King's Shadow

Secrets of Dagome #2

by Olena Nikitin

One Shadow to protect the Crown. One betrayal to tear the world apart.

Roksana’s burden was watching her king ride to war, leaving her with an impossible guard the capital at any cost.

As the King’s Shadow, she enforces his rule with forbidden magic and poisons that shift alliances overnight. Hidden behind the porcelain mask of the Deadly Nightshade, Roksana is the throne’s most lethal secret—and she is committed to protecting the only man who ever touched her heart.

But a silent threat capable of shattering the realm is festering in the city’s depths.

With King Reynard cut off by the tides of war and the court plotting a coup, Roksana must rely on the only family she has a fae courtesan who trades in whispers, a dwarf inventor whose genius uncovers the plot, and an assassin who always trusts her plans.

To save the kingdom and her king, Roksana must become the monster the world already believes her to be. She would rather lose her soul than the man she loves—and the family—she’s fought to protect.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Blending grit, passion and power play, this adult high fantasy romance delivers a morally grey competent heroine in her 30' with deadly secrets, a cursed king whose love language is obsession, and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers bond that burns into spice against the backdrop of a Slavic-inspired kingdom steeped in betrayal and dangerous magic.

A dual POV. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and The Witcher

Check content warnings in the “Look Inside” section.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

475 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Olena Nikitin is the pen name of a writing power couple who share a love of fantasy, paranormal romance, rich, vivid worlds and exciting storylines. In their books and out, they love down-to-earth humour, a visceral approach to life, striving to write realistic romances filled with the passion and steam people always dream of experiencing.
Meet the two halves of this Truro UK-based dynamic duo!

Olga, a Polish woman, has a wicked sense of humour with a dash of Slavic pessimism. She’s been writing since she was a small child, but life led her to work as an emergency physician. While this work means she always has stories to share, it often means she’s too busy to actually write. She’s proud to be a crazy cat lady, and together with Mark, they have five cats.

Mark, a typical English gentleman, radiates charm, sophistication, and an undeniable sex appeal. At least, he’s reasonably certain that’s what convinced Olga to fly across the sea into his arms. He’s an incredibly intelligent man with a knack for fixing things, including Polish syntax in English writing. If you give him good whiskey, he might even regale you with his Gulf War story of how he got shot.

Olena Nikitin loves hearing from their fans and critics alike and welcomes communication via any platform! https://linktr.ee/olenanikitinauthor

Reviews

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed and addicted to this whole dang series starting with Oath of Betrayal.

This book was a fun adventure that leaped from the first one with a lot of gusto and kept on giving me all the things I love about a romantic fantasy. The chemistry between the main couple was absolutely delicious. I also really adored the side characters. Olena's books always have so many amazing characters that are charming and fun to get to know. It's a brilliantly written found family. Seriously I'm so obsessed with Irsha, Tova, Riordan, and the entire group. I'm such a fan of the bits of humor too. Great banter through the entire series even if it's just here and there.

The lore and worldbuilding were perfection. The story was so exciting. My heart was thumping through the tense moments. It's a bit darker but in an emotional, and heartbreaking way that shows just how much strength the characters have. Roksana, the female main character, is feisty but brave but fierce and I absolutely love her. Her heart is so big. She goes through so much.

I also really loved all the art throughoug the pages. It was a beautiful touch to the book. It's one of those books that really pull at all parts of you and draw you in. I didn't want it to end. I'm so excited for the next one.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely obsessed with this series, and this book somehow made me love it even more.

I’ve been reading Olena Nikitin’s books for a while now, and she truly never misses. The way she builds her worlds and writes her characters just pulls you in every single time, and I’m always fully immersed from the very first page.

Roksana is everything I want in an FMC. She is sharp, powerful, unapologetic, and constantly choosing herself and her strength even when it costs her. Watching her step into her power in this book was so satisfying. And Reynard… he is not soft or easy, but the depth behind his devotion and the weight of his role made him such a compelling character. Their relationship is intense, messy, and earned, and it feels so real because of it.

The tension in this book is constant. Between the court politics, betrayals, and the looming magical threat, it genuinely felt like no one was safe. Every conversation felt layered with hidden motives, and I was completely hooked the entire time.

And the found family in this series? One of my absolute favorites. These characters feel so real and so deeply connected that it just adds another emotional layer to everything happening.

This is darker, more emotional, and somehow even more addictive than the first book. Olena Nikitin’s books are an absolute must read for me, and this series is one I will recommend over and over again.

[Jaimie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest review that I gave willingly after receiving an ARC
4.5* rounded up
You want a slooowww almost at times feels like it’s crawling, but then turns to the kind of crawling you’d like burn😉this is your book (and the character art 😳 )

Interesting magic system, extensive world building and character driven plot this dark fantasy was a quick read that was easy to digest, I look forward to reading more works from this author

Also the art work in the book is STUNNING and the chapter headers? Love it!

[Between the covers and pages]

3.5 ⭐
I went into by expecting a darker, more intense fantasy, but what I got was a slower, more character-driven story—and honestly, that worked for me in some ways and not in others.
The worldbuilding was definitely a highlight. There’s a lot of depth to the magic system and the political elements, and you can tell the author has put real thought into how everything connects. It felt immersive without being overwhelming, which I appreciated.
The characters were another strong point. I enjoyed the dynamics and relationships, especially the way they developed over time. There’s a quieter emotional depth here that sneaks up on you, and I liked that not everything was rushed. That said, because of the slower pacing, it did take me a while to fully connect with them.
Pacing was probably my main issue. The story leans more toward a slow burn, and while that builds atmosphere and tension, there were moments where it dragged a bit for me. I kept waiting for things to fully kick off, and when they did, I just wanted a bit more of that energy throughout.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with strong worldbuilding and interesting characters, but the pacing didn’t always keep me hooked. If you like slower, more layered fantasy with a focus on character development, this will likely work really well for you.

[Rachel Emily]

I loved the first book in this series, so I have been eager to see how things continue for all the characters. You definitely need to read this one in order as it picks up where the first book ends off. (This is also a spin off of a previous duology, which I also highly recommend!)

I really love the world building and the characters in this - it’s what I have loved with all their books. The characters are nuanced, real, and flawed. There are political machinations, warring factions, and high stakes. And I also love the found family feels, especially the friendship between Roksana and Tova.

Of course, Sana and Rey continue to have top tier banter and interactions for the moments they find to be together. I love that they give as good as they get lol. Rey is busy fighting the front against Mlot, and Sana is trying to ensure her king has a safe rule as well as fighting for her place with him.

[Falling_Into_Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I see your heart, Reynard.' His whisper was warm, like an autumn fire, 'And I liked what I saw'

I am absolutely still in love with this world, the slavic inspired lore and the charecters that Olena manages to bring to life.

This book was a wonderful rollercoaster of a book. I absolutely adored getting to know more about Sanas mother and I thought that her father's last appearance on page was just wonderful bittersweet moment.

I am so so excited to get more of Cinered on page as he is just absolutely amazing, and how he speaks to sana is heartwarming.

Reys devotion to Sanas independence and fericeness is just wonderful whenever it comes up

Olena, I need book 3 now!!!!!

[❤️Tina❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed being in this world again, book one was great but book two really steps it up in the drama, politics and relationships within.

There's some great character growth. Reynard and Roksana are well written! Roksana is still powerful, dangerous and bad ass, whilst Reynard would burn the world down for her and fight for her but treats her like the goddess she is and doesn't try and hold her back.
They both have their own storyline happening but it's all weaved together really well.
We get great side characters as well that are so detailed and not just there as filler.

I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you to the author for the arc for my honest review 🫶🏻

[Silvia LD · Rating 5 out of 5]

More magic, more plot twists, more betrayals and MORW DRAGONS!
Loved how deeply political and intricate this book is, the way I never knew what was going to happen, the amount of twists is absolutely incredible, and all the new magic in play!? I want to know more!

I feel deeply for Roksana, she’s been through so much and she deserves the world, I loved the found family aspect and the imperfect relationship her and Rey have.

I can’t wait to see how this story ends!

[Claire Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

🧪 Loyalty, courage, and a woman on the brink of becoming legend 🧪

⭐⭐⭐⭐

"They called her monster as if it were a curse – never understanding it was a choice she made, again and again, for them."

There’s something quietly intoxicating about King’s Shadow. It's the kind of story that doesn’t rush to dazzle you, but instead tightens its grip with each chapter until you realise you’re completely ensnared.

Sana is at the heart of it all: sharp-edged, bone-tired, and devastatingly competent. As the King's Shadow, she's a heroine who has already paid too much for loyalty, and moves through the pages like a ghost wrapped in silk and venom. I loved her – not because she is good, but because of her choices. Each one she makes is weighted, every betrayal truly earned, each moment of softness painfully fleeting.

The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, steeped in a Slavic-inspired atmosphere that feels both brutal and beautiful. Magic stains and power shifts like shadows at dusk. It’s immersive in a slow, deliberate way that asks for your patience, and if you’re willing to sink in fully, you reap a cinematic reward.

And it is, undeniably, a slow-burn. The pacing lingers, sometimes almost too hesitantly, as threads of intrigue, loyalty, and longing are carefully woven together. It’s the kind of sequel that feels deeply intertwined with what came before, and I’d absolutely recommend reading Poisoned Kingdom first to fully appreciate the emotional and political stakes. On its own, it occasionally feels like it’s holding its breath.

But that ending – sharp, sudden, and electric – makes the slow unravel worth it. The tension finally snaps, and when it does, it leaves you desperate for more.

Verdict: A lush, character-driven fantasy that simmers more than it burns – until it suddenly ignites. Undeniably compelling, with a heroine who lingers long after the final page. I’ll be first in line for whatever comes next.

[Charl Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this ARC after reading the blurb about it the story and the idea had me hooked so I applied.. didn’t realise it was a book 2 but oh well as the first was absolutely phenomenal.

We continued our story with Roksana and Rey from the first with a looooot to sort out throughout. They were separated more in this book and we did have their POVs, as they were both dealing with the issues from the first using divide and conquer as Rey has gone to war with the dwarves and Sana needs to sort out the brotherhood and work out who is behind the assassination attempts and get order within the kingdom.

The politics, the schemes and everything that is going on in these books are absolutely phenomenal and make this book so interesting as there is always sub plots along with the main plots.

The relationships and the friendships between the characters is honestly some of the best I have seen in the books I love them all. The bad guys be badding and sana being an absolute bada$$ throughout made this so good to read as it’s just addictive, you wanna be there and you wanna find out more and more. Questions from the first get answered too which is great and the lead up to the ending of this book was just perfect. The love story as well is just perfect and faultless and Cinared I was so happy.

We did have some emotional scenes with Sana during the middle to later part of the book which just breaks you and you admire how brave she is.

This is a must read for me and should definitely get more hype it’s just fantastic. Can’t fault the book at all only slightly lower than the first cause I did miss more scenes of them together but I understand why it was this way as they had a lot to do.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished King’s Shadow, and I’m honestly just sitting here like… okay. WOW.
This book had me in that feral “one more chapter” spiral where you swear you’ll stop, and then it’s suddenly 2 a.m., and you’re still reading because how dare they end the scene like that. The tension is CONSTANT — not just the romance, but the politics, the betrayals, the feeling that nobody is safe, and the danger is already inside the room.
Roksana is the kind of FMC I live for. She’s smart, sharp, stubborn, and she does not exist to be tamed. Watching her stop shrinking herself and start choosing power on her own terms? So satisfying.
And Reynard… he’s not a soft boy. He’s a war king with chaos magic and that “I will burn the world down if you’re threatened” energy, but it’s layered with actual responsibility and cost. Their relationship isn’t cute — it’s intense, messy, protective, and it feels like a partnership you earn through bl00d, fear, and trust you don’t want to give.
Also: the court intrigue is NASTY (in the best way). Everyone has an angle. Every conversation feels like a trap. And the bigger magical threat creeping in the background kept me stressed the entire time.
If you like dark romantasy with enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, morally grey everything, and a romance that feels like devotion with teeth… read this. But start with Book 1.
Tropes (Book 2)
• Enemies-to-lovers ⚔️
• Forced proximity 🏰
• Morally grey heroine 🖤
• War king MMC 👑
• Chaos magic ✨
• Court intrigue 🗝️
• Betrayal & secrets 🐍
• Devotion with teeth 🫀
• Touch-her-and-d1e 😈
• Dragon bond 🐉

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Reynard has ridden out to war against the dwarves, leaving Rokasana to help guard the capital as the King’s Shadow. As the court plans a coup, dwarven traps pop up throughout the kingdom, and the threat of another foreign kingdom to overthrow King Reynard, Rokasana has her work cut out for her. And she will save the king she loves at any cost.

Rey has certainly matured into his confidence in this book. He is a fantastic wartime leader, and as he continues to make the tough decisions, his tolerance of the court’s sensibilities withers. He loves Rokasana and he’s more willing to work with what she needs rather than just demand what he wants. But he no longer is willing to give her up for the kingdom.

Rokasana still struggles with trust and depending on others. She insists on taking on seriously dangerous quests alone, often to her detriment. However, being able to acknowledge her actual father, as well as learning about her mother’s magical heritage, softens her a little. She’s still unused to allowing others to care for her, but she makes major inroads in accepting care as the story progresses.

King’s Shadow continues to build on the story started in the Poisoned Kingdom, with more plotting and treachery revealed. As they work to counter the threats, Rey and Rokasana’s relationship truly grows and matures into a compelling connection. An excellent second book that continues to build tension while allowing for personal growth of the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

King’s Shadow is the second book in the Secrets of Dagome, a dark fantasy romance series. This is set in the same world as the authors’ The Cursed Bonds series but can be read independently. That said, reading this series first would spoil certain aspects of The Cursed Bonds series. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.

Tropes and themes include:
✨Poisoner assassin FMC
✨Political intrigue
✨Obsessed and broody MMC
✨Touch her and die
✨Found family
✨Based on Slavic mythology
✨“Good girl”
✨Forbidden magic
✨Dragons
✨Bonding through trauma
✨Morally gray characters
✨Dual, first person POV

Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nickname: Viper

The Lovely: I absolutely love these characters and their relationships. We see the main characters physically separated for much of the story but they reunite regularly and when they do… well, apparently, absence does make the heart grow fonder. The FMC is determined, clever and sassy, sometimes to a fault. The MMC dishes it right back at her while still being utterly obsessed and protective when it comes to her.

Also Lovely: I also love this epic and complex fantasy world. It’s not complex as in hard to understand or follow but layered and intriguing to explore.

Recommendation: The authors have hit it out of the park yet again. The twists and turns, the emotional moments and the characters meant I couldn’t stop reading this. If you like a beautiful epic fantasy with a romance full of tension and yearning, I think you would love this book.

[ThatBook Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so completely obsessed with this series, and even more so with Sana and Reynard.

I wasn't sure I could love the world and the characters any more than I did in Poisoned Kingdom, but I fell completely and irrevocably in love with Sana, Rey, Tova, Irsha and the gang. Found family is one of my favourite tropes, and the found family in this series is one of the best I've read.

This book definitely brings darker elements than the first book, and even though some things are not written on page, the impact is felt just as strongly as if it were. I love the writing and the author's ability to bring their characters and world to life.

I was brought to tears by Sana's strength, courage and determination, but I was brought to my knees by the force of Reynard's love and devotion. The way these characters are written is so stunningly beautiful and real. They love each other so completely, flaws and all; their chemistry is so electrifying I'm shocked my kindle didn't burst into flames.

The world and characters in this series are beautifully developed. I'm so completely immersed in the story that I didn't want to put it down. I gobbled up every single word and now I'm here, begging for more.

Poisoned Kingdom was one of my favourite books of 2025, and I know King's Shadow will hold its place this year. I can't wait for book 3 to drop so I can dive back into Dagome and the characters I love so much.

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •

"Sana was my life, and I would tear apart the veil itself to protect her."

Wow, wow, wow. I'm so sad I finished this, I NEED MORE!!
This was everything I could hope for. I love where the story is headed, and I can't wait to read book 3!!

King's Shadow was a bit darker and so emotional. The story progression and character development in this book was chef's kiss 🤌🏼
I absolutely LOVE Sana and Rey, they've quickly become one of my favourite couples.

The world-building, characters + their backstories, the found family aspect (Tova, Irsha, Lily, Boyan, Jagon (his story was so sad :( ...) I love all these characters so much.

rtc!! I need a minute

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥enemies to lovers
❥slowburn to spice
❥stabby fmc
❥found family
❥he falls first
❥royalty
❥court intrigue
❥morally grey fmc
❥Slavic mythology
❥unique magic system
❥plot twists
❥DRAGONS

Thank you for the ARC Olena♡
_________________________________
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[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc received by NetGalley
3.5 star review


I went into this expecting a darker, more intense fantasy, but what I found instead was a slower, more character-driven story, and while that didn’t fully match my expectations, it worked for me in some ways more than others. The worldbuilding is easily the strongest aspect: rich, immersive, and thoughtfully constructed, with a magic system and political threads that feel layered without ever becoming overwhelming. It’s the kind of world that unfolds gradually, pulling you in with subtle detail rather than spectacle.


The characters are another highlight, with relationships that develop naturally over time and an emotional depth that creeps in quietly. There’s something very understated about the way the story handles connection and growth, though it does take a while to fully feel invested. Because of that, the pacing becomes the main drawback, this is very much a slow burn. While it builds atmosphere and tension, there are moments where it drags, and I kept waiting for things to fully click into place or maintain that momentum more consistently.


Overall, this is a more subdued, layered fantasy that leans heavily into character and world rather than action. If you enjoy slower, immersive stories with a focus on emotional depth and political intrigue, this will likely work really well for you, even if, like me, you occasionally wish for a bit more intensity throughout

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an epic sequel to Poisoned Kingdom. This had more danger, more tension and heartache, and plenty of surprises including new animals companions.
It's a rich Slavic inspired world with unique magic, assassins and intrigue, and where monsters are as likely to shred you in shadow and ice, as they are in silent games of politics and corruption.
The action, violence and tension is cinematic and gripping, the emotional turmoil is brutal and devastating, and at its core is a love worth fighting for where two souls will burn the world for each other.

The plot is layered with political schemes, power plays, and characters who endure everything that is thrown their way, and would rather smile through the pain than show weakness.
Sana is a fierce survivor, powerful assassin and mage, and she will do anything to fight for her family, save the Kingdom, and earn her place at Rey's side.

The thing I enjoy most is the found family bonds in this series, the love Sana has for her sibling figures Tova, Lily and Irsha, and how loyally they protect each other.

Dive into this world for multiple villains, a brotherhood of assassins, strong willed characters, powerful animal companions, and deserved vengeance.




"I keep asking myself: After all you've been through, can you still love me?"

"From the moment I saw you in the forest, I was yours. No politics, no contracts, or wars can change that"

"Your choice is simple, respect her or die"

"You are my greatest weakness, little Viper"

[Holly Annaleisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an intense, layered read, Roksana is honestly that character. She’s sharp, dangerous, and fully owning the role she’s been forced into, but underneath all of that there’s so much weight to what she’s carrying. Being the King’s Shadow, making the choices she has to make to protect the crown… it’s messy and not always pretty, but that’s what made her so interesting to read.
And then there’s King Reynard… the tension there?? It’s not loud or obvious all the time, but it’s there. The whole dynamic between them loyalty, obsession, distance, everything left unsaid just adds this constant underlying pull that kept me invested.

What I really liked is how much is going on beyond the romance too. There’s political intrigue, betrayals, hidden plots, and that constant feeling that everything could fall apart at any moment. It made the stakes feel real, especially with Roksana trying to hold everything together while the world around her is basically unraveling.

The world-building was also so good. The Slavic-inspired setting, the magic, the darker tone it all felt rich without being overwhelming, and it really added to the atmosphere of the story. It’s emotional, a little brutal at times, and full of morally grey choices.

Thank you to the Author and MTMC Tours for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the hold this series has on me is unreal!!! Poisoned Kingdom was one of my top reads of 2025 and I was highly anticipating this sequel. The series just keeps getting better, and somehow King's Shadow raised the stakes in every possible way. The world-building remains one of the strongest aspects of this series. It’s immersive, layered, and full of tension, especially within the court.

Roksana continues to shine as a protagonist. She's strong, intelligent, and unapologetically herself. Her character growth in this installment is especially satisfying as she fully embraces her power. And Reynard adds depth and intensity to the story. He’s complex, burdened by responsibility, and fiercely devoted in a way that feels both powerful and dangerous. Their relationship is not simple or sweet, it’s intense, messy, and genuinely earned.

The tension throughout the story is constant. Between the political intrigue, betrayals, and the looming magical threat, there’s a persistent sense that no one is safe. It kept me fully invested from beginning to end. The found family element is another highlight. These relationships add warmth and emotional depth, balancing out the darker themes.

This book is absolutely worth reading if you enjoy:
✨Dark fantasy romance
✨Morally grey characters
✨Enemies-to-lovers
✨Political intrigue

[Hanna Stenborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

King’s Shadow had all the elements I usually love in romantasy, a darker tone, layered character dynamics, and a relationship that builds on tension and shifting power. There’s a strong sense of intrigue throughout the story, and I found myself wanting to understand more about both the characters and the world they’re navigating.

The emotional undercurrent between the main characters is what carried the story for me. There’s a push and pull that creates a compelling dynamic, and I appreciated that their relationship wasn’t rushed. It leans into that slower, more tension-driven development that I tend to enjoy.

At the same time, something didn’t fully land for me. While the story is engaging in the moment, it didn’t leave a strong lasting impression once I finished. I wanted just a bit more depth, either in the worldbuilding or in the emotional payoff, to really make it stand out.

Overall, King’s Shadow is an enjoyable and atmospheric romantasy with strong relationship dynamics, even if it doesn’t quite reach the level of the most memorable books in the genre.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

[Ninia Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant gratification got me again, as soon as I got the opportunity to get my hands on this book I had to have it, I didn't check.. this is not the end.

I am in love with this series;

The characters, Roksana and Reynard are the MC's I want. She is powerful, but not above everything else, but follows her heart into all kinds of dangerous situations, he's protective and would burn the world down, but doesn't put her in a glass case. They also have their separate storylines, they add to each other in the best ways. I think Sana and Rey might be my favorite pair of the year so far.

The side characters are real characters and aren't just there to add to the plot, they are loveable and have their own stories. And I love a little throwback to another series in the same world, I thought I loved Vahin, but.. Cinared.. if you know, you know.

The world, this isn't the first time but I love this world and learning more about the magic and more about different parts of this world. More people and their role in the political intrigue.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

And the waiting continues..

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Shadow to protect the Crown.
One betrayal to tear the world apart."

Boyan's Shadow
Tova's Drah'sa
Irsha's Trouble
Lily's Sister
Jagon's Obsession
Rey's Viper

So many names for such a fierce woman. Roksana was so amazing! I laughed with her, ached with her, and cried with her.. a lot! Her story keeps getting better and better! Well, hers and Reynard's, of course. This entire sequel was EPIC! There were so many things going on; so many enemies and betrayals, so many fronts to fight, and so many secrets to unravel.
If Poisoned Kingdom was GREAT, King's Shadow was GREATER! I can't express how much I enjoyed reading this book, and how much it destroyed me. It was perfect. Utterly perfect! ❤️‍🩹
The dual POV is the best way to tell this story! Sana and Rey are so far apart, they couldn't know what's happening with the other.. bit we did!
Now I'm dying to know what happens next! 👀

"You're a monster."
"Aren't we all, in a way?

These are the Tropes:
▪️Slavic-inspired World Building
▪️Morally Grey MC
▪️Found Family
▪️Forbidden Magic
▪️Poisons & Spells
▪️Obsessive MMC
▪️Court Intrigue
▪️Secret Identities
▪️Mental Health Representation

Thank you Olena for this ARC ✨

[Sam Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed being in back in this world. The stakes are much higher and there is a lot going on with different story arcs all the way through but everything is woven well together. The Slavic inspiration adds an extra level of depth to the whole story.

This is a really emotional sequel and, at times, dark and brutal. Politics are at play on all fronts and it feels like the walls could come crumbling down around them all at any moment. The romance is there but I like that it is not the main focus of the story.

The world building is rich and descriptive but not overwhelming. However, it is the characters that drive this story. They are well written and complex. I enjoyed the character development between Roksana and Reynard. I loved Cinered and his interactions with Sana - can’t wait to see more of this! I love the found family in this book.

I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes next after the ending to this one!

Huge thanks to Olena Nikitin for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and honestly/voluntarily given.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I will not bow, I will not break, I will not surrender”

This second book in the series picks up shortly after the first novel, and what a ride… Sana and Rey, with Tova (so happy there was more Tova!!) Irsha, and Lily are trying to stop the kingdom from going to war. They work together to uncover what has been going on and attempt to stop it as best as possible, each in their own way, while also be able to work together as an amazing team.
This book was phenomenal, I think I actually loved it more than the first one which I didn’t think was possible. There’s now a dragon named Cin, and he is perfection! There are some absolutely horrible circumstances that happen, and this book was difficult to read at times and definitely brought tears. The plot is incredibly well thought out, and I was in this world throughout the entire novel, living with these characters with all my heart. My only complaint is that the Queen of Cliffhangers yet again left us with a cliffhanger that makes me not just want, but need the next part of the story as quickly as possible.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four of the Cursed Bonds: The Secrets of Dagome. It’s an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, dark court intrigue, fantasy romance. There is a rich world of Slavic mythology throughout the story. From the start of the book, you are drawn in and can’t put it down. This book has a strong, well-developed and interesting story line with twists and unexpected turns that keep you reading and turning the pages. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, Fae, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

[Liz (this_scorpioreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I loved Posioned Kingdom but this was just everything and more!!

It’s the kind of book that you pick up and just don’t want to stop reading! There’s intrigue, betrayal, courtly politics, and tension so thick and constant it’s palpable!

Sana is true power and strength! What she endures to protect those she loves, she’s a warrior and a queen! I sobbed at her courage, never broken by her pain or what she has injured instead letting it forge her anew!

Rey, I think I might just be in love! Our growly berserker, will truly raze a kingdom for her! They fit so well, flaws and all!

But what I think really makes this series is the rich tapestry of other characters, each so pivotal, so integral and full. Each with backstories of their own. The Grand Master, Tova, Lily, the Blade - I loved every second and did I say there’s dragons!!

Now, I just need to wait and not so patiently for book 3.

Thank you to the author
For this advance copy to review

[Melissa Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is book two in the Secrets of Dagome series. This book started off a bit slow for me but picked up the pace about 40% of the way through. After that I was locked in! This book felt much more character driven and had a lot of political intrigue. I really enjoy both Sana and Rey’s characters. The romance was great and helped drive the plot but did not overshadow it. I love that Rey is figuring out that he needs to let Sana be who she is. Book two has excellent found family and I found myself getting emotional as part of this story wrapped up. I’m looking forward to continuing on in this series with the next book!

Tropes:
☠️ Touch her and die
🤍 Found family
👑 Political intrigue
✋🏼 Secrets and betrayal
🐉 Dragons

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for letting me read this ahead of publication!

[Katherine Pogatshnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just WOW!!! If you enjoyed book one (Poisoned Kingdom), then you will love this one as well! This book follows Sana, Rey, and Tova as war begins, new evils are unmasked, and the political plots are uncovered/thicken. We also get to see more into Irsha and Lilly's lives.

I absolutely love the banter between the characters and how they are growing within this book. Olena Nikitin has a style of writing that just sucks you into the world and people. This is book 2/3 for this series. If you haven't read book 1... go read it right now. If you haven't read the two books from Cursed Bonds, it's not required, but highly suggestible. It's so fun seeing those characters make small returns in this book and the hint of their full presence in the last book is incredibly tantalizing! Amazing!

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fantasy fueled by characters, good world-building, messy politics, power-plays, poison and magic. I enjoyed This was the second of the series and I hadn't read the first. I could understand what was going on but there is no doubt that I missed out on how these relationships developed in the first place and lacked some of the emotional connection.

I liked Roksana who is a strong female character who was willing to do what ever was necessary to protect those she loved, not just her romantic interest, even if she had to pay a price for it. Her found family were also a eclectic group that didn't lack their own strengths. This was a decent fantasy that I would like to read more about.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Skeena8]

The Kings Shadow is the second book in the Secrets of Dagome Series and I was dying to start this one after the end of the last book. Reynard is getting way more interesting and the banter ooh la la I am loving it. Some of my theories from the first book came to be but others I was way out on left field for. This book has some amazing twists and the side characters bring a lot of fun and emotion to the story. The emotions this one plays with are a little sensitive so brace for some emotional moments. The ending was satisfying but also leaves you wanting more. I do love Roksana and Reynard together and feel there enemies to lovers truely was forced, pulled and molded into a deep loving connection. So if you want a truly good enemies to lovers I would recommend this one.