A Fury of Shadows

Witch Queen #5

by A.D. Starrling

They stole someone precious from her. And she will do everything to get him back.After losing Nikolai Stanisic to the Sorcerer King and his Dark Council in a brutal attack that left her battered and broken, Mae Jin resolves to rescue the man who’s come to mean so much to her. But just when she’s unravelling a new form of magic that could help Nikolai recover his memories, Mae and her friends come under attack from Oscar Beneventi and a new breed of devils led by Barquiel.The unexpected allies that come to their aid bring with them a perturbing development. Dietrich Farago, the Immortal long affiliated with Barquiel, is not only modifying devils, he has helped the Sorcerer King devise a way to control Mae.Meanwhile, Nikolai Stanisic slowly adapts to his new life in the Dark Council and the horrid reality of having been a puppet under the Witch Queen’s powerful illusion. Bent on proving his worth and his loyalty, he places his powers at his father’s disposal to help him find and unlock the elusive Book of Shadows. Time is ticking and the Sorcerer King is drawing closer to achieving his goals. Can Mae and her friends rescue Nikolai and foil his father’s evil plans, as well as those of the treacherous demon who serves him?Join Mae Jin and her friends in A Fury of Shadows, the penultimate book in the thrilling urban fantasy spin-off series Witch Queen, by the author who brought you Seventeen and Legion. Follow our intrepid witch on yet another dangerous adventure full of magic, monsters, mayhem, and steak in this riveting fifth installation in the action-packed series fans cannot get enough of.

Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

A.D. Starrling is a bestselling author renowned for her pulse-pounding fusion of urban fantasy, action, adventure, and supernatural suspense. With a passion for history and a gift for intricate plotting, she crafts captivating narratives that transport readers across time and continents. Her Seventeen series, featuring immortal warriors with extraordinary abilities, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global following. Her authentic research and skillful character development keep readers hooked, while her love for action movies infuses her work with electrifying combat sequences and story lines.

When she’s not busy writing, A.D. can be found eating Thai food, being tortured by her back therapists, working part-time as a doctor on a Neonatal Intensive Care unit somewhere in the UK, reading manga, and watching anime. She has occasionally been accused of committing art with a charcoal stick and some drawing paper.

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Reviews

[Carol Hebden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew!

Another wild ride with Mae. Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you A.D. Starrling.

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an Advanced read. I would have got this anyway, because the series is brilliant. Different to anything else and it brings in the immortals from the other book series as well.

The story picks up where it left off, with Nicholas being a part of the Dark council once more, it leaves Mae in a bind, she is determined to save him and Verdan is determined to use that to his advantage, along with Barquiel whose got his own agenda.
Mae and her friends have to work hard to deal with the demons, protect themselves and deal with the fact that Nicholas is working for the enemy, not knowing if he will remain on their side and how to get him back.

Vlad is by Mae's side and stays with her, providing a rock for her to anchor on. The book really takes the story forward, it resolves one of the questions we asked from the start and then throws up new ones. The story flows really well and Mae gets a better grip on her magic too. A very satisfying book with action, adventure, imagination and friendship.

[David Hoag · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.D. Starrling triumphs once again.

To fully enjoy the Witch Queen series by A.D. Starrling, you really should read the books in order. Book 5, is another amazing proof of the brilliance of A.D. Starrling. In A Fury of Shadows, Mae Jin encounters seemingly unstoppable enemies, as well as unexpected allies while dealing with the Dark Council’s turning of Nikolai Stanisic. Starrling is so adept at making the Witch Queen world real that you yearn to fall into its pages. This is another page-turner that was so hard to put down that I read it in a day. Book 5 offers rescue, salvation, and revelations, but full resolution and who might triumph in the end must wait for Book 6.

[Carrie O’Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this latest instalment of the Witch Queen series. The action starts right from the beginning and never lets you go. We’re left with another heart-rending end. I love that we get to meet up with some more of the characters from earlier series. Note, this isn’t a standalone, you do need to have read the previous books in the Witch Queen series. I’d also recommend reading the Seventeen series and Legion series to give you some context—not a necessity, but they’re so good that you just know that you want to. Anyway, back to this book. I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves to dive into fast paced action urban fantasy.

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series since the first book. The continuing plot is well constructed and takes the reader on an adventure of action, deception, dark magic and a true bond between Mae and Nikolai. There is evil afoot and as always Mae is front and center, always ready to protect those she cares about, even if those beings are more than capable in their own right. The characters and plot are truly memorable and very real, they will stay in my memories for some time.
I would thoroughly recommend this series, however the books do need to be read in order to follow events that happen along the way.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Seventeen books and The Witch Queen series is phenomenal. This latest instalment in Mae’s story takes things forward, with Mae becoming stronger within her powers and her determination to save Nikolai. Vlad still stands by her side, with their growing support team to help. Events are now pushing towards that final conflict and resolution. I almost don’t want it to end, but excitement levels are high, wondering exactly how things will end, who will be left standing and whether The Queen will ultimately lead with a consort at her side as expected.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book. The characters are amazing and the familiars are awesome. Polo and what he says just cracks me up! This story is fast paced, tons of action and humor. Once I started reading, it was hard to put down.....darn those chores. This actions packed book is filled with danger, demons, Magic, training, High council, the Sorcerer king, white magic, the Book of shadows, Witch queen, witches, Immortals, the marriage of magic, revenge, the Dark council, Devils, Barquiel, Hellfire, illusion, humorand battles!

[Patricia Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wait to read this book!! But, it was definatly worth waiting for.
If you have read all the books in this series so far you will enjoy this book... It flows so well and keeps you wanting more... Hence, you can't put the book down... Now, I can't wait for the next book in 2024..
A.D.Starrling is a great writer, she doesn't leave anything out of the story.... You actually can visualise where she writes about.... Thank you for another fantastic book.

[Leona Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book last night. I could not put it down. I kept laughing out loud. By the time I got to about a quarter of the book, the other characters and series started to be moved in. I ended up staying up to 3 AM before I put down the book and I read about half of it. It was fascinating to read that the other four series characters merging in this series to follow the story line and reading that their characteristics have not changed.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great book. Mae, Vlad and the rest of witches', and other supernaturals work together to try and save Nicholas. It is an iffy rescue that may go wrong. The tension between Vlad and Mae continue and remains a contention between the two. The immortals also bring some levity to the story. I enjoy that A.D. Starrling can use some humor in a story because it makes the story more believable. I know it is not real, but fun to lose yourself in the story.

[Kristin Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading AD Starrling’s books with the Legion series and became a huge fan. I quickly fell in love with the series and went back to read the Seventeen series as well. The Witch Queen is just as good. The world building and characters are wonderful. The story is funny, full of action, and love of friends & family. I will be a forever fan and cannot wait for her next adventures! I love this author!!!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.D. Starrling has created another phenomenal story with the Witch Queen series. This book was nonstop action and kept me so engaged I ended up reading the entire book within one day. I can’t wait to read the next/last book in series. The Witch Queen is just as addictive as the Seventeen and Legion series. Each series features characters that will make you laugh, cry or piss you off and the stories keep you hook till the end. I strongly recommend reading the Witch Queen series; you will not be disappointed.

[Crafty Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book was AMAZING, on the one hand I couldn't read it fast enough, on the other I didn't want it to end, the easter eggs from the other connected series were great, you will not be disappointed with this book, and yet again you are left salivating at the but for the next in the series.
Great read can't recommend it enough.

[Stephanie Ruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual absolutely loved this book. Starrling makes me laugh, cry, scream, cheer, and grind my teeth with each of her books and this one was the exact same. She even only said dipped her chin twice in this book which in previous was getting a bit annoying reading it so many times. Now to have to sit back and wait for book 6. I might just go ahead and reread all of the books in the universe.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to the Witch Queen Series and is filled with magic, action, adventure, betrayal, and great world-building. The MCs are defined, engaging, and determined to stop the Sorcerer King. I loved this well-written, easy-to-read, and fast-paced book. I found it entertaining, engaging, and enjoyable. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Cindy Deporter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae and. Vlad go after Nicolai to get him back from the Dark Council. This book is fast paced, has magic and witchcraft and familiars. It has some visitors from friends they met in the past. It has a great storyline and takes some unexpected turns. I am never disappointed and feel like I am alongside Mae as she continues on her quest. Hang on!

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowl

Alright, I am not okay, and won’t be until I came ensure that the ones I’ve come to love are all safe and happy.

“Say what you want about Mae, she knows how to fight dirty when she needs to.”

Yes indeed and I love her all the more for it. My heart can’t quite comprehend what just happened but if anyone can mend it, it’ll be Mae and her friends.

[Jennifer Johnson-Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful book in this series with turns and twists I didn't expect at all! Can't wait to see what happens to Mae and her friends in the final book. I would say more but don't want to add any spoilers 😉

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!!!! OMG I adore these series and love how the story flows. My one grip, I gotta wait for next book! But I will cry once series is complete.
Read this you will be addicted and have to go back to grab previous series that make cameos. ❤️

[Jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another rollercoaster of a ride that keeps the reader guessing all the way through - some good surprises and the characters are all developing as the plot unfolds - really enjoyed this stage of the series and who knows where it will take us next - can’t wait for the next one!!

[Alun Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new book. Started with Mae up against it thanks to The Dark Council. The pace at which the story flowed was past paced. Great writing, character interactions, as always had me laughing. I'd did feel the ending was a tad abrupt but I'm so looking forward to the next one.

[K Woodside · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I wanted to read the other series by this author I would. But I don’t. So much of this book was characters from her other books. I understand wanting to create a “universe” but I find the other characters very very annoying. This series just needs to stay in its lane.

[Rebecca Schuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a free ARC in exchange for my honest review. Really this book was like an early holiday gift. I love being immersed in the world of witches and immortals. While you need to read the Witch Queen series in order to follow the story line if you have not read her previous series you won’t feel lost at the characters from these series that come to join the fight against the Dark Council. We learn more of what Mae’s enemy’s are plotting, I can’t wait for the final book to read how all this ends.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of this series that won’t disappoint. Min Jae and her friends will try to get back her beloved that was taken. Is her magic enough against all the evil and danger. Totally intrigued.

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG cannot tell you how my heart in in my mouth at the cliff hanger ending and also the fact that there is only one more book in this awesome series. loved it and cannot wait for the conclusion.

[Susan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing! Mae's story continues with lots of action, lots of twists and turns and all the feels! Sometimes when a book moves so fast (and you're not gonna want to put this down), it feels like too much. This book flows so well, its magic! I can hardly wait for the next one!

[Janice Mahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received a free arc in exchange for my honest review. Wow, what a ride I have been enamored with this series since book 1 and book 5 is no exception. I love the fmc, Mae. I enjoy her witty attitude and how strong she is. Evil tries to knock her down but she does not let that keep her down in order to overcome her challenges. In this book secrets were revealed and I was devouring each page to find what happens next. This book isn’t officially out yet and I’m on pins and needles for the next book. A.D Starling has created an immersive fantasy world with a great sense of adventure and whimsical vibes.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Exciting

What a ride! This fifth book in the Witch Queen series is blistering in battles, heartbreak and surprises. I've just finished it again (I read the ARC a few weeks, ago) and to be honest, I'm emotionally wrung out. AD's writing is, as always, superb with great characters and plot lines that just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to read his final book in the series