A Dance of Shadows

The Royal Spares #3

by Eva Chase

How can you win against the man who makes the rules?

An unexpected confession from my husband has left me reeling. How can I trust him after everything he's put me through? This feels like one more layer in his sadistic game.

I can't let his secret matter, not when I'm so close to claiming the empire and setting all its horrors right with the princes I love by my side.

But as we set off on a tour of the conquered countries, my resolve is tested at every turn. One moment, my husband is reveling in tormenting the innocent—the next, he's proving he can be as tender as he is cruel. To play to win, I have to walk a tightrope between both sides.

Is it possible part of him could be redeemed? Uncovering the answer could lead me to my greatest victory—or my most fatal mistake.

*A Dance of Shadows is the third book in a new fantasy romance series with a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, smoldering morally grey men, and a determined heroine they'll regret underestimating. There is one more book to come.*

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Why Choose, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Magic

570 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2025

About the author

Eva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.

Reviews

[Mica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this gif perfectly encapsulates how I feel reading this book and getting to THAT ending 😩

Getting this ARC was a total dream, I’d been so feral for this book for so long.

First of all, this book got me extremely obsessed with Aurelia. She is the most ✨level-headed✨ heroine I’ve read in forever and I AM JUST SO OBSESSED ❤️‍🔥

All of the fantasy books I’ve read always have a “super clever, smart, brilliant” heroines, but they’re almost always so impulsive and make emotionally-driven decisions.

Not Aurelia 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️
She thinks ✨everything✨ through before acting. A true type-a heroine, really. The final boss of type-a heroines!

She is most definitely the star of this book, where she had to continue quietly scheming against Marclinus. And boy does he get more psychopathic this time around. Seriously, I wanted to reach inside the book so I could strangle him myself.

But Aurelia is busy bidding her time while growing the heir inside her as they travel around the continent to the other royal households.

We get to meet the parents of our loyal princes and honestly, they are all annoying and cold against the sons they sent away for torture.

If you think Aurelia is done going through trials, well, Marclinus got something to say to that. He continued to torment her as much as he tormented the locals of each territory they visited.

No seriously, I wanted to use my second amendment rights against him.

We also get several spicy times between the princes and Aurelia……

annnnd also with the emperor.
When he went down on her 😗

Yeah yeah I know, we’re all conflicted.
You just need to read it to get what I’m saying.

ANYWAY IT ENDED WITH A BANG‼️
I LITERALLY NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW 😭😭😭

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am flabbergasted, I am impressed, and I am so in love with this series. Every little step the story takes, every word spoken, every decision made, … It all works together marvelously, leading to breathtaking plottwists and revelations that make my mouth look like a perfect ‘o’. I might have had an inkling about how the second book would end, but this time the cliffhanger was something I hadn’t anticipated at all.

This third book in the series takes us on a trip through the empire, and the whole time it’s clear these characters are playing a massive play of chess, where the stakes are extremely high. I love watching all the moves they make; there is so much strategie involved; I would have perished a long time ago if I would have been involved in any way. Looking back at how this series started, I would have never been able to predict where we currently are in the relationships between some of these characters. And the surprises just keep on coming.

I loved this book! And now I can’t wait to get my hands on book four.

[Marissa E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best flowing fantasy series I’ve read yet. Everything that happens has a point and is strategic, the pacing flows perfectly, and the romance isn’t overdone. If you’re looking for a fantasy read that’s full of political intrigue, a unique magic system where something must be given up in order to receive a “gift” from the god they’ve chosen to dedicate themselves to, and tons of unexpected plot twists then this is for you!

I loved how we got to see the other kingdoms, and the princes home countries. The trials Linus puts these kingdoms through were absolutely diabolical! Along with the separate trials he chose to put Aurelia through. I love that she’s strong in a political and strategic way. I wish however we had gotten a little more of her time in her home kingdom with her parents. I found it hard to believe they were the same people who helped her plan an assassination when they just seemed to have given up.

Marc honestly had me going there for a bit, I truly thought maybe he wasn’t all as bad, or at least the lesser of two evils. With the end of this book I still honestly don’t know how I feel about him, and can’t tell if he’s still scheming. I wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction when Aurelia told him everything, he almost seemed impressed Aurelia bested him, that’s what I’m going with at this point.

This book does end on a bang of a cliffhanger, I cannot wait to continue this series and see where Aurelia’s relationship with her princes go, I absolutely adore every single one of them! This is by far one of my favorite binge worthy series!

Thank you so much for Eva Chase for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review

[Kay H · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars rounded to 4) The world-building, political maneuvering, and magic system continue to take the top prize for the most intriguing aspects of this story. It can sometimes feel challenging to find a fantasy romance that does political maneuvering and intrigue well, and this one continues to impress.

Unfortunately, I found the romance to be stagnant in this third book. The intimate scenes felt a bit obligatory and if they had been removed entirely, the book wouldn't have lost any of its essence. The scenes were relatively short (relative to the genre - there are no full-chapter intimate scenes here) and well-written. I can count on a good quality and low/no cringe with Eva Chase. However, every time the term "drawers" was used, I had to laugh.

The plot felt slow and languishing, though each step was needed in the plot progress and setting up of alliances and schemes. For a large portion in the middle, I felt the need to skim to get to a milestone or turning point. I connected with Neven most in this book - I was waiting for someone to DO SOMETHING (you will know what I mean if you've read the book).

Overall, slower book with less tension but we've progressed well in the overarching plot. I look forward to the next book, that last ~15% got my excitement back!

Thank you to Eva Chase and Booksirens for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd book in this series does not disappoint 👏🏻🔥🔥🔥

I could not have anticipated that twist! Ugh SO GOOD🔥🔥🔥🔥

And all the 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😍🥵🥵🥵 YYEEESSSSSS HAHAHA

I can’t wait for the final conclusion!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're ever looking for a book with a smart and intelligent heroine trying to reach her goals by taking the smart route instead of the fast route: this is it. Amidst a landscape of heroines going headfirst into fights they wouldn't be able to win if they didn't have plot-armor, this book really stands out. Yes, of course it gets frustrating at times that she's constantly balancing on a thin rope. Yes, of course we're rooting for her to win and as soon as possible, but this is how it's realistically done. It takes time, it takes planning, it means picking your battles and biting your tongue, it means enduring things you hate and completing tasks you don't wanna do. It also means finding comfort wherever you can find it. Apart from this book being clever, the book is also filled with a lot of romantic and sweet moments and after the finale I'm really looking forward to the next book.

[Jess Bohanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my favorite one yet!! Getting to know more about the different kingdoms while also experiencing the trials for each one... Incredible!! I loved every moment in this, all the intrigue, drama, politics and an unhinged ruler... The ending has me jumping up and down for the next one!

[✨notquiteserene✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I could say about this book but in summary: it 👏🏻 didn’t 👏🏻 miss 👏🏻

Not one single thing.

My two biggest takeaways though….

1) Aurelia is a GODDESS. She is truly one of my all-time favorite FMCs. She’s out here playing chess and keeping a level head through literal hell while never losing sight of who she is and what she wants to achieve.

2) I am clearly sick in the head because I almost cried over Marc r e p e a t e d l y and am now wondering (read: hoping) if/how he’ll join the harem. He’s either going to have a glorious redemption arc or become one hell of a villain, and I am SO HERE FOR IT.

June can’t get here fast enough, of all the unfinished series I’ve ever started I’m the MOST feral over this one I stg

[KMart Vet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This continues the dark and seductive political game established in the series, but at this point, the story treads familiar ground. While the book delivers on its signature intrigue, steamy romance, and shocking cliffhangers, it feels more like a rerun of previous installments than an evolution of the story.

The stakes feel somewhat muted this time around. While there’s still danger and conflict, it rarely impacts the main characters in a way that forces real growth or change. The trials and challenges feel more like variations on what’s come before rather than fresh obstacles that truly test the characters. Similarly, the romance, which started as an intoxicating blend of power dynamics and shifting loyalties, remains enjoyable but doesn’t evolve much, making the emotional tension feel stagnant.

There are some highlights, though. The world-building expands a bit as the story ventures into the conquered nations, and Chase’s writing remains engaging. The pacing is tight, and the book is undeniably entertaining, even if it’s more predictable than before. While it may not bring anything dramatically new to the series, it still offers plenty of intrigue, passion, and drama to keep readers hooked.

That said, fans who love the dynamic established in previous books will likely still enjoy this one. The addictive pacing and tantalizing cliffhanger will keep readers hooked for the next installment. It may not break new ground, but it delivers exactly what fans expect. But for those hoping for more complexity, deeper character growth, or unexpected twists, A Dance of Shadows may feel like a beautifully packaged yet repetitive performance.

Thanks so much to Booksirens and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: A Dance of Shadows (The Royal Spares Book 3)

“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦."

Eva never fails to deliver powerful and evocative narratives. A Dance of Shadows is no exception. In this glorious installment, Aurelia and the MMCs are tested at every turn as they tour the conquered territories of the empire.

Aurelia must deftly navigate Marclinus’s mercurial moods and cruel whims as her own plans start to come to fruition. Will she succeed with assuming her place within the empire?

Series Tropes:
👀 Multi POV
⛔️ Enemies to lovers
👑 Royals
💍 Arranged marriage
💀 Deadly trials
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family
⚠️ “Who did this?”
👯‍♂️ Why choose
🩶 Morally grey MCs
🌶️ : open door

I enjoyed learning the unique elements, landscapes, and rich lore of each territory. There’s a complicated relationship each foster Prince maintains with their estranged Royal families and this is masterfully explored. But while alliances must be forged, mistrust and sabotages abound.

The deeply woven storylines and multiple POVs demonstrate Aurelia and the MMCs’ unshakeable faith and unwavering devotion to their cause and each other. The love shared among these MCs is so tender and steadfast.

My heart was on edge from the suspense and I was praying to all the godlens that Aurelia and her princes overcome the challenges they have yet to face.

With brilliant twists, epic intrigue, and a sweeping why choose romance, A Dance of Shadows is a thrilling penultimate installment to The Royal Spares series!

So grateful to the author for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better, Eva Chase has done it again! I can't get over where this book in the series has led us to. In this novel, we visited all of the outer laying countries under control by the empire for their respective kings and queens to show loyalty to the newly crowned emperor, Marclinus. Now, the pledging ceremony always goes a specific way, but of course, Marclinus, or specifically Linus, has other ideas in mind. Aurelia has to combat with his husband in these outer laying countries to prove to their royalty that she is deserving of their respect, especially considering what her future goals are.

It was fascinating to see just how much each of the outer countries differs in their own way, as well as how each of them contributes to Dariu. Seeing where her princes were raised brings us a little bit closer to them as beloved characters in the series as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for the next in the series to drop! It always amazes me what Aurelia perseveres through as the FMC and then in turn how she goes about handling each situation. Everyone else is playing checkers while she's playing chess. And in regular fashion, this book ends on a cliffhanger, and it is a spicy one. 👀

Favorite Quote: "There's a beauty to wildness when you align yourself with it rather than resisting." - Aurelia

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Shannon Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In every one of these, I wish the rest of the book had the same pacing and drama of the last 100 pages. It always takes it from a 3* to a 4* for me. All the ingredients are there, but for me the plot always feels repetitive/like it’s dragging at some points until we get to the end and then it’s amazing. The first 75% is always us trudging through Linus being completely publicly unhinged and Aurelia manoeuvring around it, for the most part.

If you like court politics, then this is the series for you! However, if you’re here for the RH element, then I’m sad to inform you romance has completely taken a back seat at this point. There is zero movement in this book with any of the princes, with an occasional random smut scene thrown in to remind you that these characters are romantically involved. It’s gotten so stalled that I’m finding myself more invested in whatever is happening with Aurelia and Marc.

Is it bad I’m kinda rooting for it? Probably

Linus’ death wasn’t nearly as drawn out nor horrific as it deserved to be. Although I did like the betrayal element of it.

The fact it was Sabrelle manifesting all of the chew was a nice, unexpected twist! Was really hoping they weren’t going to go the cheesy route of Neven betraying them or Linus organising it, so I’m glad to see it was this instead!

I also liked the dynamic switch up that’s been set up for the final book. I wonder if Marc will rebel or become part of the gang.

Saying again but she reallyyyyy wants to hope that kid doesn’t sprout red hair 😂

[libraryofliv_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I still enjoyed this book I enjoyed the first 2 books more. This one felt a tad slow in my opinion and I had to keep reminding myself it was purposeful because Aurelia and the guys are in it for the long con and they had to be very careful with how the strategized and maneuvered. While I was reading the book i will say it was hard to put down but when I did put it down it wasn’t like I was itching to pick it back up. This book, like the first 2 books, had me feeling anxious and on edge the entire time because I was so nervous that they were going to get caught or something in their planning would go array.
I’m always amazed at how Eva Chase plans out these books and how strategic Aurelia is with how she acts and what she says. Which is why the ending left me feeling ugh HUH, bc it was so rushed. It did not give any of the strategic mastermind -ness that Aurelia usually has. Their plan in my opinion was kinda dumb ?? Just not well thought out at all, even though they were acting rashly, in the past they always were smart about their plans and this one felt meh
I’m looking forward to the last and final book of the series! I hope everything ties in well and more action happens!

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Five stars for the first book, four for the second and DNF for this. The storyline is getting too repetitious for me. I may finish this someday but not now.

It must be time for me to start reading a different genre as I find myself getting irritated at the notion that sex is the most important aspect of a relationship. I’m probably wrong but it seems like every time Aurelia and any or all of the three princes are alone together they can’t resist the opportunity to fuck.

I’m beginning to doubt that Aurelia is going to be able to convert the subjects of Dariu into believing that she’s a better choice to rule them.* She’s only got a short time to do so and the residents have been under the thumb of the Emperor for years.

*Frankly I hope that she is able to free the kingdoms that have been subjected to the Emperor's rule. I think her princes are spares so they can continue to HEA with her. Maybe Neven will be old enough to get in on the action by then. Oops, I guess he’s gay (not that there’s anything wrong with that)

[Ruby Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me an age to read mainly because I’ve been Ill and haven’t felt like reading but also most of this book was a little less enthralling and a bit more repetitive than the first couple
I think just all the travelling around and Linus being a dick got a bit boring after the first few places they went to and I got frustrated with Aurelia not really standing up to him even though we know she was, he got away with a lot more than I expected him to following the Marc/Linus reveal
The ending was awesome though! Basically from the point where there were in Aurelia’s home it started to get a bit more interesting and the last few chapters were way more exciting!
I’m looking forward to reading what happens next, her original biggest obstacle is now gone so I’m not sure what’s going to happen next
I’m also intrigued to see how she can carry on the relationships with the prices and how Marc will fit into it all

[s.elle.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📚 I've been anticipating this release for months and I ate it up!!! I absolutely LOVE a good Why Choose / reverse harem and the spice was perfect. The continued plot twists are WILD and there's gonna be another book coming... ASAP pleeeeeease!?!

Rated 4.5⭐ rounded up!!

Thank you Eva Chase and BookSirens for the ARC copy of this book!!!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has kept my heart pumping! The twists, strategies, spice is amazing. I'm not sure my heart can take it lol. I need the next book asap. I really need Aurelia to get her happily ever after. Eva is a master story weaver and you can't go wrong picking up her books!
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I thought it would be. This series has become one of my absolute favorites. The characters and story will have you glued to your kindle. Another amazing read that I really enjoyed.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three and we pick up from where we left off and Aurelia faces more challenges and conflict as they travel to the outer laying countries. It’s a gripping read that has you unable to stop reading and is brimming with action, suspense, mystery and a little spice as we do get a little closure on some parts but there is still so many unanswered questions. Twists and turns and a few surprises along the way has us eager and waiting patiently for book four!

[Meka 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well written book by Chase. The world building as well as the whole plot buildup all the way to the end was very well done. The spicy scenes were 🥵🥵 and that cliff hanger

Overall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Katarina Petzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dance of Shadows (The Royal Spares, Book 3) by Eva Chase

Eva Chase's *A Dance of Shadows* is a thrilling continuation of *The Royal Spares* series, delivering a masterclass in tension, intrigue, and character development. Picking up where the previous book left off, this installment plunges readers back into the tumultuous world of Aurelia, a second-born princess who is determined to claim her rightful place, even as she navigates the complexities of her husband's dark and twisted nature.

The story kicks off with an unexpected confession from Aurelia's husband, Marclinus, which sends shockwaves through her already fragile trust. What follows is a gripping exploration of love, loyalty, and the challenge of redemption in a landscape rife with manipulation and danger. As Aurelia embarks on a tour of the conquered countries, she finds herself teetering on the edge of a precarious balance—one moment confronting Marclinus's sadistic inclinations, and the next discovering glimpses of his potential for tenderness. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Aurelia's resolve is continuously tested.

Chase has crafted Aurelia into a truly remarkable heroine. Her cleverness and ambition shine through even brighter in this third installment, as she deftly maneuvers through the deadly games surrounding her. Readers will find themselves rooting for her as she outwits the emperor and the princes vying for her affection. The dynamic between Aurelia and the three foster princes—Bastien, Raul, and Lorenzo—adds an enriching layer to the narrative. Their devotion to her is unwavering, and as readers delve into their backstories, it's impossible not to feel a mix of heartache and admiration for the underestimated princes who hide their true selves beneath layers of royal decorum.

One of the standout elements of this series is the intricate magic system, where sacrifices to the gods grant magical gifts. Aurelia's resourcefulness in manipulating her powers is not only clever but adds depth to her character and the challenges she faces. Each twist and turn in the plot leaves readers gasping, and Chase's ability to maintain a rapid pace while deepening character arcs is truly commendable.

As we draw closer to the conclusion of the series, the anticipation is electric. With only one book left, it's difficult to predict how Chase will tie together the myriad of plot threads she has woven throughout the series. Yet, her knack for surprising twists and emotional depth assures us that the journey will be nothing short of exhilarating.

In summary, *A Dance of Shadows* is a triumph that elevates the series to new heights. Eva Chase continues to impress with her storytelling, character development, and world-building. If you haven't yet met Aurelia, now is the perfect time to dive into *The Royal Spares* series. Prepare for a wild ride filled with morally grey characters, sizzling romance, and a heroine who refuses to be underestimated. I eagerly await the next installment—June can't come soon enough!

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book the Royal Spares, a fantasy romance series set in the author’s Abandoned Realms world. There are numerous very dark elements to this story so please read the trigger warnings. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.

Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose
✨Arranged marriage
✨Court intrigue
✨Pregnancy
✨Political unrest
✨Challenges/trials

Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nicknames: Rell, Star, Lamb

The Lovely: While I love, love our secretly a b@da$$ FMC, I love the MMCs even more than I did in the last book. I loved how they made sure to let the FMC know, through actions more than words, that she wasn’t alone and that they would always be there for her. Their growth continues to impress me.

The Mundane: I loved the adventuring/traveling across the empire but after several (I think five in total?) places, it was feeling a bit repetitive - like it was following a formula. I think part of that was due to the fact I was anxious about what would happen when they did get home.

Recommendation: After the intriguing end to book two, book three picked up right away and off they went! Book four, the last book expected in the series, is due to be released in June 2025. This book/series takes place in the author’s Abandoned Realms world, which also houses her Rites of Possession series and a novella, Heart of Defiance. But, you do not need to read any of those prior to this series. If you like why choose fantasy romance with a strong heroine and lots of court intrigue, I think you would like this book.

[Adena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this was challenging. Aurelia travels with her husband, now that she knows his secret, and must prove her loyalty at every turn. In the first book, she had to go through trials to win her place as empress. In the second book, she had to perform feats for the gods to show she was worthy of being a leader. Now, you would think her trials are over. Not only has she proved herself twice, but she is now carrying the heir to the throne. You would think she would be secure in her position. You would be wrong.

Once again, the emperor demonstrates his power with a show of cruelty in each conquered country, forcing its people to prove their loyalty by risking their lives. Even if they succeed, the pain and horror he inflicts make it clear that it will be up to Aurelia to save the people from his madness.

Meanwhile, she must attempt to turn the twins on each other, slowly manipulating them behind the scenes. But will it be enough to save the people? Or will she only make things worse for herself and the four captured princes she is trying to protect?

This world is so rich and compelling. We get to see a glimpse into the back story of each of Aurelia's lovers, and watch them steal happiness where they can. The characters are so well developed, and Aurelia is very relatable. She is much stronger and cleverer than anyone suspects.

This is book three, but this is not the end. Obviously, there is a lot of story left to tell, and just when you think you know what will happen, another twist changes the stakes yet again. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!

I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy of this novel.

[Kailee Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished reading this, I said to my partner - ‘I truly think Eva Chase is one of the only writers who makes my jaw drop EVERY SINGLE TIME’. 5/5 stars I love this series beyond words. And I think this is my favourite book of this series yet. Eva has an absolutely magical way with words, and I am obsessed with her books.

A Dance of Shadows picks up right where we left off, after a HUGE FREAKING CLIFFHANGER mind you, and takes us around the realm to visit all the other kingdoms. Without spoiling too much, Marclinus’ ‘split personality’ (iykyk) puts the prince’s and Aurelia’s home kingdoms through trials of their own, likening himself to one of the Gods. These trials are hell, and in each of them he tests Aurelia as well, but she continues to persevere, and seeing her overcome every test in this book was truly phenomenal.

This series has every plot point mapped out, every sentence having a strategy. At no point do I feel like there is just a brain dump of information, a lull in the story, or confusion around the plot. There is action and spice and romance and twisted games unfolding as every Royal has their own agenda.

This book finishes on yet another cliffhanger, and I was truly on the edge of my seat, jaw dropping open, nervously reading through to the end. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the next book, because it is sure to be another 5 star read.

Thank you so much to Eva for the eARC of this book. I will forever love and adore your writing, and I’m so happy to be able to arc read for you <3

[Risa Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, I don’t even know if have words to describe how I’m feeling after those last chapters. I think I’ll need to come back to edit this review hahahaha. I’m going to do my best to not spoil anything because the twists and turns just kept coming and should be experienced with no prior knowledge, in my opinion.

Wow. Eva does it yet again with this book! She’s such an amazing author. I’ve liked every book I’ve read by her, but I do think this particular installment ending may be one of the best cliffhangers I’ve ever read. I think I said that about the last book in this series, but this one knocked that out of the top spot.

Aurelia definitely embodies her godlen with her abundance of patience. She puts up with so much from the emperor, but she definitely never lets it break her. I adore when she gets time with her men, though. She deserves those breaks so much. I’m so excited to see how she blossoms in her role.

Speaking of her men…I still adore them, but there is that one that I’m wondering what the future will entail. If you know, you know. This could be verrrryyyyy interesting. I’m exceptionally eager for the next book!

I’m also extremely curious now about what lays beyond the boundaries of these continents that we’ve traversed over these two series. We’ve seen so much now of what’s in these places, but I’m kind of hoping there were hints of another future series, maybe, that is from beyond the boundaries. Hmmmm.

Absolutely 5 magnificent stars and 2/5 spice.

I did receive this as an advance copy, and this is my honest review.

[Sylvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,💫 stars!!

Book: A Dance of Shadows by Eva Chase

The third book starts right where the second book is left off. I was in desperate need of answers after the major twist at the ending of A Pact of Blood! I was excited to dive back in

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘩𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘧."

The first half of the book is a bit slower. More so because there's a lot of court intrigue, amazing world expansion, and interesting characters at play!! It gives you a greater insight into this world and the magic system. Nothing is as it seems, and I love how this world continues to amaze me!!

“𝘈𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘸𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥.”

I loved how this book focuses more on the bonds between Aurelia and her secret lovers. The love they have for each other, it makes me want for more, desperately rooting for them. This book also focuses more on the Emperor, or should I say Emperors. The scheming continues, and it makes you doubt the different allegiances and second guess your instincts. Who to trust? Marc has been interesting, to say the least. Exciting twist at the end once again!

“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘭? 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”

I want to thank Eva Chase for sending me a physical ARC of her books!! I thoroughly appreciate you and the opportunity to read these in advance 🖤

[Amanda Bernardino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva Chase wove an intricate story with all the right ingredients to keep you turning pages. The emperor MarcLinus submits Aurelia, the princes, the conquered lands rulers and peoples to his cruel mind games and whimsical mood swings. Aurelia as a female character is that understated chess master that plans her next moves with patient consideration and is steadfast in her beliefs and her vision for the future of the empire. She is constantly walking on a tightrope but somehow manages to keep her balance without losing herself or the sight of her objectives. The princes are committed to help her to the end goal and we get to see where they came from as the royal tour progresses and we are shown the different kingdoms and their respective leaders and people. Together they continue on the path to achieve their goal of having a fairer empire without being under the thumb of “an” increasingly deranged emperor and are becoming masters of smoke and mirrors. The only thing that is constant is Aurelia’s and her three princes love for each other and their time together is what helps to keep them sane and resilient. We get to see the differences between the kingdoms and their place in the prosperity of the empire. I was expecting a cliffhanger at the end but not this one. It left me wanting for the time to move faster so I can see how all the plot lines get tied together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva Chase does it again with "A Dance of Shadows," the third book in her Royal Spares series. The book picks up right where book 2 leaves off. This was a smooth read that kept me hooked while continuing to move the plot along, though it did seem a little slow at times. Aurelia is still the most interesting character, though Marclinus has some interesting moments. We do get to see more interactions with some of the supporting characters in this installment, which was nice but occasionally seemed unneeded, though I did love the scenes with Bianca.

There isn't a lot of time between Aurelia and her lovers, which may have contributed to the fact that I wasn't feeling their vibe as much this time around. I did wish that she and the men were able to have more one-on-one time, but considering the events at the end of the story, there was obvious value to building dynamics elsewhere. The romance is still there, but it's definitely taking a backseat to all the larger plot developments.

In typical Eva Chase fashion, the book ends with another cliffhanger, though not quite as jaw-dropping as the last one. It still left me eager for the next book, but I didn't feel like throwing my Kindle across the room this time. Overall, "A Dance of Shadows" is a solid continuation of the Royal Spares series that fans will enjoy. I'm giving it 4/5 stars and looking forward to seeing where the series takes readers next.

[Morgana Lefaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! What a twist! And then another twist! And another!

This book takes us through all the realms of the Darium empire, veering between Marc’s calculations and Linus’ mania. The world building is superb - I love the way Eva Chase has created an entire theology, and built an intricate world around it. I loved getting to see the different kingdoms, although I was as frustrated as Aurelia by her attempts to gain the support of the various subordinate royal families.

I was less interested in the romance than in the earlier books. There wasn’t any real growth or change in the relationship with the three princes. The development of Aurelia’s relationship with Marc was far more compelling, and the growing friendship with with Bianca. I wish there had been more insight into what was going on with Neven as he struggled with Sabrelle’s influence.

I’m excited about reading volume 4, and seeing how Aurelia and her princes, with the help of Elox, will overcome the challenge of Sabrelle. (I never much liked the godlen of war, and look forward to some shaking up of the divine hierarchy.

I also hope this won’t be the last series set in this universe. I want more. I want to see more of the other half the continent. And I would really like to eventually see the All-giver return.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is written after listening to the audio version of this book.

I didn't know what to expect following the cliffhanger ending to the preceding book, which was certainly shocking! Most of this book takes place as Aurelia and both emperors are touring all the defeated kingdoms of the Empire, meeting all the Royal families within their kingdoms. Whilst the Royals and their subjects are terrorised by their Emperor, Aurelia tries to let them know she is on their side, something she has to do without appearing to be treasonous, a difficult task while trying to manoeuvre her way around court politics.

On the Royal tour, she too has to endure much at the hands of her "husband", but she still manages to find some time to meet with the men who hold her heart.

This instalment flowed well and kept me hooked while continuing to move the plot along, though at times it did seem a little slow. Aurelia's life is in danger from an unknown source, and her three Princes have their hands full keeping their vow to protect her no matter what!

Once again, we are left with a humdinger of an ending, leaving me eager to listen to the next and final book in this incredible series.

The narration is perfect, Meg Sylvan and Aaron Shedlock bring all the important players to life wonderfully.