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Shadows of the Crown #1
Shadows of the Crown
He's the heir to the kingdom.
She's the kingdom's worst nightmare.
In the kingdom of Eldoria, where essence weaves the fabric of reality, whispers tell tales of the Silver Wraith -- a legendary assassin born of forbidden magic. Ariella Mistaire, known for her lethal skill and striking silver hair, is drawn into a treacherous competition by the King, a game with trials veiled in secrets and lies.
As Ariella navigates a labyrinth of deceit, her rare affinity for all strands of essence marks her as both a valuable weapon and a potential threat. Among her adversaries is the enigmatic Prince Caspian, whose intentions blur the lines between ally and enemy.
But the trials are more than a test of prowess; they are a web of dark secrets. Amidst the cutthroat rivalry, Ariella uncovers unsettling truths that stretch beyond the castle walls. As hidden agendas come to light, she finds herself entangled in a plot that could alter her fate and the very fabric of Eldoria. What began as a quest for vengeance might lead Ariella to discoveries that challenge everything she knows about her world and herself.
In the heart of Eldoria, where magic breathes and shadows dance, the Silver Wraith must confront the truth of her past to forge the future of two worlds.
She's the kingdom's worst nightmare.
In the kingdom of Eldoria, where essence weaves the fabric of reality, whispers tell tales of the Silver Wraith -- a legendary assassin born of forbidden magic. Ariella Mistaire, known for her lethal skill and striking silver hair, is drawn into a treacherous competition by the King, a game with trials veiled in secrets and lies.
As Ariella navigates a labyrinth of deceit, her rare affinity for all strands of essence marks her as both a valuable weapon and a potential threat. Among her adversaries is the enigmatic Prince Caspian, whose intentions blur the lines between ally and enemy.
But the trials are more than a test of prowess; they are a web of dark secrets. Amidst the cutthroat rivalry, Ariella uncovers unsettling truths that stretch beyond the castle walls. As hidden agendas come to light, she finds herself entangled in a plot that could alter her fate and the very fabric of Eldoria. What began as a quest for vengeance might lead Ariella to discoveries that challenge everything she knows about her world and herself.
In the heart of Eldoria, where magic breathes and shadows dance, the Silver Wraith must confront the truth of her past to forge the future of two worlds.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
66 people are currently reading
1626 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Monroe
8 books129 followersDakota Monroe lives in a dark world and dreams of even darker fantasies. She has been a fantasy-obsessed reader since she was a child and now brings hers to life through her writing. As a neurodivergent woman, Dakota has always felt out of place with her thoughts and ideas; but books have been her savior, and a nonjudgmental place for her to escape the colorless world we call reality. She hopes her characters, and stories, provide an outlet for others, even if just for a little while.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
July 8, 2024
This is my book, of course I have to give it five stars✨ also, I’m too in love with Ariella to think she’s anything but…
Anyway—if you’ve read any of my previous books (the curse of gods series), you may go into Shadows of the Crown thinking you should expect more of the same.
Expect not, my loves.
The curse of gods series was a fun little romantasy that I created around a bunch of spicy scenes that would never fit into Shadows of the Crown🙃 I had to write them, and my babies Nell, Cas, Em, and Xamira were the result of that.
No, Shadows of the Crown was being worked on long before I even had a fleeting thought of the curse of gods series. This book is quite different—not just the writing style, but the level of detail as well. It’s heavy in plot, it has romance, and showcases characters that are so fleshed out I’m truly convinced they’re my real life friends.
I am so excited to share SOTC with the world, and I’m practically shaking from the giddiness I feel knowing all the shit that gets revealed in the next three books🤭
Even if you end up not liking SOTC, I truly appreciate the time anyone has taken to read her. From the depths of my desolate heart, thank you so very much🖤
Anyway—if you’ve read any of my previous books (the curse of gods series), you may go into Shadows of the Crown thinking you should expect more of the same.
Expect not, my loves.
The curse of gods series was a fun little romantasy that I created around a bunch of spicy scenes that would never fit into Shadows of the Crown🙃 I had to write them, and my babies Nell, Cas, Em, and Xamira were the result of that.
No, Shadows of the Crown was being worked on long before I even had a fleeting thought of the curse of gods series. This book is quite different—not just the writing style, but the level of detail as well. It’s heavy in plot, it has romance, and showcases characters that are so fleshed out I’m truly convinced they’re my real life friends.
I am so excited to share SOTC with the world, and I’m practically shaking from the giddiness I feel knowing all the shit that gets revealed in the next three books🤭
Even if you end up not liking SOTC, I truly appreciate the time anyone has taken to read her. From the depths of my desolate heart, thank you so very much🖤
July 10, 2024
2.5⭐️
I really wanted to love this book but the world just wasn't immersive. Big lack of explanation about the 'magic' and how it works, types, etc. Made it hard to understand the fighting. I felt their was really a lack of world building in general.
Quite a few name misspellings, grammar errors, and sentences that I had to re-read several times to make sense of. It seemed sometimes thoughts were half finished or the author had some knowledge the audience was never made aware of that was vital to understanding. The dialogue irritated me the most in this book, constantly having to re-read paragraphs to figure out who was actually saying what since there is no "I said, he/she said, etc".
The MMC was super unappealing to me. I'm assuming he was supposed to be kinda lame to make Ariella seem more bada**. But, it was really just a turn off to me and made reading the spicy scenes annoying and awkward. In addition to that I feel the spice was pretty non descript and a bit generic.
I do think the plot has potential but it needs help. I did enjoy the couple twists there were and Ariella as a strong female character.
I really wanted to love this book but the world just wasn't immersive. Big lack of explanation about the 'magic' and how it works, types, etc. Made it hard to understand the fighting. I felt their was really a lack of world building in general.
Quite a few name misspellings, grammar errors, and sentences that I had to re-read several times to make sense of. It seemed sometimes thoughts were half finished or the author had some knowledge the audience was never made aware of that was vital to understanding. The dialogue irritated me the most in this book, constantly having to re-read paragraphs to figure out who was actually saying what since there is no "I said, he/she said, etc".
The MMC was super unappealing to me. I'm assuming he was supposed to be kinda lame to make Ariella seem more bada**. But, it was really just a turn off to me and made reading the spicy scenes annoying and awkward. In addition to that I feel the spice was pretty non descript and a bit generic.
I do think the plot has potential but it needs help. I did enjoy the couple twists there were and Ariella as a strong female character.
November 21, 2025
5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Um hello? Did I just stumble upon one of the best FMCs of all time? First one out of the year? Yes. Yes, I have.
What do you get when you mix a strong/ vicious FMC, a cocky MMC, sass that slaps, action packed pages, and RAGE = you get an INCREDIBLY addicting series debut 👏🏼
How has this book not broken our social platforms?? It’s as if this author asked me what I want in a book and then served it to me on a silver platter.
Ariella is a woman on a mission. She’s dedicated her entire life towards one thing, kill the king who publicly executed her father. After dedicating 20 years towards becoming the most brutal assassin in the land, she’s itching for justice to be served. When the king declares a series of competitions for the best of the best, she knows her time has come. Little does she know, the arrogant prince may be a sweeter target. Why not take out the king’s only heir before she takes his head?
📣 PSA-if you’re looking for:
🩸Stabby FMC
🩸Arrogant possessive MMC
🩸Bloody trials
🩸Hidden agenda
🩸Secret magic
🩸BANTER
🩸Delicious slow burnnnnn
BABE RUN! PICK UP THIS BOOK! I ate this up within 24 hours and could not put it down. Y’all know how much I appreciate a leading female who can dish out a comeback-well this gal is just as brutal with her words as she is with a weapon! She had me kicking my feet throughout this read.
🗡️Since she’s the morally gray one in this story, it was so satisfying to watch her heart begin to melt. Ariella is a tough cookie, but she’s battling her tragic past as well as her heart to find her way. And when she ultimately discovers that her parents were keeping something from her long ago… her world gets turned upside down!
I wish I could bottle up my excitement I experienced throughout this book and send it to you, but since I can’t physically do that- go read this book and get the goosebumps for yourself 😈
2 🌶️
Um hello? Did I just stumble upon one of the best FMCs of all time? First one out of the year? Yes. Yes, I have.
What do you get when you mix a strong/ vicious FMC, a cocky MMC, sass that slaps, action packed pages, and RAGE = you get an INCREDIBLY addicting series debut 👏🏼
How has this book not broken our social platforms?? It’s as if this author asked me what I want in a book and then served it to me on a silver platter.
Ariella is a woman on a mission. She’s dedicated her entire life towards one thing, kill the king who publicly executed her father. After dedicating 20 years towards becoming the most brutal assassin in the land, she’s itching for justice to be served. When the king declares a series of competitions for the best of the best, she knows her time has come. Little does she know, the arrogant prince may be a sweeter target. Why not take out the king’s only heir before she takes his head?
📣 PSA-if you’re looking for:
🩸Stabby FMC
🩸Arrogant possessive MMC
🩸Bloody trials
🩸Hidden agenda
🩸Secret magic
🩸BANTER
🩸Delicious slow burnnnnn
BABE RUN! PICK UP THIS BOOK! I ate this up within 24 hours and could not put it down. Y’all know how much I appreciate a leading female who can dish out a comeback-well this gal is just as brutal with her words as she is with a weapon! She had me kicking my feet throughout this read.
🗡️Since she’s the morally gray one in this story, it was so satisfying to watch her heart begin to melt. Ariella is a tough cookie, but she’s battling her tragic past as well as her heart to find her way. And when she ultimately discovers that her parents were keeping something from her long ago… her world gets turned upside down!
I wish I could bottle up my excitement I experienced throughout this book and send it to you, but since I can’t physically do that- go read this book and get the goosebumps for yourself 😈
July 8, 2024
First of all thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy, I absolutely loved this adventure!
“𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙, 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜”
I could not put this down. This was such a breath of fresh air for a fantasy book, not in a cozy way of course but holy hell I had such a good time.
• delicious banter
•enemies to lovers ( one sided? If that counts)
•unique magic system (pretty damn cool if you ask me )
•trials
•a little bit of mystery
•spice 🌶️ 🌶️
•feminine rage
• he calls her “Angel”
The banter was probably the funniest I’ve read, I highlighted more in this book than I have any other fantasy book 😂
Ariella our FMC is the definition of a bad ass, take no shit kind of woman & I absolutely loved her attitude throughout this read!
Caspian was a complete marshmallow, but knew how to snap back with the banter. He was also so smitten with Ariella I couldn’t get over it, it was so adorable.
The story and plot were easy to follow and honestly addicting, I really enjoyed the magical elements too! I cannot wait for the next book I need to know what happens!
That ending left me wanting more, I didn’t want this book to end!
“𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙, 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜”
I could not put this down. This was such a breath of fresh air for a fantasy book, not in a cozy way of course but holy hell I had such a good time.
• delicious banter
•enemies to lovers ( one sided? If that counts)
•unique magic system (pretty damn cool if you ask me )
•trials
•a little bit of mystery
•spice 🌶️ 🌶️
•feminine rage
• he calls her “Angel”
The banter was probably the funniest I’ve read, I highlighted more in this book than I have any other fantasy book 😂
Ariella our FMC is the definition of a bad ass, take no shit kind of woman & I absolutely loved her attitude throughout this read!
Caspian was a complete marshmallow, but knew how to snap back with the banter. He was also so smitten with Ariella I couldn’t get over it, it was so adorable.
The story and plot were easy to follow and honestly addicting, I really enjoyed the magical elements too! I cannot wait for the next book I need to know what happens!
That ending left me wanting more, I didn’t want this book to end!
August 20, 2024
3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4. Thank you to Dakota and NerdFam for having sent me a copy of Shadows of the Crown for a honest review. I love fantasy, I love trials and games and assassins so I knew this book would be right up my alley. I really enjoyed the plot of the story and the writing style flowed really well and also having short chapters was a plus!! It made the book read super quickly and it kept my attention until the very end. This definitely gave me The Hunger Game vibes which was a great add to the story with the three trials involved.
I also loved the characters Ariella and Caspian. They had great chemistry even if they tended not to like each other at first but that's usually how enemies to lovers stories go! And of course there is always that slow burn to the story too!
Overall it was a great read, I definitely would read more by this author in the future!
I also loved the characters Ariella and Caspian. They had great chemistry even if they tended not to like each other at first but that's usually how enemies to lovers stories go! And of course there is always that slow burn to the story too!
Overall it was a great read, I definitely would read more by this author in the future!
August 9, 2024
I really, really liked this book. There’s prince x assassin, trials, obsessed mmc, “fuck it” scene but she says it, and some bi moments 🤭. I absolutely LOVED how obsessed he got with her in just their first reaction. Like this man was LOVING how she was basically beating his ass. Like as soon as i saw this quote, “Her eyes roam my body as if she can’t quite decide whether I’m her next kill or next fuck. I'll take either,” i knew he was down bad. Like she threatens to kill him and he calls her beautiful. She headbutts him and he calls her amazing, like this man is in awe of everything that she is.
But it’s also crazy that the prince has zero ounce of internal conflict about his feelings for Ariella and his duty as the prince. Like he literally gives no shits, he’s not afraid of his father which I’m lowkey disappointed about, like I wish there was more tension and angst from the prince. Plus, I wish the book was more detailed, especially about the characters. Like I want a full deep dive into their minds, but all we get is what’s happening at the surface most of the times. But despite that, I like the world building. Like instead of saying they have gifts or powers, they’re referred to as essence and strands. I liked the idea of the trials, but there has to be more behind it because right now it seems as if it happened purely for the King's entertainment. But I’m excited to see how the story will evolve because his book definitely gives powerless and the first throne of glass book vibes.
Our FMC is a silver haired assassin—think of Celaena Sardothien x Paedyn Gray—known as the Silver Wraith, the most notorious assassin in Valoria. After a proclamation from the king, each assassin guild across the kingdom must send three assassins to compete in the trials, per the king's order. Going into the trials with a hidden agenda goes right along with Ariella’s long-spun plan, until the King knowingly forgot to announce some rules that change everything for Ariella. Will she be able to follow through with her hidden mission or will the Prince—who has had eyes for her ever since he set them on her—sway her from them?
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“You would think me no better than a young boy seeing a woman for the first time. Who knew an assassin could be so breathtaking?”
“Her eyes roam my body as if she can’t quite decide whether I’m her next kill or next fuck. I'll take either.”
“Deadly and confident? My kind of woman.”
“She’s the most feared person in our kingdom. I shouldn’t find that hot.”
“Okay, that’s enough of that.”
The prince grabs my weapon and drags it to his own chest. What kind of foolish man claims he needs a personal guard, only to point a blade to his own heart?
“You can hold this to me if you wish. But only me.”
“Fuck, angel, that mouth of yours.”
“Angel? Do I look like the Angel to you?”
“The Angel is said to be beautiful, but cunning. Quick, yet silent. Disarming, but deadly. So, yes… you look exactly like an angel to me.”
“You, on the other hand, should start praying.”
“Pray. To whom, exactly? An Angel I’m not even sure exists?”
“No. You’ll be praying to me by the time we’re done here. For a mercy I will never grant.”
“I don’t see the problem, then. We both know I’m more than willing to bow at your feet. I can think of many ways to pray in that position… Shall I skip the embarrassment of you winning and get started now?”
“It's okay to admit you want me, angel. I won't tell anyone just how badly the Silver Wraith aches for the prince she claims to hate.”
“Why haven’t you told anyone?”
“And convince my father to take you from me? I don’t think so.”
“He couldn’t take me from you—I’m not yours to steal.”
“We can change that.”
“I’ve had enough disappointing partners to last the Angel’s lifetime.”
“Clearly those partners did not understand how to tend to such treasures.”
“And you do?”
“Why don’t we go find out? I’ll let you decide.”
“Should I slide the blade across your throat just to see his reaction? He’s quite interesting—it’s pitiful.”
I look over when he doesn’t answer, only to find him smiling at me.
“What?”
“You are very beautiful.”
“I think I make you just as nervous. You’re unsure of how to handle the truth that I wish to bathe in every depraved part of you—or the extent in which I seek out your blade as I do my next breath. I’m an anomaly to you…but I think you like that, Ariella—don’t you? You secretly relish how I’ve seen every part of you, and instead of deterring me, it makes me want you more.”
“You are breathtaking… but I’d make a liar of myself if I claimed I wasn’t infuriated that everyone here will see you like this.”
“Excuse me? You’d have me change because I’m showing more skin than the court prefers?”
“No, I wouldn’t have you change. Because if I’d known this is what you were wearing, you would not have left your room with it in the first place.”
“Such brave words from the same prince who has gotten his ass kicked multiple times by me.”
“And I’d take a thousand more just to be the only one that saw how beautiful you look tonight.”
I cannot tell if she’s contemplating laughing at me or killing me. I’ll take either, so long as she allows me to stay. But she surprises me… “Fuck it,” she mutters to herself as she grabs my jacket and drags my mouth back against hers.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would say the Angel created our bodies to mold perfectly together. Every defined curve of her melts into me. It’s as if my body is simply just a placeholder for hers to rest on.”
“This beautiful creature has no hesitations in taking what she wants, and I’m unashamedly just a man ready to give her anything she desires. She will have whatever she asks for.”
“If I had any artistic capabilities, I would paint the stunning sight before me so that I could hold on to this memory forever. Though I know even the finest painter in the realms would spend a lifetime striving to perfect her beauty and still fail to capture it fully.”
“My desire reaches much further than meager begging… I would crawl across the lands to you under the judgment of every curious eye in the kingdom. I would forfeit my claim to the throne without question, merely because you asked. I would stand against the Angel itself just for the chance to sit at the foot of your altar.”
“Every heartbeat of mine is a promise to you. And if you so wished, I would force both realms to bear witness as I sliced the organ from my aching chest and placed it in your hands—so there would be no question about who I belong to.”
“I’ll refuse death’s every call—because the only way I will accept my demise is from drowning in her.”
“Because as much as you refuse to admit it, this is a reminder that you are affected by whatever the fuck this is between us, just as I am. That you try so hard to convince yourself to hate me, and yet cannot find it in your deliciously murderous heart to truly hurt me… and I will wear this scar proudly for the rest of my life.”
“You should feel cherished. Appreciated. I want your body and mind to feel safe and valued with me. I will not hurt you, angel.”
“That may be, prince… but I will hurt you.”
“You’re worth anything you wish to do to me.”
“I—It was so quiet, I thought…”
“Did you think I fucked your prince to his death? I’m honored, Gavriel, that you would bestow me with such a compliment.”
But it’s also crazy that the prince has zero ounce of internal conflict about his feelings for Ariella and his duty as the prince. Like he literally gives no shits, he’s not afraid of his father which I’m lowkey disappointed about, like I wish there was more tension and angst from the prince. Plus, I wish the book was more detailed, especially about the characters. Like I want a full deep dive into their minds, but all we get is what’s happening at the surface most of the times. But despite that, I like the world building. Like instead of saying they have gifts or powers, they’re referred to as essence and strands. I liked the idea of the trials, but there has to be more behind it because right now it seems as if it happened purely for the King's entertainment. But I’m excited to see how the story will evolve because his book definitely gives powerless and the first throne of glass book vibes.
Our FMC is a silver haired assassin—think of Celaena Sardothien x Paedyn Gray—known as the Silver Wraith, the most notorious assassin in Valoria. After a proclamation from the king, each assassin guild across the kingdom must send three assassins to compete in the trials, per the king's order. Going into the trials with a hidden agenda goes right along with Ariella’s long-spun plan, until the King knowingly forgot to announce some rules that change everything for Ariella. Will she be able to follow through with her hidden mission or will the Prince—who has had eyes for her ever since he set them on her—sway her from them?
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“You would think me no better than a young boy seeing a woman for the first time. Who knew an assassin could be so breathtaking?”
“Her eyes roam my body as if she can’t quite decide whether I’m her next kill or next fuck. I'll take either.”
“Deadly and confident? My kind of woman.”
“She’s the most feared person in our kingdom. I shouldn’t find that hot.”
“Okay, that’s enough of that.”
The prince grabs my weapon and drags it to his own chest. What kind of foolish man claims he needs a personal guard, only to point a blade to his own heart?
“You can hold this to me if you wish. But only me.”
“Fuck, angel, that mouth of yours.”
“Angel? Do I look like the Angel to you?”
“The Angel is said to be beautiful, but cunning. Quick, yet silent. Disarming, but deadly. So, yes… you look exactly like an angel to me.”
“You, on the other hand, should start praying.”
“Pray. To whom, exactly? An Angel I’m not even sure exists?”
“No. You’ll be praying to me by the time we’re done here. For a mercy I will never grant.”
“I don’t see the problem, then. We both know I’m more than willing to bow at your feet. I can think of many ways to pray in that position… Shall I skip the embarrassment of you winning and get started now?”
“It's okay to admit you want me, angel. I won't tell anyone just how badly the Silver Wraith aches for the prince she claims to hate.”
“Why haven’t you told anyone?”
“And convince my father to take you from me? I don’t think so.”
“He couldn’t take me from you—I’m not yours to steal.”
“We can change that.”
“I’ve had enough disappointing partners to last the Angel’s lifetime.”
“Clearly those partners did not understand how to tend to such treasures.”
“And you do?”
“Why don’t we go find out? I’ll let you decide.”
“Should I slide the blade across your throat just to see his reaction? He’s quite interesting—it’s pitiful.”
I look over when he doesn’t answer, only to find him smiling at me.
“What?”
“You are very beautiful.”
“I think I make you just as nervous. You’re unsure of how to handle the truth that I wish to bathe in every depraved part of you—or the extent in which I seek out your blade as I do my next breath. I’m an anomaly to you…but I think you like that, Ariella—don’t you? You secretly relish how I’ve seen every part of you, and instead of deterring me, it makes me want you more.”
“You are breathtaking… but I’d make a liar of myself if I claimed I wasn’t infuriated that everyone here will see you like this.”
“Excuse me? You’d have me change because I’m showing more skin than the court prefers?”
“No, I wouldn’t have you change. Because if I’d known this is what you were wearing, you would not have left your room with it in the first place.”
“Such brave words from the same prince who has gotten his ass kicked multiple times by me.”
“And I’d take a thousand more just to be the only one that saw how beautiful you look tonight.”
I cannot tell if she’s contemplating laughing at me or killing me. I’ll take either, so long as she allows me to stay. But she surprises me… “Fuck it,” she mutters to herself as she grabs my jacket and drags my mouth back against hers.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would say the Angel created our bodies to mold perfectly together. Every defined curve of her melts into me. It’s as if my body is simply just a placeholder for hers to rest on.”
“This beautiful creature has no hesitations in taking what she wants, and I’m unashamedly just a man ready to give her anything she desires. She will have whatever she asks for.”
“If I had any artistic capabilities, I would paint the stunning sight before me so that I could hold on to this memory forever. Though I know even the finest painter in the realms would spend a lifetime striving to perfect her beauty and still fail to capture it fully.”
“My desire reaches much further than meager begging… I would crawl across the lands to you under the judgment of every curious eye in the kingdom. I would forfeit my claim to the throne without question, merely because you asked. I would stand against the Angel itself just for the chance to sit at the foot of your altar.”
“Every heartbeat of mine is a promise to you. And if you so wished, I would force both realms to bear witness as I sliced the organ from my aching chest and placed it in your hands—so there would be no question about who I belong to.”
“I’ll refuse death’s every call—because the only way I will accept my demise is from drowning in her.”
“Because as much as you refuse to admit it, this is a reminder that you are affected by whatever the fuck this is between us, just as I am. That you try so hard to convince yourself to hate me, and yet cannot find it in your deliciously murderous heart to truly hurt me… and I will wear this scar proudly for the rest of my life.”
“You should feel cherished. Appreciated. I want your body and mind to feel safe and valued with me. I will not hurt you, angel.”
“That may be, prince… but I will hurt you.”
“You’re worth anything you wish to do to me.”
“I—It was so quiet, I thought…”
“Did you think I fucked your prince to his death? I’m honored, Gavriel, that you would bestow me with such a compliment.”
May 30, 2025
Refreshing elements!
Genre: Romantacy
⭐️ 3.75/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10 (The world and magic system is not overly complex. No glossary references were needed here.)
Noteworthy: Book 1 in the series. Heavy violence and some gore. The spice is really fun when it hits.
This is not my favorite writing style, but I can't put my finger on why. It wasn't bad. It just maybe felt a little more casual than the fantasies I'm used to.
In some ways, the story was predictable, but other things I thought would come to pass have not. At least not in this book.
One very pleasant surprise was the dynamic switch of having an intelligent, experienced FMC and a slightly naive and sheltered MMC. This actually made me a little bit giddy. I loved how Ari was unapologetically herself and gave zero cares. Caspian was a fun character as well because he ate up her aggression like a starving puppy. lol
I'm hoping the plot will become a less predictable in book 2, but I would read 10 of these books just for the two main characters.
Genre: Romantacy
⭐️ 3.75/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10 (The world and magic system is not overly complex. No glossary references were needed here.)
Noteworthy: Book 1 in the series. Heavy violence and some gore. The spice is really fun when it hits.
This is not my favorite writing style, but I can't put my finger on why. It wasn't bad. It just maybe felt a little more casual than the fantasies I'm used to.
In some ways, the story was predictable, but other things I thought would come to pass have not. At least not in this book.
One very pleasant surprise was the dynamic switch of having an intelligent, experienced FMC and a slightly naive and sheltered MMC. This actually made me a little bit giddy. I loved how Ari was unapologetically herself and gave zero cares. Caspian was a fun character as well because he ate up her aggression like a starving puppy. lol
I'm hoping the plot will become a less predictable in book 2, but I would read 10 of these books just for the two main characters.
January 14, 2025
Good start to a new series!
The framework is all set up and the characters have some serious tension in this book! Ariella is so spunky and goes for what she wants with no hesitation. Also, always love a good "f*ck it" moment! I'm really intrigued to see Caspian's character evolve a bit more too as he starts off this book kind of blinded to what is going on around him.
Some secrets were unraveled and should be explored in the next book. Hopefully we get more of the magical essences being used too! We got a little here, but I always want more magic!
Read if you love:
-Trials
-Elemental & other powers
-St@bby FMC
-Corrupt rulers
The framework is all set up and the characters have some serious tension in this book! Ariella is so spunky and goes for what she wants with no hesitation. Also, always love a good "f*ck it" moment! I'm really intrigued to see Caspian's character evolve a bit more too as he starts off this book kind of blinded to what is going on around him.
Some secrets were unraveled and should be explored in the next book. Hopefully we get more of the magical essences being used too! We got a little here, but I always want more magic!
Read if you love:
-Trials
-Elemental & other powers
-St@bby FMC
-Corrupt rulers
September 8, 2025
I loved this book. This book gave me some major throne of glass vibes, which is amazing. The fmc has heart and humor. The characters are very likable. The storyline is great. im excited to see where it goes next! There is a little smut but not too graphic. I do hope we find out more about the different abilities in the next book. A great fantasy read!
November 1, 2024
I loved Ariella's no nonsense, unapologetic character! She is my new favorite bad@$$ FMC. She is not to be messed with, has no time for BS, and I love her for it. I honestly aspire to be more like her when it comes to difficult and annoying people, minus the stabby-ness because laws. haha
Caspian had no trouble earning my favor and was the perfect balance to Ariella's sassy snark. He's charming and hot AF. Need I say more?
The writing style of this book was everything I'm looking for in a dark fantasy romance. Instead of always telling the reader explicitly what is being referred to, creative wording was used making this a very interesting and attention-grabbing read. It was dark and gritty, skipping all the fluff and getting right to the good stuff. I was definitely caught off-guard throughout the book and I greatly enjoyed that too! Expect the unexpected with this one... Like, Ariella?! You did not! Yes, you did... LOVE it. :)
If you enjoy spicy dark fantasy romance, trials, and an Assassin FMC, this needs to be your next read!
I'm so looking forward to continuing this journey with Ariella in the next book in the series and reading the rest of Dakota Monroe's books!
Caspian had no trouble earning my favor and was the perfect balance to Ariella's sassy snark. He's charming and hot AF. Need I say more?
The writing style of this book was everything I'm looking for in a dark fantasy romance. Instead of always telling the reader explicitly what is being referred to, creative wording was used making this a very interesting and attention-grabbing read. It was dark and gritty, skipping all the fluff and getting right to the good stuff. I was definitely caught off-guard throughout the book and I greatly enjoyed that too! Expect the unexpected with this one... Like, Ariella?! You did not! Yes, you did... LOVE it. :)
If you enjoy spicy dark fantasy romance, trials, and an Assassin FMC, this needs to be your next read!
I'm so looking forward to continuing this journey with Ariella in the next book in the series and reading the rest of Dakota Monroe's books!
July 10, 2024
Shadows of the Crown.
By Dakota Monroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always check Trigger Warnings❗️
A dark romantasy…
Tropes:
🖤morally gray FMC
🖤forbidden love
🖤revenge
🖤shadow mommy
🖤new magic system
🖤fantastical creatures
🖤price for winning
🖤touch him & ☠️
🖤assassin
🖤 female rage
🖤one-sided enemies to enemy lovers
🖤found family vibes
Shadows Of The Crown is an absolute masterpiece of fantastical world building and elaborate yet simply brilliant storytelling.
This storyline is bedazzling and completely mind blowing, complexing, intricate and compelling… a storyline full of intrigue and delicacy crafted mysteries. Uniquely captivating and quite simply, unputdownable.
I am sure there are many things that I missed during my first read through… so I’ll just have to read it again, just to make sure!
I am totally besotted and hooked on this story and the characters… From the very first page in fact.
Ariella Mistair: FMC. A true bad ass, but kind of soft on the inside.
Ariella is an amazingly strong and fierce woman… unwilling to open herself or give her heart to anyone. Her backstory is super complex and truly captivating. I loved her strong willed determination and following her transformation through her development was awe inspiring. A brilliantly depicted and fantastic character that will intrigue, inspire and envelop you.
Caspian: MMC. A brilliant character and super hot. Headstrong he goes after what he wants, he’s quite swoon worthy..
Although, he is deeply humble and quite the pushover when it comes to Ariella. He would do anything for her and quite frankly let her do anything to him. He’s a goner from the moment he sets eyes on her.
Totally smitten. Everything she does only arouses him and beguiles him more.
There is a magical and unique connection between these two.
You will fall in love with these characters just the same as I have done.
There is a plethora of remarkable wit and banter throughout the narrative, brilliant and compelling relationships with some fantastic, jaw dropping, sizzling Spice.
The story is plot heavy at times, captivating and drawing us into the delicate intricacies of the storyline. It is fun and an enjoyable easy read.
Truly inspired, fantastical world building which enhances the bewitchingly dark storyline that is so beautifully weaved throughout the narrative.
You’ll be totally incommunicado as you are pulled deeper into this amazing world that Dakota Monroe has created. Full of assassins, magic, heartbreak, romance, magical creatures and deadly trials…
We are truly spoiled!
This book consumed my every waking moment from the moment I picked it up!
I am in awe of the pure brilliance that this book emits… it’s no joke…
And I’m here for it!
Bring on the next instalment! I’m quite literally on the edge of my seat waiting for it…
Any fantasy/romance fans are bound to be blown away!
Quotes:
"Every heartbeat of mine is a promise to you. And if you so wished, I would force both realms to bear witness as I sliced the organ from my aching chest and placed it in your hands-so there would be no question about who I belong to.”
“I am so consumed by her that everything else in my life pales in comparison.”
“And when the prince is dead, I vow to claim the life of every heir he creates thereafter. There will be nothing left of the Blackwood name.”
By Dakota Monroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always check Trigger Warnings❗️
A dark romantasy…
Tropes:
🖤morally gray FMC
🖤forbidden love
🖤revenge
🖤shadow mommy
🖤new magic system
🖤fantastical creatures
🖤price for winning
🖤touch him & ☠️
🖤assassin
🖤 female rage
🖤one-sided enemies to enemy lovers
🖤found family vibes
Shadows Of The Crown is an absolute masterpiece of fantastical world building and elaborate yet simply brilliant storytelling.
This storyline is bedazzling and completely mind blowing, complexing, intricate and compelling… a storyline full of intrigue and delicacy crafted mysteries. Uniquely captivating and quite simply, unputdownable.
I am sure there are many things that I missed during my first read through… so I’ll just have to read it again, just to make sure!
I am totally besotted and hooked on this story and the characters… From the very first page in fact.
Ariella Mistair: FMC. A true bad ass, but kind of soft on the inside.
Ariella is an amazingly strong and fierce woman… unwilling to open herself or give her heart to anyone. Her backstory is super complex and truly captivating. I loved her strong willed determination and following her transformation through her development was awe inspiring. A brilliantly depicted and fantastic character that will intrigue, inspire and envelop you.
Caspian: MMC. A brilliant character and super hot. Headstrong he goes after what he wants, he’s quite swoon worthy..
Although, he is deeply humble and quite the pushover when it comes to Ariella. He would do anything for her and quite frankly let her do anything to him. He’s a goner from the moment he sets eyes on her.
Totally smitten. Everything she does only arouses him and beguiles him more.
There is a magical and unique connection between these two.
You will fall in love with these characters just the same as I have done.
There is a plethora of remarkable wit and banter throughout the narrative, brilliant and compelling relationships with some fantastic, jaw dropping, sizzling Spice.
The story is plot heavy at times, captivating and drawing us into the delicate intricacies of the storyline. It is fun and an enjoyable easy read.
Truly inspired, fantastical world building which enhances the bewitchingly dark storyline that is so beautifully weaved throughout the narrative.
You’ll be totally incommunicado as you are pulled deeper into this amazing world that Dakota Monroe has created. Full of assassins, magic, heartbreak, romance, magical creatures and deadly trials…
We are truly spoiled!
This book consumed my every waking moment from the moment I picked it up!
I am in awe of the pure brilliance that this book emits… it’s no joke…
And I’m here for it!
Bring on the next instalment! I’m quite literally on the edge of my seat waiting for it…
Any fantasy/romance fans are bound to be blown away!
Quotes:
"Every heartbeat of mine is a promise to you. And if you so wished, I would force both realms to bear witness as I sliced the organ from my aching chest and placed it in your hands-so there would be no question about who I belong to.”
“I am so consumed by her that everything else in my life pales in comparison.”
“And when the prince is dead, I vow to claim the life of every heir he creates thereafter. There will be nothing left of the Blackwood name.”
July 22, 2024
Shadows of a Crown by Dakota Monroe is a fast-paced, action-packed, dark romantasy. This is a dual POV story; we follow Ariella, the FMC, and Caspian, the MMC. Shadows of Crown is being released on August 8th.
Ariella became an orphan at a young age, was unofficially adopted by the Guild, and became a hired assassin. Due to her unusual silver hair, she is known as the Silver Wraith, the realm's most skilled assassin. But her primary mission is to kill the king, the one responsible for her father's death. When an opportunity presents itself to enter a competition held on palace grounds, she grasps at it. Little does she know that her whole world will change once she gets to the castle and meets Caspian, prince and heir to the kingdom. And the same goes for Caspian—when his eyes land on Ariella, his life is irrevocably changed. He is the sunshine golden retriever to Ariella's darker and grumpier side. Will Ariella accomplish her mission while participating in deadly trials and developing feelings for the son of her biggest enemy?
The story flowed nicely, and I liked its premise. I wish we saw more of the world-building, magic system, and mysteries surrounding Ariella. Many questions are left unanswered, but I feel we will get them in Book 2. I enjoyed being Dakota's ARC reader and can't wait to see what the sequel will bring.
Shadows of Crown offers
- Deadly trials
- Shadow-wielding morally grey FMC
- He falls first
- Forbidden love
- High stakes
- Thirst for revenge
- Fantastical creatures
Ariella became an orphan at a young age, was unofficially adopted by the Guild, and became a hired assassin. Due to her unusual silver hair, she is known as the Silver Wraith, the realm's most skilled assassin. But her primary mission is to kill the king, the one responsible for her father's death. When an opportunity presents itself to enter a competition held on palace grounds, she grasps at it. Little does she know that her whole world will change once she gets to the castle and meets Caspian, prince and heir to the kingdom. And the same goes for Caspian—when his eyes land on Ariella, his life is irrevocably changed. He is the sunshine golden retriever to Ariella's darker and grumpier side. Will Ariella accomplish her mission while participating in deadly trials and developing feelings for the son of her biggest enemy?
The story flowed nicely, and I liked its premise. I wish we saw more of the world-building, magic system, and mysteries surrounding Ariella. Many questions are left unanswered, but I feel we will get them in Book 2. I enjoyed being Dakota's ARC reader and can't wait to see what the sequel will bring.
Shadows of Crown offers
- Deadly trials
- Shadow-wielding morally grey FMC
- He falls first
- Forbidden love
- High stakes
- Thirst for revenge
- Fantastical creatures
February 6, 2025
This book is absolutely incredible. It may be, dare I say it, the perfect romantasy. I just couldn't put it down. It was so easy to just get lost in this book, and before you know it, it's over. That ending, though? Mean.
I really enjoyed the world building and magic system. It was a full and complete world without feeling so in-depth that you get confused. I love fantasy, but sometimes I have a hard time keeping things straight, but that's absolutely not a problem here. Nothing is thrown in just to be there. It all has a purpose.
Caspian and Ariella are fantastic. They're everything you want from a forbidden romance love. The spice was for sure spicing, but my favorite was their tension and banter. It felt like the perfect amount of slow burn because by the time they finally give in, you're just giddy. Ariella is definitely my favorite. I love a fmc that can handle her own shit. She definitely does that and then some.
I really truly love this book. I very quickly became obsessed. The wait for the next part will be torture.
I really enjoyed the world building and magic system. It was a full and complete world without feeling so in-depth that you get confused. I love fantasy, but sometimes I have a hard time keeping things straight, but that's absolutely not a problem here. Nothing is thrown in just to be there. It all has a purpose.
Caspian and Ariella are fantastic. They're everything you want from a forbidden romance love. The spice was for sure spicing, but my favorite was their tension and banter. It felt like the perfect amount of slow burn because by the time they finally give in, you're just giddy. Ariella is definitely my favorite. I love a fmc that can handle her own shit. She definitely does that and then some.
I really truly love this book. I very quickly became obsessed. The wait for the next part will be torture.
August 9, 2024
This book was truly amazing! I picked it up and I couldn’t put it down. If you like badass FMCs who aren’t afraid to put misogynistic men in their place, then you are going to absolutely love this book!
Shadows of the Crown is filled with magic, high stake trials, revenge, and an enemies-to-lovers romance between an assassin and a prince.
While I usually end up liking the MMCs more than FMCs in books, that was not the case in this one. Ariella is a ruthless and powerful assassin. She knows she’s unbeatable and she owns it. That’s exactly what’s makes Prince Caspian fall in love with her. He pushes her buttons and makes her angry even while knowing she could easily end him. Ariella and Caspian complemented each other so well and I cannot wait to see more of them in book 2!
Thank you so much Dakota Monroe for gifting me an ARC of this book 🫶
Shadows of the Crown is filled with magic, high stake trials, revenge, and an enemies-to-lovers romance between an assassin and a prince.
While I usually end up liking the MMCs more than FMCs in books, that was not the case in this one. Ariella is a ruthless and powerful assassin. She knows she’s unbeatable and she owns it. That’s exactly what’s makes Prince Caspian fall in love with her. He pushes her buttons and makes her angry even while knowing she could easily end him. Ariella and Caspian complemented each other so well and I cannot wait to see more of them in book 2!
Thank you so much Dakota Monroe for gifting me an ARC of this book 🫶
September 12, 2024
This is a fantasy book, with unique magic, trials, royals and assassins! I loved the writing and the characters are amazing!
We follow our silver haired badass assassin FMC Ariella (27), on her journey on revenge towards the King, who has taken everything from her. And as fate happens, she’s thrown into a deadly trial hosted by the King.
I loved the banter between Prince Caspian and her, along with the spice (3 🌶️🌶️🌶️). Their interactions in the trials and their journey to uncover secrets, is so intriguing. I can’t wait to learn what happens in book 2!
We follow our silver haired badass assassin FMC Ariella (27), on her journey on revenge towards the King, who has taken everything from her. And as fate happens, she’s thrown into a deadly trial hosted by the King.
I loved the banter between Prince Caspian and her, along with the spice (3 🌶️🌶️🌶️). Their interactions in the trials and their journey to uncover secrets, is so intriguing. I can’t wait to learn what happens in book 2!
August 12, 2024
So. Good🔥🔥🔥🔥
MFC - badass powerful female assassin
MMC - son of the king who unal!ved MFC’s dad ☠️
Our girl wants revenge. And the perfect opportunity came up…a competition between assassin and across the country hosted by the King who k!lled her father.
Loved this story and loved the MFC! She’s tough and strong! I love strong females 😁
The banter and passion between MFC and MMC was 🔥🔥😍😍
I can’t wait for book two😆
MFC - badass powerful female assassin
MMC - son of the king who unal!ved MFC’s dad ☠️
Our girl wants revenge. And the perfect opportunity came up…a competition between assassin and across the country hosted by the King who k!lled her father.
Loved this story and loved the MFC! She’s tough and strong! I love strong females 😁
The banter and passion between MFC and MMC was 🔥🔥😍😍
I can’t wait for book two😆
January 14, 2025
A solid 4 stars from me. I’m very eagerly waiting for the next book.
The first line in the book hooked me. The magic system was confusing at first and would have liked more detail in this book explaining it. However, I went to the author’s website and was able to see more explanation. Which made the rest of the read easier to understand. I could see how for some people not doing this, it would seem a bit muddled. For me as an avid reader of this genre if more of the world building and magical system were explained in the first book, this would have easily rated higher for me.
The unique flow of the writing held the rating for me. While parts of the concept of the plot have been seen before, the writer was able to captivate me enough to want to continue the story. While for some the repetitive use of the tapping of the knives could be seen as an overused word filler, I liked to view it as a grounding TIC that really opened up more of the character’s personal self, outside of the revenge plot.
Can’t wait to see where the next book takes the characters!
The first line in the book hooked me. The magic system was confusing at first and would have liked more detail in this book explaining it. However, I went to the author’s website and was able to see more explanation. Which made the rest of the read easier to understand. I could see how for some people not doing this, it would seem a bit muddled. For me as an avid reader of this genre if more of the world building and magical system were explained in the first book, this would have easily rated higher for me.
The unique flow of the writing held the rating for me. While parts of the concept of the plot have been seen before, the writer was able to captivate me enough to want to continue the story. While for some the repetitive use of the tapping of the knives could be seen as an overused word filler, I liked to view it as a grounding TIC that really opened up more of the character’s personal self, outside of the revenge plot.
Can’t wait to see where the next book takes the characters!
August 3, 2024
I don't know what I was expecting when I started this book but man did it blow me away. Ariella is the realms best assassin hell bent on taking
down the king, and Caspian is the heir to the throne. As much as she wants to take down the entire royal line she finds herself pulled toward the prince. I've said it before but I love a badass FMC,
and one with skills and the ability to weave essence the way she does it amazing. And who doesn't love a cocky smooth talking MMC, who
isn't afraid of the badass assassin! This book
has fantasy, mystery, spice, and the banter
is bantering! It ends on a sort of cliff hanger.
I've never read anything by Dakote Monroe before but her writing style keeps you coming back for more. I cant wait for the next book!
down the king, and Caspian is the heir to the throne. As much as she wants to take down the entire royal line she finds herself pulled toward the prince. I've said it before but I love a badass FMC,
and one with skills and the ability to weave essence the way she does it amazing. And who doesn't love a cocky smooth talking MMC, who
isn't afraid of the badass assassin! This book
has fantasy, mystery, spice, and the banter
is bantering! It ends on a sort of cliff hanger.
I've never read anything by Dakote Monroe before but her writing style keeps you coming back for more. I cant wait for the next book!
July 3, 2024
If I could ever re read a book over and over again it would be this one!
Ariella is so bad ass and I loved every second of it!
Caspian is a cinnamon roll but a “I will hurt you” cinnamon roll.
Gav 😍🤣
Y’all are gonna love this story! I mean who doesn’t love a good old fashion forbidden romance where the prince is smitten with the assassin??
“Do I make you nervous, Caspian?”
“Who knew an assassin could be so breathtaking.”
“You the silver wraith just admitted that you find me attractive.”
Ariella is so bad ass and I loved every second of it!
Caspian is a cinnamon roll but a “I will hurt you” cinnamon roll.
Gav 😍🤣
Y’all are gonna love this story! I mean who doesn’t love a good old fashion forbidden romance where the prince is smitten with the assassin??
“Do I make you nervous, Caspian?”
“Who knew an assassin could be so breathtaking.”
“You the silver wraith just admitted that you find me attractive.”
July 24, 2024
Let me first start off by saying this author will ALWAYS get a 5 ⭐️ review from me! I am beguiled by the imagination and creativity that this woman has! Her work NEVER disappoints!!
Shadows of the Crown is a one of a kind adventure! The magic and fantasy involved in this book is something I’ve never read before and I’m obsessed!
The character development that Dakota gives to each character in the book is undeniably unique and the story telling is beautiful! I was so enthralled with Arielle and Caspian and how their story unfolds.
The independence, fierceness, and ruthlessness that Dakota gives Ariella is inspiring.
Caspian is an obsessed golden retriever but in a good way, he would go to the ends of the earth and lay his life down for a woman who wants nothing to with him.
I couldn’t put this book down and cannot wait for the next book!!
Shadows of the Crown is a one of a kind adventure! The magic and fantasy involved in this book is something I’ve never read before and I’m obsessed!
The character development that Dakota gives to each character in the book is undeniably unique and the story telling is beautiful! I was so enthralled with Arielle and Caspian and how their story unfolds.
The independence, fierceness, and ruthlessness that Dakota gives Ariella is inspiring.
Caspian is an obsessed golden retriever but in a good way, he would go to the ends of the earth and lay his life down for a woman who wants nothing to with him.
I couldn’t put this book down and cannot wait for the next book!!
March 14, 2025
2.5⭐️
didn’t know who the man was in this relationship
wdym she was teaching HIM how to fight?? how is he the prince and he’s SO weak like that?
also the expression “i raise a brow” is repeated over 15 times
i need to stop choosing random books to read
didn’t know who the man was in this relationship
wdym she was teaching HIM how to fight?? how is he the prince and he’s SO weak like that?
also the expression “i raise a brow” is repeated over 15 times
i need to stop choosing random books to read
August 7, 2024
I sat on this review for 5 days because I don’t quite know how I feel about it. I am teetering on 3 or 4 stars. So, let’s parse this out together, shall we? Let’s start with what I liked.
The first sentence intrigued me. “Maybe I should fuck him before I kill him…” At the point of picking up Shadows of the Crown, I had already finished two books. I thought I would give myself a break to scroll TikTok late into the night. But my mind kept returning to that sentence.
And, with this sentence, we start the book with action, Ariella is out on a job, and her dagger ends up with blood on the end of it lol. Ariella is feared in the realm, known as the Silver Wraith. Her parents died when she was young (her mother killed herself and her father was murdered by the king), she was then adopted by the Guild where she developed her skills, working as a hired assassin. Ariella’s sole motivation for living is to seek revenge on the king for what he did to her father and kill him.
“DO I MAKE YOU NERVOUS CASPIAN?”
When the opportunity to put her plan into action presents itself as trials at the castle, Ariella leaps at it. What she doesn’t expect is Caspian, prince and heir to the kingdom. It goes without saying that Caspian didn’t expect to be drawn to Ariella as well.
When you look up feminine rage a picture of Ariella Mistaire should be featured. She is badass, amazingly strong, and fierce, but also closed off. Unwilling to let anyone in and allow them to love her the way that she needs to be loved. You feel for her, recognizing why she is the way she is, after everything she has endured. While she is strong-willed and determined, as the story progresses and she loosens around Caspian you see great development in Ariella. The things you see in her are the things she starts to see in herself. Ariella was wonderfully depicted with layers, and layers unfurling and blossoming.
“EVERY HEARTBEAT OF MINE IS A PROMISE TO YOU. AND IF YOU SO WISHED, I WOULD FORCE BOTH REALMS TO BEAR WITNESS AS I SLICED THE ORGAN FROM MY ACHING CHEST AND PLACED IT IN YOUR HANDS SO THERE WOULD BE NO QUESTION ABOUT WHO IT BELONGED TO.”
And then there is Caspian. That man knows what he wants (Ariella) and goes after it. No matter how many times she has her dagger at his throat. He was smitten with her from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Doing anything for her, making sure she is taken care of on all fronts. We love to see a man take care of his lady. Everything she does arouses him (yes including the dagger to the throat lol), and spurs him on more.
There is great witty banter between the two. Making their relationship and the tension that much more palpable.
Although the story also flowed nicely and had a great premise there were things severely lacking in Shadows of the Crown.
For instance, the world-building. It is almost nonexistent. One would probably deem this as a character-driven tale. But even with that categorization, there needs to be a well-marked foundation in world-building to help set the surroundings. Giving landmarks that are more specific than the broader scope of mountains. One of which Ariella ends up on and we knew nothing about prior. Ariella also spends time throughout the city proper because her hands itch for action but we just end up there no signifiers that bolster the story.
Then there is the magic system, which also was left lacking. There are essences in which a person can weave, (great) but how many are there? How do you obtain them? Some Ariella (as a person who is supposed to have them all but we never really get the encompassing of all) has yet to play with and doesn’t know what they do. Again there is nothing to bolster the intrigue of the magic system, leaving you with more questions than answers.
“OH, I REMEMBER. I REMEMBER HOW EASILY YOU HAD ME ON MY KNEES FOR YOU.”
Too, are the questions you are left with. For long periods of the book, you feel like it is pointless, just filler to get to the real star of the book. The last 5-7 chapters. At this point, we are getting more parts of what happened in Ariella’s past when she visits her childhood home after never visiting. This point in the story is where it starts to get intriguing again NO SPOILERS but after Ariella finds her father’s journal things about her mother don’t make sense. Hell, things about her father don’t make sense and somehow the king is centered.
Shadows of the Crown would have been more interesting (I know you need something for book 2) if this mystery was set up before the end of the book. Doing this could have answered some questions about the magic system while then creating new questions to foster the need for further investigation in the second book.
Equally important it would have given some routes to take for boosting the world-building and propelled Ariella’s initial goal and not spending so much time on relatively non-existent trials.
So what do you think? 3 stars or 4 stars? Let me know in the comments. Shadows of the Crown releases on August 8th.
The first sentence intrigued me. “Maybe I should fuck him before I kill him…” At the point of picking up Shadows of the Crown, I had already finished two books. I thought I would give myself a break to scroll TikTok late into the night. But my mind kept returning to that sentence.
And, with this sentence, we start the book with action, Ariella is out on a job, and her dagger ends up with blood on the end of it lol. Ariella is feared in the realm, known as the Silver Wraith. Her parents died when she was young (her mother killed herself and her father was murdered by the king), she was then adopted by the Guild where she developed her skills, working as a hired assassin. Ariella’s sole motivation for living is to seek revenge on the king for what he did to her father and kill him.
“DO I MAKE YOU NERVOUS CASPIAN?”
When the opportunity to put her plan into action presents itself as trials at the castle, Ariella leaps at it. What she doesn’t expect is Caspian, prince and heir to the kingdom. It goes without saying that Caspian didn’t expect to be drawn to Ariella as well.
When you look up feminine rage a picture of Ariella Mistaire should be featured. She is badass, amazingly strong, and fierce, but also closed off. Unwilling to let anyone in and allow them to love her the way that she needs to be loved. You feel for her, recognizing why she is the way she is, after everything she has endured. While she is strong-willed and determined, as the story progresses and she loosens around Caspian you see great development in Ariella. The things you see in her are the things she starts to see in herself. Ariella was wonderfully depicted with layers, and layers unfurling and blossoming.
“EVERY HEARTBEAT OF MINE IS A PROMISE TO YOU. AND IF YOU SO WISHED, I WOULD FORCE BOTH REALMS TO BEAR WITNESS AS I SLICED THE ORGAN FROM MY ACHING CHEST AND PLACED IT IN YOUR HANDS SO THERE WOULD BE NO QUESTION ABOUT WHO IT BELONGED TO.”
And then there is Caspian. That man knows what he wants (Ariella) and goes after it. No matter how many times she has her dagger at his throat. He was smitten with her from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Doing anything for her, making sure she is taken care of on all fronts. We love to see a man take care of his lady. Everything she does arouses him (yes including the dagger to the throat lol), and spurs him on more.
There is great witty banter between the two. Making their relationship and the tension that much more palpable.
Although the story also flowed nicely and had a great premise there were things severely lacking in Shadows of the Crown.
For instance, the world-building. It is almost nonexistent. One would probably deem this as a character-driven tale. But even with that categorization, there needs to be a well-marked foundation in world-building to help set the surroundings. Giving landmarks that are more specific than the broader scope of mountains. One of which Ariella ends up on and we knew nothing about prior. Ariella also spends time throughout the city proper because her hands itch for action but we just end up there no signifiers that bolster the story.
Then there is the magic system, which also was left lacking. There are essences in which a person can weave, (great) but how many are there? How do you obtain them? Some Ariella (as a person who is supposed to have them all but we never really get the encompassing of all) has yet to play with and doesn’t know what they do. Again there is nothing to bolster the intrigue of the magic system, leaving you with more questions than answers.
“OH, I REMEMBER. I REMEMBER HOW EASILY YOU HAD ME ON MY KNEES FOR YOU.”
Too, are the questions you are left with. For long periods of the book, you feel like it is pointless, just filler to get to the real star of the book. The last 5-7 chapters. At this point, we are getting more parts of what happened in Ariella’s past when she visits her childhood home after never visiting. This point in the story is where it starts to get intriguing again NO SPOILERS but after Ariella finds her father’s journal things about her mother don’t make sense. Hell, things about her father don’t make sense and somehow the king is centered.
Shadows of the Crown would have been more interesting (I know you need something for book 2) if this mystery was set up before the end of the book. Doing this could have answered some questions about the magic system while then creating new questions to foster the need for further investigation in the second book.
Equally important it would have given some routes to take for boosting the world-building and propelled Ariella’s initial goal and not spending so much time on relatively non-existent trials.
So what do you think? 3 stars or 4 stars? Let me know in the comments. Shadows of the Crown releases on August 8th.
September 20, 2024
I want to thank Dakota and @thenerdfam for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the relationship between our two main characters, Ariella and Caspian. Their enemies to lovers arc was great and watching their relationship unfold was compelling. I loved the banter between the two of them as well.
The plot was intriguing and thrilling. Ariella is an assassin who competes in a competition at the palace. There is a twist to this that I won't spoil and Ariella herself may have some ulterior motives. Caspian, the prince, is in charge of the competition but his father underminds him several times.
If you like fantasy and romance, especially enemies to lovers, bad ass women and witty golden retriever princes you should give this one a go!
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the relationship between our two main characters, Ariella and Caspian. Their enemies to lovers arc was great and watching their relationship unfold was compelling. I loved the banter between the two of them as well.
The plot was intriguing and thrilling. Ariella is an assassin who competes in a competition at the palace. There is a twist to this that I won't spoil and Ariella herself may have some ulterior motives. Caspian, the prince, is in charge of the competition but his father underminds him several times.
If you like fantasy and romance, especially enemies to lovers, bad ass women and witty golden retriever princes you should give this one a go!
January 10, 2025
3/⭐️ 3/🌶️ This book had a lot of promise to be great. Let me start with what I enjoyed about the story. It has an extremely strong powerful FMC, who is comfortable in what she does. Lurking under the surface is someone who wants revenge and continues to look for ways to get it.
I found the inner dialogue to be better than the FMCs dialogue with the characters in the story. It is dual POV and the dual povs were executed well. The switches between them happened at the right times and gave us the different perspectives to each situation. The magic sounded interesting and the world seemed intriguing.
What I would love to see more of, is more depth into the world and the characters. I could tell the FMC had a tough background but it was all surface level. Also why does the MMC dislike his father as much as he does, what motivated him to help the FMC as much as he did? The magic was interesting but we don’t get enough information about it. It is the first book so yes this could come in the next installment, but when it comes to a magic system I would like to know more upfront. It can built on of course. The letters at the end were interesting as well but again no real background information is giving.
Overall it was an extremely fast paced read and I didn’t think I would say this, but it might have been too fast. Again it has the foundation to be great and I am curious to see how it develops more in the books to come. This could be a good book to try if you have not read a romantasy before and would like to try one out. It’s not dark per se, but it is edgier. Happy reading!
I found the inner dialogue to be better than the FMCs dialogue with the characters in the story. It is dual POV and the dual povs were executed well. The switches between them happened at the right times and gave us the different perspectives to each situation. The magic sounded interesting and the world seemed intriguing.
What I would love to see more of, is more depth into the world and the characters. I could tell the FMC had a tough background but it was all surface level. Also why does the MMC dislike his father as much as he does, what motivated him to help the FMC as much as he did? The magic was interesting but we don’t get enough information about it. It is the first book so yes this could come in the next installment, but when it comes to a magic system I would like to know more upfront. It can built on of course. The letters at the end were interesting as well but again no real background information is giving.
Overall it was an extremely fast paced read and I didn’t think I would say this, but it might have been too fast. Again it has the foundation to be great and I am curious to see how it develops more in the books to come. This could be a good book to try if you have not read a romantasy before and would like to try one out. It’s not dark per se, but it is edgier. Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Genre; Adult Romantasy
Thank you Dakota Monroe, I have received an ARC copy of this book and will be providing an honest review. It came with amazing art cards and bookmarks that really added to the visual affect as I was reading and allowed me to picture the characters perfectly.
What to expect: feminine rage, deadly completion, unique magic system, assassins, forbidden love and revenge.
Ariella: The Silver Wraith. Our Badass FMC who has a pension for stabbing people. Ariella joined the guild when she was 7 years old and has spent the last 20 years training to be the best assassin. She’s got one goal in mind, and it involves getting close to the king. She uses her spare time to annoy and goad the Prince. Her face card would be UNMATCHED.
Caspian: the kings heir. Our MMC who sometimes has no idea what’s going on. Like for instance, he’s supposed to host this competition for his father, yet wasn’t informed it was to the DEATH. He is HOT and clueless. He cannot help but become both infuriated and turned on by Ariella. Who doesn’t love a girl who makes you question all of your morals and upbringing. This man would do anything for Ariella.
We start this book in the middle of the action. Ariella is out on a job, and things get gruesome fast. The pacing of this book was fantastic. It was not to slow or fast. We get a quick background on Ariella and the assassins guild and a small introduction into their magic system of weaving. It’s not long (around 70 pages) before we are entering the competition. I honestly believe that one of my favorite elements of fantasy novels is whether there is some kind of competition or training. It scratches the perfect part of my brain.
The competitions trials were fun and I loved reading about them. No punches or knives were pulled in the writing of those scenes. When she said deadly competition, she meant it. The trials were probably my favorite part of the book. What I would have loved to understand more would have been their magic system. Each person can weaves strands of magic. We know our FMC can weave 3!! Which is like unheard of. However, I would have loved a longer background into the magic of this world to know exactly how it works. I did read that this is possibly going to be expanded upon in book 2.
This book was great for character development. We get to know a lot about Ariella and Caspian and then scattered throughout we learn about Gavriel. I do wish that Ariella was a little more complex than what we were given. She seems to be ALL rage and hatred. We had a small snippet of her caring for Caspian. I would have liked her to show a larger range of emotions. I can tell that she is a really complex and fleshed out character with lots of bottled up emotions but I felt like we didn’t get enough glimpses into those emotions. But Caspian was amazing. I would do absolutely anything for him. He is a puppy dog and would die for Ariella and I simply would die for him. A man who falls first and knows what he wants? Sign. Me. Up.
I definitely would love to read book 2. I know that it will be even better than book 1. These characters were fun and intense. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Ariella and Caspian in the next installment!!
Definitely would recommend to read this book if you love books like Throne of Glass, the Hunger Games, or Fourth Wing. It has similar elements to all 3!
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Genre; Adult Romantasy
Thank you Dakota Monroe, I have received an ARC copy of this book and will be providing an honest review. It came with amazing art cards and bookmarks that really added to the visual affect as I was reading and allowed me to picture the characters perfectly.
What to expect: feminine rage, deadly completion, unique magic system, assassins, forbidden love and revenge.
Ariella: The Silver Wraith. Our Badass FMC who has a pension for stabbing people. Ariella joined the guild when she was 7 years old and has spent the last 20 years training to be the best assassin. She’s got one goal in mind, and it involves getting close to the king. She uses her spare time to annoy and goad the Prince. Her face card would be UNMATCHED.
Caspian: the kings heir. Our MMC who sometimes has no idea what’s going on. Like for instance, he’s supposed to host this competition for his father, yet wasn’t informed it was to the DEATH. He is HOT and clueless. He cannot help but become both infuriated and turned on by Ariella. Who doesn’t love a girl who makes you question all of your morals and upbringing. This man would do anything for Ariella.
We start this book in the middle of the action. Ariella is out on a job, and things get gruesome fast. The pacing of this book was fantastic. It was not to slow or fast. We get a quick background on Ariella and the assassins guild and a small introduction into their magic system of weaving. It’s not long (around 70 pages) before we are entering the competition. I honestly believe that one of my favorite elements of fantasy novels is whether there is some kind of competition or training. It scratches the perfect part of my brain.
The competitions trials were fun and I loved reading about them. No punches or knives were pulled in the writing of those scenes. When she said deadly competition, she meant it. The trials were probably my favorite part of the book. What I would have loved to understand more would have been their magic system. Each person can weaves strands of magic. We know our FMC can weave 3!! Which is like unheard of. However, I would have loved a longer background into the magic of this world to know exactly how it works. I did read that this is possibly going to be expanded upon in book 2.
This book was great for character development. We get to know a lot about Ariella and Caspian and then scattered throughout we learn about Gavriel. I do wish that Ariella was a little more complex than what we were given. She seems to be ALL rage and hatred. We had a small snippet of her caring for Caspian. I would have liked her to show a larger range of emotions. I can tell that she is a really complex and fleshed out character with lots of bottled up emotions but I felt like we didn’t get enough glimpses into those emotions. But Caspian was amazing. I would do absolutely anything for him. He is a puppy dog and would die for Ariella and I simply would die for him. A man who falls first and knows what he wants? Sign. Me. Up.
I definitely would love to read book 2. I know that it will be even better than book 1. These characters were fun and intense. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Ariella and Caspian in the next installment!!
Definitely would recommend to read this book if you love books like Throne of Glass, the Hunger Games, or Fourth Wing. It has similar elements to all 3!
August 26, 2024
How easy it is to anger the male species. Let the games begin.
Not in a long time has the latter part of a story so thoroughly changed my mind on a book—or at least on the rating I was expecting to give it. To be honest, from the beginning, Dakota Monroe’s Shadows of the Crown, the first installment of her aptly named Shadows of the Crown series, gave me very strong Throne of Glass vibes (a series which I love), though not in a way I was necessarily enjoying … Initially, I did not like the female main character, Ariella Mistaire (aka the “Silver Wraith”), and felt as though she came across as a try-hard—and to be honest, I’m not sure that I still don’t like her. I also took issue with how vague a lot of the world-building and plot points were, how it seemed like the plot didn’t really move until maybe the last quarter of the book, and various plot holes.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS HERE SO READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK: #ISaidWhatISaid
All told, the last 100-150 pages or so were what earned this book the rating it ultimately got from me: 3.5 stars. The couple of nice little plot twists; the intrigue of an unknown, urgent mystery; the relationship between the main characters (that, at that point—if I ignore how they got there—I actually liked well enough); the increased pace; and the freaking cliffhanger ending and epilogue … I wish I’d had more of that throughout the rest of the story. I’m glad I finished the book, though now I’m annoyed that I have to wait for the next one to get to the meat of the main plotline. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next installment!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Not in a long time has the latter part of a story so thoroughly changed my mind on a book—or at least on the rating I was expecting to give it. To be honest, from the beginning, Dakota Monroe’s Shadows of the Crown, the first installment of her aptly named Shadows of the Crown series, gave me very strong Throne of Glass vibes (a series which I love), though not in a way I was necessarily enjoying … Initially, I did not like the female main character, Ariella Mistaire (aka the “Silver Wraith”), and felt as though she came across as a try-hard—and to be honest, I’m not sure that I still don’t like her. I also took issue with how vague a lot of the world-building and plot points were, how it seemed like the plot didn’t really move until maybe the last quarter of the book, and various plot holes.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS HERE SO READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK: #ISaidWhatISaid
All told, the last 100-150 pages or so were what earned this book the rating it ultimately got from me: 3.5 stars. The couple of nice little plot twists; the intrigue of an unknown, urgent mystery; the relationship between the main characters (that, at that point—if I ignore how they got there—I actually liked well enough); the increased pace; and the freaking cliffhanger ending and epilogue … I wish I’d had more of that throughout the rest of the story. I’m glad I finished the book, though now I’m annoyed that I have to wait for the next one to get to the meat of the main plotline. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next installment!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
July 18, 2024
✨Shadows of the Crown✨
Wow! This is my first book by Dakota and I have to say, I LOVED IT. Her writing is so in depth and vivid. I had such a good time through these pages.
SOTC is a dark Romantasy following 2 POVs: Ariella, an assassin hell-bent on revenge for her father’s death, and Caspian, Prince and son of Ariella’s revenge- the king. When Ariella volunteers to participate in a trial for assassins across the country in hopes to get closer to the king, she soon finds more than her life at jeopardy. Her secrets, loved ones, and past are all in the hands of the conniving king as Ariella fights for her life through these trials and her own assassins.
Ariella is dark, fierce, single minded, vicious, and morally grey woman of 27. She is hurt beyond reason and when she finds herself up against a man who wants to know even the most convoluted pieces of her, Ariella finds herself backed into a corner with death of some sort as the only way out.
Caspian is a sunshine golden retriever with a love for the demented. He was such a delight to read and explore. He made this book so delectable.
I enjoyed the tension, the warring of emotions, the breaking of walls, the banter. This was dark with spots of light and I look forward to Ariella’s transformation. So many secrets still and I can’t wait!
Tropes you may find in SOTC grey FMC, who did this, he falls first and harder, deadly trials, masochistic golden retriever, knife play, comforts her, plot twists, shadow mommy, high stakes, forbidden love, “f” it, assassin guilds, spice 3/5, and high language.
I am so thrilled to have gotten to read this gifted arc from @authordakotamonroe and can’t wait for book two!!
Wow! This is my first book by Dakota and I have to say, I LOVED IT. Her writing is so in depth and vivid. I had such a good time through these pages.
SOTC is a dark Romantasy following 2 POVs: Ariella, an assassin hell-bent on revenge for her father’s death, and Caspian, Prince and son of Ariella’s revenge- the king. When Ariella volunteers to participate in a trial for assassins across the country in hopes to get closer to the king, she soon finds more than her life at jeopardy. Her secrets, loved ones, and past are all in the hands of the conniving king as Ariella fights for her life through these trials and her own assassins.
Ariella is dark, fierce, single minded, vicious, and morally grey woman of 27. She is hurt beyond reason and when she finds herself up against a man who wants to know even the most convoluted pieces of her, Ariella finds herself backed into a corner with death of some sort as the only way out.
Caspian is a sunshine golden retriever with a love for the demented. He was such a delight to read and explore. He made this book so delectable.
I enjoyed the tension, the warring of emotions, the breaking of walls, the banter. This was dark with spots of light and I look forward to Ariella’s transformation. So many secrets still and I can’t wait!
Tropes you may find in SOTC grey FMC, who did this, he falls first and harder, deadly trials, masochistic golden retriever, knife play, comforts her, plot twists, shadow mommy, high stakes, forbidden love, “f” it, assassin guilds, spice 3/5, and high language.
I am so thrilled to have gotten to read this gifted arc from @authordakotamonroe and can’t wait for book two!!
September 6, 2024
*ARC Reader*
Ariella is a remarkable protagonist and the most skilled assassin in her city's guild. She embarks on a quest for vengeance against the king, seeking retribution for her father's death.
Caspian, the heir to the throne and the king's son, finds himself drawn to Ariella.
When the king announces a competition to determine the best assassin among all the guilds, Ariella seizes the opportunity for revenge. What could be a more fitting retribution than taking what the king cherishes the most: his heir?
However, there is a complication: the prince has fallen in love with her, and she may be reciprocating those feelings.
The witty banter between Ariella and Caspian is delightful, and Caspian's willingness to submit to Ariella is captivating.
The manner in which he speaks of her, expressing a preference for death at her hand rather than a life devoid of her presence, elicited a swooning response within me, igniting a yearning for his affections. She had endured an extended period devoid of genuine, unconditional love, rendering her unfamiliar with both the art of giving and receiving it. Fortunately, he possesses an abundance of love, sufficient for both of them.
This book is everything and anything you would hope it would it be
If you enjoy fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, an engaging plot with numerous unexpected turns, revenge, a formidable female assassin, and a passionate prince who yearns for her touch, then this book is for you!
10 out of 10, I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone.
Plot: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Ariella is a remarkable protagonist and the most skilled assassin in her city's guild. She embarks on a quest for vengeance against the king, seeking retribution for her father's death.
Caspian, the heir to the throne and the king's son, finds himself drawn to Ariella.
When the king announces a competition to determine the best assassin among all the guilds, Ariella seizes the opportunity for revenge. What could be a more fitting retribution than taking what the king cherishes the most: his heir?
However, there is a complication: the prince has fallen in love with her, and she may be reciprocating those feelings.
The witty banter between Ariella and Caspian is delightful, and Caspian's willingness to submit to Ariella is captivating.
The manner in which he speaks of her, expressing a preference for death at her hand rather than a life devoid of her presence, elicited a swooning response within me, igniting a yearning for his affections. She had endured an extended period devoid of genuine, unconditional love, rendering her unfamiliar with both the art of giving and receiving it. Fortunately, he possesses an abundance of love, sufficient for both of them.
This book is everything and anything you would hope it would it be
If you enjoy fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, an engaging plot with numerous unexpected turns, revenge, a formidable female assassin, and a passionate prince who yearns for her touch, then this book is for you!
10 out of 10, I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone.
Plot: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
August 3, 2024
It’s a fast paced, fantasy romance that gives the reader a bit of Throne of Glass meets Powerless if you add a bit more spice. Our FMC, Ariella, who’s father is murdered off by the king for reasons we do not yet know. Full of unadulterated rage she has worked her entire life to be the deadliest assassin in the realm, with the single goal to avenge his death.
Her plans come together as the king calls for a deadly trials. Collecting all the top assassins from the kingdom’s guilds to compete for favor and gold but there can only be one lone survivor in the kings deadly games.
I really enjoyed this read and how it was paced, the plot and slivers of backstory, I love the chemistry between the MC’s and the spicy scenes were giving 🔥 🔥
the single draw back I had was in the very beginning I didn’t understand the magic wielding of essence and the different types mentioned but as the story goes on it’s mainly the fmc wielding her essence. So it really didn’t required any further explanation. I feel like if the next book is going to have more wielders, which I assume there will, i may need a more in depth explanation at how the magic system works. But the world building always feels so lively in this authors works and I get sucked into her story’s quite fast. So I really enjoyed this ride and am excited to see where it goes. And fingers crossed we get to see a beautiful white feathered friend again. 🤞🏼
Her plans come together as the king calls for a deadly trials. Collecting all the top assassins from the kingdom’s guilds to compete for favor and gold but there can only be one lone survivor in the kings deadly games.
I really enjoyed this read and how it was paced, the plot and slivers of backstory, I love the chemistry between the MC’s and the spicy scenes were giving 🔥 🔥
the single draw back I had was in the very beginning I didn’t understand the magic wielding of essence and the different types mentioned but as the story goes on it’s mainly the fmc wielding her essence. So it really didn’t required any further explanation. I feel like if the next book is going to have more wielders, which I assume there will, i may need a more in depth explanation at how the magic system works. But the world building always feels so lively in this authors works and I get sucked into her story’s quite fast. So I really enjoyed this ride and am excited to see where it goes. And fingers crossed we get to see a beautiful white feathered friend again. 🤞🏼
July 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
A badass assassin out for revenge. A swoon worthy crown prince set on conquering her heart. This story follows Ariella and Caspian as they navigate the trials set out in a competition for assassins. While Caspian is utterly captivated by the Silver Wraith, she vows to take her revenge on the royal family. This (one-sided) enemies to lovers, with the ultimate morally grey shadow mommy, is a captivating and unique story that drew me in from the first sentence.
You’ll love this book if you love
❤️🔥enemies to lovers (one-sided)
❤️🔥morally grey FMC
❤️🔥female rage
❤️🔥trials
❤️🔥 shadow mommy
❤️🔥hilarious, sexy banter
❤️🔥touch him & ☠️
I had the most fun reading this book. I cannot express how refreshing this whole book was. I’ve been waiting for years to read a fantasy book where the FMC is as badass as Ariella is. Caspian, being the perfect MMC, was ready to fall at her feet, and his devotion to her was perfectly crafted. The banter between them was hilarious and sexy at the same time, having me giggling, kicking my feet as I read along. I finished this book in 2 days, as I hung onto every word the author wrote. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
A badass assassin out for revenge. A swoon worthy crown prince set on conquering her heart. This story follows Ariella and Caspian as they navigate the trials set out in a competition for assassins. While Caspian is utterly captivated by the Silver Wraith, she vows to take her revenge on the royal family. This (one-sided) enemies to lovers, with the ultimate morally grey shadow mommy, is a captivating and unique story that drew me in from the first sentence.
You’ll love this book if you love
❤️🔥enemies to lovers (one-sided)
❤️🔥morally grey FMC
❤️🔥female rage
❤️🔥trials
❤️🔥 shadow mommy
❤️🔥hilarious, sexy banter
❤️🔥touch him & ☠️
I had the most fun reading this book. I cannot express how refreshing this whole book was. I’ve been waiting for years to read a fantasy book where the FMC is as badass as Ariella is. Caspian, being the perfect MMC, was ready to fall at her feet, and his devotion to her was perfectly crafted. The banter between them was hilarious and sexy at the same time, having me giggling, kicking my feet as I read along. I finished this book in 2 days, as I hung onto every word the author wrote. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
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