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Wytch Kings #3
Shadowspire
Shy and bookish Prince Jaire of Altan is not particularly enthralled with the idea of marrying the simpering Lady Bria of Irilan, but Altan needs to renew its ties with the neighboring kingdom. For the sake of the alliance, Jaire is willing to do his duty, even if he would much rather marry a prince.
Sole survivor of the massacre now called the Irilan Rebellion, Prince Vayne of Irilan disappeared so long ago, no one even remembers his name. Trapped in the mythe to protect a secret that could change the balance of power in Skanda, Vayne has been fighting to retain his sanity for centuries.
When Jaire sees the ghost of a handsome young man dressed in fashions centuries old, he fears he might be losing his mind. But the ghost proves to be far more than a restless spirit, and might just hold the key to Altan’s future, as well as the key to Jaire’s heart.
(~79,000 words)
Sole survivor of the massacre now called the Irilan Rebellion, Prince Vayne of Irilan disappeared so long ago, no one even remembers his name. Trapped in the mythe to protect a secret that could change the balance of power in Skanda, Vayne has been fighting to retain his sanity for centuries.
When Jaire sees the ghost of a handsome young man dressed in fashions centuries old, he fears he might be losing his mind. But the ghost proves to be far more than a restless spirit, and might just hold the key to Altan’s future, as well as the key to Jaire’s heart.
(~79,000 words)
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2017
14 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Jaye McKenna
24 books132 followersJaye McKenna was born a Brit and was dragged, kicking and screaming, across the Pond at an age when such vehement protest was doomed to be misinterpreted as a “paddy”. She grew up near a sumac forest in Minnesota and spent most of her teen years torturing her parents with her electric guitar and her dark poetry. She was punk before it was cool and a grown-up long before she was ready. Jaye writes fantasy and science fiction stories about hot guys who have the hots for each other. She enjoys making them work darn hard for their happy endings, which might explain why she never gets invited to their parties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 22, 2020
I knew Jaire’s book was going to be amazing! Shadowspire is easily my favorite out of the three I’ve read so far.
I really liked the fact that even though Jaire and Vayne’s relationship was a big part of the story, the author took her time with these two, and did some more worldbuilding in the meantime. The main plot is moving forward nicely, too. Some things were resolved far too easily — I see a pattern here — but I don’t mind that sometimes. And I’m not reading this for the suspense, anyway.
I really liked the fact that even though Jaire and Vayne’s relationship was a big part of the story, the author took her time with these two, and did some more worldbuilding in the meantime. The main plot is moving forward nicely, too. Some things were resolved far too easily — I see a pattern here — but I don’t mind that sometimes. And I’m not reading this for the suspense, anyway.
Want to read
November 28, 2017Another amazing Christmas present from Josy, I'm so excited to read!! Thank you sweets! xx
February 12, 2017
This was the best yet! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 7, 2017
4.5 dragon stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and dragons...so many dragons!!!
And yes, it was another awesome Dragon story!!!
So me and my dragon cyber child have continued on with this incredibly good series...
'Shadowspire' is the third book in this series and it's Jaire's story. We met Jaire in the first book. He's the younger brother of Wytch King Jaire and his wytch power is that he's an empath. As a powerful empath Jaire senses feelings even those of some one who's been trapped in the mythe for centuries. As Jaire begins to learn about his 'mystery ghost' he learns that his new friend is in fact Prince Vayne a member of the royal family that was destroyed by the Wytch Council and supposedly wiped out and more importantly he holds secrets from the past that have the potential to change the future for an entire kingdom.
I loved Jaire and Vayne. Jaire was so sweet and naive. He's never had a relationship and this came through in their relationship as these two became closer. There were some incredibly sweet and dorky moments...like when Jaire wanted to show Vayne 'one of his books'...yeah, damn straight that was a euphemism. It totally worked for these two and had me giggling like a 12 year old...it was awesome.
In between these sweet dorky moments though there was an awesome story fraught with danger and intrigue as the tension between the Wytch Council and the Wytch King Gerrick and his allies builds...there's a war brewing as the Wytch Kings prepare to defy the iron grip of the council and with the arrival of Prince Vayne the tide has changed and when the battle comes the council may be in for a surprise but what remains to be seen is if it will be enough to ensure the Wytch Kings are successful in their bid for freedom and trust me...I am so there. Me and my awesome cyber child will be continuing on with this amazing series not just for the coming battle but until the war is won...so bring on the dragons...all the dragons!
And yes, it was another awesome Dragon story!!!
So me and my dragon cyber child have continued on with this incredibly good series...
'Shadowspire' is the third book in this series and it's Jaire's story. We met Jaire in the first book. He's the younger brother of Wytch King Jaire and his wytch power is that he's an empath. As a powerful empath Jaire senses feelings even those of some one who's been trapped in the mythe for centuries. As Jaire begins to learn about his 'mystery ghost' he learns that his new friend is in fact Prince Vayne a member of the royal family that was destroyed by the Wytch Council and supposedly wiped out and more importantly he holds secrets from the past that have the potential to change the future for an entire kingdom.
I loved Jaire and Vayne. Jaire was so sweet and naive. He's never had a relationship and this came through in their relationship as these two became closer. There were some incredibly sweet and dorky moments...like when Jaire wanted to show Vayne 'one of his books'...yeah, damn straight that was a euphemism. It totally worked for these two and had me giggling like a 12 year old...it was awesome.
In between these sweet dorky moments though there was an awesome story fraught with danger and intrigue as the tension between the Wytch Council and the Wytch King Gerrick and his allies builds...there's a war brewing as the Wytch Kings prepare to defy the iron grip of the council and with the arrival of Prince Vayne the tide has changed and when the battle comes the council may be in for a surprise but what remains to be seen is if it will be enough to ensure the Wytch Kings are successful in their bid for freedom and trust me...I am so there. Me and my awesome cyber child will be continuing on with this amazing series not just for the coming battle but until the war is won...so bring on the dragons...all the dragons!
January 23, 2017
5 Stars. I really love this series and can't wait for the next book. I especially love the way that Jaye McKenna as woven the tales of the Guardians of the Pattern series, Guardians of the Leythe and Wytch Kings series into the same "universe". They are completely different series one being primarily sci-fi and the others being fantasy but they all operate on the same rules with a couple of characters in common.
My only complaint is that Jaye doesn't write fast enough!!
My only complaint is that Jaye doesn't write fast enough!!
September 25, 2018
So exciting!
My heart hurt for Vayle stuck in the mythe for centuries alone. The adorable sweet Jaire finally grown finds love!
This storyline was not as violent as Blackfrost was but just as tense. The Council is still trying to take over control of Altan and capturing Jaire & Kian nearly makes that happen.
I’m looking forward to Tristan recovering from his addiction and what is in store for his future.
My heart hurt for Vayle stuck in the mythe for centuries alone. The adorable sweet Jaire finally grown finds love!
This storyline was not as violent as Blackfrost was but just as tense. The Council is still trying to take over control of Altan and capturing Jaire & Kian nearly makes that happen.
I’m looking forward to Tristan recovering from his addiction and what is in store for his future.
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February 7, 2017Shadowspire is now available at Amazon and Smashwords
Coming soon to other retailers.
Coming soon to other retailers.
November 29, 2017
4.25 stars
Really enjoying this series. Very well written and edited. A bit verbose, which led to minor skimming, but that didn’t diminish the quality of the story. Looking forward to the next one.
Really enjoying this series. Very well written and edited. A bit verbose, which led to minor skimming, but that didn’t diminish the quality of the story. Looking forward to the next one.
January 2, 2019
This one was not one of my favorites. In fact I actually started it about last week but got bored at about 20% and moved on to something else. I usually get like that though after reading several in a series rather close together so don’t take my word for it...
February 10, 2018
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes)
As usual, I didn’t read the blurb before I read the book. I had no idea what the story would be about but knew from page one that it was going to be Jaire’s story. Prince Jaire is the brother of Garrik, our hero from book one who is now the Wytch King of Altan. Jaire is the underdog. He is the frailer younger brother who was despised by their father because their mother died giving birth to him.
A little background. The Kingdoms of Altan, Irilan, and others are all part of the nation…I’d guess you would say…of Skanda. Skanda is ruled by a Council that is trying desperately to keep the Wytch Kings from gaining too much power and escaping the clutches of the Council.
Jaire is now old enough to be forced into an arranged marriage and the Council of Skanda has decided that he is to marry Bria of Irilan, a woman he can tell despises him. Prince Garrik was originally the one who was to marry Bria, but the Council decreed that Garrik could never marry because of his dragonshifter abilities. Garrik of course was very happy with that because it opened the way for him to be with Ilya. But back to our current story. Bria is Garrik’s age, in her early thirties if I remember correctly, and Jaire is something like ten years her junior.
Prince Vayne was the youngest son of the former Wytch King of the neighboring Kingdom of Irilan, but his entire family was destroyed by the Council during what was termed the Irilan Rebellion nearly two hundred years previously. When the mysterious ghostly presence showed up, in the form of Prince Vayne, I was intrigued with where the author was going with this one. Let’s just say Vayne became a huge part of the story and things progressed from there. I’m not going to give any spoilers on how!
I’m loving this series. The author writes in an entertaining style and the stories move along fast. I had to force myself to put the book down and get some sleep last night, but then picked it back up at 5AM to finish it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Great job.
As usual, I didn’t read the blurb before I read the book. I had no idea what the story would be about but knew from page one that it was going to be Jaire’s story. Prince Jaire is the brother of Garrik, our hero from book one who is now the Wytch King of Altan. Jaire is the underdog. He is the frailer younger brother who was despised by their father because their mother died giving birth to him.
A little background. The Kingdoms of Altan, Irilan, and others are all part of the nation…I’d guess you would say…of Skanda. Skanda is ruled by a Council that is trying desperately to keep the Wytch Kings from gaining too much power and escaping the clutches of the Council.
Jaire is now old enough to be forced into an arranged marriage and the Council of Skanda has decided that he is to marry Bria of Irilan, a woman he can tell despises him. Prince Garrik was originally the one who was to marry Bria, but the Council decreed that Garrik could never marry because of his dragonshifter abilities. Garrik of course was very happy with that because it opened the way for him to be with Ilya. But back to our current story. Bria is Garrik’s age, in her early thirties if I remember correctly, and Jaire is something like ten years her junior.
Prince Vayne was the youngest son of the former Wytch King of the neighboring Kingdom of Irilan, but his entire family was destroyed by the Council during what was termed the Irilan Rebellion nearly two hundred years previously. When the mysterious ghostly presence showed up, in the form of Prince Vayne, I was intrigued with where the author was going with this one. Let’s just say Vayne became a huge part of the story and things progressed from there. I’m not going to give any spoilers on how!
I’m loving this series. The author writes in an entertaining style and the stories move along fast. I had to force myself to put the book down and get some sleep last night, but then picked it back up at 5AM to finish it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Great job.
June 5, 2022
Disclaimer - I beta read this and cannot promise a non biased review
This is the third story in this series, again set in Altan some years after the last book. Jaire, empath and younger brother of Wytch King Garrick is all grown up.. and takes matters into his own hands when it's proposed he marries Bria, a princess from a family that Garrick wishes to encourage a closer bond. With the betrothal jewels comes Vayne, a ghost prince and dragon shifter imprisoned in the mythe for some 200 years following the fall of his own family.
Jaire and Vayne's story is part of a much larger over arching plot that is building to a climactic war between the royal families and the Wytch Masters. With the formation of the Northern Alliance things can only look to come to head... and presumably start the Wytch Wars in the very near future.
This is the third story in this series, again set in Altan some years after the last book. Jaire, empath and younger brother of Wytch King Garrick is all grown up.. and takes matters into his own hands when it's proposed he marries Bria, a princess from a family that Garrick wishes to encourage a closer bond. With the betrothal jewels comes Vayne, a ghost prince and dragon shifter imprisoned in the mythe for some 200 years following the fall of his own family.
Jaire and Vayne's story is part of a much larger over arching plot that is building to a climactic war between the royal families and the Wytch Masters. With the formation of the Northern Alliance things can only look to come to head... and presumably start the Wytch Wars in the very near future.
July 23, 2019
A great addition to this series that stays true to the series, but definitely takes some unique twists in the story line. Much is revealed about the history of the Wytch Council and the current divisions. Prince J has really matured. Like Kian in the last story, he really comes into his own. The political intrigue is really upped as more pieces and plots continue to be revealed. The only warning I might issue is... If you are in the mood for more sexy times than just at the end of the story, you may want to wait to read. The only issue I had was, some MILD confusion, of exactly what happened during the climax. That is quite possibly due to fatigue and the late hour in which I was still reading. I will most definitely continue to read on in this series.
I am kind of curious where these events fit in the history of the Mythe that has threaded through many of Jaye's stories. That may be more common knowledge than I'm aware, since I am not much of a social media /author's website person.
I am kind of curious where these events fit in the history of the Mythe that has threaded through many of Jaye's stories. That may be more common knowledge than I'm aware, since I am not much of a social media /author's website person.
February 2, 2024
Why did I avoid this series for so long?!?! I'm hooked and loving it. Delighted to finally get Jaire's book. I knew his story was going to be great and yes, please it was. Of course there's a ghost/not ghost that only Jaire can see and hear. Vayne's been trapped in this limbo for so long he's frankly unaware of how long it's truly been. But, he has knowledge that the Wytch Masters have done their level best to destroy. The history of the land isn't exactly what they've all been led to believe. A confrontation with the Wytch Masters is coming and figuring out how to get Vayne back to the land of the living could be crucial.
Of course the action of this story picks up quickly with surprises for our heroes popping up regularly. Kidnappings, lost family and new potentials pop up and take everyone to the start of a new world order. I loved that Jaire really does get everything he's every wanted in this story. All the secret dreams he'd never admit to coming true and a guy adores along with it all.
Of course the action of this story picks up quickly with surprises for our heroes popping up regularly. Kidnappings, lost family and new potentials pop up and take everyone to the start of a new world order. I loved that Jaire really does get everything he's every wanted in this story. All the secret dreams he'd never admit to coming true and a guy adores along with it all.
November 21, 2017
Good job
Full of action and suspense and sex and love. What more could you ask for. Characters so developed that you either love or hate them. It's got it all
U
Full of action and suspense and sex and love. What more could you ask for. Characters so developed that you either love or hate them. It's got it all
U
March 10, 2018
Great build-up, intense scenes, and appealing characters. And dragons! Beautiful dragons :)
I'm hooked on the world building around the mythe and excited for more stories.
I'm hooked on the world building around the mythe and excited for more stories.
April 8, 2018
I really don't understand why I kept reading this book series, they are so bad.
July 3, 2018
4.5 stars
October 26, 2020
The best out of the seven books in the series, just above Askarra and Burn the Sky. The author uses the usual pattern but confronts more complex characters. That gives us a compelling story. Difficult to stop once you start to read it, if you generally like this type of fantasy (with magic, dragons and kingdoms).
February 12, 2017
5 stars!
This was my favourite book so far. It's been a while since I read the previous two books but it was easy to understand what was going on. Perhaps because of that, the world building felt refreshing to me and I really enjoyed it. I liked Jaire from previous books and was glad to see his story here. The couples from previous books played a huge role in this book and I really enjoyed seeing them here. The book builds up to a confrontation between the Wytch kings and the council and I'll be looking forward to reading that book.
Jaire was all grown up in this book but he was still heavily protected by his older brother much to his annoyance. It was plain to see that the brothers cared deeply for each other but Jaire wanted to do more than be protected. In a way, due to the over-protectiveness of his brother, Jaire was lonely since no one really dared to approach him. This was something he had in common with Vayne. I liked how it was kind of slow burn where they first bonded as friends.
Overall, I'll be looking forward to the next book!
This was my favourite book so far. It's been a while since I read the previous two books but it was easy to understand what was going on. Perhaps because of that, the world building felt refreshing to me and I really enjoyed it. I liked Jaire from previous books and was glad to see his story here. The couples from previous books played a huge role in this book and I really enjoyed seeing them here. The book builds up to a confrontation between the Wytch kings and the council and I'll be looking forward to reading that book.
Jaire was all grown up in this book but he was still heavily protected by his older brother much to his annoyance. It was plain to see that the brothers cared deeply for each other but Jaire wanted to do more than be protected. In a way, due to the over-protectiveness of his brother, Jaire was lonely since no one really dared to approach him. This was something he had in common with Vayne. I liked how it was kind of slow burn where they first bonded as friends.
Overall, I'll be looking forward to the next book!
February 17, 2017
Love Dragons!
If you love dragons and magic you are sure to love this book as much as I did. I would suggest reading the books in order since one story builds on the next.
If you love dragons and magic you are sure to love this book as much as I did. I would suggest reading the books in order since one story builds on the next.
February 12, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars. I think that this is my favorite of the series so far. I always like books in a series where all the characters from previous books are interwoven throughout the story. That was definitely the case with this book. One of my favorite supporting characters in the previous story was Jaire, the brother to Wytch King Garrick, so I was really glad that he got his own story. I enjoyed reading Jiare's and Vayne's interactions and thought they made a wonderful couple. I will say that you should probably read the first two books in the series in order to fully enjoy this one. I highly recommend all three books in this wonderful series.
February 9, 2017
I look forward to the next one, which I assume will be about Tristan.
July 14, 2017
Another full story that's answered some questions but left me wanting more.
I loved watching Jaire find his HEA with Vayne. The whole mystery of Vayne was interesting and I was happy to finally get more on the Wytch council.
In my opinion this series is getting better and I look forward to the next book.
I loved watching Jaire find his HEA with Vayne. The whole mystery of Vayne was interesting and I was happy to finally get more on the Wytch council.
In my opinion this series is getting better and I look forward to the next book.
January 20, 2017
This series keeps getting better! Awesome world-building, action and intrigue at court, lots of awesome dragons. Jaire and Vayne are a great match... and a new character that has totally captured my imagination. Yay. More please.
February 27, 2021
The only thing wrong with this book is that it ended! Wonderful mind movie, dragons flying in my head, royal weddings...and then it ended. It's a full story with no cliffhangers but I wanted to keep reading about these characters forever. Can't wait for the next book!
January 20, 2017
Another great addition to this series! I'll be happy when the council gets what's coming to them! I can't wait for the next book.
February 5, 2017
I really want Tristan's book now.
October 26, 2020
This one was also enjoyable read. Sounds like the overall political plot is intensifying. I can't wait for the next one ♡
Edit// 8/17/19
Even better second time reading it!
Edit// 8/17/19
Even better second time reading it!
February 7, 2017
If you haven't read the previous books in the series, this one has spoilers.
I skimmed through a large portion of this book. Things were rehashed over and over. We would experience something in one scene and then have to hear it being explained to others afterwards, sometimes more than once. So much time is spent up in people's heads. There were quite a few times that I almost DNFed it. I also felt the romance was sappy, a little too saccharine for me. Some people like that kind of thing, but it's not my cup of tea.
I skimmed through a large portion of this book. Things were rehashed over and over. We would experience something in one scene and then have to hear it being explained to others afterwards, sometimes more than once. So much time is spent up in people's heads. There were quite a few times that I almost DNFed it. I also felt the romance was sappy, a little too saccharine for me. Some people like that kind of thing, but it's not my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews