Shadows of Silver

by Daphne D.H.

Fate moves in shadows, leading us down paths we never imagined.

Alora’s life was never meant to be extraordinary—until the night everything changed. Forced to flee her home, she is thrust into a world of whispers, betrayal, and a curse that binds her to a kingdom lost in eternal winter.

Trapped in a fate she never asked for, Alora’s heart and mind are torn apart as she faces a prince who thrives in shadows—manipulating, deceiving, and pushing her to the edge.

Hunted across kingdoms, Alora must navigate dangerous truths, unsure of who she can trust. With the fate of her world at risk, she must choose—fight the prince’s deadly game or lose herself to the lies that bind her.

Shadows of Silver is the first book in a fantasy trilogy about self-discovery, betrayal, and a curse that changes everything. With dark twists, shifting alliances, and an enemies-to-lovers slow burn, Alora’s journey is only just beginning—and the shadows are only getting darker.

547 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2025

Reviews

[Ida-Emilin dahlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi❤️
I’m a Dark romance reader, I LOVE dark romance.
This book isn’t about dark romance but it is about Dark Fantasy, and the got my attention❤️
I was a little sceptical at first, not gonna lie. But after watching a few of the author’s TikTok videos and on how she described it and sheared her journey and all, I was willing to try it and OMG I do NOT regret it!

It has manipulation, betrayal, love, trust, loyalty, fun and happiness and more. In every chapter something interesting is always happening and that made me not wanting to stop reading 📖.
I am in love with this book 📕 and can not wait for the next one🫶🏻

I got some news that have been scaring my half to death these past few months and haven’t really had much else to take my mind off things. But this book told all my worries away and you will fill the thrill in it that you normally might not get often.

Do I regret reading this book? No!
Do I regret buying this book? No!
Do I regret irritating and upset my realities with talking about how good this book is? NO!!

Give it a chance, you are gonna LOVE IT!! 😍

Take that from a teenage girl that usually doesn’t read a lot!!

[Danni Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows Of Silver
The Destiny of Darkness Series Book 1
By Daphne D.H.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❄️ Fantasy
🥀 Slow burn
❄️ Enemies to Lovers
🥀 Changing Alliances
❄️ Amazing Character Development
🥀 Intricate World Building
❄️ Dragon-shifters
🥀 Mythical Beings
❄️ Magic of Sorts
🥀 Ultimate Betrayal


This incredible fantasy adventure follows the tale of Alora who lives a sheltered life in her small town where she feels she just doesn't quite fit, then comes along a traveller who changes everything!
He ends up taking her with him on his travels with the promise of showing her the world, but all is not as it seems when he ends up stealing her and taking her to his master in a far-away kingdom thought to be wiped out.

This master makes Alora play a twisted game of quests for her freedom, while she races against time to try and find the key to breaking the kingdom's winter curse.

This amazing novel is full of secrets unravelling, hidden magic revealing, Mythical beings, adventure, betrayal and so much more!

I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book 😍

Shadows Of Silver releases August 1st 😘🖤

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book. The fantasy world is rich and there are a lot of very strong world building elements. The characters are consistent. However, there were a few things that made it a lot harder for me to get into this story that was maybe necessary.

For me, there was a lot of telling not showing. Most of the story happens in (mental) dialogue instead of scene description or building up the plot or character arcs. I felt like not that much happened plot wise, especially for a 500+ page book, and also the nature of character relationships were jumped to instead of building them. So the romance and found family elements but also trust issues fell flat to me. Overall it felt like the author knew where the story needed to go, knew what the main character was thinking about it all, but I didn’t feel like I was brought along for the journey.

That being said. The writing style is good. The world building is intriguing. There were a few unexpected twists and turns. And at the end I was curious to know what would happened next.

I think this book is a good stepping stone for the author to develop further because there are definitely super interesting stories in her mind and she can tell a story beautifully. If there was a better balance between character development, world building, description, relationship arcs and plot, this would’ve been amazing.

Thanks to the author for the free advance copy I received for reviewing!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

I LOVED the final third of this book. It felt like a real unravelling mystery that kept me on my toes, and a few surprises that were very cleverly done.

The first half was a bit slow and repetitive but overall I think this is a really solid fantasy debut. I’ll definitely read the next one when it’s out 🙌

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

[ChaFay Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slowburn enemies to lovers. Dark fantasy. Secrets and so much more? Sign me up! I love books that are so different from others and this was one of them. Not only was it a slowburn to the action but it went into depth of Alora’s character and her life.

This book follows a young woman named Alora who wants to do more than just what her life has to offer. And she surely does get that opportunity but it’s nothing she assumes it to be. She gets thrown into a world unknown to her and forced to protect not only herself but something. Something bigger.

This was an amazing read. I enjoyed getting to learn about the characters that are introduced, the development between Alora and everything she has to go through, the mysteries that are still yet to be discovered and of course the main villian.. that is also still a mystery and one that you are wanting to know more about it. Every character is unique in their own way, making you invested in their journey and who they are.

This is a trilogy so of course I’m excited to see how this is going to end and see how much more development Alora will get especially with that ending. It makes you want to know more. This is a good read if you’re into dark fantasy with a slowburn and I mean a SLOWBURN enemies to lovers.

[Nicketa Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Silver by Daphne D. H.

I received this book as an ARC, so first off—thank you so much for the opportunity!

This story was beautiful and absolutely spellbinding. I love multi-POV narratives, so I was thrilled to see that used here—it definitely added more depth and richness to the story.

The side characters were a real highlight for me. They were well-developed and brought so much personality to the world. As for romance, it wasn’t a central element in this book—but honestly, it didn’t need to be. I actually appreciated being able to enjoy the story without trying to anticipate romantic subplots the whole time.

There’s action, mystery, a solid plot, and a vivid setting—it really had everything I enjoy. The pacing started off a bit slow, but once it picked up, it really took off and became amazing.

Definitely recommend!

[Tracy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely intrigued from the very beginning. Alora has spent her life always wishing for more. Orphaned from an early age, with an adoptive sister who may or may not have it in for her, Alora has not had an easy start to life. When a sequence of events means Alora finally finds the courage to leave the tiny village, she finds herself embroiled in an adventure the foundations of which were set in place before she was even born!

There are some amazing side characters. I loved the multiple POV’s. Really intrigued into Ryu’s story, I feel there is so much more to him than we’ve seen so far.

I loved the mystery and intrigue, the plot was action packed while still giving the reader a detailed understanding of the immense world building which developed throughout the book. I look forward to reading further how the story unfolds with a certain dark and mysterious prince. The glimpses we’ve been afforded so far I just can’t make up my mind about him.

The romance on this was minimal, but the story didn’t need it. I have no clue as to where Alora’s journey will continue (and with whom) which I think is what makes this series even more appealing.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and can’t wait to read the next!

[Sophie G.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a fun time reading Shadows of Silver!

Firstly, the world was really unique and magical. Every small detail added to the intricate world-building, and although you discover some things in the first book, I'm sure we'll find out so much more as the series continues.

The storyline about how Alora ended up at the castle was full of lies and omissions. The poor girl is just trying to explore the world! But it was refreshing and interesting to read.
We've only seen a glimpse of her powers so far, and I can't wait to see just how strong she really is. The dialogue between her and her 'dark side' was one of my favorite parts of the book. I want more of it!

The slow burn in this book is done so well. For a moment, you're not quite sure who the love interest is, but by the end, you realise who it is—and I am all for it!

The only thing I wished had been different was finding out M's secret in a big reveal rather than in his chapter, but that's just a personal preference.

[Murielle Hendrickx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect Shadows of Silver to pull me in the way it did. What starts as a story about loss quickly turns into something darker, colder and far more dangerous. Alora’s journey is filled with secrets, betrayal, and a kind of magic that feels both beautiful and cursed.

Nothing in this world is what it seems — not the people, not the power, not even the shadows themselves. And that prince… let’s just say I’m still not sure if I love him or fear him.

If you enjoy fantasy where every page feels like a secret waiting to be uncovered — read this one. But be warned: it won’t let you go easily.

Eager to see where book two takes us!

[claire wilband · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic. This book was mind bogglingly beautiful.
The world building is first class and the style of writing flows in a way that makes it feel like you’ve only just picked up the book but actually 2 hours have passed.
While the start of the book feels a little slow, this is necessary for the world building and allows the story to progress quicker as you move forward.
I loved the multiple POVs in this book and would definitely read more from other characters in this world.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

❤️ I received an advanced review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily ❤️

[mels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!!

I absolutely loved this book. It had everything, the enemies to lovers, the world building, it was everything. The mystery and the plot twists had me hooked for hours. The characters became a part of me and I found myself relating to them in more ways than just one.

This novel made me fall back in love with fantasy as a whole. I am starting a countdown for book 2 in the series ✨

[Tiffany J McLay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is an amazing dark fantasy. It had me thinking about it even when I wasn't able to read.

I found it unique and exhilarating!

[Ams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline, characters and world building are sooooo good in this book!! I couldn’t put it down.
Finished it in 2 days, highly recommend it!!

[Shawn Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes: Fantasy, slow burn, enemies to lovers. This is a story about a girl named Alora who lives a sheltered life in her small town, where she does t feel like she fits in until a traveler comes along and changes everything. He tells her if she comes with him he will show her the world but he ends up stealing her away to another kingdom thought to be gone. The MMC makes Alora play a game of quests for her freedom. She races against time to try and break the curse of the kingdom. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received an advanced reader copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and it had me hooked from the start.

I loved all the mystery and intrigue. The world building is fantastic which developed with action paced detail throughout the whole book. Alora has not had an easy start to her life. Events happened to give Alora the courage to leave the tiny village.

The romance was minimal, but it wasn’t needed. I have no clue as to where Alora’s journey will continue (and with whom) which I think is makes this series so appealing for me to want to continue to read.

Daphne D.H.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Silver

First book from The Destiny of Darkness trilogy series

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Ok I regret for not starting this book way sonner. But nevertheless I enjoyed myself while reading this book. This book is about Alora who navigate her life through ups and downs with difficulties and hardships. Honestly after everything everything she went through, she’s the strongest person. There were some point where I cried while reading. I’ve felt everything emotions. I couldn’t put this book down once I’ve started. And now I can’t wait for the next book and need it asap 😍😍😍

[Giulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot:
Shadows of Silver is the first book in the fantasy trilogy ‘The Destiny of Darkness’‘ which follows the journey of Alora, an ordinary girl, who is forced to flee her home and enter a world of whispers, betrayal, and a curse that binds her to a kingdom lost in eternal winter. Trapped in a fate she never sought, Alora is driven to the edge by a manipulating and deceiving prince who thrives in the shadows. As she’s hunted across kingdoms and confronted with perilous truths, she must choose whether to defy his deadly game, or lose herself to the lies that ensnare her.


Thoughts:
Before I get started on this review, I should mention that I’m not a fantasy fan and I rarely read fantasy books, and when I do, I almost never rate them above 3.5 stars. However, I devoured this book in just three days, even reading the entire second half in a single afternoon. I would say that Shadows of Silver could be described as light but full of action and plot-twists, offers relatable and diverse characters, and lastly, highlights important themes such as Trust and Betrayal; Family, Sibling Rivalry and Relationships; Grief, Guilt and Trauma; and Belonging and Social Injustice.


Prior to exploring the themes, I want to share a few general thoughts:
– The author’s note does a great job of setting expectations without spoiling anything. I also found the list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the book very thoughtful.

– The use of foreshadowing, right from the prologue and consistently throughout the book, creates a mysterious vibe and instills curiosity in its readers.

– The dialogue is light and full of witty banter, which offers some comedic relief on what is considered relatively dark themes.

– Overall, the world-building is solid, though I think it could benefit from a bit more detail. That being said, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the different creatures.

– My only issues were a few small inconsistencies and the occasional POV switch within the same scene, which could be a bit confusing at times.

-Ultimately, I would definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the sequel which is rumored to come out in 2026.


Family, Sibling Rivalry and Relationships:
Alora is orphaned from a young age and is left to live with Elowen and her daughter Seraphina. One thing that struck me was the contrast between Alora’s relationship with her adoptive mother and that of her adoptive sister. The author leans heavily into the idea that not all family is blood, something Alora herself reflects upon when she says: “Family is a strange thing… Some get good ones, some don’t. Life decides for you and you have absolutely no say in it… Elowen will always be my family though.”

However, this sense of belonging doesn’t extend to Seraphina. In fact, Alora often makes it clear that “Seraphina wasn’t [her] sister,” and throughout the story we see the kind of sibling rivalry that’s rooted more in resentment rather than affection. While “Elowen cares for [Alora] like [she’s] her own daughter”, Alora emphasizes that she and Seraphina “were never really family”, and although there were “some good moments”, they “always bickered and fought.”

Nevertheless, on the whole, Alora still wishes Seraphina well and there are slight moments of sibling banter and them getting along. It’s probably for this reason that Alora takes Seraphina’s betrayal so badly, kicking off the theme of betrayal and trust.


Betrayal and Trust:
This theme stands out in both family relationships and friendships. In fact, Daphne D.H. remarks that “Betrayal from family is the hardest to swallow” and that “Friends…? The word felt foreign, almost impossible. It was used so casually, so normalised by others. The friendship – real friendship – was both exciting and terrifying. Something [Alora] never truly understood.” This is proof that Alora has been burnt in the (immediate) past and as a result, might have trust issues. In fact, this is further highlighted by the phrase: “You must understand that trust is earned, not given lightly.”


Belonging and Social Injustice:
The author weaves strong social commentary into the fantasy setting, using the dangers of this world to reflect the darker sides of our own. Through the theme of social injustice, she points out that people are often “locked away for no reason at all, while real criminals [continue] to roam free above us in their golden rooms and shiny courts.” She also calls out the human race for its brutality and intolerance, noting that “our world is a violent place. Humans and other beings rarely coexist peacefully. Humans, especially, are driven by ambition and ego.”

Speaking of societal issues, the theme of belonging and authenticity, or the lack of it, is also explored. Alora reflects that “there’s this expectation to fit into a box. People don’t dare step out of it. It’s kind of sad,” and admits that “[her] whole life, [she’s] always wanted to feel loved – unconditionally, without reason.”


Grief, Guilt and Trauma:
Grief, guilt and trauma are all prevalent in Shadows of Silver. We see grief not only connected to death but even to lost relationships and loss of the self in many characters. In fact, when Alora commits her first murder and says that “the aftermath of killing someone felt strangely calm, or maybe the shock just hadn’t fully hit me yet”, it shows both a character shift as well as a coping mechanism often associated with death and guilt – shutting down emotionally.

Trauma is significantly tied to water imagery in this book, particularly with drowning. Alora’s triggers frequently appear around water. She recalls a childhood trauma: “A day that still haunts [her] – fighting against invisible hands, water choking [her], and the terror of drowning.” We see her trauma revisit her anytime she’s next to water: “For a full minute, [she] was somewhere else, before the suffocating feeling of water in my lungs took over. Memories flooded to the surface, panic arose, and [she] left the bathtub immediately, gasping for breath, searching the wall for balance.” Interestingly, her fear of love is also tied to water. At one point, she realises that “if [she] were to drown, it would be in his eyes and nowhere else.”


Honourable Mentions:

Enemies to Lovers slow burn: This dynamic seems to be present, and will likely be explored in much more depth in Book 2.

Character Development (in the main characters): Alora shows strong personal growth throughout the book, transitioning from submissive and passive to determined and assertive. Contrastingly, the Prince’s character declines as he descends into evil and madness.

Historical Context: The book briefly touches on the history of the kingdoms and their characters. I’m hoping (and expecting) that future books will expand on this worldbuilding.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Fantasy Debut That Casts a Spell from Page One!
Shadows of Silver is a breathtaking fantasy adventure that had me hooked from the very first chapter. It follows the journey of Alora, a young woman who’s always felt like an outsider in her quiet, sheltered village. Longing for something more, her wish is unexpectedly granted when a mysterious traveler arrives, one who promises to show her the world… but instead, upends it entirely.
What begins as an adventure quickly spirals into something much darker. Alora is taken, kidnapped, and delivered to a powerful master in a kingdom thought long lost. There, she’s forced to participate in a series of twisted, high-stakes quests, all in a desperate bid to earn her freedom and unravel the secrets behind a deadly winter curse that holds the kingdom in its grip.
The story is rich with hidden magic, ancient curses, and mythical beings, all wrapped in a mystery that deepens with every page. The plot is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists, yet it never skimps on the world-building. Every realm, creature, and piece of lore is brought to life with vivid detail.
Alora is a compelling heroine, resilient, determined, and braver than she realizes. Her past is laced with grief, having been orphaned young and raised alongside an adoptive sister who may not be as loyal as she seems. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Alora’s destiny is tied to the fate of the cursed kingdom in ways she never imagined.
I especially loved the multi-POV structure, which added depth and intrigue. Ryu's character, in particular, completely captured my attention, there’s clearly much more beneath the surface, and I can’t wait to learn more about his role in the coming books.
Though romance takes a back seat in this installment, I didn’t miss it. The story stands powerfully on its own, and the mystery surrounding a certain dark and enigmatic prince has left me desperate to know more. I genuinely can’t predict where Alora’s journey is headed, or who she’ll end up trusting, and that unpredictability is exactly what makes this series so addictive.
Shadows of Silver releases August 1st, and it’s an absolute must-read for fantasy lovers craving mystery, magic, betrayal, and heart-racing adventure. I’m already counting down the days for the sequel!

[Βίκυ Χ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies coil, shadows strike, and dragons set your heart ablaze.

A dying realm under a curse, a heroine forever on the run from foes and herself, a prince as cruel as he is unforgettable, elemental magic, sorceresses, a sentient library with its own agenda, and… dragons. Shadows of Silver by Daphne D.H. has every ingredient for a dark fantasy feast — and delivers.

Daphne’s prose is haunting and almost cinematic, drawing you so deep you can smell the damp earth and hear the trees whisper. Told through multiple perspectives, each voice is clear and compelling without ever tangling the threads. My heart belonged to Deyanira and Ryu (give me a whole spin‑off, please), though there’s one character I’d happily launch into the nearest abyss — spoilers forbid me from naming names.

It may be slow‑burn in pace, but it’s packed with action, rich world‑building, and creatures both enchanting and lethal. The hinted enemies‑to‑lovers thread isn’t quite the trope you expect, but it keeps you hooked. By the end, the author’s promise of “more chaos, magic, and heartbreak” feels less like a tease and more like a warning — and I, for one, am ready.

For lovers of dark fantasy who crave curses, complex characters, and worlds you can practically step into, this one’s a must.

[Liana Van Doren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of Silver was such an enjoyable read! Daphne D.H. brings some truly interesting and creative ideas into the story, which gave it a refreshing edge.

It is the first instalment in The Destiny Of Darkness series with following key elements:
High fantasy with magical lore ( and yesss there are dragon-shifters!!),
A curse that only she can break,
Friendships and slow-burn,
Self-discovery and internal conflict,
Trust issues and betrayal,
Shifting alliances and mystical danger.


The characters were really sweet and easy to connect with, and the writing style was simple and smooth—definitely one of those books you can fly through. The worldbuilding was also nicely done: clear, straightforward, and easy to follow without feeling overwhelming.

That said, I did feel like the book was missing a certain spark. Some developments in the story felt a little abrupt or lacked the buildup needed. In a few places, the transitions and pacing didn’t quite flow, which pulled me out of the story a bit.

Overall, this is a promising book and I’m really glad I got to read it early. It's an enjoyable read with lots of potential, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Daphne D.H. does next.

[Rutuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 4.5 Stars 🌟

This book had me hooked from the very first page! The world-building was so effortless and engaging, I felt instantly pulled into the story. Alora is such a brave and relatable main character, and I absolutely loved Fern. The writing was beautiful, the vibes were everything I look for in a dark fantasy, and the pacing kept me invested the whole time.

There are so many characters I liked getting to know and want to know more about but I’m not naming them here because... spoilers 👀

The only reason I’m giving it 4.5 instead of 5 is that I would’ve loved to see more glimpses of Alora’s life while growing up especially her sweeter moments with Elowen. But when I saw that Daphne plans to write a prequel novella? That sealed it. I’m already looking forward to it!

Can’t wait to see where this trilogy goes next. 🖤

[Kitty prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC so first off, a big thank you!

From the very first page, I was hooked. I mean seriously, I could not put it down. The characters were fantastic, the world-building was rich without being overwhelming, and I’m already counting down the days until book two.

The multiple POVs were handled so well each voice felt distinct, and it never got confusing. You can really tell the author put a lot of care and thought into every detail.

The mystery and suspense kept me guessing (and honestly, a little paranoid). I didn’t trust anyone, and I loved every second of it.

Alora was a standout for me. I’m already rooting for her and can’t wait to see what she brings next!

[Augustina Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the *Destiny of Darkness* series is an absolute must-read for fans of fantasy romance. With its compelling enemies-to-lovers plot and slow-burn tension, this story immerses readers in a richly developed world. The characters are strong and well-crafted, and the storyline is packed with suspense, danger, and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Immerse yourself in unexpected twists and powerful passion that lead to an unforgettable conclusion, leaving you yearning for the next installment. The writing is masterful, capturing the depth of the characters’ emotions and evoking a resonance with their struggles and love. Don’t miss out on this thrilling read!

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An absolutely mind-boggling incredible story! I could not stop reading and kept turning the pages to see what happened next. The characters are so fantastically developed and driven. Alora, a trusting soul,knew nothing about her background was hunted and found by Kaladin, who was nothing as he seemed. Daphne's world building is top notch, brilliantly, beautifully, and magically blended emmersively throughout the book. I am 100% sold on this story. I absolutely highly recommend it!

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of Silver by Daphne DH. Is a slow-burn fantasy novel in which Alora has to flee, has to break a curse and meets a deceiving prince.

This was such a good read. I was captivated from the very first. The writing is flowing with multiple POVs and I had a hard time putting the book down. The world-building is amazing and very thought out and imaginable. The plot and story-line are very intriguing and the slow burn enemies to lovers trope I loved very much. I can’t wait to read the sequel!