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Shadows of the Past
Regency-inspired romantic fantasy where thrones tremble, shadows whisper, and the past strikes back.
War with Illisart looms. Within the capital, torches rise outside the embassies' silken curtains. Discontent simmers beneath the gilded halls, as rebellious officers of the Union of Justice cry out for reform—but what they truly want is blood. Glinfiel must navigate a crumbling peace, an opposition led astray by his oldest rival, and a nation poised to turn upon itself.
Meanwhile, Shaliyah faces the return of a nightmare she believed long buried. Count Solamar—the insidious envoy of Illisart—arrives with whispered threats and outrageous demands spoken in the name of his king. And what he offers is an impossible choice: silence or downfall.
As winter closes in, so do the enemies, old and new. Will the Queen Regent and her First Councillor find the strength to hold the realm together—and face the truths that may tear them apart?
War with Illisart looms. Within the capital, torches rise outside the embassies' silken curtains. Discontent simmers beneath the gilded halls, as rebellious officers of the Union of Justice cry out for reform—but what they truly want is blood. Glinfiel must navigate a crumbling peace, an opposition led astray by his oldest rival, and a nation poised to turn upon itself.
Meanwhile, Shaliyah faces the return of a nightmare she believed long buried. Count Solamar—the insidious envoy of Illisart—arrives with whispered threats and outrageous demands spoken in the name of his king. And what he offers is an impossible choice: silence or downfall.
As winter closes in, so do the enemies, old and new. Will the Queen Regent and her First Councillor find the strength to hold the realm together—and face the truths that may tear them apart?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Agathe Moire
2 books4 followersWe are two co-authors of romantic fantasy woven with political intrigue, slow-burning passion, and high-stakes power struggles. Our stories blend Regency-inspired court drama, epic fantasy landscapes, and emotionally charged relationships, creating worlds where love and ambition collide.
Our goal is to craft stories that make you fall in love, hold your breath, and linger in your mind long after the last page is turned.
Our goal is to craft stories that make you fall in love, hold your breath, and linger in your mind long after the last page is turned.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 21, 2025
Once again, we are presented with a magical intertwining of palace intrigues, forbidden love, personal dramas, and heart-wrenching scars in the masterfully crafted magical world of the elven kingdom of Ilva Essari.
This is not just a fantasy with intrigue and magic. The authors have managed to create a realistic world, alive and tangible, with the mesmerizing stories of the main characters, whose every step is a struggle with shadows both within and without.
The novel grabs you by the soul from the very first pages, doesn't let go until the epilogue, and leaves a poignant aftertaste. In terms of substance and artistry, this is a book that is painful to read because of its piercing honesty, but even more painful to put down without acknowledging its truth.
Shaliyah Quindan is the heart of the novel. Her eyes, full of all the world's pain, hide scars that have not healed for centuries. The scenes of her suffering are depicted so masterfully, and sharply that it takes special courage to get through them. The heroine's flashbacks are nightmarish and nauseatingly detailed: her past with her tyrant father Ilvary, memories of him selling her to allies for profit, how he forced her to submit, breaking her spirit with violence and manipulation. How Shaliyah survived in a cage of fear and guilt, blaming herself for every "yes" uttered through tears. It's painful to read how the heroine wraps herself in blankets in her chambers, as if in a cocoon, hiding from the world, or how she freezes at the appearance of Solamar, that ghost from the past whose touch still burns her skin.
And yet, despite her wounded soul, Shaliyah finds the strength to open up to Glinfiel. In scenes with him, she melts, presses herself against his coat, whispers secrets by the fireplace, allows herself to love, risking everything. It is so pleasant to watch this slow healing—she trusts him because she sees in him not a conqueror, but a shield protecting her from all the hardships of a cruel world.
Glinfiel, also known as Veluar, is her perfect contrast. He is a warrior with a white streak in his hair, scars from wars, and a habit of feeding sugar to his horse. His sabre strikes down enemies, and his heart beats only for Shaliyah. If I were asked to close my eyes and imagine the image of a "perfect knight"—I would imagine Glinfiel.
The secondary characters add depth to the narrative: Ferellis, a portly elf with a glass of brandy and cigar smoke, embodies the old guard whose pride borders on stubbornness; Lanbridge, the Raeglathian ambassador, brings diplomatic charm; Solamar is a textbook-pure, poisonous evil; young Derion is a ray of hope; and the shadows of Derethor and Ilvary in the crypt are a reminder that the past does not let go so easily.
For me personally, the true strength of the novel lies in its quiet, pastel moments. Shaliyah playing the harp by the window. Glinfiel reading a letter with slight embarrassment. Their embrace under the silk ribbons at the masquerade…
This is not a novel about strong heroes in a slogan sense. It is a novel about how wounded souls find the strength to thaw and resurrect, leaving their guilt in the snows of the past. It leaves a mark—on one hand, deep and painful; on the other, hopeful and promising like spring.
Eagerly awaiting the continuation.
This is not just a fantasy with intrigue and magic. The authors have managed to create a realistic world, alive and tangible, with the mesmerizing stories of the main characters, whose every step is a struggle with shadows both within and without.
The novel grabs you by the soul from the very first pages, doesn't let go until the epilogue, and leaves a poignant aftertaste. In terms of substance and artistry, this is a book that is painful to read because of its piercing honesty, but even more painful to put down without acknowledging its truth.
Shaliyah Quindan is the heart of the novel. Her eyes, full of all the world's pain, hide scars that have not healed for centuries. The scenes of her suffering are depicted so masterfully, and sharply that it takes special courage to get through them. The heroine's flashbacks are nightmarish and nauseatingly detailed: her past with her tyrant father Ilvary, memories of him selling her to allies for profit, how he forced her to submit, breaking her spirit with violence and manipulation. How Shaliyah survived in a cage of fear and guilt, blaming herself for every "yes" uttered through tears. It's painful to read how the heroine wraps herself in blankets in her chambers, as if in a cocoon, hiding from the world, or how she freezes at the appearance of Solamar, that ghost from the past whose touch still burns her skin.
And yet, despite her wounded soul, Shaliyah finds the strength to open up to Glinfiel. In scenes with him, she melts, presses herself against his coat, whispers secrets by the fireplace, allows herself to love, risking everything. It is so pleasant to watch this slow healing—she trusts him because she sees in him not a conqueror, but a shield protecting her from all the hardships of a cruel world.
Glinfiel, also known as Veluar, is her perfect contrast. He is a warrior with a white streak in his hair, scars from wars, and a habit of feeding sugar to his horse. His sabre strikes down enemies, and his heart beats only for Shaliyah. If I were asked to close my eyes and imagine the image of a "perfect knight"—I would imagine Glinfiel.
The secondary characters add depth to the narrative: Ferellis, a portly elf with a glass of brandy and cigar smoke, embodies the old guard whose pride borders on stubbornness; Lanbridge, the Raeglathian ambassador, brings diplomatic charm; Solamar is a textbook-pure, poisonous evil; young Derion is a ray of hope; and the shadows of Derethor and Ilvary in the crypt are a reminder that the past does not let go so easily.
For me personally, the true strength of the novel lies in its quiet, pastel moments. Shaliyah playing the harp by the window. Glinfiel reading a letter with slight embarrassment. Their embrace under the silk ribbons at the masquerade…
This is not a novel about strong heroes in a slogan sense. It is a novel about how wounded souls find the strength to thaw and resurrect, leaving their guilt in the snows of the past. It leaves a mark—on one hand, deep and painful; on the other, hopeful and promising like spring.
Eagerly awaiting the continuation.
September 4, 2025
The smooth transition from the first book to its continuation was seamless. I enjoyed learning more about the queens back story and hope to see more of this couple with the next novel
*With the ongoing war now at their castle doors, many secrets once thought to be forgotten begin to reveal themselves.
Will Glinfiel be able to with stand the drama brewing?
With the queens mother seeking shelter uninvited and her former lover back with a grudge, what will become of the relationship between Queen Shayliyah
and Glinfiel.*
*With the ongoing war now at their castle doors, many secrets once thought to be forgotten begin to reveal themselves.
Will Glinfiel be able to with stand the drama brewing?
With the queens mother seeking shelter uninvited and her former lover back with a grudge, what will become of the relationship between Queen Shayliyah
and Glinfiel.*
September 11, 2025
Lady Quindan’s Councillor, Book 2
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Fantasy | Romance | Regency-Inspired
Tap into your regal side with this utterly charming, regency-inspired series (best enjoyed with tea and cucumber sandwiches, of course!).
Book 2 picks up right where we left off in Ilva Essari — a kingdom on the brink of war, torn by rebellion. For Queen Regent Shaliyah, matters only worsen with the sudden reappearance of her estranged mother… and another figure she’d long hoped to leave buried in the past. Through this, we uncover Shaliyah’s painful history: neglect, cruelty, and the shadows that shaped her.
Meanwhile, we learn more about Glinfiel — his centuries-old ties to the Quindan family, the insecurities he carries, and the guilt he can no longer ignore. Together, Shaliyah and Glinfiel must face impossible odds, as truths from the past threaten to tear them apart.
✨ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 ✨
👥 Dual POV
👑 Regency-inspired
🏰 Political power plays & court intrigue
⚫️ Blackmail
❤️ A sweet, genteel romance
💪 Overcoming past trauma
I adore the regal, immersive writing style of this series — it pulls me straight in. The opening, with its war prep and battle scenes, felt a little heavy at first, but once past that, the pacing flowed beautifully.
The ending? It gave me all the feels 🫶 and sets us up perfectly for the next instalment.
‼️ I definitely recommend this series to fantasy fans who love royal drama, courtly intrigue, tender relationships, and all things regency-inspired.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Fantasy | Romance | Regency-Inspired
Tap into your regal side with this utterly charming, regency-inspired series (best enjoyed with tea and cucumber sandwiches, of course!).
Book 2 picks up right where we left off in Ilva Essari — a kingdom on the brink of war, torn by rebellion. For Queen Regent Shaliyah, matters only worsen with the sudden reappearance of her estranged mother… and another figure she’d long hoped to leave buried in the past. Through this, we uncover Shaliyah’s painful history: neglect, cruelty, and the shadows that shaped her.
Meanwhile, we learn more about Glinfiel — his centuries-old ties to the Quindan family, the insecurities he carries, and the guilt he can no longer ignore. Together, Shaliyah and Glinfiel must face impossible odds, as truths from the past threaten to tear them apart.
✨ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 ✨
👥 Dual POV
👑 Regency-inspired
🏰 Political power plays & court intrigue
⚫️ Blackmail
❤️ A sweet, genteel romance
💪 Overcoming past trauma
I adore the regal, immersive writing style of this series — it pulls me straight in. The opening, with its war prep and battle scenes, felt a little heavy at first, but once past that, the pacing flowed beautifully.
The ending? It gave me all the feels 🫶 and sets us up perfectly for the next instalment.
‼️ I definitely recommend this series to fantasy fans who love royal drama, courtly intrigue, tender relationships, and all things regency-inspired.
September 6, 2025
Summary -> This time the story is built differently. There are no 'hidden' conspiracies like the previous book but now they are being executed out in the open. Times are still dark and ominous and now the enemies are parading against Shaliyah and her First Councillor out in the open. War is on the brink of Ilva Essari and one of Shaliyah's past presents himself along her doorstep. How can they both tackle these dire hardships and at the same time win the trials their love has to go through?
Foremost I want to start my review by saying this time around, the 2nd book made me engross in it harder than the 1st book. I must say, the author(authors) literally have now made me a fan of regency theme based stories and theirs certainly is no exception. I really really love the parallel going calm sereness of the book. Parallel going in the sense that this 2nd book is much more centred around the Queen Regent's court and it's politics. And among all these chaos and madness, the serene element is still woven beautifully among the pages.
Shaliyah was presented differently in this book. In the sense, we got to know a lot about her past. And after reading them and getting to know the things that she had to go through, I really admire her unwavering spirit. And her feeling insecure regarding her past hit me hard.
And now about VG. OMG, can he get anymore swoonworthy??? One thing that I really liked about him is that he broke the generational patterns that his father carried out on him. The way he changed his conditioned behaviour while interacting with Derian was truly commendable. A sign of green flagness right there. I am not going to write everything here. Just that Shaliyah is absolutely right, this man needs some rest lol. The last chapter is just chef's kiss. I read that chapter twice, the confession, the assurances. Love him to the moon and back.
Lastly, I want to appreciate the imagery and descriptions used in the book. I, as a reader really enjoyed reading them.
Foremost I want to start my review by saying this time around, the 2nd book made me engross in it harder than the 1st book. I must say, the author(authors) literally have now made me a fan of regency theme based stories and theirs certainly is no exception. I really really love the parallel going calm sereness of the book. Parallel going in the sense that this 2nd book is much more centred around the Queen Regent's court and it's politics. And among all these chaos and madness, the serene element is still woven beautifully among the pages.
Shaliyah was presented differently in this book. In the sense, we got to know a lot about her past. And after reading them and getting to know the things that she had to go through, I really admire her unwavering spirit. And her feeling insecure regarding her past hit me hard.
And now about VG. OMG, can he get anymore swoonworthy??? One thing that I really liked about him is that he broke the generational patterns that his father carried out on him. The way he changed his conditioned behaviour while interacting with Derian was truly commendable. A sign of green flagness right there. I am not going to write everything here. Just that Shaliyah is absolutely right, this man needs some rest lol. The last chapter is just chef's kiss. I read that chapter twice, the confession, the assurances. Love him to the moon and back.
Lastly, I want to appreciate the imagery and descriptions used in the book. I, as a reader really enjoyed reading them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
It was so good to be back in Ilva Esary.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one.
We are following up on the events that happened in the first book.
Ilva Essary is on the brink of war. Veluar and Shaliyah must fight on many fronts.
I liked how devoted they were to one another.
Shaliyah is a strong and independent female character and does everything to protect her loved ones. I hated her mother for her indifference and carelessness especially when I found out what her father put her through.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was full of emotions and I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.
Thank you so much Agathe for sending me this beautifully written book. Once again you two have written an amazing book.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one.
We are following up on the events that happened in the first book.
Ilva Essary is on the brink of war. Veluar and Shaliyah must fight on many fronts.
I liked how devoted they were to one another.
Shaliyah is a strong and independent female character and does everything to protect her loved ones. I hated her mother for her indifference and carelessness especially when I found out what her father put her through.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was full of emotions and I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.
Thank you so much Agathe for sending me this beautifully written book. Once again you two have written an amazing book.
September 2, 2025
Im in awe on how the author put this to life. The writing style took a little getting used to, but once I adjusted, it makes the timeline and settings more sense. This sequel goes deeper than the first book. The author peels back the layers of the FMC, revealing her vulnerability, her dark past, and long-buried secrets. We see the MMC’s unwavering protectiveness as he faces the stakes head-on, never wavering in his devotion. We also see what lay hidden and eventually surfaced through. Their love doesn’t just survive—it strengthens as everything unfolds. A romantasy that hit all the right notes.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
did-not-finish
December 15, 2025DNF at 11%
I ARC read the first book and loved it. And I really wanted to continue but it wasn’t gripping me and I was struggling to connect with the whole thing. I took a good long break first and came back to it in case it was just my mood at the time. Unfortunately, I am still in the same boat of disconnect (I’m sorry😭). I hope others enjoy this book!
Thank you to the authors, Agathe Moire, for gifting me this eARC. Appreciate it lots!
I ARC read the first book and loved it. And I really wanted to continue but it wasn’t gripping me and I was struggling to connect with the whole thing. I took a good long break first and came back to it in case it was just my mood at the time. Unfortunately, I am still in the same boat of disconnect (I’m sorry😭). I hope others enjoy this book!
Thank you to the authors, Agathe Moire, for gifting me this eARC. Appreciate it lots!
August 31, 2025
Shadows of the Past is the
second book in the Lady Quindan’s Councillor
series, is a beautifully woven story
full of intrigue,
political drama....
and just the right touch of forbidden love.
Agathe balances
action with heart so well,
making this a cozy yet dramatic
read.. ..
second book in the Lady Quindan’s Councillor
series, is a beautifully woven story
full of intrigue,
political drama....
and just the right touch of forbidden love.
Agathe balances
action with heart so well,
making this a cozy yet dramatic
read.. ..
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews