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Shadoward
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26A princess on the run. A lord with a dark reputation. A masked killer who never stops.
Lysandra, a powerless princess of the flame, is announced marriageable to a court of vipers. That same night, she's hit with a premonition of her own death: a masked killer is coming for her, but she doesn't know how or when.
She cuts her hair and flees to the edges of the kingdom, taking refuge in the castle of Lord Alaris, descendant of the god of night. He's as dangerous as he is alluring, the kind of distraction she should stay away from, and far too perceptive. But he has something she needs to survive, if she can only get close enough to steal it.
Proximity to Alaris is its own kind of risk, and the longer she stays, the less she wants to run. As Lysandra plays the thief and unravels the mystery around her future death, she discovers more is at stake than her own survival.
The royal life she ran from is not what it seems...and neither is Alaris.
Can she untangle the truth in time to save both herself and her kingdom from a dark fate?
Shadoward is the first book of the Divinial Duology, an epic fantasy romance featuring hidden royalty, a morally gray lord of night, and forced proximity. A slow burn with spicy scenes, it contains content intended for readers 18+.
Lysandra, a powerless princess of the flame, is announced marriageable to a court of vipers. That same night, she's hit with a premonition of her own death: a masked killer is coming for her, but she doesn't know how or when.
She cuts her hair and flees to the edges of the kingdom, taking refuge in the castle of Lord Alaris, descendant of the god of night. He's as dangerous as he is alluring, the kind of distraction she should stay away from, and far too perceptive. But he has something she needs to survive, if she can only get close enough to steal it.
Proximity to Alaris is its own kind of risk, and the longer she stays, the less she wants to run. As Lysandra plays the thief and unravels the mystery around her future death, she discovers more is at stake than her own survival.
The royal life she ran from is not what it seems...and neither is Alaris.
Can she untangle the truth in time to save both herself and her kingdom from a dark fate?
Shadoward is the first book of the Divinial Duology, an epic fantasy romance featuring hidden royalty, a morally gray lord of night, and forced proximity. A slow burn with spicy scenes, it contains content intended for readers 18+.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book, and it was one of the best things that’s happened to me in months. Shadoward is the perfect book if you’re looking for something fresh in the romantasy space!
This story’s strengths for me were in two main areas: momentum and tension. Lysandra’s character is chock full of agency, and our girl has a lot to get done. No matter what she’s working toward, she’s making hard choices and dealing with the consequences. She keeps you turning the page to see where she’s headed next. As for the tension, I mean that in every way you’re thinking. The stakes of the plot are sky high, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make time for the push-and-pull between our leading pair. Ly and Alaris have fantastic chemistry. I wouldn’t quite call this a slow burn, but it strings you along and makes every beat of the romance feel earned.
Overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read all year. It’s not even out yet and I’m already hungry for the sequel!
This story’s strengths for me were in two main areas: momentum and tension. Lysandra’s character is chock full of agency, and our girl has a lot to get done. No matter what she’s working toward, she’s making hard choices and dealing with the consequences. She keeps you turning the page to see where she’s headed next. As for the tension, I mean that in every way you’re thinking. The stakes of the plot are sky high, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make time for the push-and-pull between our leading pair. Ly and Alaris have fantastic chemistry. I wouldn’t quite call this a slow burn, but it strings you along and makes every beat of the romance feel earned.
Overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read all year. It’s not even out yet and I’m already hungry for the sequel!
Want to Read
August 16, 2026I am one of the lucky few that get to read this book early
Thank you @authoralisonarcher
Thank you @authoralisonarcher
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews