Hof der Monster und des Bösen: Bräute des Nebels und der Fae (Königin der Schatten 3)

The Shadow Bound Queen #3

by Eliza Raine

Eigentlich hätten Reynas Freunde im Schattenhof in Sicherheit sein sollen, doch ihre Feinde sind überall. Und wenn Mazrith ihr nicht verzeiht, wird auch er bald dazugehören.

Obwohl sie sich das Gegenteil wünscht, wächst Reynas Verlangen nach dem Prinzen unaufhaltsam an, bis es genauso stark ist wie ihr Wunsch, die Spiele zu gewinnen und den Stab zu finden, der seinen Fluch brechen kann.

Bald wird sie jedoch herausfinden, wer er wirklich ist und was er ihr verheimlicht – und dann wird nichts mehr so sein, wie bisher.

Dies ist das dritte Buch in der Reihe “Königin der Schatten”, eine von der nordischen Mythologie inspirierte Fantasy-Romanze für Erwachsene. Es ist eine sich langsam aufbauende Liebesgeschichte voller Magie, Mysterien und herrlicher, romantischer Spannung.

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

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2023

About the author

Eliza Raine writes Greek mythology inspired fantasy that is fast paced, full of new worlds and creatures and sprinkled with a healthy dose of romance. She lives near Reading in England with her husband, three cats and outrageously cute puppy. She has a BA Hons in History and has a deep-rooted passion for mythology and stories about women who don't need rescuing.
She can usually be found reading fairytale retellings, playing board games or binge-watching Netflix shows.

You can read some of Eliza's stories for free by visiting her website at www.elizaraine.com

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy fantasy romance series to breeze through. It's set in a Norse-inspired Fae world and each book is in between 200-300 pages. It honestly seems like these books are just chunks of one longer book that have been broken up into bite size pieces. I do love the tension between Maz and Reyna, and I am interested to see where things go from here! I will definitely be tuning into the rest of the series to see what happens to this characters.

[Kendall (slumpy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay now we’re getting somewhere!!

Some things to expect inside
~ First person
~ Dual POV (barely)
~ COMMUNICATIONNNNNN
~ More Games and Trials
~ 🌶️/5 spice rating


Hold up everyone and stop what you’re doing… We have actual adult communication going on here. I never thought I'd see the day when this happened! Thank God too because I was getting really annoyed. Reyna dropped her whole childish crap which made the book so much more enjoyable, and Maz opened up just a tad which was refreshing i guess.

Some progress has been made in the plot, but i don't see how the book is going to completely wrap up in the next one, especially its only around 300 pages like the rest of them. I still have so many questions and not enough answers!

I do wish we saw more of the side characters, in this book they were barely side characters, they were just kind of there… well everyone besides Frima and maybe Kara.

[⊹ Gabriela | Asternyx ⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, and I truly believe this is one of those series that keeps getting better with each new book ✨️

⇢ What to expect:
∘ Adult
∘ Fantasy Romance
∘ Dual POV
∘ Norse Mythology
∘ Vikings
∘ Royalty & Fae
∘ Court Politics & Dark Secrets
∘ Deadly Trials
∘ Familiars
∘ Dark Fae Prince x Human Slave
∘ A drop of spice 🔥
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Chosen One
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Found Family
⇢ Trigger Warnings: violence & gore, blood

⤏ Summary
The first deadly trials are over, but the danger hasn't passed yet. Faced with another round of trials in a new court, Reyna starts wondering if she'll manage to get out of this alive.
New alliances are formed, the relationship between her and the prince is getting more complicated than it already was and there are people out there still trying to kill her.

⤏ Thoughts

While Reyna is still the subborn, reckless and annoying woman we met in the first book, I can definitely see some character development and I'm even beginning to like her.

Maz is being even more suspicious than before and if he doesn't start sharing some of his secrets soon, I'm afraid things will only get worse 🫣.

The plot is progressing beautifully and I can't wait for the next installment!

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third book in and I still really did not like the female lead character. There was finally some character development for her and she was better about not getting in her own way. There was even a point where she acknowledged she was abstinent to a fault. The series itself roped me in strictly on the fact that each book is such a short read, and book three was no exception. However with only a little over 200 pages, it’s hard to expect a whole lot in terms of plot and character depth. With that being said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t invested at this point. This book leaves off on a predictable cliff hanger but I am curious to see how the series finale book in September brings everything together.

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I just breezed right through this one. It was a fun one. We are finally getting to know more about Maz, but still not to the extent I'd like. I get that the author has some big secret about him that is being kept hidden at the moment. But unfortunately, it seems to be leading to us not getting to know him well enough to love him.

Voror the owl is definitely my favorite character of the series. He's just so sassy and I'm here for it.

This book had a lot of fun and action involved. I'm looking forward to this last book and how everything gets wrapped up. Hopefully, we will see what the queen's true motivation is as well.

[Jericha Kurucz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was incredibly addictive! As soon as I finished one book, I had to start the next one. It reminded me of junk food, but in book form! I devoured this entire series in a week and have no regrets! The intricate world-building, the emotional turmoil, the morally gray MMC, and the magic system were all outstanding, right up until the final book, which seemed hurried and left me with many unanswered questions. Overall, it’s a remarkable series; it's one of those that I will choose to imagine ended differently for my own satisfaction.

[María · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me lo he acabado ya por decir a ver cómo cojones acaba esta mierda y encima ni siquiera se termina, VA A HABER OTRO, PUES YO NO LEO NI UNO DE ESTOS MÁS DIOS MÍO QUÉ MALOS ES QUE QUÉ MALOOOOOSSSS

[Leo C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am actually obsessed with this series. Cannot stop thinking about it.

[Noelle Liston · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 books in and I still hate the MMC Maz. I don’t believe he cares for the FMC at all. He uses her and expects her to tell him her secrets and help him save his life but in return all he does is insult her and keep her a prisoner. I wish I saw something good in their relationship but honestly I’d rather she ended up alone than with this asshole. Maybe their relationship is just not described in enough detail but he seriously sucks and treats her like a thing that should just shut up and do what she’s told. I see zero redeeming qualities in the way he treats her and thinks about her. I’m bored of this guy’s BS, might not read book 4.

[Velvet Wrapped Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so hooked on this series! And I am wondering how this is all going to wrap up if there is only 1 book left (so far only showing as 1 more to be released in September this year).
So much happened, and has opened the door for more to happen.
But hot damn that cliffhanger. September cannot come fast enough!

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

The basic structure and plot of this isn't bad, but that's all there is to it -- a skeleton of a book. Things were told and not shown. Developments and scenes happened so quickly there couldn't be any depth or investment in the characters or story. I felt like this was merely an outline of a story.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look, it’s fun and easy to get through. It’s okay if it’s not that deep.

[Carolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

enter: a games competition. also enter: my misery as I attempt to finish this series today. this slow burn is brutal and I am NOT enjoying it. still confused about the plot plan.

[Jo Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the best of the series so far.

Reyna has grown up somewhat in her approach and she and Maz start working together.

I felt that we learned a lot more about the main characters in this story, and I certainly became much more invested in what happened to them.

The games continue, someone is still trying to kill Reyna, and we learn more about Maz’s secrets too.

All of the books have ended on a cliffhanger and are quite short - I can’t help but think that the reading experience would be much more satisfying if they were instead put together into one larger volume.

There are once again multiple grammatical errors, however because the story is more exciting and the characters more sympathetic you do feel happy to overlook them.

Scores the highest of the series so far at 4 ⭐️

[Lauren Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best of the series so far, and I have some hope for the last book. Reyna and Max start to work together better, and they start to let their emotions for one another show - as well as learn about some of the barriers in their relationship. It seems like they’re working as a team.

I like the games and trials as well as getting to see the different courts. The alliances that are starting to form also add a fun political element to the story I hope will pay off in the last book.

There is little growth from the side characters, and there is an element that Max’s secrets get drawn out. However, I’m here for it and cannot wait for the next one.

[Ahima Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars for mazroth and Reina

The forbidden love between a cursed fae and a (not so) human thrall (slave) mixed with the games trope is so good and captivating. Reins is forced into the unfair competition against fae lords and must use her wit and lick to survive challenges that are created for magic wielding creatures all the while someone seems to have a knack for killing her and she also has to find a find a way to break Mazrith's curse and beat the shadow queen. Still tons of secrets to discover. Happily jump into the last book in the series.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was like a decent cup of coffee—good while it lasted, but not exactly something you'd rave about to your friends. Sure, the side characters got their time to shine, and Reyna's growth made her slightly less insufferable, but Maz's questionable decisions and a plot that was more lukewarm than spicy left me shrugging. Plus, Voror the owl deserved way more screen time. A solid read, but not one that'll stick with me.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t tell if the books in this series are shorter than other series or if the pacing is just that good. I like an author that doesn’t waste my time.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid read in the series with really good character, plot, relationship development. So far I am really pleased with the overall writing because as we know with some series as you go through sometimes it gets a little bit drawn out or things can be a little stalled. That's definitely not happening with this one and I also really like that there's a really good progression with the relationship between the two main characters again they're not just automatically jumping into bed together or have fallen in love like it's well written in the fact that it seems more natural and normal. With the way this book ended I am really looking forward to the next and final installment in the series to seeing how it ends although I am a bit worried that it's going to be a bit rushed as some authors tend to do in the final bit of a series or a book so I am a bit wary of that but I am hopeful.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good series, definitely recommend!

[Kellyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in 3 hours without moving from the couch. I’m refusing to even read previous reviews at this point. I know what I know.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always read these books way too fast. I really enjoyed this one, and I’m so curious to see what happens in book four! That cliffhanger, though.

THE SLOW BUUUUUURN. It’s killing me. I’m loving the growth and honesty in this book, and I’m glad that Reyna is finally trusting the people around her. Looks like Mazrith is being forced to do the same. 👀

I can’t wait for the next book, and if anything ever happens to Voror, I’m rioting. 😂

[taylor amado · Rating 5 out of 5]

dun….dun…DUUUUUUN

[Jenny•●♡●• · Rating 4 out of 5]

•○● »Raben rufen, eine Schlange zischt, Alles verborgen im Sternenlicht.
Bittere Gewalt und Eitelkeit, Ewig verlorene Zurechnungsfähigkeit.
Nirgends ein Kampf oder erhobene Klingen, Sanfte Wellen an den Küsten singen.
Tiefe Schatten halten die Insel frei, Ein Talisman des Thor ist der Schlüssel dabei.
Rangfolge oder Ehebund, Nobles Königsblut siegt aus gutem Grund.« ●○• S. 64

MEINUNG:
Hab diese Reihe bereits 2023 begonnen. Aus irgendeinem Grund - der mir nicht mehr einfallen will 😅 - hab ich den 4ten Teil nicht gelesen.
Da ich aber mein Regal 'Nicht beendete Reihe' etwas aufräumen will, hab ich den 3ten Teil nochmals gelesen, um dann den finalen Teil lesen zu können 😊

Warum ich damals diesen Teil nur mit 3🌟 bewertete, weiß ich auch nicht mehr😅.
Dieses Mal fand ich die Geschichte spannend und sehr oft amüsant. Daher packte ich jetzt noch einen Stern drauf. Das Ende eröffnet dem Leser ein Geheimnis und nun möchte ich unbedingt wissen, was es damit auf sich hat.

Somit geht's jetzt zum letzten Buch 🩵

KLAPPENTEXT:
Eigentlich hätten Reynas Freunde im Schattenhof in Sicherheit sein sollen, doch ihre Feinde sind überall. Und wenn Mazrith ihr nicht verzeiht, wird auch er bald dazugehören.

Obwohl sie sich das Gegenteil wünscht, wächst Reynas Verlangen nach dem Prinzen unaufhaltsam an, bis es genauso stark ist wie ihr Wunsch, die Spiele zu gewinnen und den Stab zu finden, der seinen Fluch brechen kann.

Bald wird sie jedoch herausfinden, wer er wirklich ist und was er ihr verheimlicht – und dann wird nichts mehr so sein, wie bisher.

[Hunter Waldrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow still reading. I think it’s the fact that we are on book 4 and still don’t know jack shit

[Sam (Jude's version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3 stars


Okay, so I didn't enjoy this one as much as the last, but I still devoured it. I do really like the world and the different fae courts. Her being a gold giver rune marked human is all well and good, though it's still being questioned whether she's actually human or not. This one had us travelling to the ice court, which was cool and all, though I think I missed the vibes of the shadow court and wanted to go back there. The romance progressed a fair bit, though it is still quite slow burn. And we got some revelations and some plottwists.

Reyna: She's pretty much the same, I do like her, and I still do feel for her because I'd be so fed up with all these people just pitting me against impossible odds. I do with during these games she has to play that she used her wits a bit more or somehow outsmarted the game, she did decently in the building one with the blocks and the words but still. Like I said, the odds are against her, and humans were never supposed to play these games, so I don't blame her for accepting help wherever possible and just relying on luck a lot. She's not completely helpless. She can get shit done when she wants. I know it's hinted she may not be human but part of me wants her to be just to stick it to all the fae who doubted her, I love the idea of her being a human queen and proving humans can be strong.

Mazrith: he was chill. The revelation about him at the end doesn't make much sense to me, but I'm sure it'll get explained. He's sweet to Reyna, and though his approach to things is quite violent at times, I don't blame him. He's got a bitch of a step mother.

Romance: cute. They do have a powercouple vibe about them especially when they're working together which I appreciate. I like how he let's her take the lead and respect is very important between them. It's more important that Mazrith respects Reyna before she can even consider love. She proves herself capable of taking care of herself at times but when the tables are tipped against her and she needs backup, he's more than willing to help and I like that. The idea of ownership is important between them too because Reyna needs freedom, she doesn't feel like she can have that with fae but Mazrith makes it his mission that you can find freedom in love. He wants to make her happy and help her find her place in this world which I think it very sweet. They're linked somehow by their fates and he really cares about her and knows that they're better together even if they maybe can't be together until the curse is broken because... well you know.

Random thoughts:
- I missed kara and the owl more than I thought I would when at the ice court.
- the games are more annoying than anything now because like...do we have to travel to every court for them? Just leave my girl alone.
- I like the earth fae
- is there something between savangrior and Frima
- fuck the queen...I don't even remember her name but she's such a pest
- Fuck Orm even harder.


Spoilers: how is Mazrith gold fae when he has shadows? And how did that vision tell her he was? Also why would he kill his mother? And why did his mother warn him about Reyna, yes Reyna can kill him but how? Why is it only some times when they touch that his runes fuck off?

[Dijana Čop Nešić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Raine -Court of Monsters and Malice ( 3. knjiga od 4 iz serijala Shadow Bound Queen)

Ovo je treći deo serijala The Shadow Bound Queen, i već od prvih stranica baca čitaoca u svet gde se senke stapaju sa svetlom, a opasnost i lepota plešu ruku pod ruku.
Reyna, hrabra i ranjiva, vodi nas kroz dvor ispunjen spletkama, smrću i magijom, gde svaka odluka nosi težinu života i gde se poverenje meri u trenucima kada sve izgleda izgubljeno, a medju vilenjacima koji su najbolji u umnim i okrutnim igrama.
Svaka stranica odaje dah tajni, svaka scena podseća da svet vilenjaka nije samo mesto opasnosti, već i mesto gde se rađa hrabrost, lojalnost i ljubav koja preživljava najmračnija iskušenja .

U ovoj knjizi nema mesta za sigurnost; neprijatelji vrebaju iz senki, saveznici se pokazuju u najneočekivanijim trenucima, a Reyna mora da balansira između sumnje i poverenja, između sopstvenih strahova i snage koju krije u sebi.
Svaki izazov, svaka igra moći, svaki susret sa zagonetnim Mazritom produbljuje napetost, ali i lepotu priče, jer u njenim očima svet postaje i strašan i očaravajući.

Autorka majstorski isprepliće akciju, magiju i unutrašnju borbu, ali ono što zaista oduzima dah jeste način na koji Reyna postaje ogledalo svih naših slabosti i snaga. Čitajući, osećate njenu borbu, njenu odlučnost i strah, njenu hrabrost da prihvati senke svog sveta i sebe samu.
U ovoj knjizi Reyna dolazi do samih granica svoje požrtvovanosti.

Serijal ne daje olakšice-on izaziva, oduševljava i uči da prava snaga leži u spremnosti da se stane pred nepoznato i pogleda ga očima punim vere u sopstvenu moć.

Ovaj svet ostavlja bez daha, jer pokazuje koliko je život složen, koliko je hrabrost retka, i koliko je lepota sveta skrivena u najmračnijim senkama. Čitanje ovog dela je iskustvo koje ne prestaje kada se zatvori knjiga – ono traje u mislima, u snovima i u osećaju da ste upravo zakoračili u svet koji će dugo odjekivati u vašoj duši. I prosto se priča vrlo vešto nadovezuje na napetost sa kojom se zavšio drugi deo.
Izazovi nisu gotovi, a prokleta bića The Starved Ones su uspela da napadnu Dvor Senki, pa kako igre dokazivanja nisu gotove, premeštene su na Dvor Leda gde nas očekuje kulminacija priče.

Izuzetno se brzo čita serijal koji je ovako dobro osmišljen i koji drži pažnju na svakoj stranici.

[Annabanana1013 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had its moments, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped. There were some interesting reveals and decent world-building, but it also felt like it was treading water at times.

Reyna's still that mix of chaos and heart, and I appreciate her growing confidence, but I kept wishing she’d think things through more. The action scenes were solid, but the trial parts dragged a little, and she made some questionable choices.

Mazrith is still playing the broody, closed-off fae prince, and I’m honestly over the whole mysterious act. Give me depth, not just smirks and silence. I do like their dynamic, but the romance felt like it was stuck in neutral.

Some cool side characters came back, but others faded into the background. I wanted more from Kara and Voror especially – they had potential! And I missed the atmosphere of the earlier courts. Where’s the owl when you need him?

Overall, it was fine. Just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. Still curious enough to keep going, but I’m hoping the next one brings the fire.