator: Amber Lee Conners and Adam Gold
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Reverse Harem
Main Characters: Jacob, Riva, Andreas, Zian, Dom and Griffin
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
What a great ending to this series:)
I waited for the audio to come out before I finished it.
“I know a little something about being most valued when you’re unseen. But I also know you can erase yourself too much and regret it.”
Dom is still my main squeeze! I loved him as an Mc. There wasn’t as much spice in this as I would have liked, but the spice it did have was nice.
Probably the thing I like most about the demon is the fact that he appreciates my woman’s brutal side as much as I do.
I very much enjoyed this! I wanted Riva to have a happy ending:)
“Everything you can give me,” I reply. His choked sound of need spills across my spine with a huff of breath.
Highly recommend.
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Eva Chase
Narrator: Amber Lee Conners and Adam Gold
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Reverse Harem
Main Characters: Jacob, Riva, Andreas, Zian, Dom and Griffin
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
What a great ending to this series:)
I waited for the audio to come out before I finished it.
“I know a little something about being most valued when you’re unseen. But I also know you can erase yourself too much and regret it.”
Dom is still my main squeeze! I loved him as an Mc. There wasn’t as much spice in this as I would have liked, but the spice it did have was nice.
Probably the thing I like most about the demon is the fact that he appreciates my woman’s brutal side as much as I do.
I very much enjoyed this! I wanted Riva to have a happy ending:)
“Everything you can give me,” I reply. His choked sound of need spills across my spine with a huff of breath.
Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Since there isn't an omnibus bundling the series together, I will write my review for the entire series here. Book one started strong, interesting start, I didn't like the romance aspect of it because of how cruel and abusive the love interests were being, going so far as to push Riva to But despite that, I kept reading, because the pacing and tension was really good. I wanted to know more about this world and the strange magic/mutations. Did I get what I asked for? Not really. This series follows a pattern, of Riva & Co being on the run from the Big Bad, getting captured, murdering the Big Bad, escaping, getting captured almost immediately again, new Big Bad appears, rinse repeat over and over. Honestly there was so much repetition, this book could've been a duology or a trilogy, but these 5 books were way too much. It also made Riva & Co seem really dumb because all of their "plans" were terrible and never worked out. These people couldn't muster together one functioning plan. I wanted less repetition and more worldbuilding. This series is definitely more a plot-driven story than a character-driven one, and it sucked because the plot we actually got was just the same plot repeated every book. Also, this final book had the worst pacing in the entire series, because the latest Big Bad And I really didn't see the point of this entire book, to be honest. The conflict could've been resolved in the last book already and this entire book wasn't necessary. There was so much pointless melodrama. I'm over it. I normally don't do these kind of ratings at the end of my reviews, but there were so many aspects of this series that either didn't work for me or deserve a mention. If the pacing hadn't been so good, for the first 4 books at least, I would've dropped this series way sooner, but I was committed to see it through to the end.
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ stars for the first 4 books, ⭐ star for book 5.
Characters: ⭐ star for book one, ⭐⭐ stars for the rest of the series.
Plot: ⭐ star because of all the endless repetition.
Worldbuilding/Magic: ⭐⭐ stars. Interesting, should've been explored more.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Spice was spicy, but kinda boring? And that 6-way orgy made no sense whatsoever.
Overall rating for the series: ⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ stars for the first 4 books, ⭐ star for book 5.
Characters: ⭐ star for book one, ⭐⭐ stars for the rest of the series.
Plot: ⭐ star because of all the endless repetition.
Worldbuilding/Magic: ⭐⭐ stars. Interesting, should've been explored more.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Spice was spicy, but kinda boring? And that 6-way orgy made no sense whatsoever.
Overall rating for the series: ⭐⭐
October 8, 2025
What I gathered/took from that 5 book series that I read was basically like, it’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life or your next steps as long as you do what’s right to you in that time and you have your people who you can actually trust to lean on. That not every relationship is perfect but with determination and commitment you can get through anything together. That there is always going to be people trying to hold you back but you can’t let their negativity and abuse taint your happiness. That anger clouds your judgement and eats away at you if you can’t find an outlet through it.
Riva, Jacob, Zian, Andreas, Dominic, and Griffin. Each with their own personality and power. I loved their dynamic, the back story, how they hated her in the beginning and realized they were manipulated. Overall I give this series 4 out of 5 stars. It was a good level of smut and romance and plot balance. If I had to give any changes I would say that this series could have easily been 3 books instead of 5. The book that frustrated me the most was them being captured in the island (book 3?). I felt like there was a few battle scenes that were dragged on. I also feel like it would have made the intensity and the character development better if Riva went through more/worse trauma than the guys when she was in the fighting rings. I loved the dispare that jacob put her through and how he fought so hard to make amends (especially the severed hand scene). Although on the smut aspect she seemed to lean the most towards Andreas and Dominic, would have liked to see more equality between them all.
I LOVEDDDD the cross over with Sorsha and her men but where was the hellhound?!? I read this series a few months ago and did not realize the connection until the actual word “Shadow kind” was brought up and then the connection came together. It was so nice that Sorsha made an appearance and seeing them all together in this book. I also really liked the ending how they had Dominic reading a book about another reverse harem (that is another book Eva is publishing haha).
All in all, every book that I have read by Eva Chase I have loved. My top favorite has to be the series with “Wolves of spring, Raven of Winter, and Rats of murk”, and I’m back and forth about “Flirting with Monsters” and this series “Shattered Vows” But still enjoyed them both! I will definitely be continuing to read more of her books!!
Riva, Jacob, Zian, Andreas, Dominic, and Griffin. Each with their own personality and power. I loved their dynamic, the back story, how they hated her in the beginning and realized they were manipulated. Overall I give this series 4 out of 5 stars. It was a good level of smut and romance and plot balance. If I had to give any changes I would say that this series could have easily been 3 books instead of 5. The book that frustrated me the most was them being captured in the island (book 3?). I felt like there was a few battle scenes that were dragged on. I also feel like it would have made the intensity and the character development better if Riva went through more/worse trauma than the guys when she was in the fighting rings. I loved the dispare that jacob put her through and how he fought so hard to make amends (especially the severed hand scene). Although on the smut aspect she seemed to lean the most towards Andreas and Dominic, would have liked to see more equality between them all.
I LOVEDDDD the cross over with Sorsha and her men but where was the hellhound?!? I read this series a few months ago and did not realize the connection until the actual word “Shadow kind” was brought up and then the connection came together. It was so nice that Sorsha made an appearance and seeing them all together in this book. I also really liked the ending how they had Dominic reading a book about another reverse harem (that is another book Eva is publishing haha).
All in all, every book that I have read by Eva Chase I have loved. My top favorite has to be the series with “Wolves of spring, Raven of Winter, and Rats of murk”, and I’m back and forth about “Flirting with Monsters” and this series “Shattered Vows” But still enjoyed them both! I will definitely be continuing to read more of her books!!
September 1, 2023
Ok
I may be being harsh, but I had a hard time getting through this series. The first 2 books were fine. I felt like the characters were being well developed and the plot was moving along. At the end of book 2 there is a huge step back. I feel like the author regressed the story. Sure, it was a different person and a different place (I won't give details so I don't spoil it for you). But basically the story went right back to the beginning. At that point I just felt irritated that book 3 was just a repeat... Different circumstances, but basically the same plot bringing our characters back to square one.
As the series continued, I started skimming just to get through it. I felt like Riva just got weird. I won't say she became weak physically, but her mental state turned her into a bipolar mess. When the shadowbloods start their crime spree, and it takes a third event for her to realize she may have to take them out, I felt more irritated because I couldn't understand why she was so concerned about the "criminals" and not the people who were being harmed (or murdered). I understood her giving them a chance, but it took her way too long to wake up and do what needed to be done. Then, it seems like Riva and the other sane shadowbloods can't seem to get anything right. All of a sudden it appears that the powers everyone was in awe of in the first few books are now useless and our "heroes" can't seem to wield those powers correctly anymore. They are all of a sudden uncoordinated and unable to think. It was really weird and it aggravated me.
I can't say the story line was awful or poorly written. The series just didn't work for me. I have read a lot by this author and normally love her series. I really struggled through this one hoping the author would get it right. In my opinion, that never happened. I was disappointed.
I may be being harsh, but I had a hard time getting through this series. The first 2 books were fine. I felt like the characters were being well developed and the plot was moving along. At the end of book 2 there is a huge step back. I feel like the author regressed the story. Sure, it was a different person and a different place (I won't give details so I don't spoil it for you). But basically the story went right back to the beginning. At that point I just felt irritated that book 3 was just a repeat... Different circumstances, but basically the same plot bringing our characters back to square one.
As the series continued, I started skimming just to get through it. I felt like Riva just got weird. I won't say she became weak physically, but her mental state turned her into a bipolar mess. When the shadowbloods start their crime spree, and it takes a third event for her to realize she may have to take them out, I felt more irritated because I couldn't understand why she was so concerned about the "criminals" and not the people who were being harmed (or murdered). I understood her giving them a chance, but it took her way too long to wake up and do what needed to be done. Then, it seems like Riva and the other sane shadowbloods can't seem to get anything right. All of a sudden it appears that the powers everyone was in awe of in the first few books are now useless and our "heroes" can't seem to wield those powers correctly anymore. They are all of a sudden uncoordinated and unable to think. It was really weird and it aggravated me.
I can't say the story line was awful or poorly written. The series just didn't work for me. I have read a lot by this author and normally love her series. I really struggled through this one hoping the author would get it right. In my opinion, that never happened. I was disappointed.
March 15, 2024
FINALLY.
This series got so repetitive, and I almost wish it was a trilogy. The middle books are unnecessary, and they're like "we're trapped" and "we never get to rest", but they're always on or inside each other to "relax", and they don't do a lot of research on the actual task at hand. So it's a no wonder they don't have adequate information on what they're getting into.
I love the way Eva Chase writes, but this book was everywhere. The series especially.
Riva is a great character. In fact they all are--until the last few books. They kind of morph into one person and the guys, who were their own person in the first book, just became playthings for Riva. Also, it's like they forgot what their own powers do. And some of the decision they made felt like it was just to lengthen out the plot. The plot in which I was really looking forward to (since I don't like spicy scenes) from the first book, but it fell so flat. And there were so many needless deaths and not a lot of time to process them. I don't know. This one wasn't for me at all. I was so excited, but everything fell flat.
Also, they're supposed to be super powerful, right? But they keep getting trapped or attacked or beaten by kids who haven't had as much time to craft their powers and abilities. ESPECIALLY now that our main group can share their powers. They should have no difficulty whatsoever taking down almost anything thrown at them.
I'm not sure if I'll be reading more books by Eva Chase, but if you're into polyamory, spicy scenes, and a sprinkle of dark fantasy/scifi, this is the book for you.
This series got so repetitive, and I almost wish it was a trilogy. The middle books are unnecessary, and they're like "we're trapped" and "we never get to rest", but they're always on or inside each other to "relax", and they don't do a lot of research on the actual task at hand. So it's a no wonder they don't have adequate information on what they're getting into.
I love the way Eva Chase writes, but this book was everywhere. The series especially.
Riva is a great character. In fact they all are--until the last few books. They kind of morph into one person and the guys, who were their own person in the first book, just became playthings for Riva. Also, it's like they forgot what their own powers do. And some of the decision they made felt like it was just to lengthen out the plot. The plot in which I was really looking forward to (since I don't like spicy scenes) from the first book, but it fell so flat. And there were so many needless deaths and not a lot of time to process them. I don't know. This one wasn't for me at all. I was so excited, but everything fell flat.
Also, they're supposed to be super powerful, right? But they keep getting trapped or attacked or beaten by kids who haven't had as much time to craft their powers and abilities. ESPECIALLY now that our main group can share their powers. They should have no difficulty whatsoever taking down almost anything thrown at them.
I'm not sure if I'll be reading more books by Eva Chase, but if you're into polyamory, spicy scenes, and a sprinkle of dark fantasy/scifi, this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
As a book, this one was not my favorite of the series. Things started to get repetitive, and this book in particular, was more about the fighting than the characters I felt. But over all, this had a fantastic conclusion to the series and I would recommend. I had hoped to have more to say, but honestly, I'm just satisfied. I really enjoyed how short the books were. It made it incredibly easy for someone like me, with a short attention span to stay engaged and enjoy a 5 book series read back to back. Typically, with longer series, I'm lucky to make it 2 or 3 books before I need to take a break and read something different. But not with the shadow blood series. But with this book in particular, I was hoping for more with their freedom that they worked so hard for. Maybe something along the lines of discovering who they were without the control of others, or seeing them accomplish dreams. But instead they just fought... a lot. And even though what they were fighting for made sense, I was really hoping for more, which is why I say it became very repetitive. Even still, I would recommend this series to anyone dipping their toes into romantasy. I think it is a great starter series with not a whole lot of world building as its more urban and little to no political aspects. I'd call it more paranormal than fantasy as well. Great for beginners nonetheless. As for more advance paranormal/ romantasy readers, it’s a great palette cleanser. If you're looking for deep, in depth fantasy this is not it.
February 23, 2024
shadow blood series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eva Chase you are Wonder Woman.
The hard work, devotion and time you have put into this truly incredible series. Can’t thank you enough.
Now we have had the shadowkind from the heart of a monster series with Quinn and her men (monsters) so if you haven’t read it then you should as then you will recognise half the characters that play apart in this next part to the world of shadow kind.
Which then brings you to the world of shadow blood and their one crazy and scary journey they have been on with the help of some of the shadow kind.
If your into films like x-men then this is a series you can enjoy.
Eva Chase is an incredible writer and her work is always done to perfection. But this series for me is her best work ever!
You can see how much time, effort and dedication she’s put into this series. It’s been a privilege to read and in a way been part of the series yourself.
A world where very few humans are aware of these monsters. But still these monsters fight for a life they deserve and will do anything they can to get that. There are always bad guys and obstacles that get in the way but sticking together with the people (monsters) blood make it worth it.
This has been one of the most passionate and powerful reads I’ve read in a while. It’s been addictive, chaotic, crazy, fun and wild. Just a selective few words to describe this series.
It’s a huge must read from me 10/10. Outstanding!
Eva Chase you are Wonder Woman.
The hard work, devotion and time you have put into this truly incredible series. Can’t thank you enough.
Now we have had the shadowkind from the heart of a monster series with Quinn and her men (monsters) so if you haven’t read it then you should as then you will recognise half the characters that play apart in this next part to the world of shadow kind.
Which then brings you to the world of shadow blood and their one crazy and scary journey they have been on with the help of some of the shadow kind.
If your into films like x-men then this is a series you can enjoy.
Eva Chase is an incredible writer and her work is always done to perfection. But this series for me is her best work ever!
You can see how much time, effort and dedication she’s put into this series. It’s been a privilege to read and in a way been part of the series yourself.
A world where very few humans are aware of these monsters. But still these monsters fight for a life they deserve and will do anything they can to get that. There are always bad guys and obstacles that get in the way but sticking together with the people (monsters) blood make it worth it.
This has been one of the most passionate and powerful reads I’ve read in a while. It’s been addictive, chaotic, crazy, fun and wild. Just a selective few words to describe this series.
It’s a huge must read from me 10/10. Outstanding!
December 20, 2025
Fearsome Dream (Shadowblood Souls Book 5)
Fearsome Dream (Shadowblood Souls Book 5) ~~ This final book brings everything full circle ~ blood, power, love, and the fight for a future that was almost stolen from them. Freedom is finally within reach, but holding onto it may be the most dangerous battle yet.
Riva stands fully in her strength here, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see how far she’s come from the girl sold into underground fights. The relationships are deeper, stronger, and tested one last time against enemies who refuse to let go of control.
There’s action, emotional payoff, and closure that feels deserved. Not everything is perfect ~ and that’s what makes the ending work. It honors the trauma, the mistakes, and the growth without pretending the past didn’t happen.
I finished this one switching between Kindle and Audible, and both formats delivered a powerful ending that stuck with me long after the last page.
This was a dark, emotional, unforgettable journey from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself ~ you won’t regret it.
Fearsome Dream (Shadowblood Souls Book 5) ~~ This final book brings everything full circle ~ blood, power, love, and the fight for a future that was almost stolen from them. Freedom is finally within reach, but holding onto it may be the most dangerous battle yet.
Riva stands fully in her strength here, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see how far she’s come from the girl sold into underground fights. The relationships are deeper, stronger, and tested one last time against enemies who refuse to let go of control.
There’s action, emotional payoff, and closure that feels deserved. Not everything is perfect ~ and that’s what makes the ending work. It honors the trauma, the mistakes, and the growth without pretending the past didn’t happen.
I finished this one switching between Kindle and Audible, and both formats delivered a powerful ending that stuck with me long after the last page.
This was a dark, emotional, unforgettable journey from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself ~ you won’t regret it.
July 13, 2025
This series started off so strong and I was really invested in Riva and her guys at first. But it took me awhile to finish this series becasue as it went on, all I felt was frustration. The plot and really everything else just felt so repetitive and dragged out. Even Balthazar’s death didn’t feel satisfying. Like all that build up for that? He was killed so easily in a moment where Riva could’ve done the same thing in plenty of other scenarios, so I was expecting something bigger.
And then after that, the whole mind corruption thing with the kids? Ugh. By that point, I was already checked out. Honestly, I really wish I could DNF books more easily because halfway through this series I was already thinking about it. But at the same time, I wanted to give it a fair chance because the start was so good and I’m just terrible at DNF-ing because I always feel like I need to see it through.
So yeah, this probably could’ve been wrapped up in three books or something. And I really wanted more from the reverse harem aspect. It didn’t scratch that itch like I thought it would, it was kind of underwhelming for me honestly and everything in between just felt kind of stagnant.
And then after that, the whole mind corruption thing with the kids? Ugh. By that point, I was already checked out. Honestly, I really wish I could DNF books more easily because halfway through this series I was already thinking about it. But at the same time, I wanted to give it a fair chance because the start was so good and I’m just terrible at DNF-ing because I always feel like I need to see it through.
So yeah, this probably could’ve been wrapped up in three books or something. And I really wanted more from the reverse harem aspect. It didn’t scratch that itch like I thought it would, it was kind of underwhelming for me honestly and everything in between just felt kind of stagnant.
November 12, 2023
I loved most of this series I did, but I did not think it warranted 5 books. It was almost frustrating how I had to force myself to keep reading certain parts, I actually hit a slope in book 4 because I was starting to tire of the same drama that kept getting dragged out. Characters locked up again, the kids getting relocated or put into danger once more. It takes forever for them to escape AGAIN only for another problem to arise. Things could have been shortened without the story losing integrity.
I’m not saying this series wasn’t Amazing because it really was, but I’ll be honest and say first 3 books I couldn’t put ANY of them down. Fourth and fifth book, I had to literally FORCE myself to pick it up and continue. Because I was getting bored, I loved the characters, I loved the sweet intimate moments she had with the men, but I was just tired of everything ELSE being dragged out.
Don’t get me wrong I’ve read long series where I’ve LOVED every moment and didn’t tire of the characters and the drama, but this series feels like an essay that you write and have to make the word count, so you fluff it up with filler words and other stuff to make it make the cut. That’s what this felt like. It wasn’t bad at all and I reiterate I LOVE the characters, they are the reason I kept reading because I was determined to see them get a good ending…I was just ready to read THAT happy ending a book or two ago.
Not to mention we’ve waited 4 books for the big bad to get his due diligence only for HIM to meet his end in the most anti-climatic way?There was so much potential in this writing, I have so much adoration towards the characters. But I’m left unsatisfied.
And it’s not the first time I’ve encountered this feeling/problem with this author’s work. I love her writing and her work, her craft and characters, she always has amazing and unique stories to tell but I often feel like she has a habit of dragging things out in them.
The ending itself was almost melancholic, I loved our main characters and how their epilogue sort of went but something was missing. It was absolutely a bitter sweet ending, a happy one to a degree but I’m not sure I enjoyed the lead up to it.
Despite all this I do plan on reading the story that Rollick is in as well as the one Sorcha is in. I read this series out of order, but those character have me charmed and I hope their story will be equally as charming as they are. Fingers crossed I won’t be hitting any slopes in theirs.
Here’s some trigger warnings for this story.
There are shadowblood kid and teens and a LOT of them die. Who am I kidding most of them Die.
It was heart breaking at first, because some of my favorites straight up get murdered but then it keeps happening, and then you just kind of stop caring. The kids were literal cannon fodder at this point and it was frustrating. Just don’t get attached to them I guess and you won’t care.
I can’t stress how stupid it was for them to be continuously brought into the battle field. Not just by the baddies because of course they are going to do it. But Riva letting them go with her because they insist. I adore her character, but that was just stupid.
The whole situation with Nadia was DEPRESSING, but I knew from book 3 that one of them was going to die. I would have been shocked and impressed if they hadn’t. But ugh it feels bitter sweet that Nadia was able to maybe find someone else but also sad because Booker? He was such a sweetheart and I just didn’t enjoy the whole situation with them.
I’m not saying this series wasn’t Amazing because it really was, but I’ll be honest and say first 3 books I couldn’t put ANY of them down. Fourth and fifth book, I had to literally FORCE myself to pick it up and continue. Because I was getting bored, I loved the characters, I loved the sweet intimate moments she had with the men, but I was just tired of everything ELSE being dragged out.
Don’t get me wrong I’ve read long series where I’ve LOVED every moment and didn’t tire of the characters and the drama, but this series feels like an essay that you write and have to make the word count, so you fluff it up with filler words and other stuff to make it make the cut. That’s what this felt like. It wasn’t bad at all and I reiterate I LOVE the characters, they are the reason I kept reading because I was determined to see them get a good ending…I was just ready to read THAT happy ending a book or two ago.
Not to mention we’ve waited 4 books for the big bad to get his due diligence only for HIM to meet his end in the most anti-climatic way?There was so much potential in this writing, I have so much adoration towards the characters. But I’m left unsatisfied.
And it’s not the first time I’ve encountered this feeling/problem with this author’s work. I love her writing and her work, her craft and characters, she always has amazing and unique stories to tell but I often feel like she has a habit of dragging things out in them.
The ending itself was almost melancholic, I loved our main characters and how their epilogue sort of went but something was missing. It was absolutely a bitter sweet ending, a happy one to a degree but I’m not sure I enjoyed the lead up to it.
Despite all this I do plan on reading the story that Rollick is in as well as the one Sorcha is in. I read this series out of order, but those character have me charmed and I hope their story will be equally as charming as they are. Fingers crossed I won’t be hitting any slopes in theirs.
Here’s some trigger warnings for this story.
There are shadowblood kid and teens and a LOT of them die. Who am I kidding most of them Die.
It was heart breaking at first, because some of my favorites straight up get murdered but then it keeps happening, and then you just kind of stop caring. The kids were literal cannon fodder at this point and it was frustrating. Just don’t get attached to them I guess and you won’t care.
I can’t stress how stupid it was for them to be continuously brought into the battle field. Not just by the baddies because of course they are going to do it. But Riva letting them go with her because they insist. I adore her character, but that was just stupid.
The whole situation with Nadia was DEPRESSING, but I knew from book 3 that one of them was going to die. I would have been shocked and impressed if they hadn’t. But ugh it feels bitter sweet that Nadia was able to maybe find someone else but also sad because Booker? He was such a sweetheart and I just didn’t enjoy the whole situation with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
Eh
Summary:
Would I recommend this series?
Kinda, I would definitely recommend reading the first three. But, the last two leave much to be desired.
Would I recommend this author?
Yes she's amazing!
Spice level: 2.5/5
My review:
The series itself was alright, but I personally feel like the author lost her love for the series around the fourth book.
The first two made my heart ache and I devoured them over the course of two days. It has taken me three weeks to read the rest which is unheard of in my life. I was determined to at least finish them, hoping the feeling would eventually come back to the story.
Don't get me wrong, the author is amazing, her skill for writing blows me away! Its the whole reason I finished the series and will continue to read her books. But, this could have easily been put into four books. This last one drones on to the point I was skipping CHAPTERS, not just pages for SOMETHING to happen.
The ending left me feeling okay, but there was so much middle and not enough climax or ending. The biggest part of the story felt rushed.
Summary:
Would I recommend this series?
Kinda, I would definitely recommend reading the first three. But, the last two leave much to be desired.
Would I recommend this author?
Yes she's amazing!
Spice level: 2.5/5
My review:
The series itself was alright, but I personally feel like the author lost her love for the series around the fourth book.
The first two made my heart ache and I devoured them over the course of two days. It has taken me three weeks to read the rest which is unheard of in my life. I was determined to at least finish them, hoping the feeling would eventually come back to the story.
Don't get me wrong, the author is amazing, her skill for writing blows me away! Its the whole reason I finished the series and will continue to read her books. But, this could have easily been put into four books. This last one drones on to the point I was skipping CHAPTERS, not just pages for SOMETHING to happen.
The ending left me feeling okay, but there was so much middle and not enough climax or ending. The biggest part of the story felt rushed.
October 20, 2023
Book five of five.Another fantastic RH series from Eva Chase! Huge fan of Riva and her men, and a nice BIG harem of 5 this time too! The six of them combined have some serious skills, held captive by a powerful organisation and all teamed together until one escape attempt goes horribly wrong and Riva is removed from the others.
I am not a fan of bully romances, and struggled a little with this first book as there was a LOT of angst and pain, and refusal to accept that perceptions of what happened might have been twisted to fit a master plan none of them were aware of. It takes a good few missions, long discussions, heroic moments and even an almost ending before the men realise what they could be sabotaging.
This is a SLOOOOW burn for Eva, and not my fave but once they get there, they really do get there, and the plot within a plot within an even bigger plot was impressive.
I am not a fan of bully romances, and struggled a little with this first book as there was a LOT of angst and pain, and refusal to accept that perceptions of what happened might have been twisted to fit a master plan none of them were aware of. It takes a good few missions, long discussions, heroic moments and even an almost ending before the men realise what they could be sabotaging.
This is a SLOOOOW burn for Eva, and not my fave but once they get there, they really do get there, and the plot within a plot within an even bigger plot was impressive.
May 19, 2024
Not even worth a review, but it is worth a few warnings:
-MMCs are not redeemable. They straight up torture the FMC in the first book & never actually redeem themselves from there. Their personalities are so flat I’m still not invested enough to know who is who.
-the amount of detailed animal mutilation/torture/murder is uncomfortable. Like, I get it. They need to practice & animals are (I guess) the only option, but it’s a lot. And it is always detailed? Why do we need to hear how she snaps bones & years skin every single time? I was already cringing then they brought in a cat & I was DONE.
-there only needed to be 2 books. That’s it. the three in the middle are all exactly the same. Try to escape, think they escape, recapture, get tortured, torture animals, talk about insecurities, repeat.
I usually love this authors books, but this series went from bad to traumatizing.
-MMCs are not redeemable. They straight up torture the FMC in the first book & never actually redeem themselves from there. Their personalities are so flat I’m still not invested enough to know who is who.
-the amount of detailed animal mutilation/torture/murder is uncomfortable. Like, I get it. They need to practice & animals are (I guess) the only option, but it’s a lot. And it is always detailed? Why do we need to hear how she snaps bones & years skin every single time? I was already cringing then they brought in a cat & I was DONE.
-there only needed to be 2 books. That’s it. the three in the middle are all exactly the same. Try to escape, think they escape, recapture, get tortured, torture animals, talk about insecurities, repeat.
I usually love this authors books, but this series went from bad to traumatizing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
Fantastic series with a bitter sweet ending
Awesome way to end this fantastic series.
The story with balthazar is brought to an end in a most satisfying manner. What happens with the rouge shadowbloods wreaking havoc on the world is filled with twists and turns and so much action that it did not disappoint. The emotional turmoil that Riva and her men had to continue to deal with and work through was heart breaking at times but made the story. It is hard to save everybody and Riva tries to work plans but not everyone makes it to the end
I really enjoyed the book. I highly recommend this book and series. Riva and her men get there happy ending 🥰🥰
Eva Chase has written a great story 😍
Awesome way to end this fantastic series.
The story with balthazar is brought to an end in a most satisfying manner. What happens with the rouge shadowbloods wreaking havoc on the world is filled with twists and turns and so much action that it did not disappoint. The emotional turmoil that Riva and her men had to continue to deal with and work through was heart breaking at times but made the story. It is hard to save everybody and Riva tries to work plans but not everyone makes it to the end
I really enjoyed the book. I highly recommend this book and series. Riva and her men get there happy ending 🥰🥰
Eva Chase has written a great story 😍
March 16, 2025
Spice: 2/5
While I’ve enjoyed the series overall, this book felt like a bit of a letdown, especially after book 4 could’ve ended it with slight adjustments. It seemed repetitive and didn’t add much to the overarching story, with some events feeling out of place for the characters. Although there was finally a true full group scene, I was left wanting more, particularly in terms of the romance, which took a backseat in this installment. The lack of chapters from the guys' perspectives made it difficult to fully connect with the group dynamic. That said, I was glad to see the Shadowbloods get the happy ending they deserved after all their struggles, which provided a nice sense of closure, even if the book as a whole didn’t feel as essential.
While I’ve enjoyed the series overall, this book felt like a bit of a letdown, especially after book 4 could’ve ended it with slight adjustments. It seemed repetitive and didn’t add much to the overarching story, with some events feeling out of place for the characters. Although there was finally a true full group scene, I was left wanting more, particularly in terms of the romance, which took a backseat in this installment. The lack of chapters from the guys' perspectives made it difficult to fully connect with the group dynamic. That said, I was glad to see the Shadowbloods get the happy ending they deserved after all their struggles, which provided a nice sense of closure, even if the book as a whole didn’t feel as essential.
August 29, 2025
As I embarked on the final installment of this very fun ride, I found myself glad that first book had caught my attention with that gorgeous cover, as this has been a blast.
This was a fun and necessary installment; Chase manages to advance both the plot and the relationship/s, throw in more mysteries and precarious predicaments, even higher stakes, and eventually pack it all up.
Plus, attempting / plotting, etc. to rescue kids—packs lots of feels and is chock-full of fun scheming.
Overall:
Fun, really nice advancement and wrap-up for this series. Appreciate the inclusion of the bonus epi as well.
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
Decent audio with flawless overall sound quality and good narration. 4 stars on this end.
This was a fun and necessary installment; Chase manages to advance both the plot and the relationship/s, throw in more mysteries and precarious predicaments, even higher stakes, and eventually pack it all up.
Plus, attempting / plotting, etc. to rescue kids—packs lots of feels and is chock-full of fun scheming.
Overall:
Fun, really nice advancement and wrap-up for this series. Appreciate the inclusion of the bonus epi as well.
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
Decent audio with flawless overall sound quality and good narration. 4 stars on this end.
October 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 **3.5 Stars — Bittersweet but beautiful finale**
Fearsome Dream brings Riva and her men’s journey to an emotional, bittersweet close. I’ve absolutely loved this series from start to finish, and while I’m sad to see it end, I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting finale.
The ending hits all the right emotional notes — hopeful, heartfelt, and just the tiniest bit heartbreaking because saying goodbye to these characters is tough. Riva and her men have completely captured my heart, and watching how far they’ve come together was so rewarding.
What an amazing ending to an incredible series. If you’ve followed Riva’s story this far, prepare to feel all the feels — this final chapter is worth every page.
Fearsome Dream brings Riva and her men’s journey to an emotional, bittersweet close. I’ve absolutely loved this series from start to finish, and while I’m sad to see it end, I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting finale.
The ending hits all the right emotional notes — hopeful, heartfelt, and just the tiniest bit heartbreaking because saying goodbye to these characters is tough. Riva and her men have completely captured my heart, and watching how far they’ve come together was so rewarding.
What an amazing ending to an incredible series. If you’ve followed Riva’s story this far, prepare to feel all the feels — this final chapter is worth every page.
July 12, 2023
Final battle .... with Riva and her guys
The end of this journey....and, what a journey it has been throughout. Nothing was predictable at all. One thing I would like to point out about Eva Chase's writing is how relatable and realistic the story comes off as, even when it has supernatural elements. Nothing was over the top or dramatic or unbelievable.
This journey has given us so many emotions, happiness, anxiety through their struggles, sadness and heartache whenever one of the characters felt them too. I loved it, every bit of this.
It was more than satisfying read. Definitely recommend.
The end of this journey....and, what a journey it has been throughout. Nothing was predictable at all. One thing I would like to point out about Eva Chase's writing is how relatable and realistic the story comes off as, even when it has supernatural elements. Nothing was over the top or dramatic or unbelievable.
This journey has given us so many emotions, happiness, anxiety through their struggles, sadness and heartache whenever one of the characters felt them too. I loved it, every bit of this.
It was more than satisfying read. Definitely recommend.
July 12, 2023
Dreams can come true
This final saga continues with the shadowbloods needing to work together with the shadowkind to stop the violence. This is a great wrap-up to the series with teamwork being the theme working with strong allies and finding a good strategy and plan. There is plenty of action and having to figure out where some loyalties lie while trying to save all who want to be saved, whether they realize it or not.
Another awesome and powerful read with great characters, I was fully engaged from beginning to end. This is a series not to be missed. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
This final saga continues with the shadowbloods needing to work together with the shadowkind to stop the violence. This is a great wrap-up to the series with teamwork being the theme working with strong allies and finding a good strategy and plan. There is plenty of action and having to figure out where some loyalties lie while trying to save all who want to be saved, whether they realize it or not.
Another awesome and powerful read with great characters, I was fully engaged from beginning to end. This is a series not to be missed. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
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