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Shadows of the Gods
In Valynth, fourth-borns are forbidden by the gods. Morrigan, as a fourth-born, is a direct violation of their law—one they’ll erase if they discover her.
Raised in the shadows of the Nightfall Court, Morrigan has always lived as an outcast. But in a realm drained of magic, she holds a haunting power: the ability to see death before it comes—and to collect the souls it leaves behind.
Her power draws the attention of the cold, yet curious God of Death, who calls her Grim with a hint of something dangerously close to affection. She embodies something he knows all too well—a darkness he’s drawn to, a temptation he can’t shake, and a mystery he can’t resist unraveling. As their connection deepens into something dark and divine, Morrigan fights to keep her true identity hidden. Because if Death discovers what she really is, it will be the end of her.
Shadows of the Gods is a dark fantasy romance steeped in forbidden longing, witty banter, and two morally gray souls drawn together by death itself. Perfect for readers who crave slow-burn tension, mental health themes, divine enemies-to-lovers, and a love story forged in the shadows.
Raised in the shadows of the Nightfall Court, Morrigan has always lived as an outcast. But in a realm drained of magic, she holds a haunting power: the ability to see death before it comes—and to collect the souls it leaves behind.
Her power draws the attention of the cold, yet curious God of Death, who calls her Grim with a hint of something dangerously close to affection. She embodies something he knows all too well—a darkness he’s drawn to, a temptation he can’t shake, and a mystery he can’t resist unraveling. As their connection deepens into something dark and divine, Morrigan fights to keep her true identity hidden. Because if Death discovers what she really is, it will be the end of her.
Shadows of the Gods is a dark fantasy romance steeped in forbidden longing, witty banter, and two morally gray souls drawn together by death itself. Perfect for readers who crave slow-burn tension, mental health themes, divine enemies-to-lovers, and a love story forged in the shadows.
555 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2025
199 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 30, 2025
ARC review 📚
I was so excited to receive this ARC and I can honestly say Shadow of the God did not disappoint.
The dynamic between the FMC&MMC was amazingly written and I did really enjoy their story.
Once I started reading, I could not put my kindle down. It was a roller coaster with ups and downs but it was so worth it!
I can’t wait for book 2.
I’m going to read Shay Taylor’s series - I know, I’m late to the party 🎉!
Thankyou Shay!🤍🩵
I was so excited to receive this ARC and I can honestly say Shadow of the God did not disappoint.
The dynamic between the FMC&MMC was amazingly written and I did really enjoy their story.
Once I started reading, I could not put my kindle down. It was a roller coaster with ups and downs but it was so worth it!
I can’t wait for book 2.
I’m going to read Shay Taylor’s series - I know, I’m late to the party 🎉!
Thankyou Shay!🤍🩵
August 5, 2025
WHO is rating this 5 stars?! Jail. Made it 75% and this flaming pile of garbage is going straight to trash.
July 2, 2025
Incredible Read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I can confidently say Shadows of the Gods is Shay Taylor at her best.
The world-building is rich and immersive, and every character—main or side—feels fully developed and purposeful. Morrigan drew me in from the very first page. She’s fierce, layered, and so easy to root for. I felt every victory and heartbreak alongside her. She’s right up there with Thea and Della—strong, complex heroines who stay with you long after the story ends.
And then there’s Death. What a phenomenal character. He’s intense, sincere, and unexpectedly wholesome in the best way. The way he loves Morrigan is both heart-wrenching and beautiful. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to challenge her when needed—it made their dynamic all the more real and powerful.
This story had me emotionally invested from beginning to end. I’m already counting the days until I can get a physical copy for my shelf—it absolutely deserves a spot on display.
June 30, 2025
***I got an ARC of this book for an honest review. ***
3.5 out of 5. I enjoyed it, but could have been much better.
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I was very excited for the story once i read the blurb. I could hardly wait until i got the ARC into my hands.
I liked the story and the characters. It was definitely a great premise, a few chapters in and I was certain that I will love this book. The humour was dark and sarcastic, which is just up my alley. The characters made me want to know more.
However, i started to feel like i wasn't getting enough background on anything. I understand, the reveals happen later, but I still feel that some things were clipped and rough, rather than mysterious.
I found the world building somewhat lacking, as we get very little info on where we are and what are the basic rules of this world.
Sometimes things advance too quickly, other times we are lingering on parts that don't add much. On the same note, certain motifs keep happenning over and over again, but at a different place. When the same thing happens for the second time, it comes off as inevitable. When it happens the next three times, it just feel like indecisive and it loses its shock value very fast.
I liked the story, the complications, the twists and the reveals, although some were easy to guess, but that could have been me, and that I have read a lot of fantasy.
In summary I feel like it could have been written a bit better. Needed a bit more world building, and basic info, and a bit more variation in the main line of complication. I desperately wanted to love this book, but to me it just feels like a book to put on the read pile.
3.5 out of 5. I enjoyed it, but could have been much better.
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I was very excited for the story once i read the blurb. I could hardly wait until i got the ARC into my hands.
I liked the story and the characters. It was definitely a great premise, a few chapters in and I was certain that I will love this book. The humour was dark and sarcastic, which is just up my alley. The characters made me want to know more.
However, i started to feel like i wasn't getting enough background on anything. I understand, the reveals happen later, but I still feel that some things were clipped and rough, rather than mysterious.
I found the world building somewhat lacking, as we get very little info on where we are and what are the basic rules of this world.
Sometimes things advance too quickly, other times we are lingering on parts that don't add much. On the same note, certain motifs keep happenning over and over again, but at a different place. When the same thing happens for the second time, it comes off as inevitable. When it happens the next three times, it just feel like indecisive and it loses its shock value very fast.
I liked the story, the complications, the twists and the reveals, although some were easy to guess, but that could have been me, and that I have read a lot of fantasy.
In summary I feel like it could have been written a bit better. Needed a bit more world building, and basic info, and a bit more variation in the main line of complication. I desperately wanted to love this book, but to me it just feels like a book to put on the read pile.
July 1, 2025
⭐️5 Stars... yet again.
**Long time fan, first time ARC reader**
If there is one thing Shay Taylor can do amazingly.. it is write the most protective, possessive, YEARNING MMC. This story grips you from the very beginning and while you can absolutely read this as a standalone I do recommend reading her two other series set in the same universe for a richer reading experience that will also clue you in to some other background. Shay writes some of the most well fleshed out characters that you can't help but hate or root for.
This plot is so unique to the romantasy genre and I am eager to see the next couples story unfold 👀.
I will say there is a push and pull in this story that made me want to bang my head against a wall but knowing this was a standalone I was more okay knowing I would get some resolution.
Yet another one of her novels that I couldn't put down once I got started.
Read this as soon as it releases!!!!!!!
**Long time fan, first time ARC reader**
If there is one thing Shay Taylor can do amazingly.. it is write the most protective, possessive, YEARNING MMC. This story grips you from the very beginning and while you can absolutely read this as a standalone I do recommend reading her two other series set in the same universe for a richer reading experience that will also clue you in to some other background. Shay writes some of the most well fleshed out characters that you can't help but hate or root for.
This plot is so unique to the romantasy genre and I am eager to see the next couples story unfold 👀.
I will say there is a push and pull in this story that made me want to bang my head against a wall but knowing this was a standalone I was more okay knowing I would get some resolution.
Yet another one of her novels that I couldn't put down once I got started.
Read this as soon as it releases!!!!!!!
July 4, 2025
Got to arc read another book for one of my favorite authors.
At this point we’re just expecting excellence, right?
RIGHT! We met Grim and Death for a second in Secrets & Curses of Gods, the last book in the S&C series, and I’m so incredibly happy to have read their whole story now. Morrigan (Grim) is such a badass! You never cease to amaze me Shay, but I am slowly figuring out the mastermind behind these books. Another knock out of the park!
At this point we’re just expecting excellence, right?
RIGHT! We met Grim and Death for a second in Secrets & Curses of Gods, the last book in the S&C series, and I’m so incredibly happy to have read their whole story now. Morrigan (Grim) is such a badass! You never cease to amaze me Shay, but I am slowly figuring out the mastermind behind these books. Another knock out of the park!
September 30, 2025
Shadow of the Gods by Shay Taylor is a dark romance that deserves a solid 3.5 stars. Before picking it up, definitely check trigger warnings. It is not the darkest book in the genre, but it does have violence, attempted SA, and plenty of morally questionable choices.
The story hooked me from the start. The dark romance is front and center, with consistent, detailed spice and dirty dialogue woven throughout. That was done really well and kept me turning the pages.
The FMC, Grim, is not just morally grey—she is violent and murderous, with little hesitation. While that made her compelling, some of the writing choices around her fell flat. Her being a vampire, for example, felt gratuitous; it only surfaced in spicy scenes and added nothing to the actual plot. The same could be said for much of the violence and some side plot choices. They did not bother me, but they were unnecessary.
Where the book struggled most was in its antagonists. Grim’s parents were written as one-dimensional evil characters, and none of the villains had depth or balance. Even the attempted SA subplot, while loosely tied to the story, could have been better integrated by assigning those narrative tasks to her parents instead of adding another shallow character. The plot overall could have been tighter, with less reliance on shock value.
That said, I devoured this. The twists and turns kept me engaged, and the romance never let up. If you want a gritty, fast-moving dark romance that leans heavy on spice and violence, this delivers. Just go in knowing the flaws, and again, check those trigger warnings.
The story hooked me from the start. The dark romance is front and center, with consistent, detailed spice and dirty dialogue woven throughout. That was done really well and kept me turning the pages.
The FMC, Grim, is not just morally grey—she is violent and murderous, with little hesitation. While that made her compelling, some of the writing choices around her fell flat. Her being a vampire, for example, felt gratuitous; it only surfaced in spicy scenes and added nothing to the actual plot. The same could be said for much of the violence and some side plot choices. They did not bother me, but they were unnecessary.
Where the book struggled most was in its antagonists. Grim’s parents were written as one-dimensional evil characters, and none of the villains had depth or balance. Even the attempted SA subplot, while loosely tied to the story, could have been better integrated by assigning those narrative tasks to her parents instead of adding another shallow character. The plot overall could have been tighter, with less reliance on shock value.
That said, I devoured this. The twists and turns kept me engaged, and the romance never let up. If you want a gritty, fast-moving dark romance that leans heavy on spice and violence, this delivers. Just go in knowing the flaws, and again, check those trigger warnings.
July 19, 2025
Morally gray characters? Check.
Slow-burn tension? Check.
Witty banter? Check.
Enemies-to-lovers? Check.
Forbidden longing? Check.
Shadows of the Gods is the story of Morrigan (Grim) and Death. The forbidden fourth born, Morrigan’s life in the Nightfall Court has been anything but good. Mistreated by her family, shunned by the world around her, forbidden to exist by the gods, Morrigan is just trying to get by.
In a realm where magic has been drained, Morrigan has the ability to see death before it comes and collect the souls it leaves behind. A gift, eerily similar to the God of Death, drawing him to her. Both hold grave secrets and as they are drawn closer and closer together both must fight to keep their secrets from one another.
I loved this book. The tension and banter between Morrigan and Death were wonderful. I felt myself cheering for Morrigan and loved that she herself was morally gray. I enjoyed the journey we were taken on and loved watching the layers unfold. The first book in an interconnect series of four, Grim and Death’s story is wrapped up by the end which is refreshing. I am looking forward to reading more about Valynth and the three other courts, as well as the other gods and their journeys.
Thank you Shay Taylor for the ARC copy of Shadows of the Gods.
Slow-burn tension? Check.
Witty banter? Check.
Enemies-to-lovers? Check.
Forbidden longing? Check.
Shadows of the Gods is the story of Morrigan (Grim) and Death. The forbidden fourth born, Morrigan’s life in the Nightfall Court has been anything but good. Mistreated by her family, shunned by the world around her, forbidden to exist by the gods, Morrigan is just trying to get by.
In a realm where magic has been drained, Morrigan has the ability to see death before it comes and collect the souls it leaves behind. A gift, eerily similar to the God of Death, drawing him to her. Both hold grave secrets and as they are drawn closer and closer together both must fight to keep their secrets from one another.
I loved this book. The tension and banter between Morrigan and Death were wonderful. I felt myself cheering for Morrigan and loved that she herself was morally gray. I enjoyed the journey we were taken on and loved watching the layers unfold. The first book in an interconnect series of four, Grim and Death’s story is wrapped up by the end which is refreshing. I am looking forward to reading more about Valynth and the three other courts, as well as the other gods and their journeys.
Thank you Shay Taylor for the ARC copy of Shadows of the Gods.
June 29, 2025
I had the pleasure of ARC reading Shadows of the Gods, and I’m so glad I did! If you’ve already read Secrets and Curses of Exile, you’re in for a treat—especially with a certain surprise that fans will definitely appreciate.
In this installment, we’re introduced to Morrigan (also known as Grim), Death, and the four distinct courts, each ruled by a king under the influence of the Gods. The story unfolds at a comfortable pace, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world without feeling rushed.
As we delve deeper into Grim’s powers, we also begin to uncover layers of deception and hidden motives among the characters. The web of schemes becomes more intricate with each chapter, keeping things engaging throughout.
I genuinely enjoyed the book, though a few plot points felt a bit too convenient. Grim, who is usually quite stubborn, sometimes agrees to things too quickly and easily, particularly in her interactions with her family and Callun later on. These moments felt slightly out of character and could’ve used a bit more tension or development.
Still, Shadows of the Gods is a captivating read, and I’d definitely recommend it—especially to fans of dark fantasy with strong female leads and divine intrigue.
In this installment, we’re introduced to Morrigan (also known as Grim), Death, and the four distinct courts, each ruled by a king under the influence of the Gods. The story unfolds at a comfortable pace, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world without feeling rushed.
As we delve deeper into Grim’s powers, we also begin to uncover layers of deception and hidden motives among the characters. The web of schemes becomes more intricate with each chapter, keeping things engaging throughout.
I genuinely enjoyed the book, though a few plot points felt a bit too convenient. Grim, who is usually quite stubborn, sometimes agrees to things too quickly and easily, particularly in her interactions with her family and Callun later on. These moments felt slightly out of character and could’ve used a bit more tension or development.
Still, Shadows of the Gods is a captivating read, and I’d definitely recommend it—especially to fans of dark fantasy with strong female leads and divine intrigue.
July 10, 2025
I knew from the very first line of this book that I was going to love it and I was very correct.
Shadows of the Gods can probably be left as a standalone if you want it to be, but if you’re immersed into the characters and world like I was immersed, you’ll definitely want to read the rest of the series as it comes out.
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down!
In this book, you’ll find Grim (vampire) interacting with Death (a god). Grim has a no nonsense attitude and is a badass. Death is… ugh he’s unbearably attractive. That’s all I’ll say about him.
I had so much fun reading this book. So many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Well done, Shay! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and the rest of your books!
**I received a free ARC of Shadows of the gods in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Shay Taylor and te for the opportunity to be a part of this journey!**
Shadows of the Gods can probably be left as a standalone if you want it to be, but if you’re immersed into the characters and world like I was immersed, you’ll definitely want to read the rest of the series as it comes out.
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down!
In this book, you’ll find Grim (vampire) interacting with Death (a god). Grim has a no nonsense attitude and is a badass. Death is… ugh he’s unbearably attractive. That’s all I’ll say about him.
I had so much fun reading this book. So many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Well done, Shay! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and the rest of your books!
**I received a free ARC of Shadows of the gods in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Shay Taylor and te for the opportunity to be a part of this journey!**
July 17, 2025
This has to be the first ARC I have read in 24 hrs!!! I pulled an all-nighter, because I could not put the book down. The book is set in Valynth, where fourth borns are forbidden and magic was taken away by the Gods.
Grim( Morrigan) , the fourth born of the King and Queen of the Nightfall court . Her existence was a direct violation of the law. Grim is such a strong FMC! Despite the abuse from her family and continued heartache; she remained resilient.
The God of Death….. oh boy!!! The epitome of shadow daddy !!! Made me welcome death😏!
The banter and forbidden connection between Grim and Death was electrifying and addictive.
The world building, monsters, gods, and Royal courts was descriptively written.
I am ready for book 2!!! 🤓
Shadows of the Gods will deliver……
🦋Badass FMC
🦋Hidden identity
🦋forbidden love
🦋mythology
🦋Banter
🦋found family
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Grim( Morrigan) , the fourth born of the King and Queen of the Nightfall court . Her existence was a direct violation of the law. Grim is such a strong FMC! Despite the abuse from her family and continued heartache; she remained resilient.
The God of Death….. oh boy!!! The epitome of shadow daddy !!! Made me welcome death😏!
The banter and forbidden connection between Grim and Death was electrifying and addictive.
The world building, monsters, gods, and Royal courts was descriptively written.
I am ready for book 2!!! 🤓
Shadows of the Gods will deliver……
🦋Badass FMC
🦋Hidden identity
🦋forbidden love
🦋mythology
🦋Banter
🦋found family
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 2, 2025
I was honored to ARC read this book for.a honest review;
I devoured this book in under 48 hours—I couldn't put it down. Shadows of the Gods pulled me in right away with its dark, mythic atmosphere and didn’t let go. The world is rich and layered, full of ancient powers, political tension, and characters who live in that perfect gray area between right and wrong.
What really hooked me were the characters—flawed, relatable, and so compelling. I loved watching the story unfold against the backdrop of a world still haunted by 5 gods. The pacing kept me on edge, Morrigan had me feeling and roothing for her, Death gave me a whipelash with his on off feelings for Grim, and the ending left me hungry for more.
I'm especially eager to dive into the other stories of the Siblings of Death. If they’re anything like this one, I’m all in!!!
I devoured this book in under 48 hours—I couldn't put it down. Shadows of the Gods pulled me in right away with its dark, mythic atmosphere and didn’t let go. The world is rich and layered, full of ancient powers, political tension, and characters who live in that perfect gray area between right and wrong.
What really hooked me were the characters—flawed, relatable, and so compelling. I loved watching the story unfold against the backdrop of a world still haunted by 5 gods. The pacing kept me on edge, Morrigan had me feeling and roothing for her, Death gave me a whipelash with his on off feelings for Grim, and the ending left me hungry for more.
I'm especially eager to dive into the other stories of the Siblings of Death. If they’re anything like this one, I’m all in!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Shadows of the Gods pulled me in right from the beginning and did not let go. The world-building is rich and dark in the best way, and the writing flows so well that I lost track of time more than once while reading. The characters felt real, layered, and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. There’s just the right amount of mystery, emotion, and tension to keep you hooked.
This was one of those reads where I found myself slowing down near the end because I didn’t want it to be over. And now… I need book two. Like, yesterday.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m so excited to see where this series goes next!
This was one of those reads where I found myself slowing down near the end because I didn’t want it to be over. And now… I need book two. Like, yesterday.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m so excited to see where this series goes next!
July 1, 2025
ARC Read-
What this book has:
-Possessive God of Death MMC
-Tortured, Traumatized Badass FMC
-Angst
-Gods
-Fae
-Vampires
-Witty Banter
-Great Fights
This book was so good I want the other four today!! Lol. But the amount of times my eyes watered and I almost completely hated Death, was extreme. I felt for Morrigan and my heart ached for her, through this whole book. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down, I truly can’t wait for the other books so I can get more in to this series. This book was top Tier in the angst, heartbreak, build up, tension, and love.
What this book has:
-Possessive God of Death MMC
-Tortured, Traumatized Badass FMC
-Angst
-Gods
-Fae
-Vampires
-Witty Banter
-Great Fights
This book was so good I want the other four today!! Lol. But the amount of times my eyes watered and I almost completely hated Death, was extreme. I felt for Morrigan and my heart ached for her, through this whole book. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down, I truly can’t wait for the other books so I can get more in to this series. This book was top Tier in the angst, heartbreak, build up, tension, and love.
June 30, 2025
I received this as an ARC 📚
First of all, thank you for letting me be a part of this! I could really tell the heart you put in to this book, and it paid off 👏
I loved all the characters, but I think specially Callum will have a special place in my heart. I really look forward to following his development. 🤭
Also, loooooove the angst!! And boy, oh boy it was a lot of that going on 😅
It was a bit fast paced at some points, and a bit confusing due to that. But thankfully during the books progress, all was revealed 🥹
First of all, thank you for letting me be a part of this! I could really tell the heart you put in to this book, and it paid off 👏
I loved all the characters, but I think specially Callum will have a special place in my heart. I really look forward to following his development. 🤭
Also, loooooove the angst!! And boy, oh boy it was a lot of that going on 😅
It was a bit fast paced at some points, and a bit confusing due to that. But thankfully during the books progress, all was revealed 🥹
June 29, 2025
**ARC Review*
First of all, I was so excited to receive an ARC of Shadows of the Gods. Thank you Shay!
I devoured this one in less than a day—I simply couldn’t put it down. Shay Taylor has crafted a gripping story with rich, layered characters and immersive worldbuilding that pulls you in from page one. Every character felt real and well-developed, with motivations that made sense and emotional depth that stayed with me. The world itself was perfectly written, detailed without ever feeling overwhelming.
This book has everything I was looking for. Highly recommend it and can't wait to read more of the Fourth Born Series!
First of all, I was so excited to receive an ARC of Shadows of the Gods. Thank you Shay!
I devoured this one in less than a day—I simply couldn’t put it down. Shay Taylor has crafted a gripping story with rich, layered characters and immersive worldbuilding that pulls you in from page one. Every character felt real and well-developed, with motivations that made sense and emotional depth that stayed with me. The world itself was perfectly written, detailed without ever feeling overwhelming.
This book has everything I was looking for. Highly recommend it and can't wait to read more of the Fourth Born Series!
September 28, 2025
3.25⭐️ I really enjoyed the first 50% but then the next 35% not so much. I just didn’t think the god of death was anything special, I didn’t feel the feels I was probably meant to about him and he actually just annoyed me a bit by constantly going round in circles.
The last 15% was really good though and I’m excited for the next one
The last 15% was really good though and I’m excited for the next one
June 28, 2025
Thank you to Shay Taylor and her publisher for providing an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shadows of the Gods completely blew me away! From start to finish, I was hooked—Shay Taylor has a gift for letting the story unfold in the most mind-blowing way. I couldn’t put it down because I had to see what Morrigan would do next. The book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster—happy, sad, heartbroken, frustrated—and just when I thought I had it figured out, it surprised me again. And that ending?! Absolutely chef’s kiss. I’m counting down the days until the next book in the series drops.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves epic stories with unforgettable characters!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shadows of the Gods completely blew me away! From start to finish, I was hooked—Shay Taylor has a gift for letting the story unfold in the most mind-blowing way. I couldn’t put it down because I had to see what Morrigan would do next. The book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster—happy, sad, heartbroken, frustrated—and just when I thought I had it figured out, it surprised me again. And that ending?! Absolutely chef’s kiss. I’m counting down the days until the next book in the series drops.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves epic stories with unforgettable characters!
July 19, 2025
The book was really good and had me hooked from the beginning the characters were strong and had lots of tension between one another. I loved how the main MMC was the god of death and was able to control all a lot and the FMC was a fighter every step of the way.
July 21, 2025
I got an ARC read for this book. It didn’t disappoint this book was so good. I loved everything about it. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the second one.
July 21, 2025
Demolished this beauty in a day, I could NOT stop reading. Thank you to Shay for the ARC, amazing as always! Morrigan is an absolute badass. It’s sad all the crap she had to deal with, it’s all very unfair :( but I guess it shaped her into who she is. Her and Death are fantastic. The tension and banter is always perfection by Shay. Best believe Shay brings the damn heartache too. This book actually finishes with a HEA so no cliff hanger for this couple. I can’t wait to read about the next couple!
dnf
September 25, 2025I very much don’t like the writing of this book
July 1, 2025
This was such an easy and great read. I loved it so much that I had to keep reading. The banter was so much fun and the enemies to lovers was a real slow burn. The depth of the world building and background story could’ve been more but I really had so much fun reading this. Can’t wait for the second book in the series🤗🤗
October 9, 2025
(Disclaimer) I received this book for free as an ARC reader, the author has no influence over my review. This is my first read by the author. I’m not an English native speaker and my review might be influenced by this.
In the realm of Valynth, where fourth-borns are forbidden and looked upon as an abomination, Morrigan has been hidden away and punished by her parents for being a fourth-born as the youngest of a twin-pair. She has a rare gift, to see how others will die when touching them. She’s also a skilled killer and soul collector, she’s in competition with the god Death in collecting the souls.
The story is captivating and I was eager to finish it. However there was some repetition of events with slight variations and on different locations.
The dynamic between the main characters was good. I liked that the MFC was dark and badass, but without being cold and cruel. The MMC was dark, but still showed feelings and care towards the MFC. Some of the side characters were just evil, but others revealed more complex personalities.
There was some heartache when they couldn’t be together for various reasons, twice(!). There was some miscommunication between the MCs, especially the MMC should have been honest about why he acted that way without breaking the MFC’s heart. I think he should have grovelled more when he realised everything.
The spice was good and mostly fitting as part of the story.
I appreciate the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book, it’s nice to be mentally prepared.
Most of the book was well written, but there were some sentences I had to re-read to understand and a few where a word or two probably was missing.
I will probably read the next books in the series.
In the realm of Valynth, where fourth-borns are forbidden and looked upon as an abomination, Morrigan has been hidden away and punished by her parents for being a fourth-born as the youngest of a twin-pair. She has a rare gift, to see how others will die when touching them. She’s also a skilled killer and soul collector, she’s in competition with the god Death in collecting the souls.
The story is captivating and I was eager to finish it. However there was some repetition of events with slight variations and on different locations.
The dynamic between the main characters was good. I liked that the MFC was dark and badass, but without being cold and cruel. The MMC was dark, but still showed feelings and care towards the MFC. Some of the side characters were just evil, but others revealed more complex personalities.
There was some heartache when they couldn’t be together for various reasons, twice(!). There was some miscommunication between the MCs, especially the MMC should have been honest about why he acted that way without breaking the MFC’s heart. I think he should have grovelled more when he realised everything.
The spice was good and mostly fitting as part of the story.
I appreciate the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book, it’s nice to be mentally prepared.
Most of the book was well written, but there were some sentences I had to re-read to understand and a few where a word or two probably was missing.
I will probably read the next books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
July 16, 2025DNF at page 70:
Unfortunately, this one wasn’t quite the right fit for me. While the concept had some intriguing elements, the execution felt a little underdeveloped. I struggled to connect with the main character, who is portrayed as purposefully aloof and unbothered by the dislike of others. While that can be compelling in the right context, she came across more as a flat archetype than someone I could invest in emotionally. The plot also moved in ways that felt driven by convenience rather than character motivation, with characters' behavior changing dramatically without explanation.
I’m sure others will enjoy it far more than I did.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy. Wishing the author continued success and growth with their future stories.
Unfortunately, this one wasn’t quite the right fit for me. While the concept had some intriguing elements, the execution felt a little underdeveloped. I struggled to connect with the main character, who is portrayed as purposefully aloof and unbothered by the dislike of others. While that can be compelling in the right context, she came across more as a flat archetype than someone I could invest in emotionally. The plot also moved in ways that felt driven by convenience rather than character motivation, with characters' behavior changing dramatically without explanation.
I’m sure others will enjoy it far more than I did.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy. Wishing the author continued success and growth with their future stories.
November 6, 2025
Shadows of the Gods by Shay Taylor hooked me from page one. It’s dark, magical, enchanting, and dangerous—like stepping straight into a living myth.
The writing is absolutely stunning, and the world-building feels so alive that you can almost taste the magic in the air. It’s that perfect blend of beauty and danger that makes it impossible to put down.
The story feels fresh and mysterious, with the kind of atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. If you love fantasy that’s immersive, addictive, and utterly captivating, this book is it.
Trust me—you’ll still be thinking about it long after you turn the final page.
The writing is absolutely stunning, and the world-building feels so alive that you can almost taste the magic in the air. It’s that perfect blend of beauty and danger that makes it impossible to put down.
The story feels fresh and mysterious, with the kind of atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. If you love fantasy that’s immersive, addictive, and utterly captivating, this book is it.
Trust me—you’ll still be thinking about it long after you turn the final page.
August 16, 2025
has potential! but needs more editing…
I loved the idea of the plot and story line, but quickly realized this book needs a lot more revision and editing. There’s tons of continuity errors, grammar mistake, and overall unfortunately the writing isn’t very good. The dialogue is stilted and feels forced. There’s quite a few instances where the plot doesn’t make sense. Also it took a while to realize the fmc was a vampire? Overall I’m sorry to say it was a bad read.
I loved the idea of the plot and story line, but quickly realized this book needs a lot more revision and editing. There’s tons of continuity errors, grammar mistake, and overall unfortunately the writing isn’t very good. The dialogue is stilted and feels forced. There’s quite a few instances where the plot doesn’t make sense. Also it took a while to realize the fmc was a vampire? Overall I’m sorry to say it was a bad read.
July 15, 2025
Polish version below!
Thank you to the author, Shay Taylor, for the ARC copy of the e-book!
Oh my god! It’s been ages since I got this ridiculously hooked on a book. From the very first pages, I connected with the main character (a vampire, over 200 years old!), and for some reason, I resonated with her so deeply. I was rooting for her every step of the way, and at the same time, I was sobbing every time she felt unwanted or had her heart broken. It didn’t even matter that the ending was kind of predictable – the fact that I got so emotionally invested in Morrigan’s story is the main reason why Shadows of the Gods was such an incredible read for me… but definitely not the only one!
We’ve got a god of death and shadow magic – do I need to say more? The relationship between Death and Grim is full of banter, bickering, and verbal sparring, with that delicious “push and pull” dynamic (she’s mine, but I can’t have her). The chemistry between these two is undeniable.
Their whole relationship is set in a world that’s developed just enough to give the story a proper backdrop and add a secondary plotline, so it’s not just a romance. At the same time, the worldbuilding never overwhelms the story. Sure, if you start digging into the details, you might notice a few gaps – but honestly, I didn’t care at all.
Same with the couple of small mistakes I found – like a repeated sentence fragment or one or two inconsistencies. Normally, things like that would completely throw me off and stick in my mind, but here? I couldn’t even tell you what or where they were. I was so engrossed in the story that I just noticed something felt off—and kept reading. Honestly? I think this is the first time that’s ever happened to me!
I had such a blast with this book! Shadows of the Gods was the perfect mix of light and addictive, while still emotionally wrecking me in the best way. The characters have fantastic chemistry, the plot is engaging enough, and yes – there’s some spice too! All the good stuff in one place. I’m already eagerly waiting for the next book (featuring a different couple!), and in the meantime, I wholeheartedly recommend this one to everyone!
As for my rating – I rarely give out 9s (4.5⭐️), let alone a full 10/10… but this one? This one’s getting a 10 (5⭐️) for how much fun I had and how emotionally invested I was. I need more books like this in my life!
My rating: 10/10
Polish version:
Dziękuję autorce Shay Taylor za e-booka do recenzji (ARC)!
O mój Boże! Już od wieków nie wciągnęłam się tak kosmicznie w żadną książkę. Od pierwszych stron polubiłam główną bohaterkę (wampir, ponad 200 lat!) i – co więcej – z jakiegoś powodu strasznie z nią rezonowałam. Kibicowałam jej na każdym kroku, a jednocześnie wyłam za każdym razem, gdy czuła się niechciana lub miała złamane serce. Nie ma znaczenia, że dość oczywiste było, jak to się skończy – fakt, że tak bardzo wczułam się w historię Morrigan, to główny powód, dla którego tak dobrze czytało mi się Shadows of the Gods… ale nie jedyny!
Mamy tu boga śmierci i magię cieni – czy muszę dalej ciągnąć? Relacja Death i Grim to nieustanne sprzeczki, przekomarzania, potyczki słowne oraz wzajemne odpychanie i przyciąganie (she’s mine but I can’t have her). Chemii między tą dwójką naprawdę nie da się zaprzeczyć.
Cała ich relacja osadzona jest w świecie, który został zarysowany na tyle dobrze, że stanowi solidne tło i pozwala na dodatkowy wątek fabularny – dzięki temu całość nie jest tylko romansem. Jednocześnie świat ten nie przytłacza, choć jeśli ktoś zacznie się zastanawiać nad szczegółami, może zauważyć pewne braki.
Mnie to jednak kompletnie nie przeszkadzało! Tak samo jak fakt, że znalazłam może dwa błędy – fragment zdania powtórzony i ze dwie nieścisłości. Normalnie wybiłoby mnie to z rytmu i długo bym pamiętała, o co chodziło, ale tutaj… nie jestem w stanie nawet wskazać, gdzie i co! Byłam tak wciągnięta w historię, że jedynie zauważyłam, że coś jest nie tak – i czytałam dalej. Szczerze? Chyba pierwszy raz mi się to zdarzyło!
Bawiłam się obłędnie! Shadows of the Gods to idealnie lekka i wciągająca lektura, która totalnie mnie sponiewierała emocjonalnie. Bohaterowie mają świetną chemię, fabuła jest wystarczająco interesująca, no i jest też trochę spicu! Wszystkie dobroci w jednym. Czekam z niecierpliwością na kolejny tom (historia innej pary!), a tymczasem – wszystkim gorąco polecam ten tytuł!
Co do oceny – ja bardzo rzadko daję 9 (4,5⭐️), nie wspominając już o pełnych 10/10 punktach. Ale tutaj… daję 10 (5⭐️) za to, jak dobrze się bawiłam i jak bardzo zaangażowałam się emocjonalnie. Potrzebuję więcej takich książek!
Moja ocena 10/10
Thank you to the author, Shay Taylor, for the ARC copy of the e-book!
Oh my god! It’s been ages since I got this ridiculously hooked on a book. From the very first pages, I connected with the main character (a vampire, over 200 years old!), and for some reason, I resonated with her so deeply. I was rooting for her every step of the way, and at the same time, I was sobbing every time she felt unwanted or had her heart broken. It didn’t even matter that the ending was kind of predictable – the fact that I got so emotionally invested in Morrigan’s story is the main reason why Shadows of the Gods was such an incredible read for me… but definitely not the only one!
We’ve got a god of death and shadow magic – do I need to say more? The relationship between Death and Grim is full of banter, bickering, and verbal sparring, with that delicious “push and pull” dynamic (she’s mine, but I can’t have her). The chemistry between these two is undeniable.
Their whole relationship is set in a world that’s developed just enough to give the story a proper backdrop and add a secondary plotline, so it’s not just a romance. At the same time, the worldbuilding never overwhelms the story. Sure, if you start digging into the details, you might notice a few gaps – but honestly, I didn’t care at all.
Same with the couple of small mistakes I found – like a repeated sentence fragment or one or two inconsistencies. Normally, things like that would completely throw me off and stick in my mind, but here? I couldn’t even tell you what or where they were. I was so engrossed in the story that I just noticed something felt off—and kept reading. Honestly? I think this is the first time that’s ever happened to me!
I had such a blast with this book! Shadows of the Gods was the perfect mix of light and addictive, while still emotionally wrecking me in the best way. The characters have fantastic chemistry, the plot is engaging enough, and yes – there’s some spice too! All the good stuff in one place. I’m already eagerly waiting for the next book (featuring a different couple!), and in the meantime, I wholeheartedly recommend this one to everyone!
As for my rating – I rarely give out 9s (4.5⭐️), let alone a full 10/10… but this one? This one’s getting a 10 (5⭐️) for how much fun I had and how emotionally invested I was. I need more books like this in my life!
My rating: 10/10
Polish version:
Dziękuję autorce Shay Taylor za e-booka do recenzji (ARC)!
O mój Boże! Już od wieków nie wciągnęłam się tak kosmicznie w żadną książkę. Od pierwszych stron polubiłam główną bohaterkę (wampir, ponad 200 lat!) i – co więcej – z jakiegoś powodu strasznie z nią rezonowałam. Kibicowałam jej na każdym kroku, a jednocześnie wyłam za każdym razem, gdy czuła się niechciana lub miała złamane serce. Nie ma znaczenia, że dość oczywiste było, jak to się skończy – fakt, że tak bardzo wczułam się w historię Morrigan, to główny powód, dla którego tak dobrze czytało mi się Shadows of the Gods… ale nie jedyny!
Mamy tu boga śmierci i magię cieni – czy muszę dalej ciągnąć? Relacja Death i Grim to nieustanne sprzeczki, przekomarzania, potyczki słowne oraz wzajemne odpychanie i przyciąganie (she’s mine but I can’t have her). Chemii między tą dwójką naprawdę nie da się zaprzeczyć.
Cała ich relacja osadzona jest w świecie, który został zarysowany na tyle dobrze, że stanowi solidne tło i pozwala na dodatkowy wątek fabularny – dzięki temu całość nie jest tylko romansem. Jednocześnie świat ten nie przytłacza, choć jeśli ktoś zacznie się zastanawiać nad szczegółami, może zauważyć pewne braki.
Mnie to jednak kompletnie nie przeszkadzało! Tak samo jak fakt, że znalazłam może dwa błędy – fragment zdania powtórzony i ze dwie nieścisłości. Normalnie wybiłoby mnie to z rytmu i długo bym pamiętała, o co chodziło, ale tutaj… nie jestem w stanie nawet wskazać, gdzie i co! Byłam tak wciągnięta w historię, że jedynie zauważyłam, że coś jest nie tak – i czytałam dalej. Szczerze? Chyba pierwszy raz mi się to zdarzyło!
Bawiłam się obłędnie! Shadows of the Gods to idealnie lekka i wciągająca lektura, która totalnie mnie sponiewierała emocjonalnie. Bohaterowie mają świetną chemię, fabuła jest wystarczająco interesująca, no i jest też trochę spicu! Wszystkie dobroci w jednym. Czekam z niecierpliwością na kolejny tom (historia innej pary!), a tymczasem – wszystkim gorąco polecam ten tytuł!
Co do oceny – ja bardzo rzadko daję 9 (4,5⭐️), nie wspominając już o pełnych 10/10 punktach. Ale tutaj… daję 10 (5⭐️) za to, jak dobrze się bawiłam i jak bardzo zaangażowałam się emocjonalnie. Potrzebuję więcej takich książek!
Moja ocena 10/10
July 3, 2025
**Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC and wanted to say thank you to the author Shay Taylor for selecting me! Such an honor to be selected multiple times.**
This was a good first installment to The Fourth Born Series. The foundation for this series was partially laid in the original series by this author (Secrets & Curses). I absolutely love the interconnected series and how they build on each other. Let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this book first before personal opinions.
We meet the MMC Death in Secrets & Curses of Gods (last book in the Secrets & Curses series). The FMC is Morrigan, also known as Grim, who is a fourth born child of the King and Queen of Nightfall Court. This series is set in the realm of Valynth. Fourth born children have been banned by the gods in this realm. There are five gods in this realm and they hold the magic for the whole realm. The realm is broken into courts: Nightfall, Twilight, Dawn and Dusk, with the gods residing in God’s Peak, which doesn’t belong to any court.
-Fated Mates (reoccurring theme through all of the books in both series)
-Morally gray/black characters
-Deep rooted family issues with FMC
-Enemies to lovers
-Burn the world for each other vibes
-Hidden identity
-Forbidden relationship/hidden relationship
-Fae, vampires, other creatures and gods
So getting into the personal opinions portion. I’ve enjoyed everything written by Shay Taylor so far. I had a harder time than normally getting into this book compared to the original series. I thought that because we had already met the main characters that it would be easier to jump into and hit the ground running, but I struggled for the first chapter or two and I’m not really sure why. This book is single POV (FMC), so you only know what she knows and only see what she sees. Morrigan is almost an unreliable narrator because her outlook is skewed due to the trauma and abuse she went through, but as a reader you can read between the lines as to what is actually going on.
Even after the slow start for me, I ended up really liking this book. I gave this four stars instead of five due to some confusion with pacing early on and dialogue. I found some of the “hot and cold” dialogue to be tiresome after it kept happening, with some of the back and forth between the MMC and FMC to be confusing with how fast one of them flip flopped on what they wanted.
I was invested in the characters since meeting them in the previous series and was excited to see where it went. Death is oddly sweet, and at times childish almost, but understanding the circumstances it makes sense. I won’t list any spoilers because this is an ARC review but everything comes out in the wash by the end. Shay Taylor has a way to keep you guessing and a little confused for 70% of the book until it all comes together. This book can be read a standalone for this series, with each book of the series following a god. So this book is for Death only and doesn’t have a cliff hanger.
I will add a small note that there were a couple of spelling/grammatical issues, but the author does a great job of addressing them before the actual release of the book. We’re all human and make mistakes, so small errors don’t bother me unless they distract from the storyline.
This was a good first installment to The Fourth Born Series. The foundation for this series was partially laid in the original series by this author (Secrets & Curses). I absolutely love the interconnected series and how they build on each other. Let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this book first before personal opinions.
We meet the MMC Death in Secrets & Curses of Gods (last book in the Secrets & Curses series). The FMC is Morrigan, also known as Grim, who is a fourth born child of the King and Queen of Nightfall Court. This series is set in the realm of Valynth. Fourth born children have been banned by the gods in this realm. There are five gods in this realm and they hold the magic for the whole realm. The realm is broken into courts: Nightfall, Twilight, Dawn and Dusk, with the gods residing in God’s Peak, which doesn’t belong to any court.
-Fated Mates (reoccurring theme through all of the books in both series)
-Morally gray/black characters
-Deep rooted family issues with FMC
-Enemies to lovers
-Burn the world for each other vibes
-Hidden identity
-Forbidden relationship/hidden relationship
-Fae, vampires, other creatures and gods
So getting into the personal opinions portion. I’ve enjoyed everything written by Shay Taylor so far. I had a harder time than normally getting into this book compared to the original series. I thought that because we had already met the main characters that it would be easier to jump into and hit the ground running, but I struggled for the first chapter or two and I’m not really sure why. This book is single POV (FMC), so you only know what she knows and only see what she sees. Morrigan is almost an unreliable narrator because her outlook is skewed due to the trauma and abuse she went through, but as a reader you can read between the lines as to what is actually going on.
Even after the slow start for me, I ended up really liking this book. I gave this four stars instead of five due to some confusion with pacing early on and dialogue. I found some of the “hot and cold” dialogue to be tiresome after it kept happening, with some of the back and forth between the MMC and FMC to be confusing with how fast one of them flip flopped on what they wanted.
I was invested in the characters since meeting them in the previous series and was excited to see where it went. Death is oddly sweet, and at times childish almost, but understanding the circumstances it makes sense. I won’t list any spoilers because this is an ARC review but everything comes out in the wash by the end. Shay Taylor has a way to keep you guessing and a little confused for 70% of the book until it all comes together. This book can be read a standalone for this series, with each book of the series following a god. So this book is for Death only and doesn’t have a cliff hanger.
I will add a small note that there were a couple of spelling/grammatical issues, but the author does a great job of addressing them before the actual release of the book. We’re all human and make mistakes, so small errors don’t bother me unless they distract from the storyline.
June 29, 2025
Where do I start??!! I bloody loved this!!
I haven't felt this invested in a character or storyline for a long time. I am not a very emotional person so when I tell you this book made me cry TWICE it's a testament to the emotional impact it had on me.
Grim / Morrigan. What a character. I loved that she collects souls and is a complete and utter badass but please do not get lulled into a false sense of security here. People are so unbelievably cruel and unkind to her. It broke my heart. I could feel the pain in my chest when things happened to her. It's so unbearably sad but it's such an important part of her story, her journey and her strength.
Death (I won't spoil what his name is) is a dark, shadow wielding, possessive MMC and all the things we love in fantasy romance. He is the god of death and his siblings are also different gods of various things. I loved his banter with Morrigan and their chemistry is insane. When I say he does unhinged things for her. I mean it. On the minus side he is also part of Morrigan's pain at times and their love story is one that will make you giggle, kick your feet, feel angry and also make you cry!
The side characters are great. There are some that you just pray for a painful death and hate with a passion and there are some that you come to love.
This story has it all. There's love, tension, heartbreak, sadness, anger, redemption, betrayal and my word of you don't feel all the emotions for Morrigan then you seriously need to question yourself. There's also lots of violence but I enjoyed seeing the dark side to both characters.
There's passion and spice in the book and it was a great addition to the storyline as the attraction between these two jumps out the page at you.
I loved the dark gothic vibes the book gave me and I liked that the FMC is morally grey instead of a damsel in distress. She kicks butt and was full of rage. We love to see it! The villains in the story are also well written. I mean Morrigan's parents are just utterly horrid.
This series looks like it is going to be a series of interconnected stories which excites me no end. I can't explain more as it will spoil a big part of the storyline from book one which is a plot twist so all I can say is bring on the next book because I can't wait! There are plot twists flying in this book and there is a bonus chapter from book two at the end which has a plot twist straight off the bat! Shay pulls no punches! She has created a series which is captivating, compelling and complete and utter entertainment!
Thank you to the author - Shay Taylor and Westwind Publishing for the arc. This is my own honest review of the book.
I haven't felt this invested in a character or storyline for a long time. I am not a very emotional person so when I tell you this book made me cry TWICE it's a testament to the emotional impact it had on me.
Grim / Morrigan. What a character. I loved that she collects souls and is a complete and utter badass but please do not get lulled into a false sense of security here. People are so unbelievably cruel and unkind to her. It broke my heart. I could feel the pain in my chest when things happened to her. It's so unbearably sad but it's such an important part of her story, her journey and her strength.
Death (I won't spoil what his name is) is a dark, shadow wielding, possessive MMC and all the things we love in fantasy romance. He is the god of death and his siblings are also different gods of various things. I loved his banter with Morrigan and their chemistry is insane. When I say he does unhinged things for her. I mean it. On the minus side he is also part of Morrigan's pain at times and their love story is one that will make you giggle, kick your feet, feel angry and also make you cry!
The side characters are great. There are some that you just pray for a painful death and hate with a passion and there are some that you come to love.
This story has it all. There's love, tension, heartbreak, sadness, anger, redemption, betrayal and my word of you don't feel all the emotions for Morrigan then you seriously need to question yourself. There's also lots of violence but I enjoyed seeing the dark side to both characters.
There's passion and spice in the book and it was a great addition to the storyline as the attraction between these two jumps out the page at you.
I loved the dark gothic vibes the book gave me and I liked that the FMC is morally grey instead of a damsel in distress. She kicks butt and was full of rage. We love to see it! The villains in the story are also well written. I mean Morrigan's parents are just utterly horrid.
This series looks like it is going to be a series of interconnected stories which excites me no end. I can't explain more as it will spoil a big part of the storyline from book one which is a plot twist so all I can say is bring on the next book because I can't wait! There are plot twists flying in this book and there is a bonus chapter from book two at the end which has a plot twist straight off the bat! Shay pulls no punches! She has created a series which is captivating, compelling and complete and utter entertainment!
Thank you to the author - Shay Taylor and Westwind Publishing for the arc. This is my own honest review of the book.
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