Taken by Shadows

by Genevieve Addison

✨ Special Edition on my website ONLY ✨


⛓️he abducts her
💖forced proximity
🩶morally grey MMC
💜hidden identities
🖤shadow ropes
✨intrigue
❤️fake relationship
🌶️spice
🔥slow burn

Content /Trigger

Injury detail / physical assaultabductionmild dub-con (not between main characters)shadow bonds and mild "rope" bondagepast trauma (physical)

Her secret will cost her freedom.
His touch will cost her heart.

Imogen needs answers and she's finally willing to search the Four Corners for them. Growing up as the only fae in her tiny village, she’s never belonged. But just as she sets out to discover the truth about her past she makes a small mistake in a local trading town that will cost her, wreathing her journey in a darkness she could never have anticipated…

When she refuses to cooperate after being attacked, she is taken by a dark stranger of immense power for the secret she carries.

Held captive in a foreign city until she gives up her secret, Imogen soon understands the only way to free herself from the literal shadow bonds her abductor is all too fond of holding her with is to bargain with him.

But behind the glittering fae lights of her new confines, something much darker is stirring. And the male who abducted her has secrets of his own that she can’t help wondering about…

But when he is arrested and thrown in a cage, Imogen is given the key to release him, if she chooses.

But can she protect her secret and her heart?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Genevieve is from Dublin, Ireland and lives with her husband, Craig. Their three cats, Piper, Caspian and Demerzel.
When she’s not writing to calm her anxiety or staying up too late on caffeine (likely boosting her anxiety) you’ll probably find her in her local pole studio or at the cinema.

Reviews

[Megan Pursifull-Dettone · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few spoilers. Read at your own caution! ♥️


📖 ARC REVIEW | Taken by Shadows by Genevieve Addison

First off, thank you to the author and whimsywordpr for the opportunity to read and review this book!

⭐️ 4.5/5

This was a fantastic start to a debut series, and I’m already looking forward to Book 2.

Imogen is a fae with no magic or so everyone believes. Abandoned as a baby, she’s spent her entire life feeling like an outsider, ostracized by those around her. Armed with only a necklace and the hope of finding her family, she leaves home in search of answers.

Enter Kaed.

A secretive shadow-wielding MMC who makes the completely rational decision to kidnap her for information.

The problem? Imogen refuses to give him what he wants.

What starts as a very unconventional relationship quickly evolves into a fake engagement and, eventually, something much more. Despite their reluctance to admit it, they repeatedly save one another, building trust in a world that seems determined to tear itself apart.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the political intrigue. I loved learning about the Four Corners, the surrounding cities and territories, and seeing a world where fae and humans coexist while tensions simmer beneath the surface. There are so many moving pieces, hidden agendas, and looming threats that kept me invested throughout.

I gave this a 4.5/5 because there were a few places where the pacing felt slightly uneven, but overall I was completely hooked by Chapter 5.

And can we talk about Audrie? Because she is absolutely the book bestie I didn’t know I needed.

One of my favorite quotes:

💜 “I know what it feels like to hope for something and never get it. To miss a part of yourself and wish it could be different.” — Kaed

If you enjoy:
✨ Political Intrigue
🖤 Shadow-Wielding MMCs
💍 Fake Engagement
🧚 Fae & Human Alliances
⚔️ Kidnapping-to-Romance
🔥 Slow Burn Tension
👑 Found Family & Hidden Agendas

Then Taken by Shadows deserves a spot on your TBR.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

[Jemma Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been BETA reading Taken By Shadows by the lovely Genevieve Addison & I just had to tell you all about it NOW because I cannot wait any longer!


It took me literally a few days to get through this whole book because I genuinely couldn't stop. Every chapter left me NEEDING (not a want, a need) to keep reading and see what was coming!


This is Genevieve's debut novel and between the book itself, the artwork she's had created (I've tagged some of the artists!) and the amount of time and effort this woman has been putting into this, I cannot wait to see everyone finally get their hands on it - because it's time she gets to see just how much all the blood sweat and tears has paid off! 🥹🙌🏻


I absolutely love a Romantasy, and the vibes between Kaed and Imogen were just *chefs kiss* 👌🏻

Kaed is our MMC - he's, as Genevieve calls him, a black lab - he's kinda scary, but in like, a misunderstood, don't-threaten-me-with-a-good-time way? 😂

Our FMC Imogen is searching for her family, living a life where she doesn't really know where she belongs or who she is supposed to be, never really fitting into any societal standard... We love to support Imogen 🥺🫶🏻


Now, Kaed abducts her - STOP JUDGING HIM, he's really not that bad - and when they have to fake a relationship, face some literal life-or-death situations and muddle through an upcoming war... Guess what happens to that fake relationship 👀😏


Now, Genevieve asked me to rate the spice level, so I'd like to tell you exactly what I told her - I'd say like a 3/5? Not too little, not too much, I'd say it's a tikka masala 🤔😂


I cannot wait for more of you to get your hands on this book, it's a strong ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for me!!!

TROPES:
💀 Show-weilding MMC
✨ Fae magic
❤️‍🔥 Slow-burn
🌶️ Spice
⛓️ He abducts her
🫣 Fake dating

Thank you so much to Genevieve for having me on the team 🥹 I appreciate you and so happy we've crossed paths!

[Sarah Gower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely lucky to beta read Taken by Shadows, and honestly, this was such a fantastic debut novel and the beginning of a really promising series.

This had so many of my favourite tropes: forced proximity, morally grey characters, shadow magic, slow burn, and a beautifully complicated dynamic between Imogen and Kaed. And of course, let’s not forget the spicy moments 😏 The world-building was one of my favourite parts. It unfolded naturally as the story progressed, and at no point did I feel overwhelmed with information. Every new detail about the locations, characters, and wider world made me want to know more.

Imogen leaves the only home she has ever known in search of the family she has never met. But when her path crosses with Kaed, she is stolen away to his palace, and the story becomes so much more layered from there.

I really don’t want to risk spoiling anything, because experiencing this story blind and going on the journey with Imogen is so satisfying. I loved watching her relationship with Kaed develop. He is definitely up there as a top book boyfriend for me, and their dynamic had the exact mix of tension, frustration, chemistry, and emotional pull that I love in a romantasy.

The side characters were also so well written. Each one felt distinct, interesting, and memorable, and I’m genuinely not sure I could pick a favourite. Though saying that, Audrie and Turnip were absolutely adorable. As much as I want more of Imogen and Kaed as the series continues, I’m also really invested in the wider cast and excited to see what’s in store for them.

Overall, this is a fantastic story with rich world-building, a slow-burn romance, strong side characters, and a plot that kept me completely invested from beginning to end. The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way, and I’m so excited to see where Genevieve takes the series next.

[Spice_and_Spine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have literally just finished this, and I need to get this review out NOW.

How this is a debut novel, I will never understand. The writing is exceptional and completely pulls you into the world from the very first page. It feels so confident and immersive that it's hard to believe this is the author's first book.

This is the story of Kaed and Imogen. Imogen is a fae who was raised by humans, never truly belonging anywhere and always feeling like an outsider. Through a series of events, she ends up kidnapped by Kaed and forced to pretend to be his betrothed.

The tension between these two is painful in the best possible way. Oh my God... I was so frustrated (and completely obsessed) with the constant push and pull between them. The number of times they almost... and then didn't... the things coming out of my mouth while reading were definitely not fit for public consumption!

The side characters deserve just as much praise. Every single one felt fully developed and had a purpose. I never reached that point where you're trying to remember who someone is because each character had their own distinct personality and role within the story.

As this is book one, I knew there would be unanswered questions, but that ending?! I'm going to be an absolute feral mess until I can get my hands on the next book.

It's difficult to say much more without spoiling some of the many twists and revelations, and trust me—you'll want to experience them for yourself.

I absolutely loved the history woven throughout the story, the magic system, the world-building, the political intrigue, and the slow-burning romance. Everything came together to create a world I didn't want to leave.

If you love fantasy with incredible world-building, deliciously frustrating romantic tension, and characters you'll become completely invested in, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken By Shadows is a phenomenal new romantasy by debut Irish author Geneveive Addison

We have our tried and true of the genre. There are fae, there's magic, we have a shadow daddy to absolutely die for. But it is done in such a refreshing way that though we have tropes that we are familiar with, it all feels new and exciting!

Imogen is our FMC, a fae who has grown up in a human village, an outcast, on a mission to find her family and where she comes from. She's strong and fierce, but she's also just a girl wondering where she fits in in a world that has shunned her most of her life. I felt for her, her struggles and her wishes felt so real and genuine!

Then we have Kaed, the aforementioned shadow daddy. When Imogen leaves her home to find her family, Kaed abducts her and takes her back to his palace (not-palace) and holds her hostage until she gives him what he wants. But don't worry, he's really not that bad!! He's our black lab (if it wasn't a thing before, it definitely is now!) He's our fearsome MMC who is actually just so misunderstood. Beneath his tough exterior is a male who just wants to be loved! (I CAN FIX HIM!!) OH!! And did I mention he has shadow ropes??? 😏

There are so many layers to this book, we have the romance but we also have political intrigue - a plot thread that i am so excited to see explored further in book 2, and we also have a cast of some amazing side characters!! (I'm looking at you Gavrin and Audrie!!)

The writing in this book was so stunning too. Genevieve writes in a way that is so descriptive and immersive that I could visualise every little detail of the world. It was lyrical and beautiful and her words have crafted an experience that is beyond amazing for a debut!

All in all this was a fantastic debut and I already cannot wait for book 2!!

[Kielea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken By Shadows ✨️


I am writing this review a few days later through an emotional hangover 💔

First of all, I want to say thank you to Genevieve and Fiona from Whimsy reads for letting me be an Arc Reader. From the second I started following Genevieve I fell in love with the Characters and story and decided I need to set up my own bookstagram account, So for it to come full circle and be an Arc reader, Thank you 💜

Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely consumes you, and this was it for me. From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by the story and where it would take me, the stakes, and a romance so beautifully written it genuinely ached. Genevieve's writing is so beautifully written, Poetic like.


​The magic system and the political intrigue kept me guessing what was going to happen, Who is good, who is bad. Genevieve weaved a dark, lush atmosphere that feels incredibly vivid—I could practically imagine myself there 😍

​But let’s be honest, The chemistry and banter between Imogen and Kaed was the star of the show!! Top-tier 🤌 The yearning and possessiveness? Off the charts. Every lingering look and thrown over the shoulder had me holding my breath. Every "Peach" 🤭 Ugh I was in love 🤭😅 I loved that Imogen wasn't just a damsel in distress, and Kaed wasn't just a brooding shadow. They are both complex characters who have there own agenda and stuff going on in the backround.


​If you love the "enemies-to-lovers" trope, high-stakes fantasy, and a romance that feels both epic and deeply intimate, do yourself a favor and pre-order this immediately!!! I already can't wait to re-read 😅

Taken By Shadows will be released August 25th, You can pre-order the kindle version on Amazon now. If you want a beautiful Special Edition, You can order it from Genevieve's website which you will find in her bio.

Again, August 25th 😍💜

[Jennifer D'Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Taken by Shadows. I was immediately pulled in by Imogen and became invested in her story very quickly. A Fae abandoned as a child with a human family in a town that feared and despised her. She leaves Shadowfall to make her own way in the world. There is a mountainous area called the Banes where Imogen retrieves Faebane from - though she doesn't know what she actually has in her possession. She foolishly flashes it around in a tavern. It attracts interest from the wrong people. She's attacked for it the next day.

Enter Kaed.....

Kaed wants it to but Imogen refuses to disclose it's source in order to protect her pregnant, human sister and the rest of the town who despises her. Kaed whisks her off to the city of Viverna against her will. There starts the slow burn between them and the mystery and political scheming and intrigue that makes this story spectacular.

I love these characters and I love Kaed and Imogen's relationship.

Slow burn
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Fake relationship
Found Family
Shadow wielding MMC
FMC doesn't know where she's from and who she is REALLY

I can't recommend this book enough!

[Entisar Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Taken by Shadows, and it's an incredibly strong debut that left me excited for the rest of the series.
This book had so many of my favourite tropes—forced proximity, morally grey characters, shadow magic, political intrigue, and a deliciously slow-burn romance. Imogen and Kaed's relationship was full of tension, chemistry, and emotional depth, and I was completely invested in watching it unfold. Kaed has definitely earned a spot among my favourite book boyfriends.
The world-building was another standout. The history, magic system, and politics were woven naturally into the story, making the world feel immersive without overwhelming the reader. I also loved the supporting cast, especially Audrie and Turnip, who added so much charm.
The only reason this isn't a full five stars is that I wanted a little more time with some of the bigger reveals. Even so, the ending had me desperate for book two.
If you love romantasy with rich world-building, unforgettable characters, and slow-burn tension, I'd absolutely recommend this one.
Thank you to Genevieve and the publisher for this ARC in exchange of an honest review!

[kpinitreallynova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Taken in Shadows by Genevieve Addison. I received this eBook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down; I found myself kicking my feet in anticipation. The story follows Imogen, a fae raised by humans without magic, who feels out of place and seeks to find her family. While exploring the four corners to learn about her lineage, she is kidnapped by a shadow-wielding fae named Kaed for refusing to disclose information he is seeking. Thrust into unfamiliar territory, Imogen must navigate a political culture completely unknown to her.

Imogen is a messy but lovable female main character, and Kaed is a wonderful "black lab" male main character with dark edges. If you love political intrigue, found family, a slow burn romance, shadow daddies, and delicious pet names, look no further.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Reading . Current · Rating 3 out of 5]

A key point for me was Imogen discovering her heritage, I want to see where that goes and if her blood family are alive, especially considering what happened to her people (the Auroran's). Now that I think on it, I really hope the second book delves into the deaths of the Auroran's in the war because it sounds an awful lot like genocide especially as they're even erased from literature effectively erasing their history. The world-building in that regard gradually unfolds, so I'm curious as to how the fae world began, in that regard so is our protagonist as she's lived amongst humans so knows little of the fae. 

That said, Imogen's personality was a little frustrating at times. She could be incredibly stubborn, often digging her heels in even when it didn't seem necessary. But overall, this was an entertaining read and the ending really leaves us wanting more.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy review

I'm unbelievably grateful to have been an arc reader for Genevieve, her book was fantastic. Slow burn, flirty, full of banter and talk about shadow daddy 😏
The story was really enjoyable and, if I didn't have to adult, I would have devoured this sooner. I just kept wanting to turn the page to find out what happened next.
I love the characters and seeing Imogen go from outcast to someone with people who love her is just so heartwarming. I think that Audrie is probably my favourite side character but Denora and Gavrin have their own kind of comical friendship that I love.
I desperately need book 2, it feels like the story has only just begun even though there was so much learnt in the first one 😁
Thank you to Genevieve for allowing me the privilege of reading your book 💕

[Kay Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic debut novel.
The world-building unfolds naturally alongside the plot, making it easy to become immersed in the story. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is captivating, filled with mystery, magic, slow-burn romance, and plenty of yearning.
It features a morally grey, fiercely protective, and powerful MMC, alongside an independent, strong-willed FMC who is determined to uncover who she is and where she truly belongs. Their complicated dynamic hooks you from the very beginning, and you'll be rooting for them every step of the way.
The ending leaves plenty of mysteries still to unravel, making me even more excited for the next installment. I can't wait to see their relationship continue to develop and discover what happens next.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an Arc for an honest review<\i><\b>

This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read for me.

This book follows Imogen, a fae born without magic, or so she thought. She decides to set out from the home she grew up in to look for her birth parents.
Enter Kaedian, a fae with powerful magic who kidnaps her. After many events fold out throughout the book, she discovers more about where she comes from and Kaedian vows to help her discover more about where she came from, with others working against them.

The characters were well written, and the banter between them and the side characters seemed genuine. The slow burn between the MMC and FMC is worth the wait.

Ends on a cliffhanger (another book coming)
Will definitely be waiting for the second in the series!

[PrincessStitchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building and the explanation of each person's magic is just beautifully written. You could really envision exactly what everything looked and felt like.

Not only does Genevieve get you to fall in love with Imogen and Kaed she also gets you to root for the side characters! I want to know more about them too!! Especially if there's a possibly love triangle 🔺️ 🙃 😏

Also the banter between multiple characters I'm always here for that!

Eryk! Do we like him? Do we not? That was me throughout the book 🤣 Huxley tho instant HATE! ✋️

Then we have the court drama, I got my popcorn out and everything 🤣 especially when we meet Sapphine 👀

Such a brilliant start to a romantasy series I can't wait to see where book 2 takes us!

[TJRSKAT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me in a beautiful afterglow for hours after completion. A story about Imogen, an orphaned fae raised by humans with a burning desire to unlock the mystery of her past, was as magical as the first time I read the sentence, "You're a wizard, Harry." 🤭

"Taken By Shadows" is a masterpiece in yearning. I could feel Imogen's longing for answers and conflicting feelings as she (albeit begrudgingly) found comfort in unexpected friendships as if the feelings were my own. And the writing? Stunningly poetic. This book wasn't just a narration-it was a portraiture in my brain, craftfully painted with metaphor and symbolism that *is to die for.*

[Zara Connelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by Shadows was an easy book to follow. The world-building wasn’t complicated, and it was easy to follow the characters and their journey without being overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology.

I read over 500 pages in a single day. I loved Imogen’s story and quickly became invested in her journey.

I’m completely hooked and can’t wait to learn more about her past!

I’m also excited to see how her relationship with Kaed, the prince who is completely besotted with her, develops.

Thank you for a really good romantasy book for beginners!

[Steph Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is stunning, the descriptions are so good, you feel like you are there. Kaed is my new favourite MMC. He is broody and flirty, possessive and abducts her but is still the king of consent. I love Imogen, she's sassy and holds her own. The tension between the two of them is perfection. The side characters are great and really contribute to the story. The world building is great, the political intrigue is established, there are hints at bombs that will be dropped and I am so excited to see where this series goes. 

[timeleftinbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was incredible! It is everything you want from an epic romantasy with a unique magic system, a glorious world as a setting for court intrigue, hidden agendas, warfare and a gorgeous romance!💜 Our MCs Imogan and Kaed are AMAZING and I was gagging for every single scene between the two of them! Every character in this book is written with so much depth and personality, they're all brilliant. The author writes such beautiful prose I found myself lost in the world she created and never wanting to find my way back✨️ This 1st book has me desperate to read more - an absolute must read!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this book is goooood 🥰 Thank you for allowing me to beta read.

I wish I could say every little bit of the book which I loved but it would probably spoil too much of the story for you, but here’s a little overview.

I loved the world building that Genevieve creates, she calls herself a lyrical writer but it fits perfectly with the story, the characters and is easy to read. Kaed the MMC is perfect, a shadow daddy but also the king of consent. You know he has touch her and die vibes from the first time he meets Imogen.

This is a great start to the series, not only do I want to explore Imogen’s and Kaed’s relationship more, but also all the side characters. And the slow burn is perfect and when the spice hits it’s 🔥