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Bride of the Shadow King #2
Vow of the Shadow King
The Bookish Box Exclusive Luxe Edition details:
- Signed by the Author
- Front Dust Jacket with Foiled Details by @kasia_dot_jasmina
- Reversible Dust Jacket with Foiled Details by @kasia_dot_jasminaa
- Edges Artwork by @kasia_dot_jasmina
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by @saramirza_art
A treacherous bride. A heartbroken groom. Is their marriage over before it’s begun?
Her deceit discovered, Faraine finds herself trapped in the Shadow Realm at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies, far from any allies, and her best bet for survival is to convince Vor to send her home.
But to do so means to give up on the alliance. Which would spell disaster for her people.
With the tremors growing worse and poison spreading through his realm, Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. Vor wants nothing to do with the woman he has inadvertently married. At one time, he thought he might love her, but now? How can love flourish where trust is broken?
When circumstances require them to spend more time together, however, Vor’s blood is stirred in ways he doesn’t like to acknowledge.
Can two lost hearts find healing and hope in one another? Or is their love already poisoned beyond recovery?
Book two of this epic romantasy trilogy, Vow of the Shadow King will sweep you away in a tale of betrayal, heartbreak, and forbidden love. Perfect for readers looking for their ideal “book husband” and a slow-burn romance ready to ignite!
- Signed by the Author
- Front Dust Jacket with Foiled Details by @kasia_dot_jasmina
- Reversible Dust Jacket with Foiled Details by @kasia_dot_jasminaa
- Edges Artwork by @kasia_dot_jasmina
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by @saramirza_art
A treacherous bride. A heartbroken groom. Is their marriage over before it’s begun?
Her deceit discovered, Faraine finds herself trapped in the Shadow Realm at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies, far from any allies, and her best bet for survival is to convince Vor to send her home.
But to do so means to give up on the alliance. Which would spell disaster for her people.
With the tremors growing worse and poison spreading through his realm, Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. Vor wants nothing to do with the woman he has inadvertently married. At one time, he thought he might love her, but now? How can love flourish where trust is broken?
When circumstances require them to spend more time together, however, Vor’s blood is stirred in ways he doesn’t like to acknowledge.
Can two lost hearts find healing and hope in one another? Or is their love already poisoned beyond recovery?
Book two of this epic romantasy trilogy, Vow of the Shadow King will sweep you away in a tale of betrayal, heartbreak, and forbidden love. Perfect for readers looking for their ideal “book husband” and a slow-burn romance ready to ignite!
493 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2022
1388 people are currently reading
17505 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
42 books2,297 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. You get my novel, Song of Shadows, for FREE when you sign up!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 832 reviews
October 17, 2022
UGh! I don't want to write this review.....I reread the first book before I read this and by the time this one ended I was so done. I don't think I will read the 3rd. I think I yelled TALK TO EACH OTHER so many times through this. I just think it's not good when a WHOLE book is them not talking to each other and not spending time together. The angst in this book was over the top. This was not love, this was lust and a magical connection that was planned or fated. It also was just tooooooo long. Too many paragraphs about there pinning for each other should have been cut.
I love her writing. Her world building and descriptions are awesome she just needs to not write series. I think series lead good authors to write a lot of filler that really hurts them in the long run.
This book, I would say is for adults. It is full of sexual content (lots of touching and remembering touching each other) Oral sex and an almost rape. This book has lots of violence and gore. Many deaths. Some freaky scary stuff.
I love her writing. Her world building and descriptions are awesome she just needs to not write series. I think series lead good authors to write a lot of filler that really hurts them in the long run.
This book, I would say is for adults. It is full of sexual content (lots of touching and remembering touching each other) Oral sex and an almost rape. This book has lots of violence and gore. Many deaths. Some freaky scary stuff.
October 15, 2022
Review
Skip to chapter 31 to get through the waste space in this book. Why the hate? Plot holes as big as the Grand Canyon. Melodramatic one-dimensional characters that pine after each other but can't communicate with anyone much less each other! Throughout the book, Vor takes on every single role himself, and turns on his lifelong friends. Faraine is spineless, useless, and entirely defined by her gift. But then suddenly she's all wise and stuff towards the end. Vor has the typical hero angst, but then suddenly realizes that he loves Faraine and wasted the time he had with her. I was soooo frustrated reading this book. I can't decide if I'll read the final book or not.
Skip to chapter 31 to get through the waste space in this book. Why the hate? Plot holes as big as the Grand Canyon. Melodramatic one-dimensional characters that pine after each other but can't communicate with anyone much less each other! Throughout the book, Vor takes on every single role himself, and turns on his lifelong friends. Faraine is spineless, useless, and entirely defined by her gift. But then suddenly she's all wise and stuff towards the end. Vor has the typical hero angst, but then suddenly realizes that he loves Faraine and wasted the time he had with her. I was soooo frustrated reading this book. I can't decide if I'll read the final book or not.
September 28, 2023
I was hooked enough with the first book to start immediately the second, and let me tell you: we’ll need to wait for the third book to get the pay-off.
The second book of the series is still full of pinning and angst. We get a bit more of the beautiful world Sylvia has crafted, and a little more knowledge of what it is happening.
The story is woven in a way we keep being uncertain about whom is on each side. There are two persons who are clearly part of the bad guys, but I cannot tell regarding the rest of the troldes.
As the story progresses, I wish a lot of things didn’t happened, and I don’t feel they added much to the story. We could have had a forbidden romance without a lot of what happened on the first book, which might be triggering to a lot of people.
The fantasy side is quite interesting, and because of that, I wish there was a greater balance between action and romance.
The last 30% of the book were quite exciting, and the ending left me curious enough to want to wait for the third book. Also, I need to see the pay-off to recover from the anxiety these characters are causing me.
The second book of the series is still full of pinning and angst. We get a bit more of the beautiful world Sylvia has crafted, and a little more knowledge of what it is happening.
The story is woven in a way we keep being uncertain about whom is on each side. There are two persons who are clearly part of the bad guys, but I cannot tell regarding the rest of the troldes.
As the story progresses, I wish a lot of things didn’t happened, and I don’t feel they added much to the story. We could have had a forbidden romance without a lot of what happened on the first book, which might be triggering to a lot of people.
The fantasy side is quite interesting, and because of that, I wish there was a greater balance between action and romance.
The last 30% of the book were quite exciting, and the ending left me curious enough to want to wait for the third book. Also, I need to see the pay-off to recover from the anxiety these characters are causing me.
February 25, 2026
One of my biggest concerns with the book includes both a TW (that the author didn't give) and a small spoiler for an early chapter of the book. It's below the dashes for those who want to avoid.
I enjoyed the first book, and, while not my favorite, I had hopes for the sequel enough that I wrote down when it was coming out. Boy was I disappointed. Instead of getting better, it got a lot worse.
This book legitimately made me feel like I was losing my mind. The lack of consistency, and constant character and plot-line whiplash that makes the book completely unenjoyable. I spent so long trying to figure out what the hell was happening or the basics of who feels what way about whom that the emotional investment in the characters and their story from the first book went completely out the window.
Feel free to skip. This book took the series potential set up in the first book and destroyed it.
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TW: The book really lost me at the love-interest graphic sexual assult scene. Followed immediately by insta-love. Because that's a normal thing to just include in a book. This sexual assult/attempted rape has no consequences on the characters personalities or relationships, and was added purely as a shocking way to further the plotline.
Please note: The author does not list rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault in her TW page. Only "assault, violence, and on-page sexual situations" which did not come even close to describing the disturbingly graphic sexual assault scene of the main character by the romantic interest, which we get to read from his equally disturbing point of view.
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TLDR; honestly a disappointing read all around. Not just the poor plot and character archs, but also some of the content chosen to be included in the book for no reason other than the furtherance of said poorly constructed plotline. Feel free to skip, especially if you aren't reading for free on Kindle Unlimited.
I enjoyed the first book, and, while not my favorite, I had hopes for the sequel enough that I wrote down when it was coming out. Boy was I disappointed. Instead of getting better, it got a lot worse.
This book legitimately made me feel like I was losing my mind. The lack of consistency, and constant character and plot-line whiplash that makes the book completely unenjoyable. I spent so long trying to figure out what the hell was happening or the basics of who feels what way about whom that the emotional investment in the characters and their story from the first book went completely out the window.
Feel free to skip. This book took the series potential set up in the first book and destroyed it.
---
TW: The book really lost me at the love-interest graphic sexual assult scene. Followed immediately by insta-love. Because that's a normal thing to just include in a book. This sexual assult/attempted rape has no consequences on the characters personalities or relationships, and was added purely as a shocking way to further the plotline.
Please note: The author does not list rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault in her TW page. Only "assault, violence, and on-page sexual situations" which did not come even close to describing the disturbingly graphic sexual assault scene of the main character by the romantic interest, which we get to read from his equally disturbing point of view.
---
TLDR; honestly a disappointing read all around. Not just the poor plot and character archs, but also some of the content chosen to be included in the book for no reason other than the furtherance of said poorly constructed plotline. Feel free to skip, especially if you aren't reading for free on Kindle Unlimited.
February 18, 2025
⋆.˚✮ 3.5 stars ✮˚.⋆
⤿ Thank you to Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
after the ending of the first book, I was highly anticipating seeing what happened next for the main characters Vor and Faraine, and especially what happens to Vor's trolde kingdom. the beginning starts strong, picking up right where the first book left off as the characters are running around trying to figure out where they go from here. but, quite quickly the story falls into the same patterns. Faraine stays sequestered in her room while things in the trolde kingdom explode and Vor has to go deal with them, and they yearn after each other while nothing else happens.
while the yearning was one of my favorite parts of the first book, and still something I really enjoyed at the first part of this book, it eventually got...boring. i think this is because other pieces of the story weren't moving fast either, so it just felt like the book was lulling in the middle. this book fell a little into middle book syndrome, but still, the last 50 pages were really good. the stuff that was happening was heartwrenching and made me invested again especially the last chapter! I've always been really interested in what was driving the earthquakes and such, as it was such a big mystery, and wow I didn't think about that plot twist.
Vor and Faraine are still interesting characters, they're both complicated and have motivations that conflict with each other at times. there were a few scenes between them that made me really uncomfortable in this book, so that's another reason I couldn't get completely behind their romance in the same way I did in the first one (even if there was a plot explanation for it). that being said, I don't think they're a BAD couple and I hope to see their growth in the final book.
↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, sexual assault and violence, physical abuse mentioned, human sacrifice mentioned
⤿ Thank you to Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
after the ending of the first book, I was highly anticipating seeing what happened next for the main characters Vor and Faraine, and especially what happens to Vor's trolde kingdom. the beginning starts strong, picking up right where the first book left off as the characters are running around trying to figure out where they go from here. but, quite quickly the story falls into the same patterns. Faraine stays sequestered in her room while things in the trolde kingdom explode and Vor has to go deal with them, and they yearn after each other while nothing else happens.
while the yearning was one of my favorite parts of the first book, and still something I really enjoyed at the first part of this book, it eventually got...boring. i think this is because other pieces of the story weren't moving fast either, so it just felt like the book was lulling in the middle. this book fell a little into middle book syndrome, but still, the last 50 pages were really good. the stuff that was happening was heartwrenching and made me invested again especially the last chapter! I've always been really interested in what was driving the earthquakes and such, as it was such a big mystery, and wow I didn't think about that plot twist.
Vor and Faraine are still interesting characters, they're both complicated and have motivations that conflict with each other at times. there were a few scenes between them that made me really uncomfortable in this book, so that's another reason I couldn't get completely behind their romance in the same way I did in the first one (even if there was a plot explanation for it). that being said, I don't think they're a BAD couple and I hope to see their growth in the final book.
↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, sexual assault and violence, physical abuse mentioned, human sacrifice mentioned
March 27, 2024
This book had it's moments where I thought these two characters would never get together, but there was more or less a HEA at the end. Phew! There are quite a few unanswered questions, so I will be continuing onto the third book after a short break.
The female MC is really starting to find her strength in this book. My reasoning for the 4 star rating instead of a 5 star is because the female MC is very much a damsel in distress. I usually gravitate towards stronger female characters. HOWEVER, I do love a finding-your-strength journey.
The female MC is really starting to find her strength in this book. My reasoning for the 4 star rating instead of a 5 star is because the female MC is very much a damsel in distress. I usually gravitate towards stronger female characters. HOWEVER, I do love a finding-your-strength journey.
December 8, 2025
La novia del rey sombra es definitivamente un libro que hubiera amado en la adolescencia.
A nuestra protagonista la ocultan. Es princesa, pero no es la más querida. Tuvo la oportunidad de casarse hace años y lo arruinó todo, ahora vive en un convento aislada de su familia.
Pero cuándo se cruza con el rey sombra, destinado a casarse con su hermana, todo cambia.
¿Qué me gustó?
El mundo mágico es muy interesante, lo sentí diferente a otras novelas juveniles. Los Faes son acá los villanos, y él interés romántico es un troll. Amé que haya unicornios y qué a pesar de que la historia se centra en el romance, haya mucho ambiente construido.
A la mitad del libro sucede un plot twist que me dejó impactada. Sentí que ahí arrancó con todo la novela.
¿Qué no me gustó tanto?
El Rey sombra se enamoró demasiado rápido de la protagonista, casi que en capítulo 1 ya lo daba todo por ella. Hubiera preferido un romance menos apresurado.
Me hubiera gustado conocer más de las hermanas de la protagonista, creo que tenían potencial como personajes.
El final del libro fue demasiado abierto. Entiendo que tiene segunda parte, pero me dejó incómoda. No cerró nada de la trama de este primer libro.
Fue un libro que disfruté en su lectura, atrapante y rápido de leer. Con sus altibajos y con una segunda parte muy pendiente.
Lo recomiendo si buscan algo de romance, de príncipes y princesas. Y obvio, con mucho drama 🔥
Yo leyendo La novia del rey sombra: 🥺😱🙂
A nuestra protagonista la ocultan. Es princesa, pero no es la más querida. Tuvo la oportunidad de casarse hace años y lo arruinó todo, ahora vive en un convento aislada de su familia.
Pero cuándo se cruza con el rey sombra, destinado a casarse con su hermana, todo cambia.
¿Qué me gustó?
El mundo mágico es muy interesante, lo sentí diferente a otras novelas juveniles. Los Faes son acá los villanos, y él interés romántico es un troll. Amé que haya unicornios y qué a pesar de que la historia se centra en el romance, haya mucho ambiente construido.
A la mitad del libro sucede un plot twist que me dejó impactada. Sentí que ahí arrancó con todo la novela.
¿Qué no me gustó tanto?
El Rey sombra se enamoró demasiado rápido de la protagonista, casi que en capítulo 1 ya lo daba todo por ella. Hubiera preferido un romance menos apresurado.
Me hubiera gustado conocer más de las hermanas de la protagonista, creo que tenían potencial como personajes.
El final del libro fue demasiado abierto. Entiendo que tiene segunda parte, pero me dejó incómoda. No cerró nada de la trama de este primer libro.
Fue un libro que disfruté en su lectura, atrapante y rápido de leer. Con sus altibajos y con una segunda parte muy pendiente.
Lo recomiendo si buscan algo de romance, de príncipes y princesas. Y obvio, con mucho drama 🔥
Yo leyendo La novia del rey sombra: 🥺😱🙂
September 26, 2022
Wow! Wow! Wow!
I’m going to be completely honest, I didn’t think the first book could be topped. It was such a great story and that cliffhanger at the end, BUT I’ve never been more happy to be so wrong. THIS was so MUCH better!!!
It had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through trying to figure out who was trying sabotage Vor and Faraine. AND the tension between these two was so much more intense in this one and then we get THAT scene 🥵🫠 Vor tried so hard to mask his feelings and avoid her but love always finds a way. The ending to this book was beautiful. It leaves you happy but also yearning for the final instalment to find out what is going to happen to them all.
Sylvia has a way of writing that just merges the romance beautifully with the main plot of the story. I literally read this book in two hours, I just couldn’t put it down.
If you love:
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-twists and turns
-Fae kings
-Magic
-strong female characters
-slow burn sexual tension (that builds up to a very hot scene)
-high fantasy
Then this is a MUST read.
I fell in love with this series when I read the first book, bride of the shadow king back in July and I will honestly never stop raving about it.
I’m going to be completely honest, I didn’t think the first book could be topped. It was such a great story and that cliffhanger at the end, BUT I’ve never been more happy to be so wrong. THIS was so MUCH better!!!
It had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through trying to figure out who was trying sabotage Vor and Faraine. AND the tension between these two was so much more intense in this one and then we get THAT scene 🥵🫠 Vor tried so hard to mask his feelings and avoid her but love always finds a way. The ending to this book was beautiful. It leaves you happy but also yearning for the final instalment to find out what is going to happen to them all.
Sylvia has a way of writing that just merges the romance beautifully with the main plot of the story. I literally read this book in two hours, I just couldn’t put it down.
If you love:
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-twists and turns
-Fae kings
-Magic
-strong female characters
-slow burn sexual tension (that builds up to a very hot scene)
-high fantasy
Then this is a MUST read.
I fell in love with this series when I read the first book, bride of the shadow king back in July and I will honestly never stop raving about it.
October 15, 2022
I was so excited for this book since I fell in love with the first one. But the way the story went I just kept telling myself I want more I need more. The first book ended where she was left a prisoner from pretending to be her sister and in this story there’s an attempt on her life and she immediately goes back to her Queen quarters. What kept popping up in my head was that he was going to publicly execute her and her crimes were put out there for everyone. So his people should hate her right? Wrong only a few do, and the rest of the town folk act like nothing happened.
Things I wanted to see:
-more of her sister that was willing to sacrifice herself for her.
-Vor and Faraine talk about what led up to her having to portray her sister that she had no choice
-Learn more about her gift and seeing her girl boss moment
-Vor begging to be with her (we got the opposite btw)
-Both of them being an alliance to his people showing them she’s the Queen.
-just a little more spice from them
-love confessions sooner
-I wanted his stepmom to be put in her place/found out what’s up with her
This is a Romantic Fantasy and I just wanted there to be more moments between them instead of her begging him to 🔩 her. It should have been the other way around. He’s the King why is everyone in his ear about what he should be doing. Also why is homie always on the front lines does he not have an army? Even though it was stated in the book that he’s King of the largest city of his people and he’s in charge of multiple cities?!
Things I wanted to see:
-more of her sister that was willing to sacrifice herself for her.
-Vor and Faraine talk about what led up to her having to portray her sister that she had no choice
-Learn more about her gift and seeing her girl boss moment
-Vor begging to be with her (we got the opposite btw)
-Both of them being an alliance to his people showing them she’s the Queen.
-just a little more spice from them
-love confessions sooner
-I wanted his stepmom to be put in her place/found out what’s up with her
This is a Romantic Fantasy and I just wanted there to be more moments between them instead of her begging him to 🔩 her. It should have been the other way around. He’s the King why is everyone in his ear about what he should be doing. Also why is homie always on the front lines does he not have an army? Even though it was stated in the book that he’s King of the largest city of his people and he’s in charge of multiple cities?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
" I haven’t fooled her, though. Not in the least.
Gods, on high! Does she realize what she does to me simply by existing?"
I loved this follow up to Bride of the Shadow King! Mercedes has crafted such a unique and interested world, with a slooooooow burn. I loved exploring all of the aspects of the Trolde kingdom. The world structure, magic system, and everything about it was enchanting and like no other world I had ever read about! There was so much tension and angst between Vor and Faraine, and the author did such a good job keeping the pining and longing high throughout the book. I always talk about how much I love that Faraine's powers manifest in something that causes sensory overload, and how powers in most fantasies are almost never portrayed as being something negative. In Faraine, her abilities almost manifest as a type of chronic illness. In this book, however, we get to see that Faraine's powers might be tempered by the Trolde kingdom and definitely have something to do with Trolde magic, while not eroding the fact that these abilities still can cause her pain. This is such a good series and I cannot wait for the finale!
Watch my Romantasyathon Reading Vlog for more of my reactions and thoughts, as well as my February Wrap Up :)
Gods, on high! Does she realize what she does to me simply by existing?"
I loved this follow up to Bride of the Shadow King! Mercedes has crafted such a unique and interested world, with a slooooooow burn. I loved exploring all of the aspects of the Trolde kingdom. The world structure, magic system, and everything about it was enchanting and like no other world I had ever read about! There was so much tension and angst between Vor and Faraine, and the author did such a good job keeping the pining and longing high throughout the book. I always talk about how much I love that Faraine's powers manifest in something that causes sensory overload, and how powers in most fantasies are almost never portrayed as being something negative. In Faraine, her abilities almost manifest as a type of chronic illness. In this book, however, we get to see that Faraine's powers might be tempered by the Trolde kingdom and definitely have something to do with Trolde magic, while not eroding the fact that these abilities still can cause her pain. This is such a good series and I cannot wait for the finale!
Watch my Romantasyathon Reading Vlog for more of my reactions and thoughts, as well as my February Wrap Up :)
February 20, 2026
¿Cuántas veces hemos aprendido a hacernos pequeños para encajar en expectativas que no elegimos?
¿La fuerza siempre se manifiesta como poder visible… o también puede ser ternura que resiste en silencio?
¿Amar es un destino inevitable o es una decisión consciente que tomamos incluso cuando da miedo?
Preguntas que me surgen de la lectura de esta impecable obra de narrativa fantástica y romance.
Me encantó el desarrollo del personaje de Faraine, que es una protagonista que no brilla por imponerse, sino por resistir.
Ha aprendido a hacerse pequeña en un mundo que nunca la eligió primero, y sin embargo, cuando el destino la enfrenta al enigmático Rey Sombra, algo en ella comienza a despertar.
Este arco narrativo no es sólo de romance, que obviamente lo contiene y se disfruta, sino que es también de resiliencia, del descubrimiento de la propia voz, del deseo, del valor que existe incluso cuando nadie lo ve.
Por otro lado, la atmósfera que construye la autora es preciosa, envolvente, casi onírica. ❤️
La magia no es estridente; es antigua, silenciosa, cargada de sombras y pactos. Y en medio de intrigas políticas y tensiones que crecen como fuego lento, el vínculo entre Faraine y Vor se construye con miradas, silencios y una intensidad que no necesita exageraciones para sentirse real.
La tensión narrativa se sostiene en todo momento y literalmente se despliega y te hace querer leer un capítulo más, lo que adictivamente te lleva casi sin darte cuenta hasta el dramático final de este primer volumen.
Amé a los personajes secundarios, los que aportan contraste y humor descontracturante en los momentos justos, dónde el drama o la seriedad emergen. Sul, mi secundario favorito, o el petulante principe "bello" de lo más divertido.👏🤣🤭
Disfruté también los tropes, como novia sustituta, identidad oculta, slown burn, poder oculto, amor imposible y el sistema de magia original con una construcción de mundo deslumbrante. Todos siguiendo una trama general que intriga y capta al lector más allá del romance que se despliega y aporta capa tras capa a lo atmosférico, para hablar de identidad, de deber, de elección y de ese momento en que dejamos de vivir para complacer y empezamos a vivir para ser.
Ver el crecimiento de Faraine es el verdadero hechizo de la novela. Su dulzura no es debilidad; es una forma distinta de fuerza.
Verla pasar de la resignación silenciosa a la elección consciente es profundamente satisfactorio, ya que no se convierte en otra persona, sino que se descubre a sí misma, y eso emociona.
También amé mucho la construcción del mundo, que no es una fantasía genérica. Se potencia la sensación de reino antiguo, de pactos oscuros, de magia que tiene reglas y consecuencias. Las intrigas cortesanas, los bailes palaciegos, los juegos de poder y las tensiones políticas le dan peso a la historia y hacen que el romance no flote aislado, sino que esté atravesado por decisiones reales.
El Rey Sombra, Vor, también da la talla, como arquetipo de figura distante, poderosa y enigmática, que poco a poco deja entrever grietas y humanidad. La dinámica entre ambos, con esa tensión contenida, esos silencios cargados y una conexión sensual que se cuece lento, juega con la intensidad emocional más que explícita. (Aunque tiene partes bastante subidas de tono)🤭
En suma, es una historia interesante, divertida, con capítulos cortos fluidos y un tono general de esperanza que da la sensación de que el amor puede ser elección, alianza, complicidad… y no sólo un destino impuesto por el deber.
Advertencias de contenido:
La novela incluye dinámicas de poder marcadas, matrimonios o alianzas concertadas y relaciones atravesadas por desigualdad jerárquica, lo que puede resultar sensible para algunos lectores. También hay escenas de tensión emocional intensa, manipulación política, ejecuciones públicas y situaciones donde la protagonista experimenta invisibilización, presión familiar y sentimientos de insuficiencia.
Además, la historia contiene conflictos bélicos, amenazas, violencia y momentos de peligro que sostienen la atmósfera oscura del reino.
Destacó:
⭐ Una edición bellísima de Gran travesía con interiores ilustrados, buena calidad y detalles linearts que decoran cada capítulo.
⭐ Una protagonista con crecimiento real, que evoluciona desde la invisibilidad impuesta hacia la autoafirmación, sin perder su esencia compasiva.
⭐ Un rey enigmático y magnético, Vor, que encarna el arquetipo del monarca oscuro, distante pero profundamente humano bajo la superficie.
⭐ Un romance slow burn y cozy, dónde la tensión se construye con miradas, silencios y cercanía emocional, antes que con inmediatez.
⭐ Locaciones de ensueño, palacios y bailes
dimensiones ocultas, portales mágicos,
criaturas fantasticas, etc.
⭐ Intrigas políticas dónde las alianzas, las traiciones y las decisiones de poder tienen peso real en la trama.
⭐ Un sistema de magia atmosférico, con magia antigua elemental, musical y sensorial, casi ritual, integrada orgánicamente al mundo.
⭐ Un conflicto interno con gran tensión emocional, que plantea la lucha entre el deber y el deseo que atraviesa tanto a los protagonistas como al romance.
⭐ Un final de infarto que te deja el corazón en la mano y te hace necesitar el siguiente libro.💔❤️
En suma, "La novia del rey sombra" es de esas historias inmersivas que maravillan lentamente. Tiene intrigas, magia antigua, una tensión romántica que arde en silencio y buenos personajes.👏
Es fantasía con corazón, con atmósfera, con miradas que dicen más que mil declaraciones. Una lectura ideal si amás el slow burn, los reyes enigmáticos de pelo blanco y las heroínas que descubren su poder sin dejar de ser dulces.
Una historia para perderse y descontracturar.
Muy recomendada.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Si te gustó mi reseña sígueme en Instagram @bookscatsandcoffeeuy
¿La fuerza siempre se manifiesta como poder visible… o también puede ser ternura que resiste en silencio?
¿Amar es un destino inevitable o es una decisión consciente que tomamos incluso cuando da miedo?
Preguntas que me surgen de la lectura de esta impecable obra de narrativa fantástica y romance.
Me encantó el desarrollo del personaje de Faraine, que es una protagonista que no brilla por imponerse, sino por resistir.
Ha aprendido a hacerse pequeña en un mundo que nunca la eligió primero, y sin embargo, cuando el destino la enfrenta al enigmático Rey Sombra, algo en ella comienza a despertar.
Este arco narrativo no es sólo de romance, que obviamente lo contiene y se disfruta, sino que es también de resiliencia, del descubrimiento de la propia voz, del deseo, del valor que existe incluso cuando nadie lo ve.
Por otro lado, la atmósfera que construye la autora es preciosa, envolvente, casi onírica. ❤️
La magia no es estridente; es antigua, silenciosa, cargada de sombras y pactos. Y en medio de intrigas políticas y tensiones que crecen como fuego lento, el vínculo entre Faraine y Vor se construye con miradas, silencios y una intensidad que no necesita exageraciones para sentirse real.
La tensión narrativa se sostiene en todo momento y literalmente se despliega y te hace querer leer un capítulo más, lo que adictivamente te lleva casi sin darte cuenta hasta el dramático final de este primer volumen.
Amé a los personajes secundarios, los que aportan contraste y humor descontracturante en los momentos justos, dónde el drama o la seriedad emergen. Sul, mi secundario favorito, o el petulante principe "bello" de lo más divertido.👏🤣🤭
Disfruté también los tropes, como novia sustituta, identidad oculta, slown burn, poder oculto, amor imposible y el sistema de magia original con una construcción de mundo deslumbrante. Todos siguiendo una trama general que intriga y capta al lector más allá del romance que se despliega y aporta capa tras capa a lo atmosférico, para hablar de identidad, de deber, de elección y de ese momento en que dejamos de vivir para complacer y empezamos a vivir para ser.
Ver el crecimiento de Faraine es el verdadero hechizo de la novela. Su dulzura no es debilidad; es una forma distinta de fuerza.
Verla pasar de la resignación silenciosa a la elección consciente es profundamente satisfactorio, ya que no se convierte en otra persona, sino que se descubre a sí misma, y eso emociona.
También amé mucho la construcción del mundo, que no es una fantasía genérica. Se potencia la sensación de reino antiguo, de pactos oscuros, de magia que tiene reglas y consecuencias. Las intrigas cortesanas, los bailes palaciegos, los juegos de poder y las tensiones políticas le dan peso a la historia y hacen que el romance no flote aislado, sino que esté atravesado por decisiones reales.
El Rey Sombra, Vor, también da la talla, como arquetipo de figura distante, poderosa y enigmática, que poco a poco deja entrever grietas y humanidad. La dinámica entre ambos, con esa tensión contenida, esos silencios cargados y una conexión sensual que se cuece lento, juega con la intensidad emocional más que explícita. (Aunque tiene partes bastante subidas de tono)🤭
En suma, es una historia interesante, divertida, con capítulos cortos fluidos y un tono general de esperanza que da la sensación de que el amor puede ser elección, alianza, complicidad… y no sólo un destino impuesto por el deber.
Advertencias de contenido:
La novela incluye dinámicas de poder marcadas, matrimonios o alianzas concertadas y relaciones atravesadas por desigualdad jerárquica, lo que puede resultar sensible para algunos lectores. También hay escenas de tensión emocional intensa, manipulación política, ejecuciones públicas y situaciones donde la protagonista experimenta invisibilización, presión familiar y sentimientos de insuficiencia.
Además, la historia contiene conflictos bélicos, amenazas, violencia y momentos de peligro que sostienen la atmósfera oscura del reino.
Destacó:
⭐ Una edición bellísima de Gran travesía con interiores ilustrados, buena calidad y detalles linearts que decoran cada capítulo.
⭐ Una protagonista con crecimiento real, que evoluciona desde la invisibilidad impuesta hacia la autoafirmación, sin perder su esencia compasiva.
⭐ Un rey enigmático y magnético, Vor, que encarna el arquetipo del monarca oscuro, distante pero profundamente humano bajo la superficie.
⭐ Un romance slow burn y cozy, dónde la tensión se construye con miradas, silencios y cercanía emocional, antes que con inmediatez.
⭐ Locaciones de ensueño, palacios y bailes
dimensiones ocultas, portales mágicos,
criaturas fantasticas, etc.
⭐ Intrigas políticas dónde las alianzas, las traiciones y las decisiones de poder tienen peso real en la trama.
⭐ Un sistema de magia atmosférico, con magia antigua elemental, musical y sensorial, casi ritual, integrada orgánicamente al mundo.
⭐ Un conflicto interno con gran tensión emocional, que plantea la lucha entre el deber y el deseo que atraviesa tanto a los protagonistas como al romance.
⭐ Un final de infarto que te deja el corazón en la mano y te hace necesitar el siguiente libro.💔❤️
En suma, "La novia del rey sombra" es de esas historias inmersivas que maravillan lentamente. Tiene intrigas, magia antigua, una tensión romántica que arde en silencio y buenos personajes.👏
Es fantasía con corazón, con atmósfera, con miradas que dicen más que mil declaraciones. Una lectura ideal si amás el slow burn, los reyes enigmáticos de pelo blanco y las heroínas que descubren su poder sin dejar de ser dulces.
Una historia para perderse y descontracturar.
Muy recomendada.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Si te gustó mi reseña sígueme en Instagram @bookscatsandcoffeeuy
January 16, 2025
The Vow of the shadow king is full of twists and turns especially at the end it really throws the reader through a loop. There is a lot of good character development in this book. Faraine finally grows a backbone and speaks up for herself. Virus really needs to come into his own. This book still had me completely engaged from the beginning to the end. Also, the bonus content where we get to read about Hael and Sul…. That puts Sul in a new perspective in my eyes. Overall, loved the book and can’t wait to get into the third book!
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
October 10, 2022
Okaaaay I was not prepared for another shocking ending!! Did I enjoy it? Very much so. Was my mouth open in shock for the last 20%? Yes, yes it was. Did the epilogue have me reeling for the next book like the last did? HECK YES. Once again I am dying to get my hands on the next one.
After the first book left off with a deep betrayal. Book two picked up right where the first ended (which I appreciate). Faraine is sort of being held “prisoner” or as a “guest” some may call it (*cough* Vor *cough*) in Mythanar while Vor and the rest of his council decide how to proceed following the deception of her taking her sisters place. Faraine feels like the contract can be salvaged and still work in favor for both her home and Mythanar, but Vor struggles with trusting anyone around him after being poisoned and having his bride swapped. Trust isn’t the only thing Vor is struggling with, his feelings for Faraine are still strong and it clouds his judgement with every interaction and choice he must make. All the while, the darkness beneath his kingdom stirs growing stronger and threatening the lives of everyone in Mythanar.
My thoughts on book two really come down to the fact that I think Vor needs to man up (king up?) or whatever. I stand by Faraine not deserving the harsh criticism and hatred she got from a decision that was entirely not hers. Yeeeesh, just listen to the girl!!! Faraine was treated as a frail princess most of the book and I just ugh. It could have saved us a lot of pages and time. I really need to know what the heck is going on with this darkness sitch, ya know. So let’s get past the feelings kiddos!!
The spice was also very mild, not cringe or super heavy. The tension was there and I loved it. Honestly I read a lot of spice so this could be my opinion but I believe it was done well. I’d give it a 2🌶🌶 on my spice scale.
~~~~~~~~~
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD
~~~~~~~~~
My favorite thing about book two was Faraine’s character development. She finally grew a backbone and started speaking her mind, trying to figure out her powers, and putting her foot down. Do I feel like it could’ve been more than that. Yes, and that makes me hopeful that in the next book she will be the strong Queen Mythanar needs her to be.
In book one, Vor had the potential to be “book boyfriend material” if you know what I mean. This book had me docking hella points from that potential. It took him most of the book to realize Faraine was helpful and that he should’ve confessed his feelings from the beginning.
I’d say one thing that had me a bit disappointed was the fact that the two love interest were separate most of the book. Vor didn’t know what to feel and Faraine was trapped in her room for at least 70% of it. The sort of date they went on was sweet but just not enough. It was mostly Vor justifying his actions and handling disaster management following the stirs. If that was the case, I wish there was more of an explanation as to what the darkness is. Which we kind of get at the very end, but it’s vague.
With all that being said I have high hopes for book three. I need my questions answered and more romance asap.
After the first book left off with a deep betrayal. Book two picked up right where the first ended (which I appreciate). Faraine is sort of being held “prisoner” or as a “guest” some may call it (*cough* Vor *cough*) in Mythanar while Vor and the rest of his council decide how to proceed following the deception of her taking her sisters place. Faraine feels like the contract can be salvaged and still work in favor for both her home and Mythanar, but Vor struggles with trusting anyone around him after being poisoned and having his bride swapped. Trust isn’t the only thing Vor is struggling with, his feelings for Faraine are still strong and it clouds his judgement with every interaction and choice he must make. All the while, the darkness beneath his kingdom stirs growing stronger and threatening the lives of everyone in Mythanar.
My thoughts on book two really come down to the fact that I think Vor needs to man up (king up?) or whatever. I stand by Faraine not deserving the harsh criticism and hatred she got from a decision that was entirely not hers. Yeeeesh, just listen to the girl!!! Faraine was treated as a frail princess most of the book and I just ugh. It could have saved us a lot of pages and time. I really need to know what the heck is going on with this darkness sitch, ya know. So let’s get past the feelings kiddos!!
The spice was also very mild, not cringe or super heavy. The tension was there and I loved it. Honestly I read a lot of spice so this could be my opinion but I believe it was done well. I’d give it a 2🌶🌶 on my spice scale.
~~~~~~~~~
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD
~~~~~~~~~
My favorite thing about book two was Faraine’s character development. She finally grew a backbone and started speaking her mind, trying to figure out her powers, and putting her foot down. Do I feel like it could’ve been more than that. Yes, and that makes me hopeful that in the next book she will be the strong Queen Mythanar needs her to be.
In book one, Vor had the potential to be “book boyfriend material” if you know what I mean. This book had me docking hella points from that potential. It took him most of the book to realize Faraine was helpful and that he should’ve confessed his feelings from the beginning.
I’d say one thing that had me a bit disappointed was the fact that the two love interest were separate most of the book. Vor didn’t know what to feel and Faraine was trapped in her room for at least 70% of it. The sort of date they went on was sweet but just not enough. It was mostly Vor justifying his actions and handling disaster management following the stirs. If that was the case, I wish there was more of an explanation as to what the darkness is. Which we kind of get at the very end, but it’s vague.
With all that being said I have high hopes for book three. I need my questions answered and more romance asap.
March 20, 2024
I must say, the sequel is a step up from the previous one. Not quite 3 stars, but getting there. Also, I was wrong about Lyria and Sul. Lyria just disappeared from the story and yes I am sad about it.
While the plot is again just adequate, the world Mercedes builds here is amazing. Maybe I just have a weaknesses for subterranean spaces, but this kingdom lit by crystals and where mushrooms and living crystals make up te vegetation just speaks to me. It honestly is the main reason to read the book.
The main characters are still kind of the same as they were in the previous book. Faraine goes through some growth learning about her powers and her worth, but Vor is a little stuck. Lets just be honest, Vor is a shit king. He is ruled by his feelings, rushes headfirst into danger, is seduced into playing the flirting game while the kingdom is going to shit. I'm not saying I'm team Roh, but maybe there was some merit in having Sul be the king. At least he is ruthless enough to make a decision.
And I feel like that is my main gripe with these series. Vor is supposed to be a king, but he never acts like one. Yes, he gets to be important at banquets and yell that he is the king, but we never follow him doing the work.
Also, the entire plot of this book somehow takes place in less then a month. How? I am confusion.
I'll read the next one just because they started talking about a dragon in the end.
P.s. who the Witch at the end turned out to be was rather obvious no?
While the plot is again just adequate, the world Mercedes builds here is amazing. Maybe I just have a weaknesses for subterranean spaces, but this kingdom lit by crystals and where mushrooms and living crystals make up te vegetation just speaks to me. It honestly is the main reason to read the book.
The main characters are still kind of the same as they were in the previous book. Faraine goes through some growth learning about her powers and her worth, but Vor is a little stuck. Lets just be honest, Vor is a shit king. He is ruled by his feelings, rushes headfirst into danger, is seduced into playing the flirting game while the kingdom is going to shit. I'm not saying I'm team Roh, but maybe there was some merit in having Sul be the king. At least he is ruthless enough to make a decision.
And I feel like that is my main gripe with these series. Vor is supposed to be a king, but he never acts like one. Yes, he gets to be important at banquets and yell that he is the king, but we never follow him doing the work.
Also, the entire plot of this book somehow takes place in less then a month. How? I am confusion.
I'll read the next one just because they started talking about a dragon in the end.
P.s. who the Witch at the end turned out to be was rather obvious no?
January 17, 2023
not clean.
I had high hopes, but was disappointed. Granted, most people don’t care about if a book is clean, but I do. I feel like this book is filled with more lust than actual story. Couldn’t finish it. Not my cup of tea.
I had high hopes, but was disappointed. Granted, most people don’t care about if a book is clean, but I do. I feel like this book is filled with more lust than actual story. Couldn’t finish it. Not my cup of tea.
March 17, 2025
First book was great, this one however..... I really did not like it. I wanted to scream just talk to each other. So anoying.
January 30, 2025
The second installment in the Vow of the Shadow King series was miles better than book one. I really enjoyed the politics and that this book actually felt like a FANTASY romance book versus a paranormal romance.
I like Faraine and Vor, but I wish their romance had more development. Their romance is so basic and insta-love that it’s no fun! I wish there was more of a slowburn and tension buildup instead of the constant, repetitive, and annoying relationship Sylvia Mercedes chose to give them.
Finally, like the first book. The smut is rough and not in a hot sexy way in a “‘Oh, King Vor!’ she gasped” way. The smut Mercedes writes is veryyyyyyyyy 2015 even though this series was published in the 2020’s.
With all my negativity though, this series is fast-paced and fun! I’m excited to finish up the trilogy when the final book rereleases in late February. I have fun with these and they’re easygoing page turners. This book ends PERFECTLY and I’m at the edge of my seat to see how Mercedes wraps everything up!
I like Faraine and Vor, but I wish their romance had more development. Their romance is so basic and insta-love that it’s no fun! I wish there was more of a slowburn and tension buildup instead of the constant, repetitive, and annoying relationship Sylvia Mercedes chose to give them.
Finally, like the first book. The smut is rough and not in a hot sexy way in a “‘Oh, King Vor!’ she gasped” way. The smut Mercedes writes is veryyyyyyyyy 2015 even though this series was published in the 2020’s.
With all my negativity though, this series is fast-paced and fun! I’m excited to finish up the trilogy when the final book rereleases in late February. I have fun with these and they’re easygoing page turners. This book ends PERFECTLY and I’m at the edge of my seat to see how Mercedes wraps everything up!
March 22, 2024
In summary, better than the first.
Full of twists and things you wouldnt expect, I am once again hooked and need to know what happens in the next book even though I have 8 unread books already purchased.
Full of twists and things you wouldnt expect, I am once again hooked and need to know what happens in the next book even though I have 8 unread books already purchased.
February 13, 2026
a very slow-burn romance
This was a book two and still the romance is very slow burn and almost under PG18. Read this as fast as the first one or even faster. Still loved the characters even tho in this part side pieces were less mentioned than the mains. Still love the lore and world building. And the ending was totally unexpected. Also not sure what plot holes others were talking about, enjoyed this one as much as first one.
This was a book two and still the romance is very slow burn and almost under PG18. Read this as fast as the first one or even faster. Still loved the characters even tho in this part side pieces were less mentioned than the mains. Still love the lore and world building. And the ending was totally unexpected. Also not sure what plot holes others were talking about, enjoyed this one as much as first one.
February 26, 2025
Ilk kitapla bunu aynı kişi yazmış olamazzzoooo😭😭😭😭
January 14, 2025
It keeps getting better and better!
Vow of the Shadow King picks up right where Bride of the Shadow King left off, and this one packs one heck of a punch. I loved the first book, but honestly, this one is even better than that one.
In this second book of the series, we learn much more about the God-given Gift bestowed upon Faraine when she was born. She is more powerful than anyone imagined, including herself. I loved watching her figure out how she could help King Vor and his people without regard for herself. If there is anyone worthy of the title Queen, it is Faraine.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewVotSK
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also own and listened to the audiobook
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
Vow of the Shadow King picks up right where Bride of the Shadow King left off, and this one packs one heck of a punch. I loved the first book, but honestly, this one is even better than that one.
In this second book of the series, we learn much more about the God-given Gift bestowed upon Faraine when she was born. She is more powerful than anyone imagined, including herself. I loved watching her figure out how she could help King Vor and his people without regard for herself. If there is anyone worthy of the title Queen, it is Faraine.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewVotSK
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**I also own and listened to the audiobook
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
April 22, 2023
2.5
“A life for a life? So be it.”
Ha sido un sí, pero a la vez un no. Creo que me esperaba otra cosa o más bien que la historia se desarollase de otra manera. Lo único que pedía es que hubiese comunicación, y se arreglasen los malentendidos de la primera novela, pero no. La autora tenía otras ideas.
El argumento sigue estando interesante, un poco cliché, la verdad. Les falta profundidad y desarrollo a los personajes, siento que ha sido mejor la primera novela. A pesar de ello, sigo teniendo ganas de más, así que en espera del tercer libro.
“A life for a life? So be it.”
Ha sido un sí, pero a la vez un no. Creo que me esperaba otra cosa o más bien que la historia se desarollase de otra manera. Lo único que pedía es que hubiese comunicación, y se arreglasen los malentendidos de la primera novela, pero no. La autora tenía otras ideas.
El argumento sigue estando interesante, un poco cliché, la verdad. Les falta profundidad y desarrollo a los personajes, siento que ha sido mejor la primera novela. A pesar de ello, sigo teniendo ganas de más, así que en espera del tercer libro.
June 10, 2024
I don't like this at all. I felt that it was disjointed and I had skipped huge chunks of the story but I hadn't. And for the love of Gods... Can't anyone have a freaking conversation?!?
I don't care about the end. I don't care about the third book. Reading War Bride next. Maybe that one is better
I don't care about the end. I don't care about the third book. Reading War Bride next. Maybe that one is better
August 11, 2023
I can not wait for the next installment!
Breathtaking as always!
Breathtaking as always!
June 6, 2023
This series is so unique and interesting. It's a TOP NOTCH slow burn. Like the angst was absolutely unbearable. And I know many people didn't like that, or they said that Vor and Faraine didn't communicate enough. I don't think that was the problem AT ALL. They definitely knew each other's feelings. However, the immense duty that Vor had for his kingdom put pressure on him to make the right choices, especially with Faraine. Royal politics are nasty and emotions are mostly an afterthought.
I thought Faraine was an interesting character, however Vor, Hael, Yok, and Sul were my favorites. Faraine's power is really interesting, and I liked how it was really mysterious throughout both books.
Mercedes also has a beautiful writing style that just flows across the page.
"Vor!”
I pause, look back over my shoulder. Sul hastens after me, his expression wry as always. “Well done, my brother. You’ve got the old stone-feet shaking in their boots. I liked that bit about readying their excuses. Very nice indeed. Granted, it’ll make my job rather more difficult when it comes time to question them and their households. But juk!”
He shrugs. “Such is the life of a spy master.”
“You’re not a spy master, Sul.”
He pulls a face. “Informal gatherer of delicate information then.” Tilting his head, he studies me narrowly. “You look terrible.”
“Thanks.”
"But I can’t. And maybe it’s for the best. The irritation gives me something to hold onto. My soul-that pale, naked thing lying on the shores of my mind-reaches out and clings to his voice like an anchoring chain as another wave of pain hits, and another, and another. Each crash and roll tries to wrench me back into that eternal sea of torment. I cannot fight, cannot hide. I can do only what I have always done: endure.”
"I don’t faint. I wish I could. It would be easier when the pain hits simply to step out of awareness entirely. To float off into some other plain of consciousness and wait until the pain dissipates, or at least until I’m more ready to face it.
Instead, my body simply…folds up. I cannot move. Cannot speak or offer any form of reaction. I can only lie there while pain like waves churned up by a storm crash on the shores of my senses, battering me, pulverizing my bones. I am naked, helpless, defenseless. Unable even to gather myself and flee the onslaught.”
I am TELLING you. This sounds like my migraines.
"The door shudders in its frame. More shouts, more voices. Finally, the door slams open hard. Two figures step through in a cloud of dust. The first of them launches himself at Vor, but the second spares not a glance for her king. Instead, Captain Hael’s eyes fix upon me. Very wide. Very tense. Every line of her face is etched deep with shadow.
She strides across the room to me and drops her voice to a low pitch.
“Are you hurt, Princess?”
Hastily, I shake my head then draw my shoulders back and answer out loud, “I’m fine.” My bodyguard tosses her gaze between me and Vor, her mouth disbelieving. I catch her forearm, draw her eye back to me. “Truly, I am unhurt. Nothing . . . happened.”
Hael’s eyes spark in the lorst light. She opens her mouth then closes it on whatever questions are piling up on her tongue. Instead, she puts an arm around me and says only, “Come. Let’s get you out of here. Find you some proper clothes.”
Poor Hael. I love her.
"I bite back a giggle, and instead whip out one of my other new words for a try: “Hiri.” I pause, watching the effect on my subject. She doesn’t even blink. I continue: “Would you be so kind as to bring a fresh pot of tea?”
The maid’s gaze swivels from me to Hael. “Kurspar-oom,” the captain barks. “Mazoga.”
The maid inclines her head and begins to retreat, but Hael speaks again sharply, stopping her in her tracks. Another stream of incomprehensible troldish follows. From the maid, I feel a faint flash of fury. It’s gone before I can be certain of it, however. When Hael is done, the maid hastens from the room, shutting the door behind her. “What was that about?” I ask.
“I simply reminded her that you are the king’s guest. As such, you must be afforded appropriate deference.” Hael’s eyes gleam. “I told her if I find out she’s been using coarse language while on duty again, I will have her replaced and sent to work in the scorlors.”
I nod solemnly. But my heart warms a little. Hael defended me. Me! Dare I call this progress? Do I now have an ally in Mythanar?
"I grab the door latch, wrench the door open. Yok leans against the wall just outside. At my appearance, he pulls himself together, fumbling with his lance. “Princess!” he gasps and halfway salutes before thinking better of it. “Do you need anything? Shall I call the maid back with your meal?”
Yok is so cute😂
"Hael?" He leans over my captain's body, pushes wet strands of hair out of her face. "Take a breath, will you? Come on, I need to hear you-"
Her body convulses. A sudden gush of water fountains from her lungs, splashing Sul in the face. He curses but doesn’t draw back. Instead, using his one good arm, he rolls her onto her side, patting her back until she’s finished heaving. When she’s through, he helps her sit upright. Not once does he stop touching her, his good hand moving from her shoulder to her arm to her back.
Interesting. Very interesting."
I ship Sul and Hael so hard.
"Yok!” I cry and roll him onto his back. Terror surges in my veins. Did someone break in, overpower this boy, and kidnap Faraine? Another assassin, bent on her destruction? Or was it Targ and his cultists? Are they—could they—?
I see again that sacrificed woman. A scream threatens to tear my throat in two.
“Yok!” I roar, and yank the boy upright, shaking him by the shoulders. “Wake up, man! I need you!”
Yok groans. His brow puckers. With tremendous effort, he manages to raise one eyelid. “My—my King?”
My fingers dig into the boy’s shoulders, leaving dents in his chainmail. “Where is she?” I growl. “Who took her? Tell me, Yok! Tell me what you know!”
He shakes his head. “No one took her,” he groans. “I swear.”
“What?” Something icy shoots through my heart. In that moment, I can’t tell if it’s relief or another surge of terror. “What do you mean? What happened?”
“She wanted to go for a walk.” The boy forces the words out painfully, one after another. “But . . . but I thought she should stay. She’d been out once already, and she didn’t seem well, so . . . so I insisted. But then she took my hand and . . . and . . .” He looks blearily around the room, his gaze unfocused. “How did I end up in here?"
Poor Yok😂 That kid has the worst luck
”Faraine, can you hear me? Speak to me!”
I pinch my brows tight. I want to open my eyes but can’t seem to remember how. Neither can I utter a word. When I try, nothing but a pathetic moan emerges from my lips.
“You’re alive!” Vor’s voice breathes against my ear, his lips pressed close to my temple. He’s caught me up in his arms, holds me tight against him, rocking me slowly back and forth. “Praise be to all the gods, above and below!” he rasps."
"You do ride, don’t you?”
“Yes, but . . . but horses.”
“Mur is much like a horse, I assure you. She’s been gentled from a young age, and I picked her out specially for . . .”
For Ilsevel. He stops himself from saying my sister’s name, from bringing her into this space between us. It doesn’t matter. She’s there all the same. The truth is, Ilsevel would be far better suited to this particular adventure. She loved a challenge almost as much as she loved riding. She would have been delighted with this gift of a monster steed.
I'm sorry but everytime I'm reminded of how Ilsevel was supposed to be there makes me sad. If Fairaine didn't exist that would've been really cute🥺
"She would have been happy here. As queen.
She would not have ended up like my mother.
As though she heard my thoughts, Faraine turns and looks directly at me. Catches me staring. Heat warms my neck, and I turn away quickly, pretending to be interested in another set of domed priestess dwellings some distance beyond her. I haven’t fooled her, though. Not in the least.
Gods, on high! Does she realize what she does to me simply by existing?"
Bro you're whipped. Just admit it.
”Toz lies another twenty feet lower. He’s dead. His armor is stripped away. Cave devil claws have penetrated his tough stone hide, ripped his torso wide open, spilled his guts. He looks gnawed. Savaged.
I'm thankful I cannot see his face from this angle.
I draw back. Sickness roils in my gut. Toz was my friend. As was Hud.”
Noooo! I liked Toz. My gosh poor Vor, seeing the mutilated bodies of his soldiers🥺 And Vor found Yok unconscious with his arm over the ledge, as if he fell or he was trying to help him. I'm almost in tears.
"I feel Yok’s arms tense. His breath catches in my ear.
I know what he’s about to do. Before I can react. Before I can move to stop him. I know.
The boy springs from my back, catches hold of the woggha around its neck. There he dangles, broken leg useless, hands struggling for purchase. He adjusts his hold, squeezing hard. His one good leg kicks wildly against the wall.
“No!” I lift one hand, try to swing myself toward them. My other hand slips. I’m forced to grab the wall. “No, Yok! Stop!"
DON'T YOU DARE
"Yok wrenches hard and adjusts his grip, locking his arms around the beast’s throat. It shakes its head, its whole body writhing. Yok doesn't let go. With his one good leg he presses into the wall. I see him grit his teeth. His eyes flash to meet mine just for a moment.
"Yok!” His name rips from my chest in a furious roar. I reach out, my hand grasping, desperate. Too late, too late.
He pushes off from the wall. Wrenches the devil’s claws free of the stone.
They fall. Tumble. Still grappling together. Plummeting through shadows and down to the fiery river far below."
NOOOOOOO!!!! 😭😭😭
I thought Faraine was an interesting character, however Vor, Hael, Yok, and Sul were my favorites. Faraine's power is really interesting, and I liked how it was really mysterious throughout both books.
Mercedes also has a beautiful writing style that just flows across the page.
"Vor!”
I pause, look back over my shoulder. Sul hastens after me, his expression wry as always. “Well done, my brother. You’ve got the old stone-feet shaking in their boots. I liked that bit about readying their excuses. Very nice indeed. Granted, it’ll make my job rather more difficult when it comes time to question them and their households. But juk!”
He shrugs. “Such is the life of a spy master.”
“You’re not a spy master, Sul.”
He pulls a face. “Informal gatherer of delicate information then.” Tilting his head, he studies me narrowly. “You look terrible.”
“Thanks.”
"But I can’t. And maybe it’s for the best. The irritation gives me something to hold onto. My soul-that pale, naked thing lying on the shores of my mind-reaches out and clings to his voice like an anchoring chain as another wave of pain hits, and another, and another. Each crash and roll tries to wrench me back into that eternal sea of torment. I cannot fight, cannot hide. I can do only what I have always done: endure.”
"I don’t faint. I wish I could. It would be easier when the pain hits simply to step out of awareness entirely. To float off into some other plain of consciousness and wait until the pain dissipates, or at least until I’m more ready to face it.
Instead, my body simply…folds up. I cannot move. Cannot speak or offer any form of reaction. I can only lie there while pain like waves churned up by a storm crash on the shores of my senses, battering me, pulverizing my bones. I am naked, helpless, defenseless. Unable even to gather myself and flee the onslaught.”
I am TELLING you. This sounds like my migraines.
"The door shudders in its frame. More shouts, more voices. Finally, the door slams open hard. Two figures step through in a cloud of dust. The first of them launches himself at Vor, but the second spares not a glance for her king. Instead, Captain Hael’s eyes fix upon me. Very wide. Very tense. Every line of her face is etched deep with shadow.
She strides across the room to me and drops her voice to a low pitch.
“Are you hurt, Princess?”
Hastily, I shake my head then draw my shoulders back and answer out loud, “I’m fine.” My bodyguard tosses her gaze between me and Vor, her mouth disbelieving. I catch her forearm, draw her eye back to me. “Truly, I am unhurt. Nothing . . . happened.”
Hael’s eyes spark in the lorst light. She opens her mouth then closes it on whatever questions are piling up on her tongue. Instead, she puts an arm around me and says only, “Come. Let’s get you out of here. Find you some proper clothes.”
Poor Hael. I love her.
"I bite back a giggle, and instead whip out one of my other new words for a try: “Hiri.” I pause, watching the effect on my subject. She doesn’t even blink. I continue: “Would you be so kind as to bring a fresh pot of tea?”
The maid’s gaze swivels from me to Hael. “Kurspar-oom,” the captain barks. “Mazoga.”
The maid inclines her head and begins to retreat, but Hael speaks again sharply, stopping her in her tracks. Another stream of incomprehensible troldish follows. From the maid, I feel a faint flash of fury. It’s gone before I can be certain of it, however. When Hael is done, the maid hastens from the room, shutting the door behind her. “What was that about?” I ask.
“I simply reminded her that you are the king’s guest. As such, you must be afforded appropriate deference.” Hael’s eyes gleam. “I told her if I find out she’s been using coarse language while on duty again, I will have her replaced and sent to work in the scorlors.”
I nod solemnly. But my heart warms a little. Hael defended me. Me! Dare I call this progress? Do I now have an ally in Mythanar?
"I grab the door latch, wrench the door open. Yok leans against the wall just outside. At my appearance, he pulls himself together, fumbling with his lance. “Princess!” he gasps and halfway salutes before thinking better of it. “Do you need anything? Shall I call the maid back with your meal?”
Yok is so cute😂
"Hael?" He leans over my captain's body, pushes wet strands of hair out of her face. "Take a breath, will you? Come on, I need to hear you-"
Her body convulses. A sudden gush of water fountains from her lungs, splashing Sul in the face. He curses but doesn’t draw back. Instead, using his one good arm, he rolls her onto her side, patting her back until she’s finished heaving. When she’s through, he helps her sit upright. Not once does he stop touching her, his good hand moving from her shoulder to her arm to her back.
Interesting. Very interesting."
I ship Sul and Hael so hard.
"Yok!” I cry and roll him onto his back. Terror surges in my veins. Did someone break in, overpower this boy, and kidnap Faraine? Another assassin, bent on her destruction? Or was it Targ and his cultists? Are they—could they—?
I see again that sacrificed woman. A scream threatens to tear my throat in two.
“Yok!” I roar, and yank the boy upright, shaking him by the shoulders. “Wake up, man! I need you!”
Yok groans. His brow puckers. With tremendous effort, he manages to raise one eyelid. “My—my King?”
My fingers dig into the boy’s shoulders, leaving dents in his chainmail. “Where is she?” I growl. “Who took her? Tell me, Yok! Tell me what you know!”
He shakes his head. “No one took her,” he groans. “I swear.”
“What?” Something icy shoots through my heart. In that moment, I can’t tell if it’s relief or another surge of terror. “What do you mean? What happened?”
“She wanted to go for a walk.” The boy forces the words out painfully, one after another. “But . . . but I thought she should stay. She’d been out once already, and she didn’t seem well, so . . . so I insisted. But then she took my hand and . . . and . . .” He looks blearily around the room, his gaze unfocused. “How did I end up in here?"
Poor Yok😂 That kid has the worst luck
”Faraine, can you hear me? Speak to me!”
I pinch my brows tight. I want to open my eyes but can’t seem to remember how. Neither can I utter a word. When I try, nothing but a pathetic moan emerges from my lips.
“You’re alive!” Vor’s voice breathes against my ear, his lips pressed close to my temple. He’s caught me up in his arms, holds me tight against him, rocking me slowly back and forth. “Praise be to all the gods, above and below!” he rasps."
"You do ride, don’t you?”
“Yes, but . . . but horses.”
“Mur is much like a horse, I assure you. She’s been gentled from a young age, and I picked her out specially for . . .”
For Ilsevel. He stops himself from saying my sister’s name, from bringing her into this space between us. It doesn’t matter. She’s there all the same. The truth is, Ilsevel would be far better suited to this particular adventure. She loved a challenge almost as much as she loved riding. She would have been delighted with this gift of a monster steed.
I'm sorry but everytime I'm reminded of how Ilsevel was supposed to be there makes me sad. If Fairaine didn't exist that would've been really cute🥺
"She would have been happy here. As queen.
She would not have ended up like my mother.
As though she heard my thoughts, Faraine turns and looks directly at me. Catches me staring. Heat warms my neck, and I turn away quickly, pretending to be interested in another set of domed priestess dwellings some distance beyond her. I haven’t fooled her, though. Not in the least.
Gods, on high! Does she realize what she does to me simply by existing?"
Bro you're whipped. Just admit it.
”Toz lies another twenty feet lower. He’s dead. His armor is stripped away. Cave devil claws have penetrated his tough stone hide, ripped his torso wide open, spilled his guts. He looks gnawed. Savaged.
I'm thankful I cannot see his face from this angle.
I draw back. Sickness roils in my gut. Toz was my friend. As was Hud.”
Noooo! I liked Toz. My gosh poor Vor, seeing the mutilated bodies of his soldiers🥺 And Vor found Yok unconscious with his arm over the ledge, as if he fell or he was trying to help him. I'm almost in tears.
"I feel Yok’s arms tense. His breath catches in my ear.
I know what he’s about to do. Before I can react. Before I can move to stop him. I know.
The boy springs from my back, catches hold of the woggha around its neck. There he dangles, broken leg useless, hands struggling for purchase. He adjusts his hold, squeezing hard. His one good leg kicks wildly against the wall.
“No!” I lift one hand, try to swing myself toward them. My other hand slips. I’m forced to grab the wall. “No, Yok! Stop!"
DON'T YOU DARE
"Yok wrenches hard and adjusts his grip, locking his arms around the beast’s throat. It shakes its head, its whole body writhing. Yok doesn't let go. With his one good leg he presses into the wall. I see him grit his teeth. His eyes flash to meet mine just for a moment.
"Yok!” His name rips from my chest in a furious roar. I reach out, my hand grasping, desperate. Too late, too late.
He pushes off from the wall. Wrenches the devil’s claws free of the stone.
They fall. Tumble. Still grappling together. Plummeting through shadows and down to the fiery river far below."
NOOOOOOO!!!! 😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
2 stars, maybe even less after I write this review. As one reviewer pointed out, it starts strong with vibes of Radiance, I agree.
But it soon falls apart and I am left feeling like this story was compromised by stretching it out to 3 stories, which diluted it. Lots and lots of filler ahead.
Highlights and Spoilers:
Where we left off- Fara has deceived Vor, Vor can't handle it and is being poisoned and making bad decisions, Fara wants to make amends but is swirling in a vortex of emotions coming off everyone around her so she is pretty useless with all the passing out she does.
Then she has the strength to heal/cleanse Vor of the poison.
Even she was surprised!
“Gods above, who knew I possessed such wellsprings of defiance? I’ve always been the demure, shrinking, people-pleasing, disappointing princess. Perhaps this is what multiple near-death experiences in quick succession will bring out in a person.”
But fate keeps them away from each other and not taking any next steps. We finally get some sexy times at 73% but no consummation. Be prepared for a SLOW burn and lots of battle scenes.
Also, the writing is, flowery?, fluffy, extra- all those things. Virginal?
Once example that I rolled eyes on pretty hard:
How her pulse races, like a fluttering bird! (Vor thinks this)
This is not an old Harlequin novel! Wtf.
Vor- example of stupid dialogue as well as being an immature ass:
“Unhand me!” I cry. “At once, you fools!”
“You can’t murder him, Your Majesty,” Hael says, her hand still firmly locked on my shoulder. “Not even you are above the law.”
I turn sharply, catch her eye. “Let go of me, Captain. You’ve failed me one time too many.”
and failed dialogue like this!
“It’s difficult to explain to someone not trolde.” I roll my lips musingly. “It is a holy state of mind in which a trolde will allow the lifeforce in his soul to sink into perfect stillness. There he may know unity with the All Dark and be at peace.”
NOT SO HARD to explain after all, huh.
I will continue with the 3rd book but only because I am looking forward to tearing it apart. Hopefully it gets better!
But it soon falls apart and I am left feeling like this story was compromised by stretching it out to 3 stories, which diluted it. Lots and lots of filler ahead.
Highlights and Spoilers:
Where we left off- Fara has deceived Vor, Vor can't handle it and is being poisoned and making bad decisions, Fara wants to make amends but is swirling in a vortex of emotions coming off everyone around her so she is pretty useless with all the passing out she does.
Then she has the strength to heal/cleanse Vor of the poison.
Even she was surprised!
“Gods above, who knew I possessed such wellsprings of defiance? I’ve always been the demure, shrinking, people-pleasing, disappointing princess. Perhaps this is what multiple near-death experiences in quick succession will bring out in a person.”
But fate keeps them away from each other and not taking any next steps. We finally get some sexy times at 73% but no consummation. Be prepared for a SLOW burn and lots of battle scenes.
Also, the writing is, flowery?, fluffy, extra- all those things. Virginal?
Once example that I rolled eyes on pretty hard:
How her pulse races, like a fluttering bird! (Vor thinks this)
This is not an old Harlequin novel! Wtf.
Vor- example of stupid dialogue as well as being an immature ass:
“Unhand me!” I cry. “At once, you fools!”
“You can’t murder him, Your Majesty,” Hael says, her hand still firmly locked on my shoulder. “Not even you are above the law.”
I turn sharply, catch her eye. “Let go of me, Captain. You’ve failed me one time too many.”
and failed dialogue like this!
“It’s difficult to explain to someone not trolde.” I roll my lips musingly. “It is a holy state of mind in which a trolde will allow the lifeforce in his soul to sink into perfect stillness. There he may know unity with the All Dark and be at peace.”
NOT SO HARD to explain after all, huh.
I will continue with the 3rd book but only because I am looking forward to tearing it apart. Hopefully it gets better!
November 5, 2022
4/5
I really enjoyed the first book. This one is definitely more of a bridge book where Mercedes is setting up what’s to come in the third book. There is nothing wrong with that at all. I think she moved the story along well. It does read a bit slower as a bridge book, but the story line intrigued. I have like 1,300 more questions. I’m interested to see where she takes it next!
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I felt like some of the secondary characters could have used a bit more fleshing out like in the first book (yes, I need a Hael/Sul side plot or book. I do.)
I could have done with a little less of the miscommunication trope, BUT I have a feeling she will be resolving a lot of those issues in the final book.
Check the trigger warnings. I could have done without maybe one scene in the book, so make sure to read them.
I really enjoyed the first book. This one is definitely more of a bridge book where Mercedes is setting up what’s to come in the third book. There is nothing wrong with that at all. I think she moved the story along well. It does read a bit slower as a bridge book, but the story line intrigued. I have like 1,300 more questions. I’m interested to see where she takes it next!
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I felt like some of the secondary characters could have used a bit more fleshing out like in the first book (yes, I need a Hael/Sul side plot or book. I do.)
I could have done with a little less of the miscommunication trope, BUT I have a feeling she will be resolving a lot of those issues in the final book.
Check the trigger warnings. I could have done without maybe one scene in the book, so make sure to read them.
October 28, 2022
I had to read this book, especially after the cliffhanger Bride of the Shadow King left us at. And if you loved the first book, you will enjoy this one likewise.
There is a lot going on. A multi-level apocalypse is occurring in the world of the Trolde, and Vor is doing what he can to avert it, but there are earthquakes, poisonous vapors making them rabid, and cave monsters. And now the cultists are getting in on the action to find their own way to 'survive' the end. And poor Faraine is over here not content with just surviving because she wants to help, and with her special gift of empathy, she just might be able to- if someone would give the lying bride and discarded queen a chance. And all the side characters keep rushing off into danger, so if they would stop that, that would be great.
This book gave me about eight different heart attacks for different reasons. I have decided that Hael is my favorite character, the faithful captain of the guard and loyal friend. She saved me from one heart attack and was right there with me for almost having another. And for the greatest heart attack of all, I just have to say for both hers and my sake- that better not have been what it seemed to be. Sylvia isn't allowed to hurt Hael or me like that.
The overall feel of this book is massive panic, but the characters shine as they do their best to work together and against each other both to try and avert the apocalypse and not get poisoned into monsters. Will have to drag myself and my poor, battered heart back over to make sure Hael and everyone she loves gets out of book three alive.
Note to more sensitive readers: In this case, that category includes me. I had to skip a couple chapters, but I don't think that detracted from the story. Just be aware that the romance level is a lot higher in this than most other books I review. There was also a very terrifying scene with a poisoned Vor that almost had me hating him forever. And a really weird scene with Sal that also had me pretty mad at him, but Sal does that a lot. There was some bad language and also apocalypse-level violence.
If you loved Bride of the Shadow King and romantasy in general, then this book is for you. Just brace yourself.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. I was not required to post a favorable review and the opinions are my own.
Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
There is a lot going on. A multi-level apocalypse is occurring in the world of the Trolde, and Vor is doing what he can to avert it, but there are earthquakes, poisonous vapors making them rabid, and cave monsters. And now the cultists are getting in on the action to find their own way to 'survive' the end. And poor Faraine is over here not content with just surviving because she wants to help, and with her special gift of empathy, she just might be able to- if someone would give the lying bride and discarded queen a chance. And all the side characters keep rushing off into danger, so if they would stop that, that would be great.
This book gave me about eight different heart attacks for different reasons. I have decided that Hael is my favorite character, the faithful captain of the guard and loyal friend. She saved me from one heart attack and was right there with me for almost having another. And for the greatest heart attack of all, I just have to say for both hers and my sake- that better not have been what it seemed to be. Sylvia isn't allowed to hurt Hael or me like that.
The overall feel of this book is massive panic, but the characters shine as they do their best to work together and against each other both to try and avert the apocalypse and not get poisoned into monsters. Will have to drag myself and my poor, battered heart back over to make sure Hael and everyone she loves gets out of book three alive.
Note to more sensitive readers: In this case, that category includes me. I had to skip a couple chapters, but I don't think that detracted from the story. Just be aware that the romance level is a lot higher in this than most other books I review. There was also a very terrifying scene with a poisoned Vor that almost had me hating him forever. And a really weird scene with Sal that also had me pretty mad at him, but Sal does that a lot. There was some bad language and also apocalypse-level violence.
If you loved Bride of the Shadow King and romantasy in general, then this book is for you. Just brace yourself.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. I was not required to post a favorable review and the opinions are my own.
Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
April 9, 2024
Aika tyypillinen trilogian 2. osa siltä kannalta, että tässä oli paljon pohjustusta vikaan kirjaan (josta oon superinnoissani!!) ja tapahtui vähemmän juonenkäänteitä ku ekassa kirjassa. Sit toisaalta rakastin sitä, miten molempiin päähenkilöihin pääsi tutustuu vielä paremmin erillään ja yhdessä ja miten koko tätä maagista maailmaa näytettiin enemmän ja enemmän, niiku maanalainen maailma, jota valaisee kristallit ja jossa elää pieniä lentäviä kissaeläimiä, onko mitään siistimpää😍 Tää loppui myös niin jännittävästi et eiköhän toi vika osa oo otettava pian lukuun! (onneks sekosin ja ostin nää kaikki omaan kirjahyllyyn heti kun olin lukenu ekan hehe no regrets🥲)
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