Eternal

The Shadowlands Duology #1

by Rachel Terry

In the Shadowlands, death is not the end.
It’s a chance to live again.

Hildegard is a shieldmaiden, tasked with defending her clan from Issarya, the kingdom to the south. The clans’ territory sits atop rich, fertile land that the starving desert kingdom desperately wants. They’ll do anything to take it for themselves and Hildegard is determined to stop them and keep her family safe, trusting in the gods to grant her victory. But the gods have been strangely silent…

Aleksander is a seer—the only one in Issarya—working for the king. He yearns to be a soldier and help strike back at the northern raiders, but a weak heart prevents him from doing so. Plagued by troubling visions of the future and pressured by the king to make sense of them, Aleksander finds himself caught up in a plot threatening the king’s life.

Suddenly, both Hilde and Alek meet violent ends at the hands of others and find themselves not in a peaceful afterlife, but the Shadowlands, caught up in an eternal war between the gods. For the one who can prove themself worthy and bring an end to the war, they will be returned to the living world, their life restored, a second chance secured.

But to do so, Hildegard and Aleksander will have to compete against their fellow soldiers in the afterlife—and each other. For only one can live again.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Rachel Terry grew up in a small town where nothing much ever happened, dreaming of grand adventures and far-away places, which she found between the pages of books. When not writing, she can be found reading, making YouTube videos, gaming with friends, or indulging in her love of history. She currently resides in the Midwest with her family and a cat named Crinkles.

Visit her online at: rachel-terry.com
YouTube: RachelTerryAuthor
Instagram: rterrywriter
Facebook: rachelterryauthor
TikTok: rterrywriter

Reviews

[DragonRider Elf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all don’t even KNOW! THIS WAS SUCH A GREAT BOOK!

Content warnings:

Sexual content: None

Language: Hell, damn, and shit (all used infrequently)

Violence/gore: Violence— lots, gore—none (iykyk)


First thing you should know: These characters are in their mid twenties and THEY ACT LIKE IT!



What do I mean by that?

Enemies though they (or rather, their nations) are, they don’t do the whole miscommunication thing every two seconds, they get over their prejudices for the goal, they don’t drawl on about how much they hate each other, they treat one another like humans (even if they have always been taught to think the other side was below them), and they aren’t holding daggers to each others throats and constantly trying to kill each other (aside from when they… uhh… meet…).

This book starts with each character going about their life in their respective nations.

Alek is a poor Issaryan seer with a heart condition. He’s strong in character, and he has a beautiful soul, but even when he gets a vision, he can never tell if that’s what it is or if he is just blacking out because of his heart. Breathing is physical exertion for him. BUT WHO CARES! I LOVE HIM!

Hilde is a Hinterland shieldmaiden in the Crow clan. Warrior, born and bred. She’s strong, and she hates the Issaryans with every part of who she is. She has a family who loves her, and a good life.

Until she gets deadified (no spoilers for you) and ends up in the Shadowlands (where the story takes place).

Same thing for Alek (but it’s kinda a blessing for him bc… he doesn’t have to deal with that heart condition anymore).

I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!!!! Yes, even the FMC, Hilde! SHES GREAT! Imagine a strong and confident in her skill FMC that knew when she was outmatched/outskilled. And still did her best. Like, she went up against plenty of grown men much larger than her, but there were some she couldn’t deal with alone. Some… she… (excuse me while I cry bc I’m still stuck on that last 10% of the book 😭😭)
She hates Issaryans, so when she sees Alek the first time, she kills him. Multiple times. And then they don’t interact again for a WHILE.
But when they do, you know what she does? She recognizes the benefit of working together, just them… and she gets over herself. Her POV isn’t constant hate towards him, she isn’t constantly insulting him, AND SHE TEACHES HIM HOW TO FIGHT!!!!!!! (Which, honestly, I’d take that scene over any “he teaches her” scene any day! Why? Because it wasn’t full of lust and sexual tension, it made sense and it grew the characters— plural.)
Ugggg, idk… like, you can’t give me someone as epic as Hilde for an FMC and not expect me to love her. She’s just such a breath of fresh air from most FMCs I’ve read (and especially the one I read most recently), it’s just so hard not to understand her, empathize with her, cheer her on, and want her to get back!
Also, like, she wants to be just a hardened warrior, but she can’t not be soft. Multiple moments she is so compassionate towards characters, and it’s so nice to see.

“The Shadowlands might be cruel, but that doesn’t mean I have to be.”

Idk… all I can say is that Hilde is my favorite FMC I’ve ever read!




ALEK! I LOVE him! WHEN I SAY I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS I MEAN IT!
Alek had a vision. Before he “died”. It was of Hildegard Bjornarsdottir. He didn’t know how their fates were intertwined, didn’t even know who she was… until that heartwarming moment that she runs at him with an axe and imbeds it in his chest. 🫶
Obviously, he’s been taught his WHOLE life that Hinterlanders were barbarians. What did this do to ease that teaching? Absolutely nothing.
Can Alek deny the draw he has to her? Not a chance. The gods gave him the vision for a reason.
Alek proposes an alliance. Hilde is against it, but remember what I said about her putting prejudice aside? She does. And she agrees to teach him how to fight (bc my boy has zero experience).
Alek is so precious. Like, golden retriever 100%, but he is still a grown man. He still acts like it. He’s gentle and compassionate, but he does what he can to protect those (*cough* Hilde) around him.
Also, he’s so unintentionally funny (to me)!
There were multiple moments I wanted to cry for him. Neither he nor Hilde deserved this, and by golly they break my heart! I also love how Alek, on multiple occasions, is terrified… but he either says or thinks, “I’m not a coward!” And just goes for it 😆. He’s amazing!




MOVING ON! (I could go on about how much I ADORE those two for AGES)

I feel like I should give a brief explanation of the Shadowlands situation before I move on:

Some people that die go to the Shadowlands instead of the afterlife. Two gods, a brother and sister, were cursed to fight there until one could beat the other. Unfortunately, those gods were evenly matched, and they needed a human champion to tip the scales.
One god is Medua, the sister, the goddess of war.
The other is Camir, the brother, the god of war.
So, when you arrive, you spawn at a keep. Either Medua or Camir. The objective is to get to Heralds keep (where the gods are fighting eternally) and become the champion and go back to the mortal world.
But only one soul can win.
Camir and Medua may be opposing keeps, but you’re fighting those from your own keep as well. Everyone has a reason they’re fighting to go back to the mortal world, but not everyone can make it back.

(This whole thing… makes me want to sob all over again)

So basically, the keeps are like spawn points. You can journey for DAYS to the keep, but if someone (or something) strikes you down, you die again and respawn at the keep.
An endless cycle until someone finally becomes champion.

I LOVED the way the author did the world building! It was so cool to me! Like, the whole concept was epic, but even just parts of the world-building were great!
Being dead, you can’t bleed in the Shadowlands, but wounds can still be fatal. Stabbed in the thigh? You may not die right away… but if you would bleed out in the real world, then you’ll fade and respawn in the Shadowlands.
I loved that she explored how some people didn’t want to fight and instead chose simple lives outside of being trapped in the endless game of death after death.

Another thing I loved that the author did, is she gave us a glimpse at the characters day-to-day before they were sent to the Shadowlands! We have a reason to want them to win. We see what their lives were like, what they left behind, what they really want. They didn’t die in chapter one like most people would expect. I thought that was great.




Oh, and the romance? It was SO well done! WHEN I SAY I WANT SLOWBURN I MEAN THAT I WANT THIS!
The author does SUCH a beautiful job at building their trust instead of their lust. There are maybe one or two occasions in the first 90% that he passively thinks she’s beautiful, but there’s no constant reminder that they think each other are hot or that they’re feral-ly attracted to one another.
Their relationship builds on the small things. Things that don’t even seem like relationship building until it just, becomes that. It’s slow. Natural. It feels so right, and it makes me so happy. I WANT their relationship to succeed. Not because she stole his breath by wearing a dress that highlighted her curves, but because she saved a fox from a trap and he took note of it.
Not because he made her blush by looking at her and saying sweet nothings, but because he would move his shield during a spray of arrows to better protect both himself and her. Wordlessly.
There’s so many small moments they take not of about each other, so many little details, that you don’t even realize you’ve fallen in love with them just as they fell in love with one another.
It’s genuinely one of, if not the best, written romance I’ve ever read. Like, sobbing kind of beautiful.




Also, tell me why the author makes all of these emotions feel so really? I NEVER cry in books, but not only did I cry over them, I cried over Hilde. What she had lost. What she was mourning. She felt so real, her pain felt so real. Too many times these characters broke my heart 😭.

Also, the duel-fight scenes… OH MY GOSH! I love them so much together 😭😭😭

Uggggggg!!!!! I’m going through my kindle notes and highlights (it was an arc so they don’t show up on here), and like, I want to include SO MANY THINGS, but I don’t want to spoil it! I just want people to read the book! And I want their hearts to shatter like mine did! 😩

OH! And they don’t guess about their feelings. It’s not a “I think they like me back, but idk. But he—-, but also—-, then again—-“ type of thing.
They know. The other doesn’t even have to say it. Neither of them WANT to say it because of the stipulations on this whole thing. But they know. They’re both aware of how the other feels.
And it’s beautiful!

When I tell y’all tears were literally streaming down my face toward the end, I mean in. I was actually choking. I was trying not to be loud bc it was 1am, but also my heart was being absolutely abolished, so I was just sitting there dying, trying my best to read through the tears. Never in my life have I experienced that with a book. 😭

I’m just gonna leave this quote here:

“I don’t want to leave you.”
“I know, but you have a life to live, a family to go back to. You are not mine to own or claim.”

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭




Just— just— UGGG! JUST READ THE BOOK!

I received a copy of this book as an ARC! 😭 And— and book two isn’t even out yet 😭😭😭

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC provided by author in exhange for an honest review, thank you!

3.75 stars rounded up to 4

For me, this story started slowly. Admittedly, I feel this way about most books so I wasn't too upset. However, I found most of the way the story moved to be predictable. Sometimes it was enjoyable and others times it wasn't. I much preferred Alek's POV over Hilde (especially at the beginning), but until the end of part 1, both were kinda boring.

My personal hook was the end of chapter 8. Something happened that I didn't predict and that was really fun. I found my interest waning again after that, a lot of the book felt like it wanted to be detailed and give context but I personally found it a bit much and sometimes bordering on boring. For example, sometimes trees would be describes as fir, pine or oak and then other times it would just be other. Or Alek's condition would sometimes be referred to generally and other times be called a heart condition. It felt awkward and personally threw me off. Toward the end, I sometimes felt like the characters weren't necessarily moving through the story and were more being not so subtly guided, but I still enjoyed the ending overall.

Around chapter 21, when our two MCs finally speak, the story got interesting again. And it remained that way through to the end; the last third of the book was good, I just wish the first two thirds of the book was like the end.

The story did have these sparks of really interesting moments that I enjoyed, but they felt few and far between before the last third of the book. I did care about the characters, though, both of them even if I liked Alek more. But it was nice to watch Hilde's growth. And I have a bunch of questions about the other characters. And I'm interested in the Gods/deities of this world, mythology is something I always find interesting.

I also like dual or multi POV books so that was something I expected to enjoy, and did. Comparing Alek and Hilde's internal monologues to what was actually said or done was amusing on more than one occasion. Especially as the book progressed and you come to understand their motives and who they are a bit more.

The concept of this book is interesting, the idea of fighting in the afterlife for a chance to be alive again makes me intrigued even now. After the ending, I do admit I want to know what happens in book 2 and will likely read it. I absolutely at least want to know what happens.

[Jennifer Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC copy directly from the author and I thank you for the privilege of reading this book prior to its release date.

First off this book was easily a four star read for me I was in a reading slump and the entire month of May and this was one that helped pull me out of that slump!

⚔️ This is an enemies to lovers book with no spice!
⚔️ It is a duology and is the first book in the series and Legend will be the second
⚔️ this is a dual POV following both the FMC and MMC

The story of Hilde and Alek was highly adventurous and wonderfully written. Hilde a sheildmaiden of Crow and Alek a seer of the neighboring enemy land should have never crossed paths however fate had a different plan for both of them. In the shadowlands of death both of these unexpected characters meet fueled with hatred and animosity. Through the many challenges they face in the eternal war of the shadowlands they avoid each other at all cost. Until they are brought together despite their hate for each other’s home land.

Alek is an Issaryan and Hilde is a Hinterlander hailing from one of the four clans. They are destined to hate one another from birth always being at war for claim to land that neither will never give up. Despite the prejudice of each other’s upbringing when the two finally come together they know that only one can succeed but they still need each other. Alek in the living world had a heart condition the never allowed him to be a soldier or warrior and now he’s in the one place he must fight for a second chance at life, so he does the only thing he can do seek out Hilde to teach him how to fight.

Through the second half of the book both Hilde and Alek have to face many obstacles in their way as the try to make it to Herald’s Keep on multiple occasions the two of them eventually develop and relationship neither of them will be ready to give up. They slowly learn that neither of them are the person they expected them to be. They are officially in this together and decide neither will make it without the other. This book finishes in a way that is expected but also heartbreaking I am very curious to see how the next one picks up and how they come together to fix all the wrongs in the world!

“When we finally reach that keep, we’ll do it together.”

“A moment of pain. She’d close her eyes and when she opened them again, she’d be back in Medua’s keep, those familiar gray eyes waiting for her.Taking a deep breath, Hilde thrust the blade home.”

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC received from author for an honest review.

Where do I start? I devoured this book! You follow both the FMC and MMC as dual POV – firstly in their own respective lives getting to know them – until they enter the Shadowlands. Or should I say arrived in the shadowlands after being ‘struck down’. Both in completely different ways, both impactful in their own way.

The rest of the book then takes place in the land of the dead – or the undead? The in between should we say – stuck in a land locked in eternal war until there is a champion. And there can only be one champion – one champion who then gets to go back their life.

Hilde, the FMC is just fab – strong, in mind and body, a warrior (shieldmaiden) in her life, a Hinterlander at heart, who has always fought against the Issaryans.
Alek, the Issaryan, is just a beautiful soul inside and out who meets his untimely end after being betrayed by the one he now thought of as a brother. A seer, although he never did master his visions…

Both enter the Shadowlands and immediately Alek is struck down once more, by the hand of Hilde, he fades into nothing only to reappear in another spot…suddenly he doesn’t feel like a bad seer anymore as visions begin to come to life before his eyes.

Everybody is on their own quest to become the Gods champion, but they soon learn violence is the way of life here, you may die again. And again. I often thought of Groundhog Day, as they are stuck in a loop – but who says just a day has passed? With each new ‘start’ brings with it fresh new scenery and different ways to die.

Enemies to lovers, that happened so slow and so natural that I almost didn’t see it coming myself. People you once held close, are now your enemies and your enemies? Well you may just end up working alongside them, even if for selfish reasons…Hilde and Alek take you on multiple adventures, their characters build beautifully and the story overall just kept me SAT!

Did I love it? Yes. Step into this world and find your new favourite read to recommend. I cannot wait to see where this story leads in the second book, you best believe I will be chomping at the bit until I can get my hands on it.

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author


“For only one can live again.” Yeah, this book grabbed me by the throat with that line and never loosened its grip. ⚔️❄️

Eternal felt like stepping into a frost-covered battlefield where destiny, grief, and the gods are all sharpening knives in the dark. Rachel Terry crafted a world that feels ancient and brutal, soaked in mythology and the ache of survival. Every page carried this cold, haunting atmosphere that wrapped around me like winter fog.

Hildegard was everything I want in a fantasy heroine: fierce, loyal, stubborn, and painfully human beneath the shieldmaiden armor. And Aleksander? The quiet seer with a weak heart and the weight of prophecy crushing him? Absolutely devastating. Their dual perspectives balanced each other perfectly, one forged in strength, the other in vulnerability, yet both equally compelling.

The Shadowlands themselves were incredible. Not just an afterlife, but a war-torn proving ground where the dead still bleed, still fight, still hope. The concept alone is brilliant, but the execution made it unforgettable. Every trial felt meaningful, every betrayal cut deep, and the tension of knowing only one could return to life hung over the story like an executioner’s blade.

And the emotional damage? Immaculate. 🫠

This book delivered:
❄️ Norse-inspired fantasy vibes
⚔️ brutal trials and battles
🖤 enemies-to-allies tension
🔥 morally gray gods
👑 political conflict
💀 an afterlife soaked in war and sacrifice
❤️ aching slow-burn emotion

The ending left me staring at the wall like I’d just survived battle myself. I need the next book immediately because my soul is still wandering the Shadowlands alongside these characters.

If you love fantasy that feels cinematic, emotionally heavy, and carved from myth and steel, Eternal deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.

[Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first: Hilde and Alek carry this book hard. Thankfully, they’re actually adults, which already puts them miles ahead of many book couples. No endless miscommunication or dramatic storming off into the woods—just two people trying to survive a very inconvenient situation where one of them has already killed the other. Multiple times. Romance, but make it complicated.

Hilde is refreshingly practical. She’s strong, capable, and—crucially—aware of her limits. Instead of holding a grudge forever, she just… gets on with things. Teaches Alek how to fight, shows some compassion, and generally behaves like someone who understands that the afterlife is already stressful enough without unnecessary drama.

Alek, meanwhile, is essentially a very determined golden retriever in human form. He has a heart condition, prophetic visions of his own death, and absolutely no business being in half the situations he ends up in—yet he keeps going anyway. He’s kind, scared, and stubborn in a way that makes you root for him, even when he’s clearly outmatched.

The pacing, however, takes its time. And by “takes its time,” I mean it settles in comfortably and refuses to rush anything. The world-building is detailed—sometimes a bit too detailed—and it took me a while to fully get invested. But once the main characters actually start interacting properly , the story picks up significantly.

The Shadowlands concept is genuinely interesting: dead characters stuck in a cycle of fighting, dying, and respawning, all for a shot at returning to life. The mechanics are clever, and the glimpses into their past lives add emotional weight that keeps things from feeling like just another fantasy battleground.

The romance leans heavily into slow burn—very slow burn. It’s less about big dramatic moments and more about small acts of trust and mutual support. No over-the-top declarations, no instant attraction—just two people gradually realizing they care about each other. It works, especially once the pacing improves.

Overall, while the beginning required some patience, the emotional payoff toward the end is strong. I ended up caring about the characters more than I expected, and I’m curious enough about the world to continue with the series.

(I received an ARC from the author)

[Amanda Chipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an arc copy of this book from the author. I found the story to be engaging and interesting. Especially with how Alek (the mmc) was feeble in life and unable to fight and how devastatingly adept Hilde (fmc) was at fighting.

In the story, both of them pass into the Shadowlands where they get the opportunity for a second chance at life. However, only one can escape.

Also, I do love their first meeting and how that goes.

The main criticism I have is that the way they learn about their objective in the shadowlands seems…iffy to say the least. I fully expected the end to show that they’d been lied to or that there was more to the fight than was being let on. Especially since we never find out how the people who told them about the goal found out about it in the first place. It wasn’t written down anywhere or anything. So, I definitely expected this to end up being a messed up version of the telephone game where it turns out that the second chance they are fighting for isn’t what they thought.

Still, it seems by the end that both Hilde and Alek grow beyond their initial goals.

While the pacing could be better I do have to say this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to book 2 to see what happens to Hilde and Alek.

[Confuzedxneko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author and here are my thoughts.

This was unexpectedly good! I don't read a lot of fantasy, but this had caught my eye. I quite enjoyed the world building, the imagery was amazing and I could really picture Hilde's home. There is no spice in this book except maybe a tiny little pepper seed toward the end, but it absolutely doesn't need it. The book opens on a battle and the stakes and tension just keep climbing. There were a few tiny little twists that were unexpected that really drove the plot and each one contributes to how the ending plays out. It was really easy to connect with these characters. You can feel the need that Hilde has to return to her family and her need to settle things so that her clan could live in peace. Alek was also very well written and you could feel his confusion as to why, after all he had been told about the Hinterlands, does Hilde treat him (and everyone else) with such kindness. I have suspicions about some things and am very curious to see what comes next.

[Stacy Grierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the 1st book by Rachel Terry in her The Shadowlands duology. This is a story of betrayal, perseverance, growth & hope. Hilde & Alek are so different, their only thing in common is that they are dead.  It's written so well with a beautiful flow from their 2 points of view blending seamlessly together, with scenes of low action but deep thought for the 2 main characters.  Set in The Shadowlands where they find themselves on the same side, instead of opposite ones, but also on their own side. Both their preconceived notions are challenged as they find themselves working together, knowing that only 1 can win. I kept hoping for a loophole, for something to happen to allow them both to succeed. It has a bittersweet ending, which felt right, but is only a part of their story.  I now need to read book 2, Legend, to find out what happens next for them. 5 ⭐ read that I'd really like my daughter to read.

[Belle of Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off thank you Rachel for letting me be an ARC reader again I ARC’d Phoenix and the Crown a while back and have read most of her backlist (I have maybe three books to go but needless to say I’m a fan) I want to say this is Rachel’s best work yet! The prose reminds me a lot of Victoria Aveyard’s and there was a depth to the characters I hadn’t seen in Rachel’s other books. I loved the voice of Hildegard and the slow softening of her exterior over time. Paired with the mild and kind Peeta Mallark esq Alek it was an excellent contrast!! He’s kind of the water to her fire. Kind on the outside and inside, refreshing to see in a love interest! I felt the characters frustration of constantly being sent back to medua’s keep and their desperation to live again. I do think there could’ve been more of a burn between Alek and Hilde but that’s pretty much my only qualm I highly recommend Eternal!! 4.75 Stars!

[Nicole Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a refreshing read- I normally read romantasy but I find a lot of fantasy books put aside the plot for the character development (or they “hate” each other for two pages and start swooning immediately) I can definitely say that the plot premise continues to move forward while the characters learn and grow as people.

If you’re looking for a book with lots of adventure and fighting, this is a great fantasy book to check out.

Overall notes:
- warrior FMC
- sheltered MMC
- Viking vibes
- existential dread/questions
- themes of determining what’s important to you
- smart characters who still make dumb decisions

I’m definitely looking forward to the second book in this duology- the world building is fascinating and we got left on a major cliffhanger that could go so many ways.

[Julie Mcmurray-knope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternal by Rachel Terry was an enjoyable read. Written in the first person viewpoint of two characters, you enter a world with two nations at war. Hildegard is a shield maiden of the Hinterlands and Aleksander is a seer for the Issaryan king. They are two very different people on opposing sides, both nations laying claim to the same stretch of land and both of them passionate about their cause.

When they each meet their untimely death, they are both sent to the Shadowlands where the equally matched god and goddess of war are locked in eternal battle, awaiting a champion to tip the balance. Both Hilde and Alek are assigned to Madua, the goddess of war. Will they ever be able to work together, despite their differences?

Anyone who enjoys fantasy with a little romance will love Eternal….I can’t wait for the next book!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for a chance to review this ARC. This was a good and fast read. Such a unique plot and world shared with dual perspectives. The concept of the Shadowlands was brilliant. Our FMC is a badass warrior and the MMC is well… not. They’re complete opposites but there’s a great balance there. True slow burn. Great character development.

I was hooked from the start but lost my stride in the middle with some of the back & forth. Admittedly, it could’ve been my own ADHD. I just needed our FMC & MMC to finally make it to Herald’s Keep.

You’ll be left on a great cliffhanger that will have you wondering where’s the rest of Hilde’s & Alek’s story & what happened in the shadowlands! Excited for sequel. I’m hoping for a reunion of sorts and I desperately want to know what happens to other characters who were/are in the shadowlands.

[Melina Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will try to review without spoilers so some of this may seem vague. I loved how she followed both main characters. It did feel like a very slow build, though still maintained my interest, and just when it was getting really good the book was over. The final fight scene of the book also felt very anticlimactic. The premise or the Shadowlands and the unique way she built it was very intriguing. I did struggle to comprehend how big or not big they were though. Despite mentioning that days and nights would feel longer or shorter than normal and in relation to each other there wasnt a built in way to grasp the distances traveled. It was refreshing to get away from instalove with this read. I enjoyed how one country was very viking while the other was romanesque.

[Cassidy Andreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received e-book as an ARC from author*

THIS BOOK! This book follows Hilde and Alek who are on opposing sides of a war and have to put their differences aside and work together. These characters are written so well, hands down some of my favorite main characters. Hilde is such a strong FMC, but still has a soft side to her and Alek is more passive but is very strong willed and has a lot of bravery and courage. I loved reading their stories play out and loved the character growth through the book. The world building was absolutely perfect. It wasn’t overdone, but still written in a way where you could easily visualize where they were and what was going on. The writing was beautiful and now I absolutely cannot wait for the second book! Highly recommend!

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐ Thank you Rachel for this advance copy! Eternal is incredible ❣️
This story was so weird... but in the best way. I truly loved reading Hilde and Alek’s "adventure".
The pacing felt a bit slow at first, but almost immediately I needed to know more about them. More about their pasts, their lives, their dreams and hopes. And then, suddenly, it was over… 💔
I really liked Hilde. She’s such a force! She knows what she’s doing, but she also has this beautiful growth. And Alek? So sweet. Even with his sad past and loneliness, he’s a really good man.
I don't know what to expect from book 2, but I know I have to read it! 👀

Here are the Tropes:
🔥 Slow-Burn Romance
🛡️ She's a Shieldmaiden
✨ He's a Seer
❣️ Enemies to Lovers
💫 Gods & Goddesses
🗡️ She tries to Unalive Him
💀 Dædly Quest

[Maribel Melendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eternal hooks you with its mystery and keeps you turning pages with its character chemistry. The world building feels eerie and enchanting at the same time. The shadowy forests, ancient secrets, and the FMC refuses to be passive in her own story.

What stands out most to me is the slow‑burn tension between the characters and the way the plot blends danger, destiny, and emotional vulnerability. The pacing is tight, the stakes rise steadily, and the reveals land with impact. Terry’s writing is clean, immersive, and perfect for readers who love stories where magic and menace walk hand in hand.

If you enjoy forbidden attraction, dark magic, and worlds where every choice has a cost, this series opener delivers exactly what you’re craving.

[Lottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Eternal. The premise is so original and addictive. A fierce, feisty warrior and a gentle seer with a heart condition both die and wake up in the Shadowlands, which feels like this eerie purgatory between life and death. They’re told one of them can return to life… but only one.
The best part was their dynamic because they come from completely opposing sides, so she instantly hates him on sight and keeps trying to attack him, while he’s just trying to survive her long enough for them to work together. The tension, banter, and slow shift in their relationship had me completely hooked. And the ending? Absolutely destroyed me. I was genuinely crying by the last pages

[BizNizil76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadowlands Duology #1 – Eternal

A beautifully written start to the Shadowlands that leans more on character depth than constant action. The dual perspectives are handled smoothly, giving both leads room to grow while gradually challenging what they believe about themselves and each other. The setting feels distinct without being overexplained, and the emotional weight carries the story forward in a steady, engaging way. The ending lands with the perfectly and leaves room to for the next book. A strong, thoughtful 5-star read.

[Sierra Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This has a very viking theme. There is betrayal but also a coming together between two would-be enemies. It has lots of battle and a badass FMC. This was a great story. Only reason for 4 stars is the ending felt a little rushed and just didn't hit the way I was hoping from this book. I do look forward to the 2nd book as I feel it has potential to hit you emotionally and big things for the characters. I really look forward to continuing Hilde and Alek's story.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

Four stars! I look forward to the second book.

Hilde is one of my favorite FMC’s. She is tough as nails, but she is also compassionate and caring.

“The Shadowlands might be cruel, but that doesn’t mean I have to be.”

Alek did not wow me in the beginning of the book, but he gets so much better by the end.

If you love fantasy, battles, strong FMC, enemies to allies, gods, Norse/Viking vibes, and quick pacing then this book is for you!

[Katie Teper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Nordic setting of this story! It’s not something you see often. It presented an interesting idea that I also never see and I loved the character development throughout the story.

The book did leave me with a lot of questions, though. Knowing the book is a duology gives me hope that my questions will be answered, so I guess I have to wait!

I believe this story could have been one book but I understand the character development of the minor characters making a more well rounded story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing these with no spoilers is SO HARD.

I loved the unique story line of this book and the fact that they met in the shadowlands after they died is such a great idea. And boy talk about a good origin story for both characters. The book did start to feel a little slow before suddenly being at the end, and the end fight felt extremely lacking to me. Overall I would have to say the ending felt very rushed but it was such a good read up until that point. I would love to see how their story continues as well. 4 star read for me!

[Tracie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC . I love the story line so different . It had me going okay this time they will make it , then nope not this time ,,, then so close ! Nope not this time , oh wait you’re going to team up with your enemy? What? Nooo killed again ? Ughhh ! Oh my the shadowlands is cruel but she don’t have to be . Loved that ! Or “ your not mine to own or to claim “ and another one “ only one can live again , it was always going to be you “ what lines ! But what price was it ? What cost ? Hmmmm I need book two NOW ! lol .

[Bevie Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an ARC ❤️

What if you your life came to an end and your afterlife wasn't at all what you expected and you might even be able to come back to life? That's what Rachel Terry navigates in book one of the Shadowlands duology. Alek and Hilde are from opposing sides of a generations long war in life but find themselves on the same side of an eternal war between the sibling gods of war. The character growth, especially Hilde was fantastic and Alek's growing devotion had me swooning! Wonderful read, definitely recommend. Now I just have to wait for book 2!

[Nichol Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into it, as I neither loved nor hated the characters right away, but once I hit my stride, I adored them.

I wanted to find a scenario where everyone would win, I connected deeply with those who didn't want *anyone* to win, and I found myself to be a sucker for Hilde and Alek's partnership.

Now that I'm in love, I'm looking forward to book two.

Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this book.

[Sterre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, is just.... wow.

I truely have enjoyed this one! It was a great storie, also pretty un predictable wich I really needed it to be.
Not only was it thrilling and a unique storie it makes me very excited for book 2 in this duology!

Count me in to read more of Rachel Terry! She did an amazing job and deserves so many more readers!
Eternal will be one of my new favorites for a long time to come!

Thank you for sharing your book with me Rachel!

[Nicole H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great enemies to allies to ???(you'll have to read and find out). Hilde is very much a young warrior and Alek is the golden retriever she needs in her life. Thought they come from two waring territories, they learn to find a common ground between them.
There are characters that you'll love and ones you'll love to hate. I am very ready to see what happens in the next book and see the fates of so many people.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the eARC!

This book had me hooked at viking inspired.
I love that its no spice and you get to see the relationship develop between the two characters.
It's dual POV which i find really helpful in connecting with the characters.
The character development is A+ and i love that they actually acted like adults for once.

I will definitely be reading the sequel because i NEED to know how it ends!

[Savannah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was such a cool story.
True enemies to lovers, clean romance. I really enjoyed this one.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it but then I was hooked.
I am so curious about what will happen in book two after how book one ended.

I hope we're not done with Alek forever. :( Because I loved him and Hilde together ♥