What do you think?
Rate this book
Of Shadow and Argent: Echoes of Darkness Book I
I thought I knew who I was—a simple Elemental, content in my quiet corner of Mysthaven, where the only battles I fought were against the elements themselves. But when the night came alive with fire and fury, everything I loved was ripped away. My home lies in ruins, my family has vanished, and I’m left alone to navigate a world far darker than I ever imagined.
They say destiny has plans for me, but I never asked for this. As I journey through a land where danger hides in every shadow, I’m forced to become something I never wanted to be. Power, it seems, comes with a price, and the path I must walk is one of trials and secrets—secrets that could unravel the very fabric of Mysthaven.
Of Shadow and Argent is the story of my search for the truth, of the choices I never wanted to make, and the unseen forces that now shape my life. In a world where nothing is as it seems, I’m left to question who I can trust and who I am meant to be.
But one thing is I will find my family, no matter the cost. The question is, what will I become in the process?
They say destiny has plans for me, but I never asked for this. As I journey through a land where danger hides in every shadow, I’m forced to become something I never wanted to be. Power, it seems, comes with a price, and the path I must walk is one of trials and secrets—secrets that could unravel the very fabric of Mysthaven.
Of Shadow and Argent is the story of my search for the truth, of the choices I never wanted to make, and the unseen forces that now shape my life. In a world where nothing is as it seems, I’m left to question who I can trust and who I am meant to be.
But one thing is I will find my family, no matter the cost. The question is, what will I become in the process?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2024
6 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 6, 2024
I have a hard time rating this.
Honestly the story is really good. it’s faced paced and has a lot of action and interesting elements.
But truth is I’m struggling with things aswel. The characters don’t feel really consistent and the whole thing feels a bit chaotic and rushed. Relationships that aren’t fully explored and not enough depth in some characters that takes away from really being invested when they die or when betrayal occurs.
Some thing could’ve had some more explaining aswel.
It’s not a bad story, not at all but there’s definitely room for improvement. The story is interesting enough to make it an enjoyable read nevertheless.
Honestly the story is really good. it’s faced paced and has a lot of action and interesting elements.
But truth is I’m struggling with things aswel. The characters don’t feel really consistent and the whole thing feels a bit chaotic and rushed. Relationships that aren’t fully explored and not enough depth in some characters that takes away from really being invested when they die or when betrayal occurs.
Some thing could’ve had some more explaining aswel.
It’s not a bad story, not at all but there’s definitely room for improvement. The story is interesting enough to make it an enjoyable read nevertheless.
January 12, 2025
Romantasy at its Best!
Oh I absolutely FLEW through this book. It was so much fun to read. The characters were wonderfully done. Wicked plot twists keep you guessing. And the spicy tension was maddeningly good!! Cannot WAIT for the next book. 🔥🔥🔥
Oh I absolutely FLEW through this book. It was so much fun to read. The characters were wonderfully done. Wicked plot twists keep you guessing. And the spicy tension was maddeningly good!! Cannot WAIT for the next book. 🔥🔥🔥
August 29, 2024
Of Shadow and Argent
Rating: 5 stars
WOW, this book messed with my feelings!! The plot twist halfway the book, the feelings, all the feelings!! It left me with goosebumps all over and tears streaming down my face!! This one of my best reads this year, by far!! Marianne did something not many writers accomplice anymore for me, she gave me a surprising plot with twists I really didn’t saw coming.
The story revolves around Nyaxia a badass FMC and her past that is unknown to herself, but has a great influence to her own future as that of others. This book had a lot of characters, but every single one is well written and interesting, and left me curious and infested in their future.
And then there is world building. I saw the world building of this book as the stepping-stone it is for the rest of the series. I can understand that for people who aren't into fantasy with heavy world building, this isn't the series for them. But for people (like me) who loved heavy build fantasy worlds like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and even ACOTAR this is a wonderful beginning of the series.
The romance in this book isn’t fast, but its also not slow, but I don’t want to tell too much about it. Only that I felt very infested in the love life of Nyaxia and got frustrated and happy and felt all the feelings. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the rest of the series! But rest assured that it will be total and other chaos, because she checked the box and gives you the sweet and insane making “last 100 pages syndrome”(if you know you know). And that my beautiful people is what make the writing style of Marianne so good.
Rating: 5 stars
WOW, this book messed with my feelings!! The plot twist halfway the book, the feelings, all the feelings!! It left me with goosebumps all over and tears streaming down my face!! This one of my best reads this year, by far!! Marianne did something not many writers accomplice anymore for me, she gave me a surprising plot with twists I really didn’t saw coming.
The story revolves around Nyaxia a badass FMC and her past that is unknown to herself, but has a great influence to her own future as that of others. This book had a lot of characters, but every single one is well written and interesting, and left me curious and infested in their future.
And then there is world building. I saw the world building of this book as the stepping-stone it is for the rest of the series. I can understand that for people who aren't into fantasy with heavy world building, this isn't the series for them. But for people (like me) who loved heavy build fantasy worlds like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and even ACOTAR this is a wonderful beginning of the series.
The romance in this book isn’t fast, but its also not slow, but I don’t want to tell too much about it. Only that I felt very infested in the love life of Nyaxia and got frustrated and happy and felt all the feelings. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the rest of the series! But rest assured that it will be total and other chaos, because she checked the box and gives you the sweet and insane making “last 100 pages syndrome”(if you know you know). And that my beautiful people is what make the writing style of Marianne so good.
November 8, 2024
Word cannot describe how much i loved this book honestly just wauw!
Not only did it completely broke my heart in a million pieces (i will probably never recover from that thank you😭) it also just completely ruined me for any other book😭
This storyline was amazing it had everything i needed in a good romantasy!! It constantly kept me on my toes i just COULD NOT put it down and omg shes the queen of just keeping up suspense in there!
The characters let me just say i have never felt more connected to anyone then I’ve been able to with the FMC of this book! She wrote her so real and i just absolutely love and admire her! Everything shes been trough and still kicking ass and doing all she can to protect those she loves shes honestly just such a badass and an inspiration!
And dont even let me get to Raze 🫠🫠🫠
I will no longer accept human bf’s only night howlers 🙌🏻
This book was absolutely perfect and if you love books like sarah j maas, CN Crawford and fourth wing this is absolutely your must go to!
~ “Oh no, Little Thorn, this is just the beginning.”
🥀Tropes🥀
✨Magical creatures
✨Reluctant Hero
✨Chosen one
✨Deadly trials
✨Enemies to lovers
Not only did it completely broke my heart in a million pieces (i will probably never recover from that thank you😭) it also just completely ruined me for any other book😭
This storyline was amazing it had everything i needed in a good romantasy!! It constantly kept me on my toes i just COULD NOT put it down and omg shes the queen of just keeping up suspense in there!
The characters let me just say i have never felt more connected to anyone then I’ve been able to with the FMC of this book! She wrote her so real and i just absolutely love and admire her! Everything shes been trough and still kicking ass and doing all she can to protect those she loves shes honestly just such a badass and an inspiration!
And dont even let me get to Raze 🫠🫠🫠
I will no longer accept human bf’s only night howlers 🙌🏻
This book was absolutely perfect and if you love books like sarah j maas, CN Crawford and fourth wing this is absolutely your must go to!
~ “Oh no, Little Thorn, this is just the beginning.”
🥀Tropes🥀
✨Magical creatures
✨Reluctant Hero
✨Chosen one
✨Deadly trials
✨Enemies to lovers
November 6, 2024
I honestly wish I had this book in my early 20s! Nyx is badass, doesn't take sh!t from anyone, and has awesome shadow powers.
In this book, not only boys and young men get to be powerful chosen ones and go on fantasy adventures while girls and women wait to be rescued. Actually, if you even implied that that's how stories go, Nyx would have you bleeding out on the ground before you could finish your idiot thought.
This is a fantasy debut written by a badass woman for other badass women. You get non-stop adventure, plot twists, badass side characters and female friendships. Also, not a little (MF) steam. Not everything may be as it seems, but you might not guess what or why.
The book ends in a cliffhanger but the next one's not far behind! If The Gilded Ones was your book, I think you might enjoy this one too.
In this book, not only boys and young men get to be powerful chosen ones and go on fantasy adventures while girls and women wait to be rescued. Actually, if you even implied that that's how stories go, Nyx would have you bleeding out on the ground before you could finish your idiot thought.
This is a fantasy debut written by a badass woman for other badass women. You get non-stop adventure, plot twists, badass side characters and female friendships. Also, not a little (MF) steam. Not everything may be as it seems, but you might not guess what or why.
The book ends in a cliffhanger but the next one's not far behind! If The Gilded Ones was your book, I think you might enjoy this one too.
November 24, 2024
I am absolutely enamored with this book!
I have read many fantasy/romantasy books, but this is by far on my top three. The author truly has a way with words, and her characters managed to pull me alongside them on their journey, and the FMC's portrayal was so realistic and relatable.
This book had everything one might need; emotion, lore, heat and humor. I was swept away by every scene, not bored for a moment, and Marianne Grey has officially cemented herself in my auto-buy authors list.
I have read many fantasy/romantasy books, but this is by far on my top three. The author truly has a way with words, and her characters managed to pull me alongside them on their journey, and the FMC's portrayal was so realistic and relatable.
This book had everything one might need; emotion, lore, heat and humor. I was swept away by every scene, not bored for a moment, and Marianne Grey has officially cemented herself in my auto-buy authors list.
October 12, 2024
This book is phenomenal. It starts with a beautiful dedication that I am sure a lot of people are going to resonate with. Then the story itself starts off fast paced dragging you into the world before you even know what is happening. So many questions start to form but you know you are safe in the author's hands to just go along with the ride and see how the story unfolds. The FMC is a strong willed character who is so stubborn it is funny as it makes her very relatable. She is also riddled with anxiety and a dark inner voice which really resonated with me as I also suffer with those things so it helped create that important empathetic link between the character and myself. You do not realise though just how strong that link is until you encounter a certain character who is an absolutely vile character and you just feel such an intense rage because of how he is with the FMC. The book has beautiful representation for most sexual orientations and also has plenty of queer rep which is nice to see. The two mentors are such contrasting characters and you get attached to them very quickly especially as the FMC becomes more attached to them. The author has you laughing out loud with some parts but the author leads you into a false sense of security as the rug is ripped out from under your feet and you are then rolled up in it and tied up and rolled down a hill so you no longer know which way is up. There are so many twists and turns that will break you but then you're patched back up again and just when you think the worst is over, you get hit over the head with another twist that blindsides you and another, by the time you get to the end you are tentative to assume anything. Then it ends on a massive cliff hanger that forcibly rips your soul out of your body and has you staring into nothingness for a while yet you want to know what happens next. I cannot wait for the 2nd book as I need answers. This book is so worth the read.
January 25, 2025
General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ Of Shadow and Argent by Marianne Grey (@authormariannegrey), is the first book in her Echos of Darkness dark high fantasy series. ✨✨✨
Dedication:
For those who feel like they don’t fit in this world.
It’s time to create your own.
Tropes:
🗡️ Reluctant Hero
✨ Chosen One
🗡️ Deadly Trials
✨ Magical Creatures
🗡️ Magical Worlds
✨ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Haunted by the Past
It happened again. I’m happy and sad at the same time because I finally read this incredible debut by Marianne, and sad that I didn’t read it earlier.
I love her style of writing so much; it’s an amazing combination of intriguing storytelling, banter, witty humor, hilarious inner monologues, and a lot of steam. You don’t even realize you're reading a slow burn, and Marianne is the Queen of C0ckbl0cking.
This is the story of Nyaxia, a girl without a past but with many horrible scars and nightmares. When her life is shattered once more, she runs to the only place she was told she would be safe. To get her family back, she needs to survive deadly trials and manage the impossible—create a soul bond with a Dusk. Not to mention the following Ascension.
I’m already reading book two, and I can promise you will love this trilogy.
Quotes:
“A pet, huh? Maybe I ought to put you on a leash, I’m sure you’d look really pretty begging on your knees, Demon.”
“Nyaxia. Nyx. I fancy silence, and dislike people who invade my personal space.”
I walk him back to the wall of the fitting room while looking innocently at him with my big doe eyes. His lust is more than evident by the way his eyes are hooded, and how he’s now biting his lip. Fuck. That lip. Once he’s against the wall, my shadows begin playing with his hair, his abdomen, the waistband of his underwear, his neck. “Are you going to be a good boy for me?”
#newbooks #bookrec #indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #steamyromance #spicyromance #arc #currentlyreading #review #fantasy #highfanatsy #darkfanatsy #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦
✨✨✨ Of Shadow and Argent by Marianne Grey (@authormariannegrey), is the first book in her Echos of Darkness dark high fantasy series. ✨✨✨
Dedication:
For those who feel like they don’t fit in this world.
It’s time to create your own.
Tropes:
🗡️ Reluctant Hero
✨ Chosen One
🗡️ Deadly Trials
✨ Magical Creatures
🗡️ Magical Worlds
✨ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Haunted by the Past
It happened again. I’m happy and sad at the same time because I finally read this incredible debut by Marianne, and sad that I didn’t read it earlier.
I love her style of writing so much; it’s an amazing combination of intriguing storytelling, banter, witty humor, hilarious inner monologues, and a lot of steam. You don’t even realize you're reading a slow burn, and Marianne is the Queen of C0ckbl0cking.
This is the story of Nyaxia, a girl without a past but with many horrible scars and nightmares. When her life is shattered once more, she runs to the only place she was told she would be safe. To get her family back, she needs to survive deadly trials and manage the impossible—create a soul bond with a Dusk. Not to mention the following Ascension.
I’m already reading book two, and I can promise you will love this trilogy.
Quotes:
“A pet, huh? Maybe I ought to put you on a leash, I’m sure you’d look really pretty begging on your knees, Demon.”
“Nyaxia. Nyx. I fancy silence, and dislike people who invade my personal space.”
I walk him back to the wall of the fitting room while looking innocently at him with my big doe eyes. His lust is more than evident by the way his eyes are hooded, and how he’s now biting his lip. Fuck. That lip. Once he’s against the wall, my shadows begin playing with his hair, his abdomen, the waistband of his underwear, his neck. “Are you going to be a good boy for me?”
#newbooks #bookrec #indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #steamyromance #spicyromance #arc #currentlyreading #review #fantasy #highfanatsy #darkfanatsy #kindleunlimited #oleelawdigiart #theshadyivy
November 11, 2024
Of Shadow and Argent
Rating: 5 stars
WOW, this book messed with my feelings!! The plot twist halfway the book, the feelings, all the feelings!! It left me with goosebumps all over and tears streaming down my face!! This one of my best reads this year, by far!! Marianne did something not many writers accomplice anymore for me, she gave me a surprising plot with twists I really didn’t saw coming.
The story revolves around Nyaxia a badass FMC and her past that is unknown to herself, but has a great influence to her own future as that of others. This book had a lot of characters, but every single one is well written and interesting, and left me curious and infested in their future.
And then there is world building. I saw the world building of this book as the stepping-stone it is for the rest of the series. I can understand that for people who aren't into fantasy with heavy world building, this isn't the series for them. But for people (like me) who loved heavy build fantasy worlds like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and even ACOTAR this is a wonderful beginning of the series.
The romance in this book isn’t fast, but its also not slow, but I don’t want to tell too much about it. Only that I felt very infested in the love life of Nyaxia and got frustrated and happy and felt all the feelings. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the rest of the series! But rest assured that it will be total and other chaos, because she checked the box and gives you the sweet and insane making “last 100 pages syndrome”(if you know you know). And that my beautiful people is what make the writing style of Marianne so good.
Rating: 5 stars
WOW, this book messed with my feelings!! The plot twist halfway the book, the feelings, all the feelings!! It left me with goosebumps all over and tears streaming down my face!! This one of my best reads this year, by far!! Marianne did something not many writers accomplice anymore for me, she gave me a surprising plot with twists I really didn’t saw coming.
The story revolves around Nyaxia a badass FMC and her past that is unknown to herself, but has a great influence to her own future as that of others. This book had a lot of characters, but every single one is well written and interesting, and left me curious and infested in their future.
And then there is world building. I saw the world building of this book as the stepping-stone it is for the rest of the series. I can understand that for people who aren't into fantasy with heavy world building, this isn't the series for them. But for people (like me) who loved heavy build fantasy worlds like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and even ACOTAR this is a wonderful beginning of the series.
The romance in this book isn’t fast, but its also not slow, but I don’t want to tell too much about it. Only that I felt very infested in the love life of Nyaxia and got frustrated and happy and felt all the feelings. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the rest of the series! But rest assured that it will be total and other chaos, because she checked the box and gives you the sweet and insane making “last 100 pages syndrome”(if you know you know). And that my beautiful people is what make the writing style of Marianne so good.
November 10, 2024
This book was Ahhhmazing! For a debut novel you would never know that unless you know the author.
This book has everything I want in a dark fantasy / romance story + more! The book is very fast paced so it’s not drawn out and it’s easy to follow. The world building was cool and creative and written in a way that you can clearly see the world in your mind.
The spice was 👌🏻👌🏻 just enough to make it spicy but not over the top you loose the plot. You balanced it so well and it made sense with the main characters.
Now the main character Nyaxia … first, such a horny little monster … I loved it and it suited her character. I loved her growth. I loved the struggles she has with discovering her true identity and who she is to become. It’s relatable as we all have those growing pains at some point our lives. She’s a beautifully written character with flaws and purpose and anyone who had ever felt like they are different, will see a little bit of themselves in Nyaxia.
The ending …. I love a good cliffhanger. I love having to go back and read the last chapter again and then curse under my breath as I now realize I need to wait for book two, which I will be reading!!
This book has everything I want in a dark fantasy / romance story + more! The book is very fast paced so it’s not drawn out and it’s easy to follow. The world building was cool and creative and written in a way that you can clearly see the world in your mind.
The spice was 👌🏻👌🏻 just enough to make it spicy but not over the top you loose the plot. You balanced it so well and it made sense with the main characters.
Now the main character Nyaxia … first, such a horny little monster … I loved it and it suited her character. I loved her growth. I loved the struggles she has with discovering her true identity and who she is to become. It’s relatable as we all have those growing pains at some point our lives. She’s a beautifully written character with flaws and purpose and anyone who had ever felt like they are different, will see a little bit of themselves in Nyaxia.
The ending …. I love a good cliffhanger. I love having to go back and read the last chapter again and then curse under my breath as I now realize I need to wait for book two, which I will be reading!!
November 2, 2024
I didn't expect to be such a good read when i received its arc!
It's full of adventure, magic, secrets, and sexual tension. The story is captivating and starts off fast paced dragging you into the world before you even know what is happening. So many questions start to form but you have to go along with the ride and see how the story unfolds.
The world building was quite fantastic and full of wonder. The characters were beautifully crafted and developed. But that plot twist I did not see that coming.
Nyx, the FMC, is a strong willed character who is so stubborn and funny. She is also riddled with anxiety and a dark inner voice. Has a mysterious life with little to no memories of who she is and where she came from. To find her missing family, she is thrust into physical and mental trials. Her journey to discover who she is and her purpose is full of adventure and danger. And her inner monologue is so freaking hilarious.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a fantasy romance with a world of magical creatures, trials, enemies to lovers and a chosen one.
This book ends on a cliffhanger.
It's full of adventure, magic, secrets, and sexual tension. The story is captivating and starts off fast paced dragging you into the world before you even know what is happening. So many questions start to form but you have to go along with the ride and see how the story unfolds.
The world building was quite fantastic and full of wonder. The characters were beautifully crafted and developed. But that plot twist I did not see that coming.
Nyx, the FMC, is a strong willed character who is so stubborn and funny. She is also riddled with anxiety and a dark inner voice. Has a mysterious life with little to no memories of who she is and where she came from. To find her missing family, she is thrust into physical and mental trials. Her journey to discover who she is and her purpose is full of adventure and danger. And her inner monologue is so freaking hilarious.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a fantasy romance with a world of magical creatures, trials, enemies to lovers and a chosen one.
This book ends on a cliffhanger.
November 4, 2024
This was an epic fantasy romance that really had me invested in the main character! I really loved the way this world was structured and how the magical elements bled in.
I really liked how scrappy and blunt our FMC was too! As a Philly girl, I identify with her personality 🤣 it was such a good juxtaposition for the typical shy, bashful unassuming princess types of FMC’s we see in other Romantasy books.
The metaphors and themes that allude to the SA are so carefully and thoughtfully done “..my nightmares, my scars, my tolerance to pain, the reactive fighting as if my body already knows battle” It’s very raw and human
Lots of personality and character - moments of humor amongst drama and action
The only problem I had was that there was a bit of flip flopping between love interests and worlds that made it harder for me to be invested in the love story, but once it played out a bit I definitely got into it.
Overall this story was a quick read that had me laughing and rooting for the FMC, I would definitely recommend it to fans of Romantasy that are looking for something a little off the beaten path!
I really liked how scrappy and blunt our FMC was too! As a Philly girl, I identify with her personality 🤣 it was such a good juxtaposition for the typical shy, bashful unassuming princess types of FMC’s we see in other Romantasy books.
The metaphors and themes that allude to the SA are so carefully and thoughtfully done “..my nightmares, my scars, my tolerance to pain, the reactive fighting as if my body already knows battle” It’s very raw and human
Lots of personality and character - moments of humor amongst drama and action
The only problem I had was that there was a bit of flip flopping between love interests and worlds that made it harder for me to be invested in the love story, but once it played out a bit I definitely got into it.
Overall this story was a quick read that had me laughing and rooting for the FMC, I would definitely recommend it to fans of Romantasy that are looking for something a little off the beaten path!
October 11, 2024
4 ⭐️
Of Shadow and Argent is quite the book! I really enjoyed the book. It’s full of adventure, magic, secrets, and palpable sexual tension. The story is captivating and different from the norm, which I loved.
The world building was quite fantastical and full of wonder. The plot moved along nicely and the characters were beautifully crafted and developed. But that PLOT TWISt, oh my, I did not see that coming and completely threw me for a loop. It is actually quite brilliant!
Nyx, the FMC, has had a mysterious life with little to no memories of who she is and where she came from. To find her missing family, she is thrust into physical and mental trials. Her journey to discover who she is and what her purpose is, is full of adventure and danger but she is quite resilient and can definitely hold her own. And, her inner monologue is so freaking hilarious.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys their fantasy romance with a world full of magical creatures, trials, enemies to lovers and a chosen one. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
Of Shadow and Argent is quite the book! I really enjoyed the book. It’s full of adventure, magic, secrets, and palpable sexual tension. The story is captivating and different from the norm, which I loved.
The world building was quite fantastical and full of wonder. The plot moved along nicely and the characters were beautifully crafted and developed. But that PLOT TWISt, oh my, I did not see that coming and completely threw me for a loop. It is actually quite brilliant!
Nyx, the FMC, has had a mysterious life with little to no memories of who she is and where she came from. To find her missing family, she is thrust into physical and mental trials. Her journey to discover who she is and what her purpose is, is full of adventure and danger but she is quite resilient and can definitely hold her own. And, her inner monologue is so freaking hilarious.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys their fantasy romance with a world full of magical creatures, trials, enemies to lovers and a chosen one. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
November 8, 2024
I think this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. There is a perfect amount of story, character development, and of course smut hehe. I couldn’t put it down! I loved Nyaxia and felt such a pull to her because I always feel like I like darkness but I embrace it. The love interests tho? Yes. I was also horrified at like 50% when I was like shouldn’t this be near the end and everything kept getting more and more intense and I was DYING to know more. I need to know more still. I have so many questions and I NEED BOOK TWO. I loved this book and I don’t even know how else to put it in words except wow.
November 10, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
wow!! What an amazing book! This book is definitely being added to my favorites for this year! Nyx is a badass FMC, who doesn’t take anything from anyone. She’s strong, witty, sassy and brave. Loved her character and cannot wait to see her develop in the next book! And the male characters in this book, dang! All I gotta say for them, don’t want to give too much away. But the plot and the world development, it was a lot but i can tell that the next book is going to unravel all the questions I have! And that plot twist in the middle of the book, I was so not expecting that!!! And the cliffhanger, I need book 2 asap!!
wow!! What an amazing book! This book is definitely being added to my favorites for this year! Nyx is a badass FMC, who doesn’t take anything from anyone. She’s strong, witty, sassy and brave. Loved her character and cannot wait to see her develop in the next book! And the male characters in this book, dang! All I gotta say for them, don’t want to give too much away. But the plot and the world development, it was a lot but i can tell that the next book is going to unravel all the questions I have! And that plot twist in the middle of the book, I was so not expecting that!!! And the cliffhanger, I need book 2 asap!!
March 31, 2025
I don't read a lot of romantasy, but I've had my eye on this book for a while. I expected fast paced fantasy, with a healthy dose of worldbuilding to complement the sizzling spice. I must say it lived up to its stellar reputation!
The life of Nyaxia, the female main character, turns upside down after her family flee their home without her. In her quest to find them, she learns more than she ever wished to know about how her world really works. And every time she thinks she finally understands, a new revelation undermines that understanding. Allies become adversaries and vice versa. It's hard to know who or what to trust, even Nyaxia herself.
What I love about this style of writing is the gradual exploration of a fantasy world. We're learning along with the characters. It's a solid introduction to what promises to be a fascinating journey!
The life of Nyaxia, the female main character, turns upside down after her family flee their home without her. In her quest to find them, she learns more than she ever wished to know about how her world really works. And every time she thinks she finally understands, a new revelation undermines that understanding. Allies become adversaries and vice versa. It's hard to know who or what to trust, even Nyaxia herself.
What I love about this style of writing is the gradual exploration of a fantasy world. We're learning along with the characters. It's a solid introduction to what promises to be a fascinating journey!
October 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Of Shadow And Argent by Marianne Grey
"You're a violent little creature."
Of Shadow And Argent is book one in the Echoes Of Darnkess Series by Marianne Grey. Wow, what a ride! This high fantasy adventure has it all. Magic, mystery, plenty of sexual tension, and a cliffhanger ending! Marianne's storytelling style is captivating, I struggled to put my Kindle down.
The story follows Nyx and her journey to discover who she is and who her real friends are all whilst going through deadly physical and mental trials. Oh, and did I say PLOT TWIST!!!
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Magical Creatures
✨️ Deadly Trials
✨️ Chosen One
✨️ Enemies To Lovers
Nyx the FMC, an outcast, with little memories of who she is, was so easy to fall in love with. She has an "I don't care" attitude and can 100% hold her own! I won't say too much about the MMC, or was that 2 MMC'S?all I will say is Shadow Daddy Vibes! I devoured this book, and I am screaming for the next instalment!
Don't walk, run, and add this to your tbr.
Of Shadow And Argent realise date Friday November 8th
Available now for pre-order
🌟 Rating 5/5 🌟
Of Shadow And Argent by Marianne Grey
"You're a violent little creature."
Of Shadow And Argent is book one in the Echoes Of Darnkess Series by Marianne Grey. Wow, what a ride! This high fantasy adventure has it all. Magic, mystery, plenty of sexual tension, and a cliffhanger ending! Marianne's storytelling style is captivating, I struggled to put my Kindle down.
The story follows Nyx and her journey to discover who she is and who her real friends are all whilst going through deadly physical and mental trials. Oh, and did I say PLOT TWIST!!!
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Magical Creatures
✨️ Deadly Trials
✨️ Chosen One
✨️ Enemies To Lovers
Nyx the FMC, an outcast, with little memories of who she is, was so easy to fall in love with. She has an "I don't care" attitude and can 100% hold her own! I won't say too much about the MMC, or was that 2 MMC'S?all I will say is Shadow Daddy Vibes! I devoured this book, and I am screaming for the next instalment!
Don't walk, run, and add this to your tbr.
Of Shadow And Argent realise date Friday November 8th
Available now for pre-order
🌟 Rating 5/5 🌟
October 30, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5
Holy moly, what a journey this book was. It was fast, sometimes too fast and I had to go back and re read parts to see what I missed, full of intrigue and chaos.
I love fantasy books that have bl00dthir$ty FMCs. I get warm fuzzies in my soul over them and cannot stop reading them and obsessing over them. Nyx is one of the most glorious characters in this vein. She is unapologetic in her need for s€x, her rough behaviors, and her need to devour her partner.
She is me when she said "A bit too much for me, and easily overstimulated with a clear goal in mind, anxiety sweating through my clothes. I would rather spend my day traipsing around the forest, filling my lungs with the breeze that accompanies every little melody of the cottage in which we live."
Same sis.
Because it was so fast, I got lost a lot. I wish more things would have been fleshed out. HOWEVER, I fully believe it will happen in the next book and I am ready.
Also, Raze, i love you. That is all.
Holy moly, what a journey this book was. It was fast, sometimes too fast and I had to go back and re read parts to see what I missed, full of intrigue and chaos.
I love fantasy books that have bl00dthir$ty FMCs. I get warm fuzzies in my soul over them and cannot stop reading them and obsessing over them. Nyx is one of the most glorious characters in this vein. She is unapologetic in her need for s€x, her rough behaviors, and her need to devour her partner.
She is me when she said "A bit too much for me, and easily overstimulated with a clear goal in mind, anxiety sweating through my clothes. I would rather spend my day traipsing around the forest, filling my lungs with the breeze that accompanies every little melody of the cottage in which we live."
Same sis.
Because it was so fast, I got lost a lot. I wish more things would have been fleshed out. HOWEVER, I fully believe it will happen in the next book and I am ready.
Also, Raze, i love you. That is all.
December 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is just 😍😍.
I loved this book!
The way Marianne portrays the characters and storyline is top notch! Absolutely fantastic! The way things are described is amazing!
It had me gripped from the get go and the heat, and twists in this book is incredible!
You go through all types of emotions! Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat with the unexpected twists and turns! Prepare for a rollercoaster of a ride!
Slow paced romance but it's definitely worth the wait 🥵.
November 15, 2024
*Arc Review* I loved this book!!! There was so much to this story and it was unique. Lots of world building, surprising twists and turns and amazing characters! Had me all up in my feels, especially those betrayals!!! 😭 The romance/spice was so good and didnt detract from the story! Nyx is so strong and stubborn. I loved watching her evolve and work through everything. This book will suck you in and make you want more, especially with that cliffhanger! I can't wait for the next book!!
November 14, 2024
The New Addictive Romantasy
This book was everything and something else !! I was hooked and loved every twist and turn , and believe me there are really shocking ones in the best ways !! Highly recommend
This book was everything and something else !! I was hooked and loved every twist and turn , and believe me there are really shocking ones in the best ways !! Highly recommend
October 20, 2025
Such an interesting plot but a bit messy for my taste. The fast pace was a bit chaotic and some things without explenation I found weird to happen. Other then that it was a fun enjoyable read. The writing was good. I went quickly through it. The spice, tension and yearning also absolutely amazing. well done.
September 7, 2024
Thank you for the beta of this book! It was so amazing! The plot and the storyline were just amazing and that plot twist in the middle was so unexpected! I can't wait to read the finished story!
February 3, 2025
This book is phenomenal. I just devoured it in the course of a few hours on my day off 🤩
It's very rare that I find books that I resonate with and enjoy so much that I feel as if they were written for me 🖤
It also officially releases on my birthday, so there's that 😝
Nyx is a fierce FMC. Fierce in her emotions, in her sexuality, in her protectiveness of her loved ones, in her darkness. I adore her. She feels like a soul sister.
As for Raze?? Dammit if he isn't everything I could love in a MMC. Man gives me goosebumps.
I just know that this series as a whole is going to have a chokehold on my sanity and my heart.... and I can’t wait 😈🫠🖤
It's very rare that I find books that I resonate with and enjoy so much that I feel as if they were written for me 🖤
It also officially releases on my birthday, so there's that 😝
Nyx is a fierce FMC. Fierce in her emotions, in her sexuality, in her protectiveness of her loved ones, in her darkness. I adore her. She feels like a soul sister.
As for Raze?? Dammit if he isn't everything I could love in a MMC. Man gives me goosebumps.
I just know that this series as a whole is going to have a chokehold on my sanity and my heart.... and I can’t wait 😈🫠🖤
December 13, 2024
A Spectacular and wholly immersive read! A delightful and delicately weaved storyline with deeply intriguing and inspiring characters that will draw you into this wonderful world of fantasy and adventure! Hold on to your kindle this is quite an experience!
Full Review Coming!!
Full Review Coming!!
November 8, 2024
𝓞𝓯 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓐𝓻𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼:
⚔️Deadly trials
✨Chosen one
⚔️Enemies to lovers
✨Magical worlds
⚔️Magical creatures
✨Reluctant hero
⚔️Haunted by past
I feel like I keep saying this constantly on my reviews lately, but I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Uff, it was simply heart wrenchingly awesome.
It gave me Divergent, and Fourth Wing and ACOTAR vibes. ✨ Granted not all is similar, but the vibes and some of the essence of those books were there to remind me of them. The similar feelings those books invoked in me. 🥹
I am absolutely in love with this book series and CANNOT WAIT to read more! I need more of this like ASAP.
The story was unique, somehow heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. After just perhaps 10 pages of reading this book I felt immersed into the world. Which is quite rare for me in fantasy books. It was easy to read, even though at times confusing (which is normal in fantasy books). I just loved discovering all the easter eggs and find out what happens next. Got to say I was surprised soooo many times. 🤯
I felt like this book broke me and healed me over and over again. The ENDING THO! Uff, I need to know more like NOW. 😭🩷
I love Nyx so much. She felt so relatable, even with her horrific traumas she has experienced. I additionally enjoyed the good side characters as well. Let’s not talk about those, who made my blood boil. 😤 (You will know what I mean once you read it.) Oh and the MMC’s were 😏. Particularly one dark one. 👀🤫
I want to say so much more, but I don’t want to spoil a thing. Just trust me, you will WANT TO READ THIS TOO. 😭🩷 I know I wrote much of the feelings I felt during my reading, but sometimes you just want to feel the feels, you know? And this is THE PERFECT book for that.
Thank you Marianne for writing this and letting me ARC read your awesome book! I loved every second of it. 🥹 It also helped me with my current reading slump. 🫶🏼 You and your book are wonderful. 💞
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 5/5
November 3, 2024
I was hooked so intensely in this read that I was in denial when I finished, I need more! I was so engrossed in the novel that it felt like I was experiencing it right alongside the characters.
Nyaxia, the FMC, is entertaining to follow through the plot. The poor woman just wants to have her bones jumped, and her frustration was honestly iconic. The cast of characters is small and easy to follow, creating compelling relationships that I can’t wait to see expanded in the future. You can’t help but to be drawn in to the pool of potential romantic interests, and I love the FMC’s ambition in this area. The girl knows what she wants, I’ll give her that!
The world building is just complex enough to set the plot well but concise enough to follow easily. The story follows the FMC closely as she traverses on a journey of self-discovery and mentally works through the process, and I’m so invested in her story as it continues. I’d love to learn more about the other elementals and the extent of their powers as we expand through this world and uncover more secrets.
This was overall an enthralling and enjoyable read and has left me begging for more as I simply must know where all the threads of this tale will wind up.
Thank you to Marianne Grey for the opportunity to give an advance review on this book. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy romances, trials and hilariously frustrated characters then I would recommend looking out for this one, as I give this a 4.5/5 star rating (rounded to 5 for GR ✨)
Nyaxia, the FMC, is entertaining to follow through the plot. The poor woman just wants to have her bones jumped, and her frustration was honestly iconic. The cast of characters is small and easy to follow, creating compelling relationships that I can’t wait to see expanded in the future. You can’t help but to be drawn in to the pool of potential romantic interests, and I love the FMC’s ambition in this area. The girl knows what she wants, I’ll give her that!
The world building is just complex enough to set the plot well but concise enough to follow easily. The story follows the FMC closely as she traverses on a journey of self-discovery and mentally works through the process, and I’m so invested in her story as it continues. I’d love to learn more about the other elementals and the extent of their powers as we expand through this world and uncover more secrets.
This was overall an enthralling and enjoyable read and has left me begging for more as I simply must know where all the threads of this tale will wind up.
Thank you to Marianne Grey for the opportunity to give an advance review on this book. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy romances, trials and hilariously frustrated characters then I would recommend looking out for this one, as I give this a 4.5/5 star rating (rounded to 5 for GR ✨)
October 16, 2024
🩶Of Shadow and Argent🩶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I would live on my knees for you, Little Thorn. I would beg, and crawl, and bleed out if you asked me to. There is nothing I wouldn't do to make you mine."
This is an ARC review and this book releases on November 8th.
This is the first book in the Echoes of Darkness series and follows a young Elemental named Nyaxia, who lived a quiet life in Mysthaven. When her home is destroyed and her beloved family goes missing, her world is turned upside down and she is determined to uncover the secret of what has happened which leads her to facing deadly trials and the enigmatic but irritating Fae, Ryder. She soon realises nothing is what it seemed and must question who she can trust and who to give her heart to.
This book has deadly trials, enemies to lovers, found family, magical creatures and the world building is elite. I loved the writing style, the palpable tension between Nyx and Ryder until you realise everything is not as it seems, the literally jaw dropping side swerves when you thought you had it all figured out and the pacing was spot on, there was no dull chapter. At the halfway point I was literally kicking my legs with excitement at the twists that kept coming all the way to the cliffhanger that makes book number two a must read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I would live on my knees for you, Little Thorn. I would beg, and crawl, and bleed out if you asked me to. There is nothing I wouldn't do to make you mine."
This is an ARC review and this book releases on November 8th.
This is the first book in the Echoes of Darkness series and follows a young Elemental named Nyaxia, who lived a quiet life in Mysthaven. When her home is destroyed and her beloved family goes missing, her world is turned upside down and she is determined to uncover the secret of what has happened which leads her to facing deadly trials and the enigmatic but irritating Fae, Ryder. She soon realises nothing is what it seemed and must question who she can trust and who to give her heart to.
This book has deadly trials, enemies to lovers, found family, magical creatures and the world building is elite. I loved the writing style, the palpable tension between Nyx and Ryder until you realise everything is not as it seems, the literally jaw dropping side swerves when you thought you had it all figured out and the pacing was spot on, there was no dull chapter. At the halfway point I was literally kicking my legs with excitement at the twists that kept coming all the way to the cliffhanger that makes book number two a must read.
November 3, 2024
I was so excited to start this book, I threw myself at it like cray cray.
The story follows Nyaxia, a very special elemental who, in order to find her family, has to be brave and courageous enough to become what very few achieve.
She must navigate a whole new world and learn to play along. She has to be wary of everyone, but create alliances.
She's a sassy FMC, horny to say the least, which is absolutely hilarious when you witness her inner dialogues. And she can't make up her mind who she wants to scratch her itch with. It had me howling.
The world-building is simple, the magic system well-constructed but not too complex, making it easy and accessible to read.
The further you get into the book, the more mysteries and questions accumulate, and I love it when a story turns out to be more complex than it seems and there's still so much to discover. We've barely scratched the surface of the plot and I can't wait to dive into the sequel to find out more.
It was a 4.5 stars for me
The story follows Nyaxia, a very special elemental who, in order to find her family, has to be brave and courageous enough to become what very few achieve.
She must navigate a whole new world and learn to play along. She has to be wary of everyone, but create alliances.
She's a sassy FMC, horny to say the least, which is absolutely hilarious when you witness her inner dialogues. And she can't make up her mind who she wants to scratch her itch with. It had me howling.
The world-building is simple, the magic system well-constructed but not too complex, making it easy and accessible to read.
The further you get into the book, the more mysteries and questions accumulate, and I love it when a story turns out to be more complex than it seems and there's still so much to discover. We've barely scratched the surface of the plot and I can't wait to dive into the sequel to find out more.
It was a 4.5 stars for me
November 8, 2024
If you love fantasy, magical creatures, enemies-to-lovers, and jaw-dropping twists, this is a must-read. Trust me—add it to your TBR now!
✨ Found Family
✨ Magical Creatures
✨ Deadly Trials
✨ Chosen One
✨ Enemies to Lovers
You’ll thank me later.
This book is a wild, fast-paced ride that grabs you from page one. Nyx, the strong-willed, anxiety-ridden FMC, is both hilarious and relatable—her inner monologue will have you laughing out loud. The world-building is chef’s kiss, full of magic, secrets, and twists that will leave you reeling.
But just when you think you’ve got a handle on the story, BAM—plot twist that blindsides you. The sexual tension? Off the charts. The characters? Compelling and complex, especially the MMC (or should I say MMCs?) with serious Shadow Daddy vibes.
Special thank you to the author for having me on her ARC team for this book! Can't wait to see about the next installment!
✨ Found Family
✨ Magical Creatures
✨ Deadly Trials
✨ Chosen One
✨ Enemies to Lovers
You’ll thank me later.
This book is a wild, fast-paced ride that grabs you from page one. Nyx, the strong-willed, anxiety-ridden FMC, is both hilarious and relatable—her inner monologue will have you laughing out loud. The world-building is chef’s kiss, full of magic, secrets, and twists that will leave you reeling.
But just when you think you’ve got a handle on the story, BAM—plot twist that blindsides you. The sexual tension? Off the charts. The characters? Compelling and complex, especially the MMC (or should I say MMCs?) with serious Shadow Daddy vibes.
Special thank you to the author for having me on her ARC team for this book! Can't wait to see about the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews