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ShadowMist #1
ShadowMist
Torn from her mother's arms at eighteen and molded into the perfect servant by a merciless academy, Avyn Ashwood now serves a crown built on blood and darkness. Every day is a hollow march of duty, that is, until the prince returns from battle, his victory trailed by shadows that follow him through the halls and into her thoughts.
Pulled beyond the life she knew, she uncovers a hidden world of ancient creatures, buried histories, and a mysterious voice that whispers from just beyond her reach. With every secret revealed, the boundary between rules and desire begins to fray.
Hunted by the attention of the very many she's forbidden to want, she must choose between the safety of obedience and the dangerous truth stirring within her, because some secrets refuse to stay buried, and some hearts were never meant to be bound.
Pulled beyond the life she knew, she uncovers a hidden world of ancient creatures, buried histories, and a mysterious voice that whispers from just beyond her reach. With every secret revealed, the boundary between rules and desire begins to fray.
Hunted by the attention of the very many she's forbidden to want, she must choose between the safety of obedience and the dangerous truth stirring within her, because some secrets refuse to stay buried, and some hearts were never meant to be bound.
- GenresFantasy
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
L.M. Sundwyn
2 books26 followersI am a new author and have been working on the ShadowMist series for the past couple of years. I started on this journey after my entire life was flipped upside down (understatement of the year). I needed a new outlet for my feelings, emotions, and a way to escape to another world, so I decided to create my own magical one. Writing has helped me discover who I truly am and reclaim everything that was taken from me. This adventure I call life has inspired me to become a better person, mother, daughter, and friend. I hope you will follow me on this journey as I am still growing into the me I want to be.
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” – Nightbirde.
Oh, and make sure to click that follow button! Updates, exclusive snippets, and release date information will be shared here!
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” – Nightbirde.
Oh, and make sure to click that follow button! Updates, exclusive snippets, and release date information will be shared here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 16, 2026
Huge thank you to L.M. Sundwyn for gifting me a copy of Shadowmist! 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
This story follows the FMC. She is taken from her mother at just 18 years old. She is forced to attend an academy where she's trained to become the perfect servant for the nobility. After being chosen to serve one of the noble houses. She begins uncovering a hidden world filled with magical creatures, forgotten histories, and a mysterious voice in her head. Along the way, she catches the attention of the prince.....someone she knows she's forbidden to want.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! The concept of the servant academy felt unique and different. I loved the friendship between the FMC and her friend Maya. I was so sad when they were separated. It was so much fun watching Avyn settle into her new life, catch the prince's attention, discover magical creatures, uncover her powers, and watch the romance unfold.
My favorite character was definitely Ulric!! He had me laughing so many times!
That ending left me needing book two immediately!!! I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
This story follows the FMC. She is taken from her mother at just 18 years old. She is forced to attend an academy where she's trained to become the perfect servant for the nobility. After being chosen to serve one of the noble houses. She begins uncovering a hidden world filled with magical creatures, forgotten histories, and a mysterious voice in her head. Along the way, she catches the attention of the prince.....someone she knows she's forbidden to want.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! The concept of the servant academy felt unique and different. I loved the friendship between the FMC and her friend Maya. I was so sad when they were separated. It was so much fun watching Avyn settle into her new life, catch the prince's attention, discover magical creatures, uncover her powers, and watch the romance unfold.
My favorite character was definitely Ulric!! He had me laughing so many times!
That ending left me needing book two immediately!!! I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
October 29, 2026
First, I want to thank the author for providing me with an ALC of this book! 💜
This book had me invested from page one, and I freakin LOVED it! L.M. Sundwyn created such an amazing world with a fascinating magic system that I’m dying to learn more about in depth.
I absolutely loved our FMC, Avyn! She was so much fun, witty, and full of sarcasm. The banter and humor in this book were fantastic! It did take me a little while to warm up to our MMC, Zendryk, but I eventually got there. 😉
AND THAT CLIFFHANGER?! I NEED MORE ASAP! 😭 The audacity of making me wait! 😂 Just kidding… kind of. I actually love a good cliffhanger, and now I’m even more excited to see where this story goes next.
Needless to say, I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book!
This book had me invested from page one, and I freakin LOVED it! L.M. Sundwyn created such an amazing world with a fascinating magic system that I’m dying to learn more about in depth.
I absolutely loved our FMC, Avyn! She was so much fun, witty, and full of sarcasm. The banter and humor in this book were fantastic! It did take me a little while to warm up to our MMC, Zendryk, but I eventually got there. 😉
AND THAT CLIFFHANGER?! I NEED MORE ASAP! 😭 The audacity of making me wait! 😂 Just kidding… kind of. I actually love a good cliffhanger, and now I’m even more excited to see where this story goes next.
Needless to say, I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book!
July 18, 2026
Shadowmist is a debut romantasy by L.M. Sundwyn
What to expect
-Forbidden love
-Forced proximity
-Magical World
-Shadow magic
-He Falls First
-Fierce FMC
-Secrets
I enjoyed reading Shadowmist and thought it was a fantastic debut. It follows our FMC Avyn Ashwood, who is taken from her mother at the age of 18 to attend an academy where she is destined to serve the crown.
The story took off right from the start, and the world building and pacing kept me wanting to read more.
I loved getting to see Avyn and Prince Zendryk’s relationship develop, the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Did I mention that Avyn can hear a mysterious voice in her head!?!?! (Which adds even more mystery).
And that ending! It left me with so many questions. I’m excited to see what’s next for these characters.
Thank you so much L.M. Sundwyn for the gifted copy of Shadowmist.
What to expect
-Forbidden love
-Forced proximity
-Magical World
-Shadow magic
-He Falls First
-Fierce FMC
-Secrets
I enjoyed reading Shadowmist and thought it was a fantastic debut. It follows our FMC Avyn Ashwood, who is taken from her mother at the age of 18 to attend an academy where she is destined to serve the crown.
The story took off right from the start, and the world building and pacing kept me wanting to read more.
I loved getting to see Avyn and Prince Zendryk’s relationship develop, the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Did I mention that Avyn can hear a mysterious voice in her head!?!?! (Which adds even more mystery).
And that ending! It left me with so many questions. I’m excited to see what’s next for these characters.
Thank you so much L.M. Sundwyn for the gifted copy of Shadowmist.
June 25, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for sending this to me.
This was a wild ride! I was laughing, my jaw was on the floor, and I was telling the author about my emotions every step of the way 🤣
I honestly thought this was just doing to be another academy book and WOW was I wrong!
The world building was immaculate, I was fully immersed in this world to the extent where I could pretty much see it in my mind. I love when I book doesn’t lose you in the world and I was never lost.
This book is fast pace which I really liked. I’m unsure how she packed so many details into 370 pages but I was blown away. I was never bored and like I mentioned before I was actually laughing out loud almost every chapter.
The FMC is a bold, fiery, sarcastic woman whose life completely flips inside down in a blink of an eye. The story follows her as she’s trying to take back control of her life and learn the new world she’s living in. The MMC definitely falls first and hard. He gives golden retriever energy but with some dark shadowy magic to go with it.
I even fell in love with the two main side characters, specifically Maya, who is the best friend we all wish we could have. There’s even a side character, Jane, that your suppose to hate and MAN do I hate her!
If you looking for a super fun read that’s going to leave you wanting more, grab this one! You won’t be disappointed.
This was a wild ride! I was laughing, my jaw was on the floor, and I was telling the author about my emotions every step of the way 🤣
I honestly thought this was just doing to be another academy book and WOW was I wrong!
The world building was immaculate, I was fully immersed in this world to the extent where I could pretty much see it in my mind. I love when I book doesn’t lose you in the world and I was never lost.
This book is fast pace which I really liked. I’m unsure how she packed so many details into 370 pages but I was blown away. I was never bored and like I mentioned before I was actually laughing out loud almost every chapter.
The FMC is a bold, fiery, sarcastic woman whose life completely flips inside down in a blink of an eye. The story follows her as she’s trying to take back control of her life and learn the new world she’s living in. The MMC definitely falls first and hard. He gives golden retriever energy but with some dark shadowy magic to go with it.
I even fell in love with the two main side characters, specifically Maya, who is the best friend we all wish we could have. There’s even a side character, Jane, that your suppose to hate and MAN do I hate her!
If you looking for a super fun read that’s going to leave you wanting more, grab this one! You won’t be disappointed.
May 17, 2026
4.5 star
Firstly, I want to say thank you to the author for providing me an ARC
I really enjoyed the story, the world and the magic system was interesting and written well. I love the FMC and the MMC, I am looking forward to seeing where their story goes and I hope in the rest of the series we find more about the other characters as well as I really liked them.
The ending of this story has got me so interested in where everything is going to go, I don’t know how I am going to wait until the next book is out. I would 100% recommend this story to anyone who loves magical world, found family and a badass FMC with an interesting background.
Firstly, I want to say thank you to the author for providing me an ARC
I really enjoyed the story, the world and the magic system was interesting and written well. I love the FMC and the MMC, I am looking forward to seeing where their story goes and I hope in the rest of the series we find more about the other characters as well as I really liked them.
The ending of this story has got me so interested in where everything is going to go, I don’t know how I am going to wait until the next book is out. I would 100% recommend this story to anyone who loves magical world, found family and a badass FMC with an interesting background.
Currently Reading
May 17, 2026This book has pulled me in from the first few paragraphs. The writing is very detailed and allows my imagination to piece together the characters, situations and places where events are unfolding. Within a few pages you are already invested in the characters and what will happen to them. Can't wait to continue reading this book and upcoming books in the series.
August 12, 2026
Oh my gosh! This was a fantastic read. It had a slower start that was perfect to begin building the tension and conflict that slowly unraveled throughout the book. There was enough to hook me as I kept going through, and I couldn’t stop reading. You could feel the building tension between the MMC and FMC and it was a great tension. They had the perfect banter together, and even the MMC’s friend added to the banter. As soon as the FMC and MMC came together, it was a beautiful moment and as the conflict continued, so did their feelings. The book ended with such a beautiful cliffhanger I literally cannot wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this fantastic book! This story pulled me in straight away and was hard to put down. The story telling was one of the best I've read in a while. I will be eagerly awaiting seeing the story continue. I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
June 26, 2026
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The imagery was very beautiful. I enjoyed the main characters inner monologue and her character development. Well written spice that was not overwhelming to the story. Some great villians! Some interesting twists and turns, with an ending that makes you want book
August 11, 2026
This book had NO BUSINESS BEING THIS GOOD! I was so freaking hooked. It was a very original Romantasy! I loved the service academia vibes- it was something fresh I hadn’t read before. Also… do I have a new favorite shadow daddy?!? I think I do. 10/10 recommend, this book needs more hype immediately. I need book two now, please (;
July 25, 2026
4.75 stars!!! Did I read this in one day? Yes, yes, I did!
First, let me say that this book had the best pacing. I never felt like the story was rushed, I felt like the characters had time to develop, and the story progressed in a way that kept me interested, but that didn’t feel overwhelming. Like five out of five stars for pacing!
Avyn the FMC is very likable, she’s not a wuss, she is sarcastic, which I always love, and she has a really good heart. She is definitely like a lot of women and that they just carry the burden without asking for anything in return, which many of us do and it does end up hurting us in the end. I appreciate that she has people around her that see this about her and encourage her to put herself first every once in a while.
The MMC Zendryk is everything you want - his heart, he’s smart, he’s funny, he’s sarcastic, he’s protective, he goes for what he wants, and he’s loyal. Does he make a mistake mistakes? Abso-freakin-lutely! He’s still a guy! But he is always apologetic when he makes mistakes and that speaks volumes to his character.
There are so many likable side characters, Maya, who is Aven‘s best friend and is just a sarcastic and funny as she is. And then there’s Ulrich, who is Zendryk’s best friend, and he is hot and funny and a flirt, but also fiercely protective. These characters are all allowed to build relationship relationships, and given the space and time to do that, and none of it feels forced or rushed.
Without spoiling anything, the end did have me screaming, and there were tears. And I have a theory about what is going to be in book 2, but I could be totally wrong! Either way, you should pick up this book. It had magic, it had shifters, it had all kinds of cool magical creatures, and it had great banter! An all around good time and I can’t wait for more of this world!!
First, let me say that this book had the best pacing. I never felt like the story was rushed, I felt like the characters had time to develop, and the story progressed in a way that kept me interested, but that didn’t feel overwhelming. Like five out of five stars for pacing!
Avyn the FMC is very likable, she’s not a wuss, she is sarcastic, which I always love, and she has a really good heart. She is definitely like a lot of women and that they just carry the burden without asking for anything in return, which many of us do and it does end up hurting us in the end. I appreciate that she has people around her that see this about her and encourage her to put herself first every once in a while.
The MMC Zendryk is everything you want - his heart, he’s smart, he’s funny, he’s sarcastic, he’s protective, he goes for what he wants, and he’s loyal. Does he make a mistake mistakes? Abso-freakin-lutely! He’s still a guy! But he is always apologetic when he makes mistakes and that speaks volumes to his character.
There are so many likable side characters, Maya, who is Aven‘s best friend and is just a sarcastic and funny as she is. And then there’s Ulrich, who is Zendryk’s best friend, and he is hot and funny and a flirt, but also fiercely protective. These characters are all allowed to build relationship relationships, and given the space and time to do that, and none of it feels forced or rushed.
Without spoiling anything, the end did have me screaming, and there were tears. And I have a theory about what is going to be in book 2, but I could be totally wrong! Either way, you should pick up this book. It had magic, it had shifters, it had all kinds of cool magical creatures, and it had great banter! An all around good time and I can’t wait for more of this world!!
June 3, 2026
YES YES YES!! Romantasy is my favorite genre and I read A LOT of it and this debut Romantasy series was just immaculate! “Shadowmist” gives you all the fantasy things: there’s monsters, newly discovered magic, royalty, found family, bonded shifters, fairies and so much more! Shadowmist is also pretty spicy but also with lots of slow-burn angst.
I am extremely mad at L.M. Sundwyn, not because this book was bad, but because it was so good and now it’s OVER! 😭 This is the type of book that makes you feel all the emotions and then leaves you on a cliffhanger that makes you want to throw your kindle and curl into a ball. I throughly enjoyed this book and am immediately adding the paperback to my shopping cart!
If you enjoy a dark romantasy with high stakes, a unique magic system, and interesting creatures then this book needs to be on your TBR!
I am extremely mad at L.M. Sundwyn, not because this book was bad, but because it was so good and now it’s OVER! 😭 This is the type of book that makes you feel all the emotions and then leaves you on a cliffhanger that makes you want to throw your kindle and curl into a ball. I throughly enjoyed this book and am immediately adding the paperback to my shopping cart!
If you enjoy a dark romantasy with high stakes, a unique magic system, and interesting creatures then this book needs to be on your TBR!
June 2, 2026
Wow, what an ending!! The type that leaves you clicking the screen hoping, somehow, that you misread that you're at the end of the book!
The characters are well thought out and develop throughout the story to have you cheering for them and crying at their heartbreak. The magical animals add a whole other dimension to a well imagined world.
I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens on the rest of this emotional rollercoaster!
The characters are well thought out and develop throughout the story to have you cheering for them and crying at their heartbreak. The magical animals add a whole other dimension to a well imagined world.
I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens on the rest of this emotional rollercoaster!
October 11, 2026
I met the author at a local Chapters and was more than happy to support her and buy the book. It was a quick cozy read with a promising plotline and I am interested to see where she takes the series.
June 1, 2026
I love a good book with a well created world. I am almost finished, and cannot wait to see how the story unfolds.
I am glad to have received this ARC book, and I cannot wait to read more !
I am glad to have received this ARC book, and I cannot wait to read more !
June 1, 2026
I want to say thanks to the author who provided me this book.
This book was a great read. It has a lot of world building, which made you suck in the story. I like a book with good world building it makes the story easier to follow. The FMC in this book is a bad ass. With powers she does not know about. Not sure what she is. If you love magic Hybrids and other magical creatures and a entertaining story this book is for you.
This book was a great read. It has a lot of world building, which made you suck in the story. I like a book with good world building it makes the story easier to follow. The FMC in this book is a bad ass. With powers she does not know about. Not sure what she is. If you love magic Hybrids and other magical creatures and a entertaining story this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 ⭐
ShadowMist is the first book in a planed trilogy by debut author L.M. Sundwyn. It griped me right from the prologue, with a telling of how Avyn Ashwood is taken away from her mother at the age of 18. The pacing of this book was perfect, it gives us enough to think we know where it is going, but then surprise a twist, but I do love a good twist and excitement that comes along with it.
I enjoyed the details of visuals around the main characters, their world, what they see and feel. I think that Sundwyn has only begun with giving us just a taste in this first book. She has laid out some wonderful world building and lore unique to the Kingdom of Drycartha. It has many layers yet to learn and explore. Magical hidden powers, creatures (good and bad), forbidden love, all the things one enjoys in a Romatasy.
Avyn and Zendryk have definitely got the tension down between them, even though there is danger in what they don't know yet. They each have a close friend that makes up a great cast, their personalities truly complement each other, and give so much room for the growth in the books to come.
Thank you L.M. Sundwyn for the ARC of ShadowMist, I am looking forward to seeing where book two takes us after that mountain of a cliffhanger!
ShadowMist is the first book in a planed trilogy by debut author L.M. Sundwyn. It griped me right from the prologue, with a telling of how Avyn Ashwood is taken away from her mother at the age of 18. The pacing of this book was perfect, it gives us enough to think we know where it is going, but then surprise a twist, but I do love a good twist and excitement that comes along with it.
I enjoyed the details of visuals around the main characters, their world, what they see and feel. I think that Sundwyn has only begun with giving us just a taste in this first book. She has laid out some wonderful world building and lore unique to the Kingdom of Drycartha. It has many layers yet to learn and explore. Magical hidden powers, creatures (good and bad), forbidden love, all the things one enjoys in a Romatasy.
Avyn and Zendryk have definitely got the tension down between them, even though there is danger in what they don't know yet. They each have a close friend that makes up a great cast, their personalities truly complement each other, and give so much room for the growth in the books to come.
Thank you L.M. Sundwyn for the ARC of ShadowMist, I am looking forward to seeing where book two takes us after that mountain of a cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Arc of this book and I'm so glad I got to enter into the Kingdom of Drycartha early!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing was engaging and I liked Avyn right away. I loved that even through hardship she was able to have fun, love and be happy. Her fire and spirit was never dulled by her circumstances.
Discovering a little about the houses and magic in her new world was interesting and exciting. I would really love to learn more about everything in depth.
I wasn't sure of Zendryk at the start, it took me a bit longer to fall in love with him. It was delightful to see him trying to gain Avyn's attention and affection, his good deeds and heart won me over in the end.
The ending of the book was not what I was expecting which I always enjoy. I can't wait to see what happens next, I am sad, I am hopeful, I have so many questions to be answered! Thank you again for this opportunity 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing was engaging and I liked Avyn right away. I loved that even through hardship she was able to have fun, love and be happy. Her fire and spirit was never dulled by her circumstances.
Discovering a little about the houses and magic in her new world was interesting and exciting. I would really love to learn more about everything in depth.
I wasn't sure of Zendryk at the start, it took me a bit longer to fall in love with him. It was delightful to see him trying to gain Avyn's attention and affection, his good deeds and heart won me over in the end.
The ending of the book was not what I was expecting which I always enjoy. I can't wait to see what happens next, I am sad, I am hopeful, I have so many questions to be answered! Thank you again for this opportunity 🙂
August 27, 2026
I rather enjoyed this story, it is fast paced, great wording building and attention to detail, It has an interesting magic system, loveable characters with a splash spice.
It keeps you engaged from start to finish, leaving you hanging for book 2. Though I was not expecting the ending, leaving so many unanswered questions. How are we expected to wait till book 2.
It has everything you would want in a romantasy novel, forbidden love, forced proximity, unravelling secrets, magical world/system, spice and so much more.
Overall; I really enjoyed this book, the author did a fantastic job, looking forward to seeing the series progress and reading more of the series and future work in the future.
It keeps you engaged from start to finish, leaving you hanging for book 2. Though I was not expecting the ending, leaving so many unanswered questions. How are we expected to wait till book 2.
It has everything you would want in a romantasy novel, forbidden love, forced proximity, unravelling secrets, magical world/system, spice and so much more.
Overall; I really enjoyed this book, the author did a fantastic job, looking forward to seeing the series progress and reading more of the series and future work in the future.
May 26, 2026
ARC review
First, I would like to thank the author for the ARC. The writing was fluent, and it was easy to follow the story. I liked the world-building. It was easy to follow, but at the same time very detailed. I liked the FMC, Avyn, as well as Ulric. I did miss a little more emotional depth between Avyn and Zendryk.
I would certainly recommend Shadowmist, and I’m eager to read the second book.
First, I would like to thank the author for the ARC. The writing was fluent, and it was easy to follow the story. I liked the world-building. It was easy to follow, but at the same time very detailed. I liked the FMC, Avyn, as well as Ulric. I did miss a little more emotional depth between Avyn and Zendryk.
I would certainly recommend Shadowmist, and I’m eager to read the second book.
July 14, 2026
4.75 stars. Ummmm I’ll just start by saying I finished this in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down! I could see this world so clearly and never had a hard time following along. What a great book 1! Despite what the author does to us at the very end…. I need book 2 NOW so I can have my questions answered. Please and thank you! Hehe
Review of advance copy received from Author
ShadowMist has everything I want in a romantasy: forbidden love, magical powers, sharp-witted banter, and a main character who refuses to back down. Every chapter left me needing ‘just one more.’ The chemistry alone deserves five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ShadowMist was an emotional whirlwind that I was not ready for. I finished it a couple of days ago and had to take time to digest what I had just read. This book needs to be read. Not want. Need. I love when a book stays with you long after you finish reading. A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review✨️✨️
That cliffhanger has to be illegal!
Just when sh*t was getting real BAM end of book 1. Im emotionally distraught now after sitting on the edge of my seat! This book was perfect and I need more! Highly recommended this if your a fan of Romantasy 💕 5☆
That cliffhanger has to be illegal!
Just when sh*t was getting real BAM end of book 1. Im emotionally distraught now after sitting on the edge of my seat! This book was perfect and I need more! Highly recommended this if your a fan of Romantasy 💕 5☆
August 16, 2026
I need the second book immediatelyyyy!! What a cliffhanger
June 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to have an ARC copy of this book! I always love being able to get my hands on a book before everyone else!
Aavyn and Zen's story was most definitely fun to read. The idea of having very folklore/nature type of magic is always one of my favourite types of fantasy to read, and I really feel like the author captured the whimsy of this in the story. The idea of the little fairies creating tiny homes in the lanterns in an exchange for light had me cheesing so hard!
The banter between the MMC (zen) and FMC (aavyn) was pretty good. I do wish maybe there was a bit more back and forth before they jumped right into it, but it still scratched an itch. Sweetheart is never my favourite pet name in fantasy books but I feel like the character made it work for him.
I loved the monsters and the world building, I am very interested in seeing where the next books will lead as it seems so far that nothing is exactly as it seems. LOVE THAT.
I do wish that in the first book there was a little more from this voice that she hears from her bonded weapons. I felt like there was no progression in that relationship or should I say the understanding of what that relationship was. I think it would have been nice to have some sort of reveal as to what this voice meant for her, where it originates from etc. Even just having it actually answer some of her questions, even if it was with some cryptic answers, would have been better than the continual silence. It felt a little too repetitive. It seemed like we were getting somewhere near the end of the book but then it kind of flatlines again.
Ending it on a cliffhanger reaaaally has me interested in where this is going to go for the second book, I obviously have so many questions. I'm hoping for a little more magical creatures to come up in the second book now that she's where she shouldn't be (or is she 😈).
Aavyn and Zen's story was most definitely fun to read. The idea of having very folklore/nature type of magic is always one of my favourite types of fantasy to read, and I really feel like the author captured the whimsy of this in the story. The idea of the little fairies creating tiny homes in the lanterns in an exchange for light had me cheesing so hard!
The banter between the MMC (zen) and FMC (aavyn) was pretty good. I do wish maybe there was a bit more back and forth before they jumped right into it, but it still scratched an itch. Sweetheart is never my favourite pet name in fantasy books but I feel like the character made it work for him.
I loved the monsters and the world building, I am very interested in seeing where the next books will lead as it seems so far that nothing is exactly as it seems. LOVE THAT.
I do wish that in the first book there was a little more from this voice that she hears from her bonded weapons. I felt like there was no progression in that relationship or should I say the understanding of what that relationship was. I think it would have been nice to have some sort of reveal as to what this voice meant for her, where it originates from etc. Even just having it actually answer some of her questions, even if it was with some cryptic answers, would have been better than the continual silence. It felt a little too repetitive. It seemed like we were getting somewhere near the end of the book but then it kind of flatlines again.
Ending it on a cliffhanger reaaaally has me interested in where this is going to go for the second book, I obviously have so many questions. I'm hoping for a little more magical creatures to come up in the second book now that she's where she shouldn't be (or is she 😈).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2026
a great read!
Our story is about Avyn Ashwood who was taken from her mother and home at the age of 18 to be trained for servitude at an academy. She is placed at the House of Darkness. Soon strange things begin to happen and her life as she knew it completely changes.
The emotional rollercoaster this book sent me on! First off this book has a healthy dose of sarcasm which I love! There are definitely characters you will absolutely hate and hate the more you read. However the loyalty between Avyn with her best friend Maya and also Prince Zen and Ulric is beautiful.
The slow burn and flirting between Avyn and Zen is so funny and their training sessions are 🔥 😮💨.
The book has pain, love, betrayal, mystery and sarcasm with an ending that leaves you wanting more!!!
But also F*** Jane, F*** ratface, F*** the Queen.
Our story is about Avyn Ashwood who was taken from her mother and home at the age of 18 to be trained for servitude at an academy. She is placed at the House of Darkness. Soon strange things begin to happen and her life as she knew it completely changes.
The emotional rollercoaster this book sent me on! First off this book has a healthy dose of sarcasm which I love! There are definitely characters you will absolutely hate and hate the more you read. However the loyalty between Avyn with her best friend Maya and also Prince Zen and Ulric is beautiful.
The slow burn and flirting between Avyn and Zen is so funny and their training sessions are 🔥 😮💨.
The book has pain, love, betrayal, mystery and sarcasm with an ending that leaves you wanting more!!!
But also F*** Jane, F*** ratface, F*** the Queen.
October 30, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had me hooked from the prologue! It not only set the stage, but had me emotionally invested.
I loved the characters. Avyn is so incredibly sassy and I loved every minute! Her banter with Zendryk and Ulric had me laughing through the whole book. I loved the world and learning everything with Avyn as she did. The different creatures were interesting as well. Avyn coming into her powers was intense and I am very interested to see what is to come next!
This book had me hooked from the prologue! It not only set the stage, but had me emotionally invested.
I loved the characters. Avyn is so incredibly sassy and I loved every minute! Her banter with Zendryk and Ulric had me laughing through the whole book. I loved the world and learning everything with Avyn as she did. The different creatures were interesting as well. Avyn coming into her powers was intense and I am very interested to see what is to come next!
June 15, 2026
I was so excited to read Shadowmist! The dedication alone had me hooked—being taken from your home at eighteen and forced to train as a servant of the kingdom at an academy for two years? What a way to start the story....
Aryn is a strong and compelling FMC, even while struggling with her own doubts and challenges. Watching her journey unfold kept me turning the pages. And then there's Zendrik... the chemistry between Aryn and Zendrik is absolutely a constant roller-coaster of emotions! The tension, the longing, and every interaction between them had me completely invested in their story. I couldn't help root for Zendrik!
L.M. Sundwyn does an incredible job developing the characters and making their emotions feel real. I loved watching their relationship grow and seeing the loyalty and determination of the characters shine through. The world-building was immersive, the story was engaging, and the ending left me desperate for more. It was a prefect way to end the book but frustrating 😑 that I don't know what happens to Aryn.
Now I'm anxiously waiting for Book 2 because I need to know what happens next!
If you love fantasy romance, academy settings, unforgettable chemistry, and characters you'll root for, Shadowmist is definitely one to add to your TBR. 📚✨
Aryn is a strong and compelling FMC, even while struggling with her own doubts and challenges. Watching her journey unfold kept me turning the pages. And then there's Zendrik... the chemistry between Aryn and Zendrik is absolutely a constant roller-coaster of emotions! The tension, the longing, and every interaction between them had me completely invested in their story. I couldn't help root for Zendrik!
L.M. Sundwyn does an incredible job developing the characters and making their emotions feel real. I loved watching their relationship grow and seeing the loyalty and determination of the characters shine through. The world-building was immersive, the story was engaging, and the ending left me desperate for more. It was a prefect way to end the book but frustrating 😑 that I don't know what happens to Aryn.
Now I'm anxiously waiting for Book 2 because I need to know what happens next!
If you love fantasy romance, academy settings, unforgettable chemistry, and characters you'll root for, Shadowmist is definitely one to add to your TBR. 📚✨
October 15, 2026
Wow what an amazing debut! Thank you L.M. Sundywn for the privilege of receiving this ALC! Jesse, you did a fabulous job with the narration and I can't wait to hear more of you in future projects. You definitely brought these characters to life and made it even more magical.
So from the very beginning, I was hooked. The prologue sucked me in immediately. Avyn and her sassy smart mouth was the greatest thing everrr! She's such a badass and she doesn't even know it.
The pacing in this book was great. Every moment had me wanting to find out more about where this was going to go. There were some twists and turns that I was not expecting but also there was a lot that I had figured out immediately.
The world building was also great. I loved being able to picture what was going on every step of the way. The creatures and magic elements were awesome! I would love to bond with a Pegasus! 😅
Zendrick, our MMC, was absolutely swooon worthy. The things he did for her and the way he showed he cared was so cute. The tension between him and Avyn was felt, the chemistry was there. I did love that they kinda become friends first before even diving into whatever it is that they have going on.
The side characters, immaculate! I loved the banter between them all and how they all became good friends and took care of each other. There were a few people who I wouldn't mind seeing being unalived 🤣 *coughJanecough* but we shall see how this all plays out in the series.
Also that ending 🤯🤯 I literally yelled NOOO THAT CANT BE THE END! I was big mads because I was sooooo invested! 😅 I didn't realize that I was so close to the end. Had to go yell at L.M. about that. 🤣
If you love:
Magical powers/world
Forced proximity
Fierce FMC
Forbidden Love
He Falls First
Secrets
Then this book is definitely for you!
So from the very beginning, I was hooked. The prologue sucked me in immediately. Avyn and her sassy smart mouth was the greatest thing everrr! She's such a badass and she doesn't even know it.
The pacing in this book was great. Every moment had me wanting to find out more about where this was going to go. There were some twists and turns that I was not expecting but also there was a lot that I had figured out immediately.
The world building was also great. I loved being able to picture what was going on every step of the way. The creatures and magic elements were awesome! I would love to bond with a Pegasus! 😅
Zendrick, our MMC, was absolutely swooon worthy. The things he did for her and the way he showed he cared was so cute. The tension between him and Avyn was felt, the chemistry was there. I did love that they kinda become friends first before even diving into whatever it is that they have going on.
The side characters, immaculate! I loved the banter between them all and how they all became good friends and took care of each other. There were a few people who I wouldn't mind seeing being unalived 🤣 *coughJanecough* but we shall see how this all plays out in the series.
Also that ending 🤯🤯 I literally yelled NOOO THAT CANT BE THE END! I was big mads because I was sooooo invested! 😅 I didn't realize that I was so close to the end. Had to go yell at L.M. about that. 🤣
If you love:
Magical powers/world
Forced proximity
Fierce FMC
Forbidden Love
He Falls First
Secrets
Then this book is definitely for you!
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