Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy #1

by Jen L. Grey

Stolen from Earth, Fated to be His Ruin.

Taken from Earth and thrust into a ruthless bridal competition in a fae realm, I’m forced to fight for a crown I don’t want in order to survive.

Vad, the dark, sexy, powerful heir of the Shadow Fae Kingdom, is doing the one thing he never wanted—searching for a bride.

But I don't fit in here, and the top contestants want me dead as soon as I arrive.

Bound by Fated magic and trapped in a deadly game, Vad’s every cold glance and harsh words remind me that he doesn’t want me, and I sure as hell don’t want him.

Yet there’s no denying the sparks between us, and the way his touch ignites something in me I can’t control.

As the contest grows more dangerous, all I can focus on is survival which becomes harder and seems to be slipping through my grasps.

But I won't go out without a fight... even if it kills me sooner.

Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King is a royal fae romantasy that includes betrayal, morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, a bridal competition, political intrigue, who did this to you, and touch her and unalive. One-click this story today.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Suspense

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.

My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.

​I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.

I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
​
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Reviews

[2TNWalkers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started of good, but ending plot holes so big you can lose a full size truck in…why have guards every 10 feet in hallway but none responded FMC going into room where Reilly was dying..Where is FMC’s Fae grandfather that apparently can go where every he wants unlike the other fae who no nothing of earth..why do hateful people get to live…wtf is wrong with MMC ‘s bestie I think he is behind the murder and pushing the nasty bitch as a queen..not sure if I will read next…getting to the age of wanting solid stories, less bullshit, waffling and hatefulness being rewarded. As well as doormat behavior which I think the FMC showed a bit of…think she is an alpha who is scared of herself unless she lets her wolf take control….

[jess.manora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guter Start, ab der Mitte gab es zu viele Plotholes und ich habe mich nur noch gelangweilt. Werde die Reihe nicht weiterlesen. 🙈

[Desirae Sanko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing more annoying than a rushed plot line and instant “love”
Let me guess, they’re both virgins too. I won’t be reading the second book.
The writing is just, juvenile. There’s no substance to the relationships. Nothing is built.
The idea of trials and a winner made fae queen is good…. The trials were even unique … until the author took the war training camp scene straight out of MULAN!
My god, no, no sequel for me.


Briar, wolf shifter, transported to fae kingdom for queen trials to be with Vad (the fact that I had to read Vaddy in this book makes me gag…what are we, 12?) Who cares about her sister…
Thalen could’ve been a funny good character but again…zero depth.

You saw that kingly murder cliff hanger a mile away.
Get me outta here

[Janina s. Asselin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

This was a good story but the trials were over done. They went on too long and it was ridiculous to have the MFC do everything. Not believable to have the character be the super hero and yet sustain so many injuries. This caused me to skim in frustration as it took me out of the story.

[Hannah Garrett]

I’m in a slump so I need some silly goofy shenanigans like this hehe. So if you see me reading other silly goofy books no you did not

[Jenn Ely · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing in this book is if you took 2014 Wattpad and threw in with every romantasy trope possible.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar has only recently learned the Fae exists but she never would have imagined a Fae mark appearing on her hand then her being kidnapped in the middle of the night to compete for the prince’s hand. She is just about ready to wake up from this nightmare! The women in this competition vary from ruthless who are determined to win the title as queen to those who never wanted to be there in the first place. It’s clear Briar is the only one from Earth and very much not fully fae. And though she is determined to survive and make it back home to her sister, she can’t also help but be drawn to the Fae prince, Vad. Vad never wanted this competition. He is against having a bride for many reasons, but Fate has given them no choice. The magic connected to this is one that can’t be stopped or undone. Then he sees Briar and this tug to her is undeniable. But he can’t react, he can’t fall for her. But every trial she faces, she surprises everyone around her. Maybe Fate knows what she is doing after all… I really loved this story! Briar is fierce and protective and though she is in a foreign land, she won’t sit back and let those weaker get hurt. The trials we see are deadly and action packed. And then beginning attraction between Briar and Vad have me wanting more! And that cliffhanger of an end! Looks like something more than the competition is going on. And I can’t wait to find out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pace and action pack! I LOVED IT!!! It has Fae Trials Competition, Nasty MEAN girls vibes, kick @ss girl fights and a drooling prince with a quiet yet horny personality. And his squad is hilarious so all is fine in FAE-REALM!!!. #TeamThallen

Our main girl, Briar is dragged and transported to fae, where she HAS to compete for the prince love/ marriage... HE has no choice and neither does she. Is one of those where IT IS THE LAW in FAIRY land. Also these trials are no walk in the park. From monsters, to nasty contestants, Briar needs to figure out how to get back home however this prince has set his eyes on her and he is not hard to look at either if you know what im saying.

If you like Insta LOVE, fated mates, gory trials, funny sidekicks (BACK OFF THALLEN IS MINE I SAID) then this is your book!! Briar is no damsel in distress so get ready, FAIRY LAND just got a wolf who bites.. HARD. Cant wait for book two!!!

*instaLove/Fated Mates
*strongFemale character
*He is fae, she is a wolf shifter
*FOOD fight scene
*sidekick is yummy *thallen*
*monsters that make your skin crawl. eeww

[Brandy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Mind the cliff though

Demolished this story in less than 24 hours. Absolutely loved it! The story and world building was so perfect. Jen L. Gray knows what she’s doing for sure! I knew there would be a cliffhanger but dang I wasn’t ready! I was so caught up I didn’t realize I’d reached the end. I’m normally a high spice person and this had some but not a lot, but was so good without it! Waiting on pins and needles for the next book!

[Shauntee Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faevy Wolf

Oh my goodness I loved this first book of this series. Sad I had to wait until August for the second. It was so good.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ (rounded up)
.5 🌶️

Let me start by saying this: I love reading Jen L Grey’s books and WILL continue reading this series as it comes out. However, this just fell a little flat for me.

Overall, love the concept and story. I did not read Ember and Ryker’s story before this fyi. I’m sure it’d help give me some background on Briar but stories of fae lure me in more than just wolf shifters. I wasn’t lost by any means for this book.

We have bridal trials and both Briar and our MMC Vad are not exactly keen on them. Vad is set to pretty much ignore every woman competing and lets them know right away he will never care for who wins. But then Briar enters the room and immediately, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame 🔥

For a shorter book, you get a lot of detailed scenes of the trials themselves. And they happen quickly, back to back days so you don’t have a lot of fluff in between, which I’m ok with somewhat. I think we could have had more time of Vad and Briar having some time to get to know one another vs JUST having the instant pull to each other. They basically declare love for one another without spending more than a handful of minutes alone at a time.

You didn’t really get any spice here 🌶️ which made me sad 😞 bc other books of her’s aren’t afraid of spice in book 1. They kept getting interrupted which was infuriating! Even just a liiiiitle bit more would have been nice. Again, just to help with their relationship development.

One minor detail that got to me was using the word “feck” instead of f***. At first, I thought it was a typo but then it kept happening, and then suddenly, f*** would be in there. It was very confusing.

Can I just say that I loved Vad’s dad in this? For once, it’s not just some heartless mad king who hated or abused his wife. Even though Vad’s mom is passed, you feel his dad’s longing and love for her and how he never regrets picking her. Just kind of refreshing for once.

Thalen, my main sidekick man ❤️ need more of him in the future. Silus is interesting. Feel like he could either be the villain or a distraction to the reader, kind of a bait and switch. I’ll be interested to see where it goes.

Book ends on a cliffhanger, as usual lol. I’m also kind of sad how far apart the next book release is. Normally, I feel like they are consecutive months release but the next one for this doesn’t come out until August 😢 considering these are shorter length books, I don’t feel there should be that big of gap.

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright. Spoilers.





FMC:
She was the shining light in this book for me, she was strong even if in the inside she was anxious and falling apart and I liked that we didn't just dwell in her anxiety and moved forward. She was also a decent person and I liked reading her story.

MMC:
Sooo. this is where the book drops for me. He doesn't really have a progression or development. He goes from I don't care I don't want a wife etc to all in and we really don't get the depth behind that change. We get some smaller insights into that conflict but when we get his big declaration of love I was like "okay I guess, sure".

plot:
So I have actually stopped picking up trial books because I honestly believe you can only read so many fantasy books with deathly trials and still find joy in them. This book was no exception. We spend an extreme amount of time and details on the trials and the rest of the plot doesn't really shine through or develop. Why are the council members against our FMC? Why can't people figure out what type of Fae she is? what about any world building at all outside the castle walls? We have no clue about the dynamics of the court, why these trials are so brutal this time, or really anything outside of the knowledge of our FMC, which is annoying because we have the MMC pov. your telling me he never once thinks about the political ramifications of his bride choice? no one will be upset if you don't pick someone? I just can't imagine this detail coming up in book two and it's a major reason I gave the book a three. If you sacrifice world building and depth you have to make up for it in romance, and that didn't happen.


overall, I think it's pretty middle of the road and I think it's a good read but I won't be moving on in the story!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not necessary, but I highly suggest reading the Wicked Fate Trilogy before this one. Ember's little sister, Briar, has gotten her own series, starting with Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King. I liked Briar in the previous series, but I like her even more now. Briar is brave, unbelievably caring, and stronger than even she knows. She's also slightly dark. Who knew? I know I didn't, but I like her new, darker edge; it fits her.


I liked Vad from the start, which is saying something considering the last MMC in one of Jen's fantasy series had to grow on me. Vad loves his sister, is best friends with Thalian (I loved the playful fae), and wants what’s best for his kingdom. He has a bit of that damaged bad boy going for him that could have caused me frustration, but didn't. I loved that he couldn't stay away from Briar no matter how much he wished he could.


What fresh hell has Briar fallen into? This is unlike any bridal contest I've ever read. This one was absolutely deadly, and I'm not just talking about the other contestants. Between the dangerous trials, deadly monsters, and rigged politics, it's hard to trust anyone. Something really hinky is going on. I have a feeling that maybe the past is starting to repeat itself. Jen kept my adrenaline pumping. I was hooked the entire time, and then that ending happened. Talk about a bundle of dread. I can tell you one thing, things are going to get worse before they get better. Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King was incredible. A must-read for fantasy lovers who enjoy sassy MFCs with big hearts and broody fae princes who give off the THaD vibes really well.

[Jenn (loves_a_good_book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fab start to the series. I really liked how the storyline wasn’t like anything I’ve read before, wolf shifter kidnapped and transported to the fae world and thrust into brutal bridal trials, has ultimate mean girls (that I wanted throttle) and a hot shadow fae I want to get to know better. There’s so much action, tension, banter and laughter, I devoured this quickly. Love Briar, she’s smart, strong and her big heart is already creating her own pack/found family amidst the chaos. It’s duo POV which is my favourite. The ending!!!! Jen L Grey drops a 💣 and runs!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty fast-paced story. I thought I was hallucinating when I saw it was less than 300 pages. I am impatiently waiting for book 2 to come out. What a cliffhanger.

I'm still unsure how I feel about the characters, specifically the FMC. She feels like a contradiction, and I'm not too sure about it. But I am holding out judgment for her until the second book.

[Amy Lambton (Neill) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending knocked this from a 5 stars to almost 2 stars for me. Super frustrated. I liked the premise and the characters but it felt so unbelievably rushed at the end and the way everyone just accepted everything felt very shallow to me. A shame because I couldn't put this down at first. I really wanted to like it but from the 80% mark it just totally lost me.

[Jessika DeVore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want to put it down!

I’m dying for book two! It was a very quick read but very enjoyable! I’m loving all of the different fae and wolf series!

[Charlotte Walbran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this book, I just can't put it down!

[Cassandra Berman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vaddy? Enough said.

[BooksbyFate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review ✨️
4⭐️ 2🌶

I just finished reading 'Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King' and 'Claimed by Shadow and Blood' by @authorjenlgrey, and I was immediately sucked into this beautiful creative book series!

Briar is a wolf shifter from Earth who is part of a newly bonded pack with her sister. She is suddenly dragged away to a new realm that she knows nothing about and has to survive using her wit, humor, smarts, and her shifter abilities.

Vad is a Shadow Fae, Prince of the Shadow Kingdom. He is to take the crown, but first, he must oversee the Bridal Games and choose a bride. Vad is only looking for a strong bride, not love.

I love how the magic system works! It is so creative and different from the other books, and it blends perfectly with the storyline.
Briar has shifter magic from Earth, but it works differently than magic in the fae realm. Which makes complete sense because they are different realms, but I feel like some authors overlook small details like this!

Briar is loyal, strong-willed, funny, and honestly a complete badass. I enjoyed watching her character develop and find herself and her strength! She is definitely one of my top 10 FMCs 💋

I also enjoyed Thalen... he kind of gives Ridoc vibes and had me giggling at his inappropriately timed comments 😂

I would recommend this book to anyone 18+ who enjoys:
✨️ A Broody Protective MMC
✨️ A strong-willed, badass FMC
✨️ Deadly Bridal Competition
✨️ Romantasy Lovers
✨️ Forbidden Love
✨️ Touch her and ☠️
✨️ Political Intrigue

[Ghouliana Darkana · Rating 4 out of 5]

no spice cool plot barely heavy petting

I liked this book, but I didn’t love it exactly. First off this series is apparently a spin off of another that I actually DNF’d book 2 which I didn’t realize until a few pages in to this book where I found out the ending of that series (: so, rude to not be warned in the blurb it was a spin off of sorts. I wouldn’t say you can read them out of order only because the ending is ruined in the first chapter of this book lol. Up to you if you care about spoilers. After that chapter that series is barely referenced to other than frequently mentioning a character from the other series who is established as the sister for this one. I will say I did really like the trials aspects in this book! I thought they were pretty unique and stressful. The magic is also pretty cool in this book, but isn’t a main focus. There was no spice at all. I also felt like the MMC at the start of the book and the one at the end are two entirely different people I found myself wondering if he really had been spelled. This book is an insta-love type of book. Very surface level type of book. I really liked the friendships formed here and was nearly brought to tears at the end of the first trial which I do enjoy when a book brings strong emotions out of me. On to the next, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I unfortunately DNF book 2. I just prefer more…. Morally grey, dark, spicy, and generally just a deeper book which I thought this would be. Not a bad book exactly just not entirely my cup of tea!

[ThatBook Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re craving a wild ride, Jen L. Grey absolutely delivers! This book launches straight into action from page one, picking up right where the last series left off. Briar gets yanked out of her pack and tossed into the chaos of a bridal games contest to win the hand of the handsome Fae Prince Vad.

Cue the obligatory mean girls. They are so over-the-top nasty they’re practically cartoonish. The reigning Queen Bee is ruthless, and apparently the Fae approve of her murderous behaviour.
With each deadly trial, the thrills ramp up, and more dangerous creatures burst onto the scene, turning these games into a wild, unpredictable adventure.

For a good chunk of the book, Briar’s confidence is non-existent. I wanted to shake her out of her self-pity several times as I found her so annoying. But the moment she’s thrown into the trials, it’s game on. Her fierce spirit shines through, and suddenly she’s a powerhouse, charging headfirst into danger and fighting for those who need her most.

Vad is an interesting character, full of layers I can’t wait to peel back! Though he’s initially against love and happy to simply do his duty, he reluctantly realizes he’s drawn to Briar and sparks fly. Vad’s BFF Thalen is one of my favourite characters, bringing the perfect dose of charm and wit to every scene he’s in.

Overall, I’m here for the vibes. I like a fast-paced, quick read and Jen always delivers.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This follows Briar Embers sister from the “Rejected Fate Trilogy”. Personally I loved Briar in Embers Story. I felt she had just as much alpha in her as Ember. She stays and fights, stands up for the weaker ones and leaves no one behind. She also always reminded me of the yoga of the pack always having wise words, and speaking the truth when others needed to hear it.

This book holy mind blow 🤯! I couldn’t put it down and I’m stilling reeling.

Ok so the only way I think to describe it is Hunger Games meets Maze Runner.

This is the first book and it end on one hella of a cliffhanger! Briar lands herself in Fae and we all know that means trust is a hard thing to come by and you better watch your back!

This book is duel POV, which I loved! Both MC’s are amazing. I did want to punch Vad (MMC) so many times! BUT he stole my heart! I seriously hope he brings some hurt to some fae in the following books!

Tropes: Found family, enemies/fated, slow burn, trials, I would definitely say this one is darker in ways (the trials), magic, the one is extremely action packed.

I highly recommend this one!! I don’t recommend starting this at bed time! It maybe a fast read but you won’t want to put it down and will be up all night!

[Kristin Usher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable but a little bloodthirsty

I think I might have added this book after reading Ember's series but then didn't read it straight away because I'm often disappointed in spin offs. I actually forgot what this book was while it sat on my list. Once I started to read it, within the first couple of pages it came flooding back.

I got hooked into this book pretty quickly, actually I would say this book starts pretty quickly, it certainly doesn't have a long introduction. It's also not a particularly long book, but also not too short. The plus on this is it really doesn't drag.

We are reintroduced to Briar, with her sister Ember right as something odd starts happening to Briar. Not long after, Briar is whisked away to the Fae world where she suddenly finds herself in a bloodthirsty bridal competition to win a Fae prince, Vad.

Being that the book is pretty fast paced, and about 2/3's of the book is Briar fighting to survive, we don't really get to know Vad as much as we do Briar, but hopefully this will be fixed in book 2. I quite liked Briar as the female lead, but then again, I quite liked her in Ember's books as well.

Of course this book ends on a cliffhanger and I'm very keen to see what happens next.

[Jacque Waterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t terrible but I found the best part to be the last 4 chapters of the book.

Spoilers ahead ……..





There was no world building to this book. The beginning really did not make a whole lot of sense. The FMC had a grandfather of so many greats that tried to warn her. She is a wolf shifter and now she is in some fae world with instant attraction to the MMC. There are barbaric trials that she has to do everything in, with a clique of mean girls….

During the trials there is so much drama that it is hard to actually follow what is going on because all you are doing is being described the horrors that are happening.

The only time I actually got invested in this book was in the last few chapters when the MMC finally talked about his feelings and his father did too.

The amount of times it was said that the characters had a bad feeling like there was a bad omen was frustrating given the fact nothing happened until the end.

The only reason I gave the 3 stars was because of the last 4 chapters. The way the king finally spilled his feelings and the prince did as well got me in my own feelings.

This book has serious potential though.

[Rhonda Almodovar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack of Lies

This is my first book by this author. I was skeptical after the first few pages if I’d like it as I thought it’d be primarily about wolves. I got burned out on reading wolves & shifters after it seemed the market got flooded by that content. Luckily, I kept reading & was entranced & entertained. In regards to the world of Fae & my heritage, I love reading other authors & their take on the world of Fae. This is the story of Briar (AKA as Chaos) & Vad (AKA Vaddy & Prince Vad). She’s been kidnapped from Earth to the Fae realm to participate in a barbaric & treacherous contest against other Fae women vying for Prince Vad’s hand in marriage. Love is not involved or required. Only strength, cunning, intellect & survival need apply to be considered. What Briar doesn’t realize is that Fate IS a true bitch, things are truly never what they seem & some Fae take treachery to an entirely new level….

Que "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division.

[Mindy Sitarz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof, just no. Found this I think through a random Facebook ad and the plot sounded interesting.

That’s why it at least gets a one star.

The writing is juvenile. Too many emotions, not enough actual conversations. The romance was rushed and went from my heart is made of rock to I’ll burn the world for you within one chapter.

No world building, too much description of the food and I swear if I read the word Feck one more time it’ll be too soon.

The two main characters are from different worlds, one being a human wolf shifter and the other a fae but to show how different the dialogue is stilted and inserts “earth slang and sayings” which just make it awkward and middle school-ish.

I wanted to like this book, and I finished it, but I just didn’t and I don’t think I’ll continue the series.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar pulled into a world she doesn't understand. To do some trials to get the hand of Prince Vad. He wants nothing to do with these trials but they are important to pick his bride. Briar not knowing what she is for, is prepared to go out with a fight, but with one look things become more complicated with each passing moment. Will she be able to survive the first trial? Will Vad understand what is happening to him?

I highly recommend this book, it's filled with action, suspense, laughter, and you will shed a few tears as well. Things are intense between these two and will keep you glued to your kindle wanting more and with an ending that will keep coming back. I am looking forward to what haapens next. Amazing read and more

[Leslie Monfort-Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsome book.

I'm so ready to read the next book. This one was awesome but all her books are. Briar is a strong woman and Vad is the moody, dark fae who steals her attention. Briar reminds me of women, not unlike myself, who don't think they are quite good enough against other women. What she doesn't know is that she embodies a strong spirit, fierce loyalty and quick wit. Vad is a typical prince until he lays eyes on her. This ends on a cliffhanger and I'm on the edge of my seat. I can imagine what's going to happen next based on how the book ends and using context clues from throughout the story. However, I have no doubt there will be twists and turns even I can't see coming. I highly recommend this as well as her other books.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars out of 5

I wanted to love this, truly. I adored other series written by Jen, but this one didn't quite live up to the others. Putting it plainly, the writing felt juvenile and the trials were overly gorey/murdery for no reason that I could find. We don't get a ton of interaction between the two main characters, and the few we did didn't leave a ton of room to really build on their relationship. It was truly a "I want to love them, but duty says I shouldn't" for about 75% of the book, then suddenly flips to "I'ma do it anyway" with no real justification as to how we got there. The MMC was 2D, and I really had a hard time feeling anything for him. The FMC carried it and inspired me to be a bit more generous in my rating. Unsure if I will read the rest of the series.