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Vikingrune Academy #2
The Serpent's Shadow
I’ve been stolen from the academy I worked my entire life to get to…
Sometimes life is a real ass-kicker. I’ve been captured by the humans’ most hated enemy, the elves. They’ve been gone from Midgard for centuries, and now they decide to come back? Rude.
But hey, at least my magic finally decided to show up. Turns out I’m a pretty damn good runeshaper, too. All those countless hours of training without having magic at my fingertips really paid off.
Before being abducted by the pointy-ears, I made some brutal discoveries at The villains who destroyed my family name are closer than I thought; a vision showed me that maybe the elves aren’t the Big Bads of humanity, and the call is coming from within the house.
I came to the academy to execute a murderous plan… but then life happened. I met friends, lovers, allies, rivals. Now, I’ll do whatever I must to get back to them and warn them of the real threat against us all.
(The Serpent’s Shadow is book two in the Vikingrune Academy series. Things heat up in this paranormal romance, on the battlefield, in the bedroom, and everywhere else. Ravinica is strong, her men are dastardly, and the hits keep coming. Be sure to check the trigger warnings, please.)
Sometimes life is a real ass-kicker. I’ve been captured by the humans’ most hated enemy, the elves. They’ve been gone from Midgard for centuries, and now they decide to come back? Rude.
But hey, at least my magic finally decided to show up. Turns out I’m a pretty damn good runeshaper, too. All those countless hours of training without having magic at my fingertips really paid off.
Before being abducted by the pointy-ears, I made some brutal discoveries at The villains who destroyed my family name are closer than I thought; a vision showed me that maybe the elves aren’t the Big Bads of humanity, and the call is coming from within the house.
I came to the academy to execute a murderous plan… but then life happened. I met friends, lovers, allies, rivals. Now, I’ll do whatever I must to get back to them and warn them of the real threat against us all.
(The Serpent’s Shadow is book two in the Vikingrune Academy series. Things heat up in this paranormal romance, on the battlefield, in the bedroom, and everywhere else. Ravinica is strong, her men are dastardly, and the hits keep coming. Be sure to check the trigger warnings, please.)
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
81 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Kingmaker
29 books152 followersKC Kingmaker lives in San Diego and has been writing and reading fantasy and romance for years.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 23, 2024
YES so, I was so excited to jump back into this because of the way the first book ended. If you haven't read book one then please go back and do so before reading my review because I will be mentioning some stuff that happened at the end, okay? Okay.
As we all know, Ravinica's powers finally came in, three cheers for her and for Corym who made the whole thing possible!!! Ahem. The first third-ish of the book is spent on her learning how to use them and him teaching her. Not gonna lie, I could read about them training all day and never get bored.
Meanwhile, Grim, Magnus, Sven and the-one-I-still-haven't-forgiven (Arne), are searching for her. I felt their pain at being away from her, I really did. But worry not, they do find her, and all is well. For about five seconds.
It was nice to see her thriving once she got back to Vikingrune, and passing her exams with flying colours too. But of course, all is not as it appears.
How do I say this without spoiling...we learned that someone is related to someone else who is in turn related to a very important person which I actually thought might happen, but not exactly like that. I really want to see it explored more in the next book. Also, the fact that this happened AFTER the visit is criminal, I want my questions answered!!
We also learned that Ravinica might have more to her than everyone originally thought. Now I wanna know what that is AGH. I have some guesses, watch none of them be correct.
There's also the issue of trying to convince people that elves aren't actually the bad guys, but is it falling on deaf ears or are tides starting to turn? We'll have to wait and see.
Now, let's talk about Arne's grovelling. I require more!! That is not enough! But it's a start for sure. I know Ravinica's forgiven him, and okay I do feel a little bad for him because of that thing near the end, but hey, karma. He's still at the bottom of my list.
Sven may have carved himself a permanent spot right next Corym..I have no explanation, it just happened. The rest of the list is the same as it was before.
The ending was another cliffhanger, and I was honestly sitting there thinking it wouldn't be as bad, but then that character appeared and well...when is book three coming KC??
P. S. Eirik is still useless in case anyone was wondering. I'd name him the worst brother, but Ravinica does have one that's undoubtedly worse soooo second worst it is.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
As we all know, Ravinica's powers finally came in, three cheers for her and for Corym who made the whole thing possible!!! Ahem. The first third-ish of the book is spent on her learning how to use them and him teaching her. Not gonna lie, I could read about them training all day and never get bored.
Meanwhile, Grim, Magnus, Sven and the-one-I-still-haven't-forgiven (Arne), are searching for her. I felt their pain at being away from her, I really did. But worry not, they do find her, and all is well. For about five seconds.
It was nice to see her thriving once she got back to Vikingrune, and passing her exams with flying colours too. But of course, all is not as it appears.
How do I say this without spoiling...we learned that someone is related to someone else who is in turn related to a very important person which I actually thought might happen, but not exactly like that. I really want to see it explored more in the next book. Also, the fact that this happened AFTER the visit is criminal, I want my questions answered!!
We also learned that Ravinica might have more to her than everyone originally thought. Now I wanna know what that is AGH. I have some guesses, watch none of them be correct.
There's also the issue of trying to convince people that elves aren't actually the bad guys, but is it falling on deaf ears or are tides starting to turn? We'll have to wait and see.
Now, let's talk about Arne's grovelling. I require more!! That is not enough! But it's a start for sure. I know Ravinica's forgiven him, and okay I do feel a little bad for him because of that thing near the end, but hey, karma. He's still at the bottom of my list.
Sven may have carved himself a permanent spot right next Corym..I have no explanation, it just happened. The rest of the list is the same as it was before.
The ending was another cliffhanger, and I was honestly sitting there thinking it wouldn't be as bad, but then that character appeared and well...when is book three coming KC??
P. S. Eirik is still useless in case anyone was wondering. I'd name him the worst brother, but Ravinica does have one that's undoubtedly worse soooo second worst it is.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
October 20, 2024
* 4.5 stars
“The Serpent’s Shadow” is the second book in the Vikingrune Academy series, a series with a fascinating combination of epic fantasy and Viking lore. I love how this author manages to create multiple characters for whom it isn’t all that clear if they fall in the ‘good’ or ‘bad guy’ category. It doesn’t help that betrayal is common within this storyline, making it clear once again that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I love the twists and turns this creates in the storyline, leaving us guessing what some people’s next steps might be.
Another thing that can be said about this author, is that she always manages to create characters who are unapologetically themselves. It’s hard to call any of them good people, since they all have a side to them that can be classified as a red flag, and still I can’t help but like them. They need a true Viking woman like Ravinica to keep them in line though. Or at least as close to the line as possible…
This second book ends in a cliffhanger, and one where I’m really curious to see what book three will bring. Right now, I have no clue if the decisions Ravinica made were brave or naive, so only time will tell.
“The Serpent’s Shadow” is the second book in the Vikingrune Academy series, a series with a fascinating combination of epic fantasy and Viking lore. I love how this author manages to create multiple characters for whom it isn’t all that clear if they fall in the ‘good’ or ‘bad guy’ category. It doesn’t help that betrayal is common within this storyline, making it clear once again that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I love the twists and turns this creates in the storyline, leaving us guessing what some people’s next steps might be.
Another thing that can be said about this author, is that she always manages to create characters who are unapologetically themselves. It’s hard to call any of them good people, since they all have a side to them that can be classified as a red flag, and still I can’t help but like them. They need a true Viking woman like Ravinica to keep them in line though. Or at least as close to the line as possible…
This second book ends in a cliffhanger, and one where I’m really curious to see what book three will bring. Right now, I have no clue if the decisions Ravinica made were brave or naive, so only time will tell.
October 21, 2024
Picking up where book 1 left off at; we find Ravinica a "prisoner" with the Elves but during her "capitivity" she is learning how to become a better warrior and runeshaper (something she struggled with in book 1).
Ravinica knows that it is up to her to shift the atmosphere and prove that the Elves are not the traitorous beings everyone has been led to believe but that task is a large order and something she can't accomplish on her own.
In book 1 Ravinia was collecting mates like Pokémon and that continues in this book as well. This installment was heavy on the plot and spicier in the spice (we get a little MM action going on). We have mates seeking redemption, unexpected brotherly bonds/alliances developing.
War is coming and Ravinica and her guys are the ones needed to save their world and keep history from repeating itself but first she is going to need to take care of a little family business that has been left unsettled.
Ravinica knows that it is up to her to shift the atmosphere and prove that the Elves are not the traitorous beings everyone has been led to believe but that task is a large order and something she can't accomplish on her own.
In book 1 Ravinia was collecting mates like Pokémon and that continues in this book as well. This installment was heavy on the plot and spicier in the spice (we get a little MM action going on). We have mates seeking redemption, unexpected brotherly bonds/alliances developing.
War is coming and Ravinica and her guys are the ones needed to save their world and keep history from repeating itself but first she is going to need to take care of a little family business that has been left unsettled.
October 20, 2024
Takes place right after first book with Ravinica with the elves and her boys trying to find and rescue her.
A lot of revelations and secrets come out in this book. It’s very plot heavy like the first book, with even more heated smexy moments with Ravinica and her boys 😏 It was a good balance of plot and romance. There’s also redemption and forgiveness done in an interesting way…😏
Truly enjoyed the second book in this series. Lotsa of shady stuff happening in the background, and some things we learn that makes you keep reading, but have to wait till the next book to understand more.
That ending confused me a bit, but I look forward to the next book to understand more and learn more about who or what Ravinica is and of course more with her and her men!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A lot of revelations and secrets come out in this book. It’s very plot heavy like the first book, with even more heated smexy moments with Ravinica and her boys 😏 It was a good balance of plot and romance. There’s also redemption and forgiveness done in an interesting way…😏
Truly enjoyed the second book in this series. Lotsa of shady stuff happening in the background, and some things we learn that makes you keep reading, but have to wait till the next book to understand more.
That ending confused me a bit, but I look forward to the next book to understand more and learn more about who or what Ravinica is and of course more with her and her men!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 16, 2025
Oh, it’s good!
My, my but Ravinica is a busy woman! Making friends, making enemies, trying to get her magic to come to life…
And did I mention she seems to be collecting her own little harem as she plows her way through Vikingrune Academy? Well she is!!! And a hot harem it is! Bear shifter, wolf shifter, iceshaper and an undead!
She does manage to make her way into the records room where she discovers Magnus poring over books on his own journey of discovery. However what Vinci ends up discovering really knocks her for a loop!
There is a lot going on in this book, battles, discoveries, near death, more discoveries and elves!!
You don’t want to miss this one! I’m on to the next one. I need to see what calamity will befall her next-or what new discovery about herself she’s going to find.
My, my but Ravinica is a busy woman! Making friends, making enemies, trying to get her magic to come to life…
And did I mention she seems to be collecting her own little harem as she plows her way through Vikingrune Academy? Well she is!!! And a hot harem it is! Bear shifter, wolf shifter, iceshaper and an undead!
She does manage to make her way into the records room where she discovers Magnus poring over books on his own journey of discovery. However what Vinci ends up discovering really knocks her for a loop!
There is a lot going on in this book, battles, discoveries, near death, more discoveries and elves!!
You don’t want to miss this one! I’m on to the next one. I need to see what calamity will befall her next-or what new discovery about herself she’s going to find.
October 20, 2024
This book was amazingly done! I was hooked from the start. I really love a good story. This is the book 2 so I can't wait to read the third one. I couldn't stop reading this amazing story. I love a strong woman in the book. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 20, 2024
This is book two in the Vikingrune Academy series. Hooked again. Hard to put down. So much going on. Secrets, betrayal, violence, revenge, twists and turns, and lots of STEAM.
I’ve read all of this authors series. Always great storylines. Now I just have to wait for the next part of the story……
I’ve read all of this authors series. Always great storylines. Now I just have to wait for the next part of the story……
October 20, 2024
Talk about a page turner!
How do I even review this book without spoiling it?
KC Kingmaker is amazing at writing addictive why choose romances that keep you up wondering what’s going to happen next. This one is no different! I cannot wait for the 3rd book to find out what happens next!
How do I even review this book without spoiling it?
KC Kingmaker is amazing at writing addictive why choose romances that keep you up wondering what’s going to happen next. This one is no different! I cannot wait for the 3rd book to find out what happens next!
December 28, 2024
This series just keeps getting better and better.. the scenes... omg 🥵🥵🥵 especially the waterfall cave like wow... the twists and turns throughout this story truly captivates with every page turn... I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!!
September 19, 2025
excellent but frustrating
For a Viking girl with attitude, this girl makes some of the worst choices!! Steamy smexyness. Betrayal. Growing bonds. Worth the read. Recommend. 4 stars.
For a Viking girl with attitude, this girl makes some of the worst choices!! Steamy smexyness. Betrayal. Growing bonds. Worth the read. Recommend. 4 stars.
February 23, 2025
The story lost me and the heroine made too many stupid decisions.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews