A Legend of Shadow and Light

Shadowborn #3

by Jordan Lee

After opening the portal to the Unseen Vale, Owen and Colt find themselves in an unforgiving world of spirits and monsters. They have no choice but to fight to escape the spiritual realm where the dark god Mordren resides. Not only has Mordren been freed from his tomb, but he comes with a fury and vengeance unlike any other for the living world.

Upon reuniting with Brom, Owen and Colt take on an unlikely ally—the Core Wielder, Elian—which causes tension within their group. As they journey out of Vanhelm, they face not only monsters released from the spiritual realm but also dangers from their own world that force them to band together and fight to survive.

Just when they believe they’ve escaped harm, Mordren threatens to claim Owen for a sinister plan that spans centuries. With their world hanging in the balance, Owen and Colt must devise a plan to destroy Mordren or risk losing everything they’ve fought for—including each other.

In this epic conclusion to the Shadowborn series, a tale of redemption and love unfolds, showing the paths woven through shadow and light to reach it.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, LGBT, M M Romance, Queer, Romance, Gay

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Jordan's first love is high/epic fantasy. Throw in a love story and it's the perfect mix. Writing primarily MM Romantasy, Jordan loves tackling the emotions and hardships within characters, and delving into those deep parts of the mind that make us all who we are.

Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Jordan spends time with family, playing penny rummy, writing, reading, playing videogames, and walking on trails through nature.

Reviews

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

A Legend of Shadow and Light was the best book in the trilogy. The romance was spicy, the characters were still amazingly well-written, and the world building was vivid. And most importantly, it had a great conclusion to the story. If there was anything I would change it would probably be more fight scenes. The big battle happened a little too quickly for my liking.

[bookishmarcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

a perfect ending, is all i can say. Owen and Colt will forever have my heart.

[Kal Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

AH! It was the perfect ending to this series! I absolutely love Own and Colt! There's action, love in all forms, and a bit of spice. They go through hell, but they go through it together! It's heartbreaking and you will cry! But in all, it's a beautiful story.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I had HIGH expectations for this book, so the fact that it exceeded every single one is amazing (but I guess I’m not surprised)! There were so many times during the series that I wondered how it could possibly end, and now I can say it absolutely had the most satisfying and perfect ending. This series with its unique world, characters and plots, were all thought out and written so well, my only complaint is now I have to say goodbye!!! I’m so in love with Owen and Colt and the love they have. I could truly read another whole series just on their lives together living happily. It’s so rare for me to find a series that captures me the way this one did. I genuinely look forward to rereading the whole series again and again. Thank you to Jordan Lee for bringing me on this incredible journey that I never knew I needed!!!!

[meevreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Legend of Shadow and Light was a great conclusion to the Shadowborn trilogy.

This book takes us to the last stretch of Owen's journey as a Shadowborn. With the Gate now open and Mordren free, he must find a way to defeat him. But how does one even kill a god?

The pace picks up here as Owen, Colt, and their friends try to survive all the monsters that escaped the Vale, as well as Mordren and his lackeys, who need Owen to execute his plans.

I loved seeing Owen come into his power and gain confidence. The bond between him and Colt intensified in this book and it was cute to see Colt be down bad for Owen.

ALOSAL was really good. It did touch on some darker topics, so be mindful of the trigger warnings.
What I loved the most was how everyone came together at the end to fight against the common enemy. There were unexpected allies, old friends and family, strange creatures, and everyone played a part in the victory.

I'm so happy for the boys to finally get their happy ending. They truly deserved it!

*I have received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.*

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much to say about this! it was a good conclusion to the story and I enjoyed it well enough 🤭

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

writing this through tears. one of the best series i’ve read. praying on a nasty bump to the head so i can reread with no recollection

[Dana White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was very happy to finally start the third and last book in the Shadowborn series A Legend of Shadow and Light by Jordan Lee. This book was like a rollercoaster of emotion and had me on the edge of my seat at every chapter. If you haven’t read this series yet I highly suggest you read it or add it to your TBR. If you like slow burn romance, finding family in friends, touch him and die vibes as well was some added spiciness you’ll love this and if that’s not enough the world building, magic system and both internal and external battles are brilliant 💙

[Christina]

2.5 Stars

[C.J. Aralore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Legend of Shadow and Light by Jordan Lee is the epic conclusion to the Shadowborn trilogy, filled with danger, intrigue, romance, and impossible choices. It's the perfect ending to Owen and Colt's love story, revealing the answers to so many questions about the world around them as they draw closer even as fate is pulling them apart.

The story immediately picks up where A Saga of Wielders and Hunters left off. The shock and horror are right there, as fresh as the end of the last book. Then we're plunged immediately into the Unseen Vale, where spirits go after death and where a dark god who's blood gives Owen his powers resides. This begins the battle for belonging and the theme of being caught between two worlds, a world of shadow and light, fate and choice, hero and villain.

I've long felt the worldbuilding in this series is one of its best elements. It's so expensive, detailed, and intriguing. Everything feels believable because of this, even in such a fantasy setting. But, up until now, there were so many questions I had as well as suspicions that the version of history the Legion told wasn't the truth. Now we finally get to see the big picture and it's amazing.

Yes, I still love Owen and Colt and their ever developing relationship keeps me reading (like finally saying the L word!), but the way the world is fleshed out really makes this last book stand out. If you're like me, you've had a lot of unanswered question. Well, rest assured, they're answered! There's also a lot of resolution to various plotlines that makes it feel satisfying even before the final conclusion. And that expansion of their world into a bigger cosmic one added took my breath away! Just when I thought the world couldn't get any more interesting and expansive, I was proven wrong.

Another thing that stood out is how the characters aren't just going through all these dangers, but are feeling their impact. There's no shying away from the very real trauma they're suffering. Obviously, this can be hard because you care about the characters, but it's so important to show what they're going through, as you can't suffer what they have without the fears, doubts, and panic. So, know that these beloved characters will be changed by the events in the book. None of them are really the same as they were when you first met them, just like if they were real people.

And, something that I commented on in my review for book 2 came up a lot, which is the idea that Owen could be a villain. Without spoilers, let's just say you'll find out. Oh, and speaking of my last couple reviews, we get more of Elian's story and character progression, which is something I've longed for. There's also plenty more surprises I won't spoil. 😉

A Legend of Shadow and Light is a beautiful and powerful conclusion to one of the most epic love stories I've read so far. Whether you've read the first two books or are just getting started, I highly recommend this final book if you're a fan of fantasy and MM romance. Just be ready to feel some intense emotions, because this series delivers!

[Kyle Speilberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself unable to take many notes on this book, about half as many as the first and second. Reason being, I couldn’t put this book down long enough to take long, antiquated notes!

Seeing and experiencing this book was a privilege. Jordan Lee has a very interesting dark side that came through beautifully throughout the last entry of this series. Seeing the Unseen Vale was amazing - the twisted creatures, the malaise spirits, the spirits begging for help, all very mentally stimulating! Lore shined through this book from cover to cover: from the Unseen Vale, to the rituals, the God’s and their back stories, with a solid foundation of world building in the first two books! The short lived romantic distance between Colt and Owen after Colt proclaimed his love to Owen absolutely broke my heart for sweet Colt. This man has changed so much and has fallen so hard for this young man. It hurt my heart to see his love not be reciprocated in its entirety. However, understanding why Owen was unable to repay the feeling hurt even deeper. Owen’s sense of loss, his lack of experience from being so sheltered, and his deeply rooted depressive thoughts - it all made sense. These scenes where Owen was deep in a depression helped me connect with Owen, and pray to every god, old and new, wishing that Gilda was there to comfort and reassure him as a mother figure.

TW: Sexual Abuse - The absolutely horrible things that happened to Elian in the caves, by his captors was gut wrenching.

The ending was simply beautiful. Seeing Colt and Owen working together to take down Mordren - knowing that they were stronger together than separate, leaning on each other’s strengths and helping with their weaknesses, working together as a team. As the reader, I feel as though this helped Owen to see his worth in the world. Owen showed, even through pain, suffering, and chains he was still powerful - still worthy. Seeing the necessary changes happening within the Legion, the ask of Owen to step forward as a leader, was heart warming. Owen showing the common folk that Shadowborns & Astrans are people too and deserve to have mutual respect, and the fact that the resistance is now working with the Legion to help and heal people, were amazing parts of the story line. Seeing the people coming together, while still not 100% trusting of each other, to help and aid the people of the land was reassuring, hoping that they will continue down this path and spread to the other continents to spread peace.

Finally, Owen and Colt’s retirement plan to the Seaside, was the most beautiful part of this series. Colt surprised me in the end, having the gumption to present Owen with a ring, and vice versa, brought tears to my eyes that eventually rolled down my cheeks. The sweet, gentle, and slow moments of the last chapter were beautifully written and beyond needed to close this series out.

Thank you for an incredible series, one that I will never forget!

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've reached the end of our journey for Owen, Colt and friends.

For 3 long books we've seen Owen get constantly tracked and beaten down because of who he is and what power he holds. He's hunted down and is constantly running. Gathering new friends, finding out the hardest paths to travel are sometimes the safest and.... things aren't always what they appear.

Book 2 left us with a bit of gut wrenching cliff hanger and loss. One you feel along with Owen as the journey continues.

With every little bit of success the group finds... there is always something worse ready to rip it away.

We travel with Owen through book 3 as he comes into his own. He swells in his power, fear and longing for a settled life.

Of course we also get the sweet and romantic scenes we have been waiting all all through the series.

When the legends told are not fully what they appear, Owen has to decide who he wants to be and how he can save not only his himself... but his friends and the rest of the world.

This conclusion was extremely deep for me. Getting to change and grow with Owen and Colt on this journey has been painful but hopeful as well.
Character development for all characters was amazing. Storyline was very well done and actually corrected a lot of the god lore we got bits and pieces of throughout all 3 books. Introducing new characters, seeing old characters again and standing to fight a power the world has never seen before.

This epic fantasy comes to an end with everyone, including the reader, leaving with some bruises and growing pains. Redefining how the world handles and see Shadowborns is a harsh task, but Owen is one person who can show the world they aren't evil.

Overall, this was an absolute emotional end to the trilogy. You still feel just as tired and cold as the characters are they move through the world. Feeling just as heartsick and frustrated and of course melancholy.

If you are looking for a really rough journey of self discovery, friendship, traps, being hunted, being betrayed, travel and some romance in it... this trilogy is 100% for you.
This was a wonderful journey to embark upon with the characters. The writing was very well done and keeps you engaged and emotionally involved.

[Cynic530 · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was little that I enjoyed about this book, which is such a disappointment because I liked the first book in this trilogy so much.

This book was too long and repetitive. There was too much time spent on Colt’s backstory, which really detracted from the main storyline. Most of Elian’s storyline felt like needless filler. I disliked how naive and shortsighted Owen was, as if he had any chance against Mordren during their first encounter. His complete disinterest in trying to explore or figure out the clue to ending Mordren was frustrating.

I disliked the constant self-loathing and Owen’s turn towards masochism. I recognize he suffered a lot from his journey, and was heavily influenced by Rem and Mordren, but for me the extremes didn’t fit with Owen’s character. I also thoughts Mordren’s grand plan was ridiculous and it didn’t make any sense that Mordren could just substitute in Owen for the ritual.

I also think the way things were wrapped up regarding the new system of government and society’s views on astrans/shadowborn was unrealistic within the world the author created. I also hated that Owen just assumed that everything beyond the veil was fixed on its own without verifying the pathways to the afterlife were flowing again. Lack of follow through on that issue meant that all humans were likely destined to eternal limbo.

All of that being said, I was happy with the ultimate outcome for Owen and Colt. Even though the story was frustrating at times, Owen and Colt’s ending was rewarding. After having read the whole series, this is one of the few cases where I wish I had skipped the entire second book, and all of book 3 except for the epilogue. The epilogue alone pulled this book up from a 2 to a 3 star review.

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the perfectly done cliffhanger that was the second book, where I was left (pleasantly) confused and completely wrong about almost everything, this was the perfect way to wrap it all up. Even when I was, like, raging that they’d had enough shit piled on them and this wasn’t fucking Solaria and fucking Lionel couldn’t hurt me here, it was good as hell.

I will forever be head-over for Colt. He was the wind beneath everyone’s wings with his precious self. Always there to help and support. And Owen… While sometimes I wanted to yell at him to appreciate all of that love and support and to stop turning his damn nose up, he was still a sweetie sweetheart and drug that head right out of his ass and did the thing when all hope seemed lost.

This is why I enjoy fantasy so much. The possibility of each new world is staggering, and everyone has their own story to tell with magic and heroes. They are so much like fingerprints and I can always find something to love. Was everything exactly as I wanted it to be? No. Was the shit I would’ve wanted to see better (or any of other things folx can complain about)? Also no.

4/5. Elian deserved this book the most, I think. Hims was the best noodle. Rating for the need for some mighty TLC in the editing department. I wouldn’t mind more stories set in this world as it begins to repair itself. There are other countries and other babes in need of adventure and redemption The Big Fight and lurve, and y’all know it.

[R E · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there are times when the writing remains dreadful throughout this series (this includes strange word choices that don’t fit the context of a scene, the grammar of the sentence, and dreadful clichés), this final book of the Shadowborn Trilogy is largely successful and satisfying.

Aside from occasionally dreadful writing, the dialogue, descriptions and narrative voice is largely well-done; competent but not inspired. Care is taken with most paragraph structures so that everything flows smoothly; the book is easy to read. The author occasionally throws in a modern, colloquial expression, which can seem odd, but it’s fairly easy to immerse oneself in the storyline.

There’s a strange scene in the first half of the book that seems like it was thrown in for its gratuitous violence towards a character, with the violence committed becoming part of this character’s potential arc of redemption. The perpetrators seem to come out of nowhere, in terms of the plot; they’re totally unconnected to anything in the books main storylines outside of this road to redemption, and the whole scene is largely dropped in the last 40% of the book.

I’m torn about whether or not I’ll by the paperbacks for my library. If I do, they won’t be in a prominent place, especially with the antiseptic, sterile cover art. While the background environment is rendered well, the figures are like plastic cyborgs practicing fake, programmed intimacy.

[Alastair H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing ending to an incredibly emotional and magnificent fantasy trilogy! This one was the swan song for Colt and Owen and lived up to the expectations. Each installment has been more nail-biting and action packed than the last, with an enduring and powerful romance blooming throughout the pages.

Despite remaining on the edge of my seat (bed) for most of the book, and at times experiencing extreme stress and Colt and Owen fought for their HEA, I persisted and then at the end I definitely cried a little bit. Owen and Colt are finally happy and can rest. The ending was perfect and I need 2-3 business days to process my emotions. This really is a trilogy I highly recommend and think is completely worth the time commitment. Excellent ending.

[Alloro · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a shame to give only three stars. The best aspects of the book were undoubtely the darker atmosphere and seeing Owen and Colt dealing with the situation on their own for a good amount of chapters.

However, there are things that could have been done better. I have two problmes: Elian and the final fight. The thing happened to Elian wasn't addressed properly, only soon after it happened, but it gets forgotten once the group reaches the fort near Luthien. Regarding the final fight, it was a shame not having at least a POV from a member of the Legion or the Alliance, because it would have helped to see what was going on.

[book.opioid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I love Owen and Colt! This was a beautiful, satisfying ending to a wonderful series, easy to follow, and I just enjoy Jordan's writing style. And also props to the cover artwork for the entire series 👏
Give this series a go, aside from the violence and heavy themes, it's also cutesy. I also enjoyed that the steamy scenes weren't being relied on to carry the romance (as much as I wanted it to ofc 😉😉)

I look forward to whatever next from Jordan, and thank you for having me as an ARC reader 🤗

[Ryan Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Legend of Shadow and Light
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shadowborn trilogy:
Book one: A Tale of Whispers and Rogue
Book two: A Saga of Wilders and Hunters
Book three: A Legend of Shadow and Light

- This trilogy will forever have a place in my heart and on my book shelf. I fell in love with colt and Owen story; from the flirtatious disses to fighting the creatures of the night an unbreakable bond was bound. Very bittersweet moment. Shadowborn trilogy has easily became my comfort read. Thank you Jordan Lee for letting me read this book early. ♥️

[Marian Divilek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the last book. Owen and Colt love each other and fight for each other. I expected that the dark god would be released, but I was curious about what role the dagger would play. The outcome was great. Colt's character didn't disappoint, but it wasn't easy to read Owen's dark thoughts... A few open questions were patched quickly (e.g. the soul streams of the underworld, the new government in Luthien), probably because of the plot dynamics, but the story was crafted well and it was thrilling and full of emotions. Beautiful. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very special ending but consider trigger warnings at the beginning carefully….

I loved these characters and the deeply developed plot; however, I encourage people to carefully consider the warnings at the beginning. This book was very triggering for me in the way the main character is drugged and treated. I made it to the end. If it weren’t for the truly happy ending I would have not made it.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was something special 👏🏼 I love Owen and Colt sm!! They go through so much together and man, what a journey they've had over the trilogy. Their romance is so sweet and the spice is fab. Not only are our two leads great but the side characters are also wonderful-Brom and Gilda 🥺 and Elian! Soon good. Magic and world building are delightful. Big bad and the final battle felt a bit rushed but like I wouldn't complain too much-the end and epilogue were super satisfying.

[TayTay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAH! The PERFECT ending. I’ll never forget about Colt and Owen. This series touched everything I love so much about fantasy.

I finished the entire trilogy in 5 days. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and almost every second of free time was dedicated to it.

What an incredible journey. I anticipate MANY re-reads in my future. Wonderful.

[Andrea Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear worthy

I don't care how long it took the author to write this book. It is the best version they could have written.

To say everything is finished in a neat bow would be an understatement. The end to this trilogy is a finely tied tapestry.

[Manu Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day. It's that good. All characters finish developing nicely. Owen and Colt's relationship is truly worthy of being in a romance. Elian, while he is a horrible character in past books gets HUMBLED real quick. I liked his redemption arc, even if it was dark. I loved it.

[Michael Wolfson · Rating 4 out of 5]

fitting end

My one complaint about the series is the plot felt like it was one crisis after another. This book takes its time at the end to allow the characters to take a deep breathe and as a reader I really enjoyed it!

[Bexbookrex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

A Legend of Shadows and Light by Jordan Lee is a wonderful fantasy book and conclusion to the Shadowborn series. I loved everything about this series!
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Steam - 🔥🔥
Humor - 🤣🤣
Angst - 😭😭😭😭
Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Ryan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a conclusion! Seeing Owen and Colt off at the end of the book was so bittersweet but these boys will forever have my heart. However, special shoutouts need to made for the side characters who had some very satisfying conclusions. 4.5/5!!

[Mitternachts Albtraum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can‘t believe it‘s the end 😭 I loved the books and of course Owen and Colt ❤️ I will definitly read these books again.

[Pia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
What a perfect ending!
Owen and Colt went through so much together. They truly are soulmates, and nobody can tell me otherwise. That epiloge was just perfect for them.