The only way for darkness to thrive is to destroy the light...
Sabine owes her life to the two demon brothers who helped keep her hidden from the Fae for the past ten years.
When she learns Dax has been forced back to the underworld to stand trial for his treasonous crimes, Sabine races to their volcanic home to save him. What she discovers is a long-hidden truth that has the potential to shape the future of their world or destroy it.
Only an ancient weapon of power can shatter the portal bindings...
The demons secretly recognize Sabine as the true queen of the Unseelie, and they're determined to keep her for their own purposes. With her magic, they can escape the underworld and declare vengeance on those who oppose them.
But first, they must destroy all her ties to the light, including the man she loves.
Jamie A. Waters is an award-winning fantasy romance author and dragon enthusiast. Weaving together magic, intrigue, and some delicious romance, she creates memorable and immersive worlds that provide the perfect escape. Her books feature strong, spunky heroines and their swoon-worthy heroes who will stop at nothing to save the day.
Oh my what a adventure packed instalment this is as Sabine is forced to claim her place in the Underworld. If like me you have been curious about her connection to the Demon brothers Bane and Dax then prepare to be delighted by the events transpiring here. If it's the romance that delights you between Sabine and Malek then I have to say disappointment is most definitely not on the horizon because this couple truly complete each other, sigh ! Ok enough with the mushy stuff and back to the plot and its not just the Demon King Sabine has to watch out for because the Gods themselves are revealed here to most glorious effect and then there's the not so slight matter of the end of the world but my lips are sealed ! This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This latest book in the Dragon Portal series is by far the best! My favorite characters are Bane and Dax…we travel to the Underworld in search of the fourth artifact. What a ride! You are at the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. The creativity that weaves this prose together will spoil you for any other writer in this genre! Excellent ❤️❤️
WOW! This series keeps getting better and better. We are once again taken on an adventure with Sabine that is packed with action, suspense, mystery, and many thrilling moments that it will have your adrenaline pumping and your heart beating like crazy.
Sabine’s crazy journey to find the fourth artifact kept me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails with anticipation of what the hell was going to happen to her next, and shocked at all of the twists and turns that get thrown at us. It is a crazy rollercoaster ride into the Underworld.
Sabine continues to be just as badass as usual. She is the Unseelie Queen and now needs to prove to everyone that she is worthy of that title, all the while her magic keeps growing and changing as she embarks on some very difficult and life altering journeys. Now she must face the King of the Underworld putting herself and those she loves in danger. But even then, she continues to make me laugh with her wit and banter and shock me with her antics.
The imagery and world building continues to be utterly phenomenal and instantly brings the characters and the story to life right before my eyes. It’s an emotion packed and utterly thrilling journey to once again be taken on and I can’t wait for the next installment.
What an absolute perfect instalment to this series! My words will simply not be able to do this book justice. This is book 4 in the Dragon Portal series by one of my favourite authors Jamie A. Waters. These books must be read in order to fully experience the story unfolding. Each new instalment is honestly even more exciting than the previous. The story is constantly evolving and creating more action, adventure and mystery.
Jamie nails it every time and knows how to write an exceptional alpha female! Sabine is one of the best badass female characters out there, but it’s her heart that makes you love her more. She cares about everyone and those who are lucky enough to be in her inner circle, love her and could not be more loyal to her. She inspires greatness in everyone, you can’t help wanting to be just like her ❤️
Like the previous books, we pick up exactly where we left the gang at the end of the previous. Having gained the support of the dwarfs, Sabine must travel to the underground, and prove her self worthy of the demons while rescuing Dax.
So many more big reveals in this book, and I can’t tell you anything about them, in fear I spoil your enjoyment, experiencing the story as it unfolds.
You will be on the edge of your seat and find yourself shouting trying to help the characters. That’s how much you find yourself immersed in the story.
The characters, the world building and compelling storytelling are out of this world. Like I said above this series keeps getting better, and I can’t wait for the next. It will be a long wait, but I will be counting down the hours.
This deserves waaaay more than 5/5 stars. If you haven’t read any of this series yet, get on it now, and if you have, wow you are going to love this one.
Huge thanks to Jamie for being an amazing storyteller! You give us all a place to escape, and imagine we are as epic a person as Sabine 🤗❤️
I have read every book in this series, and each book just keeps getting better and better. This is book #4, and if you haven’t read the previous books, you really need to start with Book 1, To Kill a Fae, to see how beautifully this author builds the relationships between these amazing characters. The world building, the action, the adventure and the humor have made this one of my all-time favorite series.
Shadows and Twilight takes us to the underworld where we learn more about Dax and Bane and their father, the Demon King. Yes, Dax is back!! I love these demon brothers! We also learn a few more secrets, but I’m not going to give away any spoilers. Just know that you will be totally blown away with what we learn.
The bond between Sabine and Malek grows deeper and the camaraderie between them and Rika, Bane, Dax and even Blossom is constantly growing. So much action in this book! And just enough humor with Blossom to make you smile (and even giggle) amidst the gasps of fear that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this series for every fantasy fan!
In Shadows and Twilight, the 4th book in the Dragon Portal series by Jamie A Waters, we accompany Sabine and her friends into the underworld to save Dax. The underworld is a super interesting but also dangerous place full of new threats. I think it's pretty cool to visit other places in each book. It makes the story really suspenseful and interesting, I couldn't stop reading! I absolutely loved to have Dax in the story again, he is such an interesting and exciting character. It's great to see Sabine and her friends evolve and grow together even more. I grew very fond of them and I can't wait to see how the story continues!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It feels like forever since the last book, so I feel like I would have enjoyed this a little more of I hadn't forgotten so many details of the last one. I also found bit a little cheesy, but that's my only real gripe.
The world building is excellent, the plot is engaging and once it gets started, well paces. Sabine is a great protagonist and I love all of the side characters.the romance between her and Malek is pretty established by this point. I' m pretty sure this isn't RH, but Sabine continues to be connected to the two demon brother, Dax and Bane. Whilst nothing romantic has ever happened with her and Bane, it's hinted in this book for the first time that Bane might see her romantically. She also shares several kisses with Dax, all in front of Malek, which is never a big deal, so I don't really know what's going on there. So if that sort of thing bothers you, it's good to be aware.
This is an excellent series and I highly recommend it.
I'm absolutely obsessed with this series and the books just keep getting better. I've said this before but I can literally "see" this story in my head with every detail and I love it. Only problem is now we have to wait for the next one 🙈
This series just got better. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the world building, the magic & the plot. I devoured this book in less than a day, and I couldn't put it down. I am really looking forward to the release of book 5.
Really enjoyed this edge of your seat and action packed adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and emotional turns. An emotionally thrilling roller coaster journey from beginning to end and so hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sabine and her friends are leaving the dwarven city to travel to the underworld. While there she intends to collect the artifact entrusted to the demons, and form an alliance with the king of the demons. Unfortunately, their trip is fraught with unexpected dangers, but the king has his own agenda which puts her and her companions in a precarious position.
I think all of these characters are all well written, unique, and utterly fascinating. Their interactions were compelling, and I even had to chuckle at Lucky's antics. Demons, dragons, shifters, fae, betrayal, powerful magic, and plenty of twists in the plot kept me completely engrossed in the pages of this book. Exciting action, violence, suspense, and even a little steam. I highly recommend this as a must-read fantasy book and series. I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
The fourth book in this series has Sabine and her companions having to venture into the Underworld for the next artifact. This is their most perilous adventure yet and their time is up, and will have to go because the King of the Underworld is Bane and Dax’s father, Kal’thorz – with Dax going to have to face trial and probable execution. Sabine will need an alliance with the demons, to be able to go up against her father, and to do so, she’ll have to fight with more than what she has to get in and out alive with all her companions.
You learn more and get a lot more answers in this book from lingering questions. The author does a fantastic job keeping this intricate storyline moving along at a reckless pace and still delivering a well thought out world and storyline. The main story arc continues, but it doesn’t leave the reader on a cliffhanger. Admirable job by the author keeping this story and series as good as the last book, if not better.
Sabine's journey to the Underworld to find the artifact was engrossing and action filled. The perilous trip, that they know is a trap, deepens as her demon companions face the King. 4th book with a widening story arc.
Sabine's adventures continue to find all the artifacts to fix the problems that have been emerging. With her friends and lover by her side, Sabine knows they can complete their mission. However, Sabine needs to first help one of the demons that saved her life from a death sentence. Knowing it is a trap, Sabine and her friends still go, not knowing all the danger and secrets that lie ahead. Sabine and Malek's relationship deepens, even though dragons and fae are enemies. Blossom gets into her usual antics and provides some comic relief. Bane is as grumpy as ever, but wants to stop demon king desperately. The gods still interfere, causing more trouble for the group, yet answering some questions but creating more as well. A big secret has been kept and if it is used, it would be disastrous for Sabine, for she would have no choice in the matter. Can they all stop the demon king before he destroys them all?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This fourth installment in the Dragon Portal series picks up where book 3 left off. Sabine and her cohort are recovering from the events of the last entry, when an errant goat, pursued by Blossom, accidentally falls through a portal to the demon realm. Sabine and friends set off to rescue Blossom and establish an alliance with the demon king.
I think this may be my favourite entry in the series to date. I really enjoy attention to culture when it comes to world-building. I have appreciated how, when Sabine needs to build an alliance, the author does ensure that culture plays a prominent role, and that Sabine doesn't always find navigating cultural differences to be easy.
The character development in this novel was very well-done. We learn a lot more about a couple of characters who have been enigmatic in the series to date.
Furthermore, the pacing was excellent. This novel covered a lot, and it was always engaging and exciting to read.
This book was a very interesting installment of Sabine’s quest, taking her to the underworld, and exploring not only the realm itself, but also the truth of her relationship with her demon protectors, and deepening her understanding of the gods and their roles and plans for her world. I liked how her relationships with each of her companions grew and deepened throughout this book, and found myself intrigued as the complications of the story grow; I can’t predict the ending, and I love that! I’m looking forward to reading the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
These books just keep getting better! The Dragon Portal Series begins with To Kill a Fae and you definitely need to start at the beginning. Trust me though, you won't regret it!
I would call the Dragon Portal Series a fantasy series...yes, there is romance, and while it's wonderful and important, it isn't the main focus. The world building is phenomenal, Waters is one of those authors that can paint a picture with words...but doesn't overwhelm you or slow down the plot.
Shadows and Twilight finds Sabine getting ready to take the next step in her journey, or is that journeys? In addition to the plot surrounding the Dragon Portal, which is interesting and wonderfully complicated, Sabine has a lot of other plates in the air. She has assumed the Unseelie throne, is still hiding from the Wild Hunt, and now she has to go save Dax while learning more about her magic (which keeps growing and changing as she finds portal keys). It's a quest, each book tackles a piece of the overall journey, but it develops organically with all the resulting twists and complications.
The characters are marvelous too! They are all complex, well-rounded, and while they do change and grow, at the core they remain true to who they have been since the beginning. I especially love that this book gives us more Dax and Bane...and more of the Huntsman, who I find intriguing. i can't wait to see what happens next!
I think everyone should try this series. It will especially appeal to those who like fantasy mixed with some romance and a whole lot of humor.
this was another great entry in the Dragon Portal series, I enjoyed getting back to this world and characters. Jamie A. Waters has a great writing style and I always enjoy the journey going on. I look forward to more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such an absolutely amazing series, I cannot wait till the next book! Sabine is absolutely one of my favorite MCS ever and I just love the supporting characters in this series as well! This book was just as fabulous as the other three! Jamie is an exceptional author!
This is book four of The Dragon Portal series and sees Sabine, a fae who escaped her family for ten years with the help of demon brothers, Dax and Bane, has now had to take her title as the Unseelie Queen to save one of her friends. She is on a quest to obtain all the mystical artifacts to help keep the dragon portal closed forever, after the goddess Lachlina, one of her ancestors, gave her some of her power and said her world would be destroyed if the portal was not sealed, as it was weakening and a full out war would happen again with the dragons. Her companions on the quest are Bane, the demon son of King Kal’thorz of the Underworld, a human seer called Rika, her love interest and dragon Malek and her sparkly pixie Blossom. She has made an alliance with the dwarves and is recovering from an assassination attempt by a dwarven councilwoman, before travelling to the Underworld to make an alliance with the demons. However Sabine’s recovery time is shortened when she finds out that Dax has been scheduled for execution, accused of treason! With Bane suddenly also being summoned and them both of little assistance to her once under their father’s control and realm, Sabine, Rika, Blossom and especially Malek will be in grave danger. Whether she is ready or not, Sabine must travel to the Underworld to save Dax, owing him for helping to keep her safe all those years when she had to pretend to be a human. But the journey to the Underworld is fraught with dangers and unpleasant welcoming parties, as King Kal’thorz has plans for Sabine and wants to test the full extent of her powers! There are many secrets being hidden from Sabine, even by the very people she trusts such as Bane and Malek. Long held plans worked out over centuries are coming to completion as Sabine faces the demon king and those who want her for their own purposes. She is about to discover two sides of the long hidden truth she was told about the dragon portal and her ancestor’s part in closing it, as well as the damage that action has caused to all of their worlds and the very magic they all rely on to survive. She needs to find the demon artifact of power, as well as try to gain an alliance with the demon king, but he has his own plans for Sabine and he wants her to fully embrace her Unseelie side, forgoing any light within her and becoming her queen, his to control! She is supposed to undergo a trial once in the Underworld, called a quiet, but it is actually nothing like what she was told to expect. She and all of her party are supposed to be under the protection of the demon king, but his idea of protection is clearly vastly different than hers. Sabine would do anything to keep all of her friends safe, but will soon have to make a huge decision to either save a few of her friends and the dragon she has come to love, or the millions who would die if the worlds were destroyed if she re-opens the portal. She will meet hellhounds, sent to take her to the Well of Dreams within the Hall of the Gods, a place of power only the daughter of Vestior can pass through. It seems the hellhounds have a dual purpose, as both the emissaries of the Wild Hunt, but also the guardians of the Hall of the Gods. Bane or Dax have their own futures to protect and have kept secrets from Sabine for years. Their father has been corrupted by the Heartstone, something his line are cursed carry to hold the collective of demon souls, and which turns the holder of it more and more towards the darker side of themselves and those who have died. Dax is accused of treason, due to trying to kill his father, as they are the only ones that can do so, because of the curse to their line. Sabine’s companions cannot interfere with the trials she must go through, however dangerous they are, nor can she interfere in the challenge for the demon king’s head! Sabine has two artifacts of power to find, one in the demon Underworld and one in the Sky Cities of the dragons, long cut off from the human realm due to the war. The demons and King Kal’thorz want Sabine, to use her magic to escape the Underworld and finally be able to return to the surface world, to wreak havoc. King Kal’thorz has a fae Leena, who is his own secret weapon and Sabine may have to watch one or both of her demon friends take part in a trial by combat, with the odds stacked against them! A cracking addition to the series, with relationships becoming solidified and long kept secrets revealed, but with faith and trust in their friendships remaining. Death is waiting on the sidelines, as is the Huntsman and Sabine will have to be determined to reach her loved ones again and hold onto her light, if she is to survive what happens next. I can’t wait to see them fly to the Sky City of Malek’s clan and find out what awaits them at the end of this epic journey. Definitely a book to recommend to one and all. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
I believe I said book 3 was my favourite, but, in truth, these books get better and better, more and more immersive, more and more riveting! The way this author starts each book has you standing to attention immediately! There is no gentle weaning into the book, no pussy footing, rather, it compels you right from the start, drawing you in like a moth to a flame. Sabine and her friends have managed to locate 3 of the artifacts so far, I love how the artifacts become a part of Sabine, they're on her, in her, but she needs the rest to close the portals. With the portals weakening, the gods could re-enter the world and cause havoc once more. Oh and is Sabine's magic cool! With each additional artifact, she's even stronger, her magic powerful and becomes more powerful along the way. But she takes bigger risks, some such scary near misses, my heart was in my throat! Ms Waters explores and solidifies Sabine's strength in the most daunting and imaginative way, just stunning! The entire series is stunning...
The characters are so unique, so diverse and so awesome, all of them! Some have been Sabine's companions since she fled Faerie, some newly formed friends, like Rika, a human seer, she's so resilient, so loyal, and the way Rika can bring out the "good" in Bane is too gorgeous! This big bad Demon is like putty in her hands! Oh do I love Bane! The complexities of his character, his loyalty and obvious love of Sabine is gorgeous. Most gorgeous of all is Malek, a dragon, her mortal enemy, yet he's captured her heart. Heck, he's captured mine too! I sigh and drool and get all hot and bothered whenever he's mentioned, the thundering of my heart can be heard throughout the realms! He's the epitome of a loving, supporting, protecting, respecting guy and the author has portrayed the very essence of his very soul, making him irresistible! Sabine's own words reiterate this, "even if she lived a thousand years, she'd might never again find such an ally or easy acceptance" He's always there to lend his help, whatever the circumstances. And as characters go, who can resist the enigmatic Blossom? Not I! She's a laugh a minute with her attitude and her reasoning is really spot on! Love her!
Well onto the plot, which is complex, intricate, convoluted and brilliant! Dax needs rescuing, so off go our crew to the underworld, yet another incredibly creative and descriptive Realm but fraught with more dangers once again. I love how they navigate the different elements of each new "world" and with Bane seriously running out of time, the dash is on! My word! Hells bells! Adrenaline off the charts action! The demon realm is so different, the demon lord is so vile, it's amazing his two offspring, Dax and Bane are his! But they're... different, they're violent yes, but not for the sake of it. I was gasping in some of the scenes, my Dax...my Bane...nooooo....leave it to Ms Waters to get my insides writhing but she pulls out a hat trick or four, stumping me with the twists and then ups it a notch, again and again and again! Such immersive storytelling is a gift, such implicit emotion evoking text is a gift and blow me down if I wasn't unwrapping every single page like an addict!
So many amazing species, Gnomes, Dwarves, Fae, Pixies Brownies, Demons, Dragons, heaven! And oh my goodness, the cherry on the top of all twists, is the Huntsman! The Huntsman turned out to be, well, more than just The Huntsman! Speechless is what I was, this revelation was more than a twist, it had me bent like a contortionist! Did I mention the incredible magic system? Outstanding! The plot, the story, the growth of the characters, their love and affection for each other is superb. Everything about this book and series is superb! I'm gobsmacked, I'm in a daze, I'm euphoric, I'm all in for anything this author throws my way! I highly recommend this entire series
I started an advanced copy of Shadows and Twilight a few weeks ago, but pesky life kept getting in the way. Despite an almost immediate thrust into pulse-pounding action as Sabine and her companions set off to save Dax from the underworld, work and the onset of school for my little one kept me from being able to properly lose myself as I tend to in one of Jamie Waters' books.
Then suddenly, a sliver of time set itself aside... and I didn't come up for air. Not a single sentence was wasted in these pages, every moment serving to further solidify the bonds between Sabine and Malek, Sabine and her friends, Sabine and her power. The last quarter of the book flew by in a stressful frenzy of concern for these characters I've become thoroughly addicted to, with so many masterful twists tossed in that I could barely catch my breath.
While I've loved every book in this series, this was truly a fantastic piece of storytelling. The banter, the action, the heat that sizzles between so many of them, the weaving of the story with each new choice Sabine faces... It's a captivating story that fits perfectly within this amazing series. I can't wait to see what comes next in their journey.
I was waffling between rounding up or down for this rating. The story was entertaining but also felt a tad cluttered, disorganized, at times. I have to admit this book delivered a bunch of reveals. It felt almost as though the author was ready to set up a bunch of conflicts for the next book and this book just got all the reveals to prime readers for that other book. It wasn't terribly done, but it was especially smooth, either. For a book that seemed like it was about Sabine's quest in the Underworld, it took a while to get there. She first had to have a fight with her father (presumably to preface a different fight coming in the next book). Details about the Huntsman and the goddess and various motivations were better defined. Some of the relationships in this book progressed nicely. The pacing of the character development and relationship development is well done. Overall, I enjoyed the story, at time captivated and others just mildly interested. I plan to continue on with the series and see what the Sky Cities has in store for Sabine and crew.
I have anxiously awaited this book since the Autumn of 2020 when I finished its predecessor. The best and my favorite part of a good series is the relationship the reader builds with the characters, the world, and even the author themselves, even if the reader never meets them. I didn’t realize how much I missed Sabine, her demons, her dragon, and Blossom. I had admittedly forgotten how rich and deep Jamie A. Waters’ world is and reading Shadows and Twilight was like coming home to see friends after a long time away. The author is this series has a way with her words that paint a vivid picture that allows the reader to immerse themselves into her world. The characters are fun, relatable, and deep, and they always seem to find a way to make you more attached to them. I am excited and relieved that book 5 is already underway and I can’t wait to read it. If you haven’t started on this series, do it. You don’t know what you’re missing!
This is the Author's 4th book in the Dragon Portal series and I would recommend reading the previous books first to set the worldbuilding and characters in place
This book reunites us with Sabine and her companions on their quest to find the keys to the Dragon Portal . The Demon King has lost his patience at Sabine's procrastination and uses the brothers , Dax and Bane, to force her hand , leading them into the Underworld .......... he will do anything to get control over Sabine and her powers If its romance you are after then Sabine and Malik do not disappoint , if its adventure you are after there is action aplenty AND if its the end of the world you see - then you will just have to read the book to the last pages , for when Gods interfere anything is possible
A thoroughly entertaining book and I look forward to the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Best fantasy series I have read in a while, the original back story of the world, featuring traditional fantasy characters (Fae, Dragons, and Demons oh my! and Gods too). A gripping read, I have burned through the first 4 books of the series and pre-ordered the 5th. Epic battles, lots of well-realized and sympathetic secondary characters, and interesting locations make it a great read.
Would give it a 5, but for a few annoyances with oddly frequent repetitive phrases describing the main character's interaction (displaying their overwhelming love) which really started grating on me. I am not much of a romantic so perhaps its just me, but I think repeating the same gestures over and over as if they are new or something is annoying. If I have to read how Malek's golden skin contrasts with his hair, how he brushes Sabine's hair behind her ear, how she puts her hand on his chest, or numerous other interactions between characters I might rate the next book a 3.
Our heroine is trying to save her friend, but gets caught up as a pawn in someone else's power struggle. That is something she cannot let stand if she wants to protect herself, her friends and perhaps the world around her.
This is book four in the series. It builds heavily on the previous books, so I recommend starting at the beginning.
This is a fantasy story with a rich and diverse setting that gets a bit more depth with each book. The story is well written and easy to read with lots of elements to explore. The characters also have hidden depths and I am always excited when we learn a bit more about them. The plot is full of action, intrigue and mystery which grabbed my attention at the start and never let go. Both the characters and the world are truly coming into their own by this point. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
It's a hard decision, but I think that so far this year, this is my favorite series. Especially on Audio. The narrator is mindblowing with all she can do with the different characters. I am thrilled that there has to be at least one more book in this series left. There is definitely some unfinished business that has to be taken care of. And I am DYING to know what happens. I don't know if I am the only one, but Blossom reminds me so much of Jenks in the Rachal Morgan Books! And they are absolutely among my top fav characters.
This is def NOT a stand-alone. I wouldn't even try. And this series is so good, you might as well score all 4 out on audio now! Because once you start, stopping is not an option. lol. And if anyone disagrees, they are nuts. And who wants a crazie's opinion anyway?
I really love this series, and this book definitely did not disappoint. I love Sabine, Malek, and the rest of her band of misfits. now that Sabine is looking for a way into the underworld from the Dwarven City she found a very interesting way to get in. She also met some very interesting companions that at first she did not think would be companions. She also got to talk a lot more to the Huntsman and the pain in the butt goddess that would like to take over her body. Not only did she have a crazy adventure in the underworld but she also gained some more power. I can’t wait till the next book in the series comes out. Sabin and her friends are on their way to the sky city so that should be a very interesting book.