Shadow & Brimstone

by Magaidh Dunbroch

For two hundred years, Andraste has walked the Faedoroth, alone and undisturbed. Revered by the clansmen she cared for. She wanted for nothing, aside from the years she couldn’t seem to remember.

When the reverence of the clansmen becomes blasphemy, Andraste finds herself pulled from the Faedoroth and deposited into the Underworld. Bound to its ruler and the bidding of the tyrannical Gods of the Pantheon. Stripped of her home, power, memories, and way of life, she learns there is more at play than she imagined. Making her less of a pawn in their game, instead, the queen.

When tricks fail, dread rules.A 2nd edition rewrite of A Voice like Shadow and Brimstone published 2021.

Genres: Fantasy

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2023

Reviews

[Jasmien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the incredible honour to receive an ARC for this Hades and Persephone retelling from the author.

It's the first time I get to review a book before It's actually released. Needless to say, I was very excited.

Just look at this gorgeous cover art!

The excitement only continued when the first pages of the book already had me wanting more.

Andraste and her world intrigued me, and before I knew it I was on page 30 already. Then this amazing adventure took some unexpected turns and before I knew it I was 300 pages into our Hades and Persephone adventure already!

The author does an incredible job at describing the characters, their powers and the world around them.

Also, the tension between characters is killing me!!

Delicious plot twists, revelations and schemes surround this love story and I am here for it! Would definitely recommend

[Krystle Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did receive this arc book from the author for a review. This book was a non-stop whirl wind of a ride and does not stop. This is a Hades and a Persephone retelling which I love. The world building is absolutely amazing with the Underworld and Faedoroth. The author puts so much care in detail on settings and on what’s going on in the story telling. It makes it more fantastical. This is a very character driven book with Andraste and Gaelyn. There is also side characters that are important to the story telling. I would totally recommend this roller coaster of a book! I can’t wait for the next one! This is a dark fantasy romance book.

[Shelly Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. I'm a sucker for a Hades and Persephone retelling. And when it comes from an author that is as talented as Magaidh, how can you not read it? I was blown away with her first book and so reading the second book in this series was obvious.

Andraste is our main female character. She loses her memory early on. While she tries hard to remember she just can't. She stumbles upon Lord Death in the village one day, and he takes her to Lord God. She is told if she doesn't submit, he will be thrown into the pit to fight against a unknown individual for her life. The depth of this character blew me away. And the growth, I'm here for it. You literally watch this woman grow into the strong, confidant woman she was meant to be.

Andraste and Gaelyn are an incredible pair. I love this connection formed between these characters. I could not get enough.

I have come to love the way that this author has the ability to draw you in to a story. The world building makes you feel like you could be a part of this world. She is so detailed and descriptive. The plot is well thought out and developed. The twist and turns she brings have you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

This story is dark and compelling. Make sure you are aware of the trigger/content warnings before you proceed.

Go get this book!

Happy Reading Ya'll

[Danielle Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely Hades & Persephone retelling, I really enjoyed the magical concept it was very unique.

Andraste who is the FMC had the most amazing interesting gift, I’ve never read anything like it really but I loved it! Incorporating singing with magic was very captivating that had me hooked from the start. I loved seeing her character grow into a strong independent woman.

Gaelyn (Lord Death) who is the MC I did struggle to connect with him more, but as I dived deeper into the story his character really showed, and his relationship with Andraste was very sweet I expected him to be cruel given he is lord death but he’s actually the opposite. My only criticism is it’s very long! However, this story kept me guessing and I’m looking forward to reading the second book to see where their journey leads!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC 🙂

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Brimstone by Magaidh Dunbroch is the first book I’ve read by this author but holy smokes it won’t be the last. This book was fan-freaking-tastic!!! I read it cover to cover and I loved every second of it. This is a Hades and persephone retelling; I loved all the little twists and turns this book took me on. It was masterfully written to the point I could see everything in great detail as I worked my way through it.

The story’s main characters are Andraste and Gaelyn. I seriously loved the tension between the both of them and fell even more as the story progressed. Before I knew it I was finished with the book!!! I loved all the detail that Magaidh was able to put into everything, even the side characters were amazing! Andraste was such a strong independent woman and she was amazing. Gaelyn had the touch her and die vibe and I ate it up! Fantastic!!!! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, it’s a great fun and interesting read.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For the world and characters
5 out of 5 crowns 👑👑👑👑👑

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so very good, but so very long! If you're looking for full immersion into a fantasy setting, I recommend this! Andraste is a no-nonsense girl whose village worshipped her as a goddess. Forced to leave that life behind, she finds herself bonded to the God of the Dead, living in the Underworld. Still under the thumb of the tyrannical Lord God, she has to navigate this new world and somehow come out the victor.

I thought the plot was well developed, along with great characterization. Andraste and Gaelyn, her new husband, are interesting and unique. I enjoyed the supporting characters, and the storyline kept me interested. I look forward to more in this series!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark fantasy whirlwind Hades and Persephone retelling. I was given the chance to read this arc and WOW!! Fast paced, always something happening and the world building! Especially around the underworld oh my god I would love it there!! The author takes such great care to build an exact image of the world and the characters and it just allows for instant immersion in the story. I could not put this book down. I read it all in one day I was hooked from the very beginning.

Im also a sucker for a bit of touch them and die romance 😍

[Ashlynn Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!! I LIVE for the character development of Andraste. Going from a powerful, lonely woman practicing a craft dedicated to another goddess to someone who worships herself and BECOMES her craft… whew. I love a strong female. Gaelyn is just all in all perfect. Scary intimidating teddy bear is my best way to describe him. Touch her and die vibes but the sweetest thing to ever be in the underworld. I’m obsessed with the writing of this book, how it develops and the world building, and the characters. I just could not get enough of it.

[Destinedtoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um Hades & Persephone retell ??? I THINK ABSOLUTELY YES YES YES ! The world building is amazing & the details makes me feel like I’m there in the Underworld and Faedoroth. Can I move now ?? Andraste is my favorite & the way her character builds is so astonishing! We love a strong female and GAELVN SIRRRRRRR👀 Touch her & die vibes for sure! Imma need moreeeeeeeeeeeee this was so good! Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!

[Vashtir Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have things planned to do for the day then don’t start this book because you won’t get anything done other than finishing this book. I managed to cook and eat breakfast, do the dishes, then that’s all I really remember before diving into this wonderful adventure. I was lost in the realm the author set before me. With every turn of the page my appetite for more of the story was pleasantly fulfilled and teased to leave me craving more.

[Jeremey Place · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, intriguing, romance and drama. Amazing story with compelling characters and plot development. A story for the ages.

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives me Greek mythology vibes but the characters are Fae. We are following Andraste as she is forced from her life protecting her people to marry the Fae God of the Underworld. While she is there she discovers a mystery that she is determined to solve. People are not who they seem and lies and deception are around every corner. This book takes a bit to get into the action but it is soooooooo worth it. This book is good for someone who likes a mystery to solve, Greek mythology influences and a steamy romance plot.

[Mamabookowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's a good fantasy book without a power-hungry god, some fantastical creatures, and a power couple? Shadow & Brimstone by Magaidh Dunbroch has all this and more.


Something weird is going on and the trickster god Dhallios is definitely behind it. The past two hundred years is the furthest back Lord Death and his Queen can remember, and they've been around much longer than that; I mean, they're gods after all. 


Alongside Lord Death and his wife, Andraste, the reader is part of the mysterious ride of why their memories seem to be blurry and missing. Not only that, but we get to see how the beautiful romance between the Underworld rulers started and grows.


I recommend checking out Magaidh Dunbroch’s books if you enjoy mythology and dark fantasy. Shadow & Brimstone should be read after Tears of Silver Shadows.

[DebbieDoesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when an author gives me more than I could have ever expected from a book. I was expecting just regular fantasy romance and what I got instead was this fantastic character driven story. And story telling will always be my most favorite thing in books. I found myself completely engrossed in this world and I didn't want to leave.

[Literary Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read if you love a Greek mythology vibe!

This was a fantastic read, I have read two books by this author and wasn’t able to put them down! I love this hades and Persephone retelling because while it keeps to the vibe it is unique in its own right. You fall in love with all the characters. This books gives off some he falls first vibes, fated mates vibes, empowerment vibes, and some animal besties you will LOVE! Seriously. Great read!

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magaidh’s ability to  tell a story is wonderful.  I can always envision the Faedoroth because of the storytelling and world building. I was engaged from the beginning as we are introduced to Andraste. And can I just say that Andraste as a character is  chef’s kiss.  She embodies strength and resilience and she is someone you want at your side and to have your back.  


Gaelyn is swoonworthy!  He embodies love and support and his contradictions are what make him so likeable.  He is the god of the underworld but is full of surprises.  Andraste and Gaelyn together remind me of Prince Charming and Snow White from OUAT.  They always find each other and when they are at each other’s side, each one is stronger.  


I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Katrina Lawrenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great. A Greek retelling that hooks you from the start and leaves you wanting more. Very well written and full of intriguing details. Highly recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy or Greek mythology stories.

[bookishthoughtsbyjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

Magaidh knocked it out of the park with this Persephone retelling.

We’ve got world building, forbidden love, herbalism enemies to lovers 😉

I will say that I did struggle to get through this one to no fault of the authors, the world building was flawless and I’ve said it before but her transitions are so clear I’m just dyslexic. So where as I normally finish a novel this size in a day or 2, it took me longer which I appreciate because it’s sticking to me longer!

I really did love this book and will be recommending to everyone

[Jessica Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I have a lot of intricate thoughts. First of all, I am insanely attached to these characters. For me, that is a huge accomplishment… Gaelyn is fantastic as a MMC, my only real critique of the characters is that I wanted to see more of him. It felt like every time he showed up, he was gone in a few pages. The story got really interesting and layered at the end! The writing reminded me of Throne of Glass in that it started with action after action and not a ton of build up, but by the end, she hit her sweet spot! Would definitely recommend!

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Brimstone and so much MORE!

A captivating dark fantasy that twists and turns, revealing answers that spring into new questions... Thoroughly enjoyed it and can hardly wait for the next book!

[Virginia Frick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, I do not even know where to begin! After reading the first book I honestly did not think I could love this book as much. Boy was I wrong! The retelling of Hades and Persephone was so amazing and such an great book to read.

To start, we have our MFC Andraste, who is trying desperately to regain her memories that she knows are there she just can not quite reach inside her mind. She is the keeper of the woods she calls home, which are protected by magical wards that only allow herself and a few other in and loved by the clansmen that she cares for. She helps train the new apothecary mistress when as a last wish by her grandmother before she passes. She helped a young man names Torbin realize his love and talent.

We next meet Gaelyn, or Lord Death as we learn. He is in the village with the clansmen and their families, Andraste was on her was with herbs that she felt they would need, she felt they wer4e under attack. She didn’t expect to see what was waiting for her. The Fae Gods had come for her, they would not allow her to continue to grow in her followers and become more powerful than they were. He gave her a choice, she ends their lives peacefully, or they face a harsh death. She did what they ask, she sang them to sleep. Then she was taken to meet her fate, in the underworld.

Now we are getting to the good part  you read? OK she is forced into a fight for her life, she had to face the dark elf, she thought that she was alone but, she wasn’t. There was one there who helped her without her even knowing. And when she needed it, she realized what she had said. Now, she was to get her punishment, she was to be bound to Gaelyn in the underworld, A fate she thought was worse than death.

Now fast forward, Andraste head out of the underworld for a task that she must complete in order to gain her life back. She meets Lyari Queen named Flare who she hopes to form an alliance in an effort to grow her arm again the Fae Gods. After the Queen is forced to face the betrayal of her mate and his effort to overthrow her rule, she rides with Andraste to the underworld to meet her fate, she is to be turned over as part of the deal.

There is so much more I want to say but I do not what this review to turn into a book.

Could what started out as a punishment turn in to something more? Will Gaelyn and Andraste continue to rule the underworld together? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out.

[frenchy_reads_all · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off with saying that this book and this author were rec’d to me by another author. I figure if an author that I like to read recommends someone to read, I should definitely check it out right? Well HELL TO THE YES!! This was my first book by Magaidh Dunbroch but it DEFINITELY will not be my last! Since I was rec’d her, I went out of a limb and just bought the physical book and I am so freaking glad I did! Y’all this book is AMAZING! First of all, it’s beautiful! The swag that came with it was out of this world! But then I read it… holy crap…I was just…stunned.

Faedoroth…gorgeous! The author is a pro at world and character building. Everything just seems so real! And there is so much attention to detail!

Now, let’s talk about the story. It’s a Hades and Persephone retelling which is always welcome on my bookshelf!!! Andraste is just an outstanding FMC. She has such a kind heart and her character grows so much through the story. Gaelyn is a dark and moody MMC and give of definite touch her and die vibes. There was non-stop action and this story was a roller coaster of ups and downs. If you haven’t read this book yet, you absolutely have to! Me?…I am impatiently waiting for the next book!!!

[Raye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dove right into this book after Tears of Silver Shadow (which is the order you should read the books if you choose to do so). This is a really long book so be prepared for that. I do think it could have been cut down a bit but all in all, this was entertaining and Andraste is such a spitfire. I would have liked to see a bit more character and personality from Gaelyn. Maybe in book two, he will come out of his shell more.

I found the timeline a bit confusing and I was lost and rereading things to get my bearings again. From what I was told, Shadow and Brimstone takes place 300 years after Tears of Silver Shadow. There are definitely mysteries that unfold and Andraste and Gaelyn are the definition of slow burn lol. I think he even calls her Ms. Prude at one point in the book. So if you are looking for hot and heavy this isn't it. But if you are looking for a book where the characters get to know each other and take their time, you are in the right place.

Some things you can look forward to.
-Hades x Persephone dark retelling
-Memory Loss
-Fated Mates
-Greek Mythology reimaging

[Sam Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A Gripping, Atmospheric Masterpiece!”

Shadow and Brimstone by Magaidh Dunbroch is a dark, spellbinding tale that pulled me in from the very first page. For two hundred years, Andraste has roamed the Faedoroth, revered by her clansmen yet haunted by blank spaces in her memory. But when that reverence turns to blasphemy, she’s ripped from her home and cast into the Underworld—bound to its ruler and the stern pantheon of gods. Stripped of her power, identity, and refuge, Andraste must navigate a realm of tyranny and trickery - and in doing so, transforms from pawn to queen.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with an undercurrent of mythic dread that lingers long after the final page. Dunbroch’s prose is lyrical yet cutting, perfectly capturing both the eerie beauty of Faedoroth and the desperate shadows of the Underworld. Andraste’s journey—one of loss, self-discovery, and rising agency—is both moving and intensely gripping.

If you loved gothic fantasy with morally gray characters, oppressive gods, and epic transformations, this is a tour de force. An unforgettable ride—haunting, powerful, and utterly unputdownable. Highly recommended!

[Codylyn Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

😳🤯Andraste lost all her memories, until stumbling upon Lord Death, who whisks her away to the pantheon to fight for her life!🤯😳

🌟🌟Andraste is just living her lonely life in the Idrux, taking care of all its inhabitants and any needs they may have. She tries to recall memories prior to 200 years ago but can’t seem to remember a thing. As she is in her village with the clansmen the God of Death makes his appearance to take her to the Lord God to answer for her wrong doings.

Once they are at the pantheon she finds out that if she doesn’t submit to him he is throwing her into the pit to fight for her life against a secret assassin.

To reveal anything more would just be ruining the fun of reading it! 😉 Shadow and Brimstone was a heck of a book with a gripping page turning energy that made me not want to put it down!🌟🌟

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually, I am not a fan of Hades and Persephone retellings, mainly because I feel like it is so overdone and it just does not hit the mark I have. This was a nice read though! I specifically liked the magic aspect because it was different and yes I did like the singing a little. But I feel like you actually got to see Andraste grow throughout the story which was nice. While I immediately wanted to fall for Gaelyn, I felt like it was hard until mid to end of the story. I did not know where the story was going but I feel like it was a bit long for what it was wanting to do.

I do want to thank the author for reaching out to me about this ebook and note that all opinions/thoughts above are my own!

[Amy Lierz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love mythology, adventure and magic? This is a MUST READ!!!!!

First and foremost, the author does an outstanding job of using words to paint the world of the Faedoroth and the characters in this story. Each character leaps from the pages. I was drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down! This is an adventure, a love story, and so much more. I cannot wait to read more by Dunbroch

Join Andraste in the world of Faedoroth where she lives and works her meager magic to help the mortals in her care. Once she encounters Lord Death, her life begins changing and memories awaken. After being bound to Lord Death by Dhallios who has proclaimed himself “The Lord God”, Andraste follows him into the underworld where she finds herself as Lady Dread, Queen of the Underworld.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive a copy of this book for review. The cover is beautiful (sorry, not sorry... I judge books based on their cover all the time) and who doesn't love a Hades and Persephone retelling? I fell in love with Andraste and her kind heart and the dark and brooding Gaelyn was intriguing. The story itself was carefully thought out and well written and had me engaged the whole way through.

- Strong, independent FMC
- Possessive, dark and brooding MMC
- Touch her and die

I loved this book and definitely highly recommend!

[Jesse Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hades and Persephone retelling with a twist. Absolutely riveting story. The story was well written, with lots of character and world building. It tells a story of true love finding each other again even with the loss of their memories. It’s an action packed story line with lots of twists that keep you interested. This is the type of story I would recommend to anyone who loves Greek mythology and fantasy. I highly recommend reading this book

[Heather Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, intriguing, exciting, seductive, devastating, and hopeful all in one brilliant story. The Persephone and Hades story retold but with a twist. You easily find yourself transported to the underworld and faedroth in the way the author builds these worlds. I was lucky enough to be an arc reader and was not disappointed! If you are looking for something that can draw you in and have you feeling all the feels this is the book for you!