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Dark Fae Cursed Shadows #2
Cursed Shadows 2
“Look how easily you submit; how easily you cry; how quickly you beg... I wonder Nari, when I'm through with you... How softly you'll die?”
Welcome to the brutal world of the light and the dark fae—and their ruthless love.
To break a dark fae’s heart is a death wish.
A fatal slight, one Nari will pay for in her blood—
And Daxeel comes to collect.
When her sister can’t stand in the Sacrament, Nari is faced with the horror of the task—she must be the one to represent the family in this brutal battle between light and dark.
Nari’s skills aren’t for war, and it’s no lie to say she will die in the Sacrament. No chance of survival—and all her hope to escape the bloodbath rests with the one dark fae who’s desire is to have her then destroy her.
Daxeel.
He's as merciless as he is beautiful, and she's no longer the light to his dark. They aren’t young fae anymore, stealing moments under willow trees—he is a warrior, strong and callous and carved from ice.
Nari is just the halfling who shamed him ten years ago.
All that keeps her alive is a flimsy bargain, one that has an expiry date.
Time is against her. Nari only has one month to escape her duty to the Sacrament and to win back Daxeel’s cold, dead heart.
If she doesn’t die trying.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Cursed Shadows is a trilogy set in the Dark Fae Universe.
There is no reading order for the series in this world.
Welcome to the brutal world of the light and the dark fae—and their ruthless love.
To break a dark fae’s heart is a death wish.
A fatal slight, one Nari will pay for in her blood—
And Daxeel comes to collect.
When her sister can’t stand in the Sacrament, Nari is faced with the horror of the task—she must be the one to represent the family in this brutal battle between light and dark.
Nari’s skills aren’t for war, and it’s no lie to say she will die in the Sacrament. No chance of survival—and all her hope to escape the bloodbath rests with the one dark fae who’s desire is to have her then destroy her.
Daxeel.
He's as merciless as he is beautiful, and she's no longer the light to his dark. They aren’t young fae anymore, stealing moments under willow trees—he is a warrior, strong and callous and carved from ice.
Nari is just the halfling who shamed him ten years ago.
All that keeps her alive is a flimsy bargain, one that has an expiry date.
Time is against her. Nari only has one month to escape her duty to the Sacrament and to win back Daxeel’s cold, dead heart.
If she doesn’t die trying.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Cursed Shadows is a trilogy set in the Dark Fae Universe.
There is no reading order for the series in this world.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
65 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Blackbird
34 books761 followersQUINN BLACKBIRD is a wanderer, a caffeine addict, a concern to her teachers & a bit of a dork.
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 9, 2024
5 stars July 18, 24
So it's been weeks and I'm still thinking about this one. Still looking for more like THIS. I'm going to up my rating to 5 stars, given the fact that it's stayed with me this long and maybe do a reread, just to satisfy my craving. Although very curious about the other books in the Dark Fae World so might try those. Will see...
4 stars - Read June 20, 24
Loving this series. The viciousness and “take no prisoners” down and out war between the two of them.
I like the world building - it’s complex enough to keep me interested. Daxeel is a dokkhalf- a dark elf while Nari is a halfling- a light elf-human offspring. The story alternates between now and 10 years ago.
It starts at a summit 10 years ago- allowing the mingling of light and dark elves- something that rarely happens. Nari is the youngest and a bit of a darling, always wanting to be the center of attention. She is betrothed to a light elf who is super nasty- and he tries to take what he wants early. She’s saved by Daxeel, who is a nobleman’s son. He is intense and interested in her. She is very good at getting and keeping Daxeel’s interest. They start a secret relationship. He is intensely in love but after being caught, her father forces her to reject him publicly.
Now, 10 years later, she goes as her sister’s second -entering the Sacrament- a deadly race between dark and light elf contenders to get to the top of a mountain to win an audience with the “mother” who will grant any wish. It’s a two month long meeting with the first month used as preparation to go into it. She has no idea how to fight so it’s more to help her sister enter, rather than anything that will ever come to pass. Of course, Dax is there and they are forced to interact.
He punishes her but secretly craves her. She tries to get him to forgive her but he won’t give an inch. Their interactions are off the charts. He’s not soft or wimpy but it’s obvious she still affects him. He still loves her but hates that he does.
We see it mostly from Nari’s point of view- her scheming mind to get the upper hand. But, Dax is very much in the game and frankly two steps ahead. This story has forever mates and bonding but done in a ferocious and conniving way. I like the violence and edginess in this book.
I just finished a couple of books with wimpy men- they should take lessons from Dax. THIS is how you punish a female you love who has done you wrong. I feel like HE’s playing HER this time. He hid his darkness from her before so as not to scare her off but it’s not so hidden anymore. It’s AWESOME.
Can’t stand waiting till Sept for book 3 but looking forward to continuing this crazy hate story. It’s so good!
So it's been weeks and I'm still thinking about this one. Still looking for more like THIS. I'm going to up my rating to 5 stars, given the fact that it's stayed with me this long and maybe do a reread, just to satisfy my craving. Although very curious about the other books in the Dark Fae World so might try those. Will see...
4 stars - Read June 20, 24
Loving this series. The viciousness and “take no prisoners” down and out war between the two of them.
I like the world building - it’s complex enough to keep me interested. Daxeel is a dokkhalf- a dark elf while Nari is a halfling- a light elf-human offspring. The story alternates between now and 10 years ago.
It starts at a summit 10 years ago- allowing the mingling of light and dark elves- something that rarely happens. Nari is the youngest and a bit of a darling, always wanting to be the center of attention. She is betrothed to a light elf who is super nasty- and he tries to take what he wants early. She’s saved by Daxeel, who is a nobleman’s son. He is intense and interested in her. She is very good at getting and keeping Daxeel’s interest. They start a secret relationship. He is intensely in love but after being caught, her father forces her to reject him publicly.
Now, 10 years later, she goes as her sister’s second -entering the Sacrament- a deadly race between dark and light elf contenders to get to the top of a mountain to win an audience with the “mother” who will grant any wish. It’s a two month long meeting with the first month used as preparation to go into it. She has no idea how to fight so it’s more to help her sister enter, rather than anything that will ever come to pass. Of course, Dax is there and they are forced to interact.
He punishes her but secretly craves her. She tries to get him to forgive her but he won’t give an inch. Their interactions are off the charts. He’s not soft or wimpy but it’s obvious she still affects him. He still loves her but hates that he does.
We see it mostly from Nari’s point of view- her scheming mind to get the upper hand. But, Dax is very much in the game and frankly two steps ahead. This story has forever mates and bonding but done in a ferocious and conniving way. I like the violence and edginess in this book.
I just finished a couple of books with wimpy men- they should take lessons from Dax. THIS is how you punish a female you love who has done you wrong. I feel like HE’s playing HER this time. He hid his darkness from her before so as not to scare her off but it’s not so hidden anymore. It’s AWESOME.
Can’t stand waiting till Sept for book 3 but looking forward to continuing this crazy hate story. It’s so good!
November 3, 2025
QBs characters have a unique knack for self-sabotage
If Chekhov gave them a gun, they'd inevitably shoot their own feet with it
Obviously the FMC Nari is in deep shit but just you wait. Daxeel has his shovel ready to dig himself a grave with and I expect in this installment, we will see him work double shifts on that project lmao
If Chekhov gave them a gun, they'd inevitably shoot their own feet with it
Obviously the FMC Nari is in deep shit but just you wait. Daxeel has his shovel ready to dig himself a grave with and I expect in this installment, we will see him work double shifts on that project lmao
June 23, 2025
Girl, you can’t tell me this man’s love is worth all his cruelty. Free yourself please.
May 28, 2024
**same review as I left on book 1**
I have loved the dark fae universe since I stumbled upon them.
This new series does not disappoint.
Poor Nari just hasn't had a good run of luck. She's imagined she's loved and has choices in this world, which she was raised to believe.
But it's just not the case.
Nari tried to save herself, she is a selfish litelf, as most are.
I didn't realize the depth of her father's half love until the last chapter of book 2. Even after her pleading to end the engagement... if I had known, I would have screamed to the pages it wasn't worth it to even broach the subject of if he would or not.
It's her human side. She wanted so badly to believe his love was true of a parent. And maybe if she was full elvish, he might have...
Dax.... I'm truly frightened now. I, like Nari, arrogantly thought he was thawing.
I forgot just how much a slight against a dark one could brew this intense hatred he is left with.
I am so glad Quinn is adding to this world. All the Dark Fae series are proudly lined up on my shelves.
These will be added to them.
I knew I should have waited until the whole series was out.
Now I'm left with this huge weight settled on my heart until I get the last 2 books.
I hope this story doesn't end as April's nasty brother in laws poor evates story did.
I'll die a little. Not gonna lie.
But I get the feeling this is the story that explains how the dark fae were able to extend their darkness...
Hhhh, the wait. I can't stand it
I have loved the dark fae universe since I stumbled upon them.
This new series does not disappoint.
Poor Nari just hasn't had a good run of luck. She's imagined she's loved and has choices in this world, which she was raised to believe.
But it's just not the case.
Nari tried to save herself, she is a selfish litelf, as most are.
I didn't realize the depth of her father's half love until the last chapter of book 2. Even after her pleading to end the engagement... if I had known, I would have screamed to the pages it wasn't worth it to even broach the subject of if he would or not.
It's her human side. She wanted so badly to believe his love was true of a parent. And maybe if she was full elvish, he might have...
Dax.... I'm truly frightened now. I, like Nari, arrogantly thought he was thawing.
I forgot just how much a slight against a dark one could brew this intense hatred he is left with.
I am so glad Quinn is adding to this world. All the Dark Fae series are proudly lined up on my shelves.
These will be added to them.
I knew I should have waited until the whole series was out.
Now I'm left with this huge weight settled on my heart until I get the last 2 books.
I hope this story doesn't end as April's nasty brother in laws poor evates story did.
I'll die a little. Not gonna lie.
But I get the feeling this is the story that explains how the dark fae were able to extend their darkness...
Hhhh, the wait. I can't stand it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 23, 2025Storytelling through flashbacks doesn't always work, but I think this book pulled it off and did a really good job of establishing the history/relationship between Nari and Dax. It also did a great job of establishing the current tension between the two. However, finishing the book and seeing that we're no closer to a resolution for the characters left me disappointed. I think some people will love that it's a super slow resolution of the enemies-to-lovers setup, but I was ready for them to air it all out and start acting as a true team.
April 26, 2024
Simply Amazing!
I could not wait for this next story of Nari and Dax and it did not disappoint! Quinn Blackbird is able to pull you so deep into the story and the lives of these characters that by the end you’re crashing back into reality! I don’t know how I’m going to make it till the next book. Absolutely love this series!
I could not wait for this next story of Nari and Dax and it did not disappoint! Quinn Blackbird is able to pull you so deep into the story and the lives of these characters that by the end you’re crashing back into reality! I don’t know how I’m going to make it till the next book. Absolutely love this series!
April 29, 2024
Absolutely brilliant!
I loved this installment. I never saw this coming but what a cliffhanger. I shouldn't have started reading this until all the books was completed because I now have to wait for the next book which is a subtle form of torture. Love the series and the darkness in it. Highly recommend!
I loved this installment. I never saw this coming but what a cliffhanger. I shouldn't have started reading this until all the books was completed because I now have to wait for the next book which is a subtle form of torture. Love the series and the darkness in it. Highly recommend!
June 9, 2024
My favorite series!!! I’ve loved all of this authors previous books but cursed shadows isn’t just my favorite of her books but my favorite in this genre. Love Dax and Nari. Love the sweet snippets of their past and I love the angst. Praying for a happy ending for them as they deserve it. Cannot wait for the next two books!!
February 7, 2025
Love love LOVE
Seeing how I've only recently found joy in reading I'm not one to say this is the greatest but I'm going to say it's definitely one that had me hooked!! The series is consistent and the story line is perfect, lots of ups and downs and the ups.. ohh the throbbing ups create steamy moisture haha! Love the series 10/10
Seeing how I've only recently found joy in reading I'm not one to say this is the greatest but I'm going to say it's definitely one that had me hooked!! The series is consistent and the story line is perfect, lots of ups and downs and the ups.. ohh the throbbing ups create steamy moisture haha! Love the series 10/10
June 17, 2024
I was not expecting to get as hooked to this series as I did. The world building and plot are 10/10 and developed well for a book with a shorter page number. Definitely on the darker side of dark romance, but if you are looking for a romance to tug at your heart strings I recommend this read.
April 26, 2024
so incredible
Now we must wait until September. I always tell myself that I should wait until the series is out, but with Ms. Blackbirds Dark Fae I can’t hold out. She is the best.
Now we must wait until September. I always tell myself that I should wait until the series is out, but with Ms. Blackbirds Dark Fae I can’t hold out. She is the best.
August 24, 2025
Pause on Book 2.
Only going to finish this once all the books are out, if not the cliffhangers will literally kill me.
Only going to finish this once all the books are out, if not the cliffhangers will literally kill me.
September 3, 2024
Sooo in love with these dark fae books!
My favorite author and I can not get enough of here dark fae books. This is a true dark romance with lots of angst and love.
My favorite author and I can not get enough of here dark fae books. This is a true dark romance with lots of angst and love.
January 2, 2025
Plot continues, but in a meandering way. Snark abounds, lol.
January 10, 2025
Love this author
January 29, 2025
Will the enemies EVER become lovers????? I don’t know at this stage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
I can’t ! This Serie is too much 🖤
June 7, 2024
I'm not typically one to leave a review, but for this I had to. This series has an incredible plot and the author has a fantastic writing style. I just know this is going to go big once its found by more people. The attention to detail and character building is incredible. Gutted book 3 is released in a few months - I so want to know what happens next!
June 25, 2024
Too much cruelty has she heard of forgiveness eventually
I’m pretty sure I will not be going on with this series it is to much cruelty here I can understand making a mistake mind you that her father made her do but to continue to punish her throughout the series is to much for me at the end of the second book she should have been forgiven or somewhere close to it. I’m out
I’m pretty sure I will not be going on with this series it is to much cruelty here I can understand making a mistake mind you that her father made her do but to continue to punish her throughout the series is to much for me at the end of the second book she should have been forgiven or somewhere close to it. I’m out
April 27, 2024
I have a feeling that this series is going to destroy me as it progresses
10/10- looking forward to the inevitable depression
10/10- looking forward to the inevitable depression
June 7, 2025
The 2nd book in this series was just as exciting as the first! A must read for sure.
Read
June 23, 2025He genuinely has no business being this angry
September 22, 2025
little disappointed that the story starts giving other perspectives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
this sequel did not pull punches
the angst, the drama, the romance: it was all GIVING. when the author wanted you to hate a character, you HATED that character. when the plot started twisting, you felt that shit.
the fact that this was all managed in less than 300 pages, only added to the level of appreciation i have for this work. every single word counted, and at no point did things become dragged or rushed.
the ending was absolutely brutal and i will undoubtably be waiting with bated breath until i can get my hands on book #3
the angst, the drama, the romance: it was all GIVING. when the author wanted you to hate a character, you HATED that character. when the plot started twisting, you felt that shit.
the fact that this was all managed in less than 300 pages, only added to the level of appreciation i have for this work. every single word counted, and at no point did things become dragged or rushed.
the ending was absolutely brutal and i will undoubtably be waiting with bated breath until i can get my hands on book #3
December 2, 2025
So the Nari and Dax show continues, she's been dropped in the shit by her sister having to drop out of the Sacrament, which means Nari has to take her place as her second. This is a huge issue, as the Sacrament is a bloodthirsty fight to the death and Nari is no warrior, she's been raised to be a lady, the spoilt darling her father wanted.
She needs to convince Daxeel to cement their evate ( think fated mate on steroids) bond. As this will allow her to default on the competition. She foolishly thinks she has saved herself and has got what she wanted but it's Daxeel who was pulling the strings all along. And now she's caught up in his web of revenge and rage. And its a much grimmer picture than just their personal issues.
The angst continues, the scheming, the push and pull, the love/ hate. It really draws you in and makes you so invested in the story. The author has really created something special here. I cant think of many books that are so filled with pain, where the characters hate that they love each other. Its really a lovers to enemies story.
She needs to convince Daxeel to cement their evate ( think fated mate on steroids) bond. As this will allow her to default on the competition. She foolishly thinks she has saved herself and has got what she wanted but it's Daxeel who was pulling the strings all along. And now she's caught up in his web of revenge and rage. And its a much grimmer picture than just their personal issues.
The angst continues, the scheming, the push and pull, the love/ hate. It really draws you in and makes you so invested in the story. The author has really created something special here. I cant think of many books that are so filled with pain, where the characters hate that they love each other. Its really a lovers to enemies story.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews