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Shadows' Nocturne
There are two domains which all daemons Shadow... and fire.
Relic Night, a summoned daemon burdened by his own destructive nature for over two millennia, finds himself at a crossroads between darkness and redemption. As the ashes of a toxic relationship smolder behind him, he takes it as an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to make better choices. However, his ex-lover is an unforgiving fallen angel who sees Relic as nothing more than a possession to claim.
Noah, a dutiful son trapped in the shadow of his family's legacy, yearns for a taste of independence, a moment to discover his true identity. As an empath whose powers manifest through touch, he has grown accustomed to keeping people at arm's length. everything changes when he crosses paths with the enigmatic brother of his godmother, a figure he has only heard of in captivating tales.
Their connection ignites instantly. both Relic and Noah are hesitant to acknowledge their deepening emotions, haunted by the specter of a vengeful fallen angel hell-bent on destroying Relic and all he holds dear.
In this duel-perspective, MM, supernatural romance, secrets, desire, and an otherworldly threat collide, testing the boundaries of love and resilience. Will Relic and Noah succumb to the forbidden allure that binds them? Or will the malevolence that lurks in the shadows tear them apart before they can ever embrace their true passion?
Relic Night, a summoned daemon burdened by his own destructive nature for over two millennia, finds himself at a crossroads between darkness and redemption. As the ashes of a toxic relationship smolder behind him, he takes it as an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to make better choices. However, his ex-lover is an unforgiving fallen angel who sees Relic as nothing more than a possession to claim.
Noah, a dutiful son trapped in the shadow of his family's legacy, yearns for a taste of independence, a moment to discover his true identity. As an empath whose powers manifest through touch, he has grown accustomed to keeping people at arm's length. everything changes when he crosses paths with the enigmatic brother of his godmother, a figure he has only heard of in captivating tales.
Their connection ignites instantly. both Relic and Noah are hesitant to acknowledge their deepening emotions, haunted by the specter of a vengeful fallen angel hell-bent on destroying Relic and all he holds dear.
In this duel-perspective, MM, supernatural romance, secrets, desire, and an otherworldly threat collide, testing the boundaries of love and resilience. Will Relic and Noah succumb to the forbidden allure that binds them? Or will the malevolence that lurks in the shadows tear them apart before they can ever embrace their true passion?
381 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Did Not Finish
August 10, 2023DNF at 12%
The plot and world building was way to complicated.
As another review said, it feels like we’re jumping in the middle of a series. Not for me.
The plot and world building was way to complicated.
As another review said, it feels like we’re jumping in the middle of a series. Not for me.
September 1, 2023
4.7 Stars.
(Shows up to the function in tears) I’m chill, I’m totally fine, everything’s good.
Except I kinda pulled up to this book thinking it would be a cute quick queer paranormal romance, not an emotional roller coaster ride in a complex universe that would steal my heart. I CANNOT wait for book 2!
Some good things for readers to know:
- This is about an MM pairing and an MF pairing
- While both pairs make great relationship progress and there’s some sex scenes, it ends on a cliffhanger
- It’s set in a complex paranormal world full of diverse figures and pre-established friendships and relationships. (It reminds me of Crescent City in that way, which is both a really good series, and full of world-building that may slow down some readers at first)
- There’s a violent, toxic ex as a villain (in case that’s a trigger)
Though the series is just starting, I think it’s worth picking up and reading now since you do see satisfying growth between the pairings, especially the MM pairing. The way that each pairing is written as a foil to the other is so moving and beautiful! I can already imagine the fan art these romances deserve. Beautifully written!
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 4/5
(Shows up to the function in tears) I’m chill, I’m totally fine, everything’s good.
Except I kinda pulled up to this book thinking it would be a cute quick queer paranormal romance, not an emotional roller coaster ride in a complex universe that would steal my heart. I CANNOT wait for book 2!
Some good things for readers to know:
- This is about an MM pairing and an MF pairing
- While both pairs make great relationship progress and there’s some sex scenes, it ends on a cliffhanger
- It’s set in a complex paranormal world full of diverse figures and pre-established friendships and relationships. (It reminds me of Crescent City in that way, which is both a really good series, and full of world-building that may slow down some readers at first)
- There’s a violent, toxic ex as a villain (in case that’s a trigger)
Though the series is just starting, I think it’s worth picking up and reading now since you do see satisfying growth between the pairings, especially the MM pairing. The way that each pairing is written as a foil to the other is so moving and beautiful! I can already imagine the fan art these romances deserve. Beautifully written!
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 4/5
August 8, 2023
Shadows Nocturne is a fantasy romance set in modern day, but with the decided medieval feel to it. Unbeknownst to most normal people, the world is populated by a horde of demons, daemons, vampires, fairies, fallen angels, and other supernatural beings, all fighting each other behind the scenes. Which is where the MCs - Relic, an ancient lust daemon, and Noah, an empath from a well connected mortal family - come in. They have to stop a cruel fallen Angel who has nefarious plans.
These two are an unlikely couple from the start. As a lust daemon, Relic is drawn towards debauchery, but he can’t even touch Noah due to the empath’s extreme sensitivity. They somehow attract just like two magnets with opposite polarities. I really enjoyed how Noah helped calm Relic, while at the same time, Relic, helped draw Noah out of his shell a bit. They way they get around Noah’s empathy issues was very sweet.
The plotline of the story was intricate and intriguing. My only criticism is that sometimes the plot got almost too complicated. I felt like I was jumping into the middle of a longtime series here, instead of reading the first book in a new series. My investment in the MCs romance kept me reading, though. Maybe book 2 will explain the backstory a little more? I did like the lyrical, almost poetic imagery from the writers. Also, Be prepared for a huge cliff-hunger.
Altogether it was an enjoyable M/M fantasy romance read with interesting characters.
These two are an unlikely couple from the start. As a lust daemon, Relic is drawn towards debauchery, but he can’t even touch Noah due to the empath’s extreme sensitivity. They somehow attract just like two magnets with opposite polarities. I really enjoyed how Noah helped calm Relic, while at the same time, Relic, helped draw Noah out of his shell a bit. They way they get around Noah’s empathy issues was very sweet.
The plotline of the story was intricate and intriguing. My only criticism is that sometimes the plot got almost too complicated. I felt like I was jumping into the middle of a longtime series here, instead of reading the first book in a new series. My investment in the MCs romance kept me reading, though. Maybe book 2 will explain the backstory a little more? I did like the lyrical, almost poetic imagery from the writers. Also, Be prepared for a huge cliff-hunger.
Altogether it was an enjoyable M/M fantasy romance read with interesting characters.
August 29, 2023
4.5 stars. Great potential as the start of a series, with intriguing and complicated world building. The two MCs had so much working against them personally and from others, that every small step they could make towards each other was beautiful. Their solutions for physical intimacy without direct skin on skin contact etc made these scenes extra special. My only real issue is that the first part was quite difficult as it felt like there should have been a prequel or earlier book, it didn't feel like it started here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
September 2, 2023
rating: 4.75 rounded up
i LOVEDDD this. the characters were everything. the writing and the way the characters expressed love for each other was AHHH!!!! noah and relic each had their own boundaries and challenges because of the lives they lead, but respected and cared so much for each other. love love love their relationship. i also can’t wait to see how the cliffhanger we were left on get resolved. definitely really excited for the next one and highly recommend this book.
i LOVEDDD this. the characters were everything. the writing and the way the characters expressed love for each other was AHHH!!!! noah and relic each had their own boundaries and challenges because of the lives they lead, but respected and cared so much for each other. love love love their relationship. i also can’t wait to see how the cliffhanger we were left on get resolved. definitely really excited for the next one and highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2023
Many thanks to the authors for the ARC. My review is entirely honest and voluntary and is based on the ARC I received.
Alright, my thoughts and feelings are in a jumbled mess after finishing this but oh my gawddd this book is an absolute masterpiece😭 I just love everything about this book. The characters, the worldbuilding, the plot are just *chef's kiss
This book does have an established worldbuilding and relationships so it can be confusing for some although I don't have a problem personally. It's very interesting to dive into it.
This book is dual POV so you'll get to see the story in Relic and Noah's POV although there is occasional POV from other characters also. I love knowing about their thoughts and feelings and some of them just made me cry. To be honest, I resonated with one of the characters a lot😭 which is unexpected but somehow it made the story a whole lot meaningful to me.
I also love the relationship between Noah and Relic. I love their banter but also how they communicate their needs and boundaries. It's so refreshing to see a healthy relationship being depicted. It just made me feel warm and reassured to see them work on the relationship despite the troubles they have to face.
On another note, the authors have a great writing style and everything is really well thought-out. This might a be a minute detail but I noticed how the authors managed to balance the romance part of the story with the ongoing plot. You still have equal parts of sweet and angsty moments between the characters but also still bring attention to the plot and the going-ons.
I could go on and on but I don't really want to give too much unless I spoiled it😂 but really for anyone who like to read MM supernatural romance with thrilling plot, great worldbuilding and sweet romance, this book could be of an interest to you😊
Alright, my thoughts and feelings are in a jumbled mess after finishing this but oh my gawddd this book is an absolute masterpiece😭 I just love everything about this book. The characters, the worldbuilding, the plot are just *chef's kiss
This book does have an established worldbuilding and relationships so it can be confusing for some although I don't have a problem personally. It's very interesting to dive into it.
This book is dual POV so you'll get to see the story in Relic and Noah's POV although there is occasional POV from other characters also. I love knowing about their thoughts and feelings and some of them just made me cry. To be honest, I resonated with one of the characters a lot😭 which is unexpected but somehow it made the story a whole lot meaningful to me.
I also love the relationship between Noah and Relic. I love their banter but also how they communicate their needs and boundaries. It's so refreshing to see a healthy relationship being depicted. It just made me feel warm and reassured to see them work on the relationship despite the troubles they have to face.
On another note, the authors have a great writing style and everything is really well thought-out. This might a be a minute detail but I noticed how the authors managed to balance the romance part of the story with the ongoing plot. You still have equal parts of sweet and angsty moments between the characters but also still bring attention to the plot and the going-ons.
I could go on and on but I don't really want to give too much unless I spoiled it😂 but really for anyone who like to read MM supernatural romance with thrilling plot, great worldbuilding and sweet romance, this book could be of an interest to you😊
August 29, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for a review
Relic was immediately intriguing in how the story was introduced, from the setting to his relationship with the angel, Andriel. The world doesn't feel as if its blinked into existence the moment the story begins, but the detail makes it feel alive and as if it has always been there. When I think about urban fantasy settings, this is one of the first that will come to mind. Most of the time there was a balance in explaining things to the reader and letting us fill in the blanks on our own, but there were a few times where the setting details dragged on a little long but never enough to impede my enjoyment of the overall lush prose.
The characters, even the side characters, are all fleshed out. No one feels like a throwaway no matter how briefly we meet them. Even characters who I believe have less than stellar motives but it isn't outwardly said (I'm looking at you Anna) and every action from a character feels like it serves a purpose to the greater story. Not to mention how much the main characters completely take over the page and capture attention.
Noah and Relic have such a beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking, romance. I love that there are obstacles and rules to their courtship that aren't easily thrown away in favor of coupling them. There is build up. They work towards what they want and find ways to accommodate both of their needs and I love it so much. Dark and Phin's relationship is aching and beautiful and their scene on the beach had me all choked up. Two people trying to play by the other's rules so much that they hold themselves back is just...kind of my shit.
I cannot wait for the second installment and to see what happens to these characters next.
Relic was immediately intriguing in how the story was introduced, from the setting to his relationship with the angel, Andriel. The world doesn't feel as if its blinked into existence the moment the story begins, but the detail makes it feel alive and as if it has always been there. When I think about urban fantasy settings, this is one of the first that will come to mind. Most of the time there was a balance in explaining things to the reader and letting us fill in the blanks on our own, but there were a few times where the setting details dragged on a little long but never enough to impede my enjoyment of the overall lush prose.
The characters, even the side characters, are all fleshed out. No one feels like a throwaway no matter how briefly we meet them. Even characters who I believe have less than stellar motives but it isn't outwardly said (I'm looking at you Anna) and every action from a character feels like it serves a purpose to the greater story. Not to mention how much the main characters completely take over the page and capture attention.
Noah and Relic have such a beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking, romance. I love that there are obstacles and rules to their courtship that aren't easily thrown away in favor of coupling them. There is build up. They work towards what they want and find ways to accommodate both of their needs and I love it so much. Dark and Phin's relationship is aching and beautiful and their scene on the beach had me all choked up. Two people trying to play by the other's rules so much that they hold themselves back is just...kind of my shit.
I cannot wait for the second installment and to see what happens to these characters next.
August 29, 2023
🥀ARC Review: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review🥀
This book is a paranormal MM romance and the first for me by these authors. It features dense world building with a blend of supernaturals and various religious elements. Relic Night is a summoned lust daemon who has been enamored with a very powerful fallen angel for decades. He is tied to his best friend, Dark, who is head vampire, Mistress of the House of Night, and Death’s scion. Together, they are assassins hunting on behalf of the Vatican. Relic is also a captain for the brotherhood of the Knights of the Templar.
🥀
Relic is all about feelings and fire. He’s a tad dramatic, like when he opted to burn down his own night club after breaking things off with his fallen angel by finally standing up to him as he was torturing another fallen. He burnt that placed to the ground and then fled to the sanctuary of Dark’s Castle Obsidian. I can respect the dramatic flair!
🦇
As he’s chillin' and trying to come to terms with how he can redeem himself, he meets Dark’s godson Noah. Noah is a complicated opposite to Relic’s personality. He’s a human but comes from a family of powerful Seers, who have aligned themselves with the supernatural world. Noah is an empath who can’t be touched without being overwhelmed, both mentally and physically, by that person’s memories, thoughts, and feelings.
🥀
As Relic and Noah are falling for each other, there are many complications that arise that they try to overcome, not least of which is the pesky little detail that Noah can’t touch Relic without the fear of serious ramifications to his well being. This means a 1 out of 5 on the spicy scale.
🦇
This first book was very much focused on building the world and setting up the conflicts. There are strong themes of family, both real and chosen, and what that means for each character’s sense of loyalty and duty. The prose is very descriptive, with frequent similes and metaphors to paint pictures for the reader. It doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, but there are major unresolved issues flowing into the next book of the series. 3.5 stars for me; check it out if paranormal MM is your jam!
This book is a paranormal MM romance and the first for me by these authors. It features dense world building with a blend of supernaturals and various religious elements. Relic Night is a summoned lust daemon who has been enamored with a very powerful fallen angel for decades. He is tied to his best friend, Dark, who is head vampire, Mistress of the House of Night, and Death’s scion. Together, they are assassins hunting on behalf of the Vatican. Relic is also a captain for the brotherhood of the Knights of the Templar.
🥀
Relic is all about feelings and fire. He’s a tad dramatic, like when he opted to burn down his own night club after breaking things off with his fallen angel by finally standing up to him as he was torturing another fallen. He burnt that placed to the ground and then fled to the sanctuary of Dark’s Castle Obsidian. I can respect the dramatic flair!
🦇
As he’s chillin' and trying to come to terms with how he can redeem himself, he meets Dark’s godson Noah. Noah is a complicated opposite to Relic’s personality. He’s a human but comes from a family of powerful Seers, who have aligned themselves with the supernatural world. Noah is an empath who can’t be touched without being overwhelmed, both mentally and physically, by that person’s memories, thoughts, and feelings.
🥀
As Relic and Noah are falling for each other, there are many complications that arise that they try to overcome, not least of which is the pesky little detail that Noah can’t touch Relic without the fear of serious ramifications to his well being. This means a 1 out of 5 on the spicy scale.
🦇
This first book was very much focused on building the world and setting up the conflicts. There are strong themes of family, both real and chosen, and what that means for each character’s sense of loyalty and duty. The prose is very descriptive, with frequent similes and metaphors to paint pictures for the reader. It doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, but there are major unresolved issues flowing into the next book of the series. 3.5 stars for me; check it out if paranormal MM is your jam!
August 29, 2023
Shadows Nocturne is a fun supernatural romance about an empath human and a recently single Daemon exploring how to love each other.
I devoured this story! I really liked the main couple given the dynamics of their relationship. Noah is very sensitive to touch, and it was a fun idea for how this new couple was going to work. This was refreshing because the smut didn’t follow the typical pattern you would find in romance books and the scenes were different given the hypersensitivity to touch. This will feel like a slow burn so just be ready for that. Compared to the authors’ other work, Shadows Nocturne has less smut BUT the smut you will find in this book is worth it.
This book explores the struggle to have boundaries with a partner and overcoming past abusive relationships. It is refreshing to read a story that has 'learning to be in a healthy relationship' and having boundaries as themes while refraining from a lot of physical contact, it gives them more room to explore that part of the relationship.
If you are looking for a book that will give you a dense world of supernatural beings and a sweet romance that will need to take baby steps, try this read. The authors’ have other books in this universe so if you like this book, when you’re done, you’ll have plenty to feast on.
Trigger Warnings: Abusive Ex, Sexual Harassment, Stalking/Harassment, Violence, Blood, Gore, Self-Harm (For Magic), Age Difference (Younger Character is College Age), Kiss Without Consent, Death of a Family Member, Master/Dom/Sub Abuse, Seizures, Explicit Sexual Acts, Dating Someone Else’s Family Member, Pet Play Used as Abuse.
I was an ARC reader for this book.
I devoured this story! I really liked the main couple given the dynamics of their relationship. Noah is very sensitive to touch, and it was a fun idea for how this new couple was going to work. This was refreshing because the smut didn’t follow the typical pattern you would find in romance books and the scenes were different given the hypersensitivity to touch. This will feel like a slow burn so just be ready for that. Compared to the authors’ other work, Shadows Nocturne has less smut BUT the smut you will find in this book is worth it.
This book explores the struggle to have boundaries with a partner and overcoming past abusive relationships. It is refreshing to read a story that has 'learning to be in a healthy relationship' and having boundaries as themes while refraining from a lot of physical contact, it gives them more room to explore that part of the relationship.
If you are looking for a book that will give you a dense world of supernatural beings and a sweet romance that will need to take baby steps, try this read. The authors’ have other books in this universe so if you like this book, when you’re done, you’ll have plenty to feast on.
Trigger Warnings: Abusive Ex, Sexual Harassment, Stalking/Harassment, Violence, Blood, Gore, Self-Harm (For Magic), Age Difference (Younger Character is College Age), Kiss Without Consent, Death of a Family Member, Master/Dom/Sub Abuse, Seizures, Explicit Sexual Acts, Dating Someone Else’s Family Member, Pet Play Used as Abuse.
I was an ARC reader for this book.
December 4, 2023
Overall is not a bad story, it really was interesting however, it had a lot of gramatical errors and some sentences were phrased weirdly. I felt like it jumped over the important parts and overly focused on the couples rather than the plot, which ended up making parts of the story confusing, and it frustrated me the part where Relic disappeared and suddenly Daniel was dead but we didn't get a full explanation of what happened, we got a bit of context but that was all. Also because this a story with a world already set, it sometimes made it difficult to follow up on some of the characters and organizations that were mentioned.
The story has a lot of potential, and I liked the chemistry between Noah and Relic (I only kept reading because of them) however, it felt like the plot was poorly executed, like it was there just because. Non of the characters really stuck out to me (besides Noah and Relic) and Dark and Aodhin just frustrated the F**k out me, their constant lack of communication made me want to stop reading and also because their past together is not really clear to us readers it made even more frustrating the fact they couldn't just express their feelings and I just wished we would get and explanation of what is Aodhin's past with Dark, the story gave us bits an pieces, but it was just confusing.
The book was way too long for what little it gave.
I think the author should get an editor or a bunch of beta readers to fix this, because this has potential and could be better.
The story has a lot of potential, and I liked the chemistry between Noah and Relic (I only kept reading because of them) however, it felt like the plot was poorly executed, like it was there just because. Non of the characters really stuck out to me (besides Noah and Relic) and Dark and Aodhin just frustrated the F**k out me, their constant lack of communication made me want to stop reading and also because their past together is not really clear to us readers it made even more frustrating the fact they couldn't just express their feelings and I just wished we would get and explanation of what is Aodhin's past with Dark, the story gave us bits an pieces, but it was just confusing.
The book was way too long for what little it gave.
I think the author should get an editor or a bunch of beta readers to fix this, because this has potential and could be better.
September 7, 2023
I read an early copy of this book and thought it was phenomenal! 💕
Why I loved it:
Rich and detailed original world building! Set in a version of this world where daemons, fae and even fallen angels walk among us - a commonly used set-up but this felt so fresh! It was clear that the authors' had built a fully-fleshed out world behind the scenes, and we were only privvy to a very small part of it. I loved how we were dropped straight into the action/world with very little exposition dumps.
The characters! Relic was such an interesting character from the start - again the authors' massively detailed backstory for him paid off - he felt incredibly developed. Noah was great as well, but the extended cast of side-characters were also excellently written (especially Noah's godmother, Dark) - and helped to flesh out the worldbuilding.
The romanace! I loveeeeeeed Relic and Noah's relationship. It developed very organically, with lots of obstacles and dynamics to work through. It was entertaining watching Relic's walls slowlyyyy tumble down. Noah's empath ability means that he can't touch other humans, so the two have to get creative with their physical intimacy & it made it all the more special.
The style The authors' unique writing style - descriptive prose, rich vocabulary & mid-scene POV changes - was refreshingly original in the MM paranormal romance genre.
So excited that this is the start of a series!!
Why I loved it:
Rich and detailed original world building! Set in a version of this world where daemons, fae and even fallen angels walk among us - a commonly used set-up but this felt so fresh! It was clear that the authors' had built a fully-fleshed out world behind the scenes, and we were only privvy to a very small part of it. I loved how we were dropped straight into the action/world with very little exposition dumps.
The characters! Relic was such an interesting character from the start - again the authors' massively detailed backstory for him paid off - he felt incredibly developed. Noah was great as well, but the extended cast of side-characters were also excellently written (especially Noah's godmother, Dark) - and helped to flesh out the worldbuilding.
The romanace! I loveeeeeeed Relic and Noah's relationship. It developed very organically, with lots of obstacles and dynamics to work through. It was entertaining watching Relic's walls slowlyyyy tumble down. Noah's empath ability means that he can't touch other humans, so the two have to get creative with their physical intimacy & it made it all the more special.
The style The authors' unique writing style - descriptive prose, rich vocabulary & mid-scene POV changes - was refreshingly original in the MM paranormal romance genre.
So excited that this is the start of a series!!
August 20, 2023
Lírico, poético, casi hasta antiguo en su estilo, y para nada líneal, complejo y quizás hasta confuso, pero sin perder claridad en la meta. Es difícil encontrar libros que no apelen a los mismos y repetidos recursos de otros de su estilo, que parecen comprar los mismos esquemas y tropos, como si siempre hiciera falta masticarle todo al lector para que "entienda" o "disfrute". Por ejemplo, la necesidad de múltiples o más de un POV, que los capítulos se llamen como el personaje que habla (porque, de nuevo, somos muy idiotas como para darnos cuenta de otra forma), la indefectible primera persona del singular (que tantos problemas trae cuando intentan traducirlos al castellano). A nada de eso necesitan recurrir lxs autorxs de Shadows´ Nocturne. De hecho, en un mismo párrafo saltan de un punto de vista al otro sin ningún criterio aparente y es el lector quien tiene que ir pescando los indicios. Lo mismo pasa con el universo en el que transcurre la historia: sí, efectivamente parece que caemos en el medio de algo que empezó tres libros atrás, pero precisamente esa es la magia de la literatura. La que te hace pensar, estar atentos y reflexionar sobre qué y cómo pasa, y a quiénes. Ansiosa por ver qué más hay.
ARC
ARC
August 24, 2023
**I have received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review**
(Shows up to the function in tears) I’m chill, I’m totally fine, everything’s good.
Except I kinda pulled up to this book thinking it would be a cute quick queer paranormal romance, not an emotional roller coaster ride in a complex universe that would steal my heart. I CANNOT wait for book 2!
Some good things for readers to know:
- This is about an MM pairing and an MF pairing
- While both pairs make great relationship progress and there’s some sex scenes, it ends on a cliffhanger
- It’s set in a complex paranormal world full of diverse figures and pre-established friendships and relationships. (It reminds me of Crescent City in that way, which is both a really good series, and full of world-building that may slow down some readers at first)
- There’s a violent, toxic ex as a villain (in case that’s a trigger)
Though the series is just starting, I think it’s worth picking up and reading now since you do see satisfying growth between the pairings, especially the MM pairing. The way that each pairing is written as a foil to the other is so moving and beautiful! I can already imagine the fan art these romances deserve. Beautifully written!
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 4/5
(Shows up to the function in tears) I’m chill, I’m totally fine, everything’s good.
Except I kinda pulled up to this book thinking it would be a cute quick queer paranormal romance, not an emotional roller coaster ride in a complex universe that would steal my heart. I CANNOT wait for book 2!
Some good things for readers to know:
- This is about an MM pairing and an MF pairing
- While both pairs make great relationship progress and there’s some sex scenes, it ends on a cliffhanger
- It’s set in a complex paranormal world full of diverse figures and pre-established friendships and relationships. (It reminds me of Crescent City in that way, which is both a really good series, and full of world-building that may slow down some readers at first)
- There’s a violent, toxic ex as a villain (in case that’s a trigger)
Though the series is just starting, I think it’s worth picking up and reading now since you do see satisfying growth between the pairings, especially the MM pairing. The way that each pairing is written as a foil to the other is so moving and beautiful! I can already imagine the fan art these romances deserve. Beautifully written!
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 4/5
August 22, 2023
This book was so intriguing from the start. Both Dark and Relic are mystery characters and you learn more and more about the throughout the story. Relic was so much fave character! He is a daemon with powers of shadow and fire. His sass was just on point and he is a tad bit dramatic but that’s what I like about him. He is an all or nothing kind of person I feel like. Especially in his relationship with Noah was so amazing. The way he worked with Noah and his empathy. He is very sensitive for touch and the way they handled it was so nice! Relic was so understanding and his speeches are the best.
Dark is still a bit of a mystery to me but she is a vampire and has lived for a long time so I hope to maybe see more of her past in the next book.
Overall I totally loved this book and it’s characters and really look forward to seeing them again in book two!
Also people this amazing MM paranormal romance book comes out next week so be sure to check it out if you are intrigued. I’ll put the synopsis in the comments.
Thank you to the authors of this book for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dark is still a bit of a mystery to me but she is a vampire and has lived for a long time so I hope to maybe see more of her past in the next book.
Overall I totally loved this book and it’s characters and really look forward to seeing them again in book two!
Also people this amazing MM paranormal romance book comes out next week so be sure to check it out if you are intrigued. I’ll put the synopsis in the comments.
Thank you to the authors of this book for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2023
I loved the beginning of the series of Shadow Nocturne.I loved Relic and Noah. Noah is the only one who can calm Relic.Relic keeps Noah company.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
DNF. I didn’t even understand wtf was going on
September 13, 2023
Meet your new favorite spooky season read. Shadows Nocturne invites you to step into a world of daemons and angels, fae and vampires, immortals of all sorts!
This MM gothic romance between a daemon of lust and an empathic human who can’t bear physical touch will win your hearts and minds! The sass and banter is perfection, but the budding relationship between Relic and Noah will keeping you coming back for more!
This MM gothic romance between a daemon of lust and an empathic human who can’t bear physical touch will win your hearts and minds! The sass and banter is perfection, but the budding relationship between Relic and Noah will keeping you coming back for more!
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October 19, 2023DNF 10% - I found the writing quite impenetrable
August 23, 2023
It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, mainly because the mood of the book was quite sombre, however once I got that far, I was glad I’d persisted. Relic and Noah – what a complicated pair they are, though it shows that where there’s a will, it might be possible to find a way, though you might have to be creative. This story had a background of sombreness and sadness, and the pain and difficulty of immortality and duty. I developed a soft spot for Relic and I worried that Andriel would disrupt the one good thing that Relic had going. There were times I had to put the book down for a while because the suspense or sombreness were too much to handle. Nevertheless I kept returning to the story because I really, really wanted to see if Relic could find happiness. A very intense read, but so worthwhile.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is a voluntary review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is a voluntary review.
July 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this one.
I liked all three main characters - Relic in particular, if I have to pick a favourite, as his POV really drew me in. I liked the contrast between his tough hunter side and his extremely vulnerable, almost fragile inner world. The world that the characters inhabit seems really interesting, even if (like another reviewer mentioned) it took a bit of time to work out how everything works.
The thing that really stood out for me in this book was the discussion of boundaries and consent. I am relatively new to the romance genre (including paranormal), and I am only speaking from my own personal experience, but reading about two characters carefully navigating what each feels comfortable/good with, discussing their own needs and limits, working out how they fit with each other - that was refreshing, and something I haven't seen much of. Of course there is a reason why it had to be done (won't spoil), but still I really liked it.
The only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that sometimes the language was a little too quirky for my taste and took me out of the story. It is, however, a personal thing.
Overall, really enjoyable and I have put the other books set in this world on my TBR list.
Thank you for the ARC!
I liked all three main characters - Relic in particular, if I have to pick a favourite, as his POV really drew me in. I liked the contrast between his tough hunter side and his extremely vulnerable, almost fragile inner world. The world that the characters inhabit seems really interesting, even if (like another reviewer mentioned) it took a bit of time to work out how everything works.
The thing that really stood out for me in this book was the discussion of boundaries and consent. I am relatively new to the romance genre (including paranormal), and I am only speaking from my own personal experience, but reading about two characters carefully navigating what each feels comfortable/good with, discussing their own needs and limits, working out how they fit with each other - that was refreshing, and something I haven't seen much of. Of course there is a reason why it had to be done (won't spoil), but still I really liked it.
The only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that sometimes the language was a little too quirky for my taste and took me out of the story. It is, however, a personal thing.
Overall, really enjoyable and I have put the other books set in this world on my TBR list.
Thank you for the ARC!
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