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23 days and 07:50:54
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Shadoward
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
23 days and 07:50:54
5 copies available
U.S. only
A 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
550 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 21, 2026
Thank you Alison Archer for the opportunity to read an ARC of Shadoward!
Currently picking up my jaw from off the floor and trying to gather my thoughts.
Lysandra is a powerless princess of the flame, and upon her 21st birthday she is declared marriageable. However that night she dreams of a masked killer coming into her room. Her only thought is survival and if she wants to live, she can’t stay in the palace.
Under disguise as a servant she finds herself working for Lord Alaris. Alaris had a reputation that Lysandra knows she should stay away from, but she can’t. She finds herself drawn to him, trying to unravel the mystery of the masked man and trying to understand Alaris.
Lysandra starts off seeming naive about the world outside of the Palace, it’s all she’s really ever known. But throughout her escape and refuge she grows into a stubborn, reckless, strong person. Shes passionate, dedicated and guarded.
Alaris is mysterious, he comes off as a smug playboy, but he’s guarded and secretive. When it comes to Lysandra he will do anything to keep her safe and feel comfortable.
The chemistry between them, the tension that builds. It’s a slow-burn, you get a splash of teasing here and there until the final moment. Together they are balanced, they are electric and I love them so much!
The friendships Lysandra forms with those closest to Alaris, she discovers a bit more about herself. What she wants from this new life.
The ending…that cliffhanger! Because what do you mean! Why!? I need to know what’s next for Lysandra and Alaris, because that ending just left me with so many questions.
Currently picking up my jaw from off the floor and trying to gather my thoughts.
Lysandra is a powerless princess of the flame, and upon her 21st birthday she is declared marriageable. However that night she dreams of a masked killer coming into her room. Her only thought is survival and if she wants to live, she can’t stay in the palace.
Under disguise as a servant she finds herself working for Lord Alaris. Alaris had a reputation that Lysandra knows she should stay away from, but she can’t. She finds herself drawn to him, trying to unravel the mystery of the masked man and trying to understand Alaris.
Lysandra starts off seeming naive about the world outside of the Palace, it’s all she’s really ever known. But throughout her escape and refuge she grows into a stubborn, reckless, strong person. Shes passionate, dedicated and guarded.
Alaris is mysterious, he comes off as a smug playboy, but he’s guarded and secretive. When it comes to Lysandra he will do anything to keep her safe and feel comfortable.
The chemistry between them, the tension that builds. It’s a slow-burn, you get a splash of teasing here and there until the final moment. Together they are balanced, they are electric and I love them so much!
The friendships Lysandra forms with those closest to Alaris, she discovers a bit more about herself. What she wants from this new life.
The ending…that cliffhanger! Because what do you mean! Why!? I need to know what’s next for Lysandra and Alaris, because that ending just left me with so many questions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
* I would like to begin by saying that I received this book as arc in exchange for an honest review. I GREATLY thank the author for giving me a chance to read this before the world can have it too.
Y’ALL! This book is going to make it into the big leagues I just know it. The storyline is UNIQUE! It is COZY! It is FAST PACED! It is GRIPPING! I actually need about a thousand more pages of this book. In front of my eyeballs. Processing in my brain. RIGHT NOW!
I don’t want to give away too much of this book because I want people to go into it the same way I did where it was slightly vague, but then the storyline weaves and it becomes so magical. The FMC is a princess fleeing the unsettling feeling of death, but along the way we see her grow into herself and I LOVED that she took on such unique jobs to find some freedom.
I only have two qualms (one is a minor, tiny spoiler). 1. I wish she had named the dang birds! They needed cutesy little names (I ask for so little). And 2. That absolute cliffhanger of an ending was DIRTY! I flipped the page looking for the next chapter and THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT IN THE BOOK! I need the next installment of these series in the next 5 minutes or I may die.
I can’t thank the author enough for writing this masterpiece and I cannot freaking WAIT for how the rest of this series will pan out. This is easily one of my favorite books of the year!
Character development: 5/5
Spice: 1.5/5
Plot: 5/5
World building: 4/5
Y’ALL! This book is going to make it into the big leagues I just know it. The storyline is UNIQUE! It is COZY! It is FAST PACED! It is GRIPPING! I actually need about a thousand more pages of this book. In front of my eyeballs. Processing in my brain. RIGHT NOW!
I don’t want to give away too much of this book because I want people to go into it the same way I did where it was slightly vague, but then the storyline weaves and it becomes so magical. The FMC is a princess fleeing the unsettling feeling of death, but along the way we see her grow into herself and I LOVED that she took on such unique jobs to find some freedom.
I only have two qualms (one is a minor, tiny spoiler). 1. I wish she had named the dang birds! They needed cutesy little names (I ask for so little). And 2. That absolute cliffhanger of an ending was DIRTY! I flipped the page looking for the next chapter and THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT IN THE BOOK! I need the next installment of these series in the next 5 minutes or I may die.
I can’t thank the author enough for writing this masterpiece and I cannot freaking WAIT for how the rest of this series will pan out. This is easily one of my favorite books of the year!
Character development: 5/5
Spice: 1.5/5
Plot: 5/5
World building: 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC!
Genre: Dark Romantasy
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 2/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete duology. Single first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Available on KU. Expected publication date is 9/15/2026.
Standing ovation for this debut Romantacy. I swear Alison wrote this book just for me because it ticked so many of my boxes. There is a suspense element that reads like a thriller and I ate it up!
This story follows Ly who is the youngest daughter to the fire Emperor. She has visions of a masked man hunting and killing her but she knows no one will believe she is in danger. In this book we follow her journey to stay a step ahead of her would be murderer while trying to figure out the who and when of it all. This sets up and unfolds so beautifully and when I tell you I was a nervous wreck in the last 10% I'm not exaggerating. My anxiety was through the roof.
This is well written with beautifully placed twists and turns that will have you questioning how you didn't see it coming. This book is exactly why you support indie authors and give their books a chance. If you love darker romantic fantasy you have to give this book a try. I'm so excited to see where the final book takes us!
Genre: Dark Romantasy
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 2/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete duology. Single first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Available on KU. Expected publication date is 9/15/2026.
Standing ovation for this debut Romantacy. I swear Alison wrote this book just for me because it ticked so many of my boxes. There is a suspense element that reads like a thriller and I ate it up!
This story follows Ly who is the youngest daughter to the fire Emperor. She has visions of a masked man hunting and killing her but she knows no one will believe she is in danger. In this book we follow her journey to stay a step ahead of her would be murderer while trying to figure out the who and when of it all. This sets up and unfolds so beautifully and when I tell you I was a nervous wreck in the last 10% I'm not exaggerating. My anxiety was through the roof.
This is well written with beautifully placed twists and turns that will have you questioning how you didn't see it coming. This book is exactly why you support indie authors and give their books a chance. If you love darker romantic fantasy you have to give this book a try. I'm so excited to see where the final book takes us!
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!
Review of advance copy
*advance reader copy review - thank you book funnel and Alison Archer*
3.5 🌟
What an interesting story! I think the character development of our FMC was well done; her experiences allowed growth that aligned with the plot well. I was slightly confused with the "why" at the beginning, but it was fully revealed at the end. Some of the language used my the FMC was a bit immature, but it was so overwhelming to the point of distracting. The world building was more on the minimal side, but it did suit the story. My biggest disappointment was the lack of magic system development. How it came to be, why certain people have it, what determines it's strengths, how does it develop into new skills - these questions weren't tackled. I will say the surprise at the end was jaw dropping - I wasn't expecting that!
3.5 🌟
What an interesting story! I think the character development of our FMC was well done; her experiences allowed growth that aligned with the plot well. I was slightly confused with the "why" at the beginning, but it was fully revealed at the end. Some of the language used my the FMC was a bit immature, but it was so overwhelming to the point of distracting. The world building was more on the minimal side, but it did suit the story. My biggest disappointment was the lack of magic system development. How it came to be, why certain people have it, what determines it's strengths, how does it develop into new skills - these questions weren't tackled. I will say the surprise at the end was jaw dropping - I wasn't expecting that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I just finished Shadoward, my pulse is still racing, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series! I enjoyed how the story unfolded - learning layer by layer about the world, magic, and characters along the way.
I liked the FMC who occasionally makes impulsive choices, and REALLY liked the shadow daddy. The buildup to the spice was so good. And I was totally floored by the way it ended.
My one suggestion would be to move the glossary/information at the end of the book to the front by the map - so I would know it was there if I wanted to reference it.
I just finished Shadoward, my pulse is still racing, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series! I enjoyed how the story unfolded - learning layer by layer about the world, magic, and characters along the way.
I liked the FMC who occasionally makes impulsive choices, and REALLY liked the shadow daddy. The buildup to the spice was so good. And I was totally floored by the way it ended.
My one suggestion would be to move the glossary/information at the end of the book to the front by the map - so I would know it was there if I wanted to reference it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
-Free ARC Review-
Shadoward is an interesting premise - Different than many of the other romantasy books I’ve read.
I really enjoyed the world building and the story telling aspects. While the dialogue was a little bit cheesy at times, it didn’t take away from the larger story.
Lysandra is a likeable and interesting protagonist, while not the best decision maker at times.
I look forward to reading the sequel when it eventually comes out!
Shadoward is an interesting premise - Different than many of the other romantasy books I’ve read.
I really enjoyed the world building and the story telling aspects. While the dialogue was a little bit cheesy at times, it didn’t take away from the larger story.
Lysandra is a likeable and interesting protagonist, while not the best decision maker at times.
I look forward to reading the sequel when it eventually comes out!
August 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from the author
I am so glad I read this book. It’s written so well and the story is so compelling that I just couldn’t stop reading. I loved both the FMC and the MMC so much and their chemistry was so good. I’ll be reading this again soon, especially after that ending. I cannot wait for the next book and I will be recommending this to all of my friends! This is one of my favourite books from this year!
I am so glad I read this book. It’s written so well and the story is so compelling that I just couldn’t stop reading. I loved both the FMC and the MMC so much and their chemistry was so good. I’ll be reading this again soon, especially after that ending. I cannot wait for the next book and I will be recommending this to all of my friends! This is one of my favourite books from this year!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book! Screaming crying throwing up. I absolutely loved this book. The plot, the characters, the world building. My goodness it blew me away. The anticipation waiting for the 🌶️ pheww!
This is my review on an advanced reader copy from the author.
This is my review on an advanced reader copy from the author.
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 - 10 of 10 reviews