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Shadow Thane #3
Crowned by Fire
Catherine Pierce always knew she was going to leave home. She just never thought it would be at seventeen, on the run for her life.
Her only ally is her greatest enemy, Phineas Riordan, the witch who brought her to the attention of the Slayers hunting her.
And they're not alone.
Because Phineas is losing his control...and his sanity...and he is determined to possess Catherine at any cost.
Even if it starts a war.
And loses him an entire kingdom...CROWNED BY FIRE.
Her only ally is her greatest enemy, Phineas Riordan, the witch who brought her to the attention of the Slayers hunting her.
And they're not alone.
Because Phineas is losing his control...and his sanity...and he is determined to possess Catherine at any cost.
Even if it starts a war.
And loses him an entire kingdom...CROWNED BY FIRE.
136 pages, ebook
First published September 7, 2014
About the author
Nenia Campbell
60 books20.8k followersNenia Campbell is a dark romance author who lives in San Francisco, California. When she's not writing, or reading, she can be found roaming the city or curled up with her void cat. She collects romance novels older than she is and loves a villain with flair.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews
February 12, 2018
Can’t wait for the next book!
March 3, 2016
Sexual Commuter Quotient: well this one passes for hot & steamy. I will mention here if you don't like rape type scenarios you might want to ditch this or do some serious skimming when the sex starts off. A skim is certainly possible. For the unwary commuter, the sexual content may be more explicit than expected for a book that could initially pass for YA, however, I would take this 2nd book for a definite mature audience. So 'warning, warning' for a couple of solid lots of slap and some tickle (although we're talking serious stuff here) so arm yourself with a safety device, like blinkers on a horse? Be prepared for some type of tangible saviour in your hour of need :)
Soundtrack: Tainted Love https://youtu.be/YTGiyQRG2EE
OK, so I've repeated myself with the above, but it stands proud and true. There's more sex in this one and it's certainly in the hot & steamy genre and throws in a couple of surprises.
This series has heated up with more action and more angst and the end definitely gives the reader a kick up the arse and something to chomp until the next novel. I wouldn't really put the end as a cliffhanger, but it's not doesn't provide a round up and cleanup end.
Soundtrack: Tainted Love https://youtu.be/YTGiyQRG2EE
OK, so I've repeated myself with the above, but it stands proud and true. There's more sex in this one and it's certainly in the hot & steamy genre and throws in a couple of surprises.
This series has heated up with more action and more angst and the end definitely gives the reader a kick up the arse and something to chomp until the next novel. I wouldn't really put the end as a cliffhanger, but it's not doesn't provide a round up and cleanup end.
November 16, 2015
Crowned by Fire is the 3rd book in the Shadow Thane series....and it has a major twist at the end that you won't see coming! There HAS to be a fourth book!!!! I need to know MORE!
February 25, 2016
I love Finn even though he is evil!
January 17, 2020
Sometimes, authors can over-complicate a plot and all the threads become so tangled it's hard not to lose interest. I felt this started to happen for me here.
Also, the prey/predator dichotomy that kept going through Catherine's head was a bit overdone. Sadly, I still cannot warm to Finn.
So many different PNR elements in this story, too, so that it was all a bit OTT. All that DRAMA- it was exhausting!
Also, the prey/predator dichotomy that kept going through Catherine's head was a bit overdone. Sadly, I still cannot warm to Finn.
So many different PNR elements in this story, too, so that it was all a bit OTT. All that DRAMA- it was exhausting!
February 19, 2016
The heroine remains strong, and she has not changed for the hero. She has not become lovesick over him or obsessed with him. It has taken three books for her to even acknowledge her attraction to him, and she has not been fighting it all this time. She has been fighting for her life instead. This is an action-packed series, and there are lots of intense battle scenes. Finn just became uber cool to me with his fire power. What an awesome ability!
I like that he and Catherine are not impervious to everything though, because it makes the battles more exciting as they struggle to beat the bad guys. These characters are refreshingly direct with each other about everything. They don't hide their feelings, and there are no misunderstandings. Finn doesn't go around silently brooding. He may be insensitive and impatient, but he doesn't lie to Catherine or treat her like she doesn't know her own mind. He never thinks that she'll be too emotional to handle the truth. He also doesn't treat her like a damsel in distress. Even when he saves her life, it comes across more as a partner having her back than a hero saving her.
Catherine's lack of angst about her relationship with Finn is truly rare in romance books. It's great that she spends not one moment wondering about how he feels about her. She is merely annoyed by how things turned out. The scene was true to their characters, and it played out perfectly with both of them being as fierce as they are.
I'm not sure how I feel about the surprise in the end. I guess it depends on what the author has in store for them. I'm also wary about how the Shadow Thane will impact the story. I like what I've read so far, and I hope the rest of the story will be just as good.
I like that he and Catherine are not impervious to everything though, because it makes the battles more exciting as they struggle to beat the bad guys. These characters are refreshingly direct with each other about everything. They don't hide their feelings, and there are no misunderstandings. Finn doesn't go around silently brooding. He may be insensitive and impatient, but he doesn't lie to Catherine or treat her like she doesn't know her own mind. He never thinks that she'll be too emotional to handle the truth. He also doesn't treat her like a damsel in distress. Even when he saves her life, it comes across more as a partner having her back than a hero saving her.
Catherine's lack of angst about her relationship with Finn is truly rare in romance books. It's great that she spends not one moment wondering about how he feels about her. She is merely annoyed by how things turned out. The scene was true to their characters, and it played out perfectly with both of them being as fierce as they are.
I'm not sure how I feel about the surprise in the end. I guess it depends on what the author has in store for them. I'm also wary about how the Shadow Thane will impact the story. I like what I've read so far, and I hope the rest of the story will be just as good.
July 18, 2017
I'm conflicted about how to rate this one. I did enjoy it, but it didn't feel quite like a complete book. Catherine and Finn continue to be my faves, but this time it felt like Catherine was just there, whereas Finn's character gained more depth.
I did learn a new moniker for witches, to be used especially if you don't like them: BROOM-HUMPERS. That's hilarious to me. (I'm a child.)
I did learn a new moniker for witches, to be used especially if you don't like them: BROOM-HUMPERS. That's hilarious to me. (I'm a child.)
June 7, 2017
Well - I enjoyed the continuing saga. I was hoping that this book was the conclusion, but it isn't. Which is okay, actually. I just hope that I don't have to wait around too long for book 4. Which is strange coming from me, as I tend to steer clear of long, drawn out series. (5 books is my limit).
Anyway - the writing was still great (with its bits of dark humor, which I love). I'm warming up a bit to the H/h. And it seems that icy Finn isn't so icy after all...
The action scenes were pretty wild too...nothing like vampires fucking up a mall. Whoo-hoo! Good times!
Anyway - the writing was still great (with its bits of dark humor, which I love). I'm warming up a bit to the H/h. And it seems that icy Finn isn't so icy after all...
The action scenes were pretty wild too...nothing like vampires fucking up a mall. Whoo-hoo! Good times!
January 31, 2021
And Nenia does it again.
I save Nenia's books for when I need to remember why I read. In this case, two WTF books and a trilogy that had moments of greatness but went on far too long.
Crowned by Fire made me grateful to be a reader again.
Catherine captivates me. She took up such a presence in my mind that I had to draw her. I found out in this book she is blonde. I need to change her hair now.
Despite being forced into a semi-relationship by circumstances, and by a force that lies within her nature, she manages to keep a firm hold on her dignity.
I am not a shape-shifter, but making spectacularly bad life choices was my superpower for much of my life. My partners were as dangerous as the man Catherine finds herself tangled up with. I did not manage to get a grip on my dignity until I retired from relationships.
That could be the reason why Catherine so delights me.
Just reading through the highlights, I am smiling again. If only I had bitten sooner.
Then we have passages like this:
“Apathy is worse than cruelty. One person may perform an unforgivable act, but the five hundred silent spectators who watch him commit it are no less to blame. It's a poison, and it's seeping into the world, infecting one heart at a time. Don't ever grow immune to another's suffering.”
I needed to hear that. I have become flattened over my powerlessness around animal suffering. I cannot allow myself to become a spectator, though. Ever.
One of the great things about this series is that it is affordable. Every single book. There is always another one waiting for me when I need to remember why I read again.
I save Nenia's books for when I need to remember why I read. In this case, two WTF books and a trilogy that had moments of greatness but went on far too long.
Crowned by Fire made me grateful to be a reader again.
Catherine captivates me. She took up such a presence in my mind that I had to draw her. I found out in this book she is blonde. I need to change her hair now.
Despite being forced into a semi-relationship by circumstances, and by a force that lies within her nature, she manages to keep a firm hold on her dignity.
I am not a shape-shifter, but making spectacularly bad life choices was my superpower for much of my life. My partners were as dangerous as the man Catherine finds herself tangled up with. I did not manage to get a grip on my dignity until I retired from relationships.
That could be the reason why Catherine so delights me.
Just reading through the highlights, I am smiling again. If only I had bitten sooner.
Then we have passages like this:
“Apathy is worse than cruelty. One person may perform an unforgivable act, but the five hundred silent spectators who watch him commit it are no less to blame. It's a poison, and it's seeping into the world, infecting one heart at a time. Don't ever grow immune to another's suffering.”
I needed to hear that. I have become flattened over my powerlessness around animal suffering. I cannot allow myself to become a spectator, though. Ever.
One of the great things about this series is that it is affordable. Every single book. There is always another one waiting for me when I need to remember why I read again.
November 19, 2014
I think I'll do like I did with book 2 and just talk about what changed directly.
Cassandra: a trans seeress, okay why not. There are some clumsy ways in how Catherine interacts with her (and figures out that she is trans in the first place), because…I don't know, there's an undercurrent of "she's really kind of male underneath but not really". I can't really elaborate more on it because I'm not trans, and maybe I'm wrong, but there was something there that made me uncomfortable. Maybe it's just that shifter society in general seems to be very cisheteronormative? But anyway, still kudos for the character existing at all and being in general well-written.
The bad guys: they're everywhere now. Slayers, vampires, and now the witch king too (by which I mean he has a more direct impact instead of a scene detached from the rest of the plot to establish that he is indeed a bad guy). Maybe a little too everywhere (shush, I know that's not a perfectly valid sentence). The tension in the book rises and falls from chapter to chapter, instead of building up to a singular climax. Honestly, I feel like the plot may have been more suited for a series of short stories or a TV show than a book. In fact, I could say that about the entire series so far.
The plot with the Shadow Thane: completely relegated to background. They finally realize they've both seen it in their dreams, but that's all we get in terms of progress. Except for the possibility that Finn is, which…um…really? It never occurred to me this was an option at all. I don't know what to make of this. Considering it's the series' titular character, you'd think we'd get some information at some point. No, visions of the apocalypse do not count, not when we've had those before.
Catherine and Finn: both still evolving on the path that they were already on. Do like. It was pretty obvious that they'd end up engaging in some sort of relationship before the book was over, and, with that in mind, I think sex without romance is the best option. They're still my #1 blackrom ship.
I do feel like their first public kiss is a little odd, because the language evoked a coming out to me, and…well, on one hand kink shouldn't be grouped together with sexualities in terms of coming out, but on the other his "kink" is being attracted to what is essentially a different species, so I guess it does work as a coming out metaphor? Honestly my biggest problem here is that, if this is intentional, the books should have stayed away from referring to it as a kink or a fetish prior to it. That's like saying I have a fetish for men. It's…not exactly the right way to phrase it.
David's return: I'm going to repeat myself but oH GOD NENIA WHY ;_; Though to be fair I did expect him to come back. Just…not like that.
And…yeah, that about sums it up.
Cassandra: a trans seeress, okay why not. There are some clumsy ways in how Catherine interacts with her (and figures out that she is trans in the first place), because…I don't know, there's an undercurrent of "she's really kind of male underneath but not really". I can't really elaborate more on it because I'm not trans, and maybe I'm wrong, but there was something there that made me uncomfortable. Maybe it's just that shifter society in general seems to be very cisheteronormative? But anyway, still kudos for the character existing at all and being in general well-written.
The bad guys: they're everywhere now. Slayers, vampires, and now the witch king too (by which I mean he has a more direct impact instead of a scene detached from the rest of the plot to establish that he is indeed a bad guy). Maybe a little too everywhere (shush, I know that's not a perfectly valid sentence). The tension in the book rises and falls from chapter to chapter, instead of building up to a singular climax. Honestly, I feel like the plot may have been more suited for a series of short stories or a TV show than a book. In fact, I could say that about the entire series so far.
The plot with the Shadow Thane: completely relegated to background. They finally realize they've both seen it in their dreams, but that's all we get in terms of progress. Except for the possibility that Finn is, which…um…really? It never occurred to me this was an option at all. I don't know what to make of this. Considering it's the series' titular character, you'd think we'd get some information at some point. No, visions of the apocalypse do not count, not when we've had those before.
Catherine and Finn: both still evolving on the path that they were already on. Do like. It was pretty obvious that they'd end up engaging in some sort of relationship before the book was over, and, with that in mind, I think sex without romance is the best option. They're still my #1 blackrom ship.
I do feel like their first public kiss is a little odd, because the language evoked a coming out to me, and…well, on one hand kink shouldn't be grouped together with sexualities in terms of coming out, but on the other his "kink" is being attracted to what is essentially a different species, so I guess it does work as a coming out metaphor? Honestly my biggest problem here is that, if this is intentional, the books should have stayed away from referring to it as a kink or a fetish prior to it. That's like saying I have a fetish for men. It's…not exactly the right way to phrase it.
David's return: I'm going to repeat myself but oH GOD NENIA WHY ;_; Though to be fair I did expect him to come back. Just…not like that.
And…yeah, that about sums it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2016
Man, this book was good. The books in this series just keep getting better. But HOW, HOW, HOW did I NOT realize there was another book after this one?!
And it's not out yet.
I only got four hours of sleep last night. I slept through both of my alarms, waking up an hour late and had to get my kid dressed, fed and out the door looking decent in ten minutes. My child hates getting ready for school in the morning.
I just couldn't stop reading it, I had to know what was going to happen. The only thing that makes not knowing the ending yet, okay, is that at some point I'll get another book with Finn in it. I intensely disliked him in the first book. He was a dick, he still is sometimes, but I really, really like him now.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book in a giveaway from the author, which in no way has any influence over any of my comments or review of the book.
I only got four hours of sleep last night. I slept through both of my alarms, waking up an hour late and had to get my kid dressed, fed and out the door looking decent in ten minutes. My child hates getting ready for school in the morning.
I just couldn't stop reading it, I had to know what was going to happen. The only thing that makes not knowing the ending yet, okay, is that at some point I'll get another book with Finn in it. I intensely disliked him in the first book. He was a dick, he still is sometimes, but I really, really like him now.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book in a giveaway from the author, which in no way has any influence over any of my comments or review of the book.
January 30, 2015
Congratulations, Crowned by Fire. You're one of two books that made it to my 2014 favorites shelf without a full five star rating.
You were close, don't get me wrong. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Call it a 4.5. That ending. Holy hell, that ending.
But...the vampire thing.
I know. I know why it happened - looking back, it's in the prophecy, and all. Or I'm assuming that's what the prophecy is referring to with the whole "dark knight" thing, anyway. But gah, the potential love triangle. Or...relationship triangle. I don't know if it could rightfully be called a love triangle when two of the legs aren't exactly in their right minds.
Surprise vampires and triangles aside, this book went insane with the plot. The first two books were mostly about the strange alliance of witches and shape-shifters in order to take out the hunters...this book deals with betrayals, vampire hit men, tense racial relations, and war. It was gloriously action packed.
Well. If you'll excuse me now, I'm gonna go huddle in a corner and wait for the next book to come out.
You were close, don't get me wrong. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Call it a 4.5. That ending. Holy hell, that ending.
But...the vampire thing.
I know. I know why it happened - looking back, it's in the prophecy, and all. Or I'm assuming that's what the prophecy is referring to with the whole "dark knight" thing, anyway. But gah, the potential love triangle. Or...relationship triangle. I don't know if it could rightfully be called a love triangle when two of the legs aren't exactly in their right minds.
Surprise vampires and triangles aside, this book went insane with the plot. The first two books were mostly about the strange alliance of witches and shape-shifters in order to take out the hunters...this book deals with betrayals, vampire hit men, tense racial relations, and war. It was gloriously action packed.
Well. If you'll excuse me now, I'm gonna go huddle in a corner and wait for the next book to come out.
June 25, 2020
Four "really liked it" stars
Okay, confession- I thought this was a trilogy for some reason. And so I was becoming increasingly alarmed as it neared the end of the book with SO MUCH left unresolved. I am so relieved to see that there is a fourth book. And I can't wait to read it!
I am truly surprised that these books don't have more ratings. Aside from the fact that they could benefit from a final-pass proofread, they're great. The world-building is thorough, and the cast of characters vast. The author juggled multiple conflicts to keep it interesting, and it worked- I couldn't put it down. The simmering chemistry between Catherine and Finn, the mutual wariness, the ever-increasing dependence they have on one another- I loved every minute of it. I am very much enjoying this adventure, and I can't wait to see how she wraps it up at the end.
Recommended for fans of dark fantasy romance.
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Okay, confession- I thought this was a trilogy for some reason. And so I was becoming increasingly alarmed as it neared the end of the book with SO MUCH left unresolved. I am so relieved to see that there is a fourth book. And I can't wait to read it!
I am truly surprised that these books don't have more ratings. Aside from the fact that they could benefit from a final-pass proofread, they're great. The world-building is thorough, and the cast of characters vast. The author juggled multiple conflicts to keep it interesting, and it worked- I couldn't put it down. The simmering chemistry between Catherine and Finn, the mutual wariness, the ever-increasing dependence they have on one another- I loved every minute of it. I am very much enjoying this adventure, and I can't wait to see how she wraps it up at the end.
Recommended for fans of dark fantasy romance.
Find me at:
Blog
November 8, 2014
"You look like you tried to fuck a barbed wire fence..."
One thing that i keep thinking when i read this series: How much i love the idea of Graymalkin. Just imagine if you had the benefit of a familiar trough your life. That knows you to the very core, and every time you try to bullshit yourself he is there to slap some sense into you....and not.
One thing that i keep thinking when i read this series: How much i love the idea of Graymalkin. Just imagine if you had the benefit of a familiar trough your life. That knows you to the very core, and every time you try to bullshit yourself he is there to slap some sense into you....and not.
September 17, 2014
Awesome! I really like phinn. We want to hate him but we just don't. I like the conflicted feelings.
June 28, 2018
4.5 stars
RTC
RTC
July 21, 2020
Oh my GOD this was so good, the tension, the angst, and the story are just AMAZING. I love the characters so much and I feel like the way they are written really shows the depths of who they are. I’m planning on reading book 4 tomorrow and I’m so excited. Also the ✨spicy✨ scenes were SO WELL WRITTEN. Literally this series is one of the best I’ve ever read and I’m telling people about it as much as possible because I NEED someone to talk about it with. The author is an amazing writer and I’m definitely planning on reading more of her stuff!!
June 10, 2018
Nenia you're hurting my heart oh my god.
December 14, 2023
Things are really getting interesting in this one. We have a lot of different factions at play now - the witches, the vampires, the slayers and of course Shadow Thane always lurking in dreams and visions in the background and freaking everybody out.
We also really get to see what Finn can do with his power and i loved the scenes with them fighting whatever threats they encountered and helping each other when they can. I think they start to really see each other as individuals in this one rather than as witch and shifter. They still routinely call each other by their species in their thoughts but we also get them using the others name and maybe not shifting in their prejudices yet but thinking about it a bit more at least. Oh and i love Greymalkin.
The end of this took me by surprise. I did not see Finn challenging the status quo quite so publicly this early in the game. I feel like he must love messing with anyone and everyone honestly because i thought he'd toe the line for a little longer, but Go Finn!
We also really get to see what Finn can do with his power and i loved the scenes with them fighting whatever threats they encountered and helping each other when they can. I think they start to really see each other as individuals in this one rather than as witch and shifter. They still routinely call each other by their species in their thoughts but we also get them using the others name and maybe not shifting in their prejudices yet but thinking about it a bit more at least. Oh and i love Greymalkin.
The end of this took me by surprise. I did not see Finn challenging the status quo quite so publicly this early in the game. I feel like he must love messing with anyone and everyone honestly because i thought he'd toe the line for a little longer, but Go Finn!
March 17, 2026
4.5 stars
Loved it. What an amazing read. I couldn't put this book down. Suddenly I am rooting for Catherine and Finn to work out as a couple. They come a long way in this book. I know a lot (or most) of their relationship is based on hate, but I would love to see more sweet and affectionate moments between the two (particularly a the end). We get a surprise in the last chapter that left me feeling really sad. Poor ___.
I couldn't give the book a full 5 stars just because there are still a lot of typos and I always feel like these books should be a little longer. I'm getting excited for the next book and I hope we get more progress on the overall plot and prophecy.
Loved it. What an amazing read. I couldn't put this book down. Suddenly I am rooting for Catherine and Finn to work out as a couple. They come a long way in this book. I know a lot (or most) of their relationship is based on hate, but I would love to see more sweet and affectionate moments between the two (particularly a the end). We get a surprise in the last chapter that left me feeling really sad. Poor ___.
I couldn't give the book a full 5 stars just because there are still a lot of typos and I always feel like these books should be a little longer. I'm getting excited for the next book and I hope we get more progress on the overall plot and prophecy.
December 12, 2017
I wasn’t a fan of the first book in this series, finding the main character kind of annoying and the plot quite boring but I persisted with the series and I am so glad I did because FINN. Hate to love his character! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!
April 23, 2016
(3.5)
September 17, 2014
Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Whatacliffhanger@@@!!!
March 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The relationship between the two main characters is such a strong hate relationship you can't help love it. I can't wait for the next installment.
June 23, 2016
I need the next book!! Please let the release date of the #4 book and blood bonds #2 be known soon,it's a torture.
June 10, 2018
Dun dun dun. YAY, it's here. I can finally read the fourth book!
September 4, 2023
They finally have angry hate s@x in this one. Somehow it didn't come off completely r@pey like I thought it would. I kind of like Finn more for throwing his and Catherine's relationship in his dad's face instead of trying to hide it. Our man Finn doesn't give a single f about what people think about him and honestly I actually admire him for that. Tbh Finn is my fav character in this whole series. He's give major Daemon Targaryen vibes and I love it.
Even though I'm giving this book 3 stars I read it within less than 24 hours, so it was really good, just not as good as the previous book, especially in terms of Catherine's character development.
Even though I'm giving this book 3 stars I read it within less than 24 hours, so it was really good, just not as good as the previous book, especially in terms of Catherine's character development.
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November 10, 2014I forgot this was part of series I did not like. Never read it and don't think I'll ever read it
Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews