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The Nightshade
Laila Vaish is the Nightshade.
After fleeing her family and vanishing into the Lower City, Laila survives by selling secrets and sabotage, burying the moral cost beneath the gold she earns. But when a high-profile job goes sideways, she’s caught by the cunning councilman Jelani Cadmar, known for his defiance of the royal vizier. He offers her a rot in prison or spy for him inside the palace.
To protect her own secrets, Laila agrees.
Disguised as one of the Aristocracy, Laila is swept into the personal and political intrigue surrounding the Council of the Sultan. But when she begins to fall for the prince she’s meant to manipulate, the lines between duty and desire blur. As the royal vizier closes in and the lies pile up, Laila must save herself or risk everything to save Aveena.
After fleeing her family and vanishing into the Lower City, Laila survives by selling secrets and sabotage, burying the moral cost beneath the gold she earns. But when a high-profile job goes sideways, she’s caught by the cunning councilman Jelani Cadmar, known for his defiance of the royal vizier. He offers her a rot in prison or spy for him inside the palace.
To protect her own secrets, Laila agrees.
Disguised as one of the Aristocracy, Laila is swept into the personal and political intrigue surrounding the Council of the Sultan. But when she begins to fall for the prince she’s meant to manipulate, the lines between duty and desire blur. As the royal vizier closes in and the lies pile up, Laila must save herself or risk everything to save Aveena.
508 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
7 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 6, 2025
From the very first chapter, The Nightshade swept me into the fantasy world of Aveena where the lower class and upper class clash with what feels like no end or relief in sight. Shay Rodricks delivers a story that’s equal parts exhilarating and heart wrenching, making it impossible to put down.
The story follows Laila as she is forced to act as a spy amongst the Ari and with the Sultan prince himself in order to protect her secret identity and those she loves. I loved how the pacing built tension without feeling rushed, and each chapter added new depth to the mystery.
Laila felt incredibly real, with motivations and flaws that made me root for her till the last page. The dynamic between Laila, Anji, and Zahir was a highlight — full of tension, warmth, and growth.
Rodricks' writing is exciting and fast-paced, balancing the high intensity of underhanded council room conversations to edge of your seat action scenes. Every line feels intentional, drawing readers deeper into the story’s unique world.
Beneath the surface, this is a story about identity and learning to grow from trauma. It lingers long after the last page, asking readers to consider just how far they would go for someone they love.
The Nightshade is a must-read for fans of new adult fantasy and adventure. I am eagerly and impatiently awaiting the sequel!
The story follows Laila as she is forced to act as a spy amongst the Ari and with the Sultan prince himself in order to protect her secret identity and those she loves. I loved how the pacing built tension without feeling rushed, and each chapter added new depth to the mystery.
Laila felt incredibly real, with motivations and flaws that made me root for her till the last page. The dynamic between Laila, Anji, and Zahir was a highlight — full of tension, warmth, and growth.
Rodricks' writing is exciting and fast-paced, balancing the high intensity of underhanded council room conversations to edge of your seat action scenes. Every line feels intentional, drawing readers deeper into the story’s unique world.
Beneath the surface, this is a story about identity and learning to grow from trauma. It lingers long after the last page, asking readers to consider just how far they would go for someone they love.
The Nightshade is a must-read for fans of new adult fantasy and adventure. I am eagerly and impatiently awaiting the sequel!
Displaying 1 of 1 review