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Crown of Ruin and Redemption
I thought losing our child was the worst thing that could happen to us. I was wrong.
Four months ago, a shapeshifter murdered my unborn son. Four months ago, Kaan chose to save me instead of our baby. Four months ago, our bond shattered beyond repair.
Now Kaan's cousin Yasar has arrived with violet eyes and dangerous secrets. He says he's here to help. But when he touches my hand, I feel something I shouldn't—a pull I can't explain.
Because Erlik didn't just cleanse me of shadow magic. He bound me to Yasar. Soul to soul.
My best friend Banu is trapped in the Veil Between—a nightmare realm accessible only during the Twilight Eclipse. We have three hours to save her before the Veil closes forever.
Three hours with a husband I can't forgive, a cousin whose binding makes me crave what I shouldn't, and the discovery that I'm twilight-born—carrying both shadow and light magic.
The key to ending a war. Or the weapon that destroys us all.
Four months ago, a shapeshifter murdered my unborn son. Four months ago, Kaan chose to save me instead of our baby. Four months ago, our bond shattered beyond repair.
Now Kaan's cousin Yasar has arrived with violet eyes and dangerous secrets. He says he's here to help. But when he touches my hand, I feel something I shouldn't—a pull I can't explain.
Because Erlik didn't just cleanse me of shadow magic. He bound me to Yasar. Soul to soul.
My best friend Banu is trapped in the Veil Between—a nightmare realm accessible only during the Twilight Eclipse. We have three hours to save her before the Veil closes forever.
Three hours with a husband I can't forgive, a cousin whose binding makes me crave what I shouldn't, and the discovery that I'm twilight-born—carrying both shadow and light magic.
The key to ending a war. Or the weapon that destroys us all.
- GenresRomantasy
545 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2025
327 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Vi Carter
75 books1,326 followersWhen Vi Carter isn’t writing dark romance books that feature the mafia, are filled with suspense, and take you on a fast-paced ride, you can find her reading her favorite authors, baking, taking photos or enjoying long walks in the Irish countryside.
Vi’s biggest selling series, Young Irish Rebels, is available in Audio, English and Dutch.
Married with three children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an author.
She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge.
Subscribe to Vi’s newsletter for a free book to follow her down a dark path alongside the Mafia!
Keep up with Vi on all platforms:
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Website ➜ https://authorvicarter.com
Instagram➜ https://l1nk.dev/authorvicarter
Vi’s biggest selling series, Young Irish Rebels, is available in Audio, English and Dutch.
Married with three children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an author.
She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge.
Subscribe to Vi’s newsletter for a free book to follow her down a dark path alongside the Mafia!
Keep up with Vi on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f609c...
Facebook➜ https://l1nk.dev/AuthorViCarter
Twitter➜ http://hyperurl.co/qzbewu
Goodreads ➜ http://hyperurl.co/qcw7g0
Website ➜ https://authorvicarter.com
Instagram➜ https://l1nk.dev/authorvicarter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 4, 2026
Maybe 2.5⭐️ but honestly eh.
To start with the pros: the editing and story telling was much improved over the previous two books. Like worlds apart. With the exception of some repetition and discrepancies (which could be put down as different POVs experiencing things differently) there were few glaring issues with continuity or inconsistencies. There was one paragraph early on that appeared to be an editorial comment or communication from one author to the other about a character/plot-point which made me chuckle because it was so unexpected and took me out of the story, but I'd guess that will be corrected in future editions/updated in the ebook.
The Cons: The lore in this book was inconsistent with the previous books. All that we learned previously had no real bearing on the story. The world building is much more in depth, but they do so by throwing out all we learned before. Once again new characters are introduced who are pivotal to the plot, who could replace our MCs in terms of power and succession, but who didn't exist before.The war escalation is ramped up in this book, although we don't see much of it as we are trying to find allies, but then it resolves in the space of three chapters.
*** Mild Spoilers Ahead ***
These are some inconsistencies or things that just irked me and kept me from rating higher. And tbh, 99% are probably about the FMC. But to be fair, she was the focus of the entire book. Even in the MMC POV. Even when dealing with other crisis, it still had to revolve around her.
- Confession: I hate read the first 35% (at least). I just couldn't deal with Nesilhan's attitude and the way everyone placated her. She was grieving and I understand. I also understand that in grief you say and do things you don't mean/wish you can take back later. But at no point (until the father "revelation") does she assume a portion of responsibility/guilt for what happened. Even her inner monologs are all about blaming Kaan, never herself. Sure he chose to save her, but she skipped gleefully into the trap after being warned multiple times in the space of 10 minutes. And not only does she loose her venom on him, but he fully blames himself as well. And no one around him seems to empathize with him and the fact that he also lost a child. Even his best friend has more care and empathy for her than him. And then his cousin shows up and of course Nesi has another love interest. She needs a new triangle every book to feel seen. And when she finds out about the bond, does she talk to Kaan about it? Nah, he sucks and this is all his fault. And when he finds out, he needs to be understanding cause if not he's just toxic and controlling... did I mention that the first third of the book pissed me off? And then she breaks down, says sorry once (and is immediately forgiven) and everything is back to normal, with minimal mentions of their son unless drama needs to occur.
- Nesi's introduced as an Assassin badass. But she never really shows it. And I don't mean she cannot kill all her foes when mortally wounded - that's just realistic. I mean, fully healed and still gets her ass handed to her by non-assassins. Needs to be rescued, including by her previously lilly-livered brother who only has two or three months of battles behind him.
- Since when does Nesi have Twilight magic. She had Light magic. Strong (unseen) light magic. The child was going to be a mix of light and dark and bring about the prophesy. But all of a sudden she has Twilight magic and the prophesy was about her. I have no issues with the prophesy ultimately being about her, but set it up. Don't just announce it. Also, she doesn't fulfill the prophesy. She doesn't reshape the realm. The war just ends.
- The loose threads are less than before, but they're still there. Plot points that go nowhere : Kaan's father, the genie and her last price, the bond that is severed yet again (but with no consequences), the inability to lie that comes and goes ...
- We are once again surprised that Nesilhan's father was the villain all along. And by we, I mean the MCs and supporting cast. We've been knowing that since the start of the first book so why is it treated like some great revelation? For someone who is apparently just one lord of many on the side of the Light, the whole war seems to revolve around him. His wants, his manipulations... and when he dies, so does the war.
To start with the pros: the editing and story telling was much improved over the previous two books. Like worlds apart. With the exception of some repetition and discrepancies (which could be put down as different POVs experiencing things differently) there were few glaring issues with continuity or inconsistencies. There was one paragraph early on that appeared to be an editorial comment or communication from one author to the other about a character/plot-point which made me chuckle because it was so unexpected and took me out of the story, but I'd guess that will be corrected in future editions/updated in the ebook.
The Cons: The lore in this book was inconsistent with the previous books. All that we learned previously had no real bearing on the story. The world building is much more in depth, but they do so by throwing out all we learned before. Once again new characters are introduced who are pivotal to the plot, who could replace our MCs in terms of power and succession, but who didn't exist before.The war escalation is ramped up in this book, although we don't see much of it as we are trying to find allies, but then it resolves in the space of three chapters.
*** Mild Spoilers Ahead ***
These are some inconsistencies or things that just irked me and kept me from rating higher. And tbh, 99% are probably about the FMC. But to be fair, she was the focus of the entire book. Even in the MMC POV. Even when dealing with other crisis, it still had to revolve around her.
- Confession: I hate read the first 35% (at least). I just couldn't deal with Nesilhan's attitude and the way everyone placated her. She was grieving and I understand. I also understand that in grief you say and do things you don't mean/wish you can take back later. But at no point (until the father "revelation") does she assume a portion of responsibility/guilt for what happened. Even her inner monologs are all about blaming Kaan, never herself. Sure he chose to save her, but she skipped gleefully into the trap after being warned multiple times in the space of 10 minutes. And not only does she loose her venom on him, but he fully blames himself as well. And no one around him seems to empathize with him and the fact that he also lost a child. Even his best friend has more care and empathy for her than him. And then his cousin shows up and of course Nesi has another love interest. She needs a new triangle every book to feel seen. And when she finds out about the bond, does she talk to Kaan about it? Nah, he sucks and this is all his fault. And when he finds out, he needs to be understanding cause if not he's just toxic and controlling... did I mention that the first third of the book pissed me off? And then she breaks down, says sorry once (and is immediately forgiven) and everything is back to normal, with minimal mentions of their son unless drama needs to occur.
- Nesi's introduced as an Assassin badass. But she never really shows it. And I don't mean she cannot kill all her foes when mortally wounded - that's just realistic. I mean, fully healed and still gets her ass handed to her by non-assassins. Needs to be rescued, including by her previously lilly-livered brother who only has two or three months of battles behind him.
- Since when does Nesi have Twilight magic. She had Light magic. Strong (unseen) light magic. The child was going to be a mix of light and dark and bring about the prophesy. But all of a sudden she has Twilight magic and the prophesy was about her. I have no issues with the prophesy ultimately being about her, but set it up. Don't just announce it. Also, she doesn't fulfill the prophesy. She doesn't reshape the realm. The war just ends.
- The loose threads are less than before, but they're still there. Plot points that go nowhere : Kaan's father, the genie and her last price, the bond that is severed yet again (but with no consequences), the inability to lie that comes and goes ...
- We are once again surprised that Nesilhan's father was the villain all along. And by we, I mean the MCs and supporting cast. We've been knowing that since the start of the first book so why is it treated like some great revelation? For someone who is apparently just one lord of many on the side of the Light, the whole war seems to revolve around him. His wants, his manipulations... and when he dies, so does the war.
February 25, 2026
While still enjoying Kaan’s main character energy, this book had serious plot and editing issues. Fire the editor ladies, no favors were done here.
not sure i’ll continue the series with side characters
not sure i’ll continue the series with side characters
January 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a generous 4 stars)
This one hurt… but also mildly tested my sanity.
It didn’t quite live up to book two for me, but it was still emotionally heavy. The entire story is soaked in grief, loss, and emotional damage, and the FMC’s arc revolves almost completely around that pain. It’s understandable given everything she’s been through, but it did make this book feel slower and heavier. I really do wish more of her baddass assassin would shown more.
And can we talk about the emotional whiplash? Watching these two break up or fight or whatever it is every single book is starting to feel like a personality trait, not a plot device. At some point I just wanted to gently shake them and whisper “please stop doing this to yourselves and to me.”
Also. the overuse of the quote “I felt something I haven’t let myself feel in a long time. Hope.” every few chapters started to grate on me. It went from impactful to distracting real fast. And isnt nes supposed to be light magic? When tf did she get twilight magic unless I completely misinterpreted the first book?
So… not quite a 4. Not bad enough to be a 3. Therefore, she gets a generous 4 stars
, because it still hurt me emotionally and I still kept reading.
Messy. Painful. Mildly annoying. Still worth it.
This one hurt… but also mildly tested my sanity.
It didn’t quite live up to book two for me, but it was still emotionally heavy. The entire story is soaked in grief, loss, and emotional damage, and the FMC’s arc revolves almost completely around that pain. It’s understandable given everything she’s been through, but it did make this book feel slower and heavier. I really do wish more of her baddass assassin would shown more.
And can we talk about the emotional whiplash? Watching these two break up or fight or whatever it is every single book is starting to feel like a personality trait, not a plot device. At some point I just wanted to gently shake them and whisper “please stop doing this to yourselves and to me.”
Also. the overuse of the quote “I felt something I haven’t let myself feel in a long time. Hope.” every few chapters started to grate on me. It went from impactful to distracting real fast. And isnt nes supposed to be light magic? When tf did she get twilight magic unless I completely misinterpreted the first book?
So… not quite a 4. Not bad enough to be a 3. Therefore, she gets a generous 4 stars
, because it still hurt me emotionally and I still kept reading.
Messy. Painful. Mildly annoying. Still worth it.
January 18, 2026
To start, I just want to say I LOVED book 1 and thoroughly enjoyed book 2. So much so, I set myself a reminder to BUY this book when it was released over Christmas time. I have never given a book a bad review. Even if it was awful, I will often just finish it and not say anything, not every book I read is going to have me, as a reader in mind. However, this is not one of those times.
It has taken me weeks to finish this book (for context, took me 2 days to finish the first book) Mainly for the glaringly obvious use of AI.
Everyone saying a "editorial comment" around 9% of the way through, wrong, that is an AI prompt and then AI replying with a response.
Once you see the AI prompt, you can't help but notice the horrendous inconsistency and immense plot holes throughout this whole book.
These authors either had way too many ideas and was perhaps on a time crunch and just threw the ideas together or had absolutely nothing to put onto paper so just popped a random story into AI and prayed it would make sense.
The dual author probably also didn't help in this instance. Who was writing each character? Did you read each other's chapters?
This book gets half a star because there was a couple of moments I enjoyed when I removed myself from the terrible writing, plot holes and a robot writing the book.
I placed a review onto Amazon the first few days of reading as an unfinished review but I had to uploaded screenshots of the AI proof which was initially approved and uploaded. Now when I visit my order, the book has been removed along with the other reviews. They have then reuploaded the book with of course all amazing 5 star reviews.
I'm so disappointed. I was so looking forward to their journey through child loss, the war, etc etc. It had fantastic potential. I hope these authors learn from their mistake but they probably won't so I'm sure we will see them publish multiple books this year because it's super easy when a robot does it for you.
Super sad! Sorry for the Karen review!
It has taken me weeks to finish this book (for context, took me 2 days to finish the first book) Mainly for the glaringly obvious use of AI.
Everyone saying a "editorial comment" around 9% of the way through, wrong, that is an AI prompt and then AI replying with a response.
Once you see the AI prompt, you can't help but notice the horrendous inconsistency and immense plot holes throughout this whole book.
These authors either had way too many ideas and was perhaps on a time crunch and just threw the ideas together or had absolutely nothing to put onto paper so just popped a random story into AI and prayed it would make sense.
The dual author probably also didn't help in this instance. Who was writing each character? Did you read each other's chapters?
This book gets half a star because there was a couple of moments I enjoyed when I removed myself from the terrible writing, plot holes and a robot writing the book.
I placed a review onto Amazon the first few days of reading as an unfinished review but I had to uploaded screenshots of the AI proof which was initially approved and uploaded. Now when I visit my order, the book has been removed along with the other reviews. They have then reuploaded the book with of course all amazing 5 star reviews.
I'm so disappointed. I was so looking forward to their journey through child loss, the war, etc etc. It had fantastic potential. I hope these authors learn from their mistake but they probably won't so I'm sure we will see them publish multiple books this year because it's super easy when a robot does it for you.
Super sad! Sorry for the Karen review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2026
I’m a little lost…
So the first 2 books were pretty solid, every now and again there was a slip but I chalked it up to reading to fast.
I had to go back CHAPTERS in this book and re-read things to try and pick out details I missed. One minute she had light then two chapters later she’s the child of the prophecy??? Character B doesn’t know a detail then three pages later she does but no one told her???
I got a little lost in the story this time but not in the best way. I do like the betrayals and switcheroos.
Smut 3/5
Storyline 3/5
So the first 2 books were pretty solid, every now and again there was a slip but I chalked it up to reading to fast.
I had to go back CHAPTERS in this book and re-read things to try and pick out details I missed. One minute she had light then two chapters later she’s the child of the prophecy??? Character B doesn’t know a detail then three pages later she does but no one told her???
I got a little lost in the story this time but not in the best way. I do like the betrayals and switcheroos.
Smut 3/5
Storyline 3/5
February 23, 2026
I have read all three books in this series. It had so much potential but the redundancy and the plot and characters were all 9f the place. The prophecy that wasn't a prophecy, the cousin that appeared in book 2 out of no where. The confusion of the bonds. It was just messy writing but again had potential. So if you enjoy reading sentences multiple times (word for word) copy paste accidents maybe...then give it a read. Again I read all 3 books because I hate quitting a story despite all rhe flaws and head banging against the wall foe this.
January 19, 2026
I tried soooo hard to finish this book but it just went on and on and on woth so many introductions of new characters with a lot of holes in the story, unless I just missed a lot. So many times I found myself reading something completely out of left field and then trying to go back and find what I missed. It seemed as though the chapters weren’t written in order, and then the authors forgot to go back and write the beginning part of a story in a previous chapter. I really enjoyed the first two books, but I really wish the story ended after two. The third seemed to be written just bc and a lot of time was spent trying to fill the pages with words. I read a lot of books, and I think this is maybe only my 3rd or 4th DNF.
January 21, 2026
Meh
Just meh. Nothing really made sense, all the sudden the light court has 1 billion soldiers and is going to crush the shadow court... There are these unexplained reality breaks that no one is really concerned about.. Yasar and his purpose makes no sense. There was many times kaan was like watching Elcin, and it seemed like there'd be a reason, like something about her would be uncovered after all of kaan's careful watching... But no. Connecting the story together is something I struggled with in the previous books, I kept feeling like I had missed something, and that continued in this book.
Just meh. Nothing really made sense, all the sudden the light court has 1 billion soldiers and is going to crush the shadow court... There are these unexplained reality breaks that no one is really concerned about.. Yasar and his purpose makes no sense. There was many times kaan was like watching Elcin, and it seemed like there'd be a reason, like something about her would be uncovered after all of kaan's careful watching... But no. Connecting the story together is something I struggled with in the previous books, I kept feeling like I had missed something, and that continued in this book.
January 11, 2026
I finished them at least
I wanted to love these but there are just too many holes in the story. So many random occurrences that are unresolved or seem to have nothing to do with the main story line. It was hard to get through but I did finish but I don’t think I will bother reading any spin offs.
I wanted to love these but there are just too many holes in the story. So many random occurrences that are unresolved or seem to have nothing to do with the main story line. It was hard to get through but I did finish but I don’t think I will bother reading any spin offs.
January 2, 2026
CROWN OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION is the third instalment the adult KINGDOM OF SHADOWS dark, epic fantasy series co-authored b Vi Carter and Joanna Maz. This is the continuing story of Prince Kaan Karanlikoglu, Lord of the Shadow Court, and his consort Nesilhan. CROWN OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two Crown of Storm and Silence.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaan and Nesi) CROWN OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION follows in the aftermath of the attack on our story line heroine. Four months earlier, a shape shifter murdered Kaan and Nesi’s unborn child but in the aftermath Nesi is unable to forgive the man she loves, a man she blames for choosing her life over the life of their unborn child’s but the betrayal goes deeper when our couple discover their bond has been fractured by a manipulative family member who is determined to take control. A war between the dark shadow and the light shadow courts is threatening Kaan’s tenuous hold over his people and the land,and the our couple must, once again, give up something in an effort to help everyone else.
The world building is detailed and complex as Nesilhan is determined to rescue her friend, a fairy trapped in the Veil Between, but the rescue will come at a cost to everyone involved. Nesi is so blinded grief and loss, she is willing to sacrifice everyone including herself and the man whom she loves, to save the life of her friend. A deal made with the Fae, threatens the future, as there is always a caveat, a disclaimer, and a play on words even friendships are threatened by deception and lies.
The relationship between Nesi and Kaan is fractured and strained. Grief leads to blame, to vengeance, and pain, and in this Nesi struggles to forgive the man whose heart is breaking with each rejection. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the return of Nesi and Kaan, Kaan’s second in command Emir; Kaan’s cousin Yasar; Nesi’s siblings Zoran and Solene, and their father Lord Eldric Alari; Nesi’s best friend Banu, guardian Elcin, Fae Queen Morwenna, and Peri Ayse.
CROWN OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family dynamics, forgiveness and love. The premise is intricate and intimate, as our couple find themselves at odds, pulled apart for the sake of all others. The characters are broken, determined and desperate as the betrayals run dark and deep; the romance is negligible as our couple must sacrifice everything to protect the one’s they love.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaan and Nesi) CROWN OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION follows in the aftermath of the attack on our story line heroine. Four months earlier, a shape shifter murdered Kaan and Nesi’s unborn child but in the aftermath Nesi is unable to forgive the man she loves, a man she blames for choosing her life over the life of their unborn child’s but the betrayal goes deeper when our couple discover their bond has been fractured by a manipulative family member who is determined to take control. A war between the dark shadow and the light shadow courts is threatening Kaan’s tenuous hold over his people and the land,and the our couple must, once again, give up something in an effort to help everyone else.
The world building is detailed and complex as Nesilhan is determined to rescue her friend, a fairy trapped in the Veil Between, but the rescue will come at a cost to everyone involved. Nesi is so blinded grief and loss, she is willing to sacrifice everyone including herself and the man whom she loves, to save the life of her friend. A deal made with the Fae, threatens the future, as there is always a caveat, a disclaimer, and a play on words even friendships are threatened by deception and lies.
The relationship between Nesi and Kaan is fractured and strained. Grief leads to blame, to vengeance, and pain, and in this Nesi struggles to forgive the man whose heart is breaking with each rejection. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the return of Nesi and Kaan, Kaan’s second in command Emir; Kaan’s cousin Yasar; Nesi’s siblings Zoran and Solene, and their father Lord Eldric Alari; Nesi’s best friend Banu, guardian Elcin, Fae Queen Morwenna, and Peri Ayse.
CROWN OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family dynamics, forgiveness and love. The premise is intricate and intimate, as our couple find themselves at odds, pulled apart for the sake of all others. The characters are broken, determined and desperate as the betrayals run dark and deep; the romance is negligible as our couple must sacrifice everything to protect the one’s they love.
copy supplied for review
January 19, 2026
5⭐️ - 1.5🌶
☆ Fated mates
☆ Grief journey
☆ Shadow Lord MMC
☆ War time
☆ Badass FMC
☆ Touch her and die
I was scared to read this book. The sheer devastation and emotional damage I knew I would have to go through before coming out the other end? I almost wasn't willing to do it.
No regrets, though. This series is perfection and this installment was the best way to conclude the story of Kaan and Nes. I feel better knowing they got their HEA after everything. They deserve it. Check your triggers, this series gets dark.
Other ratings from this series:
(1) Crown of Light and Ashes: 5⭐️
(2) Crown of Storm and Silence: 5⭐️
Favorite quotes:
The woman Kaan married is gone, but the queen he created from her ashes must take her place.
"How do I avoid becoming my father?" I ask. "How do I love her without consuming her? How do I protect her without controlling her?" "You ask her," Emir says simply. "You tell her the truth, all of it, and you ask her what she needs. Then you give it to her, even if it destroys you." "And if what she needs is for me to not exist?" "Then you find a way to give her that too."
"If you could change the past, would you still choose to bind yourself to him?" The answer comes immediately, surprising even me: "Yes. Even knowing the pain that would come. Because the alternative is never having loved him at all, never having carried our child, never having known what it means to be truly seen by another soul. The binding didn't cause our loss. It just means we carry it together."
I love you. I'm sorry. Forgive me. I would die for you. I would live for you. I choose you, every day, every moment, in a way no magical bond could ever compel.
☆ Fated mates
☆ Grief journey
☆ Shadow Lord MMC
☆ War time
☆ Badass FMC
☆ Touch her and die
I was scared to read this book. The sheer devastation and emotional damage I knew I would have to go through before coming out the other end? I almost wasn't willing to do it.
No regrets, though. This series is perfection and this installment was the best way to conclude the story of Kaan and Nes. I feel better knowing they got their HEA after everything. They deserve it. Check your triggers, this series gets dark.
Other ratings from this series:
(1) Crown of Light and Ashes: 5⭐️
(2) Crown of Storm and Silence: 5⭐️
Favorite quotes:
The woman Kaan married is gone, but the queen he created from her ashes must take her place.
"How do I avoid becoming my father?" I ask. "How do I love her without consuming her? How do I protect her without controlling her?" "You ask her," Emir says simply. "You tell her the truth, all of it, and you ask her what she needs. Then you give it to her, even if it destroys you." "And if what she needs is for me to not exist?" "Then you find a way to give her that too."
"If you could change the past, would you still choose to bind yourself to him?" The answer comes immediately, surprising even me: "Yes. Even knowing the pain that would come. Because the alternative is never having loved him at all, never having carried our child, never having known what it means to be truly seen by another soul. The binding didn't cause our loss. It just means we carry it together."
I love you. I'm sorry. Forgive me. I would die for you. I would live for you. I choose you, every day, every moment, in a way no magical bond could ever compel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
The repeated phrases in this drove me nuts, feels like the book missed some editing.
Nesilan referred to her magic as a ‘candle’ of something twice across two pages, there is a section where two paragraphs are just repeated word for word and so many other repetitions it became frustrating to read.
Nesilan for more than half the book was infuriating, I get that she was grieving but the hate she had for Kaan felt immature, and then suddenly she decides she needs to forgive him. It was like ‘nope it’s all his fault we’ll never get back to where we were’ to ‘I think we can learn to trust each other again’ without much mental dialogue in between.
Now for the plot, I generally thought the story had potential but there were so many things that felt like they went nowhere. The build up of Kaan’s father didn’t go anywhere, the veil ripping in places felt like it came out of nowhere, Nesilan is apparently a warrior and has twilight magic which is not mentioned in the first two books?
Her sister is alive and been trained be her father, Nesilan and Kaan say they will do anything to get her back and after the first meeting Solene switches sides without much fight.
Shout out to Kaan’s POV though, his sassy narration held the book together.
Won’t be reading the other ones in the series but glad I got through the end of this one.
Nesilan referred to her magic as a ‘candle’ of something twice across two pages, there is a section where two paragraphs are just repeated word for word and so many other repetitions it became frustrating to read.
Nesilan for more than half the book was infuriating, I get that she was grieving but the hate she had for Kaan felt immature, and then suddenly she decides she needs to forgive him. It was like ‘nope it’s all his fault we’ll never get back to where we were’ to ‘I think we can learn to trust each other again’ without much mental dialogue in between.
Now for the plot, I generally thought the story had potential but there were so many things that felt like they went nowhere. The build up of Kaan’s father didn’t go anywhere, the veil ripping in places felt like it came out of nowhere, Nesilan is apparently a warrior and has twilight magic which is not mentioned in the first two books?
Her sister is alive and been trained be her father, Nesilan and Kaan say they will do anything to get her back and after the first meeting Solene switches sides without much fight.
Shout out to Kaan’s POV though, his sassy narration held the book together.
Won’t be reading the other ones in the series but glad I got through the end of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
“ Please , I beg, my voice cracking with desperation. Whatever’s you want, I’ll give you anything. “ “Anything? “ she asks with dangerous sweetness, rising from the throne to approach my bound from. “Even your control? Even your pride?”
Book 3 in the trilogy does not disappoint!!
Its epic stuff!!!! Im hooked. I can not and will not part with them. I need more…. My precious x
I do think this world is big and luckily the authors loves it too so will continue on in this world. I do have some unfinished threads still needing answers.
Can I just say…. WOW
Kaan is the best Shadow Lord in like for eeeeveeer. Love love love. Can not put in enough loves here.
Nesilhan and her twilight magic is superb.
The trauma we were left with in book 2 escalates to Mountain heights.
The spice and drama and war is gritty and all encompassing.
Banter and seriousness blends together in the best way making even the worse war moments palatable.
Blown away by this trilogy!!!
“You dont love a monster. You survive him.”
Book 3 in the trilogy does not disappoint!!
Its epic stuff!!!! Im hooked. I can not and will not part with them. I need more…. My precious x
I do think this world is big and luckily the authors loves it too so will continue on in this world. I do have some unfinished threads still needing answers.
Can I just say…. WOW
Kaan is the best Shadow Lord in like for eeeeveeer. Love love love. Can not put in enough loves here.
Nesilhan and her twilight magic is superb.
The trauma we were left with in book 2 escalates to Mountain heights.
The spice and drama and war is gritty and all encompassing.
Banter and seriousness blends together in the best way making even the worse war moments palatable.
Blown away by this trilogy!!!
“You dont love a monster. You survive him.”
January 12, 2026
love it love it love it
I can’t describe enough how much enjoyed this series! I genuinely can’t believe it doesn’t get more hype on social media.
Kaan is just the best, shadow Daddy. Completely relentless, with seriously questionable morals, a total lack of respect for propriety. When he loves, he loves something fierce, which makes him all the more endearing. Add on the wicked sense of humour and hilarious one liners and you have the shadow daddy to end all shadow daddy’s!
The dynamic between Nesh and Kaan was just beautiful. It’s always been full of chemistry, both positive and not so positive at times. However their relationship really grew and emotionally developed, I was completely here for it.
The plot was actioned packed. So much adventure, details, intrigue, but written in such a way that it kept me engaged throughout.
Loved the side characters and I’m so onboard with the next book I can’t wait!
I can’t describe enough how much enjoyed this series! I genuinely can’t believe it doesn’t get more hype on social media.
Kaan is just the best, shadow Daddy. Completely relentless, with seriously questionable morals, a total lack of respect for propriety. When he loves, he loves something fierce, which makes him all the more endearing. Add on the wicked sense of humour and hilarious one liners and you have the shadow daddy to end all shadow daddy’s!
The dynamic between Nesh and Kaan was just beautiful. It’s always been full of chemistry, both positive and not so positive at times. However their relationship really grew and emotionally developed, I was completely here for it.
The plot was actioned packed. So much adventure, details, intrigue, but written in such a way that it kept me engaged throughout.
Loved the side characters and I’m so onboard with the next book I can’t wait!
February 16, 2026
Finished this last night and I absolutely loved it, the conclusion to their story was just beautiful. And I can’t wait to read the next one as yasar powers really intrigue me to what is going to happen.
Kaan and nes are just perfection and reading about them on the journey back to each other after the heartbreaking moment of them losing their child. Was just done so beautifully.
The added twist of yasar and the bonding was annoying but so intriguing but I wanted him out of their way 😂 the side characters are amazing and I’m so happy banu is back I absolutely love her sassiness.
Still not as good as the first one for me but this was a good conclusion for everything the war and finding out that it’s not her fault and who order the hit on their child. Was just a fabulous scene loved it
Now onto finding more about yasar and elcin which I need to know what she is hiding
Kaan and nes are just perfection and reading about them on the journey back to each other after the heartbreaking moment of them losing their child. Was just done so beautifully.
The added twist of yasar and the bonding was annoying but so intriguing but I wanted him out of their way 😂 the side characters are amazing and I’m so happy banu is back I absolutely love her sassiness.
Still not as good as the first one for me but this was a good conclusion for everything the war and finding out that it’s not her fault and who order the hit on their child. Was just a fabulous scene loved it
Now onto finding more about yasar and elcin which I need to know what she is hiding
January 7, 2026
What a wild ride! I have read the other 2 novels in this series and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I have been patiently waiting to jump back into this series after the last novel ended in a cliffhanger. From the first chapter this novel reached across the pages and grabbed my attention and held on tight. Once I started reading I was on the edge of my seat trying to guess what was coming next. I love Nesilhan and Kaan's story is getting their conclusion although it was a wild ride to finally get there. So so good! I can hardly wait to see what this author will have coming next. Loved it!
January 13, 2026
So. many. plot. holes.
I wanted to like this so much....but I ended up having to force myself to read it. FMC was so cruel to MMC, and so were all their friends !! Twilight magic? Genies last wish? What about all the questions behind Elcin and the fae court? All the mystery behind Banu and the fae court? No hints of what everyone who made a bargain with the Queen ended up having to endure. Nesilhan was supposed to be this badass assassin.....and literally got her ass handed to her time and time again. sigh. 🫠
I wanted to like this so much....but I ended up having to force myself to read it. FMC was so cruel to MMC, and so were all their friends !! Twilight magic? Genies last wish? What about all the questions behind Elcin and the fae court? All the mystery behind Banu and the fae court? No hints of what everyone who made a bargain with the Queen ended up having to endure. Nesilhan was supposed to be this badass assassin.....and literally got her ass handed to her time and time again. sigh. 🫠
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
Top 5 book husbands 😍😍😍🌶️😈
This man truly brings out my unhinged, feral side, in the best way. I love that while this series is undeniably spicy, it still delivers complex politics, strategy, deep emotionality and yes… a little homicide 👏🏽
I’m so ready to bask in their well-earned love and happiness. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what the next book brings. I’m fully invested in Banu’s love story and Elcin’s new dilemma. But the real question is… are we getting a redemption arc for our worst character? 👀
This man truly brings out my unhinged, feral side, in the best way. I love that while this series is undeniably spicy, it still delivers complex politics, strategy, deep emotionality and yes… a little homicide 👏🏽
I’m so ready to bask in their well-earned love and happiness. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what the next book brings. I’m fully invested in Banu’s love story and Elcin’s new dilemma. But the real question is… are we getting a redemption arc for our worst character? 👀
January 26, 2026
Reviewing this one is a little tough. I was absolutely obsessed with Kaan and Nesi in books one and two, but in book number three I felt a lot less invested in the story. It definitely delivers when it comes to a spicy dark read, but the heavier focus on war and politics in this book just seemed overplayed for me. I also felt like adding in more characters (the cousin and sister) just wasn’t totally necessary. I was more invested in the way Kaan and Nesi repaired their marriage after the loss of their child.
January 6, 2026
Intensely moving and emotionally fraught, Kaan and Nesilhan are caught in a web of intrigue and sorrow. At each turn, they are thrown more chaos and horror. Nesilhan’s grief blinds her to reason and comfort. My heart broke for all the characters because there seemed to be no end in sight to the heartache and tragedy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2026
I had a hard time with this entire series. It’s poorly written and needs a lot of editing. The 3rd book needs more editing than the last 2. There was what appears to be an editorial note in the beginning that caught me off guard. A lot of repeats or info that doesn’t make sense, then what happened comes up in the next chapter. A lot of contradictions….at the same time, I wanted to know how it ends. The story was just ok….
March 12, 2026
I almost DNF at 80%
I was so frustrated with the plot holes.
Nes had dark hair, almost black, but then occasionally she had golden hair. The lamp genie and her three prices...but only two of them were collected and one of those was inconsistent.
So so so many questions. And so very few answers.
I enjoyed the first two books! I read them back to back in like three days. But this one had me dragging. I kept reading just to see if there were any answers.
I was so frustrated with the plot holes.
Nes had dark hair, almost black, but then occasionally she had golden hair. The lamp genie and her three prices...but only two of them were collected and one of those was inconsistent.
So so so many questions. And so very few answers.
I enjoyed the first two books! I read them back to back in like three days. But this one had me dragging. I kept reading just to see if there were any answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This intriguing story is filled with thrilling twists and turns that are tumultuous for and drew me into the main characters as they embark on a dangerous journey that has lies along with betrayals for Kaan and Nesilhan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2026
Unimaginable Loss
Losing her child has devastated Nesilhan and caused her to hate Kaan. With war on the horizon and now Kaan’s manipulative cousin Yasar thrown in the mix the outcome seems disastrous. Especially when Kaan’s father has magically created a bond between Nesi and Yasar. Can Kaan overcome everything thrown at him or will he lose the only light in his existence?!
Losing her child has devastated Nesilhan and caused her to hate Kaan. With war on the horizon and now Kaan’s manipulative cousin Yasar thrown in the mix the outcome seems disastrous. Especially when Kaan’s father has magically created a bond between Nesi and Yasar. Can Kaan overcome everything thrown at him or will he lose the only light in his existence?!
January 22, 2026
I wanted to love this book especially after loving book 1 and 2 but this book was poorly written, pretty sure it was written by AI. the story line was but there were so many incomplete thoughts throughout the book and discrepancies with all the characters. its almost as if the authors finished the book and then did not reread it.
however I will say the spicy scenes were great!
however I will say the spicy scenes were great!
January 29, 2026
Book three of Kingdom of Shadows Series is another amazing addition to the series. It's intense and raw and captured my complete attention from page one to the very last page. Oh how I'm so excited for the next book. Yasar and Elçin's story is going to be epic. Highly recommend reading this entire series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2026
Great battle in a slight disappointment
Kaan and Nes seemed to come to the climax of their adventure and their lives. The great war takes place. There are many twist in terms that seemed to drag on some. It got a little monotonous with having problem after problem. What I did like was out their relationship evolved to a green level.
Kaan and Nes seemed to come to the climax of their adventure and their lives. The great war takes place. There are many twist in terms that seemed to drag on some. It got a little monotonous with having problem after problem. What I did like was out their relationship evolved to a green level.
February 2, 2026
I enjoyed this trilogy!
I cried, I laughed!
This trilogy needs more hype!
Kaan needs to be read by anyone who loves a dark shadow daddy!
Kaan and Neslihan's story was one I won't forget any time soon and I'm gutted its finished!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I cried, I laughed!
This trilogy needs more hype!
Kaan needs to be read by anyone who loves a dark shadow daddy!
Kaan and Neslihan's story was one I won't forget any time soon and I'm gutted its finished!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2026
All great books
This is the first trilogy in months that held my interest all the way to the bitter end.
I can't say enough good things about this story. The POV switching was perfect. Kaan's sense of humor was as attractive as his dominance. Nehsilan was a strong character who gave as good as she got. The other characters were interesting and nuanced.
Highly recommend
This is the first trilogy in months that held my interest all the way to the bitter end.
I can't say enough good things about this story. The POV switching was perfect. Kaan's sense of humor was as attractive as his dominance. Nehsilan was a strong character who gave as good as she got. The other characters were interesting and nuanced.
Highly recommend
April 6, 2026
Warning-Spoilers: This book pisses me off. The FMC is warned not to go chasing after things, but does, gets stabbed in her stomach and then hates her husband for saving her instead of the baby! Now I’m at a point where it looks like she’s going to get with his cousin!!! Grieve as husband and wife! Love one another and try again, but the FMC is acting like a privileged bitch.
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