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Shadow Legacy
A Mysterious Past. A Forbidden Love. A Shadow Legacy.
Rowan escapes certain death, as punishment for a crime she didn’t commit, with the help of Casimir—a vampire knight seeking redemption. As they embark on a perilous journey to uncover her mysterious past, they must navigate the harsh northern terrain and the electrifying passion building between them.
During an attack by rogue assailants, Rowan uncovers her shocking power to control vampires against their will, threatening the hierarchy of both the supernatural and human worlds. When the chilling truth about Rowan's family's dark history comes to light and a master vampire targets her in his ruthless plot to overthrow the kingdom, Rowan and Casimir’s forbidden love is put to the ultimate test.
With danger closing in, they face insurmountable odds as they battle not only for survival but for the very essence of who they are. Will Rowan sacrifice everything to save a corrupt kingdom that never gave a damn about her or become the catalyst to tear it apart piece by bloody piece?
Rowan escapes certain death, as punishment for a crime she didn’t commit, with the help of Casimir—a vampire knight seeking redemption. As they embark on a perilous journey to uncover her mysterious past, they must navigate the harsh northern terrain and the electrifying passion building between them.
During an attack by rogue assailants, Rowan uncovers her shocking power to control vampires against their will, threatening the hierarchy of both the supernatural and human worlds. When the chilling truth about Rowan's family's dark history comes to light and a master vampire targets her in his ruthless plot to overthrow the kingdom, Rowan and Casimir’s forbidden love is put to the ultimate test.
With danger closing in, they face insurmountable odds as they battle not only for survival but for the very essence of who they are. Will Rowan sacrifice everything to save a corrupt kingdom that never gave a damn about her or become the catalyst to tear it apart piece by bloody piece?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2025
3 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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February 18, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️ ARC read- releases February 18, 2025
Updated with quotes- on release day!!
“You’ve never been a burden. You’re the beacon in my eternal night, and I’m helpless against the pull of your light.”
“Because in this vast, dark eternity that is my existence, you’re the one ray of light that pierces through. Because the very thought of losing you is more terrifying than any consequence.”
“You’re playing with fire, little necromancer.”
It was more than love. It was a partnership forged in fire, and they were ready to face the darkness together.
———
In a world where women have been stripped of their rights and their power by the Brotherhood, Rowan needs a way out of a bad situation. Casimir, a mysterious vampire, gives it to her. They embark on a journey together that starts as a search for the truth about Rowans heritage but ends with newfound relationships, magic and a very bloody battle.
I had fun reading this book. The descriptive writing does an amazing job of helping the reader picture the scene. The plot is interesting and had me wanting more. I did see the twists coming but I wasn’t upset about it. I really loved the underlying feminism vibe and the overall need for women to regain their power that was constantly addressed in this book. I will definitely read whatever Colleen comes up with next, I had a good time reading Shadow Legacy and I wish it had been longer of a read.
A few issues I had:
World Building: I found that while the descriptive writing made it very easy to picture specific places, I was really lacking world building. I know little to nothing about the world and its rules, how it’s laid out, who rules what parts, or the magic system. There are little bits of information here and there but I often found myself confused about the world itself and wishing I had more information.
Timeline: I desperately needed a timeline. I was constantly questioning how long Rowan and Casimir had been traveling together, I kept thinking that they hadn’t known each other long enough for Rowan to have such intense reactions to a few things. As far as I knew they had literally known each other for a few weeks at most. This book desperately needed some kind of verbal marker for how long they had been together because Rowan and Casimir’s relationship felt so rushed without it.
Dialogue: I did find it hard to connect to the characters, especially with how short the book is. The inner monologues were interesting and well written but the actual dialogue felt really scripted or too formal a lot of the time. The conversations sometimes didn’t flow like a real one would and felt very “fill in the blank”-ish (if that makes sense).
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC- I received this eARC for free and all of my opinions are my own
Updated with quotes- on release day!!
“You’ve never been a burden. You’re the beacon in my eternal night, and I’m helpless against the pull of your light.”
“Because in this vast, dark eternity that is my existence, you’re the one ray of light that pierces through. Because the very thought of losing you is more terrifying than any consequence.”
“You’re playing with fire, little necromancer.”
It was more than love. It was a partnership forged in fire, and they were ready to face the darkness together.
———
In a world where women have been stripped of their rights and their power by the Brotherhood, Rowan needs a way out of a bad situation. Casimir, a mysterious vampire, gives it to her. They embark on a journey together that starts as a search for the truth about Rowans heritage but ends with newfound relationships, magic and a very bloody battle.
I had fun reading this book. The descriptive writing does an amazing job of helping the reader picture the scene. The plot is interesting and had me wanting more. I did see the twists coming but I wasn’t upset about it. I really loved the underlying feminism vibe and the overall need for women to regain their power that was constantly addressed in this book. I will definitely read whatever Colleen comes up with next, I had a good time reading Shadow Legacy and I wish it had been longer of a read.
A few issues I had:
World Building: I found that while the descriptive writing made it very easy to picture specific places, I was really lacking world building. I know little to nothing about the world and its rules, how it’s laid out, who rules what parts, or the magic system. There are little bits of information here and there but I often found myself confused about the world itself and wishing I had more information.
Timeline: I desperately needed a timeline. I was constantly questioning how long Rowan and Casimir had been traveling together, I kept thinking that they hadn’t known each other long enough for Rowan to have such intense reactions to a few things. As far as I knew they had literally known each other for a few weeks at most. This book desperately needed some kind of verbal marker for how long they had been together because Rowan and Casimir’s relationship felt so rushed without it.
Dialogue: I did find it hard to connect to the characters, especially with how short the book is. The inner monologues were interesting and well written but the actual dialogue felt really scripted or too formal a lot of the time. The conversations sometimes didn’t flow like a real one would and felt very “fill in the blank”-ish (if that makes sense).
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC- I received this eARC for free and all of my opinions are my own
February 20, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
This book has it all: sweeping romance, immersive world-building, action-packed drama, and dark magic - all with incredible pacing and cinematic scope!
This book has it all: sweeping romance, immersive world-building, action-packed drama, and dark magic - all with incredible pacing and cinematic scope!
February 5, 2025
Shadow Legacy ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date 18 February 2025
Thank you Colleen Mitchell for the ARC!
In a world run by the Brotherhood, women hold no power… or are they the true power?
Rowan has grown up in an orphanage and has wondered about her heritage her whole life.
She spends her time taking care of the other girls and telling them exciting stories of vampires and magic ✨ little does she know, just how real those stories are.
When an incident occurs and she is rescued by Casimir, she quickly learns that her life is not what it seems.
✨magic
✨vampires
✨animal companion
This book had an interesting story and I enjoyed watching the FMC come into her own.
I was a little confused about the timelines and the insta love/slow burn that occurred between the two main characters. I didn’t get the chemistry between them.
I would have also liked to see more world building about the lands and brotherhood.
The FMC powers were unique and it was an interesting concept to work through.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date 18 February 2025
Thank you Colleen Mitchell for the ARC!
In a world run by the Brotherhood, women hold no power… or are they the true power?
Rowan has grown up in an orphanage and has wondered about her heritage her whole life.
She spends her time taking care of the other girls and telling them exciting stories of vampires and magic ✨ little does she know, just how real those stories are.
When an incident occurs and she is rescued by Casimir, she quickly learns that her life is not what it seems.
✨magic
✨vampires
✨animal companion
This book had an interesting story and I enjoyed watching the FMC come into her own.
I was a little confused about the timelines and the insta love/slow burn that occurred between the two main characters. I didn’t get the chemistry between them.
I would have also liked to see more world building about the lands and brotherhood.
The FMC powers were unique and it was an interesting concept to work through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
————
I’ve been getting lucky with all these bad ass FMC in my few last books. Rowan is a women that has lived in the orphanage way past the age she needs to due to not having any family outside of it. The orphanage is being run by this brotherhood that is basically against women having any power which is why she is always the main target. On a dark night, some unfortunate events happen that caused her to be saved by a vampire knight named Casimir. All she knows about vampires are the myths and tales that circulate around people but this one is different. Something seems to pull him to her and eventually vice versa but now she’s also away from all she knows and feels alone.
I enjoyed the character development of Rowan and cashmir individually. I also really loved the battles that took place in the book, these areas showed truly how special Rowan is and how much she’s been holding back to the world. Rowan goes from knowing nothing about her self and family to unraveling more than she ever could imagine and becoming a warrior throughout that.
Cashmir is the most polite, romantic, charming vampire so of course my heart was swooning and I was team cashmir till the end! This is a slow burn with little spice.
I definitely recommend this story to anyone in the dark fantasy romance world with little spice in their books.
This is her debut novel which comes out on February 18, 2025 but you can pre-order now on Amazon!
I’ve been getting lucky with all these bad ass FMC in my few last books. Rowan is a women that has lived in the orphanage way past the age she needs to due to not having any family outside of it. The orphanage is being run by this brotherhood that is basically against women having any power which is why she is always the main target. On a dark night, some unfortunate events happen that caused her to be saved by a vampire knight named Casimir. All she knows about vampires are the myths and tales that circulate around people but this one is different. Something seems to pull him to her and eventually vice versa but now she’s also away from all she knows and feels alone.
I enjoyed the character development of Rowan and cashmir individually. I also really loved the battles that took place in the book, these areas showed truly how special Rowan is and how much she’s been holding back to the world. Rowan goes from knowing nothing about her self and family to unraveling more than she ever could imagine and becoming a warrior throughout that.
Cashmir is the most polite, romantic, charming vampire so of course my heart was swooning and I was team cashmir till the end! This is a slow burn with little spice.
I definitely recommend this story to anyone in the dark fantasy romance world with little spice in their books.
This is her debut novel which comes out on February 18, 2025 but you can pre-order now on Amazon!
January 28, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and Colleen Mitchell for the ARC of this book.
I wrote out a huge review and just lost it all. 😫 so here we go again.
2.5 ⭐️⭐️ rounded up because it's a debut novel.
I wanted to like this book because the blurb sounded so enticing. I was down for an orphan who finds her power, a knightly vampire who saves the day, and a slow burn romance (slightly forbidden) romance. What i got fell flat of that.
I'll start with the good. The overall idea for the book was good. I really enjoyed the premise for the plot. I also enjoyed the little twists thrown in there and Casimir's surprise in the end. It was a nice full circle moment.
Now there's more that I didn't like...
1. I didn't like the FMC and her attitude. Or how she reacted to seeing Casimir being ruthless. He's a vampire. That's how they are, and he warned you. 🥴
2. There seems to have been editing flaws throughout the book. For instance, in Chapter 3, when Casimir steps in to save Rowan from a beating by Williams, he says he means her no harm. And she says, "Protect me? Why?".. uhm, when did he say protect you? I had to reread it like 4 times before deciding to skip over it and keep reading. There are a few instances of this throughout the book.
3. The time issue. We don't know how much time has passed between scenes. There's mentions of time of day, but not on how much time has elapsed. And this irked me. I need to know if they did this all in 5 days (like it seemed in my head) or over the span of months.
4. I didn't care for the writing style. It felt very told, now shown. That's all I have to say about that.
And lastly 5. I felt the romance was rushed, came out of nowhere, and didn't make sense. For starters, it wasn't important to the plot. And if it's not necessary, then I don't think it needs to be included. If it is necessary, make it seem that way. I also felt like there was no chemistry between Rowan and Casimir. If anything, there was more between Rowan and Marcus 🙄. I also felt it wasn't a slow burn at all. It was very fast. But that could play into not knowing the time frame of anything as well.
I know this is a debut novel. So, I really didn't want to be harsh on my review. However, I also think it's important for authors to grow in their writing. Hopefully, Colleen can grow from honest reviews so that the next novel is even better. I will keep an eye out for her next novel and hope it tops this one. ❤️
I wrote out a huge review and just lost it all. 😫 so here we go again.
2.5 ⭐️⭐️ rounded up because it's a debut novel.
I wanted to like this book because the blurb sounded so enticing. I was down for an orphan who finds her power, a knightly vampire who saves the day, and a slow burn romance (slightly forbidden) romance. What i got fell flat of that.
I'll start with the good. The overall idea for the book was good. I really enjoyed the premise for the plot. I also enjoyed the little twists thrown in there and Casimir's surprise in the end. It was a nice full circle moment.
Now there's more that I didn't like...
1. I didn't like the FMC and her attitude. Or how she reacted to seeing Casimir being ruthless. He's a vampire. That's how they are, and he warned you. 🥴
2. There seems to have been editing flaws throughout the book. For instance, in Chapter 3, when Casimir steps in to save Rowan from a beating by Williams, he says he means her no harm. And she says, "Protect me? Why?".. uhm, when did he say protect you? I had to reread it like 4 times before deciding to skip over it and keep reading. There are a few instances of this throughout the book.
3. The time issue. We don't know how much time has passed between scenes. There's mentions of time of day, but not on how much time has elapsed. And this irked me. I need to know if they did this all in 5 days (like it seemed in my head) or over the span of months.
4. I didn't care for the writing style. It felt very told, now shown. That's all I have to say about that.
And lastly 5. I felt the romance was rushed, came out of nowhere, and didn't make sense. For starters, it wasn't important to the plot. And if it's not necessary, then I don't think it needs to be included. If it is necessary, make it seem that way. I also felt like there was no chemistry between Rowan and Casimir. If anything, there was more between Rowan and Marcus 🙄. I also felt it wasn't a slow burn at all. It was very fast. But that could play into not knowing the time frame of anything as well.
I know this is a debut novel. So, I really didn't want to be harsh on my review. However, I also think it's important for authors to grow in their writing. Hopefully, Colleen can grow from honest reviews so that the next novel is even better. I will keep an eye out for her next novel and hope it tops this one. ❤️
December 30, 2024
Solid 4 ⭐️ Couldn't Put It Down
The main female character development is amazing! The author Colleen Mitchell took her time, starting with a character that knows nothing of who she is and turning her into a warrior. I felt satisfied that Rowan earned her position through the trials she endured. She did not endure them alone. She had help from Casimir, her vampire knight in shining armor did not disappoint. He encouraged her to be strong when she did not believe in herself. He is strong in his own right, unwilling to compromise his needs. The banter between them was decent, and the allure undeniable. There are even side characters that have some personality that made the story more enjoyable. This story touches on darkness, so beware. I would recommend this to anyone new to the dark fantasy genre. Also worth mentioning is the spice level, which is always subjective. My rating is 1.5 🌶, which means there are 1-3 spicy scenes explained in detail that do not leave much to the imagination. The book is still plot driven. The smexy scenes are not overly detailed for those of you who have "ick" words. No worries there. I feel like the smut is tastefully explained (which might not be enough for you hard-core smut lovers). This is truly a slow burn, and the payoff is vanilla sex.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main female character development is amazing! The author Colleen Mitchell took her time, starting with a character that knows nothing of who she is and turning her into a warrior. I felt satisfied that Rowan earned her position through the trials she endured. She did not endure them alone. She had help from Casimir, her vampire knight in shining armor did not disappoint. He encouraged her to be strong when she did not believe in herself. He is strong in his own right, unwilling to compromise his needs. The banter between them was decent, and the allure undeniable. There are even side characters that have some personality that made the story more enjoyable. This story touches on darkness, so beware. I would recommend this to anyone new to the dark fantasy genre. Also worth mentioning is the spice level, which is always subjective. My rating is 1.5 🌶, which means there are 1-3 spicy scenes explained in detail that do not leave much to the imagination. The book is still plot driven. The smexy scenes are not overly detailed for those of you who have "ick" words. No worries there. I feel like the smut is tastefully explained (which might not be enough for you hard-core smut lovers). This is truly a slow burn, and the payoff is vanilla sex.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This book put me in a chokehold early on and kept me there straight to the end. I don’t typically read vampire romances because often they can feel very cliché. That wasn’t the case with Shadow Legacy at all. There are witches and vampires and all things magical. The story was very interesting and there were plot twists I never saw coming.
I am a sucker for a strong female lead and Rowan’s character was fantastic. She showed growth from the very beginning and just got stronger. Then, the dark and broody Casimir was everything I could want in a MMC. He was loyal and allowed Rowan to be strong, but that possessive streak! Chef’s kiss. The relationship between the two main characters developed throughout the book and the slow burn was utterly delicious!
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who is a lover of fantasy. Added bonus, this book is a standalone! So there’s no need to wait months or years to find out how everything ends.
Tropes in this book include:
Orphan/Hidden Identity
Forbidden Love
Vampires & Witches
Slow Burn
This book put me in a chokehold early on and kept me there straight to the end. I don’t typically read vampire romances because often they can feel very cliché. That wasn’t the case with Shadow Legacy at all. There are witches and vampires and all things magical. The story was very interesting and there were plot twists I never saw coming.
I am a sucker for a strong female lead and Rowan’s character was fantastic. She showed growth from the very beginning and just got stronger. Then, the dark and broody Casimir was everything I could want in a MMC. He was loyal and allowed Rowan to be strong, but that possessive streak! Chef’s kiss. The relationship between the two main characters developed throughout the book and the slow burn was utterly delicious!
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who is a lover of fantasy. Added bonus, this book is a standalone! So there’s no need to wait months or years to find out how everything ends.
Tropes in this book include:
Orphan/Hidden Identity
Forbidden Love
Vampires & Witches
Slow Burn
February 18, 2025
A new arch patriarch takes over Rowan's orphanage, upending the orphan's life. Rowan finds herself on a collision course with a vampire named Casimir, and together, they must navigate a world of political and religious power, corrupt sadists, and hidden truths. Rowan and Casimir's fates become intertwined by blood and death. The unlikely pair embark on a quest to retrieve a mysterious locket from a master vampire known as the Reaper. Their journey leads them through dangerous landscapes and encounters with intriguing characters, all while grappling with themes of trust, identity, and sacrifice.
Mitchell excels in character development and atmospheric world building. This story presents a cast of characters with depth and complexity, especially Rowan and Casimir. Rowan is brave but not without moments of vulnerability. The vividly rendered settings, from the frozen northern tundra to the village of Cascading Falls and the dark depths of the Reaper's castle, contribute to the story's overall sense of mystery and danger.
Highly recommend.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mitchell excels in character development and atmospheric world building. This story presents a cast of characters with depth and complexity, especially Rowan and Casimir. Rowan is brave but not without moments of vulnerability. The vividly rendered settings, from the frozen northern tundra to the village of Cascading Falls and the dark depths of the Reaper's castle, contribute to the story's overall sense of mystery and danger.
Highly recommend.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2025
Shadow Legacy by Colleen Mitchell is a thrilling fantasy with exceptional character development, particularly that of the protagonist, Rowan. The book takes readers on a journey as Rowan transforms from someone who knows nothing about herself or her family to a powerful warrior. The author does an excellent job slowly unraveling Rowan’s past, making her growth feel earned and meaningful.
I particularly enjoyed the intense battles throughout the book, which highlighted Rowan’s true potential and the strength she had been holding back. The way she evolves, learning about herself and her legacy, is done so well, making her character arc incredibly satisfying.
Rowan doesn’t face her trials alone, and the relationships she builds along the way add depth to her journey. Colleen Mitchell’s thoughtful pacing and attention to Rowan’s development make this a standout read for anyone who loves stories about powerful female characters rising to their destiny.
I particularly enjoyed the intense battles throughout the book, which highlighted Rowan’s true potential and the strength she had been holding back. The way she evolves, learning about herself and her legacy, is done so well, making her character arc incredibly satisfying.
Rowan doesn’t face her trials alone, and the relationships she builds along the way add depth to her journey. Colleen Mitchell’s thoughtful pacing and attention to Rowan’s development make this a standout read for anyone who loves stories about powerful female characters rising to their destiny.
February 5, 2025
“Shadow Legacy” by Colleen Mitchell is a wild ride of family secrets, magical twists, and plenty of drama. Rowan, our main girl, is just trying to figure out who she really is when she stumbles upon a whole mess of hidden truths about her family. Enter Casimir: mysterious, complicated, and definitely not what he seems. Their chemistry? Unstoppable.
Mitchell blends history, magic, and a whole lot of secrets in a way that keeps you hooked. Rowan’s personal journey is real and raw, and Casimir only adds fuel to the fire with his own tangled past. The pacing’s perfect—not too fast, not too slow—and the plot twists will keep you on your toes.
If you’re into books with strong characters, juicy mysteries, and just the right amount of magic, “Shadow Legacy” is a solid pick. It’s fun, it’s deep, and it’ll have you flipping pages faster than you can say "family drama."
Mitchell blends history, magic, and a whole lot of secrets in a way that keeps you hooked. Rowan’s personal journey is real and raw, and Casimir only adds fuel to the fire with his own tangled past. The pacing’s perfect—not too fast, not too slow—and the plot twists will keep you on your toes.
If you’re into books with strong characters, juicy mysteries, and just the right amount of magic, “Shadow Legacy” is a solid pick. It’s fun, it’s deep, and it’ll have you flipping pages faster than you can say "family drama."
February 21, 2025
3 1/2⭐
It's a great book for every Vampire Romance lover.
There are many mysteries to solve for Rowan and I liked to join her on the journey of learning about her past and her powers.
Also the love story between her and Casimir and the silent longing for each other was just great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I must say, for a first novella it was really good. But still there was just something missing for me or just not quite catching. It was a good book, but I just didn't got really hooked by it, but I can't quite pinpoint what exactly was missing for me.
But I can recommend it to everyone who loves Vampires and Witches, because it's a good book for that genre, in my opinion.
Also since it's not so long, it's a great book for a weekend read.
It's a great book for every Vampire Romance lover.
There are many mysteries to solve for Rowan and I liked to join her on the journey of learning about her past and her powers.
Also the love story between her and Casimir and the silent longing for each other was just great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I must say, for a first novella it was really good. But still there was just something missing for me or just not quite catching. It was a good book, but I just didn't got really hooked by it, but I can't quite pinpoint what exactly was missing for me.
But I can recommend it to everyone who loves Vampires and Witches, because it's a good book for that genre, in my opinion.
Also since it's not so long, it's a great book for a weekend read.
January 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!
This book immediately drew me in with its flowing, unpretentious narrative style. The exposition of the main character, Rowan, the setting, and relationships all unfolded naturally through believable interactions. The author did a great job revealing Rowan’s personality and motivations from the beginning through show-not-tell interactions between her and other characters. I liked her right away.
This was a quick, fast-paced read that was more like a novella than a full-length novel. So the insta-love made sense. I think this book would be even better if it was fleshed out into a longer novel with more detailed world building as well as character and relationship development. But it was a fun and cute story.
This book immediately drew me in with its flowing, unpretentious narrative style. The exposition of the main character, Rowan, the setting, and relationships all unfolded naturally through believable interactions. The author did a great job revealing Rowan’s personality and motivations from the beginning through show-not-tell interactions between her and other characters. I liked her right away.
This was a quick, fast-paced read that was more like a novella than a full-length novel. So the insta-love made sense. I think this book would be even better if it was fleshed out into a longer novel with more detailed world building as well as character and relationship development. But it was a fun and cute story.
January 4, 2025
ARC read - 4/5⭐️ this was all around a great read. This story follows Rowan and Casimir on a journey to uncover secrets about Rowan’s past and her identity. Rowan the FMC was such a badass and Casimir, MMC, is my new favorite vampire. The banter between them was perfect. The world building was so descriptive, yet easy to follow. The magic system was unique and described accurately. I was so entertained, I did not want to put this book down! Can’t wait to read more books from Colleen Mitchell in the future! Highly recommend checking this book out on February 18, 2025!!
January 17, 2025
I cant stop grinning at this book. It is dark and sweet all at the same time. The MMC gives off Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes and I am so here for it. His implied redemption arc plus brooding and he is willing to give the FMC everything!
This is a stand-alone book and wraps up with a nice bow at the end. I enjoyed the cross species use in this book as well witches with elemental magic, vampires and with shadow magic, and necromancy.
Congrats to the author on a wonderful debut novel, I hope to read more in the future.
This is a stand-alone book and wraps up with a nice bow at the end. I enjoyed the cross species use in this book as well witches with elemental magic, vampires and with shadow magic, and necromancy.
Congrats to the author on a wonderful debut novel, I hope to read more in the future.
January 22, 2025
A debut novel from Colleen Mitchell that is a vampire story. Fun new author mixed with fantasy story equaled a win win for me.
Rowen is in a orphanage that is run by the Brotherhood. Casimir, a vampire, mysteriously shows up at the orphanage when the head director gets a bit rough with Rowen. The story just blossoms from there with magic, romance, and adventure. Of course there's hidden family that is found, there's a big war and romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Colleen Mitchell for the eversion arc in exchange for my opinion.
Rowen is in a orphanage that is run by the Brotherhood. Casimir, a vampire, mysteriously shows up at the orphanage when the head director gets a bit rough with Rowen. The story just blossoms from there with magic, romance, and adventure. Of course there's hidden family that is found, there's a big war and romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Colleen Mitchell for the eversion arc in exchange for my opinion.
January 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Is it possible for an insta love to also have a slow burn? Because I found myself to be surprised at how quickly emotions started to overwhelm the FMC and MMC. It took me awhile to like both of them although I enjoyed their banter, I was confused on the romance itself.
Broody, sarcastic vampires and magic made for an interesting read. The writing is descriptive which helps capture the settings of the book with a few short spicy scenes and a nicely wrapped ending that made me smile!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ♡
Is it possible for an insta love to also have a slow burn? Because I found myself to be surprised at how quickly emotions started to overwhelm the FMC and MMC. It took me awhile to like both of them although I enjoyed their banter, I was confused on the romance itself.
Broody, sarcastic vampires and magic made for an interesting read. The writing is descriptive which helps capture the settings of the book with a few short spicy scenes and a nicely wrapped ending that made me smile!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ♡
January 1, 2025
ARC Read- This book truly had me wrapped up within it! I could not for the life of me stop reading! The story was impactful and fantastical. I mean come on, kick-butt sassy and strong Women, a powerful FMC on her own journey of healing and strength and a sexy supportive vampire, what could be better?! This book pulled me in, and truly is a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2025
After the first few chapters, I was hooked! I loved the characters, especially Rowan. I would have liked to see more of her mother and her life, but overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book to romantasy fans, especially those of vampires, although I am not overly keen on vampire books, I enjoyed Shadow Legacy very much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shadow Legacy by Colleen Mitchell follows Rowan, whose life changes forever when a vampire saves her from death. With Casimir, her vampire protector, she embarks on a journey to uncover her heritage and mysterious power to control vampires.
The story shines in its character development, especially as we watch Rowan discover her own strength. Her complicated relationship with Casimir evolves as they learn to trust each other despite their differences. While the pacing is a bit slow, the clever plot twists and surprising ending make this journey worthwhile.
If you enjoy vampire stories with complex relationships and self-discovery, give this one a try.
Shadow Legacy by Colleen Mitchell follows Rowan, whose life changes forever when a vampire saves her from death. With Casimir, her vampire protector, she embarks on a journey to uncover her heritage and mysterious power to control vampires.
The story shines in its character development, especially as we watch Rowan discover her own strength. Her complicated relationship with Casimir evolves as they learn to trust each other despite their differences. While the pacing is a bit slow, the clever plot twists and surprising ending make this journey worthwhile.
If you enjoy vampire stories with complex relationships and self-discovery, give this one a try.
January 1, 2025
ARC Read -- Thank you to the author!
It's got vampires, witches and necromancy! Following the FMC's journey to finding her own strength and becoming who she was meant to be while being empowered by other strong women was awesome! The MMC may be a broody vampire knight, but he's really just a cinnamon roll 😍
It's got vampires, witches and necromancy! Following the FMC's journey to finding her own strength and becoming who she was meant to be while being empowered by other strong women was awesome! The MMC may be a broody vampire knight, but he's really just a cinnamon roll 😍
February 18, 2025
Absolutely amazing! The plot the buildup. The forbidden, the lore. It is so heartbreaking it will put tears in your eyes. But the build up to the HEA!!! Absolutely incredible! The ending!!!! Gasp!! I was bawling!!! I love the love! To come from nothing to end up where the FMC ends. The strength and heart she has to push through it all and not even for herself. Beautifully written. -Kerin
January 16, 2025
The vibes are strong with this one!
A darkish fantasy with vampires and magic. Beautiful writting and an interesting adventure. It's slow-paced and in the same time, action-packed. It's mysteries and cozy-dark, and the relasionship between the maincharcters are nicely done.
3,5 stars and a thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
A darkish fantasy with vampires and magic. Beautiful writting and an interesting adventure. It's slow-paced and in the same time, action-packed. It's mysteries and cozy-dark, and the relasionship between the maincharcters are nicely done.
3,5 stars and a thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
February 15, 2025
Oh what a lovely book this was.
Strong characters, solid plot, good world and magic system. Truly enjoyed it. And the animal companionsssss. (I’m a total sucker for anything remotely fantasy, especially with bad ass characters).
I was spoiled and got this as an ARC.
Strong characters, solid plot, good world and magic system. Truly enjoyed it. And the animal companionsssss. (I’m a total sucker for anything remotely fantasy, especially with bad ass characters).
I was spoiled and got this as an ARC.
February 20, 2025
Rowan, a powerful necromancer finds out she is not who she believed she was. two men will come into her life, Casimir, her steadfast protector and lover, and the Reaper, a villain. The story grabbed my interest and kept me turning pages in this dark engaging story. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2025
This is a vampire dark fantasy romance. Awesome book, highly recommend this book to everyone. Definitely a page turner til the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2025
In her debut novel, this book is on fire. Rowan and kazimir are explosive. The journey that they face, the plot twists, the characters, everything about this book is absolutely wonderful. I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 15, 2025
ARC reader! ——It is a great book and something I would have looooved in my teen years! It is a bit predictable (but the best kind) but also with a lot of good plot actions that leave you stunned!
I finished it and can’t wait to get back to reading similar books!
I finished it and can’t wait to get back to reading similar books!
February 17, 2025
Whilst I gave this book a 3 star, it was still enjoyable. I try shorter books here and there when I really like the idea of the story, like this one. But I confess I struggle with how fast everything seems to progress, it’s like whiplash.
With that said, once finishing the book I realised I liked the characters and wanted more time with some of them.
The main FMC & MMC are both fierce and loving, the witches were awesome and definitely needed more exploration and don’t even get me started on Marcus… he got some serious main character energy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you love quicker/shorter stories and want some fast paced romance and action and characters poised with potential, this is a fantastic read.
With that said, once finishing the book I realised I liked the characters and wanted more time with some of them.
The main FMC & MMC are both fierce and loving, the witches were awesome and definitely needed more exploration and don’t even get me started on Marcus… he got some serious main character energy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you love quicker/shorter stories and want some fast paced romance and action and characters poised with potential, this is a fantastic read.
April 22, 2025
I truly don't like and try to avoid giving negative book reviews but this one was quite rough. I nearly DNFed this at the end of every chapter and really I probably should have but I kept hoping that it would get better... alas it only got worse. Nothing made sense! Why would a 100+ year old vampire care enough to rescue a seemingly regular human girl was the first issue. Then the insta obsession and devotion was just too laughable. I felt myself cringing multiple times and rolling my eyes the rest of the time.
Now the timeline was hazy at best and that could have been part of the insta-everything feeling but what seemed like a few days into them meeting he says things like this "You've never been a burden. You're the beacon in my eternal night, and I'm helpless against the pull of your light." and "I've already vowed to protect you from the dangers of this world, from vampires like the Reaper, and even from myself if necessary.", and "And I'll give it to you. In the ways of my kind, there's a sacred tradition—a blood oath. It's a vow of devotion, a pledge of protection and care."... then our girl has a moment of lucidity and asks him why? and he says "Because in this vast, dark eternity that is my existence, you're the one ray of light that pierces through. Because the very thought of losing you is more terrifying than any consequence."... which made it all worse for me.
Sadly what that dynamic created is a rather unbelievable narrative that this man/vampire was wise and worth following -- which was proven by the fact that he had basically done nothing of great value (wealth, heroism, gaining wisdom clearly...) in his century of life. Even her the FMC, what the author tried to present as special about her fell flat as well. I guess then it could make sense why they would choose each other?
Finally we get to the end/the resolution, the big untying of all knots and it's quick and cheap and underwhelming. Some side plots/character dynamics which would have been more interesting were just inconsequential or rushed through. The cardinal was my favorite character in the end, that innocent bird deserved a better story.
Now the timeline was hazy at best and that could have been part of the insta-everything feeling but what seemed like a few days into them meeting he says things like this "You've never been a burden. You're the beacon in my eternal night, and I'm helpless against the pull of your light." and "I've already vowed to protect you from the dangers of this world, from vampires like the Reaper, and even from myself if necessary.", and "And I'll give it to you. In the ways of my kind, there's a sacred tradition—a blood oath. It's a vow of devotion, a pledge of protection and care."... then our girl has a moment of lucidity and asks him why? and he says "Because in this vast, dark eternity that is my existence, you're the one ray of light that pierces through. Because the very thought of losing you is more terrifying than any consequence."... which made it all worse for me.
Sadly what that dynamic created is a rather unbelievable narrative that this man/vampire was wise and worth following -- which was proven by the fact that he had basically done nothing of great value (wealth, heroism, gaining wisdom clearly...) in his century of life. Even her the FMC, what the author tried to present as special about her fell flat as well. I guess then it could make sense why they would choose each other?
Finally we get to the end/the resolution, the big untying of all knots and it's quick and cheap and underwhelming. Some side plots/character dynamics which would have been more interesting were just inconsequential or rushed through. The cardinal was my favorite character in the end, that innocent bird deserved a better story.
June 3, 2025
This advance reader copy was provided to me, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really, really wanted to love this book. To be fair, I think the premise was very strong, and there were promising flashes of character development. The writing style and pacing just didn't suit my preferred kind of storytelling, so I struggled to feel immersed in the world or the characters, especially as the book was rather short for the content and the worldbuilding and romance were lacking overall. I also feel like the end of the novel and its solution to FMC and MMC's conflict was a overly convenient. However, there is something to be said about a conclusion that doesn't require suffering on the part of the characters or the reading.
To my understanding, this is Colleen Mitchell's debut. I think with additional editing and worldbuilding, her future work could be excellent, and I would be willing to read another one of her works. If you are looking for a chill, uncomplicated read with a brave and fierce FMC and an MMC that would do anything for her, this may be for you! It just wasn't for me.
I really, really wanted to love this book. To be fair, I think the premise was very strong, and there were promising flashes of character development. The writing style and pacing just didn't suit my preferred kind of storytelling, so I struggled to feel immersed in the world or the characters, especially as the book was rather short for the content and the worldbuilding and romance were lacking overall. I also feel like the end of the novel and its solution to FMC and MMC's conflict was a overly convenient. However, there is something to be said about a conclusion that doesn't require suffering on the part of the characters or the reading.
To my understanding, this is Colleen Mitchell's debut. I think with additional editing and worldbuilding, her future work could be excellent, and I would be willing to read another one of her works. If you are looking for a chill, uncomplicated read with a brave and fierce FMC and an MMC that would do anything for her, this may be for you! It just wasn't for me.
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