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The Shadow of Breninsol
For more than a mortal’s lifetime, she had striven to make the king’s line pay.
Magic is dead in the kingdom of Solas. Or that’s what people thought.
The line of kings had massacred the witches and now the Sol King rules supreme from his party palace in the capital, Breninsol.
Indentured servitude in a brothel at least provides Eleanor with a roof over her head and a place to drink away the memories of her long life—when she’s not sneaking out for assassinations and investigations.
But women are going missing.
There are whispers of strange events in the city.
And now, Eleanor is chosen as a courtesan for the palace. A possible Favour for a courtier.
Despite needing to blend in and keep people at a distance to hide what she really is, Eleanor cannot go unnoticed. Yet a man, of immense power and unimaginable wealth, sets his eyes upon her.
Her Dark Star.
Becoming the plaything of a noble has little appeal. No matter who he is or how close it gets her to the king.
For Eleanor, survival is all that is left. But that may be more complicated than ever.
The Shadow of Breninsol is the first book in a new fantasy series. It will sweep you away to a world of golden palaces and dark back streets, of politics and courtesans and gang lords, where Eleanor navigates them all with her blades at her side.
Please The Shadow of Breninsol contains mature themes and is intended for readers aged 18+. Reader discretion advised.
Magic is dead in the kingdom of Solas. Or that’s what people thought.
The line of kings had massacred the witches and now the Sol King rules supreme from his party palace in the capital, Breninsol.
Indentured servitude in a brothel at least provides Eleanor with a roof over her head and a place to drink away the memories of her long life—when she’s not sneaking out for assassinations and investigations.
But women are going missing.
There are whispers of strange events in the city.
And now, Eleanor is chosen as a courtesan for the palace. A possible Favour for a courtier.
Despite needing to blend in and keep people at a distance to hide what she really is, Eleanor cannot go unnoticed. Yet a man, of immense power and unimaginable wealth, sets his eyes upon her.
Her Dark Star.
Becoming the plaything of a noble has little appeal. No matter who he is or how close it gets her to the king.
For Eleanor, survival is all that is left. But that may be more complicated than ever.
The Shadow of Breninsol is the first book in a new fantasy series. It will sweep you away to a world of golden palaces and dark back streets, of politics and courtesans and gang lords, where Eleanor navigates them all with her blades at her side.
Please The Shadow of Breninsol contains mature themes and is intended for readers aged 18+. Reader discretion advised.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2025
3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Brown
1 book24 followersCharlotte Brown grew up in Wales where ancient myths and modern realities intertwine. Surrounded by medieval castles ruins, mountains, and the sea, it fired her love of reading, listening to local legends, and grew her fascination with language.
Her debut dark fantasy romance series provide a creative outlet for exploring her identity, culture, and hiraeth.
Charlotte and her partner share a home with their two cats. If she's not writing, you'll find her reading or gaming.
Her debut dark fantasy romance series provide a creative outlet for exploring her identity, culture, and hiraeth.
Charlotte and her partner share a home with their two cats. If she's not writing, you'll find her reading or gaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 8, 2025
The Shadow of Brenisol follows Eleanor in a kingdom where women are second-class citizens and the men hold all the power.
Eleanor is a prostitute indebted to her Madam, working to pay off her debt to regain her freedom and find a way to gain some control over her own life.
When the King holds a weeks long party at the place, several of the prostitutes are selected to be courtesans for the lords and nobility attending the party, Eleanor among them. During her time at the palace, she meets the intriguing and untouchable Marquis, who definitely takes an interest in Eleanor.
As what may be the last living witch in a kingdom that has hunted and killed witches to apparent extinction, Eleanor closely guards her secrets and the truth of who and what she is. Unable to trust anyone but herself, she is forced to navigate the life she has been confined to while still trying to uphold a promise that she made in her past.
This book is full of epic world and character building and is a very slow burn. Eleanor is an amazing character with a lot of depth and a back story we still dont fully know and understand at the end of this book. I wanted more of the Marquis and more development between Eleanor and him, so I guess I will have to read to find out what happens next bewteen them.
The book is interesting with an emphasis on the characters and the world they live in, and if you are into stories with a lot of world and character building, with a slow burn romance, then this is definitely a book you should read. I am absolutely dying for the next book so I can get more of Eleanor and the Marquis and learn even more about our mysterious FMC.
Thank you to Charlotte Brown for the for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly enjoyed this book and love the wold and characters that you have built and shared with us.
Eleanor is a prostitute indebted to her Madam, working to pay off her debt to regain her freedom and find a way to gain some control over her own life.
When the King holds a weeks long party at the place, several of the prostitutes are selected to be courtesans for the lords and nobility attending the party, Eleanor among them. During her time at the palace, she meets the intriguing and untouchable Marquis, who definitely takes an interest in Eleanor.
As what may be the last living witch in a kingdom that has hunted and killed witches to apparent extinction, Eleanor closely guards her secrets and the truth of who and what she is. Unable to trust anyone but herself, she is forced to navigate the life she has been confined to while still trying to uphold a promise that she made in her past.
This book is full of epic world and character building and is a very slow burn. Eleanor is an amazing character with a lot of depth and a back story we still dont fully know and understand at the end of this book. I wanted more of the Marquis and more development between Eleanor and him, so I guess I will have to read to find out what happens next bewteen them.
The book is interesting with an emphasis on the characters and the world they live in, and if you are into stories with a lot of world and character building, with a slow burn romance, then this is definitely a book you should read. I am absolutely dying for the next book so I can get more of Eleanor and the Marquis and learn even more about our mysterious FMC.
Thank you to Charlotte Brown for the for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly enjoyed this book and love the wold and characters that you have built and shared with us.
September 8, 2025
Tits up, and read The Shadow of Breninsol. You won’t regret it.
This book had me hooked from the first page — a stabby, sharp-tongued FMC, an aloof, broody MMC, a crumbling world of dwindling magic, and an unapologetic middle finger to misogyny? Yes, please.
Charlotte Brown delivers an incredibly lush and layered fantasy debut with The Shadow of Breninsol, and the world-building? Epic. This is the kind of immersive, slow-building fantasy that feels like it’s pulling back one curtain at a time, teasing you with dark secrets and subtle developments that quietly raise the stakes.
Eleanor is everything I want in a fantasy heroine — fierce, messy, capable, and ready to stab first and ask questions never. The banter between her and our enigmatic male lead crackles with tension, and the slow burn? Sloooooow. Quite possibly the slowest slow burn I’ve ever read, but so well done I wasn’t mad about it — it just made me even more desperate for book two.
There isn’t a ton of high-stakes action or dramatic twists, but the pacing is solid and compelling throughout. It’s a true “first in a series” kind of book — laying groundwork, hinting at deeper plots and hidden histories — and I’m so here for it.
Thank you to Charlotte Brown for the early copy — I can already tell this series is going to become a favorite. Bring on book two!
This book had me hooked from the first page — a stabby, sharp-tongued FMC, an aloof, broody MMC, a crumbling world of dwindling magic, and an unapologetic middle finger to misogyny? Yes, please.
Charlotte Brown delivers an incredibly lush and layered fantasy debut with The Shadow of Breninsol, and the world-building? Epic. This is the kind of immersive, slow-building fantasy that feels like it’s pulling back one curtain at a time, teasing you with dark secrets and subtle developments that quietly raise the stakes.
Eleanor is everything I want in a fantasy heroine — fierce, messy, capable, and ready to stab first and ask questions never. The banter between her and our enigmatic male lead crackles with tension, and the slow burn? Sloooooow. Quite possibly the slowest slow burn I’ve ever read, but so well done I wasn’t mad about it — it just made me even more desperate for book two.
There isn’t a ton of high-stakes action or dramatic twists, but the pacing is solid and compelling throughout. It’s a true “first in a series” kind of book — laying groundwork, hinting at deeper plots and hidden histories — and I’m so here for it.
Thank you to Charlotte Brown for the early copy — I can already tell this series is going to become a favorite. Bring on book two!
September 29, 2025
The Shadow of Brenisol is a thrilling slow-burn fantasy that completely pulled me in from the very first page. The world-building is rich and immersive, yet the pacing never drags—it’s fast enough to keep you on your toes, with twists and tension that make it impossible to put down.
Charlotte has done an incredible job bringing Elenor’s journey to life. I felt deeply connected to her character, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for her in this world that feels both vast and intimate. This book is a must-read for fantasy lovers, and I’m already eager for the next installment.
Charlotte has done an incredible job bringing Elenor’s journey to life. I felt deeply connected to her character, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for her in this world that feels both vast and intimate. This book is a must-read for fantasy lovers, and I’m already eager for the next installment.
September 25, 2025
The Shadow of Breninsol had me turning for more with every page. It gave me early TOG vibes and a little of Plated Prisoner series too!
Eleanor is a highly sought after lady of the night who is chosen amongst others in her ladies house to be a courtesan at the King’s court. They have the opportunity to be chosen as Favour’s to a noble and be taken out of their work. Eleanor isn’t trying to catch a noble but try hard enough to appease her Madam. She unknowingly catches the eye of the Marquis. She doesn’t know who he is at first but is pleasantly
Haunted by his mesmerizing eyes and stares. She slowly finds herself looking forward to the nights where she should be working but is looking forward him instead.
The story unfolds many secrets that I don’t want to allude to! The ending sets up the next book and rest of the series perfectly, I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Eleanor is a highly sought after lady of the night who is chosen amongst others in her ladies house to be a courtesan at the King’s court. They have the opportunity to be chosen as Favour’s to a noble and be taken out of their work. Eleanor isn’t trying to catch a noble but try hard enough to appease her Madam. She unknowingly catches the eye of the Marquis. She doesn’t know who he is at first but is pleasantly
Haunted by his mesmerizing eyes and stares. She slowly finds herself looking forward to the nights where she should be working but is looking forward him instead.
The story unfolds many secrets that I don’t want to allude to! The ending sets up the next book and rest of the series perfectly, I cannot wait to see what happens next!
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September 27, 2025DNFed at 57%.
Even though I have read almost 60% of the book it lacks a clear direction for where the story is going. The author gave some hints to what might happen but the hints were few and far between. There are several scenes that I found not necessary for the plot, but honestly so far I still don’t know what the main plot is…
It’s a 350 page book which is written like it’s a 800 pages book🤔
Even though I have read almost 60% of the book it lacks a clear direction for where the story is going. The author gave some hints to what might happen but the hints were few and far between. There are several scenes that I found not necessary for the plot, but honestly so far I still don’t know what the main plot is…
It’s a 350 page book which is written like it’s a 800 pages book🤔
October 4, 2025
⭐️ 2.5 stars for me
It wasn’t a bad read, and the story was actually pretty interesting. However, I ended up feeling a little disconnected, and it didn’t quite click the way I hoped it would.
Still, I did enjoy some parts, and I think other readers might enjoy it more than I did.
It wasn’t a bad read, and the story was actually pretty interesting. However, I ended up feeling a little disconnected, and it didn’t quite click the way I hoped it would.
Still, I did enjoy some parts, and I think other readers might enjoy it more than I did.
October 13, 2025
Wow!!!
From start to finish Inwas hooked!!!!
With some books you can tell how the story is going to go from the first couple of chapters, but with this I had NO CLUE what was going to happen... AND I LOVED IT.
BOOK 2 PLEASE
From start to finish Inwas hooked!!!!
With some books you can tell how the story is going to go from the first couple of chapters, but with this I had NO CLUE what was going to happen... AND I LOVED IT.
BOOK 2 PLEASE
September 11, 2025
Being the first book of a series there is some seriously epic world building.
A stabby FMC, an aloof MMC, dwindling magic, deep dark secrets and a big fuck you to mysoginy. Developments and twists that keep you hungering for more.
i loved everything about this book. The luscious world building, the banter, the tension, Eleanor's tendencies to get stabby when cornered.
This book is the first of the series, it has an incredibly slow burn, i feel this book is setting us up so well for the rest of the series. Tits up, and read The Shadow of Breninsol.
You won't regret it.
A stabby FMC, an aloof MMC, dwindling magic, deep dark secrets and a big fuck you to mysoginy. Developments and twists that keep you hungering for more.
i loved everything about this book. The luscious world building, the banter, the tension, Eleanor's tendencies to get stabby when cornered.
This book is the first of the series, it has an incredibly slow burn, i feel this book is setting us up so well for the rest of the series. Tits up, and read The Shadow of Breninsol.
You won't regret it.
October 17, 2025
This was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review — thank you Charlotte Brown and NevermindthebindPR for the gifted eARC.
Book: The Shadow of Breninsol
Series: The Dark Queen (#1)
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
3/5 Relationships
3/5 Characters
4/5 Plot
2🌶
*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆
I’m not entirely sure where to start with this one. I actually waited until after release day to post my review because I didn’t want it to affect the book’s launch in any way. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year — I was so excited, counting down the days until ARCs were sent out so I could finally fall in love with it. And while it had everything to make me do just that… it wasn’t an instant love for me.
To be clear, my lukewarm reaction wasn’t because of the story, the writing, or the characters — all of those were strong. My main issue was with the length. I genuinely feel like the story didn’t need 372 pages to be told. If it had been closer to 250, I think it would’ve landed much stronger.
Now, onto the story itself. The premise is incredibly promising. We follow Eleanor, an “unwilling” prostitute working to pay off her debt to the madame who owns her brothel. She has a mysterious past that slowly unravels as strange events begin to shake her city — events she seems oddly familiar with. Forced to keep a low profile to protect her true nature, Eleanor finds it harder to stay unnoticed when she catches the eye of one of the city’s most powerful men. The mystery is engaging and definitely keeps you turning the pages to uncover what’s hidden beneath the surface.
The character depth varies. Eleanor is the most developed — we see her personality, motives, values, and desires clearly, even though much of her backstory remains a mystery for future installments. The male lead, however, stays quite enigmatic. I suspect that’s intentional, but I still wish we’d gotten more of him — maybe even a few chapters from his POV to deepen that connection. The side characters, though present and distinct in temperament, remain fairly surface-level. You can tell who’s kind, judgmental, motherly, or funny, but we don’t get to know them beyond that.
As for the romance, it’s definitely more of a slow burn at this stage. There’s clear potential and setup for something deeper later on, but in this installment, there isn’t much actual development. That said, I’m not complaining — I can see it becoming really satisfying once it unfolds further.
Here’s where my main issue lies: the pacing. As I mentioned, cutting about a hundred pages would’ve made a huge difference. The first 15% was strong — I was intrigued and fully invested. But from about 15% to 65%, almost nothing happened. The story fell into a repetitive loop: Eleanor attends parties, comes home, drinks, sleeps, chats with others at breakfast, gets dressed, and does it all over again. Occasionally she hunts or stalks someone, but overall, it dragged. Then, around the 65% mark, the story finally picks up again — new revelations about Eleanor, more action, and a better balance of mystery and tension. From that point on, I was hooked.
The writing itself is great — fluid, well-paced within scenes, and easy to follow. The sense of time progression was also well handled; I never found myself confused about how much time had passed between events.
Overall, I’d say this is a solid read with a strong foundation — intriguing plot, good writing, and a promising slow-burn romance. It just suffers from pacing issues that dull some of the excitement. If you can look past the slower middle section, it’s an entertaining story with real potential, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see how everything unfolds
Book: The Shadow of Breninsol
Series: The Dark Queen (#1)
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
3/5 Relationships
3/5 Characters
4/5 Plot
2🌶
*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆
I’m not entirely sure where to start with this one. I actually waited until after release day to post my review because I didn’t want it to affect the book’s launch in any way. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year — I was so excited, counting down the days until ARCs were sent out so I could finally fall in love with it. And while it had everything to make me do just that… it wasn’t an instant love for me.
To be clear, my lukewarm reaction wasn’t because of the story, the writing, or the characters — all of those were strong. My main issue was with the length. I genuinely feel like the story didn’t need 372 pages to be told. If it had been closer to 250, I think it would’ve landed much stronger.
Now, onto the story itself. The premise is incredibly promising. We follow Eleanor, an “unwilling” prostitute working to pay off her debt to the madame who owns her brothel. She has a mysterious past that slowly unravels as strange events begin to shake her city — events she seems oddly familiar with. Forced to keep a low profile to protect her true nature, Eleanor finds it harder to stay unnoticed when she catches the eye of one of the city’s most powerful men. The mystery is engaging and definitely keeps you turning the pages to uncover what’s hidden beneath the surface.
The character depth varies. Eleanor is the most developed — we see her personality, motives, values, and desires clearly, even though much of her backstory remains a mystery for future installments. The male lead, however, stays quite enigmatic. I suspect that’s intentional, but I still wish we’d gotten more of him — maybe even a few chapters from his POV to deepen that connection. The side characters, though present and distinct in temperament, remain fairly surface-level. You can tell who’s kind, judgmental, motherly, or funny, but we don’t get to know them beyond that.
As for the romance, it’s definitely more of a slow burn at this stage. There’s clear potential and setup for something deeper later on, but in this installment, there isn’t much actual development. That said, I’m not complaining — I can see it becoming really satisfying once it unfolds further.
Here’s where my main issue lies: the pacing. As I mentioned, cutting about a hundred pages would’ve made a huge difference. The first 15% was strong — I was intrigued and fully invested. But from about 15% to 65%, almost nothing happened. The story fell into a repetitive loop: Eleanor attends parties, comes home, drinks, sleeps, chats with others at breakfast, gets dressed, and does it all over again. Occasionally she hunts or stalks someone, but overall, it dragged. Then, around the 65% mark, the story finally picks up again — new revelations about Eleanor, more action, and a better balance of mystery and tension. From that point on, I was hooked.
The writing itself is great — fluid, well-paced within scenes, and easy to follow. The sense of time progression was also well handled; I never found myself confused about how much time had passed between events.
Overall, I’d say this is a solid read with a strong foundation — intriguing plot, good writing, and a promising slow-burn romance. It just suffers from pacing issues that dull some of the excitement. If you can look past the slower middle section, it’s an entertaining story with real potential, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see how everything unfolds
October 6, 2025
A tragic and ruthless past has left Eleanor as the last of her kind. Trapped in a society where she must hide who she is if she wants to survive, but misjudgement has forced Eleanor into debt. Her circumstances find her in the position of being in the selection of women who will be sent to the King's palace as courtesans. There, Eleanor finds herself in a gilded cage where everyone is battling for power and influence. Yet, there is one who holds so much power that he is said to rival the King's. when his dark gaze falls on Eleanor, she is both drawn to him and resistant as she navigates her way through the turbulence of the Royal Court.
Eleanor is a strong FMC. There is so much depth to her character; she is feisty, ruthless, scarred, and introverted, but she is also kind. I love the moments when I got insight into her inner turmoil on whether to act on her kindness or not get involved. It’s more circumstance that makes Eleanor hesitant to act on her kindness rather than hatred or cruelty - it's more a defensive mechanism for herself.
On the other hand, the Marquis is a mysterious character, and I found him a fascinating character. But his time on the page is so limited. I'm hoping we can learn more about him or get insight into hos character a lot more in the next book
I enjoyed the structure of the novel, but at some points, I felt like I was being told what was there rather than being shown. It was strange because majority of the time I do feel like I was provided with all the building blocks to imagine the world, but it was jarring at the points that were not developed to continue with the world-building. Honestly, I think it comes down more to editing than anything. I was intrigued by the basis of the world-building, but I still have a few questions that I feel should have been at least mentioned if not answered (most are about the witch society).
Overall, though, I was completely absorbed in the novel, and I found the way the tropes were used and interwoven throughout so engaging, especially the court intrigue and the development between Eleanor and the Marquis. If you like an extreme slow-burn, I would definitely recommend The Shadow of Breninsol.
___________________
Favourite Quotes:
As the calming older voice reminded her, we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be connected with all things, ourselves included.
“Even though I’m told you’re trustworthy, that doesn’t mean I trust you.”
All in the name of pursuing and furthering their own status in the world. To improve their status meant power, and that’s what this was about. For those who had it, those who wanted it, and those who coveted it.
“One day, you’re going to give me a much nicer greeting,” the marquis said confidently, putting his cup onto his saucer. “It’s about being you. It’s about being someone you like.”
“Wouldn’t bet on it,” she snapped back.
“Oh, but I am a betting man,” he replied, smirking, and the infuriating man curled his fingers at her in a come hither motion.
“I didn’t think you’d like a strong coffee.”
“Why? Because I’m a delicate female?”
He scoffed. “Darling, you are anything but delicate.”
___________________
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Thank you, Charlotte Brown, and Nevermind the Bind for the ARC of The Shadow of Breninsol. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues as I do think this introduction was a great entry into the world.
Eleanor is a strong FMC. There is so much depth to her character; she is feisty, ruthless, scarred, and introverted, but she is also kind. I love the moments when I got insight into her inner turmoil on whether to act on her kindness or not get involved. It’s more circumstance that makes Eleanor hesitant to act on her kindness rather than hatred or cruelty - it's more a defensive mechanism for herself.
On the other hand, the Marquis is a mysterious character, and I found him a fascinating character. But his time on the page is so limited. I'm hoping we can learn more about him or get insight into hos character a lot more in the next book
I enjoyed the structure of the novel, but at some points, I felt like I was being told what was there rather than being shown. It was strange because majority of the time I do feel like I was provided with all the building blocks to imagine the world, but it was jarring at the points that were not developed to continue with the world-building. Honestly, I think it comes down more to editing than anything. I was intrigued by the basis of the world-building, but I still have a few questions that I feel should have been at least mentioned if not answered (most are about the witch society).
Overall, though, I was completely absorbed in the novel, and I found the way the tropes were used and interwoven throughout so engaging, especially the court intrigue and the development between Eleanor and the Marquis. If you like an extreme slow-burn, I would definitely recommend The Shadow of Breninsol.
___________________
Favourite Quotes:
As the calming older voice reminded her, we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be connected with all things, ourselves included.
“Even though I’m told you’re trustworthy, that doesn’t mean I trust you.”
All in the name of pursuing and furthering their own status in the world. To improve their status meant power, and that’s what this was about. For those who had it, those who wanted it, and those who coveted it.
“One day, you’re going to give me a much nicer greeting,” the marquis said confidently, putting his cup onto his saucer. “It’s about being you. It’s about being someone you like.”
“Wouldn’t bet on it,” she snapped back.
“Oh, but I am a betting man,” he replied, smirking, and the infuriating man curled his fingers at her in a come hither motion.
“I didn’t think you’d like a strong coffee.”
“Why? Because I’m a delicate female?”
He scoffed. “Darling, you are anything but delicate.”
___________________
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Thank you, Charlotte Brown, and Nevermind the Bind for the ARC of The Shadow of Breninsol. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues as I do think this introduction was a great entry into the world.
September 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Thank you to Charlotte Brown for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 6 October 2025
Eleanor is our FMC, living in The Ladies Grace, a pleasure house run by Madam Grace. She’s one of the courtesans chosen for the Sol King’s palace (white marble, always reflecting the sunlight… very King Midas vibes). What sets Eleanor apart is her hidden past, a race long thought eradicated after the Witch Queen was killed, and her secret life as an assassin witch paying off her debt.
That concept? Brilliant. A courtesan who doubles as an assassin, with fading magic she has to hide—it hooked me immediately. Eleanor herself is wonderful to follow: witty, sharp, and surprisingly funny. The NSFW comedy and her sass made me chuckle more often than I expected, and the piano-playing scene was such an epic “hold my drink” movie moment.
But here’s where the book faltered for me: the pacing. The first 20% pulled me right in, the last 20% finally picked up with action and cliffhangers, but the middle dragged. Scenes often felt like filler (the kitchen conversation about clients’ preferences made me laugh, but didn’t move the plot). Some moments were described in far too much detail, while others were left oddly bare, and it made the story feel inconsistent.
The Sol King himself? Supposed to be menacing, but he came off so over-the-top it pulled me out of the tension—I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. And Eleanor’s relationship with the MMC lacked cohesion: she’s pining at the start, then hating him later, but the shift was so abrupt it gave me whiplash.
By the end, I felt like I’d read more of a memoir of a witch’s life than a romantasy. Eleanor is a fantastic protagonist, but the story wasn’t plotting—it meandered, throwing in great ideas without tying them into a strong structure. The cliffhanger sets up the sequel, but it didn’t land as hard as it could have.
Still, this book is enjoyable in parts. Eleanor’s sass, her dual life, and the subtle humor kept me turning pages. But overall, the execution didn’t live up to the potential of the premise.
Thank you to Charlotte Brown for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 6 October 2025
Eleanor is our FMC, living in The Ladies Grace, a pleasure house run by Madam Grace. She’s one of the courtesans chosen for the Sol King’s palace (white marble, always reflecting the sunlight… very King Midas vibes). What sets Eleanor apart is her hidden past, a race long thought eradicated after the Witch Queen was killed, and her secret life as an assassin witch paying off her debt.
That concept? Brilliant. A courtesan who doubles as an assassin, with fading magic she has to hide—it hooked me immediately. Eleanor herself is wonderful to follow: witty, sharp, and surprisingly funny. The NSFW comedy and her sass made me chuckle more often than I expected, and the piano-playing scene was such an epic “hold my drink” movie moment.
But here’s where the book faltered for me: the pacing. The first 20% pulled me right in, the last 20% finally picked up with action and cliffhangers, but the middle dragged. Scenes often felt like filler (the kitchen conversation about clients’ preferences made me laugh, but didn’t move the plot). Some moments were described in far too much detail, while others were left oddly bare, and it made the story feel inconsistent.
The Sol King himself? Supposed to be menacing, but he came off so over-the-top it pulled me out of the tension—I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. And Eleanor’s relationship with the MMC lacked cohesion: she’s pining at the start, then hating him later, but the shift was so abrupt it gave me whiplash.
By the end, I felt like I’d read more of a memoir of a witch’s life than a romantasy. Eleanor is a fantastic protagonist, but the story wasn’t plotting—it meandered, throwing in great ideas without tying them into a strong structure. The cliffhanger sets up the sequel, but it didn’t land as hard as it could have.
Still, this book is enjoyable in parts. Eleanor’s sass, her dual life, and the subtle humor kept me turning pages. But overall, the execution didn’t live up to the potential of the premise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
The story follows our FMC Eleanor, a witch in hiding, who by day works in a brothel and by night is an undercover assassin. Magic has been long gone from Solas.. or so everyone thinks. Lots of strange happenings and women going missing stirs Eleanor on to investigate. However, as part of blending in, Eleanor finds herself chosen as a courtesan for the palace and catches the eye of certain dark noble meaning she now has to navigate everything very carefully!
I really like our FMC Eleanor, she has a IDGAF attitude and is purely looking out for herself after clearly being burnt one too many times in the past. Talking of her past, we’re given little snippets in to her history however we don’t know how she’s gotten herself in to her current situation but I think this is done on purpose to keep the reader guessing, leading to book 2.
The world building in this book is brilliant, it’s really detailed and made me feel really immersed into the story. I did however find the pacing to be extremely slow, not much happened in this book. I feel as though we’re being set up more for book 2 with the information that we do get, which was a little disappointing as there was definitely parts that could’ve played a bigger role in the plot if expanded on.
I did enjoy our MMC ‘The Marquis of Laerus’. He is very mysterious and clearly cares for Eleanor, but we’re not sure if this is all part of a bigger game he is playing or not!
This book definitely keeps you guessing and I would recommend if you like slow burns. I think book 2 will be one to watch out for!
I’d like to thank Charlotte Brown & nevermindthebindPR for the ARC. I have read this voluntarily and this is my honest review.
I really like our FMC Eleanor, she has a IDGAF attitude and is purely looking out for herself after clearly being burnt one too many times in the past. Talking of her past, we’re given little snippets in to her history however we don’t know how she’s gotten herself in to her current situation but I think this is done on purpose to keep the reader guessing, leading to book 2.
The world building in this book is brilliant, it’s really detailed and made me feel really immersed into the story. I did however find the pacing to be extremely slow, not much happened in this book. I feel as though we’re being set up more for book 2 with the information that we do get, which was a little disappointing as there was definitely parts that could’ve played a bigger role in the plot if expanded on.
I did enjoy our MMC ‘The Marquis of Laerus’. He is very mysterious and clearly cares for Eleanor, but we’re not sure if this is all part of a bigger game he is playing or not!
This book definitely keeps you guessing and I would recommend if you like slow burns. I think book 2 will be one to watch out for!
I’d like to thank Charlotte Brown & nevermindthebindPR for the ARC. I have read this voluntarily and this is my honest review.
October 3, 2025
First, I want to thank the lovely Charlotte brown and Nevermindthebind pr for having me be a part of such an amazing debut! My honest review will be all non-spoiler as I want the readers to experience it for themselves! I rated this book 4 stars and here is why!
The Shadow Of Breninsol has such a lovely world building aspect to it. As I continued to read, it was like I was learning and seeing more each chapter that went. It felt like a present where you unwrap each layer and find something new that you didn’t see before. It was a nice slow build too, so you got the chance to focus and see the world change and build every chapter you went through. A beautiful slow build/burn in the world of intrigue and dark secrets!
Eleanor is an amazing FMC. Her ability to be so strong and to do what she needs in order to protect herself and the thoughts and secrets she holds dear yet still find a way to move through the brothel that she works in every day is honestly such a flex. She has a good head on her shoulders and isn’t afraid to attack first. Then we have the lovely Marques. The Dark Star that captures her attention from the beginning. He is mysterious and has even this reader curious about him. Our two MCs have banter and tension that flows slowly yet leaves just enough crumbs to keep the reader on the edge of their seats to learn more about them in book two.
Enough secrets and curiosity were present in this book to make me want to see how this world takes off in the next book in this series. For a debut novel, it did really well with leaving you wanting more so that you come back to see what else Charlotte Brown will deliver in future books of this series! I really enjoyed my time reading this one, and as always…Tits Up Everyone!
The Shadow Of Breninsol has such a lovely world building aspect to it. As I continued to read, it was like I was learning and seeing more each chapter that went. It felt like a present where you unwrap each layer and find something new that you didn’t see before. It was a nice slow build too, so you got the chance to focus and see the world change and build every chapter you went through. A beautiful slow build/burn in the world of intrigue and dark secrets!
Eleanor is an amazing FMC. Her ability to be so strong and to do what she needs in order to protect herself and the thoughts and secrets she holds dear yet still find a way to move through the brothel that she works in every day is honestly such a flex. She has a good head on her shoulders and isn’t afraid to attack first. Then we have the lovely Marques. The Dark Star that captures her attention from the beginning. He is mysterious and has even this reader curious about him. Our two MCs have banter and tension that flows slowly yet leaves just enough crumbs to keep the reader on the edge of their seats to learn more about them in book two.
Enough secrets and curiosity were present in this book to make me want to see how this world takes off in the next book in this series. For a debut novel, it did really well with leaving you wanting more so that you come back to see what else Charlotte Brown will deliver in future books of this series! I really enjoyed my time reading this one, and as always…Tits Up Everyone!
October 6, 2025
First off thank you to Charlotte Brown for this ARC and for allowing me to be part of your amazing Street Team!
The dedication and passion you have for this book and all its’ characters shows not only in the writing but how amazing the plot and story are!
Once I opened this book, I could not put it down once - I was completely hooked. From the first page it immediately draws you in with the characters and the setting; everything is so well written it gives this book so much delicious details I am blown away by how well this book is written.
If you like Throne of Glass - read this book.
If you like bada** FMC - read this book..
If you like sinfully gorgeous mysterious MMC - READ THIS BOOK!!
You immediately are intrigued by the FMC - who is she? Why does she have to hide? Her story is so well revealed throughout the main plot and storyline you don’t feel like you are missing anything. Her growth as a character is different from what I feel like we normally see with a FMC. Lots of books are about how a FMC becomes this independent badass when we start with her as a badass. Her character growth is her learning to open up and it reveals not only more about her and her backstory but more to the other characters as well and I really love how that is done.
I love how mysterious the MMC is and that you slowly are seeing who he really is but it is still a mystery how he will fit into everything. The main plot line is soooo good and I can't wait to see how it continues to unfold.
I would 100% recommend this book to all fantasy and dark fantasy readers! But be warned this may become one of your new favorite series!
The dedication and passion you have for this book and all its’ characters shows not only in the writing but how amazing the plot and story are!
Once I opened this book, I could not put it down once - I was completely hooked. From the first page it immediately draws you in with the characters and the setting; everything is so well written it gives this book so much delicious details I am blown away by how well this book is written.
If you like Throne of Glass - read this book.
If you like bada** FMC - read this book..
If you like sinfully gorgeous mysterious MMC - READ THIS BOOK!!
You immediately are intrigued by the FMC - who is she? Why does she have to hide? Her story is so well revealed throughout the main plot and storyline you don’t feel like you are missing anything. Her growth as a character is different from what I feel like we normally see with a FMC. Lots of books are about how a FMC becomes this independent badass when we start with her as a badass. Her character growth is her learning to open up and it reveals not only more about her and her backstory but more to the other characters as well and I really love how that is done.
I love how mysterious the MMC is and that you slowly are seeing who he really is but it is still a mystery how he will fit into everything. The main plot line is soooo good and I can't wait to see how it continues to unfold.
I would 100% recommend this book to all fantasy and dark fantasy readers! But be warned this may become one of your new favorite series!
September 27, 2025
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)
What an intriguing book!
It’s an understated slow burn, full of grit, royal court drama, and a heroine I couldn’t help but root for. Eleanor, forced into the difficult life of a courtesan, is jaded and scarred by her past, but she’s also resilient. Though she doesn't believe she deserves it, she still clings to the hope of one day finding love and a better future.
The romance thread was compelling and mysterious, with a dynamic that kept me hooked and I want to know more about her 'Dark Star', he feels like an enigma.
The world building was also fantastic with a royal court full of excess and corruption, reminding me of Versailles and France's 'Sun King' (which is amusing considering the King's proclamation in the book - read it and you will see what I mean!) Outside the court and its strange dislocation from real life. the reality of the world felt dark and unforgiving. The gender disparity and scapegoating of women in the world within Breninsol was infuriating, but a great device by Charlotte Brown because it felt like a sharp lens on a society and gave me a great sense of what the world itself was like and what it was based on.
The writing flowed beautifully, never over-explaining, and left me desperate for more answers. I’ll definitely be continuing with this series! I've already checked twice to see if I can find a release date!
Recommended for fans of: slow burn romance, court politics, and strong heroines in gritty, dramatic settings.
What an intriguing book!
It’s an understated slow burn, full of grit, royal court drama, and a heroine I couldn’t help but root for. Eleanor, forced into the difficult life of a courtesan, is jaded and scarred by her past, but she’s also resilient. Though she doesn't believe she deserves it, she still clings to the hope of one day finding love and a better future.
The romance thread was compelling and mysterious, with a dynamic that kept me hooked and I want to know more about her 'Dark Star', he feels like an enigma.
The world building was also fantastic with a royal court full of excess and corruption, reminding me of Versailles and France's 'Sun King' (which is amusing considering the King's proclamation in the book - read it and you will see what I mean!) Outside the court and its strange dislocation from real life. the reality of the world felt dark and unforgiving. The gender disparity and scapegoating of women in the world within Breninsol was infuriating, but a great device by Charlotte Brown because it felt like a sharp lens on a society and gave me a great sense of what the world itself was like and what it was based on.
The writing flowed beautifully, never over-explaining, and left me desperate for more answers. I’ll definitely be continuing with this series! I've already checked twice to see if I can find a release date!
Recommended for fans of: slow burn romance, court politics, and strong heroines in gritty, dramatic settings.
September 29, 2025
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review
This story is a solid start to what I feel is likely to be an epic world, it teases at the background of Eleanor our FMC with little snippets into her past but she still remains shrouded in mystery. She is a complicated character and I enjoyed discovering about her throughout the book. In the end I still don't think I understood everything but that's a good thing as it means I'm ready for the next book to know more!
Eleanor finds herself indebted and paying this off in The Ladies Grace brothel. She whiles away her hours by drinking to forget and hide the many facets of her life that she must keep hidden in order to avoid being discovered and killed.
Thrust into the limelight she is chosen to be a courtesan at the royal palace, she fears she will be discovered and worst still become a Favour for one of the court Lords. Navigating courtly politics in the ballrooms, she needs to balance toeing the line whilst hiding in plain sight. But will the dark stranger at court cause everything to come undone. There is more to this shadowy MMC and we only get teasing glimpses at him, leaving us to wonder and become even more curious about him and his background. I'm interested to find out more in the next book.
The side characters, especially those at the brothel helped guide the story along and help to give it depth into how lonely Eleanor is in the world she's had to create around herself for protection.
The story is a great start and I'm looking forward to where it goes from here.
This story is a solid start to what I feel is likely to be an epic world, it teases at the background of Eleanor our FMC with little snippets into her past but she still remains shrouded in mystery. She is a complicated character and I enjoyed discovering about her throughout the book. In the end I still don't think I understood everything but that's a good thing as it means I'm ready for the next book to know more!
Eleanor finds herself indebted and paying this off in The Ladies Grace brothel. She whiles away her hours by drinking to forget and hide the many facets of her life that she must keep hidden in order to avoid being discovered and killed.
Thrust into the limelight she is chosen to be a courtesan at the royal palace, she fears she will be discovered and worst still become a Favour for one of the court Lords. Navigating courtly politics in the ballrooms, she needs to balance toeing the line whilst hiding in plain sight. But will the dark stranger at court cause everything to come undone. There is more to this shadowy MMC and we only get teasing glimpses at him, leaving us to wonder and become even more curious about him and his background. I'm interested to find out more in the next book.
The side characters, especially those at the brothel helped guide the story along and help to give it depth into how lonely Eleanor is in the world she's had to create around herself for protection.
The story is a great start and I'm looking forward to where it goes from here.
October 9, 2025
This book was truly a story that just kept on giving!
Eleanor is our sassy FMC who has many secret identities living in a pleasure house with a host of fun and flirty characters (Milk and Cookie are my favourite, I’m sad THAT scene didn’t happen 😭). She is a caring person from afar and doesn’t like to be too noticeable or get too close to anyone, but we do see her softer side throughout in little gestures, especially to the younger girls.
Some of the girls from the pleasure house are selected to become courtesans and potentially be picked by a noble as a Favoured which basically means a personal mistress. The palace scenes are stunning and the descriptions of the outfits are soo good. The class divide is a huge factor as well which makes the potential romance story here quite scandalous! Im really trying to not give anything away but think Bridgerton, Pretty Woman, a little Throne of Glass, Assassins Creed vibes (I know that’s a lot and they don’t seem to mix but it just WORKS okay?).
The Marquis is a man shrouded in mystery and even Eleanor can’t figure him out which drives her crazy. He does some little subtle things that she doesn’t quite pick up on but as a serious romance reader, I saw those 🧐. I’m very excited to see where that story leads 👀.
I genuinely cannot wait for book 2 and then to reread to find all the breadcrumbs in this.
Eleanor is our sassy FMC who has many secret identities living in a pleasure house with a host of fun and flirty characters (Milk and Cookie are my favourite, I’m sad THAT scene didn’t happen 😭). She is a caring person from afar and doesn’t like to be too noticeable or get too close to anyone, but we do see her softer side throughout in little gestures, especially to the younger girls.
Some of the girls from the pleasure house are selected to become courtesans and potentially be picked by a noble as a Favoured which basically means a personal mistress. The palace scenes are stunning and the descriptions of the outfits are soo good. The class divide is a huge factor as well which makes the potential romance story here quite scandalous! Im really trying to not give anything away but think Bridgerton, Pretty Woman, a little Throne of Glass, Assassins Creed vibes (I know that’s a lot and they don’t seem to mix but it just WORKS okay?).
The Marquis is a man shrouded in mystery and even Eleanor can’t figure him out which drives her crazy. He does some little subtle things that she doesn’t quite pick up on but as a serious romance reader, I saw those 🧐. I’m very excited to see where that story leads 👀.
I genuinely cannot wait for book 2 and then to reread to find all the breadcrumbs in this.
September 16, 2025
The Shadow of Breninsol introduces us to Eleanor, a sex worker at The Lady’s Grace who finds herself unexpectedly chosen as a courtesan for the King’s court. Suddenly thrust into a world of glittering decadence, she is expected to entertain nobles and vie for the coveted position of Favour to whichever Lord she can capture the attention of. This is far from Eleanor’s plan - she wanted to keep her head down while pursuing a secret double life, investigating both a mysterious necklace and the troubling disappearances of women across the city.
Now, not only must she juggle her dangerous mission with her new role as courtesan, but she has also drawn the eye of a powerful and enigmatic lord.
Charlotte Brown delivers absolutely lush world building in this series debut. From the opulence of the ‘party palace’ to the disrepair and poverty of the Barrow slums, the contrast is vivid and immersive. I could almost taste the sparkling wine Eleanor sips in the ballroom and smell the stale ale and unwashed bodies of the taverns.
While the pacing dragged a little for me in parts, the story has laid a rich and intriguing foundation. I’m desperate to know what comes next. What past is Eleanor drinking to forget? Who truly is the Marquis, and what is his endgame?
Now, not only must she juggle her dangerous mission with her new role as courtesan, but she has also drawn the eye of a powerful and enigmatic lord.
Charlotte Brown delivers absolutely lush world building in this series debut. From the opulence of the ‘party palace’ to the disrepair and poverty of the Barrow slums, the contrast is vivid and immersive. I could almost taste the sparkling wine Eleanor sips in the ballroom and smell the stale ale and unwashed bodies of the taverns.
While the pacing dragged a little for me in parts, the story has laid a rich and intriguing foundation. I’m desperate to know what comes next. What past is Eleanor drinking to forget? Who truly is the Marquis, and what is his endgame?
September 20, 2025
Thank you to Nevermind the Bind for the ARC of The Shadow of Breninsol by Charlotte Brown.
This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I liked it, but I also felt like I spent the whole time waiting for something to really happen. We don’t even talk to who I believe will be the MMC until about 60% into the book, and by the time it seemed like the story was ready to really get going… it ended. It definitely reads like the opening act of a larger series, *very* heavy on the setup.
That being said, the writing style itself kept me engaged, and the world of Solas was interesting to sink into even if the politics and history sometimes felt a little dense. What really carried the story for me was Eleanor. I actually loved her as an FMC. She’s sharp, complicated, and the kind of character who can walk the line between vulnerable and dangerous in a way that makes her compelling to follow. She’s absolutely the reason I kept turning pages when the pacing slowed.
So, while this first installment felt a little too focused on groundwork, I’m intrigued by what’s been laid out. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the next book to see if the momentum finally kicks in, because I feel like the story just started to get interesting when the last page hit.
This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I liked it, but I also felt like I spent the whole time waiting for something to really happen. We don’t even talk to who I believe will be the MMC until about 60% into the book, and by the time it seemed like the story was ready to really get going… it ended. It definitely reads like the opening act of a larger series, *very* heavy on the setup.
That being said, the writing style itself kept me engaged, and the world of Solas was interesting to sink into even if the politics and history sometimes felt a little dense. What really carried the story for me was Eleanor. I actually loved her as an FMC. She’s sharp, complicated, and the kind of character who can walk the line between vulnerable and dangerous in a way that makes her compelling to follow. She’s absolutely the reason I kept turning pages when the pacing slowed.
So, while this first installment felt a little too focused on groundwork, I’m intrigued by what’s been laid out. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the next book to see if the momentum finally kicks in, because I feel like the story just started to get interesting when the last page hit.
October 5, 2025
⭐ 4/5
*The Shadow of Breninsol* is a dark and atmospheric fantasy romance that completely drew me in.
The story follows Eleanor, a courtesan with a haunted past and fading magic, who is swept from the pleasure house into the opulent but dangerous palace of Breninsol. From the first chapter, Charlotte Brown’s writing paints the world in vivid detail and creates an atmosphere that is both beautiful and unsettling.
Highlights for me:
• The layered worldbuilding, full of history, politics and social divides
• Eleanor as a protagonist, who is flawed, angry, resilient and impossible not to root for
• The romance, which is slow building and filled with both tension and tenderness
The book does deal with heavy themes such as exploitation, misogyny and trauma, which can make it a heavy read at times. Personally, I would have liked a few more moments of lightness to balance the shadows. Still, the darkness also makes the story feel more grounded and real.
Overall, this is a strong start to The Dark Queen series. If you enjoy morally grey heroines, court intrigue, and romances that grow out of the most dangerous places, *The Shadow of Breninsol* is well worth picking up.
*This book has kindly been provided as an ARC by the author*
*The Shadow of Breninsol* is a dark and atmospheric fantasy romance that completely drew me in.
The story follows Eleanor, a courtesan with a haunted past and fading magic, who is swept from the pleasure house into the opulent but dangerous palace of Breninsol. From the first chapter, Charlotte Brown’s writing paints the world in vivid detail and creates an atmosphere that is both beautiful and unsettling.
Highlights for me:
• The layered worldbuilding, full of history, politics and social divides
• Eleanor as a protagonist, who is flawed, angry, resilient and impossible not to root for
• The romance, which is slow building and filled with both tension and tenderness
The book does deal with heavy themes such as exploitation, misogyny and trauma, which can make it a heavy read at times. Personally, I would have liked a few more moments of lightness to balance the shadows. Still, the darkness also makes the story feel more grounded and real.
Overall, this is a strong start to The Dark Queen series. If you enjoy morally grey heroines, court intrigue, and romances that grow out of the most dangerous places, *The Shadow of Breninsol* is well worth picking up.
*This book has kindly been provided as an ARC by the author*
October 6, 2025
Charlotte Brown’s The Shadow of Breninsol is an intoxicating blend of dark fantasy, court intrigue, and slow-burn tension that had me hooked from page one.
Magic is dead in Solas—or so people think. In the glittering yet rotten heart of Breninsol, Eleanor, an immortal witch forced into servitude, hides in plain sight as a courtesan while secretly hunting for answers as women begin to vanish.
The author paints a world both dazzling and dangerous—golden palaces masking shadows, power games, and whispered secrets.
Eleanor is everything I want in a fantasy heroine: sharp, haunted, and unyielding. Her resilience and the mystery surrounding her long life kept me completely invested.
And when a powerful noble—her so-called Dark Star—enters the story, the tension crackles.
It’s not your typical romance; it’s dangerous, magnetic, and layered with moral complexity.
Charlotte Brown’s writing is lush and cinematic, every scene steeped in atmosphere. The pacing balances action, intrigue, and slow-burn emotion beautifully. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story long after the final page.
The Shadow of Breninsol is a must-read fantasy debut.
Magic is dead in Solas—or so people think. In the glittering yet rotten heart of Breninsol, Eleanor, an immortal witch forced into servitude, hides in plain sight as a courtesan while secretly hunting for answers as women begin to vanish.
The author paints a world both dazzling and dangerous—golden palaces masking shadows, power games, and whispered secrets.
Eleanor is everything I want in a fantasy heroine: sharp, haunted, and unyielding. Her resilience and the mystery surrounding her long life kept me completely invested.
And when a powerful noble—her so-called Dark Star—enters the story, the tension crackles.
It’s not your typical romance; it’s dangerous, magnetic, and layered with moral complexity.
Charlotte Brown’s writing is lush and cinematic, every scene steeped in atmosphere. The pacing balances action, intrigue, and slow-burn emotion beautifully. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story long after the final page.
The Shadow of Breninsol is a must-read fantasy debut.
September 23, 2025
This book will keep you on your toes!
With a big story to tell, lots of history and a lot of world building, this series starter is a book that demanded my full attention. I found it to be difficult to read little snippets at a time, because I often had to go back a few pages to get back into the story. Not to say that this is a bad thing, it's just a heavier read than the average book.
I like the FMC so far, while I still feel like I only know her on a superficial level so far. She clearly has a lot more depth to uncover in future stories. Our MMC, the marquis is even more mysterious. So after completing the book I'm still questioning a lot, including the motives and plans of our MC'S.
I loved the little references to popular scenes as the hand flex by Mr. Darcy, the social media explanation to knit etc. etc. you had me giggling at those.
All and all I hope to read the next books in this series and am grateful for the ARC opportunity for this series starter. Thank you Charlotte and Never mind the bind.
I would like to rate this book at 3,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
With a big story to tell, lots of history and a lot of world building, this series starter is a book that demanded my full attention. I found it to be difficult to read little snippets at a time, because I often had to go back a few pages to get back into the story. Not to say that this is a bad thing, it's just a heavier read than the average book.
I like the FMC so far, while I still feel like I only know her on a superficial level so far. She clearly has a lot more depth to uncover in future stories. Our MMC, the marquis is even more mysterious. So after completing the book I'm still questioning a lot, including the motives and plans of our MC'S.
I loved the little references to popular scenes as the hand flex by Mr. Darcy, the social media explanation to knit etc. etc. you had me giggling at those.
All and all I hope to read the next books in this series and am grateful for the ARC opportunity for this series starter. Thank you Charlotte and Never mind the bind.
I would like to rate this book at 3,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 6, 2025
The premise for The Shadow of Breninsol instantly grabbed me - a woman hiding her true identity in a kingdom where magic is thought to be dead, a brothel worker turned palace courtesan, and a mysterious man of immense power who sets his eyes on her. It promised political intrigue, danger, and dark fantasy vibes, and I was so excited to dive into Eleanor’s story.
While the world-building is rich and the setup intriguing, I did feel there was a bit too much filler that slowed the pacing. I found myself wishing for more action or deeper relationship development between the main characters, especially the MMC and Eleanor. By the end, we still don’t fully understand her past or what truly drives her, which left me wanting more.
It definitely has that “first in a series” feel. It lays the groundwork and sets the stage for what’s to come rather than delivering the full impact in this first book. I’m hopeful that the next book will really dive into the action and give us more emotional and magical depth!
While the world-building is rich and the setup intriguing, I did feel there was a bit too much filler that slowed the pacing. I found myself wishing for more action or deeper relationship development between the main characters, especially the MMC and Eleanor. By the end, we still don’t fully understand her past or what truly drives her, which left me wanting more.
It definitely has that “first in a series” feel. It lays the groundwork and sets the stage for what’s to come rather than delivering the full impact in this first book. I’m hopeful that the next book will really dive into the action and give us more emotional and magical depth!
October 7, 2025
The Shadow of Breninsol was an unexpected reading experience - challenging, dark, and rewarding all at once. From the very first page, the atmosphere is thick with secrets, and the world is crafted so that nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Eleanor is a complicated protagonist, often unlikable, but always compelling. Her flaws are rooted in centuries of trauma and survival, giving her a sharp, dangerous edge. Yet moments of vulnerability slip through, adding depth and humanity to her journey.
At times, I felt a little lost in the tangle of intrigue and shifting loyalties, but the final third pulled everything together into something truly gripping. The ending was satisfying and left me eager to see where Eleanor’s path will lead next.
This is a fresh take on dark fantasy, blending political intrigue with the struggles of a heroine who refuses to fit neatly into any box. It can be a demanding read, but it’s ultimately fulfilling, and a promising start to a new series.
I was grateful to receive an advanced copy of this book; all opinions are my own and are shared voluntarily.
Eleanor is a complicated protagonist, often unlikable, but always compelling. Her flaws are rooted in centuries of trauma and survival, giving her a sharp, dangerous edge. Yet moments of vulnerability slip through, adding depth and humanity to her journey.
At times, I felt a little lost in the tangle of intrigue and shifting loyalties, but the final third pulled everything together into something truly gripping. The ending was satisfying and left me eager to see where Eleanor’s path will lead next.
This is a fresh take on dark fantasy, blending political intrigue with the struggles of a heroine who refuses to fit neatly into any box. It can be a demanding read, but it’s ultimately fulfilling, and a promising start to a new series.
I was grateful to receive an advanced copy of this book; all opinions are my own and are shared voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
Charlotte Brown's The Shadow of Breninsol is a masterful series opener that lays a formidable foundation for an epic saga. In a world dominated by men, we follow Eleanor, the last of her kind, who is forced to hide her identity by working as a prostitute while secretly biding her time.
Brown expertly weaves hints of Eleanor's long life and lethal skills as an assassin into the narrative, building toward her ultimate goal: to assassinate the king whose dynasty has enslaved her gender and eradicated her kind. Yet, nothing is straightforward in this world of political intrigue. Eleanor soon finds herself the object of fascination for an enigmatic Marquis, a man she refers to as her "Dark Star."
For readers who crave rich new worlds, dangerous secrets, gang lords, and a twisted hierarchy, this book is a must-read. With its compelling protagonist and intricate plot, The Shadow of Breninsol is a stunning debut, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Brown expertly weaves hints of Eleanor's long life and lethal skills as an assassin into the narrative, building toward her ultimate goal: to assassinate the king whose dynasty has enslaved her gender and eradicated her kind. Yet, nothing is straightforward in this world of political intrigue. Eleanor soon finds herself the object of fascination for an enigmatic Marquis, a man she refers to as her "Dark Star."
For readers who crave rich new worlds, dangerous secrets, gang lords, and a twisted hierarchy, this book is a must-read. With its compelling protagonist and intricate plot, The Shadow of Breninsol is a stunning debut, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
September 2, 2025
This was such an unexpected read for me, not at all what I was expecting and that was so exciting. I had no clue what was going to happen which is so refreshing in a Romantasy.
The FMC, Eleanor, is feisty, brave and broken and I absolutely adore her! The MMC is not oblivious from the start and I enjoyed guessing who it could be. This is also the slowest slow burn I think I’ve read. Absolutely loved it!
It was such a great read and had me hooked from the start. The pacing flowed well with a good balance of world building and plot. There’s not a lot of action or even any high stakes plot twists, but at no point did the story feel slow or boring and I found the whole thing totally intriguing. This is definitely a first book that is laying the groundwork for the series but with so many elements hinted at I can’t wait to see where this goes. Really need book two!
Thank you Charlotte for the early copy to review.
The FMC, Eleanor, is feisty, brave and broken and I absolutely adore her! The MMC is not oblivious from the start and I enjoyed guessing who it could be. This is also the slowest slow burn I think I’ve read. Absolutely loved it!
It was such a great read and had me hooked from the start. The pacing flowed well with a good balance of world building and plot. There’s not a lot of action or even any high stakes plot twists, but at no point did the story feel slow or boring and I found the whole thing totally intriguing. This is definitely a first book that is laying the groundwork for the series but with so many elements hinted at I can’t wait to see where this goes. Really need book two!
Thank you Charlotte for the early copy to review.
September 9, 2025
I had the privilege to read an early copy of this book
Eleanor has been dealt a shitty hand in life but that doesn't Seem to stop her, she keeps her shoulders high and makes lemonade out of the lemons handed to her. ( defiantly of course)
the Marquis is dangerously mysterious. Everyone vies for his attention but he seems to only have eyes for one person. ( sexy)
the world building, the character development ahhh all of it kept me from putting this book down.
while this book was very unique and a one of a kind, I got some phantom of the Opera meets pretty woman vibes .
My heart held many emotions throughout. Angry for Eleanor and the cards she was dealt, excited at the mystery between the main characters and shattered when it fell off the huge cliff at the end!
not to be dramatic, but I need book 2 like I need air to live.
Eleanor has been dealt a shitty hand in life but that doesn't Seem to stop her, she keeps her shoulders high and makes lemonade out of the lemons handed to her. ( defiantly of course)
the Marquis is dangerously mysterious. Everyone vies for his attention but he seems to only have eyes for one person. ( sexy)
the world building, the character development ahhh all of it kept me from putting this book down.
while this book was very unique and a one of a kind, I got some phantom of the Opera meets pretty woman vibes .
My heart held many emotions throughout. Angry for Eleanor and the cards she was dealt, excited at the mystery between the main characters and shattered when it fell off the huge cliff at the end!
not to be dramatic, but I need book 2 like I need air to live.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
honestly if you loved bridgerton and the handmaids tale then you will love this… eleanor was so interesting as a character and her consistent development throughout was lovely! the world building and instant action of being a courtesan and her being chosen was an amazing start to the book too as it hooked me immediately!!
my personal favourite books are books written in 1st person which this is 3rd person so just something to be mindful of if you prefer 1st person!! this gave me very much handmaids tale vibes too since being third person which i loved as i think sometimes world building can feel blocky in 1st person but miss charlotte brown executed the world building and misogynistic themes wonderfully🥹🤍
i have only rated it 4 stars as i prefer my books to be less of a slow burn but i loves the tension nevertheless, i would rate 4.5 if i could🤍
my personal favourite books are books written in 1st person which this is 3rd person so just something to be mindful of if you prefer 1st person!! this gave me very much handmaids tale vibes too since being third person which i loved as i think sometimes world building can feel blocky in 1st person but miss charlotte brown executed the world building and misogynistic themes wonderfully🥹🤍
i have only rated it 4 stars as i prefer my books to be less of a slow burn but i loves the tension nevertheless, i would rate 4.5 if i could🤍
September 8, 2025
ARC Review♡
I just need to say WOW I did not prepare myself enough for the amount of slow burn I would be getting and it was the good kind.
Book one is just the world building with enough information to understand behind the scenes and in hopes the second book picks right up from where book one ended.
–⚠️Read your trigger warnings ⚠️‼️–
The FMC is my version of a badass, stabby, strong, prepares for what's to come and generally interesting and understands her worth. –Tits up(lol)The MMC 👀was described as dark and I got a hint of it with the occasional sway he had here and there, There wasn't much information on him because he was shrouded in mystery to pique my interest.–
Need I say more? I loved every second of this book and can't wait for the second book in the series.🖤
I just need to say WOW I did not prepare myself enough for the amount of slow burn I would be getting and it was the good kind.
Book one is just the world building with enough information to understand behind the scenes and in hopes the second book picks right up from where book one ended.
–⚠️Read your trigger warnings ⚠️‼️–
The FMC is my version of a badass, stabby, strong, prepares for what's to come and generally interesting and understands her worth. –Tits up(lol)The MMC 👀was described as dark and I got a hint of it with the occasional sway he had here and there, There wasn't much information on him because he was shrouded in mystery to pique my interest.–
Need I say more? I loved every second of this book and can't wait for the second book in the series.🖤
September 8, 2025
“The world they lived in was filthy, and none understood this better than those who lived in the dirt.”
When a books first sentence is, “Tits up, ladies,” you know you’re in for a treat.
I read this in 2 days. There’s so much to this story. You think you’re going to get in and predict everything but you can’t. There’s so many hints about Eleanor’s past and where her future takes her. I appreciated the PTSD symptoms and the grounding skills the author used. I’m already frustrated that I don’t know what’s going to happen next and I’m so pulled into what she’ll uncover with her new “owner”, what the job she’s assigned will uncover, how old is she?, and what happened to her?
This story is perfect for Plated Prisoner, Lady of Darkness, and Jennifer Armentrout fans.
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