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Shadow and Torment: Book One in the Ember Queen Series
321 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2024
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 15, 2024
3.5 rounded up for GR
Ember is a fae princess who has been raised to be quiet and meek, as royal women are only suitable to carry the next heir of the court. Being raised as a princess in the Zenith court, meant daily beatings for not being quiet enough, being only allowed to read and sew, zero contact with anyone but your abusive governess, and rationed to only one very small and plain meal a day. However, Ember’s hope is snuffed out even more when she is sold to the Solis court king to be his queen and heir maker. King Julian has already had several wives, and none have lived to tell their story. Ember knows little to nothing about her world, and she has rarely been showed kindness; however, that does not stop her from being kind to those around her. While in Solis court, she never speaks but develops a few friendships from her ladies in waiting and butler. These new friends help Ember escape the wrath of King Julian many times, but for a final time when it is learned that Ember can most likely not procreate according to an unseelie healer. As Ember runs away from Julian and the certain death that awaits her, she is transported to Umbra where the most gorgeous fae King Azarel is awaiting her.
Ember doesn’t stop learning once she touches Umbra, as she quickly learns everything she has ever been told was a lie, and they were attempting to stifle her magic. With Talia as her new best friend, Storm and Elias as her protectors and trainers, and Azarel as her king and new attraction, Ember’s entire life drastically changes. She learns about her magic, trains, and starts feeling a connection to the ancient dragon Ezekiel. Ember must go through many trials and learning curves as she learns who she is and how to control her magic.
I have a few pet peeves with fantasy novels, and one is training timelines. There tends to be a trend where females who grew up knowing nothing of magic or weapons become masters with it after only a few weeks of intense training. This book tries to extend that timeline, but not by enough which is why I took a star away. Ember learns how to control her magic and become this master fighter within four months while also recovering from a lifetime of being starved, malnourished and poisoned. She also goes from knowing nothing about unseelie or Umbra Arms, to feeling at ease with making commands. I do realize the reason behind all of this (without spoiling too much), but I did not feel the connection that was attempting to be made. I would have liked to see more time of Ember following Azarel on Umbra Arms business to learn that side of things.
I would have also loved to see Ember encounter more challenges and have to prove herself on her journey to Ezekiel’s chasm. I want to believe how strong and powerful Ember is, but there was more talk of it and her feeling the burn, then of showing it.
This story was interesting with a mix of fae, magic, dragons, and royalty. There is a sloooooow burn, with no spice, lots of friendship building, and a weak to strong main character. Even though it had a few of my fantasy irks, I did enjoy reading it, and am looking forward to the sequel. It was by no means disappointing. I loved the thought that was put into the design of Umbra and all the rooms of the houses and castles. It was easy to feel transported into this unique world. I am definitely awaiting for some more Ember and Azarel action!
Ember is a fae princess who has been raised to be quiet and meek, as royal women are only suitable to carry the next heir of the court. Being raised as a princess in the Zenith court, meant daily beatings for not being quiet enough, being only allowed to read and sew, zero contact with anyone but your abusive governess, and rationed to only one very small and plain meal a day. However, Ember’s hope is snuffed out even more when she is sold to the Solis court king to be his queen and heir maker. King Julian has already had several wives, and none have lived to tell their story. Ember knows little to nothing about her world, and she has rarely been showed kindness; however, that does not stop her from being kind to those around her. While in Solis court, she never speaks but develops a few friendships from her ladies in waiting and butler. These new friends help Ember escape the wrath of King Julian many times, but for a final time when it is learned that Ember can most likely not procreate according to an unseelie healer. As Ember runs away from Julian and the certain death that awaits her, she is transported to Umbra where the most gorgeous fae King Azarel is awaiting her.
Ember doesn’t stop learning once she touches Umbra, as she quickly learns everything she has ever been told was a lie, and they were attempting to stifle her magic. With Talia as her new best friend, Storm and Elias as her protectors and trainers, and Azarel as her king and new attraction, Ember’s entire life drastically changes. She learns about her magic, trains, and starts feeling a connection to the ancient dragon Ezekiel. Ember must go through many trials and learning curves as she learns who she is and how to control her magic.
I have a few pet peeves with fantasy novels, and one is training timelines. There tends to be a trend where females who grew up knowing nothing of magic or weapons become masters with it after only a few weeks of intense training. This book tries to extend that timeline, but not by enough which is why I took a star away. Ember learns how to control her magic and become this master fighter within four months while also recovering from a lifetime of being starved, malnourished and poisoned. She also goes from knowing nothing about unseelie or Umbra Arms, to feeling at ease with making commands. I do realize the reason behind all of this (without spoiling too much), but I did not feel the connection that was attempting to be made. I would have liked to see more time of Ember following Azarel on Umbra Arms business to learn that side of things.
I would have also loved to see Ember encounter more challenges and have to prove herself on her journey to Ezekiel’s chasm. I want to believe how strong and powerful Ember is, but there was more talk of it and her feeling the burn, then of showing it.
This story was interesting with a mix of fae, magic, dragons, and royalty. There is a sloooooow burn, with no spice, lots of friendship building, and a weak to strong main character. Even though it had a few of my fantasy irks, I did enjoy reading it, and am looking forward to the sequel. It was by no means disappointing. I loved the thought that was put into the design of Umbra and all the rooms of the houses and castles. It was easy to feel transported into this unique world. I am definitely awaiting for some more Ember and Azarel action!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Ember is a fae princess at the Zenith court who has been taught that women “must be seen not heard” and are only suitable for producing the next heir of the kingdom. When she is sold to the horrible King Julian of the Solis court, her only solace is the time spent with her butler and lady’s maids who eventually help her escape. Ember finds herself in Umbra where she is under the protection of King Azarel. For the next few months, she learns who she is with her newfound freedom and how to control her magic.
I love the journey Ember had to go on to gain her strength and how she uses her trauma to empower her and figure out her purpose. Her healing journey contributed to the very slow burn and no spice but the friendship formed between Ember and Azarel was adorable and started to get flirty towards the end.
I love the journey Ember had to go on to gain her strength and how she uses her trauma to empower her and figure out her purpose. Her healing journey contributed to the very slow burn and no spice but the friendship formed between Ember and Azarel was adorable and started to get flirty towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
This was a really great fantasy story. I always love when the main character has to go on a journey to find their destiny and get strength and confidence in themselves along the way and this one was no exception. I really loved how Ember started off as this naive girl who went through her fair share of trauma and was able to rise above it and grow strong throughout her journey. Would highly recommend this read. Thank you to Makayla Wheland and Nerdy Girls Collective for the ARC of this story.
July 9, 2024
The ages old tale of a princess learning her self worth and finding her strength. It never gets old and I absolutely love the trope so dang much. Ember is such an amazing character who slowly learns about the world and herself. She decides to not let her trauma destroy her but instead empower her to be the best. Must read!
April 14, 2025
I was reading the second half of this the entire time while on a road trip, thats how good it was! I couldn't put it down. The world building in this was great. I loved getting to know the characters. Ember just kept getting stronger and more confident throughout the story which made me proud. Excited to read Book 2.
May 22, 2025
I normally find no interest in the paranormal/fantasy books, but I was pleased with this. This is book one in a three part series. I definitely want to read book two and have actually already started it.
Ember is pure strength and I loved this character. She has plenty of experiences and growth that had me invested. I do enjoy a good journey to overcome book!!
Ember is pure strength and I loved this character. She has plenty of experiences and growth that had me invested. I do enjoy a good journey to overcome book!!
April 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, so much so have immediately started the second book. Characters that are easy to like (and some to dislike heartily too). Easy to read, definitely one I need a hard copy of to add to my shelf as will be reading this again.
April 2, 2025
Couldn't put this book down!!!
July 29, 2024
Wow. The world in this book is…amazing. I honestly really loved this. There were some things that didn’t sit well with me, but I really did enjoy this book.
This book follows Ember, and abused and tortured princess who is sold into a marriage that she knows she won’t survive. Well that is until she meets the Shadow King, who helps save her and heal her, mind, body, and soul.
This was a sweet story of a found family/chosen family and really did well, in my opinion, dealing with Ember’s trauma and her slow reeducation/shift in thinking. It also did a nice job in explaining what the world is like, and did it in a way that wasn’t just straight facts but more of a story. Very well written, and cannot wait to read book 2!
This book follows Ember, and abused and tortured princess who is sold into a marriage that she knows she won’t survive. Well that is until she meets the Shadow King, who helps save her and heal her, mind, body, and soul.
This was a sweet story of a found family/chosen family and really did well, in my opinion, dealing with Ember’s trauma and her slow reeducation/shift in thinking. It also did a nice job in explaining what the world is like, and did it in a way that wasn’t just straight facts but more of a story. Very well written, and cannot wait to read book 2!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews