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The City #2
City of Shadows
War is coming. But the real battle begins in whispers and shadows.
Kas has survived prison camps, rebellion, and betrayal. Now, with war looming, he leads a desperate mission into the Frostblood Ranges, searching for a tribe whose forgotten magic might be their only hope against a fate worse than death. But they’re being hunted, and the shadows are closing in.
Emilia disobeys orders to protect Kas, crossing a line she can’t uncross. But as the time to choose a side runs out, one truth becomes harder to doing what’s right might make her a traitor… and cost her people their lives.
Cassandra is racing to unite the tribes before the enemy strikes. But her growing feelings for Bryon blur the line between ally and threat—and Lukas, the man she truly loves, is unearthing a secret that could destroy their bond forever.
Mira is haunted by a being that only she can see. The Druids revere the Ancient as a god, but Mira isn’t so sure. Its motives are unclear, and as Mira’s bond with the Ancient deepens, it threatens to tear her from Tia, whose growing doubts about Mira—and herself—may shatter them both.
Five lives. Countless secrets. A war no one is ready for.
But in the shadows, it has already begun.
Kas has survived prison camps, rebellion, and betrayal. Now, with war looming, he leads a desperate mission into the Frostblood Ranges, searching for a tribe whose forgotten magic might be their only hope against a fate worse than death. But they’re being hunted, and the shadows are closing in.
Emilia disobeys orders to protect Kas, crossing a line she can’t uncross. But as the time to choose a side runs out, one truth becomes harder to doing what’s right might make her a traitor… and cost her people their lives.
Cassandra is racing to unite the tribes before the enemy strikes. But her growing feelings for Bryon blur the line between ally and threat—and Lukas, the man she truly loves, is unearthing a secret that could destroy their bond forever.
Mira is haunted by a being that only she can see. The Druids revere the Ancient as a god, but Mira isn’t so sure. Its motives are unclear, and as Mira’s bond with the Ancient deepens, it threatens to tear her from Tia, whose growing doubts about Mira—and herself—may shatter them both.
Five lives. Countless secrets. A war no one is ready for.
But in the shadows, it has already begun.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
9 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Holder
6 books24 followersK.T. Holder is a Taswegian who currently lives in Texas with her wife and three small fluffy dogs. When she’s not writing (or pretending to) she enjoys reading, watching documentaries (mainly true crime), watching “documentaries” (ie reality tv), and fulfilling the needs of her fluffy overlords.
A fifteen year army veteran, K.T. decided that she’d much prefer to make things up for a living, and so rekindled her love of writing.
Though pairing a foray into writing with quitting her job and moving internationally may not have been the smartest thing she has ever done, she loves writing (not as much as her amazing, supportive and understanding wife) and is excited about this next chapter (see what she did there?)
Get free prequel novellas to both K.T. Holder's series' over at her website (Https://www.ktholder.com/regent) and don't forget to drop her a line while you're there!
A fifteen year army veteran, K.T. decided that she’d much prefer to make things up for a living, and so rekindled her love of writing.
Though pairing a foray into writing with quitting her job and moving internationally may not have been the smartest thing she has ever done, she loves writing (not as much as her amazing, supportive and understanding wife) and is excited about this next chapter (see what she did there?)
Get free prequel novellas to both K.T. Holder's series' over at her website (Https://www.ktholder.com/regent) and don't forget to drop her a line while you're there!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 8, 2025
Book 3 doesn’t come out until next year… come on… lol
I have really enjoyed this. Thank you for the giveaway on the first one. Tia is a bad ass, and I didn’t put money on her shifter. You slowly learn about communicators from Mira during their travels. There is a decent balance between all of the characters while maintaining Kas’ role as the main character. This one leaves you on a cliffhanger. I’m glad there is a novella about the divvinium. It will be nice to get a look into Emilia.
I have really enjoyed this. Thank you for the giveaway on the first one. Tia is a bad ass, and I didn’t put money on her shifter. You slowly learn about communicators from Mira during their travels. There is a decent balance between all of the characters while maintaining Kas’ role as the main character. This one leaves you on a cliffhanger. I’m glad there is a novella about the divvinium. It will be nice to get a look into Emilia.
December 4, 2025
K.T. Holder does it again, and it's only just begun.
Second in the series, CITY OF SHADOWS is a rollercoaster of emotions that takes us on a ride through action and adventure, faltering loyalties, gray areas of trust, exciting realm politics, the kind of friendship we all wish we had, and struggles with keeping family safe--both found and through blood.
We meet new characters while still following through multi-POV with the cast we've come to love, but none of it feels complicated, and none of the characters serve as filler. Each of them brings something to the pages, whether they're scheming, trying to get themselves out of (or into) a situation, or a welcome comedic relief during times of tension. You'd think bouncing around between character POV's would be jarring, but the writing is so fluid and intimate, it feels like we're sitting as passengers through their eyes and exploring the world with them (controller pun intended)
The world-building is so well done, I'm half convinced K.T. Holder found a whole new universe in real life and is describing it to us because there's NO WAY that Valoris *doesn't exist*
Much like the first book, CITY OF SHADOWS is a character-driven epic fantasy, but it's not overwhelming. The term "epic fantasy" may seem intimidating, but The City series is proving to be a fresh take on the epic genre and earns a place on the shelf alongside the classics.
If you're not already reading this series, you need to be. It's absolutely one to binge.
Second in the series, CITY OF SHADOWS is a rollercoaster of emotions that takes us on a ride through action and adventure, faltering loyalties, gray areas of trust, exciting realm politics, the kind of friendship we all wish we had, and struggles with keeping family safe--both found and through blood.
We meet new characters while still following through multi-POV with the cast we've come to love, but none of it feels complicated, and none of the characters serve as filler. Each of them brings something to the pages, whether they're scheming, trying to get themselves out of (or into) a situation, or a welcome comedic relief during times of tension. You'd think bouncing around between character POV's would be jarring, but the writing is so fluid and intimate, it feels like we're sitting as passengers through their eyes and exploring the world with them (controller pun intended)
The world-building is so well done, I'm half convinced K.T. Holder found a whole new universe in real life and is describing it to us because there's NO WAY that Valoris *doesn't exist*
Much like the first book, CITY OF SHADOWS is a character-driven epic fantasy, but it's not overwhelming. The term "epic fantasy" may seem intimidating, but The City series is proving to be a fresh take on the epic genre and earns a place on the shelf alongside the classics.
If you're not already reading this series, you need to be. It's absolutely one to binge.
November 11, 2025
This series just keeps getting better. City of Shadows picks up right where the first book left off, and somehow manages to raise the stakes on every front.. emotionally, politically, and magically. The pacing is incredible, the tension never lets up, and there’s still humor and character moments that remind you why you care so much about these people in the first place.
Kas continues to be such a strong anchor for the story, but what I really loved this time is how much space each character gets to shine. You can feel everyone’s growth, fears, loyalties, and hard choices. It makes the whole world feel alive. The shifting POVs add layers without ever losing the thread of the main story, and that’s not easy to pull off.
The world building here is phenomenal. Every new place, every hint of magic or ancient power, feels like it’s building toward something bigger. And that cliffhanger? Brutal in the best way. Book three can’t come soon enough.
If you like complex characters, political tension, and high-stakes fantasy with heart, this series deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
What to expect
-Found family
-Multiple POVs
-Forbidden love
-Political intrigue
-Ancient magic
-Reluctant leader
Vibes
-Heavy atmosphere, layered world building
-Loyalty, sacrifice, and impossible choices
-That “just one more chapter” kind of book
Kas continues to be such a strong anchor for the story, but what I really loved this time is how much space each character gets to shine. You can feel everyone’s growth, fears, loyalties, and hard choices. It makes the whole world feel alive. The shifting POVs add layers without ever losing the thread of the main story, and that’s not easy to pull off.
The world building here is phenomenal. Every new place, every hint of magic or ancient power, feels like it’s building toward something bigger. And that cliffhanger? Brutal in the best way. Book three can’t come soon enough.
If you like complex characters, political tension, and high-stakes fantasy with heart, this series deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
What to expect
-Found family
-Multiple POVs
-Forbidden love
-Political intrigue
-Ancient magic
-Reluctant leader
Vibes
-Heavy atmosphere, layered world building
-Loyalty, sacrifice, and impossible choices
-That “just one more chapter” kind of book
October 22, 2025
City of Shadows picks up where the first installment ends: Kas finds his brother but things don’t really turn out the way he imagined, and so now, with the Controllers mobilizing their attack, he needs to navigate not only politics, but also dangers he never imagined he would face, both external and internal.
This book has everything. The world building is supreme, and the combination of tension and humor is done in such a unique way that I dare say it’s never been done before in fantasy. The author takes her time in this volume to give us a more in depth look at each character, giving each their own space to breathe and shine. We get a closer look at motives, past, interests and flaws, and that alone is refreshing to say the least.
The shifts in POV are a good break from tension. Nope. The author masterfully switches one tension with another, always keeping you on your toes and wanting to turn the next page.
Is the book worth reading ?
Absolutely yes. It not only serves a phenomenal fantasy story, filled with mystery and awe, but it serves as a great springboard to book 3, which I cannot wait to read.
Keep an eye out for this author — she is going places!
This book has everything. The world building is supreme, and the combination of tension and humor is done in such a unique way that I dare say it’s never been done before in fantasy. The author takes her time in this volume to give us a more in depth look at each character, giving each their own space to breathe and shine. We get a closer look at motives, past, interests and flaws, and that alone is refreshing to say the least.
The shifts in POV are a good break from tension. Nope. The author masterfully switches one tension with another, always keeping you on your toes and wanting to turn the next page.
Is the book worth reading ?
Absolutely yes. It not only serves a phenomenal fantasy story, filled with mystery and awe, but it serves as a great springboard to book 3, which I cannot wait to read.
Keep an eye out for this author — she is going places!
September 26, 2025
It's been a while since I read the first book, so there were a few times where it took me a long moment to remember who was who and doing what (especially given the vast cast of characters). However once my brain kicked back into gear (and after a skimmed a little bit of the first book) everything fell into place.
The pacing in this book is great. It really balances how each characters' arc continues, so the tension continues to build, even when you switch point-of-view. I spent so much time on the edge of my seat!
Cassandra continues to be my favourite character (despite some of her choices...), though I enjoyed following along with all the characters (OMG Tia!). Seeing them deal with their own insecurities, and battling personal dramas while still trying to remain true to their objective really makes them feel like real people and makes for a very immersive experience.
It's so difficult to say anything more without spoilers! So I will leave it there and just recommend you read it.
The pacing in this book is great. It really balances how each characters' arc continues, so the tension continues to build, even when you switch point-of-view. I spent so much time on the edge of my seat!
Cassandra continues to be my favourite character (despite some of her choices...), though I enjoyed following along with all the characters (OMG Tia!). Seeing them deal with their own insecurities, and battling personal dramas while still trying to remain true to their objective really makes them feel like real people and makes for a very immersive experience.
It's so difficult to say anything more without spoilers! So I will leave it there and just recommend you read it.
July 18, 2025
WOW! An incredible second book in the City series by K. T. Holder and she definitely does not disappoint. I couldn't stop reading. I just kept turning the pages to see what happens next. So much action, adventure, twists, turns, surprises, betrayals, friendships, and magic. All the characters were driven and engaging. They were well developed with an amazing amount of growth with room to grow in future books. And the incredible world building of K. T. is beautifully, brilliantly, and magically blended throughout the story. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews