Shadowhart

Dragonhart #2

by Abbie Eaton

'A hell of a debut novel. Dragonhart is the kind of fantasy that had everything I need; enemies-to-lovers, a strong FMC seeking revenge, magic and DRAGONS’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This is genuinely the first book I’ve read where I can safely say that anyone who liked Fourth Wing will love it!’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A brand new fantasy romance for fans of Rebecca Yarros and Carissa Broadbent. An ancient prophecy. An impossible choice. An inevitable war.

In the newly formed kingdom of Flambriar, Arla Reinhart is growing restless. Her body craves to train, like the assassin she once was. Thara, the dragon Arla is bonded with, fulfilling an ancient prophecy and making her a Dragonhart, urges her to follow her desires.

But Arla has made a promise to Hark Stappen, her priority is to protect the people of Flambriar and keep them safe from the King of Kastonia.

When Arla accepts an invitation to visit another kingdom, she sets in motion the prophecy she knows so little about. She must learn to trust herself and Thara, following a path she believes is right. But a darkness beyond Arla’s comprehension is stirring and she must make a decision that could shatter her heart. Will she betray the people she loves most?

What to expect from Shadowhart:

DragonsMagicFMC seeking revenge
Praise for Abbie Eaton‘Captivating… had me hooked. The combination of dragons, magic, and adventure created an exciting and immersive world that was hard to put down’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘A must-read for fantasy lovers’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘[A] character-driven fantasy with enemies-to-lovers romance, complex heroines seeking vengeance, and richly developed worlds where lost magic and political intrigue intertwine’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Fans of Fourth Wing and When the Moon Hatched, this fantasy debut is the perfect addition to your TBR’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I am OBSESSED with this book! It had so many things that I Dragons, Enemies (sort of) to Lovers, Reluctant Allies, (sort of) Slow Burn and an interesting and engaging plotline’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Our FMC is sassy and stabby and I love her. Our MMC Hark is mysterious and swoonworthy. The banter was on point’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘The world-building is rich, the plot twists are jaw-dropping, and did I mention the dragons? Fans of series like Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing will find themselves right at home in this exhilarating tale’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘Plenty of political intrigue, more than one found family, and a beautiful slow burn enemies to lovers romance’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Genres: Dragons, Fantasy

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

Reviews

[Valerie Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s a smoother, more polished version of your review with clearer flow and wording while keeping your thoughts intact:

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I really loved book one, especially because it had a much faster start than this installment. In contrast, book two felt slower, with very little happening at times, to the point where it almost felt like parts could have been condensed.

That said, I did enjoy how Arla’s relationships with Kase and Hyacinth developed, as well as her interactions with Elin. Those dynamics added depth and kept me invested. However, I was disappointed that her relationship with Hark took a backseat during her journey, especially since it was such a strong and engaging part of the first book.

The pacing was a bit uneven overall. The first portion dragged, particularly with Hark’s hot-and-cold behavior, which became frustrating. Meanwhile, Arla is going through a lot as she tries to adjust to Flambriar, the new kingdom of mages her friends have built. I had a feeling Hark was waiting for something to change, and it turns out I was right, though I wasn’t a fan of who he becomes by the end.

The story really picks up in the final 20%, delivering fast-paced, high-stakes action that finally brings everything to life and sets up what should be an exciting continuation. The cliffhanger alone guarantees I will be reading the next book, whether this ends up as a duology or a trilogy.

I do wish we had more time with Arla and Hark together, and that Arla’s loss of control had been more clearly developed earlier on. It’s an interesting direction for her character, but it felt a bit underexplored in the first book.

Overall, this was a mixed read for me. While it didn’t quite live up to the strong start of the series, it still left me curious enough to continue.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.

Wowww, I enjoyed book 2. I missed the characters and the world a fair bit and I like how we are kind of dropped into the thick of it after book 1. Arla is making some questionable choices in book 2, I feel she finds it difficult to put her past behind her, she leads with feminine rage more often than not. Hark seems so lost this book, he’s uncertain and guarded in a way that only hinders things it seems.

I liked the way this unfolded and built into that ending, I felt like that was a cliffhanger and I’m hurt the author is leaving us there until book 3. There’s new alliances, betrayals and politics unfolding surrounding prophecy and magic, the possibilities of where book 3 will take us are endless and treacherous by the looks of things, I’m excited.

[Plot Twists And Cups Of Tea]

A gripping fantasy romance that blends action, emotion, and just the right touch of danger 🐉✨🔥 The world-building is immersive, pulling you straight into Flambriar 🌍🏰, while Arla’s bond with Thara adds a powerful emotional core ❤️‍🔥🐲
The prophecy and impossible choices keep the tension high 🔮⚡, and you really feel the weight of what’s at stake ⚔️🔥💔
Perfect for fans of dragon-filled, character-driven fantasy with a romantic edge 💫📖💕 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Ashley Hobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

While the cliffhanger at the end will ensure I read the sequel to this, I must say it felt hard going to read this. Slightly better than the first but there’s quite a lot of cliche. The yearning between the FMC and MMC felt really over the top. Didn’t feel like a lot of character growth if I’m honest.

[Veronique · Rating 4 out of 5]

wtf why did I it stop i need the rest

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What a genuine, breathtaking and exhilarating second instalment! I loved the first book of the trilogy Dragonhart and adored even more the second. Shadowhart is so intense with its strong emotional, mental and physical elements. We spend a lot of time inside Arla’s head, hearing her thoughts and internal conversations with Thara, her beautiful and powerful dragon. This book covers the growing unique bond in their relationship. I am so glad I got to know Arla and Hark. This couple are fiery and charismatic. And the magic, the dragon, the quest, the battles, the wonder are all expertly designed and executed. The tension particularly builds to a feverish pitch towards the last portion of the novel. My expectations were so dramatically heightened by the end, I was breathless waiting to see what would happen next. I must say, though, when I turned the next page and found it to be the last, I was devastated! I wanted to know more. Yes, Abbie leaves us hanging on a high point. But she has set things up for the final novel of the series.

I admire Abbie Eaton for the emotional depth she built into her characters. They have a sense of unpredictability and although you might guess a bit of their possible actions and reactions, there’s always a portion that comes as a surprise which, to her credit, shows she has created something original within the confines of the fantasy structure. There’s nothing one dimensional about any of the characters, setting or story. For it all is unique and intricate, and offers an immersive experience. Her worldbuilding is ingenious and the landscapes are unforgettable. She has a talent that had me constantly shaking my head wondering how she dreamt up all the magic rules, multi-faceted characters and complex plot lines. I am deeply impressed by all the details of this fantasy world she has dreamed into existence.

Magic, of course, is an important part of this story but access to it is limited. There are rules and limitations, costs and consequences. Then there is the forbidden kind tied up in blood magic as seen in the Katonian king. ‘Power can be a fickle thing, never enough once you’ve tasted it.’ As a result of its negative effects, the gods frown upon and forbid it. But you know, of course, there will always be at least one who will be tempted to use it for personal gain. The one that mirrors the biblical character and story of Lucifer and his fall. His thirst for power to be greater than the one who created him—came to mind frequently reading this novel.

There is a need to maintain balance in this kingdom of Flambriar. Peace is always in jeopardy and the characters’ actions, decisions and choices rock the boat of stability. It seems a storm is constantly brewing up in the background to upset the calm. There are moments of happiness, celebration and dreaming, but always in the shadows lurks danger. And when waves of fear and distrust rise up among the citizens, death and destruction follow. This novel shows the struggles that Arla particularly faces as a chosen one by the gods. Including the prophecy she does not understand, or her part in uniting the kingdoms. What does it all mean? I am sure in the last instalment we will learn all we need to know and I, for one, cannot wait!

This is an exceptional magical, powerful, passionate, tragic tale that swept me off my feet and carried me like Arla on the wings of a dragon. So many scenes are breathtaking and exhilarating. And speaking of Thara: what a magnificent visionary creature. Stunning beauty that is both raw and refined. In fact the whole cast is brilliant. Plus the fantasy kingdoms they live in. This story had my imagination doing acrobatics! And that beautiful cover? Although I have not mentioned certain elements, the images provide some magnificent hints of the story inside. But I won’t give anything away. Readers must get this book when it is out!

In closing, I will say Shadowhart and the previous novel will remain forever fixed in my mind. I am in awe of the talented author who created this exciting fantasy series. And I am dying to read the finale as I am sure it will take us on another epic ride through this original fantasy realm! Without hesitation, I highly recommend Abbie Eaton’s impressively spellbinding books. 5 Flaming Hearts ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Emem · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. Note: some issues flagged in my ARC feedback may have been corrected in the final published edition.

DNF at chapter 22, approximately 37%.

I want to be clear that I gave this a fair shot. I typically get through two or three books a week plus an audiobook. I put Shadowhart down three weeks ago and could not pick up another book in the interim, which tells you something. Eventually I opened it again, saw it was a flashback scene inserted into a story that was already moving at the pace of cold treacle, and that was that.

The pacing is glacial. By chapter 22 nothing of consequence had happened, and what little plot there was seemed to be held together by a secrecy trope that had no plausible justification. Characters withheld things from each other not because it made sense for them to, but because the plot required it.

There were continuity issues that pulled me out of the story. The residents of Flambriar hold a conversation about whether they might be able to import goats, and then a few pages later the FMC is thinking about the blood from the goats her dragon has just eaten. Either the goats are there or they are not. Separately, a young child is described as nearly old enough to present with magic, despite the text having already established that magic does not manifest until adolescence.

The world-building has a fundamental logic problem at its core. The gods are punishing the people, and this suffering is described as longstanding, even before one kingdom attacked the other roughly a decade ago. Yet the explanation given is that it is because of Elrod stealing magic, which has apparently only been happening for four years. These two facts cannot coexist, and yet the book asks you to accept them as the foundation of the entire conflict. This issue existed in book 1, and is compounded in book 2.

On the prose: "eyes the colour of owls" "A knot in her stomach which was going to suffocate her" and "bending palaces around your finger" are the kind of lines that needed another editorial pass. More notably, several passages read as remarkably close to widely quoted lines from other popular romantasy novels, close enough that they will be immediately recognisable to anyone well-read in the genre. This wasn’t a one off - I marked at least five in the part I read. That is a problem.

The FMC's emotional arc is not an arc so much as a series of staged moments. You can see the intention behind each one, which is precisely the issue. When you can see the hand up the back of the puppet, you stop believing in the puppet. I did not care what happened to her, because nothing she did or felt came across as genuine. The romance suffers similarly. There is no chemistry between the leads, and both behave inconsistently with who they have been established to be.

And if your love interest perpetually smells of whiskey, that is less a romantic character note that warrants the repetition, and more a health concern.

One final observation: book one had an explicit, open-door sexual scene. Book two fades to black every time (up to 37% at least). I have no preference either way, but consistency within a series is not an unreasonable expectation. The shift is jarring, and I see no reason for it since this is marketed as adult fantasy romance.

I genuinely hoped the author would improve and fix the issues from book 1 in book 2, but Shadowhart, at least in the version I read, needed considerably more work than it appeared to have received.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons. Ancient prophecies. A strong FMC that can defend better than an army of men put together. Count me in.

The first thing I will say about this book, is I often struggle with second installments due to not remembering the previous book as well as I should, resulting in me getting lost in the story and remembering things along the way. However, Shadowhart followed on from Dragonhart so perfectly, it felt like I’d read it yesterday.

Arla, once the infamous assassin, now the infamous Dragonhart, bonded to a dragon and tasked with protecting all mages is beginning to get restless in the safehaven of Flambriar.

Packed to the brim with adventure, romance and a huge element of found family, Shadowhart had me hooked from the start.

My favourite character though? Thara. Who knew dragons were so unintentionally hilarious and sarcastic?

The slow burn that was Dragonhart comes to a head in Shadowhart as Hark and Arla find safety in their new home and, each other. As swoon-worthy as ever, Hark struggles with protecting his new home whilst ensuring Arla resists her violent urge.

“She had bewitched hum like some sort of sorcerer. He would carve out his own heart if she asked him to, he thought.”

Initially enemies-to-lovers, their unrelenting need to protect and be with each other is an overarching element of the plot as they balance their responsibilities in their kingdom.

(FYI, I may have spent the first book dying for them to be together, but by the end of this instalment, I was done with Hark. Me and him went from lovers to enemies real quick)

Arla sets upon an adventure to seek allies and uncover the truth behind her new role as the Dragonhart, running into hurdles (or flying) every which way. But as she unknowingly sets a prophecy in motion, her time begins to run out.

And when the strong-willed little Elin begins to look at Arla as a role model, her usual violent nature becomes problematic.

“Do not regret having a heart. Pity those who do not.”

Bloodshed, violence, and above all, the need to protect. This book ticked every single one of my fantasy boxes.

“If I can protect my kingdom from the skies as well as I can protect it from the ground, then at least I can die knowing I did everything to help.”

We love a strong FMC that is willing to put everything on the line to do what is right.

A little slow moving at the start, when the adventure kicks in, it is a wild ride.

Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins – One More Chapter for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle of Trilogy Syndrome

Once again, character and plot development are hijacked as filler between the start and end of an epic. Entranced by Dragonhart? You might want to give this one a miss and wait for the concluding book. The prophecies that brought Arla Reinhart (now Dragonhart) and Prince Hark together tear them apart (no doubt only so they can be reconciled in Book 3).

What I find most frustrating is that Arla is now portrayed first as a liberator but then as a “wild” and unpredictable maverick. To achieve this she has to abandon common sense and display outright idiocy - on the one hand she senses/intuits the truth of her destiny (which her beloved dragon Thara knows but is forbidden on pain of death to convey), on the other she staggers around blindly creating problems where none need exist.

(Spoilers follow). Having saved the mages (people blessed with magical powers) and created a sanctuary in Flambriar, Arla and Hark must now learn how to govern and protect their fledgling kingdom. But Arla is in a phase of denialism, does not want to be a Queen, does not want to bend to Hark, whose paranoia is keeping him patrolling the mountains for danger daily instead of leading his people. So instead of reporting back honestly to him, she hides two important developments (which will lead to many unnecessary deaths).

Arla accepts an invitation to visit Malarye which greets her with a rain of arrows that injures Thara, a test to see if she is ‘worthy’ of their acceptance. Not for the first time, Arla risks Thara’s wellbeing, which is bloody irritating given the supposed bond between them… you’d think after the first time she would be more careful. But no, Arla is headstrong and the intelligence and empathy she sometimes displays go missing altogether in episodes of Book 2.

She agrees to train Malarye’s army, and in so doing hones her own martial ability with a bow and arrows. Before returning to Flambriar, the Queen gets her to take her daughter and heiress Hyacinth with her to toughen her up for her future role when the time comes for her to inherit the throne.

Arla already has one girl mentee back in Flambriar, Elin, whose equal impetuousness and lack of common sense places her, and then Arla, in mortal danger. To save Elin, Arla gets Thara badly hurt and herself taken prisoner by a sadist… no doubt so that later she can demonstrate some superhuman magical power to free herself and her erstwhile BFF Halos back in Hadalyn, and destroy the curses, kings and sadists wrecking the kingdoms of Hadalyn and Kastonia.

[Acantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well I hated this. And I'd had hopes after how book one had ended. Not great hopes, but the end of that had given me hope that everything I'd disliked would be improved upon.

Nope.

Our MMC and MFC? The most toxic relationship I have read in a long time, at least one that is apparently meant to be end game. These two would bathe the world in blood for each other, which sometimes you want in a fictional fantasy book... buuuut its framed in a way that I can't help but feel the blood they would spill would be their own friends and people.

There was literally a series of scenes where Arla goes on a dragonride, finds a random dude spying, murders him, comes back covered in blood and Hark is at first cool with it? He tries to find out who she murdered but he looks among their own people first. Rather than speaking to her. Or arresting her for maybe murdering a person he's meant to be protecting. He only becomes slightly concerned when he realises nobody is missing from the town.

He's also constantly drunk, avoiding any duties and just shows up to sleep with her. What happened to my Hark from the first book? The best bit of the first book? A snarky, strong, dedicated to his people Hark? Yes, I understand he doesn't want to be a king, I get his hangups and his emotional struggle after what happened in book one and who his family is, but there are ways to look after these people without being a king. Not to mention he made this kingdom and was fine about it before.

And then Arla lies about who she killed? She makes a series of dumb dumb decisions which is one thing, but then she hides them for absolutely no reason. The author can't even give her a half baked reason, its literally 'she doesn't know why' and 'its too late to admit the truth' now.

No surprise, those choices come back to bite her badly in the book.

Nothing happens for about the first 38% of the book, Arla mopes around the town, Hark drinks and searches the mountains, they have sex, and repeat.

Then when stuff does happen, its dumb. It's just all dumb and I don't want to talk about it anymore.

Will I read book three? I feel like I'm in a sunken cost fallacy at this point, I've put so much time into this series already and how will it end after that cliffhanger? Plus, some of the minor characters, their friends, I do really like.

So. We will see.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Dragonhart so was absolutely ecstatic to get access to an electronic advanced reader copy of Shadowhart.

I think was a really good follow on. For me, the standout in Shadowhart was Arla and her character arc. She was again quite frustrating at times, but because I spent so much time in her head, I was really able to see the struggles she was going through – between her desire to strengthen her relationships with others and that persistence in dealing with issues herself, and also in the need to fully embrace her new identity and the destruction of pretty much everything she thought she knew at the start of book 1. Arla grew a lot in this book while still being very flawed as a character, but this just made her more real and believable.

I loved the development of the Arla’s relationship with the other women in the book – both with Kase and Hyacinth, and also in her interactions with Elin. And of course, there was the development of her relationship with Thara. I would say that the main relationship in this book was Arla and Thara – it was really important we saw this and I’m excited to see it continue to grow.

However, I found myself very frustrated in the relationship between Arla and Hark. It felt a lot like I’d gone back in time – there was a disconnect that I didn’t expect given how book 1 played out. I do think this relationship needed to take a bit of a back seat to allow the one between Arla and Thara to flourish, but I’d have really liked to see more chapters from Hark’s perspective. I think this would offer a really useful counterpoint to Arla’s – while spending so much time with her was definitely beneficial, the lack of time with Hark made it harder to connect with him and I felt like shouting at them both at tomes.

The pacing was a bit off in this – it started quite slow and it felt like the stakes were lower as a result, even if that wasn’t actually the case. I enjoyed it more as I hit the middle, and the last 20% or so was phenomenal. Abbie Eaton has set this up so well for book 3, and I cannot wait to devour that as soon as it’s out.

While I had my personal frustrations, this was a great development of Arla’s story and I do appreciate what Abbie Eaton was doing here. A good follow up and a fantastic set up for book 3.

With thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley. All views are my own.

[Debs Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel genuinely privileged to have received an ARC copy of Shadow Hart. Having thoroughly enjoyed Abbie’s first book in this series, I was incredibly excited to return to this world—and I never take for granted the opportunity to read and review a story before its release.

First and foremost, I have immense respect for any author who can build an entire fantasy world from the ground up. The imagination, structure, and emotional layering required to craft kingdoms, lore, prophecy, and complex character arcs is no small feat. Abbie continues to demonstrate her talent for immersive world-building and her commitment to exploring the emotional depths of her characters.

In Shadow Hart, the story feels deeply centered on Arla—particularly her evolving bond with Thara, her dragon. Their connection is tender, powerful, and symbolic of something far greater than either of them fully understands. Much of the narrative focuses on Arla trying to unravel the ancient truths behind why she has been “godsblessed” and what it truly means for her role in uniting kingdoms. Rather than delivering clear answers, the story carefully peels back layers of mystery—revealing fragments of truth while ultimately leaving us with even more questions.

For me personally, I did find Arla’s inner thoughts a little over-protracted at times. While they certainly add emotional depth and insight into her fears and doubts, I felt the pacing didn’t truly lift off until around the 65% mark. That said, once the story found its momentum, it truly held it.

The final ten chapters especially kept my full attention. The tension sharpened, the stakes felt higher, and I was completely drawn back into the urgency of the plot. By the end, I was left both satisfied and restless—in the best way—eager to see what happens next and how the unanswered questions will unfold.

Shadow Hart feels like a bridge—an emotional and narrative deepening of Arla’s journey rather than a neatly tied conclusion. And while it may leave readers searching for more clarity, it undoubtedly sets the stage for something significant to come.

I’m very keen to continue this series and see where Abbie takes us next.

[KayLove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arla is truly going through it as she attempts to settle in Flambriar, the new kingdom of mages her friends have created. Her blood burns to protect those that don't trust her, she's on edge over the brewing war, and her best friend isn't returning her letters. Not to mention that her love, Hark Stappen, is spending every spare second in the mountains, paranoidly searching for their enemies. Oh! And her dragon, Thara, has the knowledge Arla needs, but cannot tell her or will face dire consequences.
So, when Arla receives a letter from another nation requesting her presence, she takes off on Thara's back. The potential of the answers she needs being there too great for her to refuse. However, all Arla does is set a prophecy in motion and gain not only a new companion, but also more questions.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book.. So little happened to the point where Eaton could have combined the important parts of this and the next book to make this series a duology (assuming, that is, that this is only a trilogy). I do understand the need for filler, because not every moment is action packed.. I just felt like there was a LOT of "she woke up, trained, rode her dragon, and then returned battered and bruised."
The character development is the other half of why I'm conflicted about my feelings. The side characters, new and previously known, get a bit more three-dimensional. Kase has gone from being there to fight with Arla, to now being my favorite character. I need more about her and the other guys in their crew. Now, Hark... without giving spoilers, he turns into someone that is constantly contradicting himself. I had a feeling he was waiting for some things to change, and it turns out I was completely right. I just dislike who he becomes at the end. And finally, Arla, she now is unable to control herself? And that's fine, but I don't feel like it was truly touched upon in the first book.
It was fine, the cliff-hanger basically insured that I will be reading the next book.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the eARC. Unfortunately couldn't finish it before the publishing date: April 17th, 2026

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Thank you to HarperCollins and One More Chapter for the advanced copy of Shadowhart, which I’d been looking forward to since reading Dragonhart last year.

This book starts off a few days after the conclusion of book 1, which I appreciated as I typically hate a time jump between books in a series. As with the last book, I really enjoyed the world building and magic system created for this world, as it was fun to learn about.

This book is mostly about Arla and Thara’s bond progressing in preparation for an inevitable war to come, and while I thought that would be fun, I unfortunately found myself bored - which I think is a common issue for me with the second book in many trilogies. A lot of what we were being told felt like it was being repeated to us over and over again. It was clear to me that this book was, more than anything, a bridge into book 3 as nothing of substance really happened until we were a good 80%+ into the story. That being said, I did not by any means dislike it! I was just hoping for more.

The strongest characters in this book were Thara, Kase and Elin, who all grew on me throughout the story. Thara is full of snark, Kase is a good ally to have on your side, and Elin is determined to not grow up weak.

Arla had her moments where she did bother me, especially in her "woe is me" spirals, but overall she grew as a character in this book and allowed herself to feel emotions and weakness. Unfortunately, I didn’t vibe with Hark whatsoever this time around, because he was all over the place. He spent most of the book telling himself and his friends that Arla could do the craziest things and he’d still love her, and yet… switched it up real quick? It didn’t make sense.

The last 20% or so are what really hooked me, and I will most definitely be reading Fyreheart when it releases, because this ending had me stressing out over everyone’s future!

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowhart by Abbie Eaton is a gripping, slow-burn fantasy romance that thrives on tension, intrigue, and the kind of chemistry that practically smolders off the page. Eaton has crafted a story that is as emotionally intense as it is immersive, blending forced-proximity romance with a dark, enchanting fantasy world that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

The central relationship is electric. The forced proximity trope is executed brilliantly—every shared glance, every heated interaction, every vulnerable moment feels earned and layered with tension. The characters are complex and deeply human, with secrets, desires, and fears that make their journey both compelling and relatable. You feel their struggle, their longing, and the stakes that threaten to tear them apart, and it makes every small moment between them pulse with intensity.

Eaton’s world-building is rich and immersive, full of shadows, political intrigue, and fantastical elements that feel both dangerous and mesmerizing. The pacing is expertly handled, balancing the slow-burn romance with plot twists, peril, and suspense. Each chapter pulls you deeper into the story, and the tension—both romantic and narrative—is relentless in the best possible way.

The prose is sharp, atmospheric, and charged with emotion. Eaton doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker corners of desire, trust, and human nature, giving the story a weight that makes it linger long after the last page.

Shadowhart is perfect for readers who crave romance with edge, depth, and danger—a story that keeps your heart racing and your mind turning every page.

[Susan Fuhrman · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Shadowhart is a visually atmospheric sequel that unfortunately feels like a bit of a "middle-book" transition. While the world-building remains vivid and the dragon bond with Thara is a highlight, the execution of the character arcs felt inconsistent compared to the first book.

What I Liked:

World-Building: The expansion of the kingdoms and the intricate magic system remain the strongest parts of the series.

The Ending: The final 20% of the book is high-stakes and genuinely gripping, setting up the next installment, Fyrehart, perfectly.

What Didn't Work for Me:

Character Consistency: Arla, previously a lethal assassin, felt immature at times, with her internal "woe is me" spirals slowing down her development. Hark also felt inconsistent, with his motivations shifting too abruptly to feel grounded.

Pacing & Plot: The narrative felt confusing at times due to a heavy reliance on the "secrecy trope." Withholding information felt forced rather than organic, which contributed to a glacial pace in the first half of the book.

Overall, Shadowhart is a necessary read for fans of the first book to get to the finale, but it required more patience than expected.

[Monica Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back with our prickly assassin, Arla, her dragon and her handsome prince. Shadowhart is an interesting choice as a book because, in many ways, it takes place at a time where the characters are not actively threatening, and in that stillness are having to deal with themselves.

As a couple characters note, Arla and Hark are now serving as queen and king of Flambriar (despite not being formally married) and struggling with the nuts and bolts of running a kingdom for those who have been victimised. Those who get frustrated by the miscommunication tropes might get frustrated here - but it does make sense for these characters that their experience and trauma means that they can't quite manage to communicate and open fully to each other. Regardless, I found myself really rooting for Arla and Hark, who clearly love each other and are trying to deal with their trauma.

I will say that I wish we had gotten more development of the side characters, who tend to pop in and describe their perspectives and trauma, rather than letting us see it. Regardless, I've already marked Fyrehart as "want to read" and am excited to complete the trilogy. Thanks to HarperCollins for the early copy.

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explicit. I struggled with this one, and came close to DNF'ing towards the start of the third act - but I stuck with it! This isn't a YA book, but it reads like it is YA. The characters are very young, and their choices reflect that. There were a lot of secrets in this book and it made everything feels disjointed, despite me being a reader that normally loves court intrigue and intricate plots, but I think it was because the plot felt secretive without there being much need for it, or felt like it was leading up to something. The relationships between Arla and Thara, Elin and Hyacinth were the best parts of the book, as well as the court at Flambriar where I did see some found family elements that I really loved! I found it really hard to connect to either of main characters, because they were quite hard to like in this one, but I love Kase and Jack and wanted to see more of them. It was interesting to see other parts of the world, and the ending did set up the next book nicely! I think as a reader you have to accept that this is a second book and just go along for the ride to be able to get to book three, which will hopefully be spectacular.

I received an advance copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.l

[Hazel Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowhart is a dark, intoxicating journey that pulls you into a world of shadows, secrets, and power struggles where nothing is as it seems. Abbie Eaton’s writing is both elegant and raw, painting a universe that is thrilling, dangerous, and heartbreakingly beautiful all at once.

The characters are magnetic—flawed, fierce, and unforgettable. Each decision they make carries weight, each secret threatens to unravel the delicate balance between loyalty and desire. The romance is intense, smoldering, and perfectly intertwined with the suspense, giving the story emotional depth that hits hard.

The pacing keeps the tension taut, balancing pulse-pounding action with quieter, reflective moments that let the stakes settle in your chest. Eaton’s world-building is richly detailed, immersing you in shadowed forests, twisted alliances, and magical threats that feel visceral and real.

Shadowhart is a masterclass in dark fantasy—a gripping, immersive tale of love, power, and sacrifice that will stay with you long after the last page. It’s an unforgettable five-star experience for anyone who loves their fantasy moody, dangerous, and deeply emotional.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, Shadows, and a Story That Hooks

Shadowhart is an engaging, fast‑moving fantasy romance that pulls you in with its atmosphere and keeps you hooked with its tension. Abbie Eaton builds a world full of danger, secrets, and simmering emotion, and it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of the story as the stakes rise. The plot has a strong sense of momentum, and the darker edges of the world give the book a satisfying bite.

The characters are compelling, especially in the way their loyalties and vulnerabilities unfold. The chemistry is there, and the emotional beats land more often than not. At times, I wished for a little more depth in the transitions between conflict and connection, but the core dynamic still delivers plenty of spark.

Even with a few moments that could have used more development, Shadowhart remains a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s atmospheric, entertaining, and full of promise, leaving me curious to see where Eaton takes the series next. A solid 4‑star adventure with heart, shadows, and just enough heat to keep the pages turning. And THE ENDING...don't leave us like that...

Thank you to Netgalley, Haper Collins for this ARC copy to review.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are back with Arla and Hart, and this time we get a deeper look inside Arla’s mind, especially through her connection with Thara, her dragon. Arla’s internal dialogue adds a new layer to the story and makes everything feel more personal and immersive. It really helps you understand the weight she is carrying and the choices she is forced to make.

I do wish there was more of Arla and Hart together. Their relationship definitely took a backseat in this installment, and I missed that dynamic since it was such a strong part of the first book. That said, I did enjoy seeing Arla’s relationships with other characters continue to develop, which added more depth to the overall story.

The book does start off more slowly. It is not until the final stretch of the book that things really take off, but once they do, the action, magic, and intensity all come together in a way that makes the buildup worth it. The ending especially delivers, leaving us on a strong, suspenseful cliffhanger that sets up book three.

Overall, this is a second installment that leans more into character growth and emotional depth, while still building toward something bigger.

[icantcomeimbooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadowhart completely drew me into its dark and immersive fantasy world. This book had such a strong atmosphere filled with magic, danger, emotional tension, and mystery, and I found myself fully invested from beginning to end.

One of my favourite parts was definitely the world-building and overall tone of the story. The setting felt vivid and layered without becoming overwhelming, and there was this constant sense of tension and anticipation that kept me hooked the entire time.

The characters were emotionally complex and flawed in a way that made them feel incredibly real. I especially loved the relationship dynamics and emotional conflict woven throughout the story because it added so much depth to both the romance and the fantasy elements.

Abbie Eaton created a story that balanced emotional stakes, magic, and suspense really well, and the pacing kept me wanting to keep turning the pages.

If you love darker fantasy reads with immersive worlds, emotional tension, magic, danger, and layered characters, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you so much to Abbie Eaton, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marijane Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, HarperCollinss & One More Chapter for this eArc, it was very much appreciated. A few spoilers included.

I’m finding this one hard to rate. I think the book suffered from middle book syndrome quite a bit. Nothing really happened for the first half and then it was a little all over the place. I have become not a fan of Hark. He seemed to have lost his individual identity and was all about Arla…until he wasn’t and immediately shut her down and finished things, it was so odd and didn’t feel like it fit his narrative.

I did like the inclusion of Hyacinth, though a little random and I can’t decide if she’s a spy/baddie or not, and I like that, Something that isn’t entirely guessable.

I was hoping we would get more world expansion or at least more dragons, but alas, not much of that at all. The ending seemed a little predictable but finally another dragon is introduced! I look forward to seeing what happens with that at least and having more of Thara sass because she is a gem.


3 stars

[Stephanie Toedter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragonhart was filled with so much action, and I was very excited to start book two, Shadowhart. The start of Shadowhart was incredibly slow to me. Arla was looking to find answers to the prophecy the whole book, and never found any answers. The “fates” forbade her dragon from telling her anything even though it could save the kingdom. Arla floundered the whole book. There was a lot of angry feelings that she struggled with and it became slow hearing the same feelings through out. There was not any of the sweet romance between Hark and Arla, which was a sweet part of book 1.
The ending of this book is where all the action took place. I liked hearing more from the other characters, like Kase, as I feel all of the court seem such strong personality characters. The book ends in such a suspenseful way. I recommend mostly because the end was great, and it sets up book 3, Fyrehart. I look forward to hearing the end of the story, and hope to learn how the rest of the dragons play a role in Arla’s struggle to save and unite the kingdoms.

[CWilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for sending this book for my review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Ok, here’s the deal: I did not finish this book. BUT! Hear me out:

I loved Dragonhart (the first in this series) and I was really excited to read book 2. It’s compelling and well written but, being vague to not spoil, Shadowhart (at least the first half) heavily features something that is a major personal ick (in the realm of lying/betrayal/withholding important info where you just know it’s gonna hurt). I tried putting it down and coming back to it later several times, but I’d get another chapter in and it would reoccur and I’d have to put it down.

BUT! I have to say that the reason why I couldn’t continue is because I really cared about these characters a lot, and the impeding fallout just made me too anxious. I feel like that is a testament to how amazing she woven these characters.

So, if you don’t share that same ick, you will probably be OBSESSED with this book and should definitely pick it up.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @abbieeatonauthor and @onemorechapterhc for the #gifted e-book.

This is the second book in the enchanting Dragonhart series. After loving the first book, I couldn’t wait to continue Arla's adventure.

The story beautifully explores Arla’s evolving bond with Thara, her dragon. Their bond is tender yet fiercely strong. Their connection feels so deep and extraordinary that neither fully understands. Much of the narrative follows Arla's quest to uncover ancient truths about her divine blessing and her vital role in uniting kingdoms. The pacing slows here, building anticipation as she searches for answers.

I especially enjoyed how Arla’s relationships with Kase, Hyacinth, and her interactions with Elin developed. However, I was a bit disappointed that her relationship with Hark took a backseat during her journey.

The story truly comes alive in the final 20%, with adrenaline-pumping action that promises an exciting finale. I’m eagerly awaiting the series conclusion, Fyrehart, debuting Winter 2026.

[Lis · Rating 3 out of 5]

After loving Dragonhart, I was really excited to jump into the sequel.

Unfortunately, Shadowhart didn’t quite pull me in the same way the first book did. The plot felt quite slow for a lot of the story, and while that can sometimes work if there’s strong character development happening alongside it, I found that part a little lacking as well. There was quite a bit of back and forth, and some choices didn’t always feel consistent with the reputation we’re given of the FMC as this incredibly skilled assassin.

That said, the final 100 pages really picked up the pace and from that point on I was completely hooked. The momentum finally kicks in and it feels like everything is being set up for the final book.

While this wasn’t quite the sequel I was hoping for, I still think this series is very underrated and I’ll definitely be picking up the final installment to see how it all concludes. 🖤

[Jennifer Heady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley eARC read :

I really enjoyed the 2nd installment to Abbie Eatons Dragonhart Tril.

Arla’s story progression was well paced and felt quite natural. Rather than things just happening for the sake of it, it felt like there was a good and well explained reason for it.
I enjoyed how we found out more about the prophecy and that the information wasn’t just handed to us by her Dragon.

The relationship between Arla & Hark bloomed naturally from what happened in the first book. It was nice to see them help each other through things.

I really enjoyed getting to know more of the side characters and seeing how each personality fitted in within the Court that they created. Also liked that Arla makes a proper friend!

The last 15% of the book had me reading very quickly!

The whole book was very well paced, nothing felt rushed. The story developed nicely and the ending… well give me book three now!!!

Would highly recommend reading. Four Stars from me!

[Sha · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Thank you One More Chapter & Net Galley for the ARC!]

I really wish I’d enjoyed this more, because it was high on my list of new books I could not wait to read. Unfortunately as you can tell by the many weeks it took me to get through it, the second installment failed to capture my attention…

Arla’s story is too slow to pick up, and yet you’re also thrown back in without much context in a kingdom that just.., sprung up from nowhere. There isn’t anywhere near enough information or context about how anything is happening. The arc is too slow, too flat, nothing of substance actually happens until 70% in - by which none of my attention remains.

I did not care for any character in this book and could not help comparing every new ‘twist’ with throne of glass meets fourth wing - but without any of the passion or the fire. Even the big revelation, dragged out as much as possible, feels incredibly bland and unsurprising.

The pace was just off overall, a shame for a promising story.

[Chelsea Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this arc in return for an unbiased review.

I’d say this one definitely has that “middle book” feel. It was lovely to see Arla’s character grow, especially as her connection with Thara deepened. Speaking of Thara, I absolutely loved her. Her protectiveness and strength really shine through.

It was great to follow Arla’s individual journey as well and to explore new places and meet new characters in this world. The story kept me engaged throughout, always making me want to know what would happen next.

This book really sets up the conclusion nicely, delving into the prophecy and hinting at what is to come. The pace picked up more towards the end, which made the ending feel more exciting.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. 3.5 stars from me. Looking forward to the next one.