Shadow's Curse

Imnada Brotherhood #2

by Alexa Egan

The second novel in the dark and sexy Imnada Brotherhood trilogy featuring shapeshifters in Regency-era England.Can the magic of desire defeat the powers of darkness? Forced by her half brother to use her dark gift of necromancy for profit, lovely Callista Hawthorne is determined to flee to her one chance for safety, her aunt in Scotland. With no hope of success unless she finds help on the long road north, she offers cursed shapechanger David St. Leger an irresistible bargain. David—one of the mysterious Imnada—stalks the night streets of Regency London as a large black wolf. Renounced by his own kind, he spends his desperate rage on thieves and murderers. While Callista’s proposal will allow him to escape the terrible enchantment binding him, agreeing to her terms will force him into the treacherous world of the half-Fey Other, his clan’s ancient foes. Drawn together by danger, David and Callista find passion in each other’s arms. But can they forswear the centuries of enmity separating their two races, and find a love they dare not even imagine?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Historical Romance, Shapeshifters, Historical Fiction, Fantasy

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2013

About the author

Critically acclaimed author of historical and paranormal romance, ALIX RICKLOFF’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses (his brass rubbing hangs in her dining room), and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War (hence the family's hasty emigration to America).

Her novels include the Heirs of Kilronan trilogy, and, as ALEXA EGAN, the Imnada Brotherhood series and the Bligh Family series.

Reviews

[Eva Millien · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Imnada Brotherhood series is full adventure, action, intrigue, romance and the Fae.

During Callista’s attempt to escape her cruel brother and the man he’s sold her to, she meets David, one of the Imnada who has been cursed. David fights his attraction to Callista throughout their journey, for what he believes is good reason.

The suspense builds throughout the book as the couple is pursued by two sets of enemies, both with very nefarious intentions. The author has built a world that engages the reader in tangled webs of greed, supernatural racism, magic and deception.

The historical time period of the book is vividly described by the author without her over describing it. The characters are strong and believable with all the emotional angst that characters should have in their position. And she created a great conclusion to the Callista and David’s story.

The only drawback to this book that I found was that at times the story seemed to move a little too slow and jumped from one scene to the next a little abruptly. But not so much that I won’t still be looking forward to the next book.

I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necromancer Callista Hawthorne is being forced by her brother to marry a crime boss who wants to use her talents basically for world domination (well England at least). When shapeshifter David St. Leger saves her life and is subsequently captured by her brother, Callista frees him with his promise to help her escape her pitiful future.

David was cursed by the Fey-born and cast out by his people. He really has nothing to live for since he is convinced of his mortality. He is fascinated by Callista and while helping her escape her brother and Corey, he falls in love. Hence he's willing to do anything to save her life even entering the Fey stronghold on the Isle of Skye.

This is the second entry in the series and even better than the first. I loved the romance between Callista and David. You could just feel the connection between them. The cast of secondary characters really sets the stage for a much longer series than I think is planned. I'm looking forward to revisiting them during Warrior's Curse.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callista Hawthorne has a very special talent, she is a necromancer and part fey. Her brother has been forcing her to use her ability to talk with the dead as a source of income for years. Finding himself in debt to a crime lord, Callista's half brother sells her into a marriage contract with the power hungry crime lord.

David St. Leger stalks the streets of London in his wolf form. He prowls for the unsuspecting criminal. He enacts his anger over his curse on those who would harm others. David has been cursed by the fey and is slowly dying. He has been outcast from his people, the Imnada (Shape-Shifters) and is trying to find his own way.

Caught trying to escape her proposed wedding, Callista is cornered in an alley where the wolf David comes to her rescue only ending up captured himself. An unlikely truce is agreed upon between David and Callista. If he helps her get to Scotland and freedom, she gets him free from her evil fiancee' grasp.

Strong and enchanting characters and an improbable but steamy romance highlight this marvelously written plot. I loved watching the character development, especially in Callista, she really grows into her own. Alexa Egan puts a very unique twist to King Author, Fey, Shape-Shifters and magic making a story you can really get lost in. Fast paced, easy to read and gripping from start to finish, Shadow's Curse is a terrific read.

I received this ARC copy of Shadow's Curse from Pocket Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 24, 2013.

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning I thought that Alexa Egan's Shadow's Curse is just another Regency romance novel with a paranormal twist, but it was much more than that. I have not read the first book of the series, but I did not feel that I was missing something because of that.

The story is about David (Imnada/werewolf) and Callista (Fey-blood/necromancer).

David and his best friends where cursed while they were in war and now they basically wait to die slowly. But besides just consuming the temporary cure and waiting, David has become London's nighttime hero - he is tracks the lowlife who prey on others. One night he defends a girl who then attacks him and so they are both captured.

Callista has a special abilities - she can go to dead realm to talk with dead, like her mom had. But her stepbrother cares only about making money, so he has sold Callista to his "business partner" to be his wife. But the business partner has much more sinister plans with Callista and her abilities.

So to avoid the not so good future, Callista and David have to escape. Their escape takes them to David's friend, then to traveling cirque with whom Callista was traveling some years ago and then to another David's friend and finally to island Sky to Callistas aunt.

Their travels are filled with danger, friends, jealous rivals, close family who are worse than enemies and finding love. It was good and enrapturing story.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had difficulty getting into this one and staying interested. The passion felt stunted and rushed in its description. The villain was good and the conflict was interesting, but the plot just was hard to get into.  Not really sure what it was exactly that I found hard to get into. The characters were good, though the tension between the two could have been more developed. The passion could have been explored and drawn out; he was a womanizer after all so that aspect could have played more of a role (his reputation coming back to bite him, him being placed in a situation where she could misconstrue what was going on, etc.) in the tension and emotional development of their relationship. When he goes into Death to save her was a good scene, that added some emotional suspense to the plot. There wasn't anything bad about it; I was just a bit bored.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Shadow's Curse by Alexa Egan
Book Two of the Imnada Brotherhood series
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Suffering under a horrible curse and renounced by his clan, the Imnada shape-shifter, David St. Leger, stalks the London nights in the form of a large black wolf, channeling his desperate rage on thieves and murderers. But when he’s captured by the very woman he sought to rescue, he’s thrown into the magical and dangerous world of the Other—half human, half-Fey, and one of the Imnada’s ancient enemies.

Forced by her half-brother to use her gift of necromancy as a money-making scheme, Callista Hawthorne wants only to flee to her aunt in Scotland where she’ll be safe. Considering David her last hope, she offers him a deal—freedom in exchange for his protection on the long journey north.

Now in a race for their lives, Other and Imnada must put aside centuries of animosity and work together if they are to overcome the dark forces intent on stopping them before they reach safety. For Callista is far more powerful than she knows, and with her help and her love, David may finally be able to break the curse of the Imnada…

What I Liked:

Another book in which I begin reading in the middle of the series. The wonderful thing about adult historical romance series is that most of them are companion series, not traditional series, and so I don't have to read all of the previous books to read the upcoming ones. Thankfully, this book was no different!

Unlike most of the adult historical romance novels that I usually read, this one had a paranormal aspect to it. I don't completely understand everything about it, but basically, there are men that can shift to wolves (werewolves, obviously). David, specifically, is cursed. I kind of still don't understand how he is cursed, but he is (other than the fact that he shifts in to a wolf). And he hates it. He is exiled from his clan, hunted by others, and alone.

Callista wants to run from everything. She is used by her "brother", a man that wants her only for her supernatural gifts. She is pursued by another man, who wants her for her body and her supernatural gifts. Finding David seems like the perfect solution - he'll protect her and help her escape, and she'll free him (he was captured and put in a room by her brother and fiancee).

The chemistry between Callista and David is there, right from the start. I love how their relationship progresses, because neither of them make it easy for the other. The circus caravan scenes are probably my favorite - because both of them want the same thing, but can't seem to communicate it to each other.

The romance is NOT the dominant part of this book, which was both fantastic and weird. I think it was fantastic because while I LOVE historical romance books, where the romance is just about everything, I do like to see a plot that's more than trying to get married or get rid of a suitor or something like that. This plot was definitely more, and it wove into the romance nicely.

The ending is sort of happy... a lot happens in the end. There is death and sacrifices and curses and so many things. But Callista and David get what they deserve, for themselves and for each other. I was wondering how Egan would resolve the curse issue - she did an excellent job of making that part of the ending believable and satisfying.

What I Did Not Like:

The plot. Remember how I said the romance was not the dominant part of the book? The plot was - meaning everything but the romance. The Imnada thing, the curse, the people after David, the suitors after Callista, the Fae, getting the castle... all of that took precedent over the romance between David and Callista.

Here's the thing: I appreciate a good plot. I love it when the author makes a romance book more than a romance book. But this book had TOO MUCH going on. The plot was definitely a weakness in this book.

I couldn't figure what David's curse was - or I don't remember. I have no idea how many people were chasing David and Callista - or who half of them were. Once David and Callista got close to the castle where Callista's aunt resides, things got weird. The author introduced some more supernatural beings, including a raven woman and a giant man, and I am really lost in all of that.

Once we got past the circus part of the book, I was confused. And hopelessly lost. There was too much going on, too many characters, too many twists and turns. It was just TOO MUCH, all at once. The pacing got wild, and names just started flying off the page. I think that's one of the reasons why I don't remember much specifically, even though it hasn't been that long since I read this book.

So, the plot was a downer. It got to be too much.

Would I Recommend It:

I'm on the fence with this one. While I enjoyed most of the book, I can't say I'd go around telling everyone to read it. If you liked the first one, then by all means, continue reading the series. Maybe if I had read the first book, I would have understand more about the curse and the Imnada. Who knows.

If you haven't read any of the series, then I'd pass. This one isn't a must-read.

Rating:

2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. Not the best historical romance novel I've read, but an interesting paranormal historical romance novel!

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Two people from warring races/species come together in order to safely travel to Scotland. Along the way, they have to fight their feelings for each other as they try and escape those pursuing them. Will they be able to continue to fight their attraction?

Opening Sentence: The man stood over his victim, knife flashing in the dim light of Silmith’s round yellow moon.

The Review:

I really wanted to like this one. I thought the concept sounded interesting. I really like stories that involve the Fae, so I thought that was a plus as well. Unfortunately, despite some positives here and there, by and large, this book just didn’t work for me for a variety of reasons.

David is Imnada, a shapeshifter who can transform into a wolf. Long ago, he and his friends were placed under a curse, one that is slowly killing each of them. There is a “cure” that keeps the curse at bay, but it also does its own damage. David’s resigned himself to a slow death and fills his time with drinking and prowling the streets looking for people up to no good, so he can put the fear of God into them while in his wolf form.

Callista is a necromancer, one who can walk the paths of the realm of Death and contact the spirits who live there. Her opportunistic brother has made a living off of her skills and has now arranged a marriage with the king of the London underworld, one who wants to use Callista’s powers for himself. After a couple unsuccessful attempts to escape her brother and travel to Scotland to find her aunt, Callista tries one last escape attempt. This attempt brings her directly into contact with David, who eventually agrees to help her reach Scotland despite the fact that his race has been at war with hers for eons. They embark on a journey that is fraught with danger, fighting their feelings for each other all the while. Will they make it to Scotland before Callista’s fiancé finds them?

As I said early, I had multiple issues with this book. The biggest, as is often the case for me, has to do with the fact that I really had no feelings whatsoever for either Callista or David. There didn’t seem to be much character development, to the point where I had no idea who these people were in terms of their personalities. At times, David would come off as flippant and almost fun-loving, and then his frequent drinking and moodiness would get brought up, and it would seem like he was a completely different person. In the same way, I never got a very good feel for Callista as a character. At one point, David is mentally listing the things he loves about her, and everything mentioned was completely new information to me.

There was also a lot of jumping around with regards to the narration, usually with no warning. One moment, we’ll be with Callista. Then, all of a sudden, we’re in David’s head. After that, we jump back to Callista, but it’s a few hours later, and we’re being brought up to speed on events that transpired outside of the narrative. There was a lot of telling here, but no showing, and that combined with the jumping all over the place made for a very confused reader.

On the positive side, I found the realm of Death fascinating. I would have loved to spend more time there and learn more about what necromancers actually do. The Fae characters that were introduced were also intriguing, and I wish they had shown up sooner in the story. All in all though, I just could not get into this book. I didn’t have any characters to root for, I was constantly feeling confused, and the story itself just didn’t work for me. It was a very interesting concept, but it just fell flat.

Notable Scene:

“Are you mad?” she hissed. “You scared me to death.”

He put a finger to his lips. “Shhh. They’ve found us.” David’s words hit her like a punch to the stomach.

“I didn’t expect Corey’s thugs to be so skilled, but even a rabid hound can track a scent once in a while.”

“You saw them?”

“Four men. London accents. Weapons out of sight, but close to hand. They just rode in. There’s few people awake yet. It’s early. But soon the tap will be full and the maids up and about. It won’t take these chaps long to find someone willing to trade our whereabouts for a purse full of coins.”

“I thought you’d left me.”

“I should have. It seems I really am a gentleman. Who knew?”

Gentleman was hardly the sobriquet she would have used. His shirt was wrinkled and smelled like horse, his breeches were the same, and his boots bore a bog’s worth of thick black mud. She gave a surreptitious sniff. No smell of alcohol on him, and his eyes shone clear and bright, without a drunkard’s stare. In fact, not just clear and bright but glittering with wide-eyed excitement.

“Prove your gallantry.” She swung her feet onto the floor, dragging the sheet with her. “Turn your back.”

“Excuse me?”

“Turn your back while I dress. I can’t very well escape in nothing but a chemise.”

“Is that all you have on under that sheet? I’m not that much of a gentleman.”

FTC Advisory: Pocket/Simon and Schuster provided me with a copy of Shadow’s Curse. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Deb Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa Egan's second book in the Imnada Brotherhood series returns readers to Regency era England. But this isn't your typical ton. Historical meets the paranormal in Shadow's Curse and readers will be delighted. Egan's character development is excellent, as well as, her unique blending of genres. With everything from shape-shifters to necromancers readers will quickly fall under Egan's spell. Egan has a knack for writing uncommon heroes and heroines and decidedly wicked villains. Against the odds Callista and David fight for a new beginning and readers will be hanging on to their seats with his action packed paranormal romance.

Readers who have read the first book in the series, Demon's Curse will really love Shadow's Curse. The world of the Imnada Brotherhood and their ancient blood feud with the Fae is once again the center of attention. Shadow's Curse can definitely stand on it's own, but I think the reader loses a little bit of the background and immense world building. This is such an interesting take on shape shifting and the Fae and the enmity that Egan devises between them. This is a very original series and I think readers will appreciate the author's ability to take typical paranormal characters and give them a new and vibrant kind of story.

Mixing Regency historical characters with paranormal elements is not something new. Authors have been doing it for some time now and that produces a challenge for those who want to write something different. I think Egan showed that she could teach and old dog a few new tricks with this series, especially in Shadow's Curse. The shape-shifters in Egan's tale are indeed cursed with the affliction of turning into a wolf by the Fae. And in this book, we have the added character of the necromancer.

What's a necromancer, you ask? This is a paranormal character that uses magic to communicate with the dead. Some necromancer's raise the dead and control them but in Shadow's Curse, our heroine, Callista is just able to talk with the dead and use the knowledge she learns for good or evil. A medium in a sense. Her half-brother has been using her abilities for his own gain for a long time and now he trying to marry her off to someone who wants to further exploit her. I really felt for Callista because she really had nowhere else to go. When she finally flees she has to make a very long treacherous journey in order to start fresh. She's looking for a new beginning... That is the kind of character that readers get behind and want to see succeed.

The character development in this book was excellent. I felt like Egan takes Callista from a young girl to a young woman throughout the book. Putting her in so many different situations than she has ever faced before and showing how they changed her and helped her grow. The character of David was just as well fleshed out. David is a man cursed with no future. He roams the streets as wolf devouring those who would harm others, but he is slowing dying as an outcast from the Imnada. David is definitely an alpha male from beginning to end, but we see a lot of emotional growth in him as he tries to free himself from his curse, but still has to deal with his feelings for Callista who is a part of ancient blood feud with his people.

The deck was certainly stacked against these two characters but Egan finds a way to give them their happy ending. I liked the fact that there were so many obstacles to their relationship. Coming from Kentucky, I know a thing or two about feuds and I thought Egan did an excellent job of showing the deep hatred that festers between these two paranormal clans. This book has a kind of dark underlying tension in it that is just eerie and compels the reader to keep reading.

There were a few issues with Shadow's Curse but overall I did not think they took too much away from the story that Egan was telling. It starts out a little slow but patient readers will love where it takes them if they give it a little time. The transitions between the scenes were a bit jumpy from time to time but the reader can easily overlook these issues when they take in to account the wonderful world building and extremely well written characters.

I'm interested to see where this one goes. I'm also adding it to my keeper shelves. I highly recommend it to readers who like a little magic mixed in with their history.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

The three outcast Imnada have dealt with their curse in different ways. For David, it has always
been at the bottom of a bottle. Running the streets of London at night, behaving like a
vigilante, he saves a woman from an attack, thinking he's doing a good thing. Only to have the
same woman turn him over to her gang and David finds himself in silver chains.

Callista had no choice but to betray her savior. She herself is in chains. By her controlling
brother and his boss who wants to marry Callista in order to control her powers over the dead. But
with the shapeshifter in their custody, she sees her only chance to finally be free. And she takes
it, freeing David after he promises to see her safety to Scotland where her estranged family
will have to take her in.

On the road, they encounter old suitors, bitter rivals and are under constant threat of Callista's
and David's enemies finding them. Also, the pair find themselves falling in love but visions of
the future put a damper on any hopes of a happy ending.

I enjoyed the first 2 thirds of this book. I found David to be a charming but in a self-deprecating
way. He liked to put people at a distance by being a shit and a drunk but at heart he was a good
person. He was just dealing with his curse and demise because of it in his own way. When he
meets Callista, he stops drinking and devotes himself into seeing her safe and protected. Callista
herself was unimaginatively naïve and innocent to a fault. It honestly got on me nerves sometimes
but she was levelheaded in some matters and could look at David and express her displeasure
with a glance. Together they had decent chemistry.

I think what started to drift off the rails for me was the repetitive plotline of David being hurt
and Callista needing to be rescued. I wanted her to hit people in the head with her bells like
she did at the start but towards the end she became a simpering miss who couldn't help herself at
all. It was a bit disappointing to lose interest in the book after a while because the beginning was
so great but at the end, it had settles itself at a 2.5 rating. Rounding up to 3 is generous.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow’s Curse is the second in a historical paranormal romance series (whew, what a genre mouthful!). I should preface this review with the fact that I have not read the first book in the series, and after finishing Shadow’s Curse I have to recommend that you read the books in their proper order to really understand the world and the larger conflict that binds the books together.

The world of Shadow’s Curse is an interesting one. There are shape shifters and fae creatures, all hidden from the general masses in Regency England. David St. Leger is one of those shape shifters, cursed after being exiled from his clan. David stalks the stews of London and helps those in need, but it’s certainly not for altruistic purposes, rather he just needs something to do. And he finds a whole lot more trouble than he bargained for when he comes to the aid of a young woman.

Callista Hawthorne is the young woman rescued by David, although she's unaware that it's actually a "rescue" at the time. Callista is being used by her brother for her ability at necromancy; she can contact the dead and her brother has been using this as a money making scheme. Callista wants out of this life and longs to escape to her aunt in Scotland. Unbeknownst to Callista her brother has sold her off to an underworld crime lord that plans to marry her and use her powers for his own purposes, and he will resort to any means necessary to make that marriage come about. Understandably Callista’s none to happy about this and when her path crosses again with David, she strikes a bargain and gets an escort to Scotland. Of course, the crime lord is not so keen to let Callista go and David’s got his own problems trailing behind them as well. The course of true love never does run smooth...

Essentially, what we have in Shadow’s Curse is an on-the-road romance. Callista and David are both on the run and they band together because of common goals. At first they don’t like each other all that much (Callista did inadvertently help capture David); however, they quickly become attracted to one another. I liked the romance aspect of this book, I just didn’t feel like there was enough of it. The main focus of the book was the adventure and the greater conflict that had started in book one. If I had read book one I think I would have been more invested in what was going on, but since I had not I was really reading it for the romance and I didn’t get enough of it.

In the end, I felt a little confused when I finished the book. I was missing something, and it was that first book. I liked the writing style and I thought the world had potential, but I think the confusion that I felt reading Shadow’s Curse really hampered my enjoyment of this one. Ultimately, I’m not sure that I’ll be back for the next installment in the series since I don’t feel invested in the outcome of these characters. I’m also not really a fan of the fae in fiction. Don’t really have a reason why, I just find them odd creatures, and I tend to stray away from books with these characters in them. I think had the romance taken more of focus I would have enjoyed this one more; however, I think those looking for more plot in a romance will enjoy this one a lot more than I did. Overall, not a bad book, just not my favourite.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley. Review with read-alikes available here.

[Lori Palle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There is no safe for me. No forever. The curse took that away.”-–David

Callista has two men wanting to marry her-–one because of his unrequited love for her and the other because he wants to own and use her for her abilities–-but the one she really loves doesn’t want to have a future with her. Although to be fair, it’s not that David doesn’t want to have a future with the woman who had finally given him a reason to live. He’s literally cursed to die in a very horrible, horrible way. For David, he has no future…

What a creative, unique, and angst-filled story! I can’t say that I’ve read anything like this: a mix of historical romance with nobility as well as women oppression, paranormal romance with shifters, dark fantasy and horror with the aura of dealing with death with necromancy, epic fantasy with hierarchies, political structures, and cultures of Others, and finally a splash of being a thriller as our hero and heroine try to escape bad guys. Make that, many bad guys. The author also seriously puts our hero and heroine through the emotional, spiritual, and physical ringer, so I had doubts about how they would get their HEA! Plus, there were a few scenes where I COULD NOT believe the author did that to them (still shocked about one scene)! Brutality is not held back in this book! It really amped the tension while reading, because literally anything could happen to anyone.

Although this seems like a mix as I said earlier, there are several aspects that I hadn’t expected and thought veered from typical. While shifters are strong, they can still be seriously wounded and badly scarred. The necromancer here is more like a medium as opposed to someone who controls the dead (I had hoped for the heroine to be more dangerous). There’s also a Fae aspect that I was pleasantly surprised to see. The mythology and cultures of the non-humans in the book were great to read and such a pleasant addition to the normal shifter among humans theme.

The romance was great, and I loved reading their initial distrust with each other grow into friendship and more (medium heat rating when it comes to love scenes with some fade to black). The author nails the angst part when it comes to them wanting to love each other despite the huge obstacles standing in their way (and I mean it-–they’re doozies!). I was really rooting for them and was frustrated that there they had so much going against them when they loved each other so much! I wasn’t sure how the author was going to solve their dilemma but then I was very pleased in how she did!

Although I loved their romance, I wasn’t in love with the characters themselves. I found some of the secondary characters a bit more intriguing, particularly the mysterious stranger who appears later in the book. The villains were way too evil and although super tough and fearful, their climactic fights seemed pretty anti-climactic. This is the second book in the series, so it took me a bit to get my bearings in the world, which I’m not sure if that’s become the history was more fleshed out in the first book, which I haven’t read.

Overall, I enjoyed the book although more towards the end compared to the start. I would definitely recommend this to paranormal romance fans who like a darker romance with a strong fantasy element! This is a 4 out of 5 for me!

(Originally posted on my blog; I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Shadow Curse is the second full-length novel in the Imnada Brotherhood series by Alexa Egan. These are historical romances as the paranormal activity is set in 1816 after Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo. In book one Demon Curse you meet a group of British soldiers, who also happen to be supernatural beings called Imnada and are shape changers and telepaths. This group of soldiers is comprised of Adam, David, Mac, and Gray. The Imnada have kept themselves hidden for hundreds of years from both the regular humans and the ‘Others’. The Others are magic users who are the sworn enemy of the Imnada. They also believe the Imnada to be extinct, and the Imnada prefer it that way. The Imnadas have isolated themselves from society, and those who don’t live very secretive or outcast lives.

In book one Demon Curse the group of soldiers are cursed by an ‘Other’ and are now forced to shift during the night. They have been outcast from the Imnada since the curse.

In Shadow Curse the book revolves around David, the Imnada shape changer (his form is a wolf), and Callista who is an ‘Other’ born and can skirt the realm of the dead. They are thrust together and pursued by an ‘Other’ baddie who wants to use Callista’s powers to open a portal to the afterlife, and he also wants to sell off David’s blood to the highest bidder.

What I like most about these books is that they don’t rely heavily on the paranormal aspects for the plot. Yes, all the fun paranormal elements are there but are seen through a fresh eye because of author Egan’s writing. The tales are more about the coming together of individual who should loath each other but because that is what they have been taught. Both David and Callista learn a lot about themselves and each other in their journey together. They also learn a lot about the on goings of both the Imnada and Other race.

The steam factor is extremely sensual, but at its heart, this is a love story between two opposites who come together to make a whole. This couple also has wickedly sharp tongues and can banter with the best couples of any century.

Egan has a very interesting concept by having a paranormal romance in regency England. But at the same time the books are not stuffy period reads. They are daring and adventuresome.

Like all good series, this book really can’t be read as a standalone. Trying to read it without the other books would mean getting terribly lost and not enjoying the book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author or publisher. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone.

Prior to reading the review copy I purchase the first books and novella of the series.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical paranormal romance is definitely not a genre I delve into very often, but Alexa Egan sure knows how to write great novels in that genre! I really enjoyed her first book Demon's Curse and her newest release was even better!

Living with a horrible curse as an outcast from the Imnada, David St.Leger spends his time stalking the night in wolf form, helping innocent people who fall pray to the thieves and murderers of London. When he stumbles across Callista, a necromancer trying to run away from the evil man her brother has betrothed her to, he doesn't receive the usual thanks. Instead, David finds himself captured by the men controlling Callista. Callista will do anything to escape, though, and promises to help David escape if he brings her to her Aunt in Scotland where she can finally be free. Can Callista and David make it to Scotland without being captured by the men so desperate to catch them? And will Scotland really hold all of the answers they both seek?

The best thing about this genre is that it has a little bit of everything. There's romance with Callista and David, paranormal with the whole necromancer and shapeshifter aspect, and it's historical because it takes place in Regency-Era England. With all of these fantastic elements, Shadow's Curse was a very intriguing read with a thrilling story full of action and romance.

While Callista was a likable enough character, her whole damsel in distress, naive personality was a bit annoying in the beginning, Once she becomes more independent as the novel goes on, though, she becomes more likable, especially as she warms up to David. David's character was great and I loved how he was really a good guy on the inside, despite how dangerous and deceiving he appears on the outside. And we get a visit from the main characters of the first book in the series, so we got to see how their lives were going after the first novel ended.

Though this is a romance, a lot of the story was focused on Callista and David running away from bad guys. And there were A LOT of bad guys. The chase kept you on your toes and you had no idea what obstacle would be thrown into Callista's path next. Then, the whole mystery behind Callista's powers was very interesting because she was very powerful, but only knew how to do the basic necromancy since her mother died before she learned the rest.

Overall, Shadow's Curse was a really enjoyable book. While the characters weren't my favorite right away, I ended up enjoying the story as it went along and we discovered more about the secrets behind the magic lives of the characters. If you haven't tried a historical paranormal romance yet, I'd definitely recommend starting out with Alexa Egan's Imnada Brotherhood series!

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrilling, sensuous book in this wonderful series! Shadow's Curse was a fantastic romance that combined regency splendor and paranormal thrills to make a book that kept me hooked. Loved it!

Callista was a very strong heroine. She hasn't had the best life, being kept at the mercy of her cruel brother who exploits her abilities for his own gain. But, she wasn't going to roll over and take it. She hatched an escape plan and prepared to run. And when a sexy shifter came around as possible aid, well, why not? I thought she was great. She was tough, determined, and refused to let anyone take advantage of her anymore. She was a lovely character.

David, at the beginning of the book, had kind of given up on life. With the knowledge of the curse looming over his head like a ticking clock counting down to his death, he doesn't have any hope of breaking the curse. But, even at that rock bottom, he was still an honorable man. He channeled his hopelessness into taking down criminals. And he was such a charmer. He could charm a dragon into giving up its gold if he wanted to. And, when he set his mind to something, he was downright unstoppable. I adored him. I thought he was a perfect hero.

The romance was wonderfully done. A mix of sweet and spicy, this couple was lovely together. I really liked how their feelings were built over the course of the book. And there definitely can't be any complaints about the chemistry between them.

The weak point of the book was the plot. Though I was riveted to the story, it didn't flow completely, if that makes any sense. There were a few times where I felt a little lost and either had to go back or just read ahead until things made sense to me again. But, though the problem was noticeable, I was still able to enjoy the book entirely. There were definitely thrills, surprises, and an unexpected development at the end of the book. I can't wait to read the next, and last, book in the trilogy and see how things end for these rogue shifters.

Shadow's Curse was a brilliant historical/paranormal romance. This book had hot romance, thrills, and surprises. I absolutely loved it. Lovers of romance, you should definitely give this book a try.

*Thanks to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for a copy!

[Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced by her half brother to use her dark gift of necromancy for profit, lovely Callista Hawthorne is determined to flee to her one chance for safety, her aunt in Scotland. With no hope of success unless she finds help on the long road north, she offers cursed shapechanger David St. Leger an irresistible bargain.

David—one of the mysterious Imnada—stalks the night streets of Regency London as a large black wolf. Renounced by his own kind, he spends his desperate rage on thieves and murderers. While Callista’s proposal will allow him to escape the terrible enchantment binding him, agreeing to her terms will force him into the treacherous world of the half-Fey Other, his clan’s ancient foes.

Drawn together by danger, David and Callista find passion in each other’s arms. But can they forswear the centuries of enmity separating their two races, and find a love they dare not even imagine?

Callista Hawthorne has been forced by her half-brother, Branston Hawthorne to use her gift of necromancy to walk into death to make him profit. But when he gives her hand to criminal, Victor Corey, who has magical abilities himself, she strikes a bargain with shapechanger David St, Leger to help her flee to Scotland and her aunt, sister of her dead mother. As they journey and work to escape Corey, both become drawn to each other and discover passion. Problem is, he is Imnada and she is half Fey, ancient foes since days of King Arthur. Worse, he has an enchantment that binds him and draws him closer to his death, as it has done to two other friends of his.

I reviewed this under my regular name at I Smell Sheep Reviews. http://www.ismellsheep.com/2014/03/bo...

This paranormal romance is second in a series and well written. The world building drew me in and made me believe it. I could see the places David and Callista went to. Felt their passion and worried as the suspense caught me in its clutches. Though it is the second book in a trilogy, it was stand alone enough for me to enjoy the novel. I want to read the first book and can not wait for the third one and see if the curse placed on David and his two friends ends satisfactorily.

[Lupe Dominguez · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was so much Harlequin Romance, I could hardly stand it. I think partly because I am not a HUGE fan of romance novels. I used to be. I think I read too many and now they all sound the same, only now, they add a bit of the supernatural.

Callista is a Fey-blood necromancer who is used to her step-brothers whims for money. He is in so much debt to the top shark, Victor Corey, that he decides to repay it with her hand to Corey. Callista is desperate to escape.

David, a shapeshifter, prowls the nights in a rage, seeking out murderers and thieves in his wolf form after being renounced by his own kind, the Imnada. One night as he is out, he stumbles upon Callista in one of her failed attempts to flee her brother and Corey for good. Since she knows she can not escape without help, she offers the shapshifter a bargain he can't refuse.

As they travel, they find friendship and passion with each other. But will it be enough to stop the forces of evil that are gathering?

I think the only part of this story that I didn't care for was that it was so predictable. Literally the same format that every romance novel takes: Heroine in trouble with villain, dashing hero with face of scalawag, they escape together (hero and heroine), some type of disagreement with them sends one packing only to have heroine taken by villain, must make crazy choice to save them both, villain dies, hero and heroine stay together in a happy ever after. Seriously. I can't take it. I just wish there were more variety. This book especially, though, frustrated me, because at one point, the author just stops, point blank, talking about Corey and his plans, then POW here he is again. Same thing with Beskin and David. I guess I had to read the first one in the series, also, because I was completely at a loss as to what the war was even about. I just felt kind of let down because there was so much that went unanswered and I think it was mostly a romance novel with some suspense added in. Too cheesy for my taste.

*A physical copy of the novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

Shadow’s Curse is the second in the Imnada Brotherhood series and I think the series is getting better with each book. I am enjoying this world of shape shifters, magic and Fey.

The Imnada consist of five clans of shape shifters, they have lived for hundreds of years quietly as they keep away from the Fey in order to avoid the Ossine, enforcers that hunt and kill those that go against tradition and seek alliance with the Fey. David and his comrades from the army, Mac, Gray and Adam who died last year are emnil and are hunted by the Ossine; they were hit by a spell from a dying Fey-blood that has trapped them all with a curse. They have found a way to live with it by using their blood and a drink that is tainted by the magic of the Fey.

David St. Leger spends the time between sundown and sunrise saving humans in London in his wolf form. One night he comes upon Callista Hawthorne who is being attacked by her brother’s men and although he helps, she in turn hits him over the head and he becomes a prisoner.

Callista is a necromancer, she can speak to the dead and her brother and his partner Victor Corey have used her ability for their own profit. Victor wants more from her; and will marry her to control her gift that will give him power over the dead. When she finds out what Corey has planned she frees David with his promise to take her to Scotland where her Aunt Deirdre lives as the priestess of High Danu.

Their travel has many perils and they find both help and risk as they make their way toward Scotland, Gray and the Fey. Not only do they have the Ossine trying to kill David, Victor and his gang of killers are following and have plans for the two. Along the way they find friend and foe as the danger mounts.

Ms. Egan has created an intriguing world and I have been enjoying the ride.

Complete review at:

Copy from publisher for an honest review

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received copy of this book through Goodreads , first reads program.


This book has a little of everything to offer, intrigue, romance, adventure, action. ,the fey and ahape changers .

Our heroine Callista Hawthorne ,a young necromancer of fey llineage is subject to her half brothers whims and used by him as a medium to talk to the dead for a fee, but no amount of money she earns using her skill in such a way will ever enable her to escape the situation he has gotten them into . Her brother owes large sums of money to a Notorius London criminal; Corey .
Callista in a failed attempt at running away meets David St . Leger, however her first encounter with David though he comes to her rescue winds up with her knocking him senseless, After all what should you do when a large wolf after attacking the ,men chasing you turns your direction, but hit him!
However , a unconscious shape changer, leads to a naked shape changer now being held by her brother and Corey as a prisoner.
David, bound and tied with silver chains and trapped n Callista'sattack ,strikes a bargain with her to help her escape to her Aunts on the Isle of Skye in Scotland for his freedom, the very same bargain that he will at times regret and other times be thankful for. David beng a man of honor sticks to his agreement. And the two embark on a adventure of weeks of travel , in close quarters with a very tempting women,chased by Corey and his men and at the sametime chased by Beskin an enforcer for the clans.
Truly enjoyed, i liked that this was not an inst-a-love romance, yes an immediate attraction, but these two came together over time while facing challenge after challenge and on the run and not even safe when they reach their destination.

Looking forward to the next book!

[The Window Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Imnada Brotherhood series has been up and down for me, but the underlying story of a trio of cursed soldiers desperate to find their place in a world divided by magic and the mundane was enough to keep me interested. With much of the background and world building out of the way in book one Demon’s Curse, author Alexa Egan is able to jump right into the story of the second man torn between his loyalties to his people over what that allegiance has cost him.

Since returning to England under the curse’s power and being stripped of his ties to the Imnada clans, David St. Leger has been living a double life in London as a way of coping. In the daylight he is just another indolent nobleman among many within the hells and clubs, but at night he prowls the back alleys in his animal form of a wolf looking to execute justice on the criminal element. His vigilante activities have gained attention in the press, with the headlines calling him Monster of the Mews, while the crime bosses are out for his blood. David understands that he risks the exposure of himself and his kind every night he goes out as the wolf, however with the curse already cutting short his life and the cure discovered by his friend Captain Mac Flannery possibly speeding up the effect, David cannot find it in himself to care. When he comes to the rescue of a young woman being assaulted, there is nothing to indicate this night will be any different from the others, yet fate has something more in mind for David.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHADOW'S CURSE by Alexa Egan is an intriguing Paranormal Romance set during the Regency England era,1817. #2 in the "Imnada Brotherhood", but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Demon's Curse", although, I would suggest reading this first, just for background information. Callista Hawthorne,necromancer, gifted so by the Fey blood on her maternal side. And David St. Leger is an Imnada exile, a shapechanger, who shifts into a wolf, he suffers from a curse and its deadly palliative and plagues the streets of London. He is captured by Victor Corey, who Callista has been promised to by her dreadful brother, Branston for his ill gain. Together David and Callista must face their worst fears. Callista offers David a proposal he can't refuse if he wishes to escape Mr. Corey. But agreeing to her terms forces him into the treacherous world of the half-Fey,his clans sworn enemy. Danger and passion drawn them together, but can they bring the two foes together with their love for each other? Their life blood,and their love for each other could just be the one thing both clans is searching for....

Fast paced and adventure filled. With danger, destiny, a curse, and the power of true love. If you enjoy Paranormal romance than I would suggest you pick up "Shadow's Curse". Well written, with engaging and sometimes charming characters. The storyline is interesting as well as intriguing. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: HOT

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Imnada Brotherhood series, and I haven’t read the first one but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this story. I wasn’t lost or confused as I learned about the Imnada, who are a shapeshifter race not of earth, and the Fae and Fae-blood (Others), who are their enemies. David St Leger is a wolf shapeshifter who has been exiled by his people because he has been afflicted by a Fae curse. He crosses paths with Callista Hawthorne, an Other who is trying to flee from her half-brother, who wants to make money from her abilities as a necromancer, and the evil Victor Corey, who wants to marry her to gain control of her abilities. David has his own problems, he’s dealing with the curse and a brutal enforcer is after him, but he agrees to help Callista reach the aunt in Scotland she’s never met but hopes to find sanctuary with. Along the way, they keep one step ahead of those chasing them by hiding out with a traveling show and then receiving help from some unexpected allies. The villains of the story are dastardly and easy to hate, and the secondary characters were interesting and added a lot to the story. I was very apprehensive that David and Callista would never find a solution to their predicament, especially since they were such an unlikely couple with a lot of strikes against them. I really liked the solution the author came up with to resolve the story, it was something I didn’t expect.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

Callista Hawthorne is a necromancer, gifted by the Fey blood running through her maternal side. She’s under the thumb of her brother, Branston, who uses her abilities for his own financial gain. He has also promised her virtue to a man, Mr. Corey, whose dark nature longs to consume Callista and her abilities for his own. David St. Leger is an Imnada exile, suffering from a terrible curse and its deadly palliative. He is captured by Mr. Corey’s men, a prisoner just as much as Callista. David knows she’s part-Fey, one of the Others – the Imnada’s ancient enemies. Yet right now they need each other to escape Mr. Corey and stay safe, but soon they may want each other, too…

I enjoyed ‘Shadow’s Curse’, the second book of the Imnada Brotherhood. I was intrigued by the unique aspects of Callista’s necromantic abilities and the traveling carnival David and Callista used for cover. I like how Ms. Egan’s shifters are different from the typical shifter. I didn’t feel very connected to Callista and David, but I enjoyed their adventure and romance very much. I’m looking forward to the next books in this series just to see how all the pieces and couples fit together to save the cursed Imnada. Fascinating settings, interesting characters, and a ton of exciting action, ‘Shadow’s Curse’ will have lovers of this series on the edge of their seats!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow's Curse (Imnada Brotherhood, #2)
Egan, Alexa
The story of the pain and torture of David St. Leger, had made him long for death. He felt no draw toward life, nothing that would hold him here. His loss of one of his closet friends when Adam was killed last year, made him desperate for death. He faced it every night being the avenger of the poor and the down trodden. Until he saved her. She was drawn into the world of the battle between the Others(fey-bloods) and the Imnada. Callista is caught going from one prison to another, escaping he brother and his debt to the villainous Corey. Her Fey born magic given by inheritance of Arwan magic. Is what Corey desires, she does not know that the wolf that attacked her pursuers was there to free her, but his Imnada nature if shape shifting is the stuff of legend. How can she find sanctuary in his Adonis looks and regal nature. Or can she find an ally in his dubious nature. She will risk everything for family? She would sacrifice every personal pleasure for condolences in her mothers past? This is a page turning novel with dramatic scenes of adventure, love and dark escapades of unbelievable magic. I can't wait to read the third book in the series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow's Curse is the second book in the Imnada Brotherhood series written by Alexa Egan, but this was my first so I have some catching up to do as I'm not going to miss out on any of this series because this book was wonderful.

David St. Leger is a shape- shifter, he is able to change into large a black wolf, but he is cursed. He has been cast out by his people and he has to take a special draft to control the curse, but still he is dying.

Callista Hawthorne is a necromancer, and is being forced by her brother into a marriage to man who want's to abuse her talent. She try's to flee, but is caught in an alley in London where she is rescued by a wolf who turns out to be a man called David. He then ends up being captured himself by her evil fiancé.

The story then progresses with the hunt for a cure for David and he helps Callista in exchange to freedom she hopes she'll find in Scotland where her aunt lives who may may also be able to help David.

I loved the story line, it was well written and fast paced. A very hot romance developed and it was tastefully written. The characters were also very likeable.
This was a great combination of paranormal and regency, I highly recommend it.

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**

Review: 3.5 stars
General: This book was one of my favorites in terms of plot and world idea but it lacked the punch needed in characters. I found the plot to be extremely entertaining when I read the blurb and it was good while I read the book. I loved the world building and I thought a man resigned to die and a raiser of the dead were a super cute idea for a couple and was excited. The world and the plot were outstanding. I had no problems believing in the world or seeing any of it. I thought the plot was the proper pace and have exciting elements in it.

However, where the plot was exciting and sucked me in, the characters pushed me out several times. They weren't likeable and I felt no chemistry between them. David flip flopped, which worked as he was moody, but it was almost to the level where I was curious if we were supposed to presume he was bi-polar. One minute he'd be moping and the next he was cracking jokes. Callista was intriguing but her personality was too flat for me.

I will definitely be continuing this series as I loved the world and the idea I just hope the characters make more of an imp

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where has this book been all my life?! Yup it was that good and made me actually go out and pre-order this book and get the back list as well. I enjoyed this book that much!

This book is all about the paranormal but set in the regency period. I definitely am loving that they are historical, it's so different from what is on the market now.

Our Heroin, Calliste, a half-fey necromancer that can travel that paths of death. She is in a horrible situation caused by none other than the person she should be able to trust. She tries fleeing and runs into our Hero, David, a were that transforms into a wolf and stalks London's darkest streets at night. While on one of his nightly prowls he try rescuing Calliste but gets kidnapped for his trouble.

Calliste frees David under the condition that he escorts her to her Aunt in Scotland. Along the way the meet various characters and get into spots of trouble. You learn the characters motivations and pasts and of course they grow to love each other despite centuries old hatred between their kinds.

This book is just hands down amazing! Go and buy it right now!

[♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callista is trapped by men in an alley during her escape attempt, when a huge black wolf comes to her aid. She has no idea he's helping her, so she cracks his head. He awakens naked & chained in an attic. Now together they escape & go on the run. Her trying to make it to her estranged aunt's house & him to deliver a book. Because David is also trying to cure himself & is suffering from silver poisoning it complicates things.
Both are being chased for different reasons, but it entwines in their journey, which takes place in the 1800's from England to Scotland.

This was a good book.The shifters have a history that is pretty complicated & it explains why they are being chased & by who. I do feel like I missed a lot, not having read the first book. The brief history was explained enough so I did not feel lost.

It was a very descriptive book & full of information. I think I would have enjoyed it more had it NOT been so complicated.

I enjoyed this original story & would read this author again. If you like historical & paranormal, this is an excellent blending of both. Well worth the read.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, I loved this. David St. Leger is just the kind of man I love in my books. He fis a shape- shifter, he turns into the most stunning large black wolf. The problem is, he is cursed and is dying. His own people banned him. In order to control his curse he has to drink a special potion. The heroine in this story is Callista Hawthorne is a necromancer, she can talk to the dead. Somewhat like a medium. She is being forced by her brother to marry a man who wants to take advantage of her gift. She gets to run away and gets into a situation where she is rescued by a wolf, but there are consequences all the way around for these to. I really loved this.

The story then progresses with the hunt for a cure for David and he helps Callista in exchange to freedom she hopes she'll find in Scotland where her aunt lives who may may also be able to help David.

I loved the story line, it was well written and fast paced. A very hot romance developed and it was tastefully written. The characters were also very likeable.
This was a great combination of paranormal and regency, I highly it..

[S. Spelbring · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been so tired lately that my brain won't let me do anything else but relax and do some reading. So I started reading another Dollar Tree special - Shadow's Curse.

It is a supernatural romance, but the romance takes a back seat to the action, which there is a bit of. The characters seem believable, to a point, I found the edges of the main characters a little blurry. There were a few lines of dialogue in a few scenarios that felt like they didn't quite fit, but then I didn't know what would in those scenarios.

Even though this book is similarly titled to the one I read just before it, it is a completely different kind of romance. The author doesn't draw out the love scenes, in fact she draws out the time between them and focuses more on the main plot - which is running away from those who wish to do them harm.

This book also included and excerpt from the sequel, which I didn't read, but they don't really follow a sequence of events it seems. They follow a band of cursed werewolves, one book for each. Which is okay with me as I get to see all the sides of different characters! Though I don't know I would seek out the rest of this series.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley Free Book

Callista is a necromancer who can talk with the dead. Her brother is forcing her to do this for people in exchange for money and then he is forcing her to marry and evil man who wants her bring the dead back into the world as his army. He will stop at nothing. David is a man who changes into a wolf. Callista's kind and David's kind have been at war for centuries. When the two of them are brought together they must find a way to save eachother.

I was reading the ebook version of this book and there was at least two mistakes on each page. It was so distracting that I felt as if I could not fully appreciate it. There were times when I have to actually stop and figure the mistake out because words ran together.

The author did a good job at writing though. The entire books scenes and plot flowed together well. The characters were introduced but a better description of each one was needed. The plot was typical but good. The book was predictable but good also. I think it was put together very well.