Savage

Shadows of Fire #2

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

From the moment he was born a god of light and darkness, Xevikan Daraxerxes was rejected by those who should have embraced him. A child of both realms, he was embraced by none. His is a lonely path that he’s walked for centuries as he’s done his best to avoid the divine politics of his parents.But one can only stay neutral for so long. Now, Xev must face his past and learn from his mistakes. The world is in turmoil and his best friend and brother are facing enemies at every turn.The evil he rejected is on the brink of destroying everything he knows and everyone he cares about. Either Xev embraces the savage inside himself that he’s spent centuries caging or he’ll be the last god ruling over a vacant, hollowed-out world.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Demons, Urban Fantasy

430 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2024

About the author

Official Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site

New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn

Fan Run International Sites:

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Soy Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon 

Dark-Hunter Spain 

Spanish

Reviews

[Alys Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. Getting the background on Xev and so many of the others. The fighting between good & evil is always great to read about. How someone can be born and raised evil but turn out so loving and caring.
This did make me want to go back and reread the whole series over again.

[Inês Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just special to me because I’m literally obsessed with Jaden and his sons. The lengths those men go to in order to protect their loved ones… even when that will prove to be an extremely poor decision. Gah. I love them all.

Jaden is such a softie inside and I will die on this hill.

[Scholar inArmor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy endings all over again.

Same as with Caleb's & Lilliana's book, this one had a happy ending after all. Xev & Myone got reunited with Jaden's help, and I loved it.

What I didn't like is the feeling of reading something that I have already read. This one had a lot of overlapping moments with Caleb's book. Also, I would love to see Xev & Myone chapters from the current timeline, after they get reunited.

We got a nice little insight into how Malachai were made, how badass Apollymi really is, and how awful Azura is. The parentages and siblings were discussed, which weren't something new for me because I keep detailed character bios to help me navigate this series.

What got me confused is that not all dragonkyn where directly born from Lilith, for example Max is mentioned, in his book, to be born from lilitu demoness and Adidiron, and in this book he is stated to be Shadow's real brother.

The next one is Simi, let's see what Sherrilyn McQueen is cooking for us with that one.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartbreaking and wonderful resolution to so many questions. I struggled reading as in many parts I lost interest. If only for my love of the series and spin offs did I finish this, I’m not sure exactly why but Savage just fell a little flat for me.

[LoLo Viveiros · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down. So Damn Good!!!
4.5 ⭐️’s

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough one to read. From the start Xev was treated like shit by his parents, then when he found someone who would care for him, they were killed in the most horrible way, often in front of him. It led him to be cynical. Even when he tried to do the right thing, he was often betrayed and kept away from those he loved. Sure there was a happy ending, but it was a long time coming, like centuries, not sure I would still be sane or nice if the same things happened to me.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one that I wished was a bit longer
This is Xev's story -
I warn you now his life was absolute shite

This was one of those reads that I kept trying to make last longer
This gave me so much background and insight into some of my favorite characters. We got to get to know Xev's family up close and personal
As well as how his relationship with Myone began

We get to be there when the betrayals began
How we got one Malachai and Seraphi
How they were created
How they were betrayed
So much packed into this release

As you expect from Kenyon this has it all and then some
Fast-paced storyline - Action packed - Angsty - Suspense - High Heat Romance - Forbidden Love - Family (by choice )

[Damon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, and had it come before the few most recent entries in the series then maybe I'd have been interested more. Unfortunately the last few additions to the Chronicles of Nick have been remarkably lackluster, and have really let me down. They tend to follow the same basic plot line, with so much happening simultaneously that it is difficult to keep track, at the same time that bad situations can be easily undone at the snap of a finger which begs the question of whether it was even worth exploring.

Filled with the same dialogue fellow readers have grown to expect, it wears quickly on you whenever the quippy one-liners are given during what are ostensibly moments of severe distress. In the middle of "intense" battle, they might joke back and forth or exchange full conversations. One can only suspend their disbelief for so long before it ruins the immersion of the story.

The books also has a "happy" ending suddenly thrust in within the last 10 pages, which makes arguably the previous 100 irrelevant - this is far from the first time these novels have done this.

Much like the last three or so books, I'd say that this entry suffers from the same issues - a complete lack of pacing, and an example of throwing ideas at a wall to see what sticks. I grew up with a love for the Chronicles of Nick and eagerly purchased each new book as it released, and I cannot think of a more bitter disappointment than seeing the quality of something I truly loved to read be driven so low.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much!
Loved seeing the first Malachi not full of hatred. Shows they can love and be happy. There is hope for Nick.
Loved seeing old friends. It's nice to be in this world again.

[KayLynn Zollinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My precious Xev. I loved him before and I love him even more now. He is just..good. And given who his parents are and how they treated him, it's pretty astonishing. This book fills in a lot of questions about history. Like...how the Malachai demons were created. If that had been revealed before, I didn't remember it. And holy shit. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think Jaden has redeemed himself in my eyes. I can't believe we're almost entirely through this series. I never ever want it to end.

Quotes
She really didn’t know what powers he possessed. Other than the ability to simultaneously annoy and charm her. He was amazing in that capacity.

“Some days you want to turn back and other days you need to just trudge forward. No matter what. No matter how much you want to stop.”

“I don’t know. I try hard not to think about the future. Hate the present enough not to care. You?”

Creatures who declared themselves superior or completely different from others were more alike than they were different. It didn’t matter their species or country. They all were veterans of this war, brothers and sisters of misery, who cried out for mercy when they were dying.

“Because no matter how old we are, there will always be a hole inside us that can only be filled by our parents. That wants their approval and love, even when we know they’re rotten pieces of shit who aren’t worthy of our devotion.” Xev set his sword aside. “That lingering, wounded part where you keep wondering what is so wrong with me that not even my own mother could love me.”

“I can’t explain to you the feelings I had when Jared was born. You think you hate them right now? It’s nothing compared to what you feel when you see your own child and you realize just how wrong they were for what they did to you. That’s the moment when you really understand that it wasn’t us. We were innocent babies, and we didn’t deserve them for parents. There’s something wrong with them that they couldn’t look at a baby and love it. Because I promise you, there is nothing on this earth I wouldn’t do to keep my son safe.

After all, family was chaos. It was fighting. It was important.
And it was everything.
No. It was the only thing.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daraxerxes/Xev/Xevikan prefers Xev. Born from Jaden god of light and Azura goddess of dark.
Michi servant to Inari, raised Xev since neither parent wanted him.
Half brothers Malphas/Caleb and Shadow, half sister Anat Laguerre, cousin Paimon, Lombrey Eternal death
aunt, Lilit, Cam, Braith/Apollymi, uncle Noir, Rezar
Kissare, father of Monakribos/Kyri, lover to Braith
Tisahn., Kuru. Myone Mimoroux/Sephiroth. deamon is also mother to Jared.

Welcome to the wonderful world created by a brilliant author that will grab you from page one and never let go. Her characters have depth and flaws, most are wounded in some way. Her plots are very diverse with action, suspense, drama, family dysfunction, mythology, betryal, and romance.

This is how the only one Malachai rule came about. Sephirii were to be limited. Where to start...Xev being made from hatred, betrayal, and drunkenness is abandoned at birth by both his parents. He was hidden by Michi in her den until Inari ordered his death, which Michi could not do. She turned him over to Azura hoping that since the dark goddess was still searching for him would be a good thing. Azura only wanted him to control Jaden, which didn't work. She abused, tortured, beat, and hated Xev.

Xev is befriended by Shadow and Malphas. The three backed each other as much as possible. Azura used Xev any way she could. Once he glimpsed Myone, that was it for him, she was his everything.

War, abuse, and bad parents can not keep Xev down. His story is heartfelt and dynamic. With all his ups and downs he just grabs you and you become part of his story from the get go.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where gods of light and darkness vie for power, Xevikan Daraxerxes has always walked a lonely path. Born from both realms, he has been shunned by all, leaving him to navigate centuries of isolation and the complex divine politics of his parents. Yet, Xev has managed to stay neutral—until now.

With the world in chaos and his closest friends and family under constant threat, Xev can no longer avoid the battle he’s tried so hard to distance himself from. The evil he once rejected is poised to destroy everything he holds dear, and Xev is forced to confront the dark power within him that he has spent eons trying to suppress. The choice is stark: embrace the savage force inside or watch as the world crumbles into a hollow shell under his lonely reign.

This continuation of the series, coming right after Caleb’s story, dives deeper into the rich and intricate universe that fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s "Dark-Hunter" series have come to love. The longer format allows for a more immersive exploration of Xev’s character, drawing readers back to the early days of the series where interconnected plots and complex relationships took center stage.

Xev's story is a compelling read that adds depth to the overarching narrative, blending the familiar elements of divine conflict with the personal struggle of a god torn between his nature and his desire to protect those he loves. For long-time fans, this book is a nostalgic yet fresh addition to the saga, leaving you eager to uncover more about this intricately woven world.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xev’s story has arrived! We have seen Xev a lot throughout the series, especially in the Chronicles of Nick. It’s definitely nice to get his origin story. Born of Azura and Jaden, neither wanted Xev in their lives. Yet Xev would be bound in a way to both. He is caught in a way between demons and the Sephirii. Forced to fight for one side but his heart belongs to a leader of the Sephirii, Myone. Myone sees the good in Xev from the beginning and it doesn’t take long for these two to fall in love. But their lives are never easy. Opposite sides of war, meeting in secret, the two long for the day there is no more war. And things only get more complicated when Myone gets pregnant. Their son, Jared, will shape so much of what is to come. We get more details in this book about this war that we know ended with so many deaths and betrayals. I loved getting to know Xev more and the history. I also feel a big need to do a reread since it has been so long since I’ve read all these stories. However, it is still a favorite world of mine and I can’t wait for the next book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Whispers From · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xev was born of light and dark and neither parent wanted him. Both are gods and the most evil. Xev was raised with evil but has good in him. He finds his brothers and they are united by one thing they share, hate for their parents. He falls for a Sepherii, Myone but it is forbidden for them to be together. Wars are breaking out and it is putting all the important people in Xev’s life against each other. Will it cause Xev to lose the most important people in his life?
I have absolutely no idea how to explain this. Excellent read. I have read most of the other books by this author but it’s been years since I read them. Fighting. Secrets. Betrayal. I don’t like how some of the dialogue runs together. But it was hard to put down.

[Lena Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Daraxerxes (better known as Xev) backstory. We get to see how he meets his brothers Malphas aka Caleb and Shadow. We get to know more about Jaden, Jared, Apollymi and so many more characters that I can't name them all here.

This story is filled with action, suspense, drama, betrayal, gods, demons, war, finding his one true love, and all the heartache he goes through. If you love reading the backstorys of characters and learning the mythology of the dark hunter world, then this is one you won't want to miss out on reading. It made me want to go back and reread the others too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Kenyon paints this picture of good and evil. But holy cow do all her heroes big and small have to have such tragic heartbreaking pasts? I love Xev though he was one of my favs in Nicks books. Cherise Gautier is the only wonderful parent in Kenyons books I swear all the other parents are just awful demons, gods or humans. Apollymi has her moments but dang what is wrong with these parents? Can one of her heroes just have a pet cat die of old age as the one and only tragic and traumatizing thing to ever happen to them? I know all these things build character and create the heroes they become but holy cow even Superman and Batman didn’t have this much happen to them.

[JazzRizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Xev's story is 90% rehashing what has come before in his perspective. There's a lot of the cut & paste vibes in this book. Yes, Xev's backstory is traumatic ... yes, his parents SUCK. There's literally one chapter of new information in this book. So, as long as you understand that this is just background info ... you'll probably enjoy this book. However ... if you were expecting this to continue where Sabotage left off ... you'll be severely disappointed.

In all honestly, this was very much like Caleb's Novella ... just with more pages.

I enjoyed it for what it was ... but in the grand scheme of the Chronicles of Nick ... it was pretty much a bunch of footnotes.

[Denette · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, it was Caleb who surprised me.

Now, Xev.

My heart could burst any moment due to profound joy.

The moment I got its electronic copy, I immediately devoured the book and finished it in one sitting. While reading, I couldn't help but reminisce on the side. I first met this loving and selfless immortal ten years and two months ago in Nick's CON book titled Illusion. I instantly fell in love with him.

Thank you, AG for giving him the HEA he so truly, madly, deeply deserved.

Now, I'm looking forward to Shadow and Jaden's books in the DH series.

Cheers!

[Jill Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

an enchanting return

This book was enchanting and endearing in its bloodshed, character development, and the twists and turns that never really have you trusting any of the characters. Not even Xev. I have been a fan of these books for years, I have read the entire dark hunter series, the deadman’s pirate series, the Ichidian universe series and every novella in between! While I was clamoring to see some more Acheron (as always!) I thought this was a fantastic return for the author! I’m excited to see what she has in store for with Simi’s book!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xev's story

Azura finds out that Lord Jaden wants nothing to do with the baby she bore him, so she banishes him. The Inari Michi finds him and raises him as her own naming him Xevikan. But years later Fate returns him back to the care of his birth mother Azura who cares nothing for him except as a tool.

The events and info found in the SoF book 2.5 novella ‘Last Christmas’ are also in her only from a different POV.

Fave scenes: Xev discovering his half-brothers, Jaden offering Xev to move in, Myone petitioning Apollymi about Xev and Jared & Takara.

[Sandra Jackson - Alawine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would be nice if everybody just had one name so I could keep the characters straight. Most of the plot we already knew but it was nice to see Xev's POV And boy have some of the characters changed. I also had to keep reminding myself that everything in this book took place centuries before Acheron was born. Acheron was the first book by Sherrilyn Kenyon I read.

[Carolyn Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited so long for more Chronicles of Nick. I am not sure where this series is going but that’s okay, I’m along for the ride. Well written, confusing and mind blowing. There were parts where I wanted to hurt someone, parts were I wanted to cry, parts that made me happy and an ending that made me question why I had never seen that coming. I loved this story for bringing back to mind the Dark Hunter and Nick books I inhaled as they were released.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as savage as the title says. You do not get the in depth details but you get the idea of what these characters go through and how some just live to be a tormentor. I advise getting the tissues out as it gets emotional. I felt the emotional pain of loss and the grieving. This author gives us this emotional roller-coaster in a book that is well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart breaks for Xev, Myone, Jared and all the rest trapped and tormented by the Primals. If ever beings needed to be put down like rabid animals, Azura and Noir qualify. This is a story to break your heart, give you a bit of hope and then stomp it flat. You are then picked up, brushed off and given a cuddle and hope is restored. Such a great book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

So powerful

Not an easy book to read. Not difficult to follow just the emotions are so powerful.
If you have not followed the multiple books in storyline you may not be as touched.
I am a longtime fan. Devour all the authors books.
I am thrilled by this origin like story.. it explains a lot of the characters in series.
I cried and laughed in parts and felt the pain in others.
Loved the ending.
Will remember this book and the emotions.

[Diana Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read, and I liked learning of what happened in Xev's past. While this does pertain to Nick's family and the story that has been going on in Chronicles of Nick, I am disappointed that the author has regressed into the past while hinting about the future. The next book in the series is Simi, come on!! Her story could be told in the main series...get to the meat of the series...how the story goes from teenage Nick, to adult Nick! Stop dragging it out

[S'mores · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending wasn't the best. Why kill Myone and then bring her back in the final pages? Definitely needed more. As far as I'm aware, Jared and Xev hadn't interacted in text since Xev was freed. Definitely needed a scene of them together, maybe more. The whiplash was way too extreme, at least with Last Christmas there was a break before she was through back
5 stars because Xev is my favorite character

[Shu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intriguing and frustrating read from the beginning. Our MC Xev has only known heartbreak after heartbreak and fights constantly for another way but does nothing to change his situation. The storyline looped around a few times and everyone constantly had their hands tied simply because of status quo. Frustrating to say the least.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! I am in turmoil!

Thru this entire rollercoaster Series, I have never felt so...conflicted. Family can be the be-all/end-all, or it can be the end of ...family. Zev's journey has been so horrible. So beautiful. So sad, wonderful, and conflicting. I love the back story of several beloved characters, but this was the most emotional, and SAVAGE, books so far for me. It's beyond heavy, but I needed to know. On to Book 5.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional, this one explains a lot of things fan have been wondering about. I wanted to reach into the pages so many times for Xev. I read it in one sitting. I had to know where it was going. An excellent addition to this great world the author has created.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.