Brianna can see her future, but it's the past that haunts her. Plans laid in place centuries ago are threatening not only her and her sister, but all of the Seven Lines. As the shadows plot their way to old rule, the visions shift again. Her power has led to some hard choices—and the occasional stab wound—but this set of futures holds nothing but darkness.
Unable to bear the idea of losing the footing they've so recently gained, she turns the soldiers of the Seven. But with shadows hidden among the ranks, can she overcome the path they've set in place, or is she blindly following their lead?
Melissa is the author of more than a dozen YA and fantasy novels including The Frey Saga and Between Ink and Shadows. When not writing she can generally be found talking with an author friend about a book, painting something from a book, or tucked between headphones listening to a book. It’s kind of a theme. She loves reasonable heroines in unreasonable situations, noble--if brooding--heroes, slow burn and sweet kisses, a lot of havoc, and a little magic. Stay updated on works in progress at Instagram. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
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In Reign of Shadows we learn more dark things about Brianna Drake's world. Aren,Emily,Brianna,and Logan finally feel that they're all safe from the wrath of Morgan, now that he's captivated,and has not powers.
So Brianna goes on with her life with Logan believing that the prophecy is fulfilled.
All until she starts to get the horrible dreams and visions that are about the prophecy. Learning that they are in grave danger, Brianna sets out trying to depicter how the prophecy and their lives will all end. One thing that she doesn't know is that both her and her sister aren't what they thought they were. They're Shadows. The most powerful beings of their magical prophecy. Soon finding out that everything that they've all believed in is a lie and that there'd more work to do. Brianna. Logan, Aren, Emily, and several of their friends/ guards all try and adapt to their newly found powers.
Preparing for the big battle with the ancient Shadows. Brianna gets visions sent to her of what's about to come, although when she receives most of her visions most of the don't feel right. They don't feel clear. Her visions feel controlled. Being tricked,fed lies,and getting hurt Brianna is tired of being manipulated. All she wants is for the prophecy to be over and done with. But she knows it's not that easy. Will she be able to see the future far enough to fulfill the prophecy?
Reign Of Shadows was such a great ending to The Descendants series! All of the characters were beautifully done! Although I have to say that Aren is my favorite!! The overall idea of the story was unique. The first book in The Descendants series (Bound By Prophecy) was a great kick starter to the series. At first it was quite confusing and a little slow. But from adding those aspects to it, it felt like you were thrown into the series,working out the prophecy with the characters. In Bound By Prophecy we learn more about Aren and Emily with how their relationship intertwines. As well as the prophecy and the overall storyline. We also read from Aren's perspective. With little flares of Emily's perspective. The second book in The Descendants series (Shifting Fate) is just when things truly start to unfold. And when the suspense is a rollercoaster that never ends!! The perspective we read about in Shifting Fate is from Brianna and a little bit of Logan.
What I thought was quite cool, is that Melissa Wright changed the perspective that you were reading about for every book in The Descendants series. I have to say that many of the series I read that have perspective changes are not good at all. Melissa Wright on the other hand executes the perspective changes so well to the point of making The Descendants series AMAZING!! Book three in The Descendants series (Reign Of Shadows) draws the conclusion of the entire series in. I honestly felt that with everything that happened in book three, that there could've been maybe another book. It just seemed like so much happened in so little time. Which made it really suspenseful. But it still felt like the story could've drawn out just a little more. Other than that... I can't choose my favorite book in the series! They were all too good! I also really liked that in book three we get to read the perspectives from the sideline characters too! I really loved the ending of Reign Of Shadows! It was a great happy ending. But it felt like there's a hint of maybe something more. Like the prophecy and story could continue to go on. All I know is that I'm happy either way! I 100% recommend this series! It's on the top of my list for rereading!
Wow I am sad I've come to the end of this amazingly unique series! I loved how the prophecy wasn't really revealed until the last book, it kept me reading wanting to know what was going to happen next. The two sisters (Brianna and Emily) seem to be opposite magically, and it was interesting waiting to find out which one was "the chosen". I love the magical systems Melissa came up with! The shades, prophets and line of the Seven and of course humans lol. It made sense and the story unfolded beautifully!! 4 stars for a exciting trilogy!
I am back with another review, completing the Descendants series by Melissa Wright. The final book that ties the fates of Brianna, Logan, Emily and Aern together just so happens to be called Reign of Shadows and is told in the third person perspective of all of the characters, which I find is great way to tell the story whereas you are looking not only at one character, but at the villians, and the good guys. So, yeah, good story. I loved how Callan (the anti-hero, I guess you could call him) has a very important mission, given to him by the other, more supreme Shadows, to find and capture Brianna, and Brianna only. Should he fail, the consequences would not be in his favor.
However, unlike the other Shadows, who want shadow prophets dead, he seeks to create a bond with his prey in order to keep her safe. But Logan, Aern, Emily, and Brianna herself don’t want him anywhere near the Division or the Council. When the other Shadows attack, Callan uses his gifts in order to alert Brianna of attacks. The war might be far from over, but it all ends one way or another for our heroes in the final book of the Descendants series. Now, this is just my opinion, but I loved how heart pounding the story was. If you love alternate universes, prophecies, and magic, then read the Descendants series by Melissa Wright.
Wow! I actually really liked conclusion to Descendants trilogy. Previous two books were both 3.5* reads for me but this one was completely different. I finally understood what was going on there and I think I might've liked Logan more than Aern. This was fast paced, full of action and shadows. Bravo.
Czech Review: Daleko lepší než předchozí dva díly série. Hodně akce, napětí, lepší postavy... Rozhodně si od autorky ještě něco přečtu, protože poslední díl téhle trilogie mě vážně bavil.
*SPOILER-FREE* 3.5/5 What a satisfying conclusion to such a unique trilogy. I won't talk about it too long but here are just some quick thoughts I have:
-POV change: I loved that this book was third person, whereas the other two were told from Brianna and Aern's views. The fact that it changed was so interesting and I loved it. I honestly almost wish the entire trilogy was third person though. This view allowed for readers to get glimpses into other parts of the world which answered many of the questions I had. -Action: Not that the other books didn't have action, but this one had even more and the plot moved even faster. -WORLDBUILDING: I have this in caps because I think it's the most important thing I'll be mentioning in this review. As much as I enjoy this world, (it really is very unique!) there is definitely some lack of background that wasn't really revealed in the first 2 books. This installment wrapped up many loose ends and sorted things out nicely. I still have a few questions which may be why I didn't give it 4 stars but what I was still unsure of wasn't very important to the overall book.
This was a very good conclusion to this trilogy and if ever in need of a quick read, I would highly recommend you pick this up.
"She turns them" couldn't you have been a little more specific so people, like me, did not jump to the conclusion that she used some kind of Sway to Turn Them. Seriously I was thinking during this whole book that she used some mojo sway on them and made them do her bidding, see where my thinking got me. I am sad to see this series come to an end or is it the end? The """"" were a little less forthcoming in what they said so maybe there will be more
A very good last installment. I could really feel the "grittiness" of the situation the main characters were dealing with, and that's something you want out of a book.
The only thing I'd have to comment would be the sudden shift to the third person in this book. I know the author did it because there were more POVs in this one, but it was still weird, and honestly, it made me feel a little less connected to everyone.
This series of three books is spellbinding! Your attention is gripped from the very beginning to the very end. You're left wanting to know what the characters will face in the future.
This is by far one of my favourite series of all time. And certainly my favourite indie author. Melissa Wright has written one of the best urban fantasy series I have ever read. I'm in love with the Descendants.
Reign of Shadows introduces us to a whole new threat, one that has been watching and waiting all through the events of Bound By Prophecy and Shifting Fates, and builds on the lore of the Shadows we first saw in book two. I didn't completely understand what they were in the second book but I have a better understanding of them now. As far as I know it, Shadows are the all-powerful beings that created the Seven Lines -Aern, Logan etc. I thought they were pretty cool. I liked the suspense of knowing they were coming, of being built up for destruction and the end of all things. I was really disappointed with the end though - it felt rushed after all the build up and the waiting. The Shadows went down much quicker and easier than I expected, and I lost track of what was happening a couple times during the climax. It was quick, and I wish it was slower, longer, the tension drawn out, but I'm still pretty happy with the end we got.
This book builds on my love of the characters, and introduces a new character for me to hate with a fiery passion (Callan needed to leave for 90% of this book, even if he was "protecting" Brianna.) Aern and Emily are super cuties and I love them, and the moments we got between them in this book, however quick and rare, I adored. (I wish there were more Aern/Emily moments in this! Actually I just want another 3 books of Aern/Emily moments!) Logan and Brianna continue to be adorable and everything I love. The way they support and strengthen each other, the absolute trust between them, the belief in each other - I love them.
The plot was probably the weakest of the three books, but there was still plenty of action and drama and danger to keep me turning pages at a rate of knots. Just wish there'd been a bit more romance and a longer ending!
Sad to see the series end but I loved it from beginning to end! Read this now!
*I was sent a copy in exchange for an honest review.* Honestly, I thought I didn't have much of a review because I was almost done with the book before I realized I hadn't written down any thoughts but I'm wrong! Yes, this book was that intense and gripping! I'm happy to say that this book is action-packed, it doesn't let up even if it is the third book in the series. This series make you question everyone's motives behind every action they make and it keeps you on your toes and the edge of you seat! This book changes POV's and it works to everyone's favor. You are able to look deeper into everyone's thoughts and you're kept wondering what the next step will be, along with the characters. It makes you feel as if you're in the room next to the characters, plotting your next step. You also get to see more of a character introduced in Shifting Fate and he is just... marvelous! I thought Morgan was my favorite villain but this man, Callan, blew him out of the park! You never really know what he's up to and it added to the suspense through out the book! This series is a magnificent find and I will cherish it forever! There are so many twists and turns that, the same as the first two books, I could barely catch my breath! The moment you think you're in the clear and start to think the book is calming own, Melissa throws in an intense action scene that leaves you craving more! These books have a unique plot and is fabulously told. The characters seem so real that I know they'll be sticking with me for a long time! The ending to this made me tear up so much, I could only lie back down as I finished. My heart is sore, I need more of Logan! Melissa has quickly jumped up on my list of favorite authors!
A nice ending to a fast-paced urban fantasy, that is perfect for a quick read. – Abooktopia
I adored how Reign of Shadows was written in third person rather than first, and how it transferred back between different characters in order to give us readers a better understanding of what was happening. Since the final novel was written in third person instead, it was much easier for readers to catch a better understanding of how Melissa’s world worked. Although I know a few readers found difficulties in understanding the prophecy, I am happy to say it was all cleared up, and loved how it was never truly revealed until the last book as it kept it mysterious and had you second-guessing which of the two sisters was actually ‘the chosen one’ as they both seemed to be at complete opposites in their abilities.
The world building was nicely improved as the author gave us some of the missing background story that helped cleared my confusion that had arisen earlier on in the trilogy. As for Logan and Brianna’s relationship… They totally swept me off my feet and cleared away any doubts I had between the two. Reign of Shadows was quick-paced and action packed, though I did wish it was slower at times and much longer as I did get a bit lost with what was happening on a couple of occasions.
***I received a signed copy of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review***
A nice solid ending to a very fast-paced trilogy. I enjoyed all the action and appreciated that a lot of the mysteries and questions were revealed in this book. Unlike the first two books in the series which are written in 1st person (each from a different character's perspective), this final book switched to 3rd person and bounced around to quite a few different characters. I'm still not sure how I feel about that decision, though I absolutely can see that it was necessary in order to share information with the reader that the story wasn't ready for some of the other characters to have, yet. Still, I wonder if perhaps the first two books couldn't have also been written in that format?
I had my doubts earlier about the relationship between Brianna and Logan, but this book absolutely changed my mind about them. I finally felt like I really could get a sense of their relationship (and maybe being able to be in Logan's POV a little bit helped with that). Although these books certainly don't feel like romance's to me, it was a nice break to have in between all the action. The fight scenes were very fast-paced and exciting and I didn't think they got bogged down in descriptions too much.
If you're looking for a young adult urban fantasy that sticks more to action and suspense without getting bogged down in flowery descriptions and irritating love triangles, then give this series a shot. You will not be disappointed.
Whether young adult, new adult frankly any age at this point I believe any can find enjoyment from this series. The mature audience may not see much depth to the characters but the read would be on the light side for when you just want something relaxing to read.
I enjoyed the story arc and depth of the world she created. It was truly different in how those with special powers did not think of themselves as humans and tried to keep apart from them as well. The characters did gain more dimensions facets through the series but for a more mature audience could have been so much more. The same could be said for the story arc, there was a lot a surface but not that much depth. It felt that we only saw a bit of the ice burg under the waters edge yet we knew there was so much more we were not seeing.
I do not believe this takes away from the entertainment value of the series in any way. I know my level of reading is much more mature and I can be fully honest I was ready for a bit of lightness and this truly fit the bill. The story itself is dark in nature and yet it is one that you would feel comfortable sharing with your teenagers. I believe it would be one of those times that would offer special moments of sharing time that can and will always be remembered.
I quickly fell in love with The Descendants Series, the moment we meet Aern. His rescue by Emily and their subsequent action-packed adventure had me both laughing and on the edge of my seat. I was surprised book two kept mostly to Emily's sister Brianna's perspective. But I quickly found I preferred Brianna's character and her relationship with Logan. Reign of Shadows picks up right where Shifting Fate leaves off, only now there is a newer bigger bad out there chasing our favorite gang of fugitives. The truth behind Emily and Brianna's origin is finally revealed, but I found myself wanting much more before the finale. I would have loved to see this expanded into four books like Frey, but all in all I was very satisfied with Wright's ending to a great series.
A must-read continuation of the Descendants series!!The author definitely does not disappoint with the twists, turns, fighting and suspense.
The stakes are higher than ever as Brianna discovers an old threat... the other shadows. But is that everyone who is working against her? And how will they survive against some of the most powerful, strong members who have the upmost control over their powers? Especially when they have only just discovered their own...?
I thoroughly enjoyed this riveting finale to Wright's paranormal series. Aptly named, this is not a novel of black and white, good verses evil. Much like the world we live in, Brianna and Aern are constantly faced with gray choices and shadows. An excellent ending to an excellent series.
I'm still not sure I understand what went down, but overall and okay read. Enjoyable, but put-downable. And that's all I've really got to say about that.