Shadow Crown is a spicy fantasy romance novel that continues the story of Fiaa as the sequel to Fox Fire. We follow the story of Fiaa as she navigates a world that is foreign to her, full of unknown magic and untapped potential. She has the ability to break a long-withstanding curse, which comes at a great personal cost. The use of her magic to its extremes, paired with her recovery from extremely traumatic events, leaves her exhausted and feeling as if she lacks autonomy despite being a truly strong Faerie. Drawing upon her bonds—familial with Keelan, mated with Ryker—gives her strength, but even they can’t satisfy her ravenous hunger the more her life unfolds.
The cliff-hanger ending had me nearly throwing my phone.
I listened to the audiobook, it is duel narrated. Laura Horowitz does a fantastic job at the narration again. Whilst I also enjoyed Corvin King's voice, I did struggle a little as there wasn't a lot of difference in his narration of Ryker's POV and Keelan's POV, making it hard sometimes to follow who was speaking. The pace of the book was good, I would say medium to fast-paced.
I really enjoyed the further world development in this book and uncovering more about the magic system, Fiaa's abilities and also the different fae. There was a lot going on this book and while there were some slower parts in the book, most of it had me on edge, especially the final chapter. I felt easily drawn into this world and invested in the outcome of their story, hence the almost throwing my phone due to the ending. I will say that the chapters are LONG, like really long! I am someone who really doesn't like having to stop reading or listening part way through a chapter and with most chapters being as long as they are, that happened often. However that is a personal pet peeve. There is a definite increase in spice and whilst the spice scenes in my personal opinion are well written, I did find that on a couple of occasions there was too much in too short a period, which for me at times took me out of the book. I really like the relationship between Ryker and Fiaa, I do wish there was a little more focus on the development of the no sexual parts of their relationship. I love the sweetness of the bond between Fiaa and Keelan, I think he is my favourite character. It somewhat gave me FBAA vibes with regards to the relationship dynamics between the 3 main characters. I do wish that there was a little more character development on the side characters as it seemed to be very prominently focused on Fiaa.
All in all if, I am impressed with this debut series. If you are looking for a spicy (not dark) romantasy with plenty of action and secrets to uncover, then this is one to add to your tbr.
I received an advance review copy for free through Books and Bitches, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Plottet var bedre end bog 1, og var ret spændende. Især i første halvdel var jeg fanget. Sproget var desværre meget gentagende og jeg blev efterhånden træt af den spicy del, som til sidst overskyggede historien. Små 4 stjerner.
While this one took me almost a month to get through (thank you first trimester tiredness and nausea) I honestly was hooked. I thought the first one was good; this one was better.
I loved the expansion of the characters and the new characters but I also loved the emotions put into the plot. I was on an emotional roller coaster the entire time and when the book finished I rolled into emotional damage station 😭😭 Like the first one, this also ends on a cliffhanger and I need the next one asap.
“Do not mistake my desire, Princess. I want you. All of what you have to offer. I will never deny what you need.”
I received this book as an ARC copy and this is my review. 4 stars 3.5 🌶️
I want to start out by saying how wonderfully Shannon’s writing has come along since her debut book Fox Fire.
Shadow crown is the sequel to this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would say book two leans more into the high fantasy genre compared to book one. There is a lot of world building involved to explain the different courts but also the differences between the fairie and fae people.
If you are not ready to take in a lot of information surrounding this world put the book aside until you are. I tabbed my copy so I was able to go back to information as needed.
The things that lost points for me was too many spicy scenes. I understand the need for them it just wasn’t for me and I found I’d skip through. Another thing I found the chapters are too long. I like to end at a chapter before taking a break and although broken up with character POVs it made it more challenging for me personally.
The artwork in the book was such a gorgeous touch and made the reading experience so much more enjoyable.
There was a lot revealed in this story and I can’t wait to see what else Shannon comes up with for book 3!
2024: I received an ALC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. Overall, I didn't like this book as much as I liked number one. I felt that I didn't connect to the characters in the same way. It also seemed like there was a massive info dump re: Faerie and the courts and then again with the Fae and the Shadow Fae. I feel like if more of Faerie had been established in book one, it would've felt more balanced. The ending was almost exactly the same. It would've been nice to have some kind of variation. The narrators did a wonderful job with the dual POV and the number of characters they were representing. It was pleasant to listen to. I'm hoping instalment three will be more engaging and will feel less like I'm going through the motions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Hey there, fellow book lovers! I just had to share my thoughts on "Shadow Crown" by Shannon Riley. Seriously, this book had me hooked from start to finish, and I couldn't get enough of it!
And that ending – whoa, hold on to your seats! It totally gave me everything I wanted while still managing to shock the socks off me. Hats off to Shannon for pulling off such a finale. I won't lie, I had to sit there for a moment processing what I just read. It's the kind of ending that stays with you.
I was transported to this fantastical realm, and I loved every minute of it. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing the enchantment and mystery firsthand.
But what really got me was how this book made me feel. I went through a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, heartache, joy – you name it.
To sum it all up, "Shadow Crown" is a must-read, no doubt about it. Fiaa, Ryker and Keelans story, combined with the perfect blend of magic and surprises, make this book an absolute gem. If you're in the mood for an adventure that'll keep you up all night, do yourself a favour and dive into this one. Trust me, you won't regret it!
I received an advance copy of this audiobook and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed seeing the continued development of the characters and their relationships (bonds) in this book. Keelan is definitely still my favourite character - he’s just sweet, steady and supportive <3
I love the world building in this series… it started in Book 1 but the time spent outside of the mortal realm really helps build the scenes and spark the imagination. Faeries, fae, mates, fantasy, romance… what more could you ask for!
In terms of the audiobook, the male narrator (Corvin) plays a much bigger role in this book taking on the parts of both Ryker and Keelan. He’s expressive and adeptly takes on the parts of both characters, making it clear the differences between. Laura also did a great job narrating Fiaa. The chapters are very long though so I was having to pause mid-chapter while listening.
Shadow Crown is the sequel to Fire Fox and I listened to the audiobook. It is duel narrated by Laura Horowitz and Corbin King. Laura does a fantastic job at the narration and it was great to hear more from Corbin in his narration of Ryker's POV and Keelan's POV.
I received this through ARC copy and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would say Shadow Crown is more high fantasy with the continued world building and court structure. There is a lot more details and slightly overwhelming information about the different races etc.
The romance takes a decidedly spice turn in this story which I had no problems with. Great to see all the relationships moving on.
My only problem with this book was the chapters. As an audio book it was hard to know where to pause as some of the chapters were very long.
I highly recommend Shannon Riley to anyone who wants to try a new author in the fantasy/ romance genre. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
We are back for book two and I am ready and roaring to go. I’ve got my Alta and coloured contacts ready to join me on this fantasy journey.
Without giving away it is Fae vs faerie, who will win. What about both, a mix of both. Is there light in the dark?? Secrets, Mystery can she be accepted for the reality she was thrown in and uncover the secrets of the past.
Did I mention the Audiobook Duet is OMG! Corvin and Laura do a fantastic job.
Only issues I had were the chapters were long assss and Physical did have some typos etc but I only read last bit of physical and it didn’t influence the story. Both these didn’t phase me and I still loved the story.
I look forward to book three!!!! I’m keen to see where this will go! Shannon Riley has set up a beautiful world and I am keen as a bean for more.
Wow wow wow. I am absolutely loving where this story is going! There are so many twists and turns. I truly adore Fiaa, Ryker and Keelan’s bonds. The spice is magnificent. Hot as hell! 🥵 And that ending was so brutal. I need book 3 pronto!
This book was amazing. If you loved the first one, you will adore this one. The characters, the world, the magic is all so beautiful. I can’t stop thinking about that ending either. 5 stars. Can’t top it.
One of the things I love about finding new authors is the opportunity to follow their journey not just as a reader, but as a writer. It’s a joy watching authors grow and change and find their voices, and I was thrilled to be asked to review Shadow Crown.
Bonus points already for supplying an ARC in audio form. I consume 90% of my books in audio, so a huge thank you and hats off to the author for recognising this growing audio audience.
Same narrators were back - great continuation - and, hello Corvin King.
All right, onto the story. I think I mentioned last time that fairie and fae were not my strong suits in reading. But I enjoyed book one enough that I came back for another round.
Love, love, love. Stories with themes of found family and acceptance are sooo my thing. And we’re now into the middle of the trilogy, so I found the story arced and curved appropriately for where we were in the overarching narration.
No spoilers here except to say - if you’re into fairies, fae, and lashings of delicious spice, this one is for you.
I was given the amazing opportunity to listen to this book as part of an ALC and what can i day except Shannon has once again got me hook line and sinker with this book!
You got easily sucked into this world and become so invested in what's going to happen - all the what ifs and questions from the first book can seen to be somewhat answered .
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the follow on of the character building and plot twists and world building was amazing i couldn't put it down once i started (may have ignored adulting while i listened to it)
I enjoyed the progression of the different relationships that had been built up, i loved how there was such sweetness between Keelan and Fiaa but then there was a different dynamic in the relationship between Ryker and Fiaa (Personally I'm a Keelan fan)
Very impressed with this book and hope to see more in the future
I found out about corvin king first and just typed his name into Spotify and it came up with books he'd narrated and Shannon's books were some of those books so I gave them a listen and now they are some of my favorite books and will probably honestly be my favorite romantasy books out of any others I read.
I love ryker, fiaa, and keelan so much and am honestly grateful to have been able to be introduced to Shannon's books through being introduced to corvin king as a narrator because I think without him it probably would've taken me a little longer to find them and read them.
as for the books themselves, I love them so much that I've been telling everyone about them every chance I get. I enjoy the spice level and the narration of corvin and Laura.
There’s world building, further development on the magic system, more secrets uncovered and an increase in spice.
I listened to the audiobook and where the female was brilliant, I found the male to be a little harder to connect with at times and felt like I wasn’t listening as well in those areas.
Overall, a great addition to the series and that damn cliffhanger has me desperate for more!
I'll admit I'm a tad frustrated with this one. The story is strong and enjoyable. Was quite a bit slower than book one but I was dealing with it because I was expecting it to wrap up as a duology, but got nailed with another cliffhanger. The most frustrating part is I'm not seeing any news on when book three is coming.
Duo narration was great! Will definitely be checking out more read by Laura Horowitz.
It's a enjoyable and promising series but have to say beware.
I love all the developments we get in the overall story in this book. We get a lot more spice scenes so if you like that you'll have a great time! I'm so curious to see what's going to happen in book 3!!
This series is so good! Yes there is lots if spice, it gets a wee bit repetitive but the whole plot has me scrambling for the last book. I need to know what happens and I need Fiaa to kick everyone's a*s!
I did not like the main character at all. She is 21 but behaves like 14? And she’s always shocked how she can do things without training or knowing what to do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Shadow Crown" by Shannon Riley, the second installment in the Fox Fire series, takes readers on a journey that diverges significantly from its predecessor. While the first book intricately wove background details, providing a rich setting for the narrative, the sequel, unfortunately, falls short in maintaining that depth.
One of the noticeable shifts in focus is the increased emphasis on explicit content. Unlike the first book, "Shadow Crown" appears to prioritize sex scenes over plot development. This change in tone might leave readers who appreciated the initial book's balanced approach feeling somewhat disappointed.
The pacing of the story is another aspect that drew attention. "Shadow Crown" seems rushed, with filler pages that contribute little to the overall narrative. The result is a tale that lacks the same coherence and substance that made the first book so captivating. Additionally, the excessive use of exclamation points throughout the text can be distracting and may impact the overall reading experience.
Furthermore, the presence of unresolved plot holes leaves the reader with unanswered questions, indicating a need for tighter storytelling and plot cohesion. While the first book earned a commendable 4.5-star rating, the sequel falls short with a 2.5-star rating. This stark contrast highlights the considerable room for improvement in "Shadow Crown."
Despite its shortcomings, there is potential for the series to regain its momentum. Addressing the issues mentioned, refining the storytelling, and reestablishing the balance between plot and explicit content could propel the series back on track. With careful consideration of reader feedback, future installments have the opportunity to recapture the magic that initially captivated readers in the Fox Fire series.
Book Two, and so not disappointed with this audiobook at all.
Laura Horowitz was back narrating Fiaa, while the delightful Corvin King had a much more prominent place in this second book, narrating both Ryker and Keelan.
I don't want to give anything away with this one and I know anything I do type will do just that, so I'll keep this super short.
Fae and Faerie. Found family. Spice... so much spice.
I did find the chapters very long, but it was still very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
4 ⭐
I received an ALC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.