Shadow's End

Elder Races #9

by Thea Harrison

The author of Lord’s Fall and Midnight’s Kiss returns with an enchanting and sizzling new tale about debts that cannot be repaid and hunger that cannot be satisfied…
 
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…
 
Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Dragons

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

I write paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and other stuff. I taught myself to read when I was four. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn't sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don't have to ride my tricycle to get there. My Elder Races series began May, 2011. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook!

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF/On Hold @ 55%

I actually have no idea why in the actual fuck I attempted reading this after 2-starring the last three full books in this series (Kinked, Night's Honor, and Midnight's Kiss).

And yet I found myself still idiotically fearlessly clinging to the hope that the series would be restored to the awesomeness of books 1-3...So I am either relentless in my belief in Thea Harrison or just plain dauntless in my quest for self harm.



And the verdict?

I have no idea, because:









That's right.

This book is so fucking boring it has turned me into a middle-aged man with a receding hair line who falls asleep in public with his mouth open.

Seriously, Bel and Graydon's relationship was so flimsily built - he waits for her for 200 YEARS based on ONE day together - and without any steam that it was like watching paint dry.

In fact, I even skimmed over the one sex scene I got to because it felt like watching a brother/sister duo get it on...

*
*
*





Maybe I'll come back to this, but really...?

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's cut to the chase...did I like the story? Yes. Was I happy with it? No. So let me explain....I've been waiting since we first met Graydon for his story and unfortunately, that has caused this big buildup! I wanted explosions, fireworks and multiple orgasms flying out all over the place...and did we get it? No!

Instead, we get a couple that for some unexplained reason has a rouge Djinn NOT want them together...ever! Understandably, the Djinn, Malphas, has a situation with Beluveil's, aka Bel, son, Ferion, and he takes what he think is his due but he wants more and goes after Graydon and Bel.

Most of the story is told in the present but we do get to go back to the past to find out what happened. It's only then that you realize that the two main characters have been apart for TWO HUNDRED YEARS!



And in that two hundred years, Graydon has been trying to figure out any sort of way to break the hold that Malphas has on everyone. Finally, it's time.

I have to admit that was hard. We didn't get much of a romance in the beginning and the "reunion" was subdued at best until the situation was taken care of. I wanted this epic romance like in Lord of the Rings and just didn't get it.

What we do get is all sorts of craziness! There's a huge battle (at least) and it doesn't wrap up without some casualties. And that was really heart breaking!

And as shocked as I was by that, I wasn't prepared for Dragos' reaction...although I loved seeing that side of him.

There's some interesting developments with Liam, as always, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.

And I loved having some of the prior characters involved in the story...Julian and Melly, Kahlil and Grace, Rune and Carling, and Luis and Claudia.

The next book/novella is Liam's novella, Liam Takes Manhattan and after that there's no word...yet. There were some interesting tidbits and I'm left wondering if anything will come of Bailey and a certain Unseelie King.



Favorite quote:

♥ "I want my monster back."



(Prior to review)


Finally ....it's Graydon's book!!! im sooooo excited!!

[Sophia Triad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beluviel and Graydon

"Eternity might be captured in a single kiss."

The Elven high lady and the Sentinel gryphon.
The fragile queen and the beast.

Star crossed lovers kept away by an evil djinn, blackmailed to stay away for the sake of the wellbeing of Beluviel's son.
There is everything in this book: adultery, true love, pain, fear for the future caused by visions of death, fighting, actual death, tension and sadness BUT true love is the winner in the end.

Perfect book for the fans of the series and the hopelessly romantic...

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Ever since Graydon, the Gryphon 1st Sentinel was introduced in the 1st book in this series, Dragon Bound, I have been a fan since then, so I was ecstatic when he finally got his own book.

Shadow's End is the 9th book in the Elder Races Series and it's this story....such a sad story about his love for the beautiful and unattainable Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord.

Their story and love for each other began over two hundred years ago when they first met in London at a ball. They were forced apart but have never been able to forget each other.
Just when there seems to be some hope......things come crashing down for them. Their romance was more tragedy than anything else...which was a pity!!!

I wanted more .....I wanted more than just an okay love story! I think Graydon deserved it!!!

It's difficult to keep from giving spoilers away - just let me say, that almost at the end of the story, something so unexpected and so tragic happens that stunned and shocked me to no end. However, I was beyond happy that the bad guy/s were finally 'disposed" of!!!

Liam is going to be playing a huge part in the series and I can't wait!!! He's such a total awesome
"Kid".,.... and still my favourite character in this series..well, okay....one of my fav!!!
I enjoyed seeing so many of the other characters that I have come to know and like...........

Overall, I thought it was a good book. An important book in the series arc. You don’t want to miss it, if for that reason alone. The romance was alright. But the ending is strong and it’s definitely worth reading… especially for fans of the series.

All in all, this was a good book.....the love story wasn't as strong as I was looking forward to but the end....was truly stunning.......This is definitely worth reading but ......be warned ....it should not be read as a standalone as you will miss a lot of the back-story which happens throughout the previous series books.

Loved this quote:

“Eternity might be captured in a single kiss.”

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this world that the author has created and devour her stories and still come looking for more! In this world of magical creatures there's none so honest and determined as the Sentinel Graydon. He's a gryphon who has spent centuries supporting his fellow Wyr but as readers kind of guessed from the previous story Lords Fall there's a lot more to learn about this guy and his past is anything but pedantic!
Graydon has visions and throughout the years has repeatedly seen his own death. Somethings you can change but something's are truly set in stone. For example the feelings Graydon has always had for the lovely Elven High Lady Beluviel are a huge part of just who he is. Two hundred years ago Graydon aided Bel on a secret quest but the consequences meant a life apart for this passionate couple. Now though war has ravaged the Elves and a sinister plot is slowly coming to ahead. Linked through both their feelings and magic Graydon and Bell must find a way to once and for all stop a Djinn without a conscience from tearing their world apart.
This story surprised me as it ties up quite a few loose ends. We've previously seen just how cruel and manipulative the Djinn can be and the author offers explanation here. This is easily read as a standalone but there are several characters who feature here and they have in some way or another had experience of the villain in this story. The author does give us a satisfying conclusion but I can't help think what future consequences will be as no longer is it just the Elder Races being targeted , humans are too! It was lovely to catch up with this amazing ensemble of characters and we get yet another unique pairing that probably shouldn't work and yet does. The cool serenity of Bel is matched beautifully by the animalistic side of Graydon and boy does that guy let his beast come out to play! So much pain between this couple but the author gives them ( finally!) the chance to explore their options. There's loss here unfortunately but I imagine these characters are about to forge strongly ahead and I for one can't wait for more! If I had a slight qualm it would be that after the big action scene there was still quite a few pages to go and I did find myself wondering if something else might happen. However it gave this passionate couple time to fully realise just what they truly meant to each other . As an incurable romantic I can't really argue with that!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Graydon's story since the first book. I love his character. Strong and steady, humorous, comforting, endlessly loyal, a calm and cool head when the other hot-blooded Sentinels were ready to go for the kill. And beneath that, not to be underestimated. Graydon is unreservedly my favorite character in the series, with Pia as a close second. It was really worried when I first started this, that it was going to be a tragic end for him. Without spoiling the book, I can say the ending is not tragic, but there is some sorrow for those who love the series. Having said that, it made me so happy to see Graydon with the love of his life and settled and happy. Graydon is one of my favorite heroes of all time. It is wrong to say that I picture him with dark hair? My brain just can't see him as blond. I don't know why.

I think this book would make an excellent movie, or if someone bought the rights to the series, his arc would be a killer season or mini-season. The story of Graydon and how he meets his one true love is one for the legends. At first I wasn't sure that Beluviel was a good match for him, but what the heck do I know? I'm glad that Thea Harrison knew differently. I get down on fae storylines, and there is a lot of meat on those bones in this book. One of the really entertaining things about reading paranormal books it that the characters are not human and have much longer lifespans, thus we are able to see them in different time settings. That's why I'd love to see this on the screen, because the image of Graydon in Victorian clothes is extremely agreeable to me. There were tons of great scenes and moments in this book and I am and will always be a sucker for an unrequited love story. I especially love a noble, pining hero. Yeah, I love a ruthless hero who will break all the rules to get his heroine, but I also love a hero whose honor is such a part of his love for the heroine, so that he strives for her happiness even at the cost of his own.

Beluviel is an interesting character. I liked her. She's very composed and emotionally strong and stable. What's she's put up with for many, many years is not something many women could withstand. She'd suffered so much loss in her time, and her marriage turned into ash but she had to stay in it. She took on her husband's child from another woman and raised him and loved him as her own. She never thought she could have a man who was so devoted to her and passionate about her like Graydon. If only she can have the courage to grab him.

Like other books I love about a group of characters, I live for the moments of camaraderie. These moments provide quite a feast to fans of this series. While there are some very sad moments, there are also moments of joy that they share together. Much like life.

I'm glad that Harrison waited to write his story until she could tell it right. It was fitting for it to be the last of the Sentinel's stories. There were no plot holes, and everything that has been a crucial part of this series is wrapped up on followed up on in a satisfactory way in this story. Sophie Eastlake is a fantastic narrator, and she nails the characters so well. She's one of the narrators who conveys characters of either genre beautifully.

This absolutely deserves the five star rating I'm giving it.

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I have been waiting for Graydon’s book since the beginning of the series. He’s such a good guy, always there for Dragos and Pia, not only as a Sentinel, but as a friend. We’ve caught a glimpse of Gray with his heroine, Beluviel, during a big battle in Lord’s Fall, but there was no way to know how deep their feelings went. After all, she was the Lady of the Elven demesne, married to the High Lord for centuries. But here, Thea Harrison takes us back to their beginnings to see how they fell in love all those years ago and what drove them apart.

If you haven’t been keeping up with the Elder Races series, you may get lost in this book. It’s a culmination of several different story threads introduced in various novels and the novellas. I’m up to date on the books and didn’t have any trouble following along, and usually, if you’ve skipped the novellas, it’s no big deal. But they matter in this book. Characters we met in those stories, events that took place, are relevant. Harrison will fill in the gaps, but you’ll know you missed some stuff.

Anyway, the crux is that they are being kept apart by the pariah djinn Malphas. 200 years ago, Bel’s son racked up a debt he could not pay and lost part of his soul to the djinn. Gray noticed Bel’s distress at a masked ball and offered to help her. The two shared one night of passion on their journey to rescue Ferion, but Malphas was a vindictive enemy and forced them to stay apart as part of his deal to release her son. To save Ferion, not only did they have to separate, but they had to swear their silence about what happened.

Since then, Gray has been working to find evidence of Malphas’ other wrongdoing, so he could finally have cause to get him killed. Now is that time, but it’s a dangerous dance as he tries to keep his word to the djinn, while still lining up other powers against him. It will take the help of old friends and allies, who all have their own stake in getting Malphas eliminated.

In the meantime, there is a lot of mooning between Bel and Gray. Her husband is dead, which helps, but they still have that pesky deal with the djinn getting in the way of a reunion. Oh, and did I mention that Gray keeps having visions of his impending death? That puts a bit of a damper on things too.

I liked the arc that brings so many characters together to take down Malphas. You can see the threads that Harrison has been putting together to get us to this point. And for all the readers who were frustrated in having to wait so long for Gray’s story, we can see why other stories had to come first. They are relevant here. I liked seeing so many familiar faces, not just as cameos, but as vital parts of the story.

The romance, though, was just ok. These two have been suffering for 200 years over the loss of a great love that lasted less than 24 hours. That’s hard to digest, no matter how great those hours were. Their reunion had some good angst and tension, but it was more sad than passionate. And speaking of sad, the big climax broke my heart. I won’t spoil it, but get your tissues ready.

Overall, I thought it was a good book. An important book in the series arc. You don’t want to miss it, if for that reason alone. The romance was alright. But the ending is strong and it’s definitely worth reading… especially for fans of the series.

Rating: B

*ARC provided by publisher

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow's End
3 Stars

Two hundred years ago, Graydon, the first Sentinel of the Wyr, and Beluviel, the High Lady of the Elven Court, were forced by the pariah Djinn, Malphas, to relinquish their hearts' desire in order to save the life of another. Now, with the traumatic changes in the Elven court, Gray and Bel will have to fight their centuries old attraction if they are to survive the evil force that threatens to destroy not only their lives but those of everyone they hold dear.

Unfortunately, this installment does not live up to its potential. While the pariah Djinn storyline is gripping with excellent actions scenes and a very exciting climax, the romance is boring and bland.

Malphas is a despicable villain and his machinations throughout the series have made him a very worthy opponent to numerous couples. One of the highlights of this book is having them all come together to rid the world of his menace.

Graydon and Beluvial's romance is not as appealing. They have zero chemistry and the supposed intensity of their connection (after spending not even one full day together) is not credible or convincing. It is also impossible to accept that these two highly sexual beings remained celibate for two centuries.

All in all, bar one or two exceptions, this series has been going downhill for a while and it is time to wrap it up posthaste.

[Ferdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers

Enjoyed this more than the last few books in the series, Graydon and Bel were actually quite likeable and even though their story/romance was mostly predictable it still managed to be entertaining.

I wasn't all that impressed with the insta-love that went on with Graydon/Bel. They literally spent a few hours in each other's company and suddenly they were madly in love, and even before that they were banging on about how the other made them feel when all they'd done was exchange a few looks. And when they reunited in the present they still hadn't spent all that much time together, the feelings they had seemed too intense for the amount of time they actually spent together. Despite the annoying insta love, I still liked Graydon/Bel's relationship, there was no douchery and idiocy between them (unlike Julian/Melly and Aryal/Quentin), they actually treated each other with respect which made a nice change from the usual PNR crap.

Overall, it was fun reading about Gray/Bel and getting back into the Elder Races world.

[Vinaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, Thea? THIS is the best you could do for Graydon? It's not that this book was bad, precisely... more that it was kinda draggy and utterly unmemorable. Like that Xavier book...

Graydon has been A LOT of people's favorite character in the Elder Races books, and I don't think this book did his story justice. I mean, Graydon's funny and fun and sweet and "true blue", but somehow, none of those qualities are very apparent in this story. It's some drawn-out crap about Ferion's gambling issues (WTF?!) and I gotta admit Beluviel would NOT have been my pick for Graydon's mate. I kept thinking of her in the same light as Galadriel (Cate Blanchett in my head) and LOTR characters and fun headbanging sex do NOT coexist in the same universe, no matter what some of those creepy slash fiction people put out there.

Also, I was utterly un-enamored of the whole Regency plotline, especially since everybody kept talking like there were in 21st century America rather than 19th century London, which niggled at me intensely.

Also, there was absolutely no DEPTH to the plot. Lots of random character appearances, but no real depth to their interactions, except for a few scenes between Graydon and Constantine, which lent the only bits of humour going around in this book, except that the whole set-up with Constantine felt manipulative, since he was pretty much a nonentity up until this book, and then got his two seconds of stardom just in time to die. And can I just say how weird it was that the whole "connection" between Bel and Graydon was so very insta-lovey, especially when you consider that you are talking about two VERY OLD immortals who have pretty much been around since the beginning of time and had plenty of time to get to know each other and fall in love, instead of doing so over the course of one night of very little talk and mostly lust-fueled sexing.

Meh. Going to go re-read Dragon Bound now to comfort myself.

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a whole lot of absolutely nothing happening. Except for one big battle at the end. Rest of it is page filler. Such a shame because the author has a way with words and a really lovely writing style, but the story was non-existent except for some conversations and thoughts from main characters. Meh

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-ish stars. This is the 8th full length book in Thea Harrison's fine Elder Races series and, finally, it's Gray's turn. Shadow's End really does depend on in-depth knowledge of previous events and characters in the series so I wouldn't recommend starting with this one. Instead, start with the excellent Dragon Bound and go forward from there.

I'm torn a bit about Shadow's End as I think it was good but could have been so much better. Mostly, I wish it had more pages and more depth. So, here goes, this isn't a well thought out review, just a list of what I liked and didn't like:

****MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS FOLLOW****
Things I liked/loved:
1. I loved Gray. He's just awesome and I'm so happy he got his HEA.
2. I really liked Bel. I liked them as a couple too.
3. I liked the overall story of Malphas, with Gray and Bel having to find a way to free themselves and Ferion.
4. I liked the prologue/background though that took up several chapters at the start. (It was interesting learning more about the history of the wyr and the Dark and Light Unseelie. I get the feeling that the character of Oberon is going to be an enemy down the road, along with Tatiana.)
5. I liked learning about Bel's background and history with Calondir and Ferion and having those blank spaces filled in.
6. Loved that Gray and Bel are (***MAJOR SPOILER***) going to have a baby. Gray will be such an excellent father and Pia/Dragos' children will have a cool friend. It's also great that Pia will now have a good friend close by, someone who knew her mother too.
7. Really liked the ending and set up for future stories revolving around Liam.
8. I loved that Luis and Claudia (from the Natural Evil novella) are in the book. Thea Harrison takes care of a loose end left at the end of their story which was the age difference between them, and that Claudia was human and Luis wyr. Having Claudia serve as one of Carling's attendants is a perfect solution as it extends her life so that it basically matches Luis' lifespan. Yay! I'm excited that she tied that up so nicely.

Some things I didn't like (at all):
1. Because the book was less than 300 pages, I thought the prologue sucked up too much space. I wouldn't have cut it, but just wish the rest of the book had been longer. I wanted more time with Gray and Bel developing their relationship once the action shifts to the present. As it is, it felt more like a novella attached to a really long prologue.
2. No history/background on Gray. He is an immortal wyr. What did Gray do for all those millenia? He's been working for Dragos for a long time but not forever. What were his earliest memories? What does he remember from springing into existence? How did he find the other gryphons and get to know them? We get nothing.
3. Gray, Rune and Constantine acted so stupidly. I understand Thea Harrison's creative choice of not bringing Dragos into the big battle with Malphas. Dragos sucks up all the energy in a scene. I get that, I really do, but still come up with a better reason than . . . "he's had a lot on his plate the last 18 months so we won't tell him what we're doing". Come on. He's Lord of the Wyr. He can handle it. This is what he does. Then, after the deaths of both (***here it is, major SPOILER***) Soren and Constantine, there is no follow up discussion. I'd think Dragos would be FURIOUS, considering the consequences, and if Pia had been nearby, there might have been a chance to save Con. Again, nothing. No discussion. So, that felt unfinished.
4. Soren's death. How stupid is Soren to have taken on Malphas without any other djinn? Soren decides not to go to the djinn council as they'd endlessly debate and Malphas would likely be tipped off. Still, Soren could have quietly called on many djinn to help take down Malphas. Why does he try to do this alone? This made zero sense to me and so his death just seemed sad.
5. Constantine's death. Why didn't he and Rune and Gray transform into their gryphons to fight Malphas? Why did they take their human form or their partial wyr form? Wouldn't they have been stronger and faster in their wyr form? This also made zero sense to me. (I guess we needed to have Gray see the wry look in Con's eye as he's impaled and killed.) I do get the reason for Con's death. It's the perfect set up for Liam, and Con was the Sentinel that we knew the least. He's hardly had any lines in the preceding books so, if she was going to kill one of the Sentinels, he was the best choice (other than the new Sentinel, Alexander).
6. Constantine again. He's one of the rare, immortal wyr. I didn't think being impaled through the heart would have killed him. Bad for sure, but I didn't think it would have been that easy.
7. There was no discussion of Bel being controlled in Lord's Fall and raising her sword against the Elves. It was just skimmed over. I expected some kind of discussion about it between her and Gray. That felt unfinished.

So, I guess what I didn't like was mostly what was left out, or what just seemed unfinished. I did enjoy how the book wrapped up and the direction of the series overall. I just wish it had been longer and had more depth.

[namericanwordcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first opened this book, I had to put it down. I hate flashbacks. It is just a thing I have. This book opens on a huge flashback. It needs to be there to set up all restrictions on our lovers but not my favorite thing.

I had read Liam Takes Manhattan (because I am bad like that) so I did know the big spoiler of the book but there are many surprises along the way.

The love story is sweet. The world great and the action adventure fun with some cool characters from the story stories making an appearance.

I thought our heroine could have been much more kick ass given all her power and even with the liits she faces but was happy with the portrayal of a kind stepmother.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 shiny stars!

I LOVED this book and let me tell you why.

First and foremost, KUDOS to Ms. Harrison for expertly leaving clues in previous novels and novellas and then brilliantly bringing everything together in this story. LOVED! LOVED! LOVED IT!
(This book can be read without reading the novellas. Ms. Harrison explains everything very well, but I think perhaps a reader who hasn't read all the novellas in this series might feel that they're missing something).

Secondly, Graydon and Beluviel were amazing together.
WOW! Such patience and strategic planning in order to finally end the bargain.
For the Wyr Gryphon and the Lady of the Wood Elf, they more than deserve an HEA.



Thirdly, I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!
Be prepared, one of the major characters in the stories will lose their life in the final battle. I was shocked by the write-off, but what had me a blubbering idiot was the mourning of his loved ones left behind.

And lastly.... I can't wait to see what Ms. Harrison does with Liam's character.
The possibilities are endless because we (the readers) don't really know what Liam can do.

This was a wonderful installment to the Elder Races series, and I can't wait to read what Ms. Harrison writes next!

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Graydon's story for a while as I liked him as a character. I did not see Bel as his h but surprisingly enough it worked out pretty ok.

Bel and Gray had an affair 2 hundred years before current events( not a fan of this because good marriage or no,she was married at the time) but because of Ferion's gambling the mad,bad Malphas got a foothold into their lives and a bargain was struck necessitating that Bel and Gray not be together.
Flash forward the 200 years and neither have been with others during the separation (yay) and Gray finally finds a way to deal with the djinn Malphas permanently. with the help of Julian,Melly,Soren,Rune,Carling,Cam and others they finally are able to free Ferion's of Malphas' hold and kill the pariah Djinn. The cost of the battle however is high as both Soren and Cam are killed and Julian and Gray badly injured.
I liked this one well enough mostly because Gray was everything I hoped he'd be. He was fiercely loyal to Bel and determined to get them out of the situation with Malphas. Bel was ok and considering I like Pia was ready for divorce court when her deceased husband acted like he wasn't too concerned with her being kidnapped, I was happy she got her hea. Though most of the story was about the set up for the battle with the djinn and the couple hardly had much page space actually together I still loved them together and felt their connection. At Bel's good news I actually cheered for the power of Wyr sperm (not my finest moment🤦).

All in all I enjoyed this one for the most part

[Paige Bookdragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you don't know how to review a book:



This is the problem of doing a review the 9th book in the series. You can't give any spoilers and that's hard as fuck.

If you have read Dragon Bound and you fangirled for Graydon, then here's the chance to know more about our favorite Gryphon!



Shadow's End is the story of Graydon and Beluviel. Translation: Impossible love. Beluviel is the consort to the (dead) High Elven Lord who is Dragos' enemy because Dragos used to eat Elves for breakfast and Dragos is Graydon's boss.



Sounds complicated I know. But Shadow's End is not just complicated but also an emotional book. I can't believe that a lot of things happened around 70% of the book.





I need some tissues and a glass of wine to make me feel better. Are you happy now, Thea Harrison?! I can't believe you did that to *censored*.



Anyhoo,despite all the llama drama happening in the story, I'm still excited to see who will be the next person to have a story..

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ 4.5 Shadow’s End Stars ~

Shadow’s End is book nine in the Elder Races series by Thea Harrison. It’s full of lose, heartache, longing, and love. 

Each book in the Elder Races series deals with a different couple and can be read as a stand a lone, but they are best in order. 

WOW! What an emotional journey. I never expected to learn the things I did about Graydon and I never expected to like Beluviel (not a fan of the Fae in this series) as much as I did.

Graydon, First Sentinel of the Wyr and a gryphon. I’ve come to love this quit, strong, steadfast and loyal Sentinel throughout the books and to see his past and learn what we do. wow just wow.

Beluviel consort to the Elven High King. She excels at fixing bad situation not only for herself, but for those around her. You see her character grow stronger throughout the book and by the end her voice is fierce.

As for the romance. I liked it. It did feel a little rushed at times. I could feel the bond forming between them and sparks do fly off the pages when they are together. 

The events that take place in the plot will leave you devastated and delighted. Some major changes happen for all the Wyr not just for our leads. We are also treated to an exceptional flash back that explains what is going on with Graydon and Beluviel and how they got on a path they may not be able to change.

The events that happen in Shadow’s End will leave you reeling for their is no shortage of action, adventure, lose, longing and family love. All I can say is you will want a box of tissues handy.

 

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: Oh My Shelves Blog.

Graydon’s book was what I had hoped for. The sacrifice and enduring love theme worked for me. It was action packed, dramatic, sad, happy and most of all, it had the HEA Graydon had been denied for 200 years. Gryphon took over as Frist Sentinel as well as my favorite when Rune left to mate with Carling.
The narrator Sophie Eastlake just delivered the story with a flair that was completely riveting. I love her voice and how she tells this series. I read the first two, but the audio is so much more powerful because of the narration.

There was such angst and anticipation due to the separation of the two, which made the story much more enjoyable for me. The pace was steady and exciting throughout. The chemistry between Gray and Bel was so palpable that my heart was beating fast. This book is definitely one of my favorites in the series. The author made sure to engage the prior couples in the story and the storytelling was engrossing. This series is definitely one of the best series in PNR.

Special thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook, which was given in exchange for an honest review

[Ren Puspita · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 AWESOME stars

RE-READ again for 2020. Yeah, I know that I must read another book. But with this pandemic and with my reading mood again, take a nosedive, a comfort read is a must. And I can said, even after so many re-read and even Shadow's End not a Harrison's favorite book for another reader, this book will ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE :) (and yup, I end re-read 2 times this last weekend. I'm so hopeless, lol)

Re-read. Since I just finish Spellbinder that make me emotionally spent, I just know that I must read Shadow's End again. And yes, the book still good, still my favorite. Guess, I'm a sucker for this kind of story, lol. Original review below

Note 1: I did a re-read after I finish reading for the first time. I know, I know, I must move on to another books, another title. But I just can't help my self *grin. This review will edited slightly with my opinion after re-read.

Note 2: When you re-read a same book for 4 TIMES, you can't help to up your rating into 5. I know this book have so many flaws. I know that the insta-lust or love maybe is just same old - same old. I did see my friend's review is varied and mixed. Yet, I can't help myself to not stop re-read. I think maybe because Graydon and Beluviel's love story is deeply ingrained into my mind, I just can't get enough. I know I must read another book like my previous note before, but now I will content with re-read Shadow's End until the book spine break -a sign for a well love book-. Until my infatuation with this book begin to wane.

May contain minor spoilers

First, it's sad to know that Harrison's publisher didn't give her any chances to publish more books in Elder Races and she now go indie route. I can said that Thea Harrison is one of prolific PNR authors. She always delivered. She didn't hesitate to take punches. She didn't hesitate to kill her darlings, and since Shadow's End is the end for Elder Races series, at least for the US demesnes, there were...collateral damages. It's unique that she use Taliesin as the prime God, a God of Dance, a symbol of change. Because her Elder Races series always change. There were always surprise.

Graydon and Beluviel..who will imagine they will be together. Graydon is like your favorite brother, a laid-back and good nature guy, and after Rune no longer become First Sentinel to Dragos, Graydon step up and accept his responsibilities. Beluviel once a High Lady of Lithtriliel Woods (I kinda pictured her like Galadriel from LOTR), a peer of her Elven demesne. This couple already doomed from the start, and yet, they make it work. You think that Julian and Melisande separation for 20 years in Midnight's Kiss is bad. Yet, Graydon and Beluviel endure the worst. For 200 years, they must restraint their feeling to each other because of their bargain with a cruel Djinn named Malphas, in order to save Ferion's life. Yes, at that time Beluviel was married to her husband, High Lord Calondir, you may consider both h/H cheated and I always hate cheating characters. Yet, Beluviel herself said that she and Calondir just a business partner. They live together for the sake of Elven demesne and for her stepson, Ferion.

I can't blame Beluviel to fall for Graydon at the first place. Love is a strange concept for her, but this Elven Lady show that she can love so passionately. I know that it's kinda feel like an insta-love or insta-lust between Graydon and Beluviel, for, how can they longed for each other for so many years (200 years is a LONG LONG TIME), just from their brief affairs. But, after re-read, and from my point of view, both parties just recognized each other feeling, both want to give it a chance, but, sadly, that chance never come, because the cruel bargains. I think, Harrison try to come out from common insta-love/insta-lust trope, with writing about unrequited love between Graydon and Beluviel, and I don't mind at all. It's work for me, it's add a little bit touch of melancholy feeling to the story. The way Graydon describe how he see Beluviel, how the Lady's bright spirit touch a deep part of him, how he try to life to the fullest, while knowing that he can't have Beluviel, yet still try to hope. The way Beluviel feel about Graydon, the friendly blaze that the gryphon unleashed warmed her cold heart. How she admit that she's so unbalanced and obsessive about Graydon, and how Graydon feel the same too. I don't know...all of their exchange make me almost weep. Because the phrase that "love's hurt" is pretty much true. Theirs so different from another couple, and I can said, Graydon-Beluviel's love story is one of my favorites to date.

I did agree that the start and first half part can be slow and dragging a bit. And also Harrison's tendencies to write "sex on the run" or "sex in the unexpected place", whatever *rolling eyes*. But, it's necessary to read this part, so readers will know how both Graydon and Beluviel feel despair. You will despise Ferion at first place, because all the event that happen in Shadow's End is his fault because his addiction to gambling. Yet, Harrison also show that not all are Ferion's fault, for the cruel Djinn Malphas is simply...cruel. Graydon and Beluviel's bargain also make them can't strike Malphas directly, so it's a little bit tricky to try to entrap the Djinn. I like reading the process, tho. And when Beluviel and Graydon (and Ferion) finally free from Malphas's clutch, you can't feel anything other than relief.

I like the part when Graydon battle against Malphas. So many old characters make appearance, and not just a cameo. I'm so delighted to see Rune and Carling make appearance. Even Julian also there together with Melly, despite they just take a one year break after the event in Midnight's Kiss. They all here to help Graydon. But, like I said before, battle with a powerful enemy like Malphas...there were casualties. I feel so sad when read it and I know that's the aftermath of the battle affect not just Graydon, but another characters as well. I will not spoil who are characters that fallen in the battle, but yep, it's still sadden me to no end. Actually I wonder why in one of the fallen sentinel's funeral, there's no Tricks and Tiago? Rune and Carling are there, but maybe that's because they also fight with Graydon, so they know what happen. But, it's weird to read that Tiago is not present, for he once was Dragos's sentinel

Harrison wrapped her series nicely, but that doesn't mean I want this to end. Some characters story need to be told. I wonder if Ferion will have his own story, since he already through hell, not just from Malphas, but also from his own father. Can I hope he will be paired with Bailey? Not all sentinels have their story, like Bayne, Grym and Alexander. I hope Harrison will one day give them chance.

One of my favorite part of Shadow's End, is the ending. How Graydon (and also other characters) try to cope with his lose, how he finally find his happiness with Beluviel (and also Beluviel get pregnant, shortly after she mated with Graydon. Rolling my eyes for the baby factor, especially in Dragos Goes to Washington, Pia also pregnant again. But I guess, it's feel right to give Beluviel and Graydon a child of their own, after what happen to them ), how Beluviel try to adjust her feeling to Dragos, and how they make their relationship work. You know, Graydon and Beluviel's kinda like Romeo and Juliet, but this couple fight for their love, fight against their tragedy, fight against the odds, and in the end, fortune favor the bold.

Since Shadow's End is the last book, I like how Harrison wrote her characters, especially her heroes. All of them alpha, maybe some have beta traits like Duncan Turner and Xavier del Torro, but all of them far from being jerks. Maybe Dragos feel like that at first, but he change, become a likable characters and devoted father. Not all the heroines I like. I don't like Pia at first, but with time I end up adored her. My favorite is Carling, Aryal (yep, shocking! Consider that I dislike her bitchiness at first), Melisande, Seremella and also Beluviel. I like because all of them is fighter of their own and they stand to the ground for their men. They didn't accept "no", and standing face to face. They are equals, and that what I like.

Even no longer go traditional, Thea Harrison will continue her Elder Races series with a new series called Moonshadow. Now, it's UK demesne that will be a spotlight. There was a hint, like the Dark Court Fae that ruled by Oberon (whom once have affinity for Beluviel) and Light Court Fae, ruled by Isabeau, twin sister of Tatiana, Queen of Light Fae, and maybe the main villain. Kinda messed my collection, since I collect all Elder Races series in paperback (except for novella), and I'm not too thrilled to read about UK demesne...but well, Harrison proved that she can always make me surprise.

You didn't walk away from those you loved. You fought for them, always, with everything you had, even if it meant fighting the long fight, and staying on the hardest, quietest, most difficult course.

No matter how long it took, no matter what needed to be done.

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog Review: http://www.sweptawaybyromance.com/201...

3.5 - 4.0 stars!

I'm a huge fan of Thea Harrison's Elder Races series, but I have to say I'm a bit disappointed that Graydon didn't get the story he deserved. I've been waiting for what seems like forever for Gray's book - it wasn't bad, I was just hoping for so much more for sweet, loyal, and protective Gray. I wanted to get to know more about Gray, who's always been there, front and center in each book, but we didn't even get a glimpse of that Gray. He's been a Sentinel of the Wyr for much more than the 200 years this book covers, but, this story makes it seem like he didn't start living till he met Bel. The first part of the book was a bit slow and we learn of the circumstances surrounding the burden he's carried for so long and the love he's been denied (my heart broke for him).

“He had not become a Sentinel by worrying about what he should or shouldn't do. He would live or die as he always had, by making decision he knew to be right...Graydon didn't hide from life. He flew at it with everything he had.”

Beluviel (Bel) is Consort to the Elven High Lord and Graydon is a Gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr. They desperately desire each other but are forbidden to be together after attempting to save Bel’s stepson, Ferion, from the Djinn Malphas. After one night of passion, they are left indebted to the despicable evil and very powerful Djinn, Malphas. With their debt to Malphas coming due, Bel and Gray must find a way to once and for all stop Malphas without tearing their world apart. Gray enlists the help of several allies to put an end to Malphas’ reign over them and several other unfortunate beings, both human and Wyr. Unfortunately, during the altercation, there are some unexpected losses. I was saddened by one reoccurring character’s demise...not necessarily because I liked him overly much, but I felt for those who were close to him and didn't get a chance to mend fences.



Regardless of my slight disappointment, it was great to be back with some of our favorites from the Elder Races including Rune & Carling, Aryal & Quentin, Julian & Melly, my favorite Djinn, Khalil & his Gracie, and naturally Dragos, Pia and Liam. There are some dramatic and very sad moments that will have a major impact in the demesne for a long time to come.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

Eternity might be captured in a single kiss.

First Impressions
What on earth did I read and I am not sure if I am okay and breathing? haha oh what a wild ride. I am still feeling breathless over this read and what Thea Harrison has delivered here. I can't believe what a book this one was. I did put it off for a bit because I knew it would have some elements to it that I might not care for too much and yeah it was completely wild and you definitely need to go into this one with a open mind though. Its not going to be a story that will work for everyone. But I was eager to see how our pairing would fair and lets be real ....I have been wanting Graydon's book since the first book hahaha

First Line
With one blunt forefinger, Graydon tapped out a text on his smartphone.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Graydon, First Sentinel of the Wyr
The Heroine: Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord

Summary
Graydon and Beluviel, on the surface have to appear as if they are just two in the realm of knowing each other but can't reveal their true desires for each other as its completely forbidden. Two hundred years ago Gray and Beluviel fell in love in the search for Beluviel's son who had gotten caught up in gambling and on their journey in their search, they form a bond and a deep love. But when they discover some evil against innocents they do what they feel is right but that moments will entrench them in a bind that they won't know how to get out of. They fall into debt with a evil Djinn, Malphas which forbids them from touching one another or it will the life of Beluviel's son. But Graydon has never given up on the love he has always held for Beluviel and been working for two centuries to bring down their enemy, he just needs Beluviel to trust in him to bring them freedom along with their crew of friends to help them escape....but what will be the price of their freedom?

What I Loved
Shadow's End was beyond brilliant in every way I could have imagined. The moment that these two fell hard for each other, I was in 100% into this story and I couldn't put it down. I just wanted so much to see how these two would find their HEA especially when it starts off with seeing Graydon having so much yearning for the woman he loves. And I really appreciated how Thea Harrison wrote the flashback. Normally authors make you go back and forth. But I loved how she wrote the complete flashback early in the book and then you get to the present and I really wish more authors would handle more flashbacks like that. I hate the yo yo style of flashbacks.

Shadows End is a story that despite its facts of some cheating in it which isn't normally for me, the way that its told definitely worked for me. You can see how Beluviel is in a miserable arrangement of a marriage and has never known love and affection from her husband. But she wishes that Graydon could be the man she could be with. You see their mutual pining and aren't able to engage with each other and have had to stay away from each other for over two hundred years...I can't even imagine but you just feel the tension that builds throughout the story and within their relationship. And then you just feel that they need to be together. Their strength to continue fighting for their love and for freedom was so breathtaking and just breathes life and energy into the reader.

Thea Harrison wrote a true treasure of a read and I am still feeling overwhelmed by what I just read. Can this book write a bad book? Cause I don't think so lol And the more I read into this series the more I am sad that its coming to an end soon but also excited to see what the author truly delivers within this world. And I am so curious to see what she will be doing with Liam here. I hope we get to see some good things for him.

What I Struggled With
The flashback to the time when they first fall in love is super slow paced. I am not sure if it was the narration or not but it definitely affected my enjoyment slightly or it would have been a six star read. That is how good this book was especially the second half. I also wasn't a fan of who the author kills off in the end. I won't reveal who it is (its not the main characters) but it is a character I was hoping to get a story for actually.

Narration
Really well done. I am not sure if the issues I had in the first half of the book is due to the narrator or if it was just the pacing .....I am leaning towards the pacing....normally flashbacks can feel slower at times but I felt it was important to read it or I probably would feel so so lost.

Overall View
Shadow's End was sizzling and spell binding in every way....its a tale that stretches into the forbidden, that lays waste to expectations and boundaries and digs deep into the strength and courage of the heart!

You didn't walk away from those you loved. You fought for them, always, with everything you had, even if it meant fighting the long fight, and staying on the hardest, quietest, most difficult course

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Dragon, Fae
Themes: Cheating, Heart/Emotion, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Road Trip, Star Crossed Lovers, Forbidden Love

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Nalini Singh
Shelly Laurenston
Kresley Cole

Song This Book Inspires
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

Narrators:
Sophie Eastlake

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was meh and unforgettable. I have never cared enough about Gray and didn't care much for his heroine or this book. This series is always very up and down for me, I liked the previous book a lot but this one is going to be forgotten in a few days.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Paranormal Romance

[MountainKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread December 21, 2025
I didn't realize that it was nearly 10 years ago exactly that I read this the first time! I still loved it, but I think real life made me less enthusiastic as before. Or maybe I'm just sad that I'm nearing the end of my reread with only a few novellas remaining. Or it could be that I was up way too late listening last night - I had to make it through the climax even if I did finally doze off before the happy ending.

December 31, 2015
*4+ Stars*

I loved this! Very different in some way from the other books in the series, I'm not sure what it was but it had a different feel. Maybe it was the desperation of Graydon and Beluviel. Their situation was so unfair and out of their hands. They got to their HEA eventually though - which made me very happy!

I listened to the audio and Sophie Eastlake was wonderful, as usual! This took me so long to get through because I wanted to listen so badly. Hubby isn't very understanding of earbuds and audiobooks and expects me to actually hear him and listen when he speaks. And he has been home for a couple of weeks now! Everything goes back to normal soon, my listening habit is happy about that!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how Bel and Gray's story line fit in the overall story arc. I was saddened by what happened during the fight but wasn't surprised by it.

[D.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**

This book ended up being better than I hoped although now I remember why it took me so long to read it. I really, REALLY, didn't like how the author approached the Liam situation. Given how long these people live, this plot point didn't make sense to me at all and it's in fact, a bit icky. And it robbed real good growth for Dragos and Pia as parents as they didn't get to experience the day to day of parenthood. Hopefully it will be different for the new one.

This story had a real worthy villain and very big struggle and the conclusion was heartbreaking. The part I connected the least was the relationship between Graydon and Beluviel. I just didn't really believe this relationship sprouted from only one night and they were able to pick it up 200 years later - and yes, I get that Wyr mating is mysterious, bla, bla, bla but still.

The last hour of the audiobook was all about the aftermath of the battle. This was needed but it was too long. I think the author should have made this shorter.

Hope this is the end of the series. I'm really not keen to see Liam as an adult (eek!!)

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, I guess. Not a whole lot to it, kind of short with an overlong prologue flashback, and I had hoped for more in Graydon's story. Simplistic storyline; an evil djinn is collecting souls in order to control them and gain riches. Gray is looking for a way to stop him, as it is causing an issue keeping him seperated from his lady love Bel. That's pretty much it. The rest of the book is descriptive padding and catching up with characters pulled back mostly from the novellas. Anyone not keeping up with these series side stories will not recognize many of the characters.

I find that I'm losing interest in this series, it's really not going anywhere and the overarching plotline is disjointed and nearly nonexistent. The 'Elder Races' world started great and had so much potential. Now it's the series version of a McDonald's franchise; fast food reads for the masses; with author greed far outweighing artistic integrity.

[Nadia]

The only book that I couldn't bring myself to finish in the entire series. I was pissed, I was annoyed, I was amused but never was I bored out of my mind, that is, until this book.

To be honest, I was expecting more since the MCs are quite prominent in the series, but this was just... no. Let me tell you why. The series isn't a stranger to some purple prose, some books have dipped their toes in it, others have soaked their feet, but this was full, over the head immersion. It was insufferable. So I'm giving up.

DNF @ 27%ish

[Romantical Observer · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEET BABY GRYPHON, it's Graydon's story!!!!

[Leo C. (leo_bookslover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Deseando saber más sobre esta saga que descubrí por casualidad y me ha sorprendido gratamente. Espero que la autora no tarde mucho en publicar el siguiente. Las historias cortas también me están gustando mucho en especial las de la familia de Dragos. ¡Dentro de nada tendremos con nosotros a Granujilla! Seguro que dará mucha guerra :)