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In the Shadow of the Palace
The one thing Cara knows about herself is that she doesn’t want to grow up to be a prostitute. But as the daughter of a prostitute, growing up in a brothel in one of the seediest districts of Port Lorsin, she has resigned herself to her fate. As soon as her monthly blood comes, she will follow in the footsteps of her mother. But a client of her mother’s takes pity on Cara. Leveraging his status, he takes Cara somewhere she never thought she’d see up the palace of the House of Dorsa. When a crisis strikes, Cara finds herself thrust into the very center of palace politics. What comes next will change Cara — and the course of kingdom history — forever. This book is the first in A Tide of Shadows, the prequel series to the Chronicles of Dorsa. You do NOT need to have read the Chronicles of Dorsa series first to enjoy In the Shadow of the Palace.
816 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2023
81 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Andrews
14 books378 followersWhen I started thinking of a new pen name to write fiction featuring lesbian protagonists, I commandeered the name of an ancestor. Eliza Frances Andrews was an interesting woman, one I have mixed feelings about. A southern belle who lived through the civil war as the privileged daughter of a prominent plantation owner, she refused to marry "below her station" after the war and therefore set about creating her own career -- highly unusual for a woman of her day and age. Eventually she became a teacher, novelist, and world-renowned botanist. And interestingly, a socialist.
But she was quite racist and I can only imagine what she would have to say about LGBTQ people. It is therefore somewhat tongue-in-cheek to borrow her name; it is my reimagining of Eliza if she'd grown up in the 21st century rather than the 19th, after women's lib and the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall. Perhaps a 21st-century Eliza would grin at me and say, "Right on." Perhaps the 19th-century Eliza is rolling over in her grave -- if she is, call it karmic justice.
Reach out anytime: eliza@ninja-writer.com.
PS, I also write young adult science fiction / fantasy under the name R. A. Marshall (another borrowed name). LGBTQ readers might enjoy the Lost Children trilogy.
But she was quite racist and I can only imagine what she would have to say about LGBTQ people. It is therefore somewhat tongue-in-cheek to borrow her name; it is my reimagining of Eliza if she'd grown up in the 21st century rather than the 19th, after women's lib and the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall. Perhaps a 21st-century Eliza would grin at me and say, "Right on." Perhaps the 19th-century Eliza is rolling over in her grave -- if she is, call it karmic justice.
Reach out anytime: eliza@ninja-writer.com.
PS, I also write young adult science fiction / fantasy under the name R. A. Marshall (another borrowed name). LGBTQ readers might enjoy the Lost Children trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 12, 2024
Years ago, I read the Dorsa trilogy which was recommended by many GR friends. Great books and fantastic narration that I hold close to my heart now. This new series takes place approx 800 years prior to the Dorsa books and tells the story of Adela the First who Adela II referenced in the same way we might talk about admired figures from ancient history.
Cara is the daughter of a sex worker in a cheap brothel in the poorest and most dangerous area in Port Lorsin. She was born there and it’s expected that once she enters puberty, she’ll have to work under Dru, the owner, as well. But her life path changes abruptly and she ends up a servant in the palace instead. She’s a bit of an outcast since she is both literate and awkward. Her only friend is a stable girl named Fin who dresses and carries herself like a boy. Early on, we get a sense of how things may play out in this world. But the author uses this knowledge as a lure rather than just a payoff. How is this going to work? I kept thinking and I hung on to every word, watching the pieces all come together.
I’ve been reading this author’s work since To Have Loved and Lost which I enjoyed. But 8 years later, the writing is on another level. A menagerie of characters pop, each with their own personality and voice. The author creates a well told story with multiple moving parts, intricate world building, and political intrigue. People, especially women, are pawns to be used by the powerful. But it’s the women who turn the tables too. Not to be forgotten, there is a sweet first love for teenagers Cara and Fin that builds into something more powerful. The original Dorsa narrator, Elizabeth Saydah, is magic on the audio for In the Shadow of the Palace, armed with a countless number of voices.
Fans of Dorsa will be very happy with this first book in the new series. There is a solid ending but a promise for even more. For new fans, you can definitely read this book without having read Chronicles of Dorsa.
Cara is the daughter of a sex worker in a cheap brothel in the poorest and most dangerous area in Port Lorsin. She was born there and it’s expected that once she enters puberty, she’ll have to work under Dru, the owner, as well. But her life path changes abruptly and she ends up a servant in the palace instead. She’s a bit of an outcast since she is both literate and awkward. Her only friend is a stable girl named Fin who dresses and carries herself like a boy. Early on, we get a sense of how things may play out in this world. But the author uses this knowledge as a lure rather than just a payoff. How is this going to work? I kept thinking and I hung on to every word, watching the pieces all come together.
I’ve been reading this author’s work since To Have Loved and Lost which I enjoyed. But 8 years later, the writing is on another level. A menagerie of characters pop, each with their own personality and voice. The author creates a well told story with multiple moving parts, intricate world building, and political intrigue. People, especially women, are pawns to be used by the powerful. But it’s the women who turn the tables too. Not to be forgotten, there is a sweet first love for teenagers Cara and Fin that builds into something more powerful. The original Dorsa narrator, Elizabeth Saydah, is magic on the audio for In the Shadow of the Palace, armed with a countless number of voices.
Fans of Dorsa will be very happy with this first book in the new series. There is a solid ending but a promise for even more. For new fans, you can definitely read this book without having read Chronicles of Dorsa.
June 13, 2024
5 Stars
Nail biting, stomach churning, daydream-inducing epic fantasy story. The characters are so well developed, the plot is thick and juicy and worth the 800+ pages! I can’t get enough, I need more! I need to knowww!
Nail biting, stomach churning, daydream-inducing epic fantasy story. The characters are so well developed, the plot is thick and juicy and worth the 800+ pages! I can’t get enough, I need more! I need to knowww!
September 26, 2023
Wow. I purposely kept myself spoiler free during the writing of the book so I could go in with no assumptions and IT WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT!
Being a prequel to the Princess of Dorsa trilogy, this book takes place 700-800 years prior to those events, at the end of the early days of the House of Dorsa. We meet Cara early on, living in Port Lorsin at a brothel for her early years, too young to turn coin, she acts as a helper to her mother and the other staff of the brothel. But Cara is different from other girls there as she can read and count.
What follows is a story I struggled to put down, staying up into the early morning hours reading when I should have been sleeping. The author, Eliza Andrews, continues to weave words, meanings, and heart into the pages that grab your imagination and let you live in the story.
I could feel the guiding hand, in a natural way, connecting different strands together to make the tapestry richer and more complex without seeming forced or simply because the plot needs it. The world feels lived in and complete and the story has me yearning for more. Sadly, I have a bit of a wait ahead of me.
Being a prequel to the Princess of Dorsa trilogy, this book takes place 700-800 years prior to those events, at the end of the early days of the House of Dorsa. We meet Cara early on, living in Port Lorsin at a brothel for her early years, too young to turn coin, she acts as a helper to her mother and the other staff of the brothel. But Cara is different from other girls there as she can read and count.
What follows is a story I struggled to put down, staying up into the early morning hours reading when I should have been sleeping. The author, Eliza Andrews, continues to weave words, meanings, and heart into the pages that grab your imagination and let you live in the story.
I could feel the guiding hand, in a natural way, connecting different strands together to make the tapestry richer and more complex without seeming forced or simply because the plot needs it. The world feels lived in and complete and the story has me yearning for more. Sadly, I have a bit of a wait ahead of me.
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July 31, 2024I am not sure whether to laugh or cry.
If I hadn't been so heartbroken by the ending to the original Chronicles of Dorsa, this would have been an easy five-star read for me.
As it is, Andrews repeats many of the narrative techniques that she used in the original series, and I am genuinely nervous that we'll end up with a similar outcome.
We will see.
What it's about: set 800 years before the events in the Chronicles of Dorsa, this book follows Cara as she tries to survive the accident of her birth, the limits of her station, and the machinations of an ancient prophesy.
What I thought: for those of you who've watched Tiny Creatures on Netflix, Cara is the kangaroo rat.
Which means:
One. political intrigue, everywhere.
Two. an MC that's way out of their depth (but also overpowered).
Three. a gloriously LGBTQIA supporting cast. Some of whom you'll want to stab.
Four. an MC whose actions don't seem to matter. Most of the events in this book happen to Cara rather than because of Cara. And then - when she finally does step into her power - she is shamed for this by someone who is very important to her.
Five. a coming-of-age romance in which mistakes are made.
Resulting in. a book that I couldn't put down, even though it is littered with plot-holes and petty, "this person was just in the right place at the right time" screw-you moments.
Do with that what you will.
If I hadn't been so heartbroken by the ending to the original Chronicles of Dorsa, this would have been an easy five-star read for me.
As it is, Andrews repeats many of the narrative techniques that she used in the original series, and I am genuinely nervous that we'll end up with a similar outcome.
We will see.
What it's about: set 800 years before the events in the Chronicles of Dorsa, this book follows Cara as she tries to survive the accident of her birth, the limits of her station, and the machinations of an ancient prophesy.
What I thought: for those of you who've watched Tiny Creatures on Netflix, Cara is the kangaroo rat.
Which means:
One. political intrigue, everywhere.
Two. an MC that's way out of their depth (but also overpowered).
Three. a gloriously LGBTQIA supporting cast. Some of whom you'll want to stab.
Four. an MC whose actions don't seem to matter. Most of the events in this book happen to Cara rather than because of Cara. And then - when she finally does step into her power - she is shamed for this by someone who is very important to her.
Five. a coming-of-age romance in which mistakes are made.
Resulting in. a book that I couldn't put down, even though it is littered with plot-holes and petty, "this person was just in the right place at the right time" screw-you moments.
Do with that what you will.
February 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
there were parts of this I enjoyed but ultimately the pacing really held it back. it was incredibly slow and there were large chunks of the story where I felt like nothing much was really happening. I liked the plot and that’s what kept me going, I was curious to see what would happen and did feel invested enough but for 800 pages it doesn’t feel like there was a huge pay-off with certain moments and reveals feeling underwhelming.
could be convinced to read the next book and see where the story goes, but would need to hear that the pacing really picked up.
I liked the romance, was slow burn and sweet
there were parts of this I enjoyed but ultimately the pacing really held it back. it was incredibly slow and there were large chunks of the story where I felt like nothing much was really happening. I liked the plot and that’s what kept me going, I was curious to see what would happen and did feel invested enough but for 800 pages it doesn’t feel like there was a huge pay-off with certain moments and reveals feeling underwhelming.
could be convinced to read the next book and see where the story goes, but would need to hear that the pacing really picked up.
I liked the romance, was slow burn and sweet
February 20, 2024
Really good, couldn’t put it down!
July 18, 2024
okay so cuz it's just so much to cover and I've done this thing over like five times because I can't get it right let's see if I can get it right this time. and sorry for any mistakes. and this is long I'm not sorry. LOL if anyone reads all of this and can understand it cuz it's like 1:00 in the morning you guys are awesome.
It's already said but I listened to this book so this review is based off that audible I did do the Kindle version but I like the audio a lot more like 100% love that more
should you buy this book hell to the Fucking yes you should buy this book.
did I like the narrator
yes I Fucking love the narrator she was amazing no one else can read this series you hear me audible when the next book in this series come out it better be the same woman. who did the entire series I'm going to be unhappy about it if I get someone else who's doing the reading because let me tell you something the entire performance made me feel like there are multiple people reading this book and it was not it was just ONE.
Her male voices sound like men with different accents different speeches because not everybody speaks the same and most of the men in here a common folk with no education and the ones that do a royalty in the way she balances back and forth between that is amazing and then all the women don't sound like they all have different dialogues different personalities different sass to them it's just was amazing and it just felt alive like reading this on an Eform or even as a book you can kind of imagine your voices. but when you get a really good amazing narrator it just takes and shoots it out of the sky a good narrator will make your book amazing a bad one will break it this one took it to the moon to the stars and then wrapped it around earth that is what this narrator did so no one else can read for this for the series and I mean that seriously no one else.
characters
there are a lot of characters in here but I'm just going to talk about my favorites. Fin and Cara are the main heroes in the story Cara is where the story picks up on is how the story starts with she is a daughter of a sex worker and because of that she lived her entire life in a brothel I was very shocked by that opening I wasn't expecting the darkness or the cringe-worthy of a young girl barely 18 a child for that matter living in that type of environment being exposed to that type of stuff but it's supposed to make you uncomfortable you're not supposed to like what you reading or what you're hearing and to see where she started and to see where she ended up fabulous.
I'm not too thrilled about what happened with her direction but I'm hoping she doesn't end up doing what she is supposed to do.
I'm hoping that doesn't happen but I won't be surprised if it does because this author is very realistic and she's not going to just not do it. So I'm trying not to give spoilers away. even though this book been out for a while but yet other than that direction that cara goes to at the end of the book I still am really enjoyed her character design and all the kind of switches it up between this book and her other series were in the other series princess of Dorsa that princess in there was very spoiled from what I remember it's been a while since. I read the first book she very naive of the real world and how things work as in this princess is the opposite she knows how this stuff works she understands the underbelly of the world and because of that she has a different look on things and I think that stands out very well.
for Finn I absolutely loved Finn's character design. I'm hoping will happen with Finn concerned at the end of this book but at the beginning of this journey with Finn is a tomboy who likes to dress up in men's clothes who was born with a disability. one of her leg is 2 inches shorter than her actual normal leg and it's also bend the ankle is turned inward which makes her walk with the permanent limp and because of these things on top of the fact that Finn is also gay makes her stand out no one knows about her being gay.
but her father and his reaction to that is not good I'm not going to say he's a bad father but he puts up with Finn because of Finn's mother I think he loving but don't understand her like I said out of all the men that we do get introduced I don't think he's a bad man I just don't think he's 100% of the father so his decision at the end of the book really balls down to a lot of circumstances but one of the things she came to realize is that her father loved her but really love the idea of what she was to him which was the last part of of her mother and so there's no more reasons to to do what she's been doing. I think the growth is different Cara. and the romance between the two of them is amazing but Finn has a lot of self-doubt a lot of naivety this is where.
I said they kind of switch roles a little bit in this book so Finn becomes the princess in the way and from princess Dorsa Finn is more humble more lovable caring loyal determine but she's also shy and she's, she's insecure she's not comfortable with a what she really wants in life and she's never had anyone look at her and just see who and what she is instead they see a in their eyes a weird teenage girl who wants to be something she can't be and she's been told that so Finn's growth is so amazing in here because she gets someone look at her and see her so that was really good for me also I do believe.
Finn transgender or at least I believe is leading that way but I'm going to continue to use she because that is what she answered to throughout the book but I think in book two that might change that's just my opinion though just how it ended.
as you can tell I love Fin I love a tomboy masculine character in love with a feminine character that's like my favorite trope so things different is to is that Finn also is not a fighter and as much as I love fighters I was very surprised that I took to Fin because she's definitely opposite of what I like to see in a masculine female character which is a fighter tall bra shoulders kicking ass to take names if Finn is the opposite of that Finn nerdy and Fin loves to talk to horses and Finn wants to be a wise man and like she's completely different from your typical masculine character. like I said before I'm hoping with the way things ended we might get a confident Finn and the next book I'm hoping who has hopefully grown into herself and become more aware but Finn desire to protect Cara is is throughout the book. Finn is very brave just like Cara they both play off each other very well and I can't wait to see what type of world they discover and what type of people and characters they grow into in the next book.
another character that I liked, is Cara auntie/sister I want to say /mother figure in my opinion is Lanna now Lanna is a transgender sex worker and she is Fucking amazing I the character and Lanna she's just, she's everything that are supporting character should be she's number 100% toes deep toes down Fuck a dude up if she needs to loyal character like the things that this character goes through and does for Cara and for Finn is extraordinary and I hope this is not the last of her because I need her to be at Cara and Finn side going forward because she just deserves it so much and her character growth a little bit that we did get when she was in the scenes she just destroyed those things like she just took it over support of a shoulder to cry on someone to talk to. even Finn could not deny how comfortable and supportive Lanna was to her and that's like awesome so that's like my third favorite character in this story.
characters that I could not like or did not like yeah that's everybody that want to get to my girls. there's so many of them.. I'm just going to name their titles so Prince Percy, I'm not feeling Percy especially since the way things are set up for him in the future. I can't tell if he's going to be a problem for our girls or not with the whole situation going to be happening with him or supposed to happen but I really didn't care for him regardless his mother didn't care for her either. So she sucked to me like I said Finn's dad wasn't necessary 100% the bad guy I just didn't like the way he handled the situation with Finn so I don't really care for him either oh the pimp or whatever the hell his name yeah I couldn't stand him I really want him to get got I shouldn't say that. but he needs to go.
but I'm curious to see what the author has planned for him since he still active but yeah I'm just waiting for Lanna to get some payback where he's concerned in my opinion I can't really say if the king was a good character because he was minor in my opinion like the glimpse we did see of him was very few and he pretty much was described in like a couple of narrator points and then the kids really like described him even more The Prince and the queen and the princess.
So he was just like in my opinion quickly forgotten so but he didn't really handle being a father very well and very blindsided to the real enemy on his back that's all I'm going to say about that sohe was just there for a while and then. he was pretty easy to forget but again he did his part and he did it well
the magic/world building I Fuck with the world building it is fabulous there is a slow pace to the Story I can't remember how her princess Dora book was I don't remember if it was slow build I think some comment said the other book was very slow in the beginning and then it picked up but I don't remember.
I need to read the entire series over cuz I didn't finish book two and I never read book 3 yet, I'm scared to read book three because people said they didn't really care for the ending so there's that but anyway back to the topic of this particular part. I love the world building there's nothing negative I have to say about how fascinated I am with the world.
I'm really hoping in book two she explores the wise men more and where they work in their Tower and where they're located at so maybe we'll get to see some in that I'm not sure because wise men has been mentioned so many times in this book I just want to see what they all about since they got all these stupid ass rules of theirs so I just want to see.
The world building is just fabulous the descriptions that she talks about like she does not hold back on painting a perfect picture for you to imagine like I found myself scrunching my nose and like when she described back alleys and what's in them in the trash and the filth and the the excrements and stuff that's on the ground. just changing the chamber pot like that's disgusting and I'm just like oh my gosh I'm so grateful for toilet like this is what I was literally thinking when I was listening to this so the detail in this is amazing.
the magic system is brief as we've gotten glimpses of and that's in all the books about the Shadow magic and about the shadow around and about these shadow spirits connected with the humans and I think in this one it was explained a little bit better but I am still confused on what and if the shadows are good or if the shadows are evil or they split like good Shadows?. I have no idea like that completely confuses me but I love it because it's creepy and a narrator does a really good job when she's in these shadow scenes. they're in a group of society of Shadow women.
I think that's what they called coming into play like she just gives me a very spooky vibe with them and I just love the atmosphere The narrative puts in in the details that go into what we got I feel like maybe she still playing close to the chest when it comes to around the Shadow magic I said I don't know how much information we've gotten about this and our other series especially like book 3 but I'm hoping the more she goes into this universe if she goes deeper than these books the more we understand who and what they are.
so if you're hesitating on getting this book and the entire series don't it's worth the money it's worth the credit you won't regret it this book series. it's not action-packed as princess Dorsa but it is good I love action fighting in war and battle and all that good stuff so I didn't think this will fit me either but once you hear the story open you going to be stuck with it.
I listen to this 4 days straight and finished it today this afternoon and I don't regret the sleepless night I got the night before cuz I didn't go to sleep until like 6:00 I couldn't stop listening to it then when I stop.
I kept thinking about what was going to happen next and where I left off at like for a book that has no action maybe one or two mini action scenes this book hands down is amazing do yourself a favor get the book get them all start with this one first because it is a prequel this book is set 800 years in the past before the other books pick up.
this is the perfect place to start I usually don't do books like this but since it's been so long since I read the first book anyway and I never finished the series I figured I would start here so. and I'm happy I did because now I get to go and read the other books in present time and I have this as an information of how the world works.
oh and shout out to the artist for this cover because as I was reading it the cover relates to the story everyone in the story wears a mask to hide their true intentions or in and Cara's case a role to play and I really like the fact that the cover represented that in the mask remark was made multiple times so I like that connection.
AUDIBLE DO NOT MESS WITH THE NARRATOR SHE'S DONE ALL THE BOOKS AND SHE'S AMAZING I CANNOT PRAISE AND GUSH OVER HER PERFORMANCE ENOUGH WHEN THE NEXT BOOK COME OUT FOR THIS SERIES BRING HER BACK I'M GOING TO BE UNHAPPY IF YOU MESS THIS UP.
October 24, 2023
My favorite lesbian author
I love this author. Her stories are rich and compelling and best of all she gets the lesbian butch/femme stuff right! I have read all her books available on Kindle, and am anxiously anticipating the next book in this series. I only regret that it may be more than a year before it is available. Thanks so much , Eliza Andrews, from a 70 year old femme lesbian.
I love this author. Her stories are rich and compelling and best of all she gets the lesbian butch/femme stuff right! I have read all her books available on Kindle, and am anxiously anticipating the next book in this series. I only regret that it may be more than a year before it is available. Thanks so much , Eliza Andrews, from a 70 year old femme lesbian.
November 24, 2023
Excellent! Very inclusive
I loved this book. No spoilers so I will be vague. One of the central characters has a disability but is a love interest. The opening is at brothel. But the sex workers full humanity, for better and worse, has depth. There immediate recognition of trans equals and same sex intimacy.
A pleasure to read all the twists and turns. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I loved this book. No spoilers so I will be vague. One of the central characters has a disability but is a love interest. The opening is at brothel. But the sex workers full humanity, for better and worse, has depth. There immediate recognition of trans equals and same sex intimacy.
A pleasure to read all the twists and turns. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 22, 2023
Really looking forward to book 2. This was a palace intrigue suspense with romance and a surrounding dark magic/illusion story. Wild and wonderful page-turner. Had sapphic and trans rep.
January 4, 2024
A huge mess. If I didn't know better I would think this is the author's first work which got away from them.
I noticed the issues that plague this book right away, but I dismissed them at first because I was enjoying the good parts and I was optimistic it would improve. But for the most part it didn't. Instead, the problems became more glaring, and new problems were added.
The first and biggest problem is the plot. Or the collection of events and threads that pass for a plot. There're so many different plotlines, POVs, and characters which contribute little or nothing at all and then get abandoned or fizzle out until they're needed again. Actions rarely have consequences except to serve for a contrivance to another plotline. Sometimes not even that. Many of the characters which you expect to be active or have interest in what's going on just do nothing until they're needed for the next event. This happens constantly and it's infuriating. It makes this world seem like nothing in it matters.
The second biggest problem is the protagonist. For the first 2/3 of the book she is the most passive protagonist I have ever read. And in a genre already known for somewhat passive protagonists, that's saying something. Everything that happens in her life is the result of either happenstance or other people's decisions. Whenever she does make a decision, it usually amounts to nothing except set up another coincidence or happenstance. It's one thing in the beginning when she and her world are being introduced. But the more time goes on, the more annoying it becomes.
Then in the last third of the book she goes through an unconvincing transformation which (mostly off-page) changes the way she acts. Suddenly she's a lot more active in her own story, but at this point it's far too late, and brings about further issues. If anything, another character should've been the protagonist, like the young prince, or the protagonist's love interest.
And speaking of that, the romance is very shallow and for lack of a better word "fanficky". It feels like I'm expected to know that these characters have chemistry together and thus to find their feelings for one another believable. But they don't and I don't. It seems like their romance is built up entirely on physical attraction and the fact they're the only ones who they can share their secrets with, which is a result of happenstance, once again. Also, I find the graphic descriptions of underage sex between them very offputting and out of place in a previously erotica-free novel.
Overall, a disappointment. I won't be reading the sequels even though I find some of the ideas set up for them interesting (these things should've happened in this novel, tbh). I know that they'll probably be mishandled like this story was.
I'm giving the story 2 stars because despite its many issues, it's not entirely terrible, and the prose is at least decent.
I noticed the issues that plague this book right away, but I dismissed them at first because I was enjoying the good parts and I was optimistic it would improve. But for the most part it didn't. Instead, the problems became more glaring, and new problems were added.
The first and biggest problem is the plot. Or the collection of events and threads that pass for a plot. There're so many different plotlines, POVs, and characters which contribute little or nothing at all and then get abandoned or fizzle out until they're needed again. Actions rarely have consequences except to serve for a contrivance to another plotline. Sometimes not even that. Many of the characters which you expect to be active or have interest in what's going on just do nothing until they're needed for the next event. This happens constantly and it's infuriating. It makes this world seem like nothing in it matters.
The second biggest problem is the protagonist. For the first 2/3 of the book she is the most passive protagonist I have ever read. And in a genre already known for somewhat passive protagonists, that's saying something. Everything that happens in her life is the result of either happenstance or other people's decisions. Whenever she does make a decision, it usually amounts to nothing except set up another coincidence or happenstance. It's one thing in the beginning when she and her world are being introduced. But the more time goes on, the more annoying it becomes.
Then in the last third of the book she goes through an unconvincing transformation which (mostly off-page) changes the way she acts. Suddenly she's a lot more active in her own story, but at this point it's far too late, and brings about further issues. If anything, another character should've been the protagonist, like the young prince, or the protagonist's love interest.
And speaking of that, the romance is very shallow and for lack of a better word "fanficky". It feels like I'm expected to know that these characters have chemistry together and thus to find their feelings for one another believable. But they don't and I don't. It seems like their romance is built up entirely on physical attraction and the fact they're the only ones who they can share their secrets with, which is a result of happenstance, once again. Also, I find the graphic descriptions of underage sex between them very offputting and out of place in a previously erotica-free novel.
Overall, a disappointment. I won't be reading the sequels even though I find some of the ideas set up for them interesting (these things should've happened in this novel, tbh). I know that they'll probably be mishandled like this story was.
I'm giving the story 2 stars because despite its many issues, it's not entirely terrible, and the prose is at least decent.
January 16, 2024
4⭐️ - all the feels. Starting super slow, but perpetually accelerating to the last page.
Wow, where to start?! Well, first off, I recommend reading this book. Let's be real, reading this book is absolutely an investment / undertaking as it sits at over 800 pages, so you have to be committed, but if you stick with it, the result is definitely worth it. Moreover if you liked the Princess of Dorsa Trilogy of books (which I loved and HIGHLY recommend!), you will likely enjoy this book too.
The character development in tremendously thorough with tons of backstory and side relationship building. Some readers will love that and some will not. It is sort of like the difference between 800 thread count sheets vs. 400 thread count sheets ... personally the 400 feels amazing to me and I am just as happy with that, and the doubling of thread count is kind of lost on me. Same here. At 300 pages in, I was thinking - "you know, all of this could have been covered in 150 pages". BUT to each their own. The writing is great, so just hang on, be patient and enjoy the ride.
I mentioned the perpetual acceleration and that is super important ... the last 350 pages or so are super engaging with lots of major and minor plot twists. Getting there took a bit, but then I couldn't put it down.
One other thing I loved was that despite the "royal" circumstance, both FMCs were commoners and in fact one had a prominent physical impairment - brilliant! Love that it was the tired royal trope.
Overall despite the fact that I generally am not a huge prequel fan (I know, I know - don't throw things at me please!!) ... I enjoyed it; just wish it was a little more succinct.
Wow, where to start?! Well, first off, I recommend reading this book. Let's be real, reading this book is absolutely an investment / undertaking as it sits at over 800 pages, so you have to be committed, but if you stick with it, the result is definitely worth it. Moreover if you liked the Princess of Dorsa Trilogy of books (which I loved and HIGHLY recommend!), you will likely enjoy this book too.
The character development in tremendously thorough with tons of backstory and side relationship building. Some readers will love that and some will not. It is sort of like the difference between 800 thread count sheets vs. 400 thread count sheets ... personally the 400 feels amazing to me and I am just as happy with that, and the doubling of thread count is kind of lost on me. Same here. At 300 pages in, I was thinking - "you know, all of this could have been covered in 150 pages". BUT to each their own. The writing is great, so just hang on, be patient and enjoy the ride.
I mentioned the perpetual acceleration and that is super important ... the last 350 pages or so are super engaging with lots of major and minor plot twists. Getting there took a bit, but then I couldn't put it down.
One other thing I loved was that despite the "royal" circumstance, both FMCs were commoners and in fact one had a prominent physical impairment - brilliant! Love that it was the tired royal trope.
Overall despite the fact that I generally am not a huge prequel fan (I know, I know - don't throw things at me please!!) ... I enjoyed it; just wish it was a little more succinct.
January 8, 2024
4.5 stars
Well, rating this book was quite difficult. I decided on 4.5 stars rounded down to 4 in the end, which is the exact same rating that I gave “Princess of Dorsa”. I was a little surprised by this at first considering just how different these two books are, even though they both take place in the same world and follow the House of Dorsa, but, when I thought about it, it made sense. After all, I’d greatly enjoyed both novels, but there was something that wouldn’t let me give them five stars. While “Princess of Dorsa” contained one of my favourite characters ever, Joslyn, and the romance was perfect and the plot full of action and betrayals, none of the supporting characters were memorable and the worldbuilding (in that book) was a bit lacking. On the other hand, “In the Shadow of the Palace” was a slow burner focused more on politics. The world and magic were much better described and the secondary characters were far more interesting, but the romance was a bit less superb. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adored Cara, even more than I did Tasia, and Fin was great, but their relationship didn’t fill me with butterflies like the one between Tasia and Joslyn did.
To sum up, a splendid read for when you’re in the mood for huge books filled with palace intrigues, backstabbing royals and a heroine you can’t help but root for.
Well, rating this book was quite difficult. I decided on 4.5 stars rounded down to 4 in the end, which is the exact same rating that I gave “Princess of Dorsa”. I was a little surprised by this at first considering just how different these two books are, even though they both take place in the same world and follow the House of Dorsa, but, when I thought about it, it made sense. After all, I’d greatly enjoyed both novels, but there was something that wouldn’t let me give them five stars. While “Princess of Dorsa” contained one of my favourite characters ever, Joslyn, and the romance was perfect and the plot full of action and betrayals, none of the supporting characters were memorable and the worldbuilding (in that book) was a bit lacking. On the other hand, “In the Shadow of the Palace” was a slow burner focused more on politics. The world and magic were much better described and the secondary characters were far more interesting, but the romance was a bit less superb. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adored Cara, even more than I did Tasia, and Fin was great, but their relationship didn’t fill me with butterflies like the one between Tasia and Joslyn did.
To sum up, a splendid read for when you’re in the mood for huge books filled with palace intrigues, backstabbing royals and a heroine you can’t help but root for.
January 8, 2025
This book had all the things.
And I loved it.
Meeting Cara so young and getting to see her grow up, events and people that influenced her - allowed me to feel invested in her. A very likeable FMC.
Fin, loyal - heroic - but as Lanna says not a lick of common sense. And I love her all the more for it. There are so many layers to unpack with her, and again meeting her so young in the story I am excited to see where her journey takes her.
This book is packed with interesting characters and clever twists and turns. The author did a fantastic job switching from character points of view to set a steady pace and keep the story moving while allowing us to get a feel for who each character was. I love a book that makes me feel a way for it's characters - it makes everything so much more highstakes when danger and death loom.
My favourite chapter was actually Dru's from page 500ish - the interaction with Lanna, the plan she talks him into, amazing piece of writing. Also! Shout out to the ballroom scene from page 617 onwards. I was sobbing.
Five stars!
And I loved it.
Meeting Cara so young and getting to see her grow up, events and people that influenced her - allowed me to feel invested in her. A very likeable FMC.
Fin, loyal - heroic - but as Lanna says not a lick of common sense. And I love her all the more for it. There are so many layers to unpack with her, and again meeting her so young in the story I am excited to see where her journey takes her.
This book is packed with interesting characters and clever twists and turns. The author did a fantastic job switching from character points of view to set a steady pace and keep the story moving while allowing us to get a feel for who each character was. I love a book that makes me feel a way for it's characters - it makes everything so much more highstakes when danger and death loom.
My favourite chapter was actually Dru's from page 500ish - the interaction with Lanna, the plan she talks him into, amazing piece of writing. Also! Shout out to the ballroom scene from page 617 onwards. I was sobbing.
Five stars!
December 4, 2023
I’m absolutely in love with this series, and it holds an incredibly meaning for me.
I’ve been reading this series for years, so long in fact has it absorbed my life that I got an autism diagnosis in part because of it. Which makes it all the more kind, and appreciative, to see such a beautiful autistic love interest in this book. It as if a piece of me is in a series I have loved for half a decade, and for that reason I keep this book close to my heart.
Besides that it is also an incredible story with nearly perfect writing that has drastically improved since not just the original series but even Eliza Andrew’s last book. Im so proud of In the Shadows of the Palace for being what it is, and I’m excited to recommend it to anyone that will listen.
I’ve been reading this series for years, so long in fact has it absorbed my life that I got an autism diagnosis in part because of it. Which makes it all the more kind, and appreciative, to see such a beautiful autistic love interest in this book. It as if a piece of me is in a series I have loved for half a decade, and for that reason I keep this book close to my heart.
Besides that it is also an incredible story with nearly perfect writing that has drastically improved since not just the original series but even Eliza Andrew’s last book. Im so proud of In the Shadows of the Palace for being what it is, and I’m excited to recommend it to anyone that will listen.
December 24, 2023
Eliza Andrews is undoubtedly one of the best Fantasy Writers out there, world building and relationship building are out of this world. I already loved the Dorsa trilogy and In the Shadow of the Palace is a delicious character building story. Fin and Cara are sweet and difficult at the same time and their choices are not easily made and nothing is easily solved. I just loved it!
December 24, 2023
Incredibly well constructed and (as ever) well written new installment in the Dorsa Chronicles.
I absolutely loved getting to see more of the kingdom and the history & lore of the Dorsa empire.
Cara is such an interesting and complex character and Fin made my heart just melt. Lanna is the aunt we all deserve and I love how Andrews makes such dynamic characters, even of the “bad” ones.
My only regret is reading this before the next one is ready!!! Don’t sleep on this one or this series- an absolute must read.
I absolutely loved getting to see more of the kingdom and the history & lore of the Dorsa empire.
Cara is such an interesting and complex character and Fin made my heart just melt. Lanna is the aunt we all deserve and I love how Andrews makes such dynamic characters, even of the “bad” ones.
My only regret is reading this before the next one is ready!!! Don’t sleep on this one or this series- an absolute must read.
November 7, 2023
I had never heard of the Princess of Dorsa series before starting this prequel - it popped up randomly on my suggested reads and I figured I’d try it. I fell in LOVE with the characters and couldn’t put the book down. For an 800+ page book, I’m shocked to say that not once did I think it was too long or drawn out. The writing, the plot, the characters… it all drew me in and I can’t wait to read the next books.
January 25, 2024
😍😍 This was my first time to read a book by Eliza Andrews and now I’m a devoted fan. This book was just about perfect in my view. Adventure, intrigue, fantasy, philosophy and romance all in one page turning, well written book. I couldn’t get enough.
I read this on KU and now I want a hard copy to keep and reread before book 2 comes out.
Jules, thanks my friend, for your praise and high recommendations for this book. I throughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next in the series.
I read this on KU and now I want a hard copy to keep and reread before book 2 comes out.
Jules, thanks my friend, for your praise and high recommendations for this book. I throughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 9, 2023
Excellent!
Eliza is such a wonderful storyteller. Her characters are fully developed. Her world building is intriguing. There is nothing about this book I didn't like. I can't wait until the next book comes out. Until then, I'm sure this will be a re-read for me. Highly recommended!,
Eliza is such a wonderful storyteller. Her characters are fully developed. Her world building is intriguing. There is nothing about this book I didn't like. I can't wait until the next book comes out. Until then, I'm sure this will be a re-read for me. Highly recommended!,
November 21, 2023
Thrilling
A tale of extraordinary life made by events that catapulted characters to make choices that lead them to make sacrifices that allow them to fight and save human lives against evil. Leading up to a final battle.
Will these sacrifices be enough to break the bonds of evil to save human lives?
A tale of extraordinary life made by events that catapulted characters to make choices that lead them to make sacrifices that allow them to fight and save human lives against evil. Leading up to a final battle.
Will these sacrifices be enough to break the bonds of evil to save human lives?
October 9, 2023
Awesome characters as usual by Eliza Andrews
Amazing story of intrigue and romance with great character immersion as usual by Eliza Andrews. I always enjoy reading her adventure/ romance series.
Amazing story of intrigue and romance with great character immersion as usual by Eliza Andrews. I always enjoy reading her adventure/ romance series.
April 8, 2024
Entertaining read.
This is basically a good story. I read the other books that came first, and enjoyed them enough to give this new set a try. It moved along fairly well, just getting slow here and there and then picking back up. Overall a good start to a new series.
This is basically a good story. I read the other books that came first, and enjoyed them enough to give this new set a try. It moved along fairly well, just getting slow here and there and then picking back up. Overall a good start to a new series.
July 6, 2024
Loved Every Second
I love how long this book is, I felt like it led me on so many journeys and I was never quite sure how things would turn out. I'm left with so many questions I can't wait for the next book!
I love how long this book is, I felt like it led me on so many journeys and I was never quite sure how things would turn out. I'm left with so many questions I can't wait for the next book!
October 27, 2023
It was an incredible story, well written, and so interesting. I look foward to read the next book in the series.
April 10, 2024
4.5****
April 24, 2024
A masterpiece
I read this book months ago and still think about it to this day. I cannot wait for the next book.
I read this book months ago and still think about it to this day. I cannot wait for the next book.
October 5, 2024
2024: 4.0
F/F, MTF
F/F, MTF
November 9, 2024
Strong characters. Clever plots. Open ending. Waiting for 2nd book.
April 27, 2024
FUCK YES. I love Eliza Andrews and I love diving back into Port Lorsen! Can't WAIT for the fucking next one!
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