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Emberveil Empire #3
Knight in Secret Shadow
I thought breaking my chains and riding a dragon would mean my happily ever after.
I was wrong.
My name is Bella Thornrose. I escaped my old life, saved a kingdom, and somehow became best friends with the freaking queen of Allovan—but purpose is harder to find than freedom. And wanting the one man I can’t have—the king’s perfect general, Hunter Stonehart—has left me restless, lonely, and starving for something real.
When danger returns and my world fractures, I run toward the only thing that’s ever called to a dragon of my own… and a destiny I carve myself.
But new enemies want me chained again.
Hunter is hiding a deadly past.
And the darkest secret of Allovan is hunting us both.
If I don’t rise, we fall.
If I don’t claim my wings, I die.
And if I trust the knight I’ve always loved…
he might be the one who breaks me.
A former slave with a dragon’s spirit.
A loyal knight with shadows in his blood.
A love forged in danger… and sharpened by secrets.
If you like steamy romantasy with loyal-but-broken knights, deadly secrets, and dragon-forged desire… you’ll devour Knight in Secret Shadow.
I was wrong.
My name is Bella Thornrose. I escaped my old life, saved a kingdom, and somehow became best friends with the freaking queen of Allovan—but purpose is harder to find than freedom. And wanting the one man I can’t have—the king’s perfect general, Hunter Stonehart—has left me restless, lonely, and starving for something real.
When danger returns and my world fractures, I run toward the only thing that’s ever called to a dragon of my own… and a destiny I carve myself.
But new enemies want me chained again.
Hunter is hiding a deadly past.
And the darkest secret of Allovan is hunting us both.
If I don’t rise, we fall.
If I don’t claim my wings, I die.
And if I trust the knight I’ve always loved…
he might be the one who breaks me.
A former slave with a dragon’s spirit.
A loyal knight with shadows in his blood.
A love forged in danger… and sharpened by secrets.
If you like steamy romantasy with loyal-but-broken knights, deadly secrets, and dragon-forged desire… you’ll devour Knight in Secret Shadow.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 21, 2026
(The cover got me super bamboozled as goodreads has the wrong thumbnail LOL)
"Time has a way of clarifying perspective, especially when spent in darkness with nothing but your own thoughts"
I will say, I was nervous at first because I really was glued to Ash and Cade's story. I loved their dynamic, their banter, and the full circle they became as characters. In their story, Bella & Hunter were present and were great supportive friends to them, but I didn't really dwell on their development. (There wasn't much either but they each had their own respective pasts with each)
Until now-
The story started swinging, like there was no cozying into the plot or a recap. You got placed RIGHT into the deep of Emberviel. (just where I like it)
Bella has spitfire just like Ash, but a soft heart that is Ash's ride or die which I adore. She is strong with a no bs approach which everyone needs a friend in such a flavor.
If you're like me, and loved Ash and Hunter's story, this will 100% be right up your alley as well. The banter that Hunter & Bella have and the chemistry, I'm so happy they got their own books because they didn't get to shine, and boy I'm happy they did!
Looking forward to seeing how everything that's piling up will be in book 4!
"Time has a way of clarifying perspective, especially when spent in darkness with nothing but your own thoughts"
I will say, I was nervous at first because I really was glued to Ash and Cade's story. I loved their dynamic, their banter, and the full circle they became as characters. In their story, Bella & Hunter were present and were great supportive friends to them, but I didn't really dwell on their development. (There wasn't much either but they each had their own respective pasts with each)
Until now-
The story started swinging, like there was no cozying into the plot or a recap. You got placed RIGHT into the deep of Emberviel. (just where I like it)
Bella has spitfire just like Ash, but a soft heart that is Ash's ride or die which I adore. She is strong with a no bs approach which everyone needs a friend in such a flavor.
If you're like me, and loved Ash and Hunter's story, this will 100% be right up your alley as well. The banter that Hunter & Bella have and the chemistry, I'm so happy they got their own books because they didn't get to shine, and boy I'm happy they did!
Looking forward to seeing how everything that's piling up will be in book 4!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG I am still reeling from this epic deep dark intense book.
Zander, you have me hook, line, and sinker. This story hits you in all the right places. Bella is a formidable woman. She wears her heart on her sleeve and her devotion to her best friend and the crown is without question. Her passion for dragons is an awakening and a calling.
Bella has a secret, burning within her. A passion for a male who is always out of reach. This is more than just a slow burning love story. It's about who you are and most importantly knowing your own worth.
This is an emotional heartfelt read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The angst and anticipation does not falter. Just when you think that love conquers all...... we have a cliffhanger that made me ugh😩 . Seriously!!
Zander is a relatively new author for me and I can say whole heartedly that he is a keeper. I cannot wait to read the final installment in this series. I have a feeling we are going to be pleasantly surprised!
Zander, you have me hook, line, and sinker. This story hits you in all the right places. Bella is a formidable woman. She wears her heart on her sleeve and her devotion to her best friend and the crown is without question. Her passion for dragons is an awakening and a calling.
Bella has a secret, burning within her. A passion for a male who is always out of reach. This is more than just a slow burning love story. It's about who you are and most importantly knowing your own worth.
This is an emotional heartfelt read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The angst and anticipation does not falter. Just when you think that love conquers all...... we have a cliffhanger that made me ugh😩 . Seriously!!
Zander is a relatively new author for me and I can say whole heartedly that he is a keeper. I cannot wait to read the final installment in this series. I have a feeling we are going to be pleasantly surprised!
May 26, 2026
just ok
I skipped through a lot of the book just because there was just too much whining over and over about not being good enough. I liked the first two a little more, a little less whining but I really prefer a strong main character. I get a little doubt in oneself but not page after page.
I skipped through a lot of the book just because there was just too much whining over and over about not being good enough. I liked the first two a little more, a little less whining but I really prefer a strong main character. I get a little doubt in oneself but not page after page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enjoyed this story a lot after finding myself in a reading slump and receiving an ARC from the author. Found myself rooting for Bella and the plot is exciting with some nice world building. Writing improving a lot too. Thanks again to Zander Wolfe for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for these books, which was really exciting.
I really enjoyed this one. It has a dark, mysterious fantasy vibe that pulls you in pretty quickly. The world feels layered and a bit eerie at times, and there’s clearly a lot more going on behind the scenes than you first realise.
This is the story of Bella and Hunter, and watching their journey unfold was one of my favourite parts. The characters don’t start out as perfect heroes — you see them figuring things out, struggling, and slowly growing into the situations they’re in, which made the story feel more real.
The magic and lore are interesting too, and the book hints at a bigger history without explaining everything right away, which kept me curious and wanting to know more.
The pacing shifts between quieter, thoughtful moments and more intense scenes. If you like fantasy that mixes character development with mystery and a darker atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.
Overall, a really intriguing read and I’m curious to see where the story goes from here.
I really enjoyed this one. It has a dark, mysterious fantasy vibe that pulls you in pretty quickly. The world feels layered and a bit eerie at times, and there’s clearly a lot more going on behind the scenes than you first realise.
This is the story of Bella and Hunter, and watching their journey unfold was one of my favourite parts. The characters don’t start out as perfect heroes — you see them figuring things out, struggling, and slowly growing into the situations they’re in, which made the story feel more real.
The magic and lore are interesting too, and the book hints at a bigger history without explaining everything right away, which kept me curious and wanting to know more.
The pacing shifts between quieter, thoughtful moments and more intense scenes. If you like fantasy that mixes character development with mystery and a darker atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.
Overall, a really intriguing read and I’m curious to see where the story goes from here.
April 26, 2026
Better than the first book. Slow burn much more believable.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews