A Shade of Darkness and Deception: Book 2

Power and Promise #2

by Jordan A. Day

Friendship. Love. Two things Ainsley had found for the first time in her life, only to lose them in the blink of an eye. Betrayed and heartbroken, she must work to overcome the pain of her past. Now trapped in a new kingdom ruled by a king who wants far more from her than he’s leading on, she will have to find the strength to persevere. But as Ainsley becomes more sure of herself and her magical abilities, a force threatens to take away all she’s gained. With her homeland of Disparya on the brink of war, she must decide what role she wants to play and what she is willing to sacrifice. She must decide whom to trust. However, things aren’t always as they seem…

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Magic, Audiobook, Romantasy

866 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

Reviews

[Neythra Srinivasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I loved this book and I was gripped every second … but the only reason it’s getting 4 starts instead of 5 is because the plot is just too similar to the ACOTAR series…

Spoilers for both:
FMC who starts out mortal ends up going to the “good” kingdom and falling in love with the “good” king/prince, only to find out that they are super overbearing and overprotective and don’t want the FMC to be independent and strong despite their powers. FMC gets “taken” by the “bad”/“dark” kingdom only to find out thag those people and the king are her true home and love and teach her to be independent. The only time the FMC fights with the new love is when she finds out that they are mated/bonded and he knew the whole time and kept it from her. Then FMC goes “undercover” to old kingdom to find out if they’re allying with the enemy’s territory this whole time

Like cmon… this many things shouldn’t be similar it made it so that the twists were so much less exciting bc we already experienced it through ACOTAR/ACOMAF. And the fact that the third book is gearing up to be war is just another nod to ACOWAR.

I love the writing and tbh I might love some of these characters more than ACOTAR (especially Felix)… but still the premise and the writing is so good I just wish i couldn’t predict what happened because it’s following the exact same plot as ACOTAR.

Hoping the third book will take a turn and keep us on our feet.

Also rip Felix the best character… and 100x better than Lucien his counterpart in ACOTAR

Also proof thag the characters are very similar (Ainsley/Feyre, Evander/Rhysand, Dash/Tamlin, Felix/Lucien (sorry Felix but the role is the same), Cal/Cassian, Lia/Mor, Marceline/Amren, Oli/Az)… too similar to be a coincidence

[Noelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I pushed through the first book, thinking the second would be better, but alas it is not.

Annoying characters, the prose is weak and the author tells rather than shows. Plot holes galore! The characters are surface level and the banter is mind-numbing to a degree. The world is not fleshed out and I cannot stand Ainsley—she knows she’s to be the princess but purposefully didn’t read history books to spite her caretakers and situation? Like come on, talk about immature. And in the first book she never learns anything about ruling, etiquette, history, self defense (despite being attacked) or dancing (and is expected to dance at the balls regardless). The character dialogue just doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t think anyone would give full detailed multi-paragraphs of relaying events that happened. There’s zero character development.

Also I agree with the other reviews. This is ACOTAR. No originality whatsoever. The book could be half its length if any editing went into it.

Overall disappointed.

[Emma Steinbrecher · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the cliffhanger that was the first book, we find ourselves with Ainsley in a new realm, with new characters and a plot that slowly unfolds to expand on what we previously believed about the world.
After betrayal and heartbreak, Ainsley has the piece herself back together, and become stronger.

The contrast between Ripple Era Ainsley, and end of Shade Era Ainsley is night and day. Jordan has done a fantastic job of building character growth for her FMC, and I’m excited to see where that takes us in the coming novels.

Those last ten chapters!!! Whew. My favorite part of the book. How is broken Dash hotter than normal Dash? 😭

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as the first one. I will say I had a feeling about Evander as soon as he was being an a$$hole to Ainsley. This book was sooo well written. I felt there were a lot of similar vibes to ACOMAF which made it a great read. And it was fun watching Ainsley fall in love with Evander. I was kicking and squealing and loving their vibes together. And she found a family and I love that for her. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Michaelah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got through book 1 and kept thinking of how similar it is to ACOTAR. I just finished book 2 here and it's the same if not more like ACOTAR.

These books are really good naturally given how similar they are to ACOTAR. The writing is amazing though. I will still continue to finish the series as they are released however i do hope there is a twist that changes the similarities in book 3.

[Amanda.Laurieann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What a great follow up to A Ripple of Power and Promise! It was amazing to be introduced to a whole new kingdom in this magical world that the author is creating. I really appreciated that there was more magical powers explored compared to the beginning of the series.

This book focuses on Ainsley's recovery and her self empowerment from the events that happened in Caelum. The title of this book does not lie about the deception. But I only have one question, where are all the tissues? There was a lot of crying (and sympathy crying) throughout this whole book and not one mention of tissues being used other than a shirt.

When it comes to the romance it is very much a SLOW BURN. Yes, I gave this book a decent spicy rating. Because when the spice does happen and isn't cockblocked, it was very well done. And all I have to say to that is, Dashiell who?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. My only critique is that there were moments that seemed a little too slow and dull compared to what was happening within that same scene. The majority of the story flows really well and I didn't want to put the book down. There was just times that came out of no where and disrupted the pacing. I hope that doesn't sound too negative, because I really like this series and will be continuing to the next installment.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhhhhh.... Do you want a slow burn?? HI IT IS THIS BOOK. I can still remember how I felt when I read this book. The enemies to lovers was sooooooo GOOOOOOOOOD. I was getting so annoyed(in the best way possible) with the push and the pull of the two main characters in this book. I remember telling my sister how frustrated(in the best way possible) that they weren't together yet. It was perfection for me. And when they did get together?? I still loved it. I have found with alot of enemies to lovers that once they get together, it gets boring. Not here. Not this book. I fell in love with their story more once I knew what their connection was.

All of the friends in this book are amazing as well. They all make me laugh so hard and I appreciated that they had an active role.

The end of this book will break your heart, so you can't say you haven't been warned.

Now book #3 where are you...

[Melanie Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I really really loved! The ending!!!!!! GASP G A S P! This book had heartbreak, laugh, found family (again), love, spice, shock and I got that giddy feeling! I have a theory for the third book which I hope is true because it will STIR the mf pot.


Side comment: The first about 50% was almost identical to the plot of ACOMAF, as the first book mirrored the plot of ACOTAR. Now that doesn’t bother me, yes I can tell it’s similar (major major things are different) but people, places, and magic system are so unique that it feels like a new and engaging reading experience. If you’re gunna complain or be annoying about the similarities though I wouldn’t suggest reading the series. If you can appreciate the plot inspo and enjoy the world this author created, I recommend reading it for sure!

[Candace Ginestar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am physically and mentally unwell

[Brittany Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

wtf

[shelbyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

did that really just happen 😭

[Ahana M Rao (Heart’s Content) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review of A Shade of Darkness and Deception on my blog, Heart's Content!

This review has some information that can be considered a little spoiler-y, so please go in with the awareness that you’re going to be able to grasp a general idea of the book if you read my review. I would also recommend you read this review once you’ve read the first book in the series: A Ripple of Power and Promise. I’m likely to make mentions from that book and if you do not wish to know, please do not proceed.

A big shout out and thank you to the author, Jordan A. Day for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying, this baby is thicc and I was so there for every moment. I won’t lie, when the previous book ended I was expecting the direction this book would go and I was fairly accurate on many plot points.

Typically predictability in a story can go two ways: either it takes away from the reading experience or it’s fairly irrelevant to the experience and feels almost familiar and comforting. ASoDaD falls into the latter category for me. The book reads like a good mix of Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Mist and Fury” paired with Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison’s “Tarnished Crown”. Both of these books are my absolute favourite and I don’t think there’s ever going to be a book that reads like them that I will ever dislike. That being said, this could also mean there are many predictable aspects to them because of the similarities they hold to the aforementioned books.

A Ripple of Power and Promise ends on an emotionally charged moment with an informational cliffhanger. The truth revealed was both shocking and unexpected and ASoDaD begins almost immediately after. ASoDaD takes off running and the pace never truly lets up, but certainly makes space for the gentler and lighter aspects of the story. The book feels fairly evenly balanced throughout and the emotional highs and lows certainly add to how the story flows.

From my perspective, the plot-line is being established throughout. ARoPaP laid down the foundation for the world building and characters; whereas ASoDaD takes the story to level two. Character arcs develop, the story unravels and pasts are revealed. The reveals are consistent (meaning there are many throughout the book/series so far) and maintain an element of surprise. Even the aspects of the story that are predictable have their own twist to them, which is where the plot plays a big role. It’s quite possible it’s because of the plot that the story doesn’t read like a fan-fiction of ACoMaF, despite the similarities.

The characters are aplenty, I won’t lie that it sometimes felt a little confusing, but you quickly catch up on who’s who and even if you don’t, you don’t lose too much as the writing keeps you abreast fairly constantly. The protagonists and main side characters are personalities you’ll be well acquainted with and have quite distinct personalities. You’re likely to have a favourite character, but even if you don’t you’ll love them all and their dynamics a lot.

The writing is one of the largest strengths of the book. No matter what anyone says, to me, Jordan A. Day’s writing has a lot of heart in it. There are many explosive emotions, impulsive decisions, faced paced scenes and heartfelt moments and Jordan takes us through them all. The world-building goes hand in hand with the writing and even though the reveals are many there is a lot of space in the book for these reveals to take their time and appear so they never feel too much, too many or overwhelming.

The book features almost every emotion you could think of. There’s no lack for love, pain, betrayal, shock, pining, friendship and of course inappropriate humour at inappropriate times. The book is sweet and lovely but at the same time sharp with thorns and brambles and you’ll feel both aspects of the book.

Four stars. Happy reading and please check trigger warnings before going into the book. Be safe!

[Taylor Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so much to say about this book. The world really just sucks you in, and the magical gifts in this book make me jealous I don’t have them. Incredible read and will once again be impatiently waiting for the next book! Massive cliffhanger, heartbreaking ending.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew going in that this was basically the second book of the ACOTAR series. But since I enjoyed that one so much, I thought what the hell? And it was enjoyable and page turning, but ultimately it's hard not to compare and the world building was not as strong.

[Makenzie Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. This one broke me into so many pieces at least twice. I loved this one over the first one. And I am just not. Okay. After that ending. I have ordered the third book and am waiting for it to arrive and the waiting will kill me. I am invested. I absolutely love this series.

[RachaelInRealLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG that ending....This book was just as good if not better than book 1.
And now I better start book 3 as I am physically and mentally unwell.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3⭐️ for the vibes, not always for the writing

[Abookreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update. Kind of hate this book.

Taylor swift lyrics in the book 😑

"Noted" is weird saying it constantly

This book is court of mist and fury fanfic and I'm not mad at it because the vibes were there

Book two much better fun book one

Great banter and sexual tension

Love Felix

Hate how it is old times but the dialogue is Modern and they mention "sweatpants" like come on.. Also, "slumber party"

Enjoyed this book a lot. Been a while since I read acotar and think this book needed editing down bad because it is too long

Felix and Oliver are so damn cute

Author postpones the sex so much and it got a little obvious for my tastes.

Literally an acotar fanfic. Even has the snow ball fight

The random ice swims are so ....random? Childish writing? YA? Unrealistic?

WHY DO PEOPLE CRY EVERY CHAPTER AUTHOR???? Write something different damn

[Carmella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honestly review.

I absolutely loved how the author included a recap in the beginning, more authors should do this!

I felt like this book was a little slow to dive into the main conflict/story, but there is a huge focus on character development and growth which was enjoyable. I also loved more world building, such a rich large world and magic system.

I enjoyed how each character develops in the many character interactions and the reader really gets to know the side characters and not just the main characters. I really enjoyed the new characters that were introduced and loved Ainsley’s empowerment and growth in this book, she is a lot less whiny. There is a huge focus on found family in this book and it was really enjoyable.

My main critique is that certain parts felt too long. Some parts and definitely could have been shortened with more focus on the conflict, but the author does like to focus on character relationships and that is very evident.

If you want a romantic fantasy book focused on character relationships this is definitely the book for you.

[Eel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Worth It

When I finished book 1 on a cliffhanger, I debated if I should read book 2—And when I saw how huge it is, I asked myself, is it worth it?

Not really.

This book ends on ANOTHER mild cliffhanger with no resolution as Ainsley keeps digging her own grave. 866 pages of flirting with Evander, and yes they have good chemistry, but the romance is frustrating instead of fun and not enough of a reward to trudge through thousands of paragraphs about war meetings.

“Tomorrow, you can go back to being stubborn and strong, and I’ll go back to being ruthless and an asshole. But tonight… we feel.”

It’s just so slow and there’s so so SO very little plot going on besides “the war.” The third book is 800+ pages and there will be a FOURTH one as well. Also, the whole thing is an ACOTAR dupe, complete with a tanned dark-haired shadow wielding love interest with a voice “like a lover’s pur” and his hands constant shoved in his pockets. Oh, and he can teleport. And is the King. And has an inner circle and a town house and a lakeside cabin Ainsley runs off to after feeling betrayed. And they’re fated mates.

[Samm Woodcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooooo we gonna talk about how this is A Court of Mist and Fury retelling??? Like right down to the bond and her running to the cabin after finding out?? Evander is Rhys, Felix is Lucien, Cal and Oli are Az and Cass. The parallels between the books are so large I had to pause a few times because I was so shocked. The love interest of book 1 having bad intentions, being taken to another kingdom, having immense powers, the back and forth between the FMC and MMC and even the flirting between them was very Rhys and Feyre. The family setting of friendship and them living in a home outside the palace, the MMC friends training her powers and to fight as a form of healing her broken heart, the FMC having to flirt with other men to get info, the battle scene with the FMC is like Feyre with the Rainbow. The bond being announced, her leaving him crouched on the ground to run to a cabin in the snow only for them to get together a few days later?? I’m shocked.

[Kristen (belles_bookshelves) · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I love you. That's everything."

My favorite thing about this was the full-ass synopsis in the beginning that, while kind of reading like a fanfiction author's note (minus the: "Sorry for the late post, I was hit by a bus"), for sure helped be out because I picked this up on Stuff Your Kindle Day without realizing it's the second part of a series.

Though, tbh, without the intro I still might have been okay, since this book is so ACOTAR coded that it's basically like ACOTAR in a different font.

[Retrogirl20 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, especially when everyone says that book two was better than one. But I couldn’t not stand the characters. It is too similar to the plots in the ACOTAR series and the characters act extremely immature. I just really couldn’t connect with any of the characters and couldn’t stand the pet names. I normally like when someone is called ‘Love’ but when that basically becomes a character’s catchphrase, it is way overdone.

[Mk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, I’ll give credit where credit is due in the sense that she had my heart aching for Dash for a bit there at the end. Overall the book was just ACOMAF but with some extra cutie moments. Now, the ending is absolute bullshit and I will die on that hill. Felix is the best character in this series and deserves so much better. Despite it being an ACOTAR rip off, I’m so invested now

[Breezy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh this book is hard to rate. From a writing and attention holding perspective it would get 3.5 stars- but given it’s a carbon copy of ACOMAF…it’s getting 2.5 stars from me. The author is talented and there is so much more she could have done that was unique…so disappointing. I hope she writes a new original series- I will definitely read it.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word. HEARTBREAK!! This book is so so good. Perfect amount of spice, great plot, I love the story. But I believe you would would do this to us Jordan!! 😭 I literally bawled

[Madison Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish, the writing style is not for me, characters annoyed me most of the time.

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are basically ACOTAR fanfic but where Feyre is super annoying and does even more dumb things.

Why do I keep reading these? Because I really like most of the characters but Ainsley is awful.

[Harshita Neppalli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time.

Boring as hell and just goes round and round. The characters are so one dimensional and whiney most of the time.

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 -⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

"You are devastatingly breathtaking, Ainsley...anything less is an insult. Don'y settle for anyone who doesn't value your worth."

A Shade of Darkness and Deception is the second novel in the New Adult Fantasy Romance series Power and Promise. Following the cliffhanger and twist at the end of book one, Ainsley has now had her world turned utterly upside down. She has lost trust in those she loves and is face with magic she struggles to understand but desperately must learn to control. Yet a war is still brewing and she is at the center of it...and she needs to decide where she stands before it is too late.

Oh, the struggles Ainsley goes through in this book! She is definitely bruised starting out and watching her have to rebuild herself and be challenged to find her way was actually moving. She highlights the power of endurance and resilience. As she gains more confidence I appreciated the action to she took and the lover for her people that becomes evident. Despite betrayal, she is loyal and empathic and refuses the stand aside.

I don't want to spoil any twists with regards to what happens going forward but I will say we continued have a steadfast found family trope that helps weather the storm in amongst the chaos. It highlights the importance of Ainsley needing people there, even when their motives are not fully clear. They challenged her, inspired her, and cared for her. The cast and crew from the previous book do make a return (Dashiel, Felix, and Van, and more).

The spice in this book is slow burn - around 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. It makes sense given the rebuild of trust Ainsley needs. I found the romance in this was so much stronger as there was more time taken to show the trust building and care here. People learn from their mistakes and it leads to some excellent steam, some cock-blocking (because Felix), and some excellent spice around the 70-80% mark. I smiled throughout the romance but it also has these visceral moments that tugged on my heart.

He was my everything - my light and my dark, my joy and my fury. And every Gods d**n thing in between. He was my beginning and end, my salvation and destruction. He was mine.

In terms of plot and world, this book really built things up so much. I loved the training and court intrigue we saw evolve while also still getting slices of life with all the characters. The relationship development was effortless here. I will saw I sometimes found Ainsley a little bit dramatic but I gave her a break. There is action, secrets unveiling, trauma, and I do recommend checking triggers. The final chuck of the book really ramps up the tension and we get a series of painful and surprising twists leading into a cliffhanger. I still cannot quite believe it.

I am definitely sold on his series. We have amazing character relationships, a world and magic and war that engages readers, and twists that hold no punches. I recommend having comfort food for the end but just know the whole journey is worth the highs and lows.

This is out on Kindle KU!