In the Shadow of Fate

by Georgia C. Leigh

“Can you imagine something so awful that would strip away a person’s love for their twin?”
- Shallah, Shadow Rising


Secrets and lies. Sacrifice and betrayal. Coercion and manipulation.

Ryker and River's story unfolds from childhood to where our journey began. Two brothers born from violence, who cleave together in a bond of love strong enough to survive anything. From an early age, Ryker’s magic manifests itself as a millennial power. Their father, Ronan, draws them into his sphere of influence and will do anything to use Ryker for his own gain. As Ronan’s grip tightens, River becomes desperate to shield his brother. The choices he makes, and the secrets he keeps, have profound repercussions for both brothers.

The end of Marina's oracle draws near, and unfolds in a way she never expected. The Fate’s life becomes entangled with the twins in a synchronicity that is devastating in its cruelty. Defiance of her god becomes her only choice to protect herself and the twins from a fate determined to destroy them all.

Ryker and River escape to the Academy, but Ronan’s reach is vast. Ryker struggles to control his magic, but he also learns Ronan isn’t the only one who sees him for the power and influence he will have. River is caught in his own web of lies, unable to escape a spiral of deceit and violence. They each discover trust can be misplaced, with consequences that will alter them forever.

Marina is desperate to help, but is unprepared for the fate her god has planned for them all. The sacrifice she made centuries ago may be too little to save them, and herself.

781 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Georgia spends most of her time lost in fantastical worlds, thinking up wild ways to entertain readers who love romantic fantasy.

The Shadows and Light series are Georgia's first published novels, a planned six book series of love, political intrigue, intricate worldbuilding, magic and mystical creatures, and legends and lore. The story is an epic fantasy, heavily focused on character-driven storylines, both heroes, the morally gray, and the despicable. Books 1-5 are now available on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon and Audible.

Disenchanted Tales is a dark(ish) and steamy series of novels inspired by fairy tales, myths and fables. Book 1 -3 are now available on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon.

Georgia lives in California and when not spending time with her family, working and writing, she is an avid competitive equestrian.

TikTok: GeorgiaCLeigh
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Website: www.georgiacleigh.com

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle.The.F***.Up.
This was a rollercoaster. No that’s not enough to describe it. It was a rollercoaster that breaks halfway through and hurtles you into an emotional tornado. That being said it was absolute perfection. This one is by far the hardest in the series to get through, but it explains so so much. Read this series. It’s a must.
My poor broken boy :(

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've had a couple days to marinate on this latest installment to the Shadows and Light series, I feel like I can finally put my thoughts into words. Per usual, this book was incredible. Period. The story flowed so well between time periods and plot lines; the character development felt so authentic and natural; the emotional turmoil and trauma that these characters went through was so deep and heavy; and the steady pace, action, and mystery we have come to expect was on full display. I have nothing but praise for this volume of the series. And it really stands up proudly next to its earlier siblings.

This book picks up pretty much right where we left off at the end of Axis of Fate. We see the connections between Marina's oracle and story with that of the twins, River and Ryker. This weaving together of storylines over thousands of years was just so incredible. Not to mention the curtain getting pulled back on the childhood/backstory of River and Ryker and how things came to be between them at the start of Light in the Shadows (book 1). The connections to the first book were just chef's kiss. Everything was presented and revealed in such an easy and beautiful, albeit terribly tragic way. But don't worry, there are good positive moments in here that I was so happy to read. I truly could not put this down once I started. And of course, Ms. Georgia give us some amazing spicy bits thrown in there too!

Shoutout to Leigh AGAIN for doing an incredible job adding to that encyclopedia of a glossary for us at the end. You are truly feeding us early readers with that, because I for sure needed a refresher for some things between these lengthy release dates! HAHA!

I've said it previously in my review of Light Lost, but the way Leigh writes trauma and emotional pain, especially from the male characters' perspectives, is just top tier. River and Ryker's stories are filled with so much of both aspects and it was written so incredibly well. You really get deep inside their minds and can truly track all the ways in which they are put through the literal ringer of life. And the devastation I felt for Adrien, River, and Marina just obliterated my heart at times. It's truly a joy to read tragedy like this, as crazy as that sounds, LOL! It feels so genuine and heartfelt, at least as much as it can be. And for a fantasy tale to really explore these concepts just makes the reader's connection to the story that much more tangible.

I absolutely cannot wait to get the conclusion of this series, because at this point we are at the precipice and I'm dying to jump off the cliff that I know will be book 6. All the players are on the roster, all the chess pieces are in place on the board, and we are poised to get one HELL of an ending to this epic overall story.

I say it in every review I've written of this series, but you are truly missing out if you're not up on these books. PLEASE READ THIS SERIES! The vastness of the worlds, characters, creatures, magics/abilities, combined with the incredible yet straightforward storytelling that comes from Leigh, makes for the perfect combo for any fantasy lover. The way these books have been written has blown me away and I've devoured each one. As I've stated in my previous reviews, I think the Shadows and Light series truly has something for all fantasy readers: high fantasy elements, action, mystery, romance, and strong character development. In the Shadow of Fate just further reiterates my previous four 5-star reviews. I hope you take a chance on it and I hope you fall in love with it as well.

Happy reading friends! 🤙🏼💕

Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book! As always, this review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Full review to come once I have a chance to digest everything. But I will say this…it was worth all the pain and tragedy. GEORGIA HAS DONE IT AGAIN.

[Vin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional devastation I'd experience reading In the Shadow of Fate. River and Ryker's story is much darker and gruesome than I expected. Although I felt anxious and distressed through many parts of the story, reading it was crucial to understand River's behavior in the present. I cried for River, Ryker, Adrian, and Marina. A lot. I still do. It's difficult for me to reconcile the amount of tragedy the characters experienced. Especially River and seeing what he became. I felt the need to unravel the threads he took in life as if I was a fate myself, to the point where he and Ryker were close school kids again. I feel Marina's frustration, truly. And her loss as well. I'm excited to see how book 6 wraps up the story, though I will miss the characters :(

And most importantly, I am excited to see what gruesome end Georgia has in store for Lilith and Ronan. Because they deserve an eternity of pain in my humble opinion :)

[Dahlena Sampson PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this extremely well-written continuance of the Shadows and Light Series, you will experience a roller coaster of emotions. Georgia takes us back to when Ryker and River were born and what leads to the character's outlook on life. We also see the present day of their lives that continues a bit from Shadow Rising, but it's so much. more than that. You MUST read the first books in the series before this one, but I promise you won't regret it. This is a series that has a special place on my bookshelves and always will. As always, the world-building and character development are mind-blowing. Thank you for another masterpiece, Georgia!

[Shauna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The devastation and heartbreak within this story are unbearable 💔

This is part 2 of the history surrounding the characters in books 1-3. Picking up where Axis of Fate ends, Marina's oracle continues to play out. We find out the origins of the twins' birth and their journey of growing up.

Once again, the character building and development are outstanding. Georgia has such a beautiful way with words.Normally, I devour her books in one delicious sitting, but with this one, I had to take a few breaks. Some of the heartache has been alluded in early in the series, but watching it unfold on the page took my breath away.

I never thought anyone would rival my hatred for Lilith, but then Ronan came along and took the No1 spot for my loathing.

I can't wait for book 6, which will be the final instalment in the series.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shadow of Fate by Georgia C Leigh is book five in the Shadows and Light Series. I’m obsessed with this author and how every story is written so needless to say I couldn’t wait to get my eyes on this book. I will mention that you do need to read the other books and I will also say this book is darker than the rest. So I would check warnings to be on the safe side. My poor kindle got a workout with this book as I didn’t want to stop reading. I thought I would be prepared for this book but I wasn’t… at all. My heart broke so many times while reading this book. I legit cried and had tears the bulk of the time while learning what I learned about River and Ryker. But it really gives some major insight to River’s actions. I can’t even begin to describe what these characters had gone through. Honestly this book to me was just pure devastation. But it sheds so much light on different characters. My favorite thing about all the books in the series is the characters… hands down. Just when I thought a character couldn’t get any worse than the one I already despised… here comes a new contender. Gosh, I hope these two characters get what’s coming to them. The writing in this book was phenomenal! I can’t tell you how long I sat after finishing with such a heartache. The worldbuilding just keeps getting better and better with the ability to just transport you. But being able to feel what the characters are feeling is both a blessing and a curse. Which is just another example of the amazing writing this series has! I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for book six. I need it! This series is absolutely top tier reading and I recommend it to the highest degree. Two thumbs way up!!!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Georgia Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on Audio 9/20

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 for me. I have really enjoyed how this series progressed where the first two books were in "present" tense while the next couple include this one show how things over the generations got to where they are not. How people's choices can have lasting impacts that affect the future generations and how things got to where they are or why people are the way they are. Especially that last one of why people are the way they are because as I was reading this book, I kept thinking this was a perfect example of how SOME villains are made they are not born. Not always the case but this book definitely emphasized that point when it came to river and my heart just kept breaking for him and for him all these small choices or other people's choices because death by 1000 cuts for him turning him into the villain who I HATED in previous books. This book/series has a lot of POVs and worlds and timelines that can be a little difficult to track but, in this edition, there is a glossary at the end I very much appreciated. My tip is to pay attention to the headers at the start of each chapter as it will tell you when this passaged happened which helps resent your brain to that storyline. I skipped a couple and had to go back to the start of the chapter to see what timeline we were in a couple times. I honestly can't wait for the next book because it is the final book, and I can't wait to be back in the "present" and see how it all gets wrapped up. Love the book, series and the complexity of the characters.


This book continues the peak back into Ryker and River's story and how they became the people they are today. While their start in life was one of violence their love for each other had made it, so they are strong enough to survive anything. But marked by tragedy, loss, lies and betrayal that bond and who they are as individuals will be tested. But it is not only the twins trying to survive these challenges but Marina as well whose visions from her god have left her feeling unprepared for what the future holds for her and the twins that she watches over. Left with no other choice when it comes to the boys, she cares for to try and keep them safe from the cruelty of the gods defiance has become her only option. But the cost to her may be too much and too little to save them or herself for what the gods have in store for everyone.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[LeAnn Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in the series, and I needed time to process what was revealed. I can't believe what Ronan put everyone through! My god! We got the backstory to the twins' mother, Sage, and how she loved Adrian. What she had to sacrifice in order to protect their kind and the boys. Adrian and Shallah tried to protect the twins from Ronan, and they considered Adrian their "Da". Ronan is a snake who used anyone in his life to advance his position of power. He used River so much thinking he was Ryker, and Ronan is such a deplorable man for it. The things that River did to protect Ryker from the atrocities that Ronan did. I loved the love story between Dylan and River. He felt he had a purpose, and when he lost her, he didn't feel good enough for anyone. He was a victim of Ronan, and River felt weaker for it. It's no wonder he became who he was in the previous books. If he had told Ryker some things after he became strong, their brotherly bond would have been strong enough to defeat Ronan. Also, the love story between Marina and Calvin was so sweet. It turned to heartbreak, but the gods believe this all necessary to save their kind. Marina is questioning whether or not that is the case. All the heartbreak she has had to witness took its toll on her. She found solace and love with Calvin. Even that had heartbreak. This series is amazing, and this book was an excellent way to get a bigger picture of the whole story. A great history lesson before book six. I can't wait to see how they all come together to defeat Loeki and the other villains!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! This was the one right here. We get River and Ryker's story from the beginning. This story was juicy from start to finish. There are a lot of people involved. I am so happy we finally see where these people came from, see how these people came into their lives. I don't want to spoil anything. All I can say is this book is excellent. Fast paced and will keep readers entertained throughout. Readers will have a lot to get through. This is definitely not a small book. If you have been reading this series from the beginning, you have been waiting on River and Ryker's back story. Readers will be all in their feelings with this one. Ms. Leigh gives readers the gift of understanding. Readers only thought they knew Ryker. Now we know why Ryker and River were estranged and what led them down this path of separation. It was amazing seeing Ryker and River meet characters that we have known throughout this series for the first time. We see River and Ryker's life from inception to the present. I loved every minute of it, even the hard times. The things their oracle went through to make sure they stayed on the path Solis laid out for them. I can't say if I am a Solis fan after this book. Let me stop. I know I am not a Solis fan. Solis put these boys and their oracle through a lot, and I cannot say that all of it was called for. I can't wait to see where Ms. Leigh will take readers next.

[Melanie Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Shadow of Fate by Georgia C. Leigh is a deeply detailed continuation of her epic fantasy series, but as the fifth installment, it feels like a major departure from the storyline that initially drew me in. What began as a compelling romance between Ryker and Haven—a fated love I was eager to see unfold—has evolved into a sprawling narrative that spans thousands of years and delves into the backstories of an ever-growing cast of characters.

Leigh’s world-building is undeniably impressive, and I appreciate the effort put into creating such a rich, layered universe. However, the sheer amount of detail and the constant shift in focus can be overwhelming. At times, it felt like I was reading an ancient history textbook rather than following the emotional journey of the main characters. I will acknowledge the understanding we get of River in this book. He did everything for the right reasons and had it all blow up in his face.

While I can respect the ambition behind this broader scope, I found myself missing the intimacy and tension of the original plotlines. With one book left in the series, I’m holding out hope that the final installment will bring us back to the heart of the story—Ryker, Haven, and the powerful connection that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.

[Nicole Riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All I will say is Buckle. TF. Up. This one was an emotional rollercoaster is the somewhat best way to describe it. I was not prepared for this at all Ma'am! The trials and tribulations that has taken place.
The character development in these books never cease to amaze me, the plot lines, the whole story just grabs you and takes in.

This book pretty much picks you up right where we left off at the end of Axis of Fate. We will see connections between the story of Marina's oracle and the story with that of the twins River and Ryker. Nothing honestly could have prepared me for this book. River and Ryker's story is a much darker and gruesome than I ever expected it to be. But it all explains why River is the way he currently is in the present. I have cried for River, Ryker, Adrian, and Marina.

I can not wait for book 6. There is still so much I could say but I just do not know how to put it into words. I will say this over and over if you have not dived into this series, then it is a must read one! I would give this whole series more than 5 stars if I could because it absolutely deserves it and more!

[Kristi Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me. It was heartbreaking but completely necessary to help the reader connect more with the characters.

The book picked up right where Axis of Fate left off but switched between timelines. We got to see the twin’s childhood right up to where book 1 essentially starts. What caused the rift between them. All of the heartbreak and trauma that made River and Ryker the males they are in the present time. We got to see Adrien’s story as well and how he fit into the twin’s lives. We learn more about Marina and her oracle along with the rest of the characters from Drankon.

Georgia C Leigh did an amazing job writing this - I normally dislike stories that jump back and forth from present to past back to present but the author wrote this seamlessly. The character growth, the story itself, the fantasy world - it’s all chef’s kiss.

This is by far one of my favorite series amongst TOG and From Blood & Ash. I knew from book 1, Light In the Shadows, that this would be a top favorite series of mine. Georgia’s books do not disappoint. A must read!!!

[Linnea Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot even begin to describe the emotions I felt while reading "In the Shadow of Fate (Shadows and Light #5)" by Georgia C. Leigh. Leigh is an expert at breaking readers hearts with her well-developed characters and then mending them back together with the threads of the plot.

As invested as I have been in the "Shadows and Light" series, my feelings were not quite prepared for the trials and tribulations that occurred. River and Ryker always entice me and make me keep the pages turning, as they will with you. Prepare your tissues and comfort reading snacks!

Bring on Book 6, Georgia! While you are waiting go check out the rest of the "Shadows and Light" series by Georgia C. Leigh and prepare yourself for a wild rollercoaster.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book I love that we got the back story on the twins and how they came to be while giving us little updates on what happened in book 3 this book is a ride make sure you check your triggers warning before reading this one . The emotions this book makes you feel is crazy you feel the wrongness the guilt, some healing and more trauma. Looking forward to book 6

[E.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I'd have enjoyed this one a bit more if I'd refreshed myself by rereading the previous books. As it is it took me a bit to orient myself into the story.
I liked seeing the back story and all the exciting twists and turns. When I get a free stretch of time I do plan to reread from start to finish and see if I'm right.

[Kristin Hinck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal, emotional roller coaster of a book! Ryker and River’s backstory is heartbreaking and gives so much insight to their motivations in the present story. This book is just like Georgia’s others: it’s so well written and beautifully done. I love this series so much!!

[Justaunna Sperry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic! This series has easily become my favorite series. It’s engaging, fun and keeps you interested!! Couldn’t put it down

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I couldn’t read this book fast enough!! What an emotional roller coaster! The back story on River and Ryker was very intense. I absolutely love River and this has only made me love him more!

[Lee Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Ryker and River’s past. This entire series is unforgettable. I fell in love with all the characters. This is a series that I will reread in the future!

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow!!!! This was a wild ride!! But I am over the moon to finally have some clarity on some lingering questions I have had from the first 4 books! I am beginning to despise more characters in this one!! Thankful to have a break from my A number 1 villian in this one…iykyk! 🤣
Georgia has me hook, line, and sinker with this series!! Stellar!!