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Shattered Crown #3
Shadow and Son
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26Scorch the realm. Bring the dawn.
Throne of Glass meets The Return of the King in the highly anticipated conclusion to the Best of #BookTok Shattered Crown trilogy.
A Fractured World
The fragile peace forged in the wake of the Crucible is unraveling. With the rise of an old foe and ancient magic stirring, the scars dividing Arcanis have begun to bleed anew, and the future of the realm hangs by a thread.
A Queen of Shadow
Elyria Lightbreaker has paid a devastating price to save her loved ones. Now, she faces a whole new darkness—and must decide how much more of herself she is willing to give to save a world that has already taken so much.
A Man on the Brink
Rocked by the secrets of his past and the truth behind his power, Cedric Thorne scours the continent in search of the woman he loves. But as enemies emerge from hiding and Elyria is pulled ever farther from reach, he must face the terrifying possibility that saving her may mean becoming something unforgivable. And once his fire is unleashed, there may be no putting it out.
A Final Reckoning
Bound by love but burdened by prophecy, Elyria and Cedric stand at the crossroads of Arcanis’s future. Together, they will confront a truth neither can Not all wounds can be healed, and the price victory demands may not be worth paying.
SHADOW AND SON is the third and final installment in the Shattered Crown trilogy, perfect for fans of realm-shattering high stakes fantasy, character-driven plots, rich world-building, a diverse cast of characters, elemental and shadow magic, and steamy, tension-filled romance—as well as authors like Carissa Broadbent, Penn Cole, Helen Scheuerer, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J. Maas.
Content This is an adult dark romantasy book that contains strong language, dark themes, and open door spice, and is thus recommended for mature readers.
Official cover to be revealed.
Throne of Glass meets The Return of the King in the highly anticipated conclusion to the Best of #BookTok Shattered Crown trilogy.
A Fractured World
The fragile peace forged in the wake of the Crucible is unraveling. With the rise of an old foe and ancient magic stirring, the scars dividing Arcanis have begun to bleed anew, and the future of the realm hangs by a thread.
A Queen of Shadow
Elyria Lightbreaker has paid a devastating price to save her loved ones. Now, she faces a whole new darkness—and must decide how much more of herself she is willing to give to save a world that has already taken so much.
A Man on the Brink
Rocked by the secrets of his past and the truth behind his power, Cedric Thorne scours the continent in search of the woman he loves. But as enemies emerge from hiding and Elyria is pulled ever farther from reach, he must face the terrifying possibility that saving her may mean becoming something unforgivable. And once his fire is unleashed, there may be no putting it out.
A Final Reckoning
Bound by love but burdened by prophecy, Elyria and Cedric stand at the crossroads of Arcanis’s future. Together, they will confront a truth neither can Not all wounds can be healed, and the price victory demands may not be worth paying.
SHADOW AND SON is the third and final installment in the Shattered Crown trilogy, perfect for fans of realm-shattering high stakes fantasy, character-driven plots, rich world-building, a diverse cast of characters, elemental and shadow magic, and steamy, tension-filled romance—as well as authors like Carissa Broadbent, Penn Cole, Helen Scheuerer, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J. Maas.
Content This is an adult dark romantasy book that contains strong language, dark themes, and open door spice, and is thus recommended for mature readers.
Official cover to be revealed.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Gretchen Powell Fox
8 books869 followersGretchen Powell Fox spent her childhood in far-off places—figuratively and literally. She grew up with her nose buried in books and her feet on foreign soil. Both, she found, were essential in forming her deep fascination with stories.
Now, she crafts fantastical and futuristic worlds—along with the fiery heroines destined to change them for the better.
Her creative process involves copious amounts of Sour Patch Kids and sleeping fitfully. Her many interests include Taylor Swift, polka dots, reading fantasy novels, and playing the ukulele.
She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two wild, wonderful children.
Find her on Instagram at @gretchenwritesbooks.
Now, she crafts fantastical and futuristic worlds—along with the fiery heroines destined to change them for the better.
Her creative process involves copious amounts of Sour Patch Kids and sleeping fitfully. Her many interests include Taylor Swift, polka dots, reading fantasy novels, and playing the ukulele.
She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two wild, wonderful children.
Find her on Instagram at @gretchenwritesbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 18, 2026
This finale to the Shattered Crown series from Gretchen Powell Fox is everything you could want in a series ending. I loved the multiple new POVs and felt they did a good job of portraying the complex plot without feeling overly complicated or burdensome. Gretchen is an expert at writing heartbreak and victory, anguish and joy and everything in between and you feel ALL OF IT in this story. I think one of the most beautiful things in Gretchen’s books is that the characters are well fleshed out and the plot doesn’t depend on immaturity or miscommunication to move at a steady pace. This is a refreshing thing to see in Romantasy! I’m super grateful to be on Gretchen’s street team and have gotten early access to this ARC copy. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Currently Reading
May 14, 2026Dropping everything to read my arc of the finale of one of my fave series!! Being on GPF's arc team is a dream 🤩
March 23, 2026
An epic ending to an epic series. There’s love, loss, heartache, hope, and the knowledge that fighting for what’s right may be hard but it’s worth it. But really, the overall message is love: romantic, familial, platonic, and for the world we wish to build.
full disclosure: I was a Beta reader for Gretchen and received an early copy for free for my honest feedback. I chose to review as well of my own volition. All opinions are my own.
full disclosure: I was a Beta reader for Gretchen and received an early copy for free for my honest feedback. I chose to review as well of my own volition. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2026
4.5 stars 🌟
I cannot believe I have finished this amazing series! Shadow and Son was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint! It was everything I hope it would be. If you’ve not picked this series yet, this is your sign to do so!!
Shadow and Son was filled with some incredible action, the battle scenes were detailed, fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat! Whilst the high stakes plot is exciting, it’s the characters and their journey that really shines. There’s heartbreak, devastation, grief, trauma, rage, but also hope and so much love, both romantic and platonic. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Cedric and Elyria are one of my fav book couples. The development of their relationship, their love for one another and their individual character arcs throughout the series has been beautiful to read. Their dynamic is what initially drew me into this series, and although they maintain that dynamic of Cedric being the golden retriever and Elyria being the black cat, it has been so satisfying to see Elyria soften and open up to Cedric and Cedric bringing the touch her and die vibes! Honestly they are just perfect for each others, they balance each other so well and their love story is just everything!
Gretchen has written some of the best found family. These were people from opposite sides, who held strong views about each other, who were forced together and developed the most beautiful friendships and bonds with one another. I genuinely cared for each and every one of the characters and the additional POVs in this book added so much. And I cannot write a review without mentioning Sid, the best shadow cat familiar!!
There is still so much mystery surrounding Nox, and I just feel like we aren’t quite done with their storyline yet. I’m praying I’m right as I need more of this world and these characters!!
I honestly don’t know how to feel after finishing The Shattered Crown series. The ending was perfect, it was everything I wanted for the MCs and it’s completed me, but I’m so sad that it’s come to an end, it’s always a bittersweet feeling finishing an incredible series but I will be ready and waiting for Gretchen’s next story!
Thank you so much to author Gretchen Powell Fox for gifting me this arc to review. All opinions are my own.
I cannot believe I have finished this amazing series! Shadow and Son was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint! It was everything I hope it would be. If you’ve not picked this series yet, this is your sign to do so!!
Shadow and Son was filled with some incredible action, the battle scenes were detailed, fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat! Whilst the high stakes plot is exciting, it’s the characters and their journey that really shines. There’s heartbreak, devastation, grief, trauma, rage, but also hope and so much love, both romantic and platonic. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Cedric and Elyria are one of my fav book couples. The development of their relationship, their love for one another and their individual character arcs throughout the series has been beautiful to read. Their dynamic is what initially drew me into this series, and although they maintain that dynamic of Cedric being the golden retriever and Elyria being the black cat, it has been so satisfying to see Elyria soften and open up to Cedric and Cedric bringing the touch her and die vibes! Honestly they are just perfect for each others, they balance each other so well and their love story is just everything!
Gretchen has written some of the best found family. These were people from opposite sides, who held strong views about each other, who were forced together and developed the most beautiful friendships and bonds with one another. I genuinely cared for each and every one of the characters and the additional POVs in this book added so much. And I cannot write a review without mentioning Sid, the best shadow cat familiar!!
There is still so much mystery surrounding Nox, and I just feel like we aren’t quite done with their storyline yet. I’m praying I’m right as I need more of this world and these characters!!
I honestly don’t know how to feel after finishing The Shattered Crown series. The ending was perfect, it was everything I wanted for the MCs and it’s completed me, but I’m so sad that it’s come to an end, it’s always a bittersweet feeling finishing an incredible series but I will be ready and waiting for Gretchen’s next story!
Thank you so much to author Gretchen Powell Fox for gifting me this arc to review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
Shadow and Son is book 3 in the Shattered Crown series, by Gretchen Powell Fox, and if you haven't yet read it, you MUST pick Smoke and Scar (book 1) up right now, because this series is my favourite ever, and it's more than amazing!!
Thank you so so much to Gretchen and Emily for having me in the ARC team, and gifting me this ARC, I'm still over the moon about that!
Wow. Just....wow. I don't have the words to describe what I feel. This book was a whirlwind of emotions, I cried from chapter 1 to the very last line, and if I wasn't crying (sad, happy, emotional tears - yes, I cry over everything), I was cackling, laughing out loud, or kicking my feet.
This is also the first time (and I read my fair share of books) that I cried because a book, a series ended. I just kept crying after finishing the book, not because of the end, the plot, or anything, but because it was finished. I don't know what Gretchen put in that book, but it's a masterpiece.
My favourite thing about this book is the very last line of it (along with another detail). But of course, saying more would spoil everything, so....read the book!!
I LOVED the love between Cedric and Elyria. Cedric being his green flag self, and Elyria opening herself to this love after all the hurt she (well, both of them) went through. How both of them are ready to take on the whole world if it means saving the other one.
I don't even know who my favourite character is. Elyria? Cedric? Sid? Kit? There are so many good characters (special mention for Sid and her entrances) and so many plot twists and discoveries about said characters. We get to know so many more characters thanks to the multiple POV, and that makes the whole book more heartwarming. And heartbreaking.
And did I mention the epic adventures? The spice? The plot and plot twists? Ahhhh
My favourite elements of this book (beside the last line) are Cedric's nicknames (they are the best 😝) and Sid entrances. This cat is the best cat ever 🤩
However, remember the end of Splintered Kingdom? This cliffhanger? Well it happens that ending chapters on cliffhangers and changing the POV right after as if nothing happened are this author's specially (👀) so be warned. I may have screamed (of frustration) more than once. Really, I should have counted them 😂
Thank you so so much to Gretchen for writing this masterpiece, this AMAZING book, and for having me as an ARC reader. I love every part of this book, and can't wait to read her next books!!
Thank you so so much to Gretchen and Emily for having me in the ARC team, and gifting me this ARC, I'm still over the moon about that!
Wow. Just....wow. I don't have the words to describe what I feel. This book was a whirlwind of emotions, I cried from chapter 1 to the very last line, and if I wasn't crying (sad, happy, emotional tears - yes, I cry over everything), I was cackling, laughing out loud, or kicking my feet.
This is also the first time (and I read my fair share of books) that I cried because a book, a series ended. I just kept crying after finishing the book, not because of the end, the plot, or anything, but because it was finished. I don't know what Gretchen put in that book, but it's a masterpiece.
My favourite thing about this book is the very last line of it (along with another detail). But of course, saying more would spoil everything, so....read the book!!
I LOVED the love between Cedric and Elyria. Cedric being his green flag self, and Elyria opening herself to this love after all the hurt she (well, both of them) went through. How both of them are ready to take on the whole world if it means saving the other one.
I don't even know who my favourite character is. Elyria? Cedric? Sid? Kit? There are so many good characters (special mention for Sid and her entrances) and so many plot twists and discoveries about said characters. We get to know so many more characters thanks to the multiple POV, and that makes the whole book more heartwarming. And heartbreaking.
And did I mention the epic adventures? The spice? The plot and plot twists? Ahhhh
My favourite elements of this book (beside the last line) are Cedric's nicknames (they are the best 😝) and Sid entrances. This cat is the best cat ever 🤩
However, remember the end of Splintered Kingdom? This cliffhanger? Well it happens that ending chapters on cliffhangers and changing the POV right after as if nothing happened are this author's specially (👀) so be warned. I may have screamed (of frustration) more than once. Really, I should have counted them 😂
Thank you so so much to Gretchen for writing this masterpiece, this AMAZING book, and for having me as an ARC reader. I love every part of this book, and can't wait to read her next books!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
UGH. I genuinely do not even know how to put into words how much this series has consumed me, but Shadow and Son was EVERYTHING I wanted for a finale and somehow even more.
Now onto my lengthy and emotional review…
One of the most beautiful parts of this entire series has always been the found family, but this book especially highlighted for me just how powerful those bonds are. Watching these characters choose each other over and over again through grief, fear, sacrifice, and impossible odds was so emotional and so incredibly rewarding. Every relationship felt meaningful and earned, and the love between each and every member of our rag-tag family absolutely radiates off the page.
AND OF COURSE ELYRIA AND CEDRIC!!!!!!!!
I cannot cope with them. After everything they have endured together, everything they have discovered about themselves and each other, their connection feels so deep and genuine. The romance never overshadows the story, it strengthens it. They understand one another in a way that hurts in the best possible way, and seeing how much they’ve grown individually and together throughout this series was honestly so special to read. Cedric remains my precious self sacrificing baby boy forever and Elyria continues to be one of the most compelling female protagonists I’ve ever read.
Also the WORLD BUILDING??? INSANE. This world feels so vivid and immersive that every page pulls you deeper in. Combined with the constant tension and gripping plot twists, I was once again completely incapable of putting this book down.
I also absolutely loved the addition of extra POV chapters in this installment. Sometimes multiple POVs can feel overwhelming, but here they were used PERFECTLY. They appeared exactly when needed and added so much more depth, emotion, and understanding to the story without ever taking focus away from Elyria and Cedric. Instead, they enriched the narrative and made the stakes feel even larger and more personal.
This series has genuinely been such an incredible reading experience from beginning to end, and I am so grateful I got to experience this finale as an ARC reader. Huge thank you to Gretchen for this unforgettable story and for creating characters that are going to live in my head forever.
Now onto my lengthy and emotional review…
One of the most beautiful parts of this entire series has always been the found family, but this book especially highlighted for me just how powerful those bonds are. Watching these characters choose each other over and over again through grief, fear, sacrifice, and impossible odds was so emotional and so incredibly rewarding. Every relationship felt meaningful and earned, and the love between each and every member of our rag-tag family absolutely radiates off the page.
AND OF COURSE ELYRIA AND CEDRIC!!!!!!!!
I cannot cope with them. After everything they have endured together, everything they have discovered about themselves and each other, their connection feels so deep and genuine. The romance never overshadows the story, it strengthens it. They understand one another in a way that hurts in the best possible way, and seeing how much they’ve grown individually and together throughout this series was honestly so special to read. Cedric remains my precious self sacrificing baby boy forever and Elyria continues to be one of the most compelling female protagonists I’ve ever read.
Also the WORLD BUILDING??? INSANE. This world feels so vivid and immersive that every page pulls you deeper in. Combined with the constant tension and gripping plot twists, I was once again completely incapable of putting this book down.
I also absolutely loved the addition of extra POV chapters in this installment. Sometimes multiple POVs can feel overwhelming, but here they were used PERFECTLY. They appeared exactly when needed and added so much more depth, emotion, and understanding to the story without ever taking focus away from Elyria and Cedric. Instead, they enriched the narrative and made the stakes feel even larger and more personal.
This series has genuinely been such an incredible reading experience from beginning to end, and I am so grateful I got to experience this finale as an ARC reader. Huge thank you to Gretchen for this unforgettable story and for creating characters that are going to live in my head forever.
Review of advance copy received from Author
☆☆☆☆☆☆
An absolutely epic finale for this series!
Not only did I fall deeper and deeper in love with Elyria and Cedric and of course Sid but the whole story captivated me with every single word. It is a beautiful conclusion to this incredible series and I enjoyed every second of the entire series. The plot is amazing and I was bewitched by the world and hooked by the suspenseful story. The side characters are wonderful and round out the whole book perfectly.
There are so many emotions and thoughts while reading and I dove into this breath-taking realm and the interactions whole-heartedly. I laughed and I cried. I felt horrible pain and breath-taking joy. My heart broke and melted. I need more from Gretchen and to be honest I hope for lots of bonus chapters and a few new epilogues because I think my thirst for Elyria, Cedric, Sid and the rest will never be satisfied.
I am so in love with Cedric! I love how he is totally and utterly bewitched by Elyria and the things he does and says - holy, yes, yes, yes, give me more! He is the epitome of a cinnamon roll book boyfriend and I swoon because of him, every time he is part of the page!
Sid is absolutely incredible and I can't get enough of her - I need a Sid for myself. She is funny, caring and so damn cute!
And Elyria - many FMC have some thing or another that annoys me but I love her! She is fierce, protective and completely unhinged sometimes. Shortly, I want to be best friends with her! Or better, I want to be her, so I can have Sid and Sir Worrywart for myself 😄
An absolutely epic finale for this series!
Not only did I fall deeper and deeper in love with Elyria and Cedric and of course Sid but the whole story captivated me with every single word. It is a beautiful conclusion to this incredible series and I enjoyed every second of the entire series. The plot is amazing and I was bewitched by the world and hooked by the suspenseful story. The side characters are wonderful and round out the whole book perfectly.
There are so many emotions and thoughts while reading and I dove into this breath-taking realm and the interactions whole-heartedly. I laughed and I cried. I felt horrible pain and breath-taking joy. My heart broke and melted. I need more from Gretchen and to be honest I hope for lots of bonus chapters and a few new epilogues because I think my thirst for Elyria, Cedric, Sid and the rest will never be satisfied.
I am so in love with Cedric! I love how he is totally and utterly bewitched by Elyria and the things he does and says - holy, yes, yes, yes, give me more! He is the epitome of a cinnamon roll book boyfriend and I swoon because of him, every time he is part of the page!
Sid is absolutely incredible and I can't get enough of her - I need a Sid for myself. She is funny, caring and so damn cute!
And Elyria - many FMC have some thing or another that annoys me but I love her! She is fierce, protective and completely unhinged sometimes. Shortly, I want to be best friends with her! Or better, I want to be her, so I can have Sid and Sir Worrywart for myself 😄
Review of advance copy received from Author
**gifted copy from the author**
A stars-damned masterpiece! The third and final installment in the Splintered Kingdom series is everything you are looking for in a finale!
The action? HELL YES BROTHER. It is perfectly paced within the book, layered in ways that keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole story.
The romance? THE. ROMANCE. Naw because if you thought Cedric "Dont you f**king touch her" Thorne couldnt get any hotter, I FEAR YOU ARE WRONG. This man said I will burn the world and yearn for her and I will do it looking hot as hell (literally iykwim)
Elyria's character arc is everything you want to see in a tortured badass FMC. How the love she has for her friends and her family and CEDRIC keeps her moving forward, the way she deals with her emotions that come after her trauma...it all feels real and authentic. It really is a testament to Gretchen Powell Fox's fantastic storytelling abilities.
There are additional POVs that make the story even more exciting. The intrigue and reveals and STAKES—THE STAKES. This book has them and, again, edge of your seat. (But maybe keep the tissues handy).
The conclusion of Shadow & Son is 100% worth the wait and 10000% satisfying. It will leave you teary-eyed staring at your kindle at 10pm. 🥹
Epic fantasy romance at its finest!
A stars-damned masterpiece! The third and final installment in the Splintered Kingdom series is everything you are looking for in a finale!
The action? HELL YES BROTHER. It is perfectly paced within the book, layered in ways that keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole story.
The romance? THE. ROMANCE. Naw because if you thought Cedric "Dont you f**king touch her" Thorne couldnt get any hotter, I FEAR YOU ARE WRONG. This man said I will burn the world and yearn for her and I will do it looking hot as hell (literally iykwim)
Elyria's character arc is everything you want to see in a tortured badass FMC. How the love she has for her friends and her family and CEDRIC keeps her moving forward, the way she deals with her emotions that come after her trauma...it all feels real and authentic. It really is a testament to Gretchen Powell Fox's fantastic storytelling abilities.
There are additional POVs that make the story even more exciting. The intrigue and reveals and STAKES—THE STAKES. This book has them and, again, edge of your seat. (But maybe keep the tissues handy).
The conclusion of Shadow & Son is 100% worth the wait and 10000% satisfying. It will leave you teary-eyed staring at your kindle at 10pm. 🥹
Epic fantasy romance at its finest!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'll think of something more articulate to say eventually, but oh my god... this was a stars-damned perfect ending to a perfect series.
I felt every emotion under the sun in the two days it took me to read this (my attention span is fine!)
Gretchen gave us the most incredible and beautiful world with flawed, beautiful, hot-tempered, funny, charming characters. I just want to slide into a booth next to them at a pub and drink steins of cider with them.
Cedric Thorne... the man, the king that you are. Everyone deserves someone as devoted to them as Cedric is to Elyria. It was an absolute pleasure to watch him go from a white knight to morally grey knight as he fought his way to find her.
And Elyria. What can I say about my favorite shadow mommy? I love her so much. She is one of the best-written characters I have ever read. Her journey over these three books has meant so much to me. Her strength is clear on every page.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gretchen. This is a world I hope you revisit. Maybe with a certain nocterrian...
*I received this as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I felt every emotion under the sun in the two days it took me to read this (my attention span is fine!)
Gretchen gave us the most incredible and beautiful world with flawed, beautiful, hot-tempered, funny, charming characters. I just want to slide into a booth next to them at a pub and drink steins of cider with them.
Cedric Thorne... the man, the king that you are. Everyone deserves someone as devoted to them as Cedric is to Elyria. It was an absolute pleasure to watch him go from a white knight to morally grey knight as he fought his way to find her.
And Elyria. What can I say about my favorite shadow mommy? I love her so much. She is one of the best-written characters I have ever read. Her journey over these three books has meant so much to me. Her strength is clear on every page.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gretchen. This is a world I hope you revisit. Maybe with a certain nocterrian...
*I received this as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, what an amazing end to the Shattered Crown series! Thank you Gretchen for the advanced copy!
We follow more of our crew from the series and we end the fight and fulfill the prophecy that has been with us since the series started. They are set on starting to undo the damage that Splintered Kingdom has left us with, and helping out with the prophecy still yet unfinished.
Elyria is still our main FMC, and even with the events of book two that has made her lose more than just hope, things may turn out more in her favor than realized. Cedric, our main MMC, is taking more of a step up in terms of what he's been doing. In spite of Elyria's sudden situation, he's looking at every option to get the prophecy to turn in their favor. Of course, the prophecy is never quite as clear as they'd want it to be, and there is one choice they'll be making: Heal the realm, or cast it into night.
If you've not read books one and two, please read them before this. If you're waiting to pick up the series once this releases, I hope you can enjoy it as much as I have!
We follow more of our crew from the series and we end the fight and fulfill the prophecy that has been with us since the series started. They are set on starting to undo the damage that Splintered Kingdom has left us with, and helping out with the prophecy still yet unfinished.
Elyria is still our main FMC, and even with the events of book two that has made her lose more than just hope, things may turn out more in her favor than realized. Cedric, our main MMC, is taking more of a step up in terms of what he's been doing. In spite of Elyria's sudden situation, he's looking at every option to get the prophecy to turn in their favor. Of course, the prophecy is never quite as clear as they'd want it to be, and there is one choice they'll be making: Heal the realm, or cast it into night.
If you've not read books one and two, please read them before this. If you're waiting to pick up the series once this releases, I hope you can enjoy it as much as I have!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book sees another one of my favorite series concluded and it does it justice.
In this book you will find: shadows, sex tents, war, happy little accidents, death, bonds strengthening, torture… just to name a few.
The book starts off a few weeks after the end of book 2 and nobody is ok. The crews to do list is 1. Find and rescue Ellie 2. Put the crown back together somehow and 3. Save the world. Easy right? …..
I am not giving any details away but this brings you so many emotions. Love, loss, unlikely reunions, outcomes of war - all those things keep you page turning until the end. And of course at the center of it all is Sir Worrhwart, Trouble, and a certain shadow cat that always seems to know when to appear.
I loved the final book of this trilogy. It may not have ended the way I wanted for everyone but given everything going on I think it was the right ending for everyone.
This book releases on October 20th. Plenty of time to reread one and two beforehand. Or pick them up and give them a try if you never have before. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
May 18, 2026
Thank you to the author and team for this eARC!
Oh woooow! I can’t believe how amazing this book was! It was epic, it was sad, it was beautiful, it was sexy, and it was a perfect ending to this epic trilogy.
I loved the tension. Picking up a few weeks from where Splintered Kingdom ended. Elyria is Malakar’s prisoner, while Cedric desperately searches for her.
We finally meet some characters that I have wanted to meet. We also meet a few new ones here at the end.
Cedric and Elyria’s relationship is so beautiful and moves up the next level. It was heartwarming, and Cedric will remain one of my favorite green flag MMCs.
I felt this book did a beautiful job wrapping up this tale. There was some great humor mixed in with all of the tragedy. The final battles were well written and intense. And the final chapters were beautiful.
I’m so sad it’s over! But very satisfied with how it ended. What a wonderful trilogy.
Oh woooow! I can’t believe how amazing this book was! It was epic, it was sad, it was beautiful, it was sexy, and it was a perfect ending to this epic trilogy.
I loved the tension. Picking up a few weeks from where Splintered Kingdom ended. Elyria is Malakar’s prisoner, while Cedric desperately searches for her.
We finally meet some characters that I have wanted to meet. We also meet a few new ones here at the end.
Cedric and Elyria’s relationship is so beautiful and moves up the next level. It was heartwarming, and Cedric will remain one of my favorite green flag MMCs.
I felt this book did a beautiful job wrapping up this tale. There was some great humor mixed in with all of the tragedy. The final battles were well written and intense. And the final chapters were beautiful.
I’m so sad it’s over! But very satisfied with how it ended. What a wonderful trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am obsessed with this world. And so grateful that the ending was so bright.
Dark, gritty, emotional, I can’t even tell you how many times I sobbed whilst reading, I need to chug so much water to rehydrate!
This instalment had more POVs, and it was so rich for it. I’m so excited for the spin offs that they seem to open the doors for. And how could I now feel slightly bad for such awful characters?! They’re still awful for their actions, but Gretchen has expertly captured how minds are so unique and ever growing.
Everything else was put off to devour this book, and I’m so so glad I did, is it too soon to reread the entire series?!
(Hopefully I can come back and flesh this out further, but my mind is currently spinning!)
I am forever grateful to Gretchen for the early copy, all opinions are my own.
Dark, gritty, emotional, I can’t even tell you how many times I sobbed whilst reading, I need to chug so much water to rehydrate!
This instalment had more POVs, and it was so rich for it. I’m so excited for the spin offs that they seem to open the doors for. And how could I now feel slightly bad for such awful characters?! They’re still awful for their actions, but Gretchen has expertly captured how minds are so unique and ever growing.
Everything else was put off to devour this book, and I’m so so glad I did, is it too soon to reread the entire series?!
(Hopefully I can come back and flesh this out further, but my mind is currently spinning!)
I am forever grateful to Gretchen for the early copy, all opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gretchen 😭
The finale to the Shattered Crown series both destroyed me and put me back together again. Dare I say, this was a perfect trilogy.
What I love about Gretchen’s writing is that she’s not afraid to create CINEMA on the page. (I highly recommend reading this with the House of the Dragon soundtrack in the background).
The third installment brings us right back into the heart of this found family and their mission. The ending is both heartbreaking and perfect, even if it left me wanting more of a certain character’s future (IYKYK).
What a beautiful, beautiful series. Gretchen, thank you SO much for providing me with an e-arc to review. Now please pay my therapy bills.
The finale to the Shattered Crown series both destroyed me and put me back together again. Dare I say, this was a perfect trilogy.
What I love about Gretchen’s writing is that she’s not afraid to create CINEMA on the page. (I highly recommend reading this with the House of the Dragon soundtrack in the background).
The third installment brings us right back into the heart of this found family and their mission. The ending is both heartbreaking and perfect, even if it left me wanting more of a certain character’s future (IYKYK).
What a beautiful, beautiful series. Gretchen, thank you SO much for providing me with an e-arc to review. Now please pay my therapy bills.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, thank you so much Gretchen for the ARC.
This has to be my favourite book series ever. I first noticed it when I saw art of the characters on my Instagram feed and instantly ordered the first book, when it was still indie...and here we are today, trad published (congrats again!) and with the last book in the trilogy.
I have cried several times throughout this book. A beautiful and sometimes devastating finale to the series. I loved every moment and am wrecked its over (I will always hold out hope we will come back to Elyria and Cedric someday). I hope to see this as a movie someday <3
This has to be my favourite book series ever. I first noticed it when I saw art of the characters on my Instagram feed and instantly ordered the first book, when it was still indie...and here we are today, trad published (congrats again!) and with the last book in the trilogy.
I have cried several times throughout this book. A beautiful and sometimes devastating finale to the series. I loved every moment and am wrecked its over (I will always hold out hope we will come back to Elyria and Cedric someday). I hope to see this as a movie someday <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
I dropped everything I was reading the second this ARC hit my inbox and immediately started it. Okay… maybe first I stared at it in horror for at least 30 minutes because what do you mean this is the LAST book…. I was SCARED😭🔥
This was perfection. Heartbreaking, soul-crushing perfection.
I do have a bone to pick with Gretchen and she knows exactly why, because HOW could you do that to my favorite character??? She knows what she did.
And Sir Cedric “My Wife” Thorne??? That man had me ready to march into war barefoot and delusional. 🥵
This was perfection. Heartbreaking, soul-crushing perfection.
I do have a bone to pick with Gretchen and she knows exactly why, because HOW could you do that to my favorite character??? She knows what she did.
And Sir Cedric “My Wife” Thorne??? That man had me ready to march into war barefoot and delusional. 🥵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Perfection. No notes.
This was an epic finale to a truly great book series. It had everything; humor, love, spice, heartbreak, friendship, hope and comradery. I did not want it to end. Elle and Cedric are truly one of my favourite book couples and this is the perfect ending to their journey and story (though I would never say no to more).
I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book and series and even more so to get to read this one as an ARC. Already planning the reread.
Perfection. No notes.
This was an epic finale to a truly great book series. It had everything; humor, love, spice, heartbreak, friendship, hope and comradery. I did not want it to end. Elle and Cedric are truly one of my favourite book couples and this is the perfect ending to their journey and story (though I would never say no to more).
I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book and series and even more so to get to read this one as an ARC. Already planning the reread.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was privileged to receive an advance copy from the author. I found the book to be a wonderful finale to a great series. The reader is pulled along briskly from page 1 and the continued development of both the primary and secondary characters remains one of the (many) hallmarks of the author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet another banger from our girl GPF. Im so happy I was given the opportunity to read this 5 months early
Anyway, I don’t think ill ever see a person ever love someone like Cedric did in this book. He is the definition of devotion. I am so sad the series is over, but so happy with how it ended.
Anyway, I don’t think ill ever see a person ever love someone like Cedric did in this book. He is the definition of devotion. I am so sad the series is over, but so happy with how it ended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
[BETA READ]
"You are the shadow from which the dawn emerges."
What a perfect ending to a perfect story.
"You are the shadow from which the dawn emerges."
What a perfect ending to a perfect story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
IMMA NEED 7 BUSINESS DAYS TO WRITE A REVIEW, THE READING SLUMP IS GONNA HIT REAL HARD *~*.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incredible! I'm so sad it's over but I'm happy to have experienced this world and these characters 💜 ARC review to come!
Want to Read
February 25, 2026Expected publication October 20
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so, so privileged to beta read this (thank you Gretchen!) and then to receive an arc copy, which I'm going to re-read because I love it so dang much.
Is it weird that I'm like, incredibly sad that we're ending this journey? Absolutely feral to see where the story goes but also not ready to leave my friends and the incredible world that GPF has crafted here.
Shadow and Son is a motherf*cking rollercoaster of trauma, grief, joy, rage, love, and hope. I am, as usual, blown away by how many emotions Gretchen manages to infuse into her words and her characters.
Elyria and Cedric are some of my favorite MCs of all time and the way their character arcs develop (separately and together) in Shadow is *chef's kiss* perfection. I literally cannot say more without massive spoilers but book 3 Cedric. Oh man. You know that meme of Elmo in front of the flames? Followed immediately by me fanning myself. Freaking EPIC. Elle goes on a character development (*sad eyes*) journey of her own and explores new depths, because being the bacon eating staff-wielding fairy bad*ass does not exclude you from having to learn how to deal with your own feelings.
As always, the side characters (GUYS YOU GET NEW POVS GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO READ) really manage to steal the spotlight and the found family is amazing. Hold onto your butts and hope your favorites are safe though...
Gretchen's writing is marvelous and she has an incredible way with words. You'll find yourself sobbing, laughing, longing, and gasping. I am also in awe of the way she manages to turn phrases and pull echoes from earlier lines back into book 3 to mirror them and just, yeah. You'll see what I mean when you read it!
Is it weird that I'm like, incredibly sad that we're ending this journey? Absolutely feral to see where the story goes but also not ready to leave my friends and the incredible world that GPF has crafted here.
Shadow and Son is a motherf*cking rollercoaster of trauma, grief, joy, rage, love, and hope. I am, as usual, blown away by how many emotions Gretchen manages to infuse into her words and her characters.
Elyria and Cedric are some of my favorite MCs of all time and the way their character arcs develop (separately and together) in Shadow is *chef's kiss* perfection. I literally cannot say more without massive spoilers but book 3 Cedric. Oh man. You know that meme of Elmo in front of the flames? Followed immediately by me fanning myself. Freaking EPIC. Elle goes on a character development (*sad eyes*) journey of her own and explores new depths, because being the bacon eating staff-wielding fairy bad*ass does not exclude you from having to learn how to deal with your own feelings.
As always, the side characters (GUYS YOU GET NEW POVS GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO READ) really manage to steal the spotlight and the found family is amazing. Hold onto your butts and hope your favorites are safe though...
Gretchen's writing is marvelous and she has an incredible way with words. You'll find yourself sobbing, laughing, longing, and gasping. I am also in awe of the way she manages to turn phrases and pull echoes from earlier lines back into book 3 to mirror them and just, yeah. You'll see what I mean when you read it!
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