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Court of Treachery: A Slow Burn Steamy Epic Romantasy
Crowns shatter. Realms burn. Inescapable passion ignites.Harper escaped with the captivating spymaster’s unexpected help, but she’s under no illusions. Dimitri has an agenda that threatens all she holds dear. If luck is on her side, they won’t meet again… so why does she still long to?
Dimitri vowed to raise a revolutionary. Instead, he finds himself bound to evil that seeks total dominion. Kingdoms will fall unless Dimitri twists his orders before it is too late.
Dimitri wants to save one person above all from the impending onslaught. Harper. However, fate’s hands play a fickle melody, drawing her towards the heart of conflict—and into his reach, but beyond his protection.
As realms burn, so too does romance between Harper and Dimitri. Pitted against darkness, can they stand together to fight—for the world’s salvation, and for theirs?Return to the Empire of Blood and Malice series in Court of Treachery to enjoy the second instalment of this unmissable adult romantic fantasy that fans of A Court of Mist and Fury, Fourth Wing, and Blood & Steel will adore.
This book was previously released as Court of Shadows in the Chronicles of Pelenor series. The series has been completely re-written with a steamy romance arc added, and every line remastered. Enjoy this bestselling series in even richer glory today.
Dimitri vowed to raise a revolutionary. Instead, he finds himself bound to evil that seeks total dominion. Kingdoms will fall unless Dimitri twists his orders before it is too late.
Dimitri wants to save one person above all from the impending onslaught. Harper. However, fate’s hands play a fickle melody, drawing her towards the heart of conflict—and into his reach, but beyond his protection.
As realms burn, so too does romance between Harper and Dimitri. Pitted against darkness, can they stand together to fight—for the world’s salvation, and for theirs?Return to the Empire of Blood and Malice series in Court of Treachery to enjoy the second instalment of this unmissable adult romantic fantasy that fans of A Court of Mist and Fury, Fourth Wing, and Blood & Steel will adore.
This book was previously released as Court of Shadows in the Chronicles of Pelenor series. The series has been completely re-written with a steamy romance arc added, and every line remastered. Enjoy this bestselling series in even richer glory today.
- GenresFantasy Romance
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cowley
60 books202 followers✒️ Romantic Fantasy with courageous heroines, protective heroes, and endearing found families to sweep you away... ✨️
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 11, 2024
This was an exciting sequel! It started off a bit slow since Aedon, Harper and crew are just basically going to go do their own thing until they have a run in with goblins and Ragnar is taken, and now they have to rescue him.
But of course there are people working against them, evil that is afoot and they have to try to convince the dwarves to help. While Dimitri is trying to fix his mistake and failing.
I loved learning about the crew some more and also seeing how Harper handles things. She was okay in the first book and I think she’s starting to grow more on me. She still seemed contradictory and still confused about her feelings or what she wanted, but by the end, I think I’m starting to accept her more.
I adore Dimitri even more in this sequel. Here is a flawed personal who just wanted to do their own thing right thing. He chose the wrong route, is owning it and now is trying to fix it without getting himself and those he cares about killed. His arc is spot on and I’m loving it and wanting more of it.
The romance is also very well done. It had some repetitive moments and repetitive conversations at times, but the tension, THE TENSION, was so so good. I felt that tension and was waiting for it to explode into finally something more.
There are some twists in here and towards the end it didn’t go the way I expected which is great because it made the story more intriguing for me and is compelling me to read the next book….once it comes out 🤣
Truly recommend this series. It’s a great start with the first two, and I’m curious to see how it continues now!
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But of course there are people working against them, evil that is afoot and they have to try to convince the dwarves to help. While Dimitri is trying to fix his mistake and failing.
I loved learning about the crew some more and also seeing how Harper handles things. She was okay in the first book and I think she’s starting to grow more on me. She still seemed contradictory and still confused about her feelings or what she wanted, but by the end, I think I’m starting to accept her more.
I adore Dimitri even more in this sequel. Here is a flawed personal who just wanted to do their own thing right thing. He chose the wrong route, is owning it and now is trying to fix it without getting himself and those he cares about killed. His arc is spot on and I’m loving it and wanting more of it.
The romance is also very well done. It had some repetitive moments and repetitive conversations at times, but the tension, THE TENSION, was so so good. I felt that tension and was waiting for it to explode into finally something more.
There are some twists in here and towards the end it didn’t go the way I expected which is great because it made the story more intriguing for me and is compelling me to read the next book….once it comes out 🤣
Truly recommend this series. It’s a great start with the first two, and I’m curious to see how it continues now!
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 7, 2024
An excellent, well written fantasy. The pages are filled with action, death power and intense love scenes. I couldn't read it quick enough and having reached the end, I'm left wanting more. Highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2024
Meg Cowley’s reimagined sequel to Heart of Shadows. Is everything that you want in epic fantasy — rich plot, solid character development, the promise of a steamy romance to come, and the emotional trainwreck of a cliffhanger.
I loved getting to return Harper, Dimitri, and the rest of the game. Both Dimitri and Harper has fantastic character development in this book that takes you from who they are as individuals in book one and really gives you a new side to each of them. Harper goes from a more timid and questioning characters to somebody who is really coming into her own. Dimitri from a villainous character to a humbled character who is learning from his previous mistakes, and also learning to grow as he starts to care more deeply for other characters involved in the story. I also loved this insight into their relationship. It really just added something extra to the story. Meg added the Slice and Steam that was absolutely necessary to dry you in to who they are as a potential couple.
As for the plot now that our resident, big, bad villain has officially gotten his moment. He rises wreak of havoc on Pelenor. Alliances are made and destroyed. Enemies become allies. Allies become estranged. Violence and terror ensue. Makes us a really great job of balancing the deepening and darkening plot with the emotional romance. It really boils into the last 20% being a book crash. You know it’s gonna happen and you don’t wanna happen and you can’t look away.
I am so excited to see where Meg takes Book 3 of the series. Especially as we realize that the villain of the story has someone controlling him and things are about to get a whole lot worse. I’m also excited to get insights into characters who are now officially on the run as well as some characters who are officially trapped Under the thumb of the villain—quite literally.
Meg Cowley’s Court of Treachery is epic fantasy at itself finest.
I loved getting to return Harper, Dimitri, and the rest of the game. Both Dimitri and Harper has fantastic character development in this book that takes you from who they are as individuals in book one and really gives you a new side to each of them. Harper goes from a more timid and questioning characters to somebody who is really coming into her own. Dimitri from a villainous character to a humbled character who is learning from his previous mistakes, and also learning to grow as he starts to care more deeply for other characters involved in the story. I also loved this insight into their relationship. It really just added something extra to the story. Meg added the Slice and Steam that was absolutely necessary to dry you in to who they are as a potential couple.
As for the plot now that our resident, big, bad villain has officially gotten his moment. He rises wreak of havoc on Pelenor. Alliances are made and destroyed. Enemies become allies. Allies become estranged. Violence and terror ensue. Makes us a really great job of balancing the deepening and darkening plot with the emotional romance. It really boils into the last 20% being a book crash. You know it’s gonna happen and you don’t wanna happen and you can’t look away.
I am so excited to see where Meg takes Book 3 of the series. Especially as we realize that the villain of the story has someone controlling him and things are about to get a whole lot worse. I’m also excited to get insights into characters who are now officially on the run as well as some characters who are officially trapped Under the thumb of the villain—quite literally.
Meg Cowley’s Court of Treachery is epic fantasy at itself finest.
November 26, 2024
Dimitrius, spymaster to King Toroth of Pelenor has unleashed a great evil on Pelenor, his beloved city, when he brought the powerful and most evil of sorceror's back to life after 500 years. Now he finds himself doubting his actions, as he had never intended harm on Pelenor, and he had thought that Saradon would have his same good intentions for the beloved country. However Saradon had come back with vengeance in mind and had no intention of bringing peace and prosperity to Pelanor. Furthermore Dimitri had helped Harper escape from the King's palace, however now he finds her in great danger once again, and though she is the only person he really cares about he is unable to help her, as he is as much in thrall of Saradon as she is. Harper, Aedon, Brand and Erika end up aiding the dwarfs beneath the mountain in a massive battle against the horde of goblins who were Saradon's allies, and the fight is relentless. Harper also finds herself unable to stop thinking of Dimitri, she is the only one who sees a good side to him, all her friends hate and fear him. She learns so many things about herself and her past, the secrets overwhelm her but she is courageous and loyal to her friends even at the cost to her own life. I love this enemies to lovers, slow burn 2nd book in this powerful series and I am really happy to finally get to see the love story of Harper and Dimitri unfold. I look forward to the next book in this heartstopping series.
January 17, 2025
With Saradon back, the realm is on a path of chaos and destruction. Unrest, failing economy, uncertainty, fading magic. The king is losing his kingdom, while the spymaster is involved in the deep, tangled web of lies and machinations that cost countless lives - more and deeper than he would wish. Harper learns the truth about her origins and legacy - although she would wish it rather remained a mystery. The bloodthirst of goblins and Saradon's revenge are driving force of the darkness that is coming, and nobody seems to be able to find a way to stop him... maybe not even the group of misfits and unlikely allies that travel together.
Although the romance is slow burn, the pace of the story is far from it. The story is rich, complex, and intricate, with fully developed history, background, politics, and world building. Magic and dragons are breathing life to the story, although the most prominent dragon in the book is only a remnant of the past, an active memory. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, their masks, hard surfaces, and true hearts. I very much enjoy the dynamics and chemistry between Harper and Dimitri, and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming battles and challenges.
Although the romance is slow burn, the pace of the story is far from it. The story is rich, complex, and intricate, with fully developed history, background, politics, and world building. Magic and dragons are breathing life to the story, although the most prominent dragon in the book is only a remnant of the past, an active memory. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, their masks, hard surfaces, and true hearts. I very much enjoy the dynamics and chemistry between Harper and Dimitri, and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming battles and challenges.
November 25, 2024
The Court of Treachery picks up where Heart of Shadows leaves off. In this book, characters become so very well defined. The relationship between Harper and Dimitri intensifies but leaves them both still tortured by the choices they have made and will have to make in the future. The twist in Harper's identity sets up an interesting plot line, one that makes her life more dangerous than ever. I especially enjoyed the expanded look at Aedon, who he is, what he stands for, and the obstacles he must overcome. The descriptions are lush when needed, and scary when the evil Saradon is on the scene. Meg has set in motion an emotional tale, expanded in the most important ways, as we can put ourselves in the story, cheer for our heroes, and cringe at evil. Can’t wait for this to continue!
I did receive an ARC of this riveting book.
I did receive an ARC of this riveting book.
December 4, 2024
This is a phenomenal story. I love that each chapter takes you deeper and deeper into the world of Harper and her companions. Discoveries are made. A spark of romance between Harper and the spymaster Dimitri. We learn about her past and what happened to her before she was catapulted to the fae lands of Pelenor by the dragon heart .
The story line is well thought out. Action and suspense.
I love how Harper tries to save her friends and what happens to her because of it. Dimitri tries to protect her as best as he can. Especially from Saradon who he is bonded to obey.
We also learn a little more about her companions, Brand, Ragnar Erika and Aedon. Each play a vital role in her life now. I loved the twist with Erika and her.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line is well thought out. Action and suspense.
I love how Harper tries to save her friends and what happens to her because of it. Dimitri tries to protect her as best as he can. Especially from Saradon who he is bonded to obey.
We also learn a little more about her companions, Brand, Ragnar Erika and Aedon. Each play a vital role in her life now. I loved the twist with Erika and her.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2025
Cowley is amazing as an author. She has found a way to represent multiple characters and their development so it's like I know them...as if I'd sat down to dinner with them and learned their life story.
Dragons, Dwarfs, Magicians, Humans, etc. they are all part of the writing with a lot of intrigue and mystery thrown in. Harper is a fantastic protagonist and when she is clueless it's like I feel I am her, wandering around in self-doubt, struggling to learn how to use magic, and yet knowing I can effect a positive change against the bad guys.
Definitely a fast paced read and full of twists and turns. I'm excited to read the next book when it comes out. I know it will be as fantastic as the first two!
Dragons, Dwarfs, Magicians, Humans, etc. they are all part of the writing with a lot of intrigue and mystery thrown in. Harper is a fantastic protagonist and when she is clueless it's like I feel I am her, wandering around in self-doubt, struggling to learn how to use magic, and yet knowing I can effect a positive change against the bad guys.
Definitely a fast paced read and full of twists and turns. I'm excited to read the next book when it comes out. I know it will be as fantastic as the first two!
January 31, 2025
So we pick up where we left off in this amazing fantasy read. The author captivates us once again as we head off back into this incredible world and rejoin Harper and Dimitrius. A fast paced and action filled journey awaits us as Sarandon is back and mayhem, chaos and destruction reign down. Darkness is coming as we learn more about Harper and her background as well as watch the slow burn romance slowly progress on. It’s an exciting and enthralling fantasy read brimming with magic, dragons, elves and goblins, that has you glued to the pages from start to finish with Incredible world building, a thrilling and captivating storyline and wonderful characters.
January 1, 2025
Great second instalment in the series. Sarandon has been awakened and we’re left wondering what will happen to Dimitri, Harper and her companions. There’s some superb world building, drama, excitement and peril for our protagonists as events unfold. Loved following Harper as she discovered more about herself and her past. The slow burn of her feelings towards and interactions with Dimitri were well written, as was her connection with Aeodon. I’d read the original version of this book and absolutely love this re-written version – it’s different enough to feel like a new book which I found so much more enjoyable. I’d call it an intelligent romantasy.
January 29, 2025
I love this series. Harper is a wonderful character, flawed, human, and loyal, which describes her friends as well. Dimitri has made his bed with Saradon and now regrets it. Things are looking bad and Saradon is taking over.
The book is dark, but I like the interplay between the characters and their hope of a better future. The story is exciting and suspenseful. Can't wait for the next book!
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
The book is dark, but I like the interplay between the characters and their hope of a better future. The story is exciting and suspenseful. Can't wait for the next book!
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
April 11, 2025
An exciting and engaging sequel. Harper���s friendships with Aedon, Brand, Erika and Ragnar deepen and we learn of the many layers that make up Dimitri. You can expect action, suspense, good/bad/gray morals, and romance.
Saradon and his evil plots really picks up steam now, while Harper makes a couple horrible decisions based on good decisions and binds herself to him. Now it’s Dimitri and Harper against the world from the inside while her friends work from the outside.
Saradon and his evil plots really picks up steam now, while Harper makes a couple horrible decisions based on good decisions and binds herself to him. Now it’s Dimitri and Harper against the world from the inside while her friends work from the outside.
January 29, 2025
I don't usually give 5 stars to books that do not stand alone but this is such an exciting and well written continuation of the story that it makes me want to get to the next episode as soon as possible.
January 29, 2025
This is the second book in the series that manages to deliver what the first served. More lying and betrayals have come to light, so have new hopeful paths. Filled with action, adventure and hope, The Court of Treachery will emerge you into a dark fantasy realm that is not for the faint of heart.
November 26, 2024
This is a great read for adults not teens. Meg is a great with lots of depth to her writing. Enjoyed it immensely.
January 29, 2025
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Meg Cowley's books and Oh My! This one does not disappoint! Court of Treachery picks up where book 1 ended. Once I got started, I could not put this book down.
Saradon's [evil] plan comes to fruition. Is Dimitrius bad or just misunderstood? All of the characters are more fully developed. Aedon's back story is revealed. Dimitrius and Harper's relationship comes to a head. And, there is some STEAM! Whew! I definitely recommend Court of Treachery and look forward to book 3.
I received an ARC for review, but this review is voluntary.
December 1, 2024
The story continues with Harper, who escaped with the help of a captivating spymaster, Dimitri. However, Dimitri has his own agenda that threatens everything Harper holds dear1. As they navigate treachery and revolution, an inescapable passion ignites between them. Pitted against darkness, they must decide if they can stand together to fight for the world's salvation and their own. As they navigate a world of political intrigue and looming revolution, amidst the brewing conflict and dark forces, a slow-burn romance ignites, weaving together themes of betrayal, duty, and desire. The book masterfully balances action, dark fantasy, and steamy romance, making it an exhilarating read for fans of epic romance.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews