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Vows of Shadow
When the last daughter of a fallen house is claimed by the warlord who burned her world, Leila Morana steps into a marriage forged in fire and shadows.
Beneath his keep lies an ancient darkness, whispering promises of power. To survive, she must take it into herself—and decide whether she will be Drazan Virel's queen… or his undoing.
In a court ruled by fear, where every vow is a weapon, Leila’s ambition ignites. Her bond with the warlord becomes a battlefield of its own—one of desire, dominance, and dangerous equality. And while rival forces gather in the dark, she must decide how far she will go to protect her crown… even if it means becoming the very thing they fear.
Darkly sensual and richly imagined, Vows of Shadow is the first book in a sweeping fantasy series of ambition, intimacy, and divine power. For readers who crave ruthless heroines, tangled loyalties, and romance that burns as fiercely as war.
The gods may watch. The lords may kneel. But only one woman will rise.
Beneath his keep lies an ancient darkness, whispering promises of power. To survive, she must take it into herself—and decide whether she will be Drazan Virel's queen… or his undoing.
In a court ruled by fear, where every vow is a weapon, Leila’s ambition ignites. Her bond with the warlord becomes a battlefield of its own—one of desire, dominance, and dangerous equality. And while rival forces gather in the dark, she must decide how far she will go to protect her crown… even if it means becoming the very thing they fear.
Darkly sensual and richly imagined, Vows of Shadow is the first book in a sweeping fantasy series of ambition, intimacy, and divine power. For readers who crave ruthless heroines, tangled loyalties, and romance that burns as fiercely as war.
The gods may watch. The lords may kneel. But only one woman will rise.
583 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
8 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lenore
22 books143 followersLani Lenore is a writer of gothic horror and dark fantasy. In addition to rewriting well-known fairy tales with a twist, she also writes original stories in a style she calls ‘dark fairy tale’, which uses fantasy elements to build horror stories. Most of her tales, though horrific at times, have a subplot of romance. She loves to keep readers on the edge of their seat and immerse them in worlds of beauty and terror.
Lani currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, two dogs, and four cats.
Lani currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, two dogs, and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 1, 2025
Drazan Virel is a warlord who kills and conquers. He killed Leila Morana’s family, leaving her homeless. One day, he sends for her. When she answers the call, she is told that she is to marry him. She agrees, enticed by his power. On their wedding night, he shows her his darkness and source of his power. She steps into the pool of darkness and comes out with similar powers. She can read minds and intentions. She rules through fear and intimidation. She doesn’t know love or crave it. Drazan has found his match in Leila. They soon find out that a secret cult like group is watching Leila’s movements and rise in power and she seeks to root out anyone conspiring against them. The first few chapters reeled me in. I was instantly intrigued by what would happen between the warlord and the girl whose family he killed. After that, the story dragged a lot for me. There wasn’t a lot of plot happening. While the writing was beautifully done, a lot of things were too descriptive and felt repetitive. It was a struggle to finish reading. I wanted to love this but unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. Thank you to the author for this ARC.
Edited 11/1 - the author did edit the book and resent a new copy to read/review. I do appreciate her taking the reviews to heart and making some edits. I don’t know that I’ll have time to read it again with those edits but I’m hoping to at least check out the changes that were made.
Edited 11/1 - the author did edit the book and resent a new copy to read/review. I do appreciate her taking the reviews to heart and making some edits. I don’t know that I’ll have time to read it again with those edits but I’m hoping to at least check out the changes that were made.
December 1, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I am rounding up because I believe this is an introduction to a much bigger story that is slowly being told. I thought this was a good read overall. It has a good plot, but it was really slow paced for me. I liked the characters and that they are not your usual set of characters. We get to embrace the darker side here. There are some plot twists I wasn’t expecting, and I like the direction of the series. I enjoyed the ending and I’m curious to see where it goes from here. If you like a dark fantasy romance that is slow, sensual, spicy and more about the atmospheric depth I would recommend this book.
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review, and all thoughts are my own.
I am rounding up because I believe this is an introduction to a much bigger story that is slowly being told. I thought this was a good read overall. It has a good plot, but it was really slow paced for me. I liked the characters and that they are not your usual set of characters. We get to embrace the darker side here. There are some plot twists I wasn’t expecting, and I like the direction of the series. I enjoyed the ending and I’m curious to see where it goes from here. If you like a dark fantasy romance that is slow, sensual, spicy and more about the atmospheric depth I would recommend this book.
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review, and all thoughts are my own.
December 2, 2025
Overall the story was good. The details and descriptions were well thought out, however at several points in the story it became repetitive which made the long story feel even longer. I also felt like there were points the author was telling me exactly how to feel in a scene. As a reader I like to enter a scene and feel my own feelings and sit with my thoughts I don’t want to be dictated how to feel. Overall I enjoyed the story and I would read more by the author.
November 16, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I truly appreciate the opportunity. Vows of Shadow was a fun read. I did enjoy the plot and the characters quite a bit. There were a few more that I would have loved to learn more about, mainly Selvara (she intrigued me a lot and I wish we got to know more about her).
I felt as though the characters is where this author succeeded the most. There is some quotes that I have that I will share later that I loved.
One thing that brought me out of the read was how means were described by the characters. It was very formulaic. I found myself noting in my annotations at times when this happened. I found 18 spots where this formula happened at some point and that was not even all the times. when describing someone's intentions the author will describe it as "not this, but this" or a negative followed by a positive. This came of as being over descriptive and not letting the readers interpret the intentions.
I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. Without spoiling anything I think the plot should have been more pronounced then the spicy in this book. However, the smut was beautiful, 5 chili peppers for sure! It was descriptive, some of the best smut I have read in a while.
I would say the book was 50% smut 50% plot. The beginning and end of this book truly drew me in. With all that being said this is a Dark fantasy romance, it definitely has the plot of that genre so know that going in.
Next I will put in some of my favorite quotes with out context (avoid if you prefer):
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"I do not kneel," She said to the flame. "But I will stand and wear your name."
"The purring is earned," she said, voice low, smooth as poured wine. "the biting is free."
"I was bred through war," she said flatly. "My pedigree in tragedy. Very little shakes me."
"Because Fear alone is brittle," he said. "And silence conceals more treachery than hatred ever will."
"you say I'm harsh." He accused, His voice raw and rough with desire, "but you kiss the blood off my hands like it's wine."
I felt as though the characters is where this author succeeded the most. There is some quotes that I have that I will share later that I loved.
One thing that brought me out of the read was how means were described by the characters. It was very formulaic. I found myself noting in my annotations at times when this happened. I found 18 spots where this formula happened at some point and that was not even all the times. when describing someone's intentions the author will describe it as "not this, but this" or a negative followed by a positive. This came of as being over descriptive and not letting the readers interpret the intentions.
I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. Without spoiling anything I think the plot should have been more pronounced then the spicy in this book. However, the smut was beautiful, 5 chili peppers for sure! It was descriptive, some of the best smut I have read in a while.
I would say the book was 50% smut 50% plot. The beginning and end of this book truly drew me in. With all that being said this is a Dark fantasy romance, it definitely has the plot of that genre so know that going in.
Next I will put in some of my favorite quotes with out context (avoid if you prefer):
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"I do not kneel," She said to the flame. "But I will stand and wear your name."
"The purring is earned," she said, voice low, smooth as poured wine. "the biting is free."
"I was bred through war," she said flatly. "My pedigree in tragedy. Very little shakes me."
"Because Fear alone is brittle," he said. "And silence conceals more treachery than hatred ever will."
"you say I'm harsh." He accused, His voice raw and rough with desire, "but you kiss the blood off my hands like it's wine."
October 13, 2025
Not every book is written for every reader, and that’s perfectly okay. Vows of Shadow is one of those books that I can see many people absolutely loving, it just wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
Let’s start with what worked: this book has a really strong, well-developed plot and characters with genuine depth. None of them felt flat or one-dimensional. You can tell that Lani Lenore is a skilled writer who knows how to craft tension, emotion, and atmosphere. The world she’s created feels layered and darkly enchanting, and I was intrigued by the morally grey nature of both main characters.
However, where the story lost me a bit was in the level of description and detail. The author’s prose is incredibly descriptive, beautifully written, but at times too much for my personal taste. Certain sections felt repetitive, as if we were lingering too long on the same imagery or emotion. This slowed the pacing and occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Then there’s the spice. I’m not opposed to it (and sometimes even enjoy it when it fits the tone), but here it felt excessive. I understand why the author included it, to show the intensity and complicated nature of the relationship , but for me, it didn’t always feel necessary to the plot or character growth.
That said, I have to emphasize: this is a beautifully written, dark, and sensual fantasy that I think many readers will adore. If you enjoy morally grey characters, lush prose, and an atmosphere dripping with intensity and desire, this might easily be a five-star read for you.
It’s just one of those cases where the style and focus didn’t quite align with what I personally enjoy as a reader. But I can absolutely respect the artistry and care that went into it.
Still, I’d recommend it to readers who love dark romantic fantasy and don’t mind a slower, more indulgent prose style.
Let’s start with what worked: this book has a really strong, well-developed plot and characters with genuine depth. None of them felt flat or one-dimensional. You can tell that Lani Lenore is a skilled writer who knows how to craft tension, emotion, and atmosphere. The world she’s created feels layered and darkly enchanting, and I was intrigued by the morally grey nature of both main characters.
However, where the story lost me a bit was in the level of description and detail. The author’s prose is incredibly descriptive, beautifully written, but at times too much for my personal taste. Certain sections felt repetitive, as if we were lingering too long on the same imagery or emotion. This slowed the pacing and occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Then there’s the spice. I’m not opposed to it (and sometimes even enjoy it when it fits the tone), but here it felt excessive. I understand why the author included it, to show the intensity and complicated nature of the relationship , but for me, it didn’t always feel necessary to the plot or character growth.
That said, I have to emphasize: this is a beautifully written, dark, and sensual fantasy that I think many readers will adore. If you enjoy morally grey characters, lush prose, and an atmosphere dripping with intensity and desire, this might easily be a five-star read for you.
It’s just one of those cases where the style and focus didn’t quite align with what I personally enjoy as a reader. But I can absolutely respect the artistry and care that went into it.
Still, I’d recommend it to readers who love dark romantic fantasy and don’t mind a slower, more indulgent prose style.
November 21, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
From the opening chapter, I felt the weight of Leila Morana’s loss, the hollowed-out ache of a world burned behind her, and the fierce, trembling determination of someone who refuses to be defined by her ruin. Her marriage to Drazan Virel…a warlord, conqueror, and the very man responsible for her devastation…could have easily felt bleak. Instead, it unfolds with stunning nuance. Their connection is taut with conflict and reluctant fascination, a slow-burning struggle for power and understanding. Every exchange between them vibrates with tension, fear, longing, resentment, recognition. It’s a relationship built on shifting ground, where vulnerability is as dangerous as desire.
The worldbuilding is rich without overwhelming, and the court politics sharpen every scene with the sense that no choice is harmless, no vow without consequence. There’s a beautifully woven theme throughout the book: that rising is not a gentle act. It is jagged, painful, transformative.
Vows of Shadow is darkly sensual, deeply atmospheric, and emotionally gripping. And if you like some spice 🌶️ then this book is for you. It’s the kind of story that stays with you because it makes you feel unsteady, enchanted, and hungry for more.
My only true critique, is that the book is long and a lot of the plot could be done in less pages. Now, will I be reading future books in this series? Oh, absolutely!!
From the opening chapter, I felt the weight of Leila Morana’s loss, the hollowed-out ache of a world burned behind her, and the fierce, trembling determination of someone who refuses to be defined by her ruin. Her marriage to Drazan Virel…a warlord, conqueror, and the very man responsible for her devastation…could have easily felt bleak. Instead, it unfolds with stunning nuance. Their connection is taut with conflict and reluctant fascination, a slow-burning struggle for power and understanding. Every exchange between them vibrates with tension, fear, longing, resentment, recognition. It’s a relationship built on shifting ground, where vulnerability is as dangerous as desire.
The worldbuilding is rich without overwhelming, and the court politics sharpen every scene with the sense that no choice is harmless, no vow without consequence. There’s a beautifully woven theme throughout the book: that rising is not a gentle act. It is jagged, painful, transformative.
Vows of Shadow is darkly sensual, deeply atmospheric, and emotionally gripping. And if you like some spice 🌶️ then this book is for you. It’s the kind of story that stays with you because it makes you feel unsteady, enchanted, and hungry for more.
My only true critique, is that the book is long and a lot of the plot could be done in less pages. Now, will I be reading future books in this series? Oh, absolutely!!
November 16, 2025
📚✨ ARC Review — Vow of Shadows: The Hollow Queen (Book One) ✨📚
by Lani Lenore
“When the last daughter of a fallen house is claimed by the warlord who burned her world…”
Yeah, this book had me from line one. 🖤🔥
Vow of Shadows is a seductively slow, elegant whisper of a dark fantasy romance—the kind that coils around you chapter by chapter with shadows, ambition, and tension so sharp it feels like a blade at your throat.
Leila Morana and Drazan Virel?
Their dynamic is pure power, hunger, dominance, and dangerous equality. Every vow is a weapon. Every glance feels like a challenge. And the ancient darkness beneath the keep? 👀 Chef’s kiss for the atmosphere alone.
✨ What I Loved:
– A world dripping in gothic allure
– Seductive tension + shadow-kissed spice
– An FMC who grows sharper, bolder, and more willing to claim her destiny
– A warlord MMC who is every bit as intoxicating as he is terrifying
✨ My Only Feedback:
It was on the longer side—beautifully written, but occasionally felt like passages echoed themselves with slightly different wording. Still, the overall experience? Worth sinking into.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 shadow-soaked stars
A seductive, darkly elegant fantasy romance that lingers like smoke long after you close the book.
#Bookstagram #DarkFantasyRomance #ARCReview #FantasyReads #ShadowRomance
by Lani Lenore
“When the last daughter of a fallen house is claimed by the warlord who burned her world…”
Yeah, this book had me from line one. 🖤🔥
Vow of Shadows is a seductively slow, elegant whisper of a dark fantasy romance—the kind that coils around you chapter by chapter with shadows, ambition, and tension so sharp it feels like a blade at your throat.
Leila Morana and Drazan Virel?
Their dynamic is pure power, hunger, dominance, and dangerous equality. Every vow is a weapon. Every glance feels like a challenge. And the ancient darkness beneath the keep? 👀 Chef’s kiss for the atmosphere alone.
✨ What I Loved:
– A world dripping in gothic allure
– Seductive tension + shadow-kissed spice
– An FMC who grows sharper, bolder, and more willing to claim her destiny
– A warlord MMC who is every bit as intoxicating as he is terrifying
✨ My Only Feedback:
It was on the longer side—beautifully written, but occasionally felt like passages echoed themselves with slightly different wording. Still, the overall experience? Worth sinking into.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 shadow-soaked stars
A seductive, darkly elegant fantasy romance that lingers like smoke long after you close the book.
#Bookstagram #DarkFantasyRomance #ARCReview #FantasyReads #ShadowRomance
December 1, 2025
Vows of Shadow Arc Review
Release Date December 2,2025
My thoughts:
Vow of Shadows completely pulled me in with its dark, gothic atmosphere. Leila and Drazan’s dynamic is all power, tension, and that dangerously irresistible chemistry that keeps you hooked. This book is definitely 50% plot and 50% smut which doesn’t bother me. I love that in some of my books. The tension and spice absolutely delivered.
The world felt deliciously gothic without ever overwhelming me, and the court politics kept the stakes high in every scene. One thing I really loved is how the book shows that growth isn’t soft—it’s sharp and messy and uncomfortable, and you feel that through Leila’s journey.
My only critique is that it’s a bit long and some parts repeat themselves, but honestly, the overall vibe made it worth it. I’m definitely continuing the series.
⭐️ 4/5 stars
🚨 check your trigger warnings 🚨
Release Date December 2,2025
My thoughts:
Vow of Shadows completely pulled me in with its dark, gothic atmosphere. Leila and Drazan’s dynamic is all power, tension, and that dangerously irresistible chemistry that keeps you hooked. This book is definitely 50% plot and 50% smut which doesn’t bother me. I love that in some of my books. The tension and spice absolutely delivered.
The world felt deliciously gothic without ever overwhelming me, and the court politics kept the stakes high in every scene. One thing I really loved is how the book shows that growth isn’t soft—it’s sharp and messy and uncomfortable, and you feel that through Leila’s journey.
My only critique is that it’s a bit long and some parts repeat themselves, but honestly, the overall vibe made it worth it. I’m definitely continuing the series.
⭐️ 4/5 stars
🚨 check your trigger warnings 🚨
November 22, 2025
Some books are meant for some readers and some books aren't. I can see how this book could appeal to readers who like immediate spicy gratification, but for me, I need a little more lead in.
Now for the writing: the dialogue between characters was gripping, what lost it for me was the hurried descriptions...some scenes felt rushed or forced. it made it hard for me to connect with the characters.
As for the plot, I wasn't sure where this was going. there were a lot of loop holes. I felt like I was being told how our FMC was a bada$$, by the FMC herself, but never actually saw anything that made her that way. it made it difficult for me to believe her struggle or even her draw towards the MMC.
I appreciate the ARC but this one just wasn't for me.
Now for the writing: the dialogue between characters was gripping, what lost it for me was the hurried descriptions...some scenes felt rushed or forced. it made it hard for me to connect with the characters.
As for the plot, I wasn't sure where this was going. there were a lot of loop holes. I felt like I was being told how our FMC was a bada$$, by the FMC herself, but never actually saw anything that made her that way. it made it difficult for me to believe her struggle or even her draw towards the MMC.
I appreciate the ARC but this one just wasn't for me.
November 29, 2025
Wow what a wild book! I love that she is bold, defiant and sure! Leila is a different FMC than most. She is the sure control that most spend half the book becoming. I wouldn’t call it a fast read because so much is happening in each chapter but it is a quick paced read. I had to go back several times to reread and make sure I understood what was happening but not that it was complicated or messy writing, just a complex story. It has an interesting plot and the twist is what really will make you question the last 900 pages.
I received this as an advanced reader copy for free and I am freely leaving an honest review. I also read the longer version that was given to me from the author as well as the newer revised version.
I received this as an advanced reader copy for free and I am freely leaving an honest review. I also read the longer version that was given to me from the author as well as the newer revised version.
December 13, 2025
What a wild book!
That was epic and beautiful and poetic and spicy. Dark romantasy at its finest, and I strongly recommend checking the triggers before diving in. I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. Trust no one a use everyone to your benefit! I can't wait to see what happens next!!
That was epic and beautiful and poetic and spicy. Dark romantasy at its finest, and I strongly recommend checking the triggers before diving in. I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. Trust no one a use everyone to your benefit! I can't wait to see what happens next!!
December 20, 2025
Full review coming up
December 2, 2025
Thank you to Lani Lenore for allowing me to read an eARC of Vows of Shadow. These opinions are my own.
Wowsers. That was epic and beautiful and poetic and spicy.
An FMC to be remembered. There's darkness and shadows and secrets and betrayals. It's a why choose like no other I've read.
Trust no one a use everyone to your benefit! I can't wait to see what happens next!!
#vowsofshadow #thehollowqueen #secretsandbetrayals #strategy #whychoose
Wowsers. That was epic and beautiful and poetic and spicy.
An FMC to be remembered. There's darkness and shadows and secrets and betrayals. It's a why choose like no other I've read.
Trust no one a use everyone to your benefit! I can't wait to see what happens next!!
#vowsofshadow #thehollowqueen #secretsandbetrayals #strategy #whychoose
October 23, 2025
I received this book as an ARC
It was good. I read it fairly quickly considering the size of the book, the story kept me interested and Drazan definitely made a girl know how to feel if you catch my drift! The story was great and I really liked the premise of it. For me though there was a lot of repetition. The book was very long and I feel like a lot was repeated that didn’t need to be which could have made it shorter.
All in all I did really enjoy the story though and would definitely recommend to my friends! 😊
It was good. I read it fairly quickly considering the size of the book, the story kept me interested and Drazan definitely made a girl know how to feel if you catch my drift! The story was great and I really liked the premise of it. For me though there was a lot of repetition. The book was very long and I feel like a lot was repeated that didn’t need to be which could have made it shorter.
All in all I did really enjoy the story though and would definitely recommend to my friends! 😊
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews