Nocturnal Magic

Shadows & Flame #2

by C.N. Crawford

“Remember the darkness. Only the darkness will save you.” As part of a deal with the god of night, Ursula is sent to the Shadow Realm. There, she must live in the forbidding palace of an ancient night demon. Granted--he seems to hate her. But he's easy on the eyes, powerful as hell, and he's supposed to keep her safe. But all that changes when the god of night chooses Ursula to fight for him in series of trials. Now, she must vanquish a horde of lethal demons, one at a time. Worse--she may have to battle her own guardian, who has centuries of slaughter on his side. And only one can survive. In order to live, Ursula must learn to fight like a brutal shadow demon, and resist the dark temptations of the realm. If she fails, the god of night will drag her down into hell with him.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Demons, Paranormal Romance, Romance

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2016

About the author

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C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.

We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.

CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.

Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).

Reviews

[Jeanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an average read up till the end. That ending was a complete surprise & it changes everything! I look forward to seeing both the repercussions & the new dynamics in action next book.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here are some of my thoughts:
• More interesting, fast-paced plot than the former one. It’s also more serious. I kinda miss what we learn in the 1st book, but there are some interesting developments in this one.
• I like the romance, but it’s a bit startling that Kester is barely a passing thought now for Ursula. I mean I suppose it makes sense because she explains at the beginning of the book that he has ghosted her – but I’m surprised that he doesn’t mean more to her to even ponder over. With that being said, I really do like Bael who is surprisingly noble and considerate. I like him. I still miss Kester, but based on what I’ve seen so far, it seems Bael might be a better fit for Ursula.
• In the sexist social construct of this world, I like that we see Ursula proving her strength (while also embracing her feminine side because she won’t be pressured into dressing more conservative because of social norms). In addition, I find it a pleasant surprise that the lords’ wives are voicing to Ursula that it’s not fair that their husbands get to do whatever they want while they are expected to be weak and obedient. I really hope we get to see them again in the future where they fight against their terrible husbands.
• Cera is a loyal, supportive friend for Ursula in this book. It’s also great to see that at the beginning of this book, Ursula has established a strong friendship with Zee (surprising considering their mutual dislike of one another when they first met – but not that surprising because they ended up saving each other lives). I appreciate the friendships that we have seen so far.

So I enjoyed this. It’s solid. 3 stars

Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending? Cliffhanger b/c not the last book, but not particularly unhappy
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note? It’s not an active love triangle, but we did see Ursula being primarily caught up with Kester in the with a somewhat vague interest in Bael in the 1st book. This book, she explained at the beginning that Kester and her didn’t really talk about the last 6 months ever since what happened at the end of 1st book, and he sorta ghosted her. She’s completely caught up in Bael in this book.

Bael used to be married, but his wife is dead. It doesn’t seem like he has been with anyone since.
Tears-worthy? No
Humor? A few “light” moments/bantering, but not really humor
Favorite scenes? The battle at the end b/w Bael and Ursula and she finds out he didn’t bring a weapon and she distracted enough to pierce him with a sword. Then, he attacked her and she apologized to him for what she said. And then, the ring and plot twist
What age level would be appropriate? This seems to be more NA rather than YA or adult. There are sexual moments, crude language, creepy guys, etc.

[Ms. Cyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still confused

It almost feels like Ursula is foreign exchange student from an enemy country. Most beings want her dead. It's interesting that Bael does not. I don't think he knows what to do with her. I also wish I knew why he is so honorable while the other lords are not.

I'm still confused about the gods. Nyxobas wants her for something but not sure why. He puts her in the arena with all those warriors for some reason. There is teasing snippets of her past but none of it makes sense. I'm ready for some answers.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ursula is off to the Shadow Realm to fulfill her 6 month contract with Nyxobas. Little did she realize that their stronghold was on the moon!! There are a few surprises when she arrives - 1) no one likes her and a bunch of people want to kill her just because she is a hellhound and 2) her appointed guardian is none other than Bael! He still doesn't have his wings, and is a target himself. Seems the shadow realm is a bit savage with a "weak link gets tossed in the void" culture. Ursula messes up almost immediately by suggesting Bael have a trial to get his wings back. Nyxobas grants this, but everyone gets 5 champions against Bael, and as if that isn't bad enough Nyxobas chooses Ursula to be his champion. Only one person can survive. If Ursula wants her freedom, she will have to kill Bael, and if he wants his wings and status back, he will have to kill her. Always the gentleman, Bael agrees to train and protect her until the final showdown. Awww! Training involves some close contact too - hubba, hubba!

I'm enjoying this series! I still have no idea what is going on with the big picture of things, but I don't seem to care at the moment. No one is bugging me, and I like the storyline. The ending has me hooked for another book, so I'm off to get it now.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

+2
Me ha gustado, sí. Más que el primer libro, para que mentir. Ahora, sigue siendo muy malo a nivel escrito.

[Dani · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like this book had no editor and that the authors just used a flimsy gladiator story to lead up to a very bland "plot twist" that could be seen from a hundred miles away. The main character has no development and the guy, Bael, is about as charismatic as a clump of dirt. Also, the "British" terminology felt very forced and fake still.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! The story was very exciting and the character development was really good. The relationship development between Bael and Ursula was good too. I think this book could've used some more editing and more paragraphs, but it's not a big deal.

Summary:
Great character/relationship development
Exciting story
Kickass heroine
Good worldbuilding

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just OK. Ursula was a contradiction of the worst kind, bouncing between super dumb and kind of boring. Plus the whole 'I have no memories of who I was' shtick got old. Some parts were good but most of it dragged and got repetitive. It really needed a recap of what happened in the first book, I read it so long ago it was like basically going in blind. There were a few references but not enough for me to really make sense of what had happened. I apparently liked the first book, I have it 4 stars, but I don't remember why or anything about it really. Nothing was really resolved, since this series is in KU I'll probably try one more, but if it doesn't move along quicker and provide some answers I'll most likely end up tapping out altogether.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Nocturnal Magic was so amazing! I adored the first book, but this one kicked it's a$$! I was so happy we see more of the hardcore side of Ursula. We got to experience Bael and see him through the entire book, but there was like NO Kester in this book, which was pretty sad for me! The story was hella interesting and has left me itching to read book 3 and discover what happens next. I literally could not put this book down at all!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment was so much better than its predecessor. I'm kind of freaking out over how good it was. The world-building in this book was wicked cool, and it was so full of action, my eyes were pretty much glued to the page. The relationship between Bael and Ursula was amazing, and the character development she went through was believable and interesting. I'm so excited for the next book, I'm practically jumping for joy. Yeah. Kind of embarrassing how much I liked this.

5/5

[Denise Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. We see Ursula start her stay in the shadow realm, where she is the guest of the very demon who's soul she signed over. This book entails how she must work with Bael to try to retain his manor and regain his wings or her freedom from the shadow gods contact. In a fight to the death against all odds how will it end?

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Picking up some six months or so from where book one left off, Ursula finds herself heading to the dark realm of Nyxobas and his demons.
When she gets there, she is given into the care of Bael, weaponless, powerless, and with no rights whatsoever. To top it off, Bael is hardly happy with her, since their last meeting resulted in his being stripped of his position with Nyxobas.
It’s not long before she’s forced into a competition, where the players are fighting each other for Bael’s house and position, while Bael himself tries to win it back.

As the second book in the series, this isn’t a standalone, and cannot be read as one either- it builds upon the events in the first book, which are pivotal to the themes in this one.
Ursula goes through some rather interesting events in this book. While Bael becomes a more intriguing person, his history gradually being revealed to Ursula and us, the book lets us know that Ursula has her own intriguing history, and she might not want to remember the past she has forgotten.
For me, her past seems intriguing, but since she only recently turned eighteen, this past occurred to a fifteen year old and younger, and it seems both Bael and Ursula herself have forgotten this fact: fifteen year olds make dumb choices frequently. It’s my one complaint about the series- Ursula doesn’t act eighteen, and the age of eighteen doesn’t work too well for the series (maybe aging her up a decade or at least to twenty-one would have been better; in my mind that’s her age!).
That being said, the story otherwise is interesting and engrossing. I was particularly fond of the bats in this one, and enjoyed the unusual position of the dark realm.
This is an enjoyable series for urban fantasy fans, with an intriguing hero and mysterious heroine, and a darkly dangerous demonic world in which they live. I’m looking forward to finding out more about Ursula’s secrets, and what Bael will do next.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series was even better than the first one! Ursula has finally accepted her role as a hell hound for the fire demon goddess Emerazel, even if she doesn't want the role. As part of a deal at the end of the previous book, she has to spend six months of the year in the realm of the night god Nyxobas and the time to go is today! To say she is nervous is an understatement. She has no idea what the god wants from her or why he wants her to spend time in his Shadow Realm, but go she must!

Her guardian for her time in this realm is the last person she expected and although he doesn't seem happy to see her there, he promises to protect her as much as possible. Unfortunately for them both, they are caught up in a battle between the demon lords and now Ursula has the fight of her life on her hands. She has to defeat scores of demons in a series of trials if she is going to stay alive. Her guardian also has to take part in the trials, which can only mean one thing. One of them has to kill the other to survive!

I loved how Bael helped Ursula and trained her as much as possible. Without him, she would never have survived this world! It also lead to more questions about what or who Ursula is - I have an idea, but not sure about it yet! I also really liked how her skills and powers have started to evolve - it seems there is more about Former Ursula that is slowly creeping in, but I hope we do find out what she was and why she signed the soul contract with the fire demon goddess. And Abrax so needs his comeuppance soon too!

Off to start Book 3, Primeval Magic, now!

[One chapter more · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a part of a deal made between gods Ursula needs to spend 6 months in Shadow Realm, but who would have thought that its location is no where else but the dark side of a moon? Without a friend, weapon or even own clothing she enters a land where most of population wants her dead. Will she survive?

Now, that was a party. Starting with Ursula going to a new realm, fighting her way through tournament and ending with her gaining a fiance, new skills and leaving countless dead bodies. Omg! That's all I have to say. Action, action and one more time- action that you cannot miss!

As a continuation of the series I believe I liked this sequel better than the first book. We finally are getting to know the real Ursula, even though we still don't know her past. We can finally try to imagine how the story is going to go and what is the purpose of it all. Surprise after surprise makes this plot interesting and extremely exciting. We don't know what's going to happen next, we can just feel the blood rushing in our veins with each chapter. We get to know other characters as well and new friendships are made.

I have nothing to hide when I say that I love stories like this one, only if there was something I could add from myself- considering this is adult directed fiction, maybe we should get more adult action? I think this would hit that special spot in my romance loving heart. But still 5 stars as I simply love the Crawford duet writing!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the first. I am moving on to Book 3. The story in this second book focused around Ursula and her time in Nyxobas' realm. This is more of a Part 2 than a Book 2. The story covered the entire period of her time on that realm, but storylines continue to the next book. This book focused on Gladiator style challenges and had plenty of action. Some new characters were introduced, both bad and good. Only one really stood out and appears to carry over to the next story. The inner monolog of Ursula continues and provides some lol moments. I didn't have any dragging moments in this book at all. In the first book I had a hard time getting through the beginning. The 3rd book appears to start right where this one left off. I really enjoy these authors. I would recommend giving the series a chance as long as you know that each book is a continuation and the main storylines are not resolved.

[Owen Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another One

Another amazing fantasy novel, book two of the saga! I am truly enjoying these books they offer something so refreshing and unique! I secretly have a crush on Bael and Kester. Although, I was disappointed Kester wasn’t in this novel. Boy is he going to be upset when he finds out that Ursula has been getting cozy with the Bael the Shadow demon. The sexual and romantic tension between those two are so thick! I want them together. It’s one mystery and plot twist after the other. Once you begin reading you can’t stop. If your imagination is anything like mine then description is a BIG must because I visualize in my head while I read...my own movie theater. A couple of grammatical errors and one inconsistency that I saw otherwise one point away from perfection. Happy Reading!

[Laura Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second instalment of the Shadows & Flame series sees Ursula having to face the bargain the gods made about her at the end of book 1.

Without giving too much away, this bargain leads her to be a captive of the Shadow Realm and fighting to survive. She is under the care of Bael, who we were introduced to in book 1, who both has a duty to ensure her safety but also despises her as a hound of fire.

The world building in the book was the right amount for me, enough to allow the readers' imagination to work without being boring. We do start to see glimpses of Ursula's and Bael's past and bwck story, though I would have liked a bit more of this, but I guess that's what will make me read the next book in the series.

I don't think this is a series to read out of sync. Whist it's not particularly deep, the characters make more sense read a series.

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries abound

Pretty fantastic book two. Mysteries, abound, and holey shamoley questions galore. Ursula is thrust into the shadow realm for her 6 month stint for nyxobas and it was nothing like I expected! I mean the cruelty I could see but so many questions arise and we are fed crumbs that leave me pulling an Oliver twist, " please sir I want some more". I cannot wait to find out more about Ursula and that ending!! Also Bael, he is Mcdreamy but I need to know his motivations and what is going on in his brain. I will say that some parts of Ursula irked me hence the four star but there's potential for sure. She can be brutal and keep up with the big...uh ...demons! Ack bring on book three.

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was significantly better than the last book. While it still doesn’t explain a lot, we know a little bit more. Enough to appease my annoyances from the previous book. And there’s enough romantic tension here for me to settle in comfortably.

I am intrigued. I want to know what happened when she was 15. I want to know more. I wanna know if the H is who I think and assume it is. Where is Kester...bet that’s gunna be a problem.

Man it seems like the book is just ramping up. While the trials ended at the end of the book, I didn’t expect the book to end so soon with that minor plot complete. It was complete but I wanted more rather than having to go to another book.

It’s ok though because I’ll be reading the next one.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

better than the first

I found the first book a bit clumsy with plotting that seemed clearly driven by the authors and not the characters. Ursula also seemed annoyingly idiotic and unbelievable, especially for an 18 year old—very much a character rather than a fleshed out person. The second book is much better. For one, the authors stopped reminding me nonstop that she’s supposed to be 18 (entirely unrealistic, especially for someone with three years of memories and almost no life experience) and put her in a new location where she could mostly follow her own curiosity to learn more about her situation. The ending was predictable, but this is a genre book, so I’m not unhappy. Most importantly, I’m interested in what will happen next.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books seem to drag on and there’s not much forward progression in the overall mystery. It’s also always kind of confusing what the purpose of each book is. It has one, but it’s so vague and not cohesive. It also seems extremely far-fetched and like this chick is just getting by on random luck and loopholes alone.

I also feel like there’s a lot of filler. I’m invested to see what happens, but I really don’t think I’m going to be that impressed with the next book, either.

I don’t have the connection with either MC, they certainly have no connection despite what Ursula tells herself. So, I suppose we’ll see if any of that gets any better.

[Brendi Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

You guy's.. well guy and gal lol did a great job with this one .

I read the first book and enjoy it with some reservations about some of the characters. This book flowed a lot more. All the characters and their back stories and powers added up for me. Ursula keeps developing in my mind and is becoming one of my favorite. I wish that the ending wouldn't had been so laid out in the middle of the book. I saw where you were going with it. But I thought it was a great read. Already have the next one up and ready to read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. The book takes the story in a direction that I am quite happy with. Ursula continues to be a great character and her time in the Shadow Realm has me wondering a lot about the past that she can't remember. A great addition was Cera, the servant of Bael. I liked her interaction with Ursula and thought their friendship was a welcomed dynamic to the story.

As for Nyxobas, Abrax and the other demons of the Shadow Realm and what Ursula did to survive...you're just going to have to read it to find out. You won't regret it.

[Bigred6126 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book. I love this one. Ursala is the bomb, the shadow realm is actually helping her to remember a few things. She's really coming into herself. She still doesn't know who she is but she's accepting that she was at one time lethal. Bael is her other half in this one. His character is being developed and is given depth. He's trying to get his wings back and become the immortal he's been for well over a millennium. It pulled me in from the start and i didn't stop reading until I finished it. It's awesome!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted world of light and dark

Its hard to describe these books. I've really enjoyed reading them ,infact I haven't been able to put them down. Ursula is a complex character that seems to attract life threatening situations and most people want her dead.

The balance between the characters is intense, the have a natural hatred for each other yet I suspect there is something deeper at play. A really interesting read that kept me gripped.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better..

K so the 1sr one sucked big balls but this 2nd one. I read because I though. Hey maybe it was a fluke. I mean they have a good concept.. if they could just stop making therelead female such a whining twit it would be better nd they did. Now if they can only keep it up on the 3rd book... by the way the being of this book was mind blowing. Kodos. I didn't see that coming..

[Tala Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!

This book had me on the edge most of the time! The duels, melee and racing could not be measured with intensity and thrill and fear of whether Ursula would survive or not. The twists at the end made my head spin. I'm excited to see what happens in the third book as there are still many questions about Ursula, who she is and what she is. Maybe more will make itself known as I go forward with the story. Thanks for another great read!

[Suzanne Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling and fun!

Yet another series that I am truly enjoying by C N Crawford. I always end up becoming engrossed in the stories to the point where I stay up too late reading them, or forget to do other things, like eat! New worlds to explore, dark realms to discover and often violent, unexpected plot twists with a strong female lead. Yes, please.

[Turner Keith Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

:)

Yes!! This book was great. I absolutely loved the deeply original places this world went too. Ursula is still kick-ass, and Bael is a big huge emotional hard-ass that is really just a teddy bear. I loved this book even more than the first one and I can't wait to continue this series.

[Sparty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

Omg. So good. Even better than the first one and the first one was so good! Loved it. I had no idea the direction it would take. Although after I
Read a certain convo with the “wives” I sort of figured a way out! Anyway, now I have questions that I need answered!! Can’t wait for more.