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Shadow Wars #2
Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon and debut authors Hinako and Madaug Hishinuma comes the second installment in a spectacular middle-grade fantasy adventure series—described as “Shōgun for kids”—where demons rub shoulders with gods and one boy must learn quickly or risk losing everything.
Having barely survived the yokai, the demons and gods determined to destroy him, Ryuichi has been banished by his master. In exile, he is forced to live with a motley newfound “family”—an unreliable big brother, an overprotective surrogate mother, a drunk uncle, a crazy aunt … and, worst of all, a shadow twin who might actually kill him.
But Ryuichi needs the help of this unlikely crew to protect the human world from yokai. And soon he is faced with an even bigger the return of the Hami. An ancient creature who nearly devoured the world eons ago, the Hami is now back for vengeance. If Ryuichi can’t unite those around him to stop this new threat, everything he knows and loves will be lost forever.
Having barely survived the yokai, the demons and gods determined to destroy him, Ryuichi has been banished by his master. In exile, he is forced to live with a motley newfound “family”—an unreliable big brother, an overprotective surrogate mother, a drunk uncle, a crazy aunt … and, worst of all, a shadow twin who might actually kill him.
But Ryuichi needs the help of this unlikely crew to protect the human world from yokai. And soon he is faced with an even bigger the return of the Hami. An ancient creature who nearly devoured the world eons ago, the Hami is now back for vengeance. If Ryuichi can’t unite those around him to stop this new threat, everything he knows and loves will be lost forever.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2026
About the author
Sherrilyn Kenyon
257 books30.5k followersOfficial Author site
Official Nevermore site
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New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 8, 2026
This is a veryinteresting series. I'm loving this world of demons and weirdness. I would love to see a manga of it for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ryuichi is the son of two gods with a destiny he does not yet understand. He is dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of his battle with his father. Ryuichi is not alone but joined by an unlikely group of companions. An ancient evil creature – one with ties to his parents – threatens both the nether and human realms. To defeat Orochi, Ryuichi will need his father’s help, so he and his friends travel to the nether realm to find them. Can Ryuichi unlock his true potential in time? Or will he lose far more than he bargained for?
Since I did not read the first book, I cannot remark on Ryuichi’s growth as a character. I like that he is still plagued with doubts. Those self-doubts do cripple Ryuichi on occasion, so he is not this overly confident hero who can do everything perfectly. His companions rally around him when he needs them most. They both protect and teach Ryuichi what he needs to know about himself and his destiny.
SHADOW WARS: SON OF SHADOWS is the second and final book in a Japanese fantasy-adventure duology by Sherrilyn Kenyon and husband-and-wife team Hinako and MaDaug Hishinuma (fyi – MaDaug is Sherrilyn’s son). I have not read the first book, but I was still able to follow the story without any problems. I could tell that I had missed out on some important worldbuilding and background information. I do recommend starting with the first book to better understand the overall picture.
I noticed that the writing’s tone differed from Sherrilyn’s paranormal and historical works. There is no romance (well there is but it was secondary, minuscule in nature)– or steamy sex scenes. Yes, there are some witty funny parts, but they pale in comparison to her other books. Perhaps that is Sherrilyn’s co-authors’ influence – not that I am complaining. It worked with the story’s setting.
Fans of Japanese lore and mythology will enjoy this series. Oni, yokai, kitsune, and Shinigami are but some of the creatures that are in this book. There were some Japanese terms that I recognized and some that I had to look up. I felt they strengthened the atmosphere of the time period and setting.
The duology’s vibe reminds me of Forgotten Realms’ LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS: CLAN WARS. I have not read that series since a friend introduced it to me in 2000. Sadly, I did not finish it. I may even own a few of the books (they are put away in totes).
Since I did not read the first book, I cannot remark on Ryuichi’s growth as a character. I like that he is still plagued with doubts. Those self-doubts do cripple Ryuichi on occasion, so he is not this overly confident hero who can do everything perfectly. His companions rally around him when he needs them most. They both protect and teach Ryuichi what he needs to know about himself and his destiny.
SHADOW WARS: SON OF SHADOWS is the second and final book in a Japanese fantasy-adventure duology by Sherrilyn Kenyon and husband-and-wife team Hinako and MaDaug Hishinuma (fyi – MaDaug is Sherrilyn’s son). I have not read the first book, but I was still able to follow the story without any problems. I could tell that I had missed out on some important worldbuilding and background information. I do recommend starting with the first book to better understand the overall picture.
I noticed that the writing’s tone differed from Sherrilyn’s paranormal and historical works. There is no romance (well there is but it was secondary, minuscule in nature)– or steamy sex scenes. Yes, there are some witty funny parts, but they pale in comparison to her other books. Perhaps that is Sherrilyn’s co-authors’ influence – not that I am complaining. It worked with the story’s setting.
Fans of Japanese lore and mythology will enjoy this series. Oni, yokai, kitsune, and Shinigami are but some of the creatures that are in this book. There were some Japanese terms that I recognized and some that I had to look up. I felt they strengthened the atmosphere of the time period and setting.
The duology’s vibe reminds me of Forgotten Realms’ LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS: CLAN WARS. I have not read that series since a friend introduced it to me in 2000. Sadly, I did not finish it. I may even own a few of the books (they are put away in totes).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
The story is based on Japanese mythology, as humans, deities, and monsters interact. Ryuichi is the main character, and his father, Ryucage, is a powerful, feared god in the spirit world. His mother once guarded the gate between the worlds, but that job now falls upon Ryuichi. He doesn’t understand how to use his powers, so he’ll never stand a chance against Orochi. His parents weakened and imprisoned the “World Eater”, so Orochi is focused on gaining revenge. Ryuichi’s mother is gone, Ryucage is missing, so Orochi’s fury and growing power are now aimed at Ryuichi. Ryuichi and his friends think their only desperate hope is to seek help from his violent, malevolent father.
Ryuichi’s team is a highlight of the book. The most unusual character is Ryuichi’s shadow, which has separated from his body. Ryuichi-kage has a mind and spirit of his own, and he enjoys fighting and killing. He reveals something later in the book that adds a countdown clock to the importance of reuniting with Ryuichi. Haruki is a goddess, incessantly insulting and antagonizing the others, often reminding them that they’ll probably die soon. Koichi is Ryuichi’s fighting teacher, but he’s constantly trying to get his hands on sake to drink. Masaru has vowed to protect Ryuichi, and he can enter Ryuichi’s body to make him a formidable warrior. He also likes to banter with Haruki and takes verbal jabs at Koichi. Ryuichi is joined by other colorful characters along the way that create additional entertaining exchanges.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture may struggle with the language, names, and terms. Also, Ryuichi defeated Ryucage in the first book, but many of the characters that are helping Ryuichi are still loyal to his father. It’s puzzling why demons following Ryucage are helping the character who defeated Ryucage.
The final verdict:
I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series. Without reading it, readers will feel they're lacking the depth of knowledge needed to fully understand the backstory and current conflict. I recommend you give the series a shot, starting with The Secret War.
The story is based on Japanese mythology, as humans, deities, and monsters interact. Ryuichi is the main character, and his father, Ryucage, is a powerful, feared god in the spirit world. His mother once guarded the gate between the worlds, but that job now falls upon Ryuichi. He doesn’t understand how to use his powers, so he’ll never stand a chance against Orochi. His parents weakened and imprisoned the “World Eater”, so Orochi is focused on gaining revenge. Ryuichi’s mother is gone, Ryucage is missing, so Orochi’s fury and growing power are now aimed at Ryuichi. Ryuichi and his friends think their only desperate hope is to seek help from his violent, malevolent father.
Ryuichi’s team is a highlight of the book. The most unusual character is Ryuichi’s shadow, which has separated from his body. Ryuichi-kage has a mind and spirit of his own, and he enjoys fighting and killing. He reveals something later in the book that adds a countdown clock to the importance of reuniting with Ryuichi. Haruki is a goddess, incessantly insulting and antagonizing the others, often reminding them that they’ll probably die soon. Koichi is Ryuichi’s fighting teacher, but he’s constantly trying to get his hands on sake to drink. Masaru has vowed to protect Ryuichi, and he can enter Ryuichi’s body to make him a formidable warrior. He also likes to banter with Haruki and takes verbal jabs at Koichi. Ryuichi is joined by other colorful characters along the way that create additional entertaining exchanges.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture may struggle with the language, names, and terms. Also, Ryuichi defeated Ryucage in the first book, but many of the characters that are helping Ryuichi are still loyal to his father. It’s puzzling why demons following Ryucage are helping the character who defeated Ryucage.
The final verdict:
I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series. Without reading it, readers will feel they're lacking the depth of knowledge needed to fully understand the backstory and current conflict. I recommend you give the series a shot, starting with The Secret War.
August 26, 2026
Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Son of Shadows was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. I was already invested in Ryuichi's story, but this book took everything to another level. The stakes were higher, the danger felt more real, and I found myself even more attached to these characters by the time I reached the end.
Ryuichi continues to be such an easy character to root for. What I really enjoy about him is that he isn't some perfect hero who suddenly knows exactly what to do. He doubts himself, struggles with the weight of his destiny, and doesn't always believe he is capable of becoming the person everyone needs him to be. Watching him face those fears while still continuing to move forward made his journey feel so much more meaningful. There were moments when my heart genuinely hurt for everything he had to carry at such a young age.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the group surrounding Ryuichi. They may be an unlikely family, and at times they are completely chaotic, but that is exactly what made me love them. Each character brought something different to the story, whether it was humor, protection, wisdom, or a little bit of trouble. I especially enjoyed seeing how they showed up for Ryuichi when he needed them, even if they didn't always agree on how to handle things.
And then there is his shadow twin. I honestly loved the complexity that relationship added to the story. Having someone who is literally connected to you but could also become your greatest threat creates such an interesting dynamic. I found myself constantly wondering what would happen between them and whether trust was even possible.
The Japanese mythology and folklore were another huge highlight for me. The world is filled with yokai, demons, gods, and other supernatural beings, but it never felt like the mythology was just thrown in for the sake of it. Everything felt connected to the larger story and Ryuichi's journey. I loved learning more about this world while also seeing how the past continued to affect the present.
This was an easy five-star read for me. I loved seeing Ryuichi continue to grow, watching his unlikely family come together, and getting pulled deeper into a world filled with mythology, danger, and heart.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Son of Shadows was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. I was already invested in Ryuichi's story, but this book took everything to another level. The stakes were higher, the danger felt more real, and I found myself even more attached to these characters by the time I reached the end.
Ryuichi continues to be such an easy character to root for. What I really enjoy about him is that he isn't some perfect hero who suddenly knows exactly what to do. He doubts himself, struggles with the weight of his destiny, and doesn't always believe he is capable of becoming the person everyone needs him to be. Watching him face those fears while still continuing to move forward made his journey feel so much more meaningful. There were moments when my heart genuinely hurt for everything he had to carry at such a young age.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the group surrounding Ryuichi. They may be an unlikely family, and at times they are completely chaotic, but that is exactly what made me love them. Each character brought something different to the story, whether it was humor, protection, wisdom, or a little bit of trouble. I especially enjoyed seeing how they showed up for Ryuichi when he needed them, even if they didn't always agree on how to handle things.
And then there is his shadow twin. I honestly loved the complexity that relationship added to the story. Having someone who is literally connected to you but could also become your greatest threat creates such an interesting dynamic. I found myself constantly wondering what would happen between them and whether trust was even possible.
The Japanese mythology and folklore were another huge highlight for me. The world is filled with yokai, demons, gods, and other supernatural beings, but it never felt like the mythology was just thrown in for the sake of it. Everything felt connected to the larger story and Ryuichi's journey. I loved learning more about this world while also seeing how the past continued to affect the present.
This was an easy five-star read for me. I loved seeing Ryuichi continue to grow, watching his unlikely family come together, and getting pulled deeper into a world filled with mythology, danger, and heart.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Son of Shadows delivers the blend of action, mythology, romance, and emotional depth that Sherrilyn Kenyon fans have come to expect. The story moves at a steady pace, balancing intense supernatural conflict with deeply personal character struggles. Kenyon does a strong job of creating characters who carry real emotional baggage, making their victories and setbacks feel meaningful rather than simply serving the plot.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its world-building. The mythology is rich without becoming overwhelming, and the connections between past events and current conflicts add depth to the story. The hero is compelling, carrying the weight of his history while trying to navigate impossible choices. The romantic elements are well-developed and feel earned, which helps anchor the larger fantasy storyline.
The supporting cast also adds a great deal to the novel. Longtime readers will appreciate seeing familiar faces, while new characters bring fresh energy and new layers to the overarching series. The dialogue is sharp, and the emotional moments land well, especially when the story explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and sacrifice.
The reason this falls just short of five stars is that some sections feel slower than others, particularly when the story pauses to explain mythology or revisit past events. Readers unfamiliar with the larger universe may occasionally feel like they're missing some context. While these moments add depth, they can slightly interrupt the momentum.
Overall, Son of Shadows is an engaging and emotionally satisfying paranormal fantasy romance. It offers memorable characters, high stakes, and enough twists to keep readers invested from beginning to end. Fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon's storytelling style will find plenty to enjoy, making this a solid four-star read.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its world-building. The mythology is rich without becoming overwhelming, and the connections between past events and current conflicts add depth to the story. The hero is compelling, carrying the weight of his history while trying to navigate impossible choices. The romantic elements are well-developed and feel earned, which helps anchor the larger fantasy storyline.
The supporting cast also adds a great deal to the novel. Longtime readers will appreciate seeing familiar faces, while new characters bring fresh energy and new layers to the overarching series. The dialogue is sharp, and the emotional moments land well, especially when the story explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and sacrifice.
The reason this falls just short of five stars is that some sections feel slower than others, particularly when the story pauses to explain mythology or revisit past events. Readers unfamiliar with the larger universe may occasionally feel like they're missing some context. While these moments add depth, they can slightly interrupt the momentum.
Overall, Son of Shadows is an engaging and emotionally satisfying paranormal fantasy romance. It offers memorable characters, high stakes, and enough twists to keep readers invested from beginning to end. Fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon's storytelling style will find plenty to enjoy, making this a solid four-star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ryuichi is BACK and Ready for More!
Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows returns readers to the action-packed Shadow Wars universe! We pick back up with Ryuichi, who has barely survived battles against yōkai, demons, and gods, only to find himself banished by his master and stuck leading the most dysfunctional found family imaginable. Meanwhile, the barrier between the human world and the supernatural realm is under threat, and an ancient creature known as Orochi, the World Eater, has returned seeking vengeance after nearly destroying the world long ago. Ryuichi has to find his father and fast, because the world hangs on their relationship. The pages are packed with yōkai, kitsune, gods, demons, shadow spirits, and ancient folklore, making the world feel rich and immersive without ever slowing down the pacing. But beyond the monsters and magic, this is really a story about a boy struggling with self-doubt while trying to become the hero everyone needs him to be. Ryuichi's growth, his relationship with his bizarre found family, and the looming threat of Orochi all come together in a finale that feels epic in scope while remaining remarkably heartfelt. This series constantly surprised me with how much emotion it packed alongside the action, and Son of Shadows delivers a satisfying, mythology-filled adventure that left me wanting to spend even more time in this world. Not to mention, I'll read anything that Sherrilyn Kenyon gives to the world!
Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows returns readers to the action-packed Shadow Wars universe! We pick back up with Ryuichi, who has barely survived battles against yōkai, demons, and gods, only to find himself banished by his master and stuck leading the most dysfunctional found family imaginable. Meanwhile, the barrier between the human world and the supernatural realm is under threat, and an ancient creature known as Orochi, the World Eater, has returned seeking vengeance after nearly destroying the world long ago. Ryuichi has to find his father and fast, because the world hangs on their relationship. The pages are packed with yōkai, kitsune, gods, demons, shadow spirits, and ancient folklore, making the world feel rich and immersive without ever slowing down the pacing. But beyond the monsters and magic, this is really a story about a boy struggling with self-doubt while trying to become the hero everyone needs him to be. Ryuichi's growth, his relationship with his bizarre found family, and the looming threat of Orochi all come together in a finale that feels epic in scope while remaining remarkably heartfelt. This series constantly surprised me with how much emotion it packed alongside the action, and Son of Shadows delivers a satisfying, mythology-filled adventure that left me wanting to spend even more time in this world. Not to mention, I'll read anything that Sherrilyn Kenyon gives to the world!
September 26, 2026
Wonderful Mythology Story with a Heart
Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows is book 2 of the series written by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako Hishinuma and Madaug Hishinuma. This series is based on Japanese mythology. The story is filled with creatures from the human world and the spirit world. It's full of action, love, friendship and family all just trying to find their way. This is a wonderful new collaboration by an amazing best selling author and two wonderful new authors.
Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows is book 2 of the series written by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako Hishinuma and Madaug Hishinuma. This series is based on Japanese mythology. The story is filled with creatures from the human world and the spirit world. It's full of action, love, friendship and family all just trying to find their way. This is a wonderful new collaboration by an amazing best selling author and two wonderful new authors.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an epic showdown! Highly recommend reading "The Secret War," part 1 of this duology first. Such a great conclusion - enjoyed it very much!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was fun to be back in this world with Son of Shadows!
I love all the mythology in these books, and this one gave me even more of it. I liked the story, the characters, and the romance, so overall I was pretty happy with this one. There were a few slower parts when we were going back over mythology or things that had already happened, but honestly, I didn’t mind. My memory probably needed the help anyway. 😂
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
I love all the mythology in these books, and this one gave me even more of it. I liked the story, the characters, and the romance, so overall I was pretty happy with this one. There were a few slower parts when we were going back over mythology or things that had already happened, but honestly, I didn’t mind. My memory probably needed the help anyway. 😂
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews