What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunlight's Shadow: Book 2 in the Tales of the Shadow Folk
A life in the shadows is more than what she bargained for.
Being the Shadow King’s pet is Adelaide’s worst nightmare. Clapped in chains and, once again, robbed of her divine power, she is forced to reckon with the realities of life as a newborn vampire.
Her fangs and newfound immortality won’t stop her from trying her best to get under Mars’s skin as revenge for turning her into the very thing she hates the most.
But a greater evil than the Shadow King and the hordes of Velyasa is still lurking. As the kingdom and people she once feared begin to grow on her, Adelaide must grapple with the reality of what it means to be a vampire. Are they the monsters that Sunfall painted them to be? Or is she just swayed by the sensuous smile of the Shadow King, who can never seem to get enough of her, nor she of him.
Sunlight’s Shadow is the next gripping installment of the Tales of the Shadow Folk. Here be monsters, and none of them are who you think they are. Do you dare take a bite?
Being the Shadow King’s pet is Adelaide’s worst nightmare. Clapped in chains and, once again, robbed of her divine power, she is forced to reckon with the realities of life as a newborn vampire.
Her fangs and newfound immortality won’t stop her from trying her best to get under Mars’s skin as revenge for turning her into the very thing she hates the most.
But a greater evil than the Shadow King and the hordes of Velyasa is still lurking. As the kingdom and people she once feared begin to grow on her, Adelaide must grapple with the reality of what it means to be a vampire. Are they the monsters that Sunfall painted them to be? Or is she just swayed by the sensuous smile of the Shadow King, who can never seem to get enough of her, nor she of him.
Sunlight’s Shadow is the next gripping installment of the Tales of the Shadow Folk. Here be monsters, and none of them are who you think they are. Do you dare take a bite?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 10, 2025
⸻
Sunlight’s Shadow (Book 2 in The Tales of the Shadow Folk) made me love this series even more.
Our heroine is such a warm, compassionate soul but also a fierce, capable warrior and I absolutely adored her in this installment. The MMC? Complex, layered, and very much a “he falls first” kind of hero. Their romance had me hooked.
The insta-love from book one is completely explained here, and it works. Now, she knows he’s the Shadow King her enemy. That swoon-worthy king she fell for so quickly before? Maybe that was just an act… or maybe not. This book takes that revelation and turns it into a tender, tension-filled enemies-to-lovers story brimming with angst and sweet moments.
The worldbuilding only gets richer, and the themes run deep. One of the biggest threads is how the stories we’re told as children and the beliefs we’re indoctrinated with shape our worldview. Sometimes, we’re not the hero in the story, but the villain. Our princess is forced to confront this truth when she’s faced with living among vampires. Are they truly the evil she was raised to believe, or has she been wrong all along?
I loved the emotional and even spiritual depth of this book. It’s more than just a romantasy, it’s a story about questioning what you’ve been told, seeking your own truths, and daring to change your perspective.
Now I desperately need book three! Thanks to the author for the gifted arc!
August 10, 2025
First: I’m in love with Mars! There, I said it! But! This was a fun read!!! I had to really immerse myself into the story and read the first book before jumping into this! Adelaide’s constant internal battles broke me…her fight or flight mental struggle was heartbreaking. But when she finally chose what was ultimately right and accepting her fate…everything falling into place was perfect!
The story was beautifully written and had so much depth, i found myself wishing we had this magic in the world. My only critique is the long chapters.
Definitely a world worth visiting if you enjoyed ACOTAR! Just add vampires. 😏
The story was beautifully written and had so much depth, i found myself wishing we had this magic in the world. My only critique is the long chapters.
Definitely a world worth visiting if you enjoyed ACOTAR! Just add vampires. 😏
August 11, 2025
I enjoyed the first book. I thought the plot was interesting in this one and the continuation of Adelaide’s story and her adjusting to her new life. It was also interesting to read Mars’ back story. However for me personally the FMC was whiny. I felt like she spent the whole book having one big temper tantrum.
August 20, 2025
A perfect continuation from book one, this sequel flips everything on its head. The romance leans into instant love, but with depth, heartache, and tension woven through every page. The charming ruler may not be who he seems, and the story becomes as much about questioning long-held beliefs as it is about love. It’s not just romantasy—it’s emotionally rich, spiritual, and deeply immersive, with worldbuilding so captivating you wish you could step inside.
July 13, 2025
ARC Review
This book picks up where the first one ended and we're still in Adelaide's point of view.
I enjoyed this book - it was easy to read and enjoy the story that developed. This song pretty much describes Adelaide's head for most of the book and mine towards the end!!!
The first part of the book we are experiencing Adelaide and Mars' relationship develop. They are sworn enemies who have killed people from each others kingdoms but they feel a pull towards each other that they can't explain.
Tloved this tension between them and telt the excitement of when they eventually gave in. Needless to say there is more to it which starts to unravel as the book goes on.
We don't see much more of the world in this book as we're in Velayasa as Adelaide gets used to her new life and their relationship develop. This is importsnt for the story line and Adelaide as she learns more about the Shadow Folk.
The second part of the book we start to learn more about what has been going on for the past centuries and how Adelaide can master her magic to help both kingdoms survive.
There are some characters that come up that are the sweetest and some that I wanted to slap. Let me say now one female is a piece of work and I suspect we will see more in the coming books.
Towards the end, there is a heartbreaking scene between Adelaide and Mars that I gasped aloud at as I DID NOT see that coming. I really felt for Mars and Adelaide as could understand the heartbreak from both sides.
The books ending sets up book 3 to be a rollercoaster with more world building and action. I'm not sure I'm ready but at the same time I want it now!!
Book 2 of the Tales of the Shadow Folk was an enjoyable read. We got the tension and spice that makes us love the romantasy genre, along with more lore and magic development.
Thank you Eris for giving me this ARC, I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops.
This book picks up where the first one ended and we're still in Adelaide's point of view.
I enjoyed this book - it was easy to read and enjoy the story that developed. This song pretty much describes Adelaide's head for most of the book and mine towards the end!!!
The first part of the book we are experiencing Adelaide and Mars' relationship develop. They are sworn enemies who have killed people from each others kingdoms but they feel a pull towards each other that they can't explain.
Tloved this tension between them and telt the excitement of when they eventually gave in. Needless to say there is more to it which starts to unravel as the book goes on.
We don't see much more of the world in this book as we're in Velayasa as Adelaide gets used to her new life and their relationship develop. This is importsnt for the story line and Adelaide as she learns more about the Shadow Folk.
The second part of the book we start to learn more about what has been going on for the past centuries and how Adelaide can master her magic to help both kingdoms survive.
There are some characters that come up that are the sweetest and some that I wanted to slap. Let me say now one female is a piece of work and I suspect we will see more in the coming books.
Towards the end, there is a heartbreaking scene between Adelaide and Mars that I gasped aloud at as I DID NOT see that coming. I really felt for Mars and Adelaide as could understand the heartbreak from both sides.
The books ending sets up book 3 to be a rollercoaster with more world building and action. I'm not sure I'm ready but at the same time I want it now!!
Book 2 of the Tales of the Shadow Folk was an enjoyable read. We got the tension and spice that makes us love the romantasy genre, along with more lore and magic development.
Thank you Eris for giving me this ARC, I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
A life in the shadows is more than what Adelaide bargained for.
In chains and, once again, robbed of her divine power, Adelaide is forced to reckon with the realities of life as a newborn vampire, but not only that, the Shadow King’s pet.
Her fangs and newfound immortality won’t stop her from trying her best to get under Mars’s skin as revenge for turning her into what she once sought out to destroy.
But, there's no surprise that a greater evil than the Shadow King and the hordes of Velyasa is still hiding in the shadows. As the kingdom and people she once feared begin to grow on her, she must grapple with the reality of what it means to be a vampire.
I feel incredibly grateful that after reading Book 1, Magic Bites, I was able to immediately dive into Sunlight's Shadow. If I was forced to wait I would have been devastated because the ending had me yearning for Book 2.
Also, there's nothing like a good vampire story. They thrive in atmospheric, often moody settings that carry a sense of danger and allure. This story was always teetering on the edge of danger, and the characters were captivating, particularly, our main characters. Adelaide and Mars were by far my favourite characters, separately, I felt they each had a lot of depth, their backstories are intricate and compelling, I don't know if I connected with these two characters necessarily, but I did enjoy them, even without the connection. As a pair, they are great. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two, especially with how their relationship started, the banter was firey! I enjoyed every second of it. Adelaide went through a lot, she had a lot on her mind, and a lot to figure out, self-discovery as a newborn vampire and that was well done.
Lastly, I loved the atmosphere! I always find that this kind of atmosphere really pulls you into the story, not just through the setting, but also through the characters and even the pacing, making it easy to become fully immersed.
In chains and, once again, robbed of her divine power, Adelaide is forced to reckon with the realities of life as a newborn vampire, but not only that, the Shadow King’s pet.
Her fangs and newfound immortality won’t stop her from trying her best to get under Mars’s skin as revenge for turning her into what she once sought out to destroy.
But, there's no surprise that a greater evil than the Shadow King and the hordes of Velyasa is still hiding in the shadows. As the kingdom and people she once feared begin to grow on her, she must grapple with the reality of what it means to be a vampire.
I feel incredibly grateful that after reading Book 1, Magic Bites, I was able to immediately dive into Sunlight's Shadow. If I was forced to wait I would have been devastated because the ending had me yearning for Book 2.
Also, there's nothing like a good vampire story. They thrive in atmospheric, often moody settings that carry a sense of danger and allure. This story was always teetering on the edge of danger, and the characters were captivating, particularly, our main characters. Adelaide and Mars were by far my favourite characters, separately, I felt they each had a lot of depth, their backstories are intricate and compelling, I don't know if I connected with these two characters necessarily, but I did enjoy them, even without the connection. As a pair, they are great. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two, especially with how their relationship started, the banter was firey! I enjoyed every second of it. Adelaide went through a lot, she had a lot on her mind, and a lot to figure out, self-discovery as a newborn vampire and that was well done.
Lastly, I loved the atmosphere! I always find that this kind of atmosphere really pulls you into the story, not just through the setting, but also through the characters and even the pacing, making it easy to become fully immersed.
August 26, 2025
Sunlight’s Shadow - Eris Marriott
Tales of the Shadow Folk Book 2
Thank you @erismarriott and @crownsandchaos_pr for this gifted ARC
My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 307
Published: August 12, 2025
Nickname: Fire
Genre: Fantasy
Tropes:
🗡️ Romantasy
🗡️ Fated Mates
🗡️ Badass FMC
🗡️ Secrets and Lies
🗡️ He Falls First
🗡️ Divine Prophecies
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Vampire & Vampire Slayer
This is Mars and Adelaide’s story. The world building and character development is superb I was immersed in this book and couldn’t put it down. I loved his patience with her and her hunger for knowledge and capacity to forgive.
There are lessons to be learned in this book. This is a book of Gods and Goddesses. Of shadow people and mortals. Of Magic and magical creatures. All fighting for their right to live in peace and acceptance. Leading up to the war lead by one who has deemed himself king over all. Who stole his magic in nefarious ways to be used unmercifully on those who do not submit to him.
He is Mars younger brother Jupiter.
Now read this book to find out the powers and secrets Mars and Adelaide possess and if they have enough magic and training to defeat evil.
I highly recommend this book and series.
#erismarriott #crownsandchaos_pr #sunlightsshadow #magicbites #romantasy #fatedmates #enemiestolovers #devineprophecies
Tales of the Shadow Folk Book 2
Thank you @erismarriott and @crownsandchaos_pr for this gifted ARC
My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 307
Published: August 12, 2025
Nickname: Fire
Genre: Fantasy
Tropes:
🗡️ Romantasy
🗡️ Fated Mates
🗡️ Badass FMC
🗡️ Secrets and Lies
🗡️ He Falls First
🗡️ Divine Prophecies
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Vampire & Vampire Slayer
This is Mars and Adelaide’s story. The world building and character development is superb I was immersed in this book and couldn’t put it down. I loved his patience with her and her hunger for knowledge and capacity to forgive.
There are lessons to be learned in this book. This is a book of Gods and Goddesses. Of shadow people and mortals. Of Magic and magical creatures. All fighting for their right to live in peace and acceptance. Leading up to the war lead by one who has deemed himself king over all. Who stole his magic in nefarious ways to be used unmercifully on those who do not submit to him.
He is Mars younger brother Jupiter.
Now read this book to find out the powers and secrets Mars and Adelaide possess and if they have enough magic and training to defeat evil.
I highly recommend this book and series.
#erismarriott #crownsandchaos_pr #sunlightsshadow #magicbites #romantasy #fatedmates #enemiestolovers #devineprophecies
August 13, 2025
Sunlight’s Shadow picks up right where Magic Bites left off, diving back into Adelaide’s point of view as she’s forced to face the unthinkable. She has awoken as the one thing she’s despised her entire life. To make matters worse, she’s being held “prisoner” by the very person she’s always sworn to kill.
Her interactions with Mars are immediately rocky and filled with sharp words. Their shared history is filled with a lifetime of hatred and mistrust toward each other and each of their kind, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. Mars is dark and broody, but he reveals a surprisingly gentle and protective side toward Adelaide. He ultimately is the first one to fall for her.
This sequel also introduces memorable new side characters (Sherry quickly became a favorite), expands the world with the shadow folk politics, and unravels secrets Adelaide must confront.
By the end of Sunlight’s Shadow, alliances shift, unexpected allies emerge, and the cliffhanger at the end will have you wishing you could immediately pick up book three.
Her interactions with Mars are immediately rocky and filled with sharp words. Their shared history is filled with a lifetime of hatred and mistrust toward each other and each of their kind, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. Mars is dark and broody, but he reveals a surprisingly gentle and protective side toward Adelaide. He ultimately is the first one to fall for her.
This sequel also introduces memorable new side characters (Sherry quickly became a favorite), expands the world with the shadow folk politics, and unravels secrets Adelaide must confront.
By the end of Sunlight’s Shadow, alliances shift, unexpected allies emerge, and the cliffhanger at the end will have you wishing you could immediately pick up book three.
August 13, 2025
I cannot recommend this book enough, or this series. I have literally been telling everyone I know who loves to read about this book.
Eris weaved a beautiful sequel to Magic Bites that left me so excited for the third book. The way she showcases how deeply resentful Adelaide is for Mars, while also acknowledging that deep down she loves him, is a work of art in and of itself. She has a way of creating characters you can't help but love, like Sherry or the fairy children in the garden, who slowly begin to change the Adelaides view of the Shadow Folk.
You're able to see more of the gods and goddesses in this book and begin to understand their logic and reasoning for things more and more as the book goes on. Particularly as Adelaide grows into her power as a Shadow Folk.
Oh, and did I mention the spicy scenes, because DAMN, is all I got to say. It was hot, hot, hot and had me kicking my feet because I was not expecting that from Mars!!
Bonus points for a few characters returning...even though my favorite wasn't one of them #justiceforfinch
Eris weaved a beautiful sequel to Magic Bites that left me so excited for the third book. The way she showcases how deeply resentful Adelaide is for Mars, while also acknowledging that deep down she loves him, is a work of art in and of itself. She has a way of creating characters you can't help but love, like Sherry or the fairy children in the garden, who slowly begin to change the Adelaides view of the Shadow Folk.
You're able to see more of the gods and goddesses in this book and begin to understand their logic and reasoning for things more and more as the book goes on. Particularly as Adelaide grows into her power as a Shadow Folk.
Oh, and did I mention the spicy scenes, because DAMN, is all I got to say. It was hot, hot, hot and had me kicking my feet because I was not expecting that from Mars!!
Bonus points for a few characters returning...even though my favorite wasn't one of them #justiceforfinch
August 22, 2025
I need to preface this review with I haven’t read a fantasy book since Fourth Wing. As most books in that genre, you need to really immerse yourself in the world. There’s a whole codex in the back of this book for language. Talk about writing on another level. This book is not a light read, you definitely have to read book one and you need to commit to a deep dive.
Here’s why I gave it five stars:
The world building is huge. The descriptions of the Shadow Land and the surrounding forests was lush and beautifully written.
The descriptions of her thirst and her changing body. Definitely leans a little toward body horror and that is one of my favorites.
The fact that Mars has a slew of children. I know this is weird but I have always hated when the 1,000’s year old MMC is a virgin and hasn’t been with a million women (or men).
If you love Romantasy and fated mates and enemies to lovers this will be one of your favorites.
Here’s why I gave it five stars:
The world building is huge. The descriptions of the Shadow Land and the surrounding forests was lush and beautifully written.
The descriptions of her thirst and her changing body. Definitely leans a little toward body horror and that is one of my favorites.
The fact that Mars has a slew of children. I know this is weird but I have always hated when the 1,000’s year old MMC is a virgin and hasn’t been with a million women (or men).
If you love Romantasy and fated mates and enemies to lovers this will be one of your favorites.
August 18, 2025
This was so immersive and every detail was devouring!
This is perfect continuation from book 1 and this time everything will change. Right? Their romance is a 'instant love' story that will overflow here and the charming, irresistible ruler might just be a facade she never saw coming. It's layered with heartache, tension, and unexpectedly tender beats.
At its heart, it’s a story about unlearning, about questioning the beliefs you’ve grown up with and finding the strength to seek your own truth. What she has done here is offered so much more than a typical romantasy, it’s emotionally rich and surprisingly spiritual at the same time!
This was definitely one of those romantasy reads that was so immersive I wish it existed. The world building and the atmosphere was just captivating and one you must experience.
This is perfect continuation from book 1 and this time everything will change. Right? Their romance is a 'instant love' story that will overflow here and the charming, irresistible ruler might just be a facade she never saw coming. It's layered with heartache, tension, and unexpectedly tender beats.
At its heart, it’s a story about unlearning, about questioning the beliefs you’ve grown up with and finding the strength to seek your own truth. What she has done here is offered so much more than a typical romantasy, it’s emotionally rich and surprisingly spiritual at the same time!
This was definitely one of those romantasy reads that was so immersive I wish it existed. The world building and the atmosphere was just captivating and one you must experience.
July 14, 2025
★★★★★
🌶️🌶️🌶️
My gosh, I can’t even begin to explain how much I love this series.
Sunlight’s Shadow is the second book in the Tales of the Shadowfolk series, and I loved it even more than the first.
I once again absolutely adored Mars and Adelaide, and I fell in love with a whole bunch of new characters as well. Also the writing was absolutely magical and I loved the worldbuilding!! To be honest all the parts of the old gods were my favourite.
Also, the spice? 10/10!! 🌶️
I need the third book already, please!! T-T
Thank you so so so much, Eris Marriot, for this ARC!! 🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️
My gosh, I can’t even begin to explain how much I love this series.
Sunlight’s Shadow is the second book in the Tales of the Shadowfolk series, and I loved it even more than the first.
I once again absolutely adored Mars and Adelaide, and I fell in love with a whole bunch of new characters as well. Also the writing was absolutely magical and I loved the worldbuilding!! To be honest all the parts of the old gods were my favourite.
Also, the spice? 10/10!! 🌶️
I need the third book already, please!! T-T
Thank you so so so much, Eris Marriot, for this ARC!! 🖤
August 11, 2025
This is the book where Adelaide truly comes into her own. We see her youth, her heart, and her strength- making choices that are smart but also full of conviction. She faces challenges that force her to grow, and this time, she’s not leaning on her family. It’s just her, her instincts, and her determination to keep going.
I can’t share too much without spoiling the surprises, but Sunlight’s Shadow is another amazing fantasy from Eris Marriott- filled with growth, courage, and moments of intellectual maturity that resonates long after the final chapter concluded.
I can’t share too much without spoiling the surprises, but Sunlight’s Shadow is another amazing fantasy from Eris Marriott- filled with growth, courage, and moments of intellectual maturity that resonates long after the final chapter concluded.
July 15, 2025
A book that’s just as impossible to put down as the first. We see Adelaide as the truly complex character she is as we explore her perspective in her new place among the shadow folk. In this book we get a look at a brand new world and a whole set of new characters to love while getting a better look at Mars, and the relationship between Mars and Adelaide. Great book. Would read again. Will read again until the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
We pick up where we left off of book 1 and follow along as the FMC has to learn who she is now and how to make a new life, with was she was given. Will she embrass the unknown? Read to find out.
I liked this book. We get more info on both the MMC & FMC. We get a few shocks and bombshells for sure. I looked like a fish out of water with my mouth dropping open and closed with those twists. AND THAT ENDING!!!!!!! I love and hate a good cliff hanger - LOL
I liked this book. We get more info on both the MMC & FMC. We get a few shocks and bombshells for sure. I looked like a fish out of water with my mouth dropping open and closed with those twists. AND THAT ENDING!!!!!!! I love and hate a good cliff hanger - LOL
July 25, 2025
All I can say is I NEED TO READ MORE the only problem with this book was it wasn't long enough! Watching Adelaide grow into herself and navigate her feelings was brilliant the tesnison and spice was *chefs kiss* and I loved every second of this book I cant wait for the next one!
October 10, 2025
The pacing in this book was BEAUTIFUL!! It really gave me "A Court of Mist and Fury" vibes with the pacing as well as the love a shadow daddy hehe! I hear she is writing book 3, which I need NOW!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
The journey continues for two enemies turned to gods-chosen lovers. Secrets are spilled and difficult decisions must be made. Surprises around every corner. A must-read for lovers of vampires and romance.
August 8, 2025
Once again Eris pulls you into the land of the shadow folk with her rich plot, descriptive dialogue, and world building. It was nice to see the relationship between Mars and Adelaide shift from uncertainty to a bond filled with love and trust. I think Eris did a wonderful job making their romance realistic, while maintaining their growth as individual characters and the challenges they each face.
A good read! Check it out!
A good read! Check it out!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews