Ruled by Shadows

Light and Darkness #1

by Jayne Castel

In a land ruled by shadows, the fate of all lies in the hands of a girl who is afraid of the dark.

Meet Lilia, a young woman who is afraid of … everything.

Lilia’s life changes the day a stranger walks into the tavern where she works as a cook. Handsome and darkly mysterious, Saul leaves a charm-stone in her safekeeping. Only, what appears to be a humble hag stone—used by folk to ward off evil spirits—is in reality a powerful talisman. One that a secret brotherhood has spent five-hundred years searching for.

Life will never be the same for Lilia again.

Her shadow begins behaving strangely—and when The Shade Brotherhood come after her, Lilia must leave her sleepy isle to embark on an epic journey into danger, discovery … and love.

The shadows are deepening and an ancient evil risks being unleashed upon the world. Lilia must face the darkness, and her own fears—or there will be no going home.

Book #1 of the Light and Darkness series, RULED BY SHADOWS is for fans of Epic Fantasy and Fantasy Romance. Readers who love of Sarah J. Maas, Grace Draven and Leigh Bardugo, should enjoy this character-driven Epic Fantasy Romance about courage, strength and love.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fae

330 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2017

About the author

Multi-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.

Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.

When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/

Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com

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Reviews

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the feel of the story this is aimed at YA. It has a predictable plot and a slow beginning but it was still an OK read.
Would I recommend it? Yes, however some people might not like it.
Would I read the next book in the series? Yes I would.
If you love YA books then this is for you.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/27/2019)! 🎁

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I understand and support the intent to create a "real" not kickass heroine, but the execution falls short. Shame, this author can write but I found the story tedious, mostly because there is little to admire about the heroine. She never quite evolves from a frightened mouse. She has a few moments towards the end but it was too little too late. She needs to be heroine during the journey, not just at the end. I understand that the next two books will feature two of the more "heroic" characters. Because I did see the beauty in the writing, I may continue with the series.

[Lail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruled By Shadows is an epic fantasy romance with action, adventure, and a creative storyline. I enjoyed several of the characters. I commend the author for wanting to write the main heroine to be an average human with no super powers or as a ass-kicking warrior beauty. However, I felt I lost touch with the story because she was so helpless and relied way too much on the others, yet she was commended as being a strong and brave woman. I just didn't see or feel that she was and deserved the praise.
I have read other novals of the author's and I absolutely recommend reading this author's

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece written by Jayne Castel! This is such a great start to the Light and Darkness series and now I'm very much looking forward to reading the next books! I think, though, that after reading about the night creatures, I'll be staying inside after dark from now on! lol

There is evil afoot and you will be sitting on the edge of your seat as you read the story which is filled with enchantments, magic, dark forces, adventure, passion, betrayal, etc. My heart was in my mouth quite a few times!!

Lilia....Dain....Saul....Ryana....Asher....Valgarth, The Shadow King....all characters that play a big part in this story. Lilia has a secret she is trying to hide but it's soon revealed when she's given a hag stone to protect which ends up being a half of the "key" to release the evil Shadow King. Dain is in love with her and vows to protect her against whoever is after her. Read as they do everything possible to prevent the evil forces from taking over!

I was given an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kura Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruled by Shadows is a delightful twist on the Heroes Journey, in that the young farm boy trope is replaced by a young female kitchen girl. Filled with interesting characters and a world that feels large and believable I very much enjoyed immersing myself in the culture and history of Castel's creation - and let's not forget the magic!
I was a little surprised to discover that this is technically a standalone novel, the follow-up uses the same world but shifts focus to secondary characters. Fortunately all Castel's characters are interesting, so this is a positive, (& personality I prefer standalones) but I just wasn't expecting it as I had assumed being high/epic fantasy it followed a standard trilogy format.

[Celestine · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from author. No review.

[Deb]

Really strong first few chapters drew me in.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruled by Shadows
Jayne Castle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lilia moves to a busy port and finds work there at a local inn because she is tired of living in a small town. She has a big secret to keep and she doesn't ever want anyone to know, but her neat and orderly life is about to change the day a handsome stranger shows up at the inn.
She falls for him in every way, but he tells her he must leave and puts a charm stone around her neck telling her that she must keep it safe and that he will be back for it.

Dain has wanted Lilia from the moment she started work as a cook at the inn that his parents own, but it seems that she does not return his feelings. The man she seems to want has left leaving her strangly listless. Then when something strange happens and the man who gave her the charm comes back Dain steps up becoming Lilia's protecter.

Now Lilia must forge ahead on an epic journey into danger and discovery all while fleeing from shadow creatures and assassins. They must protect the stone at all costs as the shadows are deepening and an ancient evil risks being unleashed on the world. Lilia must not only face the darkness and come to terms with it she must face her own fears and understand who she really is.

Will Lilia and Dane be able to keep the stone safe or will the evil lurking in the shadows win?

Jayne Castle writes a story that is absolutly incredible. This epic fantasy will keep you rivited to the spot and reading long into the night. I had a blast reading this story and I can't wait to read the next one. This is a story that I will not be forgetting anytime soon.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. This was an exciting, action packed and emotion filled tale.
Lilia, daughter of Shale, had left her home and gone to Orin. She was going to be a cook there. Dain, son of Ailin, was the son and worked around the inn but he wanted to be part of the guard. Saul of Anthor was the King's youngest son and was very anxious to prove he was worthy. He would do anything. Rayna of Rider Vale was an enchanter of the dark and at one time was part of the house of light and dark.
A mesmerizing story from beginning to end. It grabs you and you are unable to put it down. There is everything under the sky happening here, death, lies, betrayal, traitors or turncoats but a lot of good happens as well. The Shadow creatures who move in the dark is a main fear thru out the four lands. They are extremely dangerous and deadly. I loved the way Lilia held off both men traveling with her and Rayna. But she soon discovered Dain's gentleness with her and his love for her. He would protect her until his death. There is so much more I would like to say but don't want spoilers .
This was an amazing book and I am grateful that I got to read it.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Rose Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Ruled by Shadows” a paranormal tale began a little slow, but once the story started to unfold with the intrigue, and drama I became engrossed in this story. The storyline is very original with a lot of moving parts and twists which add suspense and action to this tale. The characters feel authentic and well-developed with secrets that you learn along the way. Lilia, Dain, and Ryana are the main characters, with sub-characters Saul and Asher. Jayne Castel well-written story allows you to immerse yourself in this adventure and the struggle of good vs. evil, while it asks you to reevaluate what you think is good and what is evil? I loved this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruled by Shadows by Jayne Castel is an amazing story to read. This is book number one in this amazing start to a brand new series. Jayne Castel is becoming one of my favorite authors. She brought this story alive to me so I felt like I was living it not just reading it. This book has very strong characters and well written plot. I loved reading it. I love reading fantasy and this book when you purchase it will not disapoint you at all. I can not wait to read the next book I loved this one so much it can only get better reading as the series goes on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant fantasy adventure that has it all. It shows that first appearances can be very deceiving and strong friendships overcome anything. Lots of action, great descriptions of the shadow creatures and well written characters. A brilliant beginning to the series. My first experience of Jayne Castel's writing was her historical Brides of Skye series which I absolutely loved. This is very different but she is clearly a very versatile author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

A full deck of characters, all talented and memorable.
The story begins with Lilia a young naive girl leaving her small-town home, striking out on her own, against her mother’s wishes and advice. She meets many others; some are friends, others want her dead, or worse. She carries a secret within her that will get her killed, if her foes learn of it.
This story, book 1, held my interest throughout. It compares favorably to Tolkien’s immense tales. I shall purchase book 2.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wasn’t for me , 2.5

Too slow for me in the beginning and the middle was all run from town to town and be chased and repeat
Simple read though with predictable plot
I thought it wasn’t a YA novel but it really seemed geared to teen girls who want a simple fantasy romance read
Like I said someone else may like that just not what I like and I don’t think it’s geared for adults at all

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! It is an impossible to put down adventure in which four people are trying to save their world by preventing an ancient Evil from taking control. Lilia, the shifter, lives in fear of her life because shifters are considered to be part of the evil forces.Who can she trust in a world of betrayal? Will she fall in love with the wrong man?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Mcnew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an introduction to this author for me and I loved it! This is the first book in a series. But it ends with a happily for now, so no nail biting cliff hangers but plenty of loose ends to follow in the next book. With well written characters and excellent world building, I can not wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written fantasy book. I love Jayne Castel’s writting. I have read her other stories but this is my first fantasy by her. It was well written and the characters have death to them. You feel as if you are in the story right along with them. It holds you right from the start to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and compelling story that I couldn’t put down for a minute! The standard trope of a young savior is combined with compelling character developement. Additionally, no cliche teenage style love triangles detract from the plot! I can’t wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this with Kindle unlimited and I really enjoyed the story and the world the author creates, it is a semi standalone with. Hfn ending the next book follows different characters you meet in this book I will for sure be reading the rest of the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, story line and characters well written, would recommend to those who like Paranormal romance, highly reccommend, couldnt put it down, cant wait for next in series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Ruled by Shadows to be a really great book. The storyline is well written and draws you in. I loved the characters and found them well developed. I highly recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love her books and have trouble putting them down once started. I enjoy reading books based on this time in history.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Book

I am usually not into Fantasy type books. I gave a chance and was disappointed that Saul turned out to be a bad guy. Lilia and Dain found each other and fell in love.

[John Thiesfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although well written, the book did not maintain my interest as fully as other reads. As this is the first book in a series, perhaps it will pick up a little in later titles. A solid 3 stars.

[TigerLily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Goodreads Win

Ruled by Shadows (Light and Darkness #1)
by Jayne Castel
This is the first book of 3 in the Light and Darkness series and concentrates on Lilia, a young woman.

tbc

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What action, exciting story happening in this great book. Loved everything about it and couldn’t put it down.

[Sherry McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this free for a review. Another book keeping the reader on their toes. It was interesting and refreshing. Wasn't able to put it down until I had finished it.

[Raveen Vann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book and a great start to what will be an amazing and addicting series. These characters and just the storyline in general are really well written and one I honestly could not put down

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

was good