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Shadow Makers #2
The Shadows Rise: Book 2 Shadow Makers
The epic story continues—
In the slums of Kasparian, Shadow Monsters live in an underground bondage club, a place filled with pain and anguish. And they must be destroyed before they rise out of its depths to ravage the city. When dead bodies turn up in the town, a new heroine emerges, a half-blood Sable Cat called Tempi, a member of the secretive Guild of Hunters.
As Bree and the descendants of the ancient House of Harlen prepare to send the Kasparian Shadow Makers back to their dimension, Savannah knows it's only the start. They must find the nest in the north controlled by the head Witch of the Coven who wears the powerful Serpent Ring. And they need to do it before the twin blood moons let a horde of the black wraiths through.
While Savannah and Pela scramble to prepare the world for the nightmare to come, the success of the approaching battle lies in the hands of the irascible fortune teller, Esme, and the new Berian Princess, Feya, the most powerful telepath ever born.
- GenresFantasy
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
21 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 15, 2024
5 Stars
I seriously do not mind this world going on and on and on until the end of time. If Silvia Shaw wills it, I will follow her to the last letter.
Rand and the world SS built will never cease to amaze, enthral, intrigue me. Every book there’s new monsters threatening the peace of the land. Bring it! The characters are forever going to be colourful and gae af so I know I will love them.
I seriously do not mind this world going on and on and on until the end of time. If Silvia Shaw wills it, I will follow her to the last letter.
Rand and the world SS built will never cease to amaze, enthral, intrigue me. Every book there’s new monsters threatening the peace of the land. Bring it! The characters are forever going to be colourful and gae af so I know I will love them.
June 2, 2024
I love the Rand fantasy universe.
Great storytelling, fantastic characters and very well written. What’s not to love?
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Great storytelling, fantastic characters and very well written. What’s not to love?
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 8, 2025
Solid and enjoyable sequel in the trilogy. A lot happens, like, a lot(!), with the fate of the realms hanging in balance, and we also have a new romantic pair that gets a lot of focus this volume. As is the nature of a trilogy, it ends in a cliffhanger, and I'm looking forward to the final installment.
September 24, 2024
“The Shadows Rise” by Silvia Shaw is the second book in the Shadow Makers series. It follows the POV of two main characters working together to save the realm of Rand. Savanna is the Chosen One and a new Mind Walker who can see threads of the future and help guide whichever path is most peaceful. Tempi is a skilled member of the hunter guild in charge of investigating a string of gruesome murders.
While hiding her own secret as a magical creature, Tempi witnesses a murder not by a man, but by a nightmare of darkness that she has never seen before. When the famed Chosen One, Savanna, and the intimidating Imperial Commander, Pela, appear in her guild to hear what she has discovered, Tempi insists on helping discover the monsters’ true numbers. Reluctantly, Tempi partners with one of Pela’s people, a warrior named Ketra, to infiltrate the den and gather information to help plan their destruction.
Instead of completing just one mission, Tempi decides to join Savanna and Pela. She goes undercover once more with Ketra to find the other nests across Rand, while Savanna tracks down light benders to fight against the growing army of shadow monsters before the twin blood moons unleash an apocalypse upon their realm.
This story is full of thrilling trials that inspire new and old friendships, and maybe something more than friendship. You get immersed in the cultures of different magical folk as they journey across the land. Shaw builds a stimulating fantasy world with rich history and intricate politics between sovereigns that Savanna must handle in order to unite the realm against the shadow monsters.
I read “The Shadows Rise” by Silvia Shaw not realizing it was a sequel and loved getting to know all of the characters, learning about their past adventures, and how they came to be in the sequel. Shaw does an amazing job of telling an exciting and nerve-wracking adventure through the land of Rand, ending on a cliffhanger that leaves the reader begging to find out what will happen to our favorite characters in the next book. Fantasy readers who like sword and sorcery, action, and magical realism will enjoy this sapphic romance.
While hiding her own secret as a magical creature, Tempi witnesses a murder not by a man, but by a nightmare of darkness that she has never seen before. When the famed Chosen One, Savanna, and the intimidating Imperial Commander, Pela, appear in her guild to hear what she has discovered, Tempi insists on helping discover the monsters’ true numbers. Reluctantly, Tempi partners with one of Pela’s people, a warrior named Ketra, to infiltrate the den and gather information to help plan their destruction.
Instead of completing just one mission, Tempi decides to join Savanna and Pela. She goes undercover once more with Ketra to find the other nests across Rand, while Savanna tracks down light benders to fight against the growing army of shadow monsters before the twin blood moons unleash an apocalypse upon their realm.
This story is full of thrilling trials that inspire new and old friendships, and maybe something more than friendship. You get immersed in the cultures of different magical folk as they journey across the land. Shaw builds a stimulating fantasy world with rich history and intricate politics between sovereigns that Savanna must handle in order to unite the realm against the shadow monsters.
I read “The Shadows Rise” by Silvia Shaw not realizing it was a sequel and loved getting to know all of the characters, learning about their past adventures, and how they came to be in the sequel. Shaw does an amazing job of telling an exciting and nerve-wracking adventure through the land of Rand, ending on a cliffhanger that leaves the reader begging to find out what will happen to our favorite characters in the next book. Fantasy readers who like sword and sorcery, action, and magical realism will enjoy this sapphic romance.
October 6, 2024
Each new jaunt into the Rand universe is as delighfully magical as the last.
The Shadows Rise continues where the Daughter of The Light left off; Shadow Monsters are roaming across Rand, hunting the innocent, called forth by the Witches Coven. As Savannah, Pela and Co continue their Light Bender preparations, they are joined by the half-blood Sable cat Tempi in the race to thwart the Coven's attempt to wreak havoc across every inch of Rand.
The first half of The Shadows Rise is a little slow to get going, and the plot often felt here, there, and everywhere. However, by the second half the tempo increases with each chapter action packed, as Rand's smorgasbord of characters do what they do best: fight to save their homes and their loved ones.
This time around we get to experience a coupling which isn't born of royalty. The pairing is instead that of Tempi, a half-blood Sable cat and a member of the secret Guild of Hunters, and Ketra, a half-blood warrior and Guard to the Queen of the Sirens. It was a nice change to have a pairing that is removed from the pom and privilege of royalty and high society. It gave a different viewpoint of Rand and opened up another avenue to explore with respect to the Guild of Hunters.
Esme the fortune teller plays a more substantial role in this book. She's a great character, full of mischief, unabashed banter, and quite likely a hoot in any endeavour she turns her hand to. There's also more cuteness from Rand's princesses - Bea and Feya, with it becoming clearer with each passing day that Feya is a powerful telepath on a scale not yet seen in Rand. The happenings throughout The Shadows Rise make plain that Feya will play an integral part in Rand's final fate.
The scenes throughout the book also take place in more varied settings than previous books, perhaps reflective of the less noble characters of Rand being in the limelight for this installment. The use of a bondage club was an unexpected, yet delightful discovery despite its nefarious undertakings.
The real clincher however is the cliff hanger ending. As much as I enjoyed this story, I am so eager for the next book already!
The Shadows Rise continues where the Daughter of The Light left off; Shadow Monsters are roaming across Rand, hunting the innocent, called forth by the Witches Coven. As Savannah, Pela and Co continue their Light Bender preparations, they are joined by the half-blood Sable cat Tempi in the race to thwart the Coven's attempt to wreak havoc across every inch of Rand.
The first half of The Shadows Rise is a little slow to get going, and the plot often felt here, there, and everywhere. However, by the second half the tempo increases with each chapter action packed, as Rand's smorgasbord of characters do what they do best: fight to save their homes and their loved ones.
This time around we get to experience a coupling which isn't born of royalty. The pairing is instead that of Tempi, a half-blood Sable cat and a member of the secret Guild of Hunters, and Ketra, a half-blood warrior and Guard to the Queen of the Sirens. It was a nice change to have a pairing that is removed from the pom and privilege of royalty and high society. It gave a different viewpoint of Rand and opened up another avenue to explore with respect to the Guild of Hunters.
Esme the fortune teller plays a more substantial role in this book. She's a great character, full of mischief, unabashed banter, and quite likely a hoot in any endeavour she turns her hand to. There's also more cuteness from Rand's princesses - Bea and Feya, with it becoming clearer with each passing day that Feya is a powerful telepath on a scale not yet seen in Rand. The happenings throughout The Shadows Rise make plain that Feya will play an integral part in Rand's final fate.
The scenes throughout the book also take place in more varied settings than previous books, perhaps reflective of the less noble characters of Rand being in the limelight for this installment. The use of a bondage club was an unexpected, yet delightful discovery despite its nefarious undertakings.
The real clincher however is the cliff hanger ending. As much as I enjoyed this story, I am so eager for the next book already!
September 8, 2024
Loved this book. As always, it's fun to return to Rand and all the interesting characters. Got to know Esme quite a bit better this book, which was a delight. Not as much time with Feya though. Also had the first truly non-royalty pairing of either series with Tempi and Ketra. They were a quite nice change of pace.
Tempi and Ketra had a spark of instalove, but they still took forever to get over themselves and find their way to each other. With as strong as Tempi is as a personality, it was surprising that she allowed herself to take a role other than the lead in the relationship. It's not entirely one person leading and the other following, but Tempi does have to relinquish some of her control. My only complaint is the automatic assumption that dominance and submission has anything to do with body size. Being larger does not make someone more dominant and I was a little upset to see this stereotype portrayed the way it was in the book between the two women.
There is no third act breakup. There is however a cliffhanger ending, which is another first really for either series. I did not appreciate it to be honest, having gotten used to everyone's relationships and the arcs of each couple's story being contained in one book basically. WIth the way the POV characters are handled in each book, I'm not sure how the final book in the series can get us the closure from this book without once again changing the formula that has worked so well up until now.
Tempi and Ketra had a spark of instalove, but they still took forever to get over themselves and find their way to each other. With as strong as Tempi is as a personality, it was surprising that she allowed herself to take a role other than the lead in the relationship. It's not entirely one person leading and the other following, but Tempi does have to relinquish some of her control. My only complaint is the automatic assumption that dominance and submission has anything to do with body size. Being larger does not make someone more dominant and I was a little upset to see this stereotype portrayed the way it was in the book between the two women.
There is no third act breakup. There is however a cliffhanger ending, which is another first really for either series. I did not appreciate it to be honest, having gotten used to everyone's relationships and the arcs of each couple's story being contained in one book basically. WIth the way the POV characters are handled in each book, I'm not sure how the final book in the series can get us the closure from this book without once again changing the formula that has worked so well up until now.
June 4, 2025
4.25 stars
The story goes into a darker, deeper territory—and I really enjoyed the ride. Tempi’s cold, rule-bound perspective starts to crack as she confronts the supernatural horror of a man’s death and a black snake’s severed head. The mystery quickly unfolds into a larger battle against ancient forces, and I loved the introduction of light magic as a counter to the growing threat.
Savannah’s library exploration and past-life insights added rich layers of lore, and the glimpses into the Shadow makers’ origin were so satisfying. The pacing was tight, and the prophecy setup has me excited for what’s ahead. Tempi’s skepticism is a refreshing contrast to the typical Chosen One trope, and I’m invested in how she, Esme, and Pela will shape the war to come. Definitely a strong installment in the series.
The story goes into a darker, deeper territory—and I really enjoyed the ride. Tempi’s cold, rule-bound perspective starts to crack as she confronts the supernatural horror of a man’s death and a black snake’s severed head. The mystery quickly unfolds into a larger battle against ancient forces, and I loved the introduction of light magic as a counter to the growing threat.
Savannah’s library exploration and past-life insights added rich layers of lore, and the glimpses into the Shadow makers’ origin were so satisfying. The pacing was tight, and the prophecy setup has me excited for what’s ahead. Tempi’s skepticism is a refreshing contrast to the typical Chosen One trope, and I’m invested in how she, Esme, and Pela will shape the war to come. Definitely a strong installment in the series.
May 31, 2024
Really great book. The story continues in Kasparian where Tempi, a member of the Hunter Guild, is engaged to investigate a spate of murders in the city. She finds the killer is a Shadow Monster and tracks it a bondage club protected by black magic. And the story goes from there with never a dull moment. The love story is really sweet and fits in nicely with the plot. Esme, the fortune teller, has a bigger role in this book and she is a trick. Freya, the new Beria Princess is delightful and I’m looking forward to her character being expanded in the book three. Savannah, Pela and all the Queens are there, making this a cracking good yarn. Loved it.
This was an ARC given to me by the author.
This was an ARC given to me by the author.
July 4, 2024
some of the best books I’ve read.
I have read all of the Rand books up until this one. Sometimes they can be hard to follow as this is a completely new universe, a realm of new and magical beings - it can be hard to get used to. But when you do, you can’t get enough. I will be impatiently waiting for more of this series, and hoping it won’t be the last as I’ve come to love the characters and their loved ones. I love how it is mostly women in control and leans more into the sapphic side for all important couplings. I cannot wait for more! You’re a genius, Silvia Shaw.
I am leaving this rating as I noticed at the end of the book the author hoped to receive a review.
I have read all of the Rand books up until this one. Sometimes they can be hard to follow as this is a completely new universe, a realm of new and magical beings - it can be hard to get used to. But when you do, you can’t get enough. I will be impatiently waiting for more of this series, and hoping it won’t be the last as I’ve come to love the characters and their loved ones. I love how it is mostly women in control and leans more into the sapphic side for all important couplings. I cannot wait for more! You’re a genius, Silvia Shaw.
I am leaving this rating as I noticed at the end of the book the author hoped to receive a review.
June 3, 2024
I already can't wait for the third book in Shadow Makers trilogy! I fell in love with the world and characters that Shaw created in the first Rand trilogy, and the Shadow Makers series is a fantastic continuation. I've seldom encountered such a compelling fantasy series- the magic, the mystery, the humor, the sapphic romance, and the fast-paced excitement consistently shine through each book in the series. I recommend reading them all, and when you get to The Shadows Rise, you won't be disappointed!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2024
A cliff hanger!
I tore through this book whether by the last one and will now languish while waiting for the next. I love the world of Rand and every book seems richer than the last as I get to understand it. This book had more heroes fascinating in their differences and noble in their similarities to previous characters. Savannah has morphed so much since landing in Rand. In this installment the fight is against terrifying shadow monsters from another realm. Don't miss it! I do recommend starting at the beginning of the saga.
I tore through this book whether by the last one and will now languish while waiting for the next. I love the world of Rand and every book seems richer than the last as I get to understand it. This book had more heroes fascinating in their differences and noble in their similarities to previous characters. Savannah has morphed so much since landing in Rand. In this installment the fight is against terrifying shadow monsters from another realm. Don't miss it! I do recommend starting at the beginning of the saga.
June 6, 2024
I recommend this series
Th first series was great and this second series is a continuation with new characters. Once I started reading this book I didn't want to stop it has everything you could ask for in a Fanasy series. Action, adventure, magic, interesting characters and romance. I love these books waiting for book three. I highly recommend this series and the first series if books . Thanks
Th first series was great and this second series is a continuation with new characters. Once I started reading this book I didn't want to stop it has everything you could ask for in a Fanasy series. Action, adventure, magic, interesting characters and romance. I love these books waiting for book three. I highly recommend this series and the first series if books . Thanks
October 21, 2024
Fantastic
Not since reading the series, "When Women Were Worriors" over ten years ago, have I read an Epic Fantasy Fiction that's had me so captived, I didn't want to put it down.
Each book of both Imperial Rand and now Shadow Makers introduces new characters that add to the awesomeness of the story, and it's hard to single out just one.
There's has to be a book #3 of Shadow Makers soon..... please! 🙏
Not since reading the series, "When Women Were Worriors" over ten years ago, have I read an Epic Fantasy Fiction that's had me so captived, I didn't want to put it down.
Each book of both Imperial Rand and now Shadow Makers introduces new characters that add to the awesomeness of the story, and it's hard to single out just one.
There's has to be a book #3 of Shadow Makers soon..... please! 🙏
June 8, 2024
I’m always amazed at how the author can make me fall in love with so many characters. She is able to make you care about each one and there are many. This book was just as good as the others. I can’t wait for the next one, especially after the ending. Hopefully Feya lets Savannah know that Tempi is still alive
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
Love
In the world of forgotten realms, good continues to fight evil. New characters arise with vigor along with new relationships. Allies are formed as they rise to eliminate enemies of dark. This second chapter rises to great scenes of strength as struggles brings people together as one.
In the world of forgotten realms, good continues to fight evil. New characters arise with vigor along with new relationships. Allies are formed as they rise to eliminate enemies of dark. This second chapter rises to great scenes of strength as struggles brings people together as one.
November 19, 2024
cliffhanger
I love the world of Rand and all the characters in it. This trilogy has me anxiously waiting to see what happens next. The relationship that the babies have created is icing on the magnificent novel that the author has penned. I look forward to reading the final book in this trilogy
I love the world of Rand and all the characters in it. This trilogy has me anxiously waiting to see what happens next. The relationship that the babies have created is icing on the magnificent novel that the author has penned. I look forward to reading the final book in this trilogy
June 11, 2025
Another great book in the series.
No surprise that this book is so good. I really like Silvia Shaw’s writing style and her stories are so captivating. I can’t stop reading. I just want for the adventures to go on and on. I really hope that there will be more books in Rand universe. I will continue for now with the third book and the last one in the series.
No surprise that this book is so good. I really like Silvia Shaw’s writing style and her stories are so captivating. I can’t stop reading. I just want for the adventures to go on and on. I really hope that there will be more books in Rand universe. I will continue for now with the third book and the last one in the series.
June 30, 2024
There were parts of the story I really enjoyed, but there were occasions when I found myself asking, ‘should that have happened?’.
I suspect having read hundreds of Fantasy series I’m not always on the same wavelength as the author.
I suspect having read hundreds of Fantasy series I’m not always on the same wavelength as the author.
July 18, 2024
Adventure!
So happy to see so much of Savannah! Enjoyed the cameo’s by some of the queens of Rand. The shadow monsters are truly frightful but the witches are fast becoming an epic enemy. Another well written, compelling tale from Rand. Highly recommended.
So happy to see so much of Savannah! Enjoyed the cameo’s by some of the queens of Rand. The shadow monsters are truly frightful but the witches are fast becoming an epic enemy. Another well written, compelling tale from Rand. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2025
another banger
As always, another excellent book from Silvia Shaw. I absolutely love the way she writes and effortlessly makes the reader feel like they’re a part of the story. Can’t wait to continue the journey
As always, another excellent book from Silvia Shaw. I absolutely love the way she writes and effortlessly makes the reader feel like they’re a part of the story. Can’t wait to continue the journey
May 31, 2024
I'm happy with this one. I hope readers enjoy it.
June 12, 2024
Good read.
I enjoyed reading... The twists!! Can't wait to find out how Tempi gets free of the Hunters Guild and how the fight with the Shadow Makers ends.
I enjoyed reading... The twists!! Can't wait to find out how Tempi gets free of the Hunters Guild and how the fight with the Shadow Makers ends.
August 10, 2024
Second book of what I am now certain is at least a trilogy! Moving the pace forward with new characters and relationships plus new magical skills! Very much hope the next book comes out soon!
September 1, 2025
Another wonderful edition to the Rand Universe. This is book 2 of the Shadow Makers series which is a sequel series to Imperial Rand series. Like the previous books before it, we get to meet a new couple, Tempi and Ketra, as they come together and form a bond, while also following the larger narrative.
I absolutely love these series. They are the type of fantasy books that are my favorite. As I have mentioned before, sometimes it is nice to have the dark and gritty fantasy, but more often than not, I prefer a book that is overall optimistic. I want good to win, and for it to not be all shades of grey. This series nails that. There are still challenges and our heroes stumble, but every character is has good intentions and actions, and are willing to see the error of their ways if they have lost the path. In todays climate, that is a rare quality.
All in all, I am still in love with the entirety of the Rand Universe and can't wait for the 3rd book. I hope we get some of Maybeth soon. In case you didn't know, these books really, really need to be read in order.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love these series. They are the type of fantasy books that are my favorite. As I have mentioned before, sometimes it is nice to have the dark and gritty fantasy, but more often than not, I prefer a book that is overall optimistic. I want good to win, and for it to not be all shades of grey. This series nails that. There are still challenges and our heroes stumble, but every character is has good intentions and actions, and are willing to see the error of their ways if they have lost the path. In todays climate, that is a rare quality.
All in all, I am still in love with the entirety of the Rand Universe and can't wait for the 3rd book. I hope we get some of Maybeth soon. In case you didn't know, these books really, really need to be read in order.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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