Shackled by Shadows

by L.L. Reid

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

L.L. Reid is a dark fantasy and romance author who loves crafting stories filled with dangerous magic, impossible choices, unforgettable characters, and love worth fighting for. Her novels blend fantasy adventure, emotional depth, and romance to create immersive worlds where every bargain has a price and every choice carries consequences.

When she's not writing, L.L. Reid can usually be found lost in a good book, dreaming up new worlds, or bringing her next story to life. She believes the best stories leave a lasting mark long after the final page and strives to create characters readers will laugh with, cry for, and never forget.

Through tales of found family, forbidden love, powerful magic, and hard-won hope, L.L. Reid invites readers to step beyond the ordinary and into worlds where anything is possible.

Reviews

[Audrey Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2🌶
I devoured this book! Such a fun and wild ride! I was so invested from start to finish and need book 2 stat!
We have Fae and Fairys in a land where magic is being ripped out of anyone with a hint of magic. The FMC(lyra) has a tortured past and due to that her magic is repressed. She escapes torture just to find herself trapped with our MMC(Oberon). Oberon is a broody shadow weilder that needs Lyra to unlock her power so she can help with the war thats coming. Should be no surprise our MMC and FMC end up falling for one another. We do get a couple spicy scenes and some fade to black also. It was surprisingly a good balance in with the plot. We get all kinds of emotions along this journey and some loveable side characters. Those 2 bonus chapters at the very end was something i didnt even know i needed till i read them. There's so much depth to this story my heart was breaking for the characters by the end! Will definitely be keeping an eye out for book 2!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. This is the kind of book you must read if you like your magic a brooding MMC and a good tension between the main characters. This book will pull you in. What I really liked where the side characters. They gave the story and extra dimension. And there is the Cliffhanger.... can't wait until the story continues.

[Bethanie Ilsley-Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star read
The premise of this was great. if your a fan of magic, tension, fae and some hands on fighting you will love this.

I loved how you not only love the main characters but the side characters also pull you in.

This is giving Throne of Glass mixed with Zodiac Academy vibes (just without the Academy part) and The Lure of Evil.

This could of been a little smoother reading, some parts went into too much descriptive detail, where as others ...we needed more 🌶

I will be continuing with this series as the ending had me questioning the entirety of the book.

[Danni Drummond]

Shackled By Shadows
Bound By The Broken Crown book one
By L.L. Reid

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶

Dark fantasy Romance
Mystery
Magic
Double lives
Rebellion
Political Intrigue
Betrayal

This first instalment of Bound By The Broken Crown follows the story of Lyra and Oberon through a journey of rebellion, self discovery, love and so much more, talk about hight stakes!
While the start of the book made me question whether I had missed a book previously, all my questions were answered throughout, that cliffhanger though?

I absolutely cannot wait to see where their journey takes them 🖤

Shackled By Shadows releases September 1st 😘🖤

#darkfantasy #rebellion #shackledbyshadows #bookreview #booktokfyp

[RosieRitesReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyra has been a captive for as long as she remembers. Now she is forced to live with the realization that her once thriving kingdom is now gone, along with all of its people, including her family.

With an opportunity to escape the prison that has starved, beaten, and tortured her, Lyra makes a run for it. Having suppressed her magic to stay alive and with no way to protect herself, Lyra finds herself escaping one prison for another. This time, the only way to escape is to figure out how to awaken her magic once more.

Oberon controls shadows and carries a past that’s just as dark. Searching for redemption, he believes Lyra is the key to defeating the Dark King, a power hungry savage who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

War is inevitable, and Lyra must choose to stay and fight or leave the realm at the mercy of the Dark King.

Bound by the Broken Crown is jam-packed with

Unique Magic
Found Family
Fae/Faries
Shadow Daddy
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers
Locked magic resurfacing

I loved watching Lyra’s character grow throughout the story. We get to watch as she goes from weakened captive to powerful warrior. The chemistry between her and Oberon is unmistakable, and the tension is well written.

The friendships Lyra makes are unforgettable, and the strengths her allies bring add so much to her growth. Unique magic and action-packed fight scenes kept me wholly entertained and intrigued as the plot unfolded.

Lastly, there is a plot twist that has me yearning for the next book, and I cannot wait!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader Review

First off I’ll start by saying, I don’t normally read fantasy books like this. However, I was hooked after three chapters! This book took my emotions for a ride. From anger to happiness to sadness to disbelief to confusion etc. What started off as a confusing storyline trying to figure out why Lyra was being held in a cabin after having spent time imprisoned, turned into something just jaw dropping. The emotions and connection between Lyra and Oberon were perfection. I felt all of it and I loved it!

Ash and Zander made this group well rounded and made them a family in my eyes. They learned to respect one another and learned to care for one another and love each other like a chosen family and not one connected by blood. The ending though…… 🤔 What the hell was that!? I’m totally invested and I need book 2 ASAP!!! Fantastic read!!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader Review

After reading the original I thought there’s no way I could read this newest edition and feel everything exactly the same as I felt when I first read this book. Boy was I wrong!!! I felt anger, happiness, sadness, disbelief, confusion, etc. being reminded of how closed off Lyra was to how much of a bad ass she becomes was a great reminder.

Oberon and Lyra’s connection is HOT! I love them so much. And FUCKING KEAGAN! That piece of shit!!! Ash and Zander are so funny and I love how all four of these characters EXCEPT FUCKING KEAGAN, mesh well together. Their banter is top notch and I’m here for it.

For a 2nd time that ending just got me. Then to get the POV of Ash was great too!!!

Can’t wait for the 2nd book.

[Mide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown, it’s the kind of fantasy that pulls you in slowly and then tightens its grip.

Lyra is such a compelling protagonist. Her past as a prisoner of war isn’t just mentioned for drama; you can feel how it shapes her strength, her caution, and the walls she keeps up. She’s not written as helpless, she’s hardened, strategic, and determined not to kneel to anyone again. That resilience made me root for her from the start.

Oberon adds another layer entirely. He’s dark, controlled, and clearly carrying secrets of his own. The tension between him and Lyra is one of my favorite parts of the story. It’s not instant trust or easy romance, it’s suspicion, power balance, and reluctant connection. Their dynamic feels dangerous in the best way.

The political tension throughout the realm keeps the stakes high. Alliances feel fragile, betrayal always feels close, and the looming war creates constant pressure. By the end, I was fully invested and eager to see what happens next.

For a first installment, L.L. Reid sets up a gripping world filled with secrets, emotional depth, and slow-burn intensity. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

[Leah Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has it all! L.L. Reid knows how to write dark romantasy! The book follows Lyra who is a prisoner of the first war. The only royal left from the Light realm. Locked up and tortured because the King wanted her power for a century. She never broke. She escapes and ends up taken by the Prince, Oberon. Aka Shadow Daddy 🖤 Forced proximity, and enemy to lovers. It’s a must read! I flew through this book. Fae of all kinds, variety of magics, healing and survival! I cannot wait for the next book!!

[Christina Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
🌶️ for a couple open door scenes

This book did a great job pulling you in in the beginning. The fmc is a prisoner who has escaped from being tortured by the king wanting to steal her powers. She is then caught right away by our mmc.

The mmc and side mmc proceed to help our fmc to try and find her powers again and heal from the trauma she faced but can she trust them or will she be tricked into ultimately fighting for the king?

There is a lot of repeating similar phrases throughout each chapter and I think this takes away from the story a little bit, but pushing forward you grow close to the characters and get lost in the story.

The second mmc was my favorite character as he is the one always keeping things light and playful but at the same time protecting when needed.

The book starts to get a little more exciting about 50% in and at 75% you don’t really want to put it down but then you get that feeling you aren’t going to get all the answers you seek. You’d be right because we are left right in the middle of action with a million questions on what’s to come!! My heart is not ok wondering what’s to come for our fmc and mmc.

Thank you to the author for blessing me with an early copy of book one in The bound by the broken crown series.

[Ronald Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown completely pulled me in from the first chapter. The world building is rich, the tension is intense, and the characters feel so real. I couldn’t put it down. Such a strong start to the series . I’m already excited for your next book!

[Sierra Scanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book draws readers in with a myriad of questions about Lyra’s past and the unfolding events around her. As the story progresses, many of these questions get addressed, yet each revelation brings forth even more mysteries, maintaining a compelling sense of suspense.
The narrative is rich with magic and features intense training sequences that showcase Lyra’s growth. We also see a deeply emotional romance develop, adding a significant layer to the plot. Just when you think you have a grasp on the story, it ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you eager for the next installment.
This blend of suspense, magic, and romance creates a captivating experience that will resonate with fans of the genre.

[ChipmunksandDandelion (Cinnamon&Pine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moody shadow daddy, a tortured fae, questionable life choices, and yet another cliffhanger!

Moody, broody shadow daddy Oberon, who thankfully has exactly the right name for the job, and Lyra, both broken in their own special ways. Oberon was gullible enough to help his monstrous father wage a war of annihilation and is still ostensibly on his side. Lyra, meanwhile, spent a century being tortured by said father. So, yes, neither of them is exactly having a healthy life.

Then circumstances get dire, betrayals happen, and everything proceeds to go spectacularly off the rails. While Lyra starts taking more control over her own fate, Oberon is fighting a losing battle of his own. There’s plenty of tension, secrets, trauma, and impossible choices, until we arrive at…

Another. Bloody. Cliffhanger.

Please. I am begging. Let me have the next book before I forget who everyone is and develop my own trauma.

I also really enjoyed Ash, the resident ray of sunshine who apparently copes with his pain by quipping and bantering. Honestly, fair. And then there’s Zander, silent and sharp, carrying his own considerable collection of trauma because apparently nobody in this world is allowed to be well-adjusted.

My only personal small issue was the world-building. I would have liked a little more of it, as I occasionally struggled to visualise the setting and get a proper feel for the world around the characters.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this. It was tense, emotional, messy, and full of characters who desperately need therapy but instead keep making questionable decisions. Naturally, I need the next book immediately.

[Leah Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reader's copy from the author and Literal Publications.

Shackled by Shadows by L.L. Reid
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve been supporting L.L. Reid since her very first indie release of Bound by the Broken Crown, and from the moment I read it, I KNEW she was going places. Her ability to build a world that feels real and create characters whose emotions jump right off the page has always been something special.
And now here we are with Shackled by Shadows... traditionally published, and somehow this story hit me even harder the second time around. 🥹🖤
Lyra’s journey absolutely broke my heart. After everything she endured, watching her slowly find pieces of herself again, learn to trust, build friendships with Ash and Zander, and begin to heal was so incredibly emotional. I just wanted to wrap her up and protect her. 😭
And Oberon… LORD HELP ME. 🫠 The Dark Prince I expected to fear somehow became the one I was desperately rooting for. His patience, the way he protected Lyra, and how he seemed to know exactly what she needed made my heart melt.
And THAT CHAPTER in Ash’s POV?! I AM STILL SCREAMING. 😭 What are you doing to us, L.L. Reid?!
If you love true enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, shadow daddy, fae royalty, “WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!”, trauma & healing, hidden magic, slow burn, perfect spice, and touch-her-and-die vibe... you NEED this book.
This story hurt my heart, healed it, and then left me begging for more.
L.L. Reid… I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE YESTERDAY. 🖤😭🔥

[Ashley Manson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy Review.

I believe that time and situations do make a difference in someone's interest in a book. That being said, I think that with all the stuff I have going on in my life, it did, in fact, affect my feelings about this book.
I like the idea behind the book; I do. The idea behind it is interesting, and the cliffhanger did get to me, but the whole book didn't connect with me this time around.
The beginning of the book felt a bit rushed and confusing for me. We are thrown into a sudden situation for the main character, and maybe it was that I couldn't focus with my toddlers not going to bed, or the beginning scenes had a few confusing parts.
I also had a harder time connecting with the emotions the main characters felt for each other. It seemed a little random and sudden at the beginning. The characters also jumped from one emotion to another (depressed to flirty, or grumpy to flirty) rather quickly on occasion.
Later in the book, I started to feel more connected to the characters and the chemistry, and it made me more invested in what I was reading.
I think L.L. Reid is great at scene writing. The details she put into the book made me feel like I was in a lot of the locations. I don't feel all writers have such a talent for scene writing, but she definitely does.
I do think this book has a lot of potential, and so does the Author. It just may not have been the right time for me to read the book.

[Nikkyg reads 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Bound by the Broken Crown was a book I read after being contacted by the author on TikTok. I’m not usually a fantasy reader but love to try anything new and support new authors.
The vibes? Dark, emotional, and full of tension exactly what I wanted going in. L.L. Reid knows how to build atmosphere, and there were moments where the writing felt almost cinematic, especially in the heavier, more emotional scenes, which were plentiful. The angst? Delivered. The stakes? High. The characters? Messy in the best way, both broken and damaged.
That said… it wasn’t a perfect ride. At times the pacing felt a bit uneven, some parts dragged just when I wanted momentum, and others rushed past moments that deserved to linger a little longer. I also found myself wanting more depth in certain areas. I was invested, but not always fully immersed.
The romance and tension carried a lot of the story for me, though. There’s something very addictive about the push-and-pull dynamic.
Overall, this was a solid, emotional read with a beautifully dark tone, but it didn’t completely consume me.
Still absolutely worth picking up if you love angsty fantasy with complicated characters and a heavy crown of drama.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine escaping being tortured for having magic and your freedom is short lived because you have traded one prison for another. Lyra has been held captive for as long as she can remember. People want access to her magic, so they’ve taken liberties in torturing her and breaking her over and over trying to access but to no avail. When she finally has a chance to escape she once again finds herself in the hands of someone else who wants access to her magic.

Lyra is now being held by Oberon who is a broody shadow wielder who needs Lyra to not only access her magic but learn to hone it because she may be the key he needs to help fight in the inevitable war with the Dark King. Oberon has secrets of his own and Lyra won't be satisfied until she uncovers them all.

Lyra has choices to make. She has loss everything and everybody and her only chance at any form of freedom may lie in the very hands the man who has saved her from one form of captivity in exchange for another one. Will Lyra use her magic to stay and fight or use it as an opportunity to flee and leave the realm at the mercy of the Dark King.

I'm looking forward to book 2 and need it in my hands ASAP.

[Audrey Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
1.5🌶
Im so happy to ARC this book! I devoured this! Such a fun and wild ride! I was so invested from start to finish and need book 2 stat!
We have Fae in a land where magic is being ripped out of anyone with a hint of magic and the world is being torn apart. The FMC(lyra) has a tortured past and due to that her magic is repressed. She escapes torture just to find herself trapped with our MMC(Oberon). Oberon is a broody shadow weilder that needs Lyra to unlock her power so she can help with the war thats coming. He has his own mess of a past and secrets he cant tell. Should be no surprise our MMC and FMC end up falling for one another. We get a couple spicy scenes and some fade to black also. It was surprisingly a good balance in with the plot. We get all kinds of emotions along this journey and some absolutely loveable side characters. Those bonus chapters at the very end was something i didnt even know i needed till i read them. There's so much depth to this story my heart was breaking for the characters by the end! Waiting for book 2!!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book with world building that brought everything together.. Lyra is someone special but she believes she's not and just being held due to her magic. She escapes only for Oberon to find her and keep her so she recovers and gains her magic. He brings in Keagan to help him. Oberon is growing feeling for Lyra and she is also. Keagan meanwhile has some tricks up his sleeve to bring everything crashing down.. Oberon is trying to return the kingdom to a healthier environment while his father destroys all.. Keagan's loyalty is what hangs in the balance. Lyra coming into her own hangs in the balance. Lyra's growth and trust in this book pulls you in.

[The_first_last_page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! The beginning was a little confusing making me feel like I started in the middle of the book but then things started falling into place

Lyra and Oberon clashed so much their "coming together" was perfect. Ash was a side character competing for the MMC spot and his carefree nature made you just fall for him.

The cliffhanger ending is definitely a hook to make us all crave book 2.

If you like romantasy, faes, and shadow daddies then this is definitely for you!

Thank you L.L. Reid for my copy and this is my honest review.

[Charlotteanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown launches its series with intensity, intrigue, and a richly layered fantasy world that immediately pulls readers into a realm shaped by power, betrayal, and destiny. L.L. Reid crafts a story where loyalty is fragile, crowns are heavy with consequence, and every choice reverberates far beyond the throne.

[Bryce Jokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown launches readers into a world where loyalty is fragile, power is intoxicating, and destiny comes at a devastating cost. In this gripping first installment, L.L. Reid crafts a dark fantasy tale filled with political intrigue, emotional turmoil, and characters who are as flawed as they are compelling.

[Riley Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wow! This story completely drew me in. Lyra’s courage and resilience leap off the page, and the tension between her and Oberon kept me on the edge of my seat. The world-building is rich, the stakes feel real, and the twists of fate and betrayal make it impossible to put down. A thrilling, dark, and unforgettable read!”

[Alina Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of ARC copy received from author:

The premise of this story I enjoyed, I loved the idea of it and it made sense. The execution of said story not so much. I loved the romance between Lyra and Oberon, I loved Ash (he was probably my favorite character). I related a little bit to Lyra in regard to some of her trauma and some emotions she felt throughout the book. And I did really want to love this book.

When I first started, I was grabbed by the first page and needed to read more. The captivation was there. However, I felt a bit like I was thrown into the middle of the story instead of the beginning. Our FMC was running from something and yes later there are some mentions of why she was running, but I felt I needed more backstory for it all to make sense in regards to her trauma. Sure she was trapped somewhere for a long period of time but I believe what was being done to her is only mentioned a few times and very briefly. With how the story was written I needed more. I almost thought a little novella of the backstory would be extremely useful to help fill these plot holes. I wanted to know what happened to Lyra’s people and what family did she have? How did she initially get captured?

Another thing that bothered me about this book is some of the same phrases were repeated multiple times throughout this book. I felt that it either wasn’t necessary or could’ve been described differently. I don’t mind if a phrase used to describe something is repeated once or twice, but it was repeated four or 5 times and two times were three pages apart. It kind of turned me off from it.

This book takes place in the middle of the war where the king just wants power and is stealing power and anyone who gets in his way is slaughtered, which is understandable. I don’t recall ever reading why the war started though.

Overall I felt there were missing details all throughout the story that if they were there would’ve given the story more depth and held it together better.

However I was not expecting that cliffhanger at the end and I’m curious about what’s going to happen next! And I did love the love story between the two main characters!

[Lisa Gainers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shackled by Shadows throws you straight into a world where kingdoms are at war, secrets run deep, and nothing is quite what it seems.

 Imagine being tortured for years for information while watching so many around you be broken and die. At some point, would you just give up? And what happens when you're asked to believe in something better when all you've ever known is pain?

This fantasy delivers war, good vs. evil, political intrigue, betrayal, secrets, and alliances built on shaky ground. The characters are forced to question everything they thought they knew, and I loved watching the layers slowly unravel.

This was an intense, nail-biting read that had me holding my breath and turning the pages, desperate to see what would happen next. And then I reached the last page…
Wait…WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT'S THE END?! 

Needless to say, I will absolutely be on the lookout for Book 2 because I NEED to know what happens next!

[Ashley Jnr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely drew me in and kept me engaged from beginning to end. The atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional weight of the journey really stood out to me. I found myself thinking about it even after I finished.
A powerful and memorable read, definitely deserving of 5 stars.

[Tatyana Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong and captivating opening to the series. L.L. Reid delivers immersive world-building, compelling characters, and a storyline that keeps the reader fully engaged. An excellent start with great promise ahead.

[Cheydubs4📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I was immediately sucked in from page 1 is a testament to how amazing this book truly is! A true enemies to lovers dark fantasy that will keep you invested and guessing the whole damn time 👏🏼 I’ll let you in on a little secret: my favorite character is Ash 1000% what can I say, I love the funny side characters and Ash is the best of the best. Easiest 5 ⭐️ I have given this year! Releases September 1st! Do not miss out on this amazing story 😍

[Victor Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is expertly paced and thoughtfully written. The depth of the characters and the underlying tension throughout the plot make it a highly satisfying read. A remarkable first installment.

[Misty Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!! this book had me from the first chapter. this is definitely one of my top books so far. the plot twist has me in a ball. I need the next book.