I can feel it. It floats beneath the surface, an endless well of power waiting to be unleashed.
Magic I never thought I’d possess, and yet now that I do, I’m starting to wonder if it’s more potent than I ever could’ve imagined. But I need to learn my limits and fast because there’s darkness on the horizon.
My days at Silvercrest Academy have been filled with secrets, conflict, and death. It’s a world consumed with uncertainty, but there’s only one thing I can believe in… the Bishops.
Creed, Zane, Eldon, and Brax.
They’re everything I never knew I needed, and I have a feeling the five of us together are the key to making it out of here alive. In this fight, it’s kill or be killed.
I liked book 1. But for some reason, there was a bit of a disconnect for me with book 2. I'm not sure if it's the pacing or if it's because, in truth, not much happens here. There is a lot of vague setup for bigger things and a lot of annoying, pointless bully moments by Genie. The girl needs to learn to quit. Luckily, Raven doesn't take shit from her but I'm still so over the pointless girl drama.
I'm on the fence about whether or not I will continue this series. I guess I'll wait for reviews of book 3 to come rolling in.
Holy moly y’all, I can see the potential now! 🤌🏻 While Raven still has a bit of a way to go, the beginning of her character growth was bright as day in the way that she recognized her flaws and is now ready and willing to work with her men to overcome them for the sake of their relationship. To be fair, she’s had a lot going on as of late and is barely managing to roll with the punches as it is but acknowledgement goes a long way in my book! And I couldn’t think of a better group of guys to go on this journey with her because not only are they so supportive and protective of Raven in general, you know we LOVE some possessive men, but they are also always making sure they are there for each other when one of them is struggling. This time around it was Braxton but I have a feeling it’s going to be Creed’s turn in the next book cause um, let's just say iykyk. 😅
I am happy to report that while I noticed some parallels between Destined Shadows and KC's first book of Saints Academy, I think she did an incredible job of making this plot begin to feel more unique so the story and series had the separation it needed to take on a life of its own. Things got VERY interesting when the book completely changed direction towards something I was NOT expecting and even after finishing I’m still unsure how I feel about all of the things we learned! People I thought were enemies are possibly not while characters I loved can no longer be trusted? I want to give them the benefit of the doubt but they’re being so sus that I just can’t! 😭 Don’t worry though, there were some antagonists that remained as terrible as ever! 🙄 Thankfully, when it comes to good side characters I’m not sure who I loved more, Ari or Rhys! They both really shined in this book and I was absolutely smitten with them! I hope that we get to spend more time with them and the rest of Zane and Eldons’ families because they are the best and I LOVE THEM ALL!
Another thing I think KC is doing really well in this series is balancing the pacing and overall plot progression with jaw dropping reveals and twists! We get just enough questions answered to keep us satisfied without everything being given away! Destined Shadows kept me on my toes the whole time and I still haven’t been able to fully process the implications of it’s wild cliffhanger cause it changed everything I thought I knew! One thing is for sure though, I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS and I need the next book ASAP! 😫
The secret academy was introduced...and I felt like I should take my leave. The formula is formulating...I don't think Imma like this long term. Her brother finally makes another appearance but like come on bro...idk why you hate ur sister so much and I guess I'll never know.
3.5/5: As with all KC Kean books, the later books in the series are not as good as the first one. Case in point, Raven learns about Sebastian‘s betrayal of the school, but instead of telling a trusted teacher, she just goes to class because the bell rang. This does not seem logical at all. And there are a lot of instances when the MCs learn something new or something confusing happens, but instead of seeking answers, they just move along. I know the author is just trying to build suspense, but most people don’t go through life that oblivious or complacent. I think I get sucked into these series because the first books have that whole anticipation of new relationships starting up, which gets me interested. Then the following books get more tedious and boring and I start to lose interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really liked Falling Shadows so I had high hopes for Destined Shadows, especially when we were left on a cliffhanger. The second book didn’t live up to the hype for me. The story line felt disconnected and the characters didn’t flow. Also, I found the animosity Raven and her guys had towards Lila difficult to understand, especially since Raven was keeping her own secrets from her best friend and the way she shut her out due to an omission she couldn’t reveal. Ari the griffin was the best part of this book and sadly I won’t be finishing the series.
2.5-3.5 ⭐️ This paranormal/fantasy academy reverse harem (RH) series is .... okay. I think I want to rate it higher than most because it is edited well when so many RH's are not, but the story and relationships are not really all that well-developed. Though perhaps not as bad as in book one, characters still learn things by "just having a feeling" and "maybe I can do this random thing that's never been mentioned yet" or choose to do things with no information and no answers for seemingly no reason at all, just to get to some of the plot points the author wants to reach.
To be fair, I think there are some really good ideas, but it is just not written compellingly enough to have me excited to read more. Additionally, with the relationships between the heroine and all four male characters being all-in by the end of the first book there is no anticipation to help sustain a long series in that regard either, and I have to admit the heroes blend together for me too, despite there being a clear attempt to give them differing personality traits. I might continue on, even if I only skim (because I struggle to DNF stuff!) but I am not excited or eager to do so.
Book one was fantastic. I flew from book one straight into book 2. This started off great, but it seemed to slow down like crazy... almost drag. Leaving a disconnect and a feeling like I was reading just to finish it, not enjoy it.
*Reverse Harem *Paranormal *Multi-PoV *Academy based *Unknown FMC *divided family *mixed powers *established harem (4) *mid/slow burn *2/4 More and more questions 😮 Well we’ve certainly found out what Ravens powers are in this book - not only her primary but secondary as well 😁 Although her primary power savers the Bishops it placed her as an enemy to the realm 😖 having to now hide her powers whilst still training at the academy for this nameless enemy is draining her; along with dealing with the continuous attacks by her parents plus her brother and Genie! Poor Raven’s got a lot on her plate - it’s only made worse by the secret Guild and then the supposed enemies turning up randomly at school 😳 it’s going to be interesting to see how it all ties into the wider war that’s going on! It’s a good job she’s got her men there to support her and boy do they back her up and show her she’s worth it all 🥰🥰 and Ari got to love the griffin and I really hope they can sort that issue out 😢 Rhys is also a treasure in protecting Raven! Although with the cliffie I am not sure anything can protect them 😮😮
I didn’t notice this much in book 1, but it’s really evident in book two that the author isn’t completing scenes. Chapter 22 is a great scene between Raven and Rhys but it ends abruptly, and then she wakes up someplace new in chapter 23. Do we find out eventually what happened? Sure, BUT WHY NOT JUST FINISH THE SCENE IN THE MOMENT? You literally have readers on the edges of their seats. The author’s attempts at a mid-book cliffhanger is dumb BECAUSE THERE’S STILL 200 PAGES LEFT. This faux butterfly-effect attempt at writing is frustrating and unsatisfactory.
Ugh 🙄
Anyway, I skipped a lot of the spicy scenes because they just felt strangely placed. Finally the ending of this book has some actual movement in the overarching story. Much of this book felt like filler and could have been shortened to make the book more consistently paced and moving.
The story itself is good, I guess I’m just not thrilled with the writing style.
This book is shrouded in secrets and shadows. You are trying to piece together everything you know and as each chapter continues something new is being revealed. It keeps you on your toes. Sometimes you get a bit “what now” as there is a lot of information constantly coming your way, but it seems to come together smoothly. I took a few days break due to things happening in my personal life, I just couldn’t concentrate well, I had a death in my family. But once I picked it back up I couldn’t stop reading. I love how much the guys and Raven have bonded together. I love Ari and i can’t wait to see them in action together. Something is super fishy with Sebastian, and I’m on the fence with Bolton and the whole nightmare guild. There is just so much going on and I don’t know how one more book is going to wrap it all up. I’m off to read book 3!
So thankful for this ARC and the continuation of this story. Destined Shadows picks up right where Falling Shadows ended. Raven’s power has unlocked and the Bishops are coming to terms with the events that took place in Shadowmoore. While Creed, Zane, Eldon and Brax continue to be the only thing that Raven can believe in, as is standard KC process, nothing is what it seems on the surface at Silvercrest Academy. We have secret societies, enemy realms, captured magical creatures and a conniving brother – secrets upon secrets that will slowly start coming to light in the following two books, if that cliffhanger was any type of indicator. Onyx eyes you say…. can’t wait for the third book!
3 out of 5 stars. I loved this steamy continuation of the series, though I was hoping for more from it. However, the main characters and the way the plot wrapped up really made me enjoy this novel even more. I'm looking forward to continuing with this series when I get the chance. It's a good read that I would recommend to others! Watch my full book review here: https://youtu.be/PhV9iVh3Dkg
- Paranormal Fantasy Polyamorous Academy Romance - 🛍️ Jess' 2024 Reading Book List: https://amzn.to/48qZ1Qq
Destined Shadows picks up right where we left off in Falling Shadows, and it doesn't slow down. With Raven's power unlocked, she's got to play like only some has as there is danger lurking that wants to use her for their own gain.
I love that were getting to know all the characters more and more. This introduced new elements into the timeline and with that cliffhanger, theories are starting to take over my brain.
Currently, I don't think this series is overly dark. It has some darker elements to it, so still be mindful. Also, the spicy bits 🥵🥵 I cannot wait for book 3!!
Loved it! Note - must read book 1 prior, otherwise you will have no idea what’s going on. It kicks right off where we left it in book 1. Raven’s power is determined, but it’s forbidden so they all need to ensure that no one else knows. It’s quite a lot for Raven especially with all the other crap she is dealing with, like family drama including her brother and also Genie. There’s the unknown enemy turning up at the school. Raven’s men Creed, Zane, Eldon and Brax all step up to the plate to back her 100%, she also has her Griffin, Ari - just love Ari Love the depth to the storyline, as always with KC’s books, nothing is as it seems. The secrets and mysterious element is perfectly written. Which had me on the edge of my chair - loved it! The steamy scenes were hot AF. Overall another amazing book for this series. That cliffhanger ending was jaw dropping and yes I am left with so so many questions - can’t wait for book three.
"Destined Shadows," Book 2 in K.C. Kean's gripping series, just amps up everything I adored about the first book! Where do I get a Griffin for a familiar, or better yet, how do I find myself an Eldon... or a Zane... or a Creed... and let's not forget the moody, irresistible Brax. The classroom chapter? Holy gods, indeed—it's off the charts! Kean delivers a sequel that's both captivating and scorchingly hot. I'm hooked and desperate for more. If you thought the first book was good, just wait until you dive into this one. Absolutely loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really, and I mean really am enjoying this series! There is intrigue, intense tension and feeling of being out of control against an unknown enemy, there’s love and compassion and commitment…. There’s every I enjoy from a fantasy series and world. I seriously love Raven, so much! I do highly recommend these books so far and with that ending?? I’ll need to get the next book now so it can be delivered on release day! Do recommend and you won’t be disappointed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fantasy RH and @kckeanauthor … can’t go wrong!! Destined Shadows is book two in the Silvercrest Academy series and this was jam packed!!
Poor Raven and her guys seem to encounter one hurdle after another, but the twisted layer and the bomb dropped at the end? Uhhhh yeah I have ALL the questions and I’ll be clamoring for book three!!
This is book 2 in the silvercrest academy series, and it picks up right where book 1 left us with that crazy cliffhanger!
We get some questions answered but are left with a million more.. the growth of the characters in this book is on point.. the spice was 🔥🔥🔥 I’m loving Raven the guys and Ari!!
and omg that cliffhanger!! Can’t wait to get my hands on book 3!
My god this series just gets better and better - and the cliffhangers more and more brutal! I adore everything KC writes and this series is no different. Raven is really shaping up to be one of my favourite MC’s so far and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this amazing series
I really liked this book, it was a little slower burn while the characters all developed and the storyline was flushed out more. The steam I still there though! I think it's less predictable than a lot of other books with the same tropes, and I like the foreshadowing about what's to come. Great continuation of the series, I can't wait for the next book!
Not as good as book 1. Story progressing with more layers and clues to the mystery but slower pace. Gives Goblet of Fire vibes. (Which is my least fav. HP) FMC discovers her magic and must hide it from everyone for fear of being used as a weapon. She is powerful but still unskilled. Love her connection to her familiar Ari a griffin. 🦅🦁
Great storylines , good characters with intriguing side characters & sub plots .completely addictive and hard to put down until you get to the end to find a cliff hanger ,so annoying , so frustrating I have to wait 2 whole days for the next in series
KC Kean did it again. All these twist and turns make you wanna scream! Her familiar Ari is amazing and I think him and Raven will be a force. I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings!