Eternal Magic

Shadows & Flame #4

by C.N. Crawford

Ursula hadn’t expected to return to the Shadow Realm a prisoner, but at least the dungeon reunites her with her old mentor, Kester. That’s only a small consolation when she learns the horrific plans of a shadowy demigod. Plans that involve her.

In order to fight back, she must find her fiancé, Bael. Together, they've got to steal Excalibur from the world's most powerful dragon-shifter.

On her journey, her shocking past is revealed, and Ursula finally learns the truth about herself. But she needs to stay focused. Because if the demigod gets his way with her—the world will come under his nefarious control, and Ursula will be lost in the void forever.

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

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2018

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

[One chapter more · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last installment of a series Demons of Fire and Night. I'm very sad to say goodbye but I am also sad because this story left me a bit disappointed. Why? Starting with a book number 1 we have excitement of a new adventure, a new beginning and a promise of something great. Book number 2 brought a continuation of the adventure and interesting plot (my favorite in this series). Book number 3 made me confused and left with a feeling that I am reading something completely outside of the series and now finally book number 4... What the heck? I'm not sure how I should feel but let me just say that I am not fulfilled.

I enjoyed reading each book in the series but I don't think they were coherent and said the same story. With each book I was more and more confused, mixing the events and who was who. I am not exactly sure what the story wanted to show us and still have no idea what was the whole purpose. I think once authors (which I absolutely adore) put so many ingredients into the pot, they didn't really know what the potion was, finding a cure and curses for anything around. Does it make sense? It's like- let's make a soup out of everything we have in a fridge. That's how I felt.

Still - I love this duet but they might work better if Alex is included?

I'm hoping the next read is going to be better. Also to add at the end- I rated each book separately, but if I had to rate the whole series it would be 2.99/ 5.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ursula once again finds herself in the clutches of Abrax, but the good news is that she also finds Kestor there. Abrax wants Ursula to join him in taking over the gods and the mortal world. She refuses, of course, right before she is rescued. Knowing Abrax's plan, she knows she needs to retrieve Excalibur from Lucian in order to defeat Abrax. So, Ursula and Bael visit Mt. Acidale where she learns a bit more about her forgotten past, and gains a powerful ally. Somehow she also gets caught up in a revolution to help the oneiroi in their bid for freedom.

I like this series. This book threw me a couple of curveballs, that aren't quite resolved yet. I'm wondering if there is another book in the works. The ending seemed like the end - there was a distinctive "happiness" to it; however, there were a bunch of unresolved issues that weren't even discussed at the end. So, I got the feeling they were just swept under the rug. I guess I will only know if another book is released.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me gustó sí, pero al mismo tiempo no entendí ciertas partes. Dió la sensación que la novela tomó un rumbo muy diferente así como han habido vacíos en el guion que necesitaban explicación.

[Jody McGrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive

I liked the story but the author kept repeating the same battles at different locations. I started skimming a lot. And why do we have to be told details of her clothes constantly? And reminded that she showers? And why did she keep wearing gowns???

[Karen Stein Incardona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok book

I found myself skimming to get through this book. I think I prefer the first books in this author's series. Each subsequent book has characters doing stupid stuff and the story does not flow. In this one, Ursula whips Bael at one point as part of some show. While wearing masks no less. Another thing that isn't explained although I assume the masks were thrown in because they needed their faces hidden. Otherwise the other characters wouldn't recognize them. The whole section isn't clearly explained and it doesn't move the story along at all. These weird side sequences (there are other needless events) feel like filler to make the book longer. Then Ursula is able to quickly find someone who hadn't been seen for millennia in one day.

I think the stories are written so quickly they aren't fully thought out. Plot holes are an issue for me. This book has plenty of them. The writing is fine. I would suggest the author slow down the writing process and fully develop the plots and characters. I did enjoy the first and second book in this series.

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t the greatest series for me. I ended up super frustrated quite a bit throughout the series. As we progressed with this book we got some memories but it seemed like Ursula could just wander around and luckily find someone who can help her. I’m not sure how I feel completely about the series as a whole but this book was decent. However I was annoyed with the love scene because we speak graphically throughout the series but once they finally were going to get together we get a brief few sentences especially when there was some tension leading up to this. And then suddenly Bael seems a bit different, more soft etc. idk I didn’t feel the change in him it felt sorta abrupt. Anyways I did like the series. I’m not sure the authors are my cup of tea but I’m willing to try another series to see if it was just this one.

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful ending to a great series! I’ll miss Ursula & Bael.

[Ewa · Rating 3 out of 5]

podsumowując całą serię:
- tom 1 - totalnie oderwany od reszty serii i nazwałabym go bardziej tomem 0,5 niż 1
- tom 2 - najlepszy tom z całej serii (i mógłby być jednocześnie tomem 1, bo tutaj dopiero zaczyna się prawdziwa akcja)
- tom 3 - meh
- tom 4 - meh, zakończenie mogłoby być znacznie lepiej napisane. samo zabicie tak wielu złoli w tak krótkim czasie prosi się o pomstę do nieba.

z innych rzeczy: jak będziecie pić nawet pół szota za każdym razem, kiedy ktoś z głównej ekipy jest porwany albo akurat się minął z kimś innym z głównej ekipy - szykujcie się na nieziemskiego kaca następnego dnia.

ogólnie: miałam zerowe oczekiwania, ale kończę tę serię z myślą, że sięgnę po resztę książek z tego uniwersum, bo seria nie była zła, była po prostu średnia i niedopracowana.

ogólna recenzja: 3,3/5

[Ali Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING

Such a fantastic series, every twist and turn had me racing through the pages to see what would happen next. I couldn’t put the books down once I started the first one.

[Geo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

This was epic. Things finally heated up between Ursula and Bael. Hubba hubba. Ursula finally learned where she came from and whom she came from. Dragons, Excalibur, and awesome fight scenes, oh my!

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found myself wanting to put this book down halfway through, but I persisted because I was almost done with the series! I loved the Sea Fae series in this same world, and maybe my expectations were too high for this series as a result.

Spoilers Below.
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There are so many elements of this plot that don't make sense looking back on it. One, Ursula lost her memories three years ago - and we find out this was right after the Battle of Mt Acidale. Almost all of the main characters were involved in that battle; did Bael and Kester never see the coincidence of when she lost her memory and when that battle was? Especially as we got so many hints throughout the series of her ties to Mt Acidale. And she supposedly looks just like her mother, and Bael met Ursula there! Kester executed Ursula's mom for goodness sake, and he didn't recognize Ursula after only three years? That wasn't believable to me! Also, how did no one recognize her when she went back to Mt Acidale? Yes, she was three years younger, but she hadn't dramatically changed her appearance. Especially after we find out she was the daughter of the Queen Slayer, who disappeared completely after the battle, wouldn't she have some notoriety?

It was also pretty obvious who her father was; I thought it was strange that she never even asked about who he was - not even to her grandfather when she met him! I thought it became fairly clear as her ability with shadow magic was unveiled, when she overpowers Abrax, and when he was disgusted by her. That being said, I would have loved to see that revelation come out much earlier in the series. It would have been so interesting for her to discover her shadow magic powers and get ready to use them to defeat Abrax! I still don't really understand why Excalibur was "made" for her, as Ursula says. It sounds like it was made for Lucius, maybe? The sword and the prophecy were interesting ways to drive the plot forward, but I don't see how they weave into this book, other than with the swords existence.

Overall, the world this series takes place in is fascinating and I enjoyed learning about it. The overall story fell flat to me. It felt very unfocused, and there were so many things thrown into the story that didn't go anywhere, or didn't weave in with the overall plot.

[D.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start. It’s been a long journey with these characters and now it’s over. It’s sad. Reminds me of graduation and you’re saying goodbye to all your friends. That being said, PLEASE DON’T LET THIS BE THE END!!! All the problems are resolved but we barely get to bask in the HEA before it ends. What about Kester? He’s still stuck being a hound. Can we please see a spin off of him? I know this universe is far from over. After the Vampire Mage series and now the new series A Spy Among the Fallen, I hope we haven’t seen the end of these characters.

Now let’s get the actual story. Yes! We finally know why Ursula lost her memories and it was surely drug out. Not until the very end was it finally revealed. I was expecting something bigger. Maybe even a how, but it was still good. I didn’t see it coming. Bael (sigh) now I wasn’t rooting for him in the first book, I’ll admit, but he definitely won my heart and Ursula’s before the end. I was again hoping for a little more conflict in their relationship. I thought it was finally happening when she told Kester, but besides warning her against it it was barely a blimp on his radar, which I suppose should have been expected. Kester wasn’t the type to go all raging alpha on someone. (Still think he needs his own series) *ahem*
I was certainly surprised by how much was fit into this book. It wasn’t all over the place by any means. It flowed well and every change of venue was made necessary. All in all I thought it was a great finale. I received this copy to review.

[Pamela Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. it feels like we have waited forever to find out what happens to Ursula and Bael. Here goes!!! I thought the book was okay. This is book 4 in the series and we have received crumbs about Ursula's past. I would have thought that we would have found out what happened and who she was and why she doesn't remember but the final pieces are not revealed until the end. By the time we put the puzzle together I felt like I had figured it out already and wasn't really that shocked and that was disappointing to me. I think if you are still here after 3 books you are invested in these characters and want so closure. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I had started the series over and read it all the way through but I was so excited to finally find out what happened. Ursula and Bael are probably my two favorite characters by this author even though Bael seems to get beat up or hurt a lot. I liked that Ursula finds her strength to face her past. She really comes in to her own. I loved the support characters of Zee, Cera, Kester and The Drake. They offered a different pace to the story and some humor. I feel like this story was missing something. Maybe an epilogue. I am giving this four stars because I would never beat up a favorite author. It was not my favorite book but I am glad to FINALLY know Ursula's story. I received this book early to review.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this series ending was probably the best book of the four! It was amazing and the perfect ending to it all. Ursula finds herself back in the one place she least wanted to be - in the Shadow Realm. Only this time, she's the prisoner of a different lord - one who wants her for himself and one whose plans will destroy the world as Ursula knows it!

But first she has to get Excaliber back from the dragons as it is the only weapon that can destroy the Darkling, but the dragons are not going to just hand it over. Of course not! Along with Bael, Ursula is going to have to fight her way to get the sword!

With quite a few twists and turns, this book was definitely a gripping read. Every spare minute I had was spent reading another chapter to see how the Darkling would be defeated and to be honest I never expected Ursula to be completely what she ended up being, although I knew she was definitely more than just a Hellhound for Emarazel. Glad she got some of her memories back as well - explained why she had none at last!

I loved the romance that finally bloomed between Bael and Ursula in this book and hope when we meet them again, we will read more about them. I hope we get to meet the rest of the characters again as well - would love to read more about Kester now and see whether he finally gets out of his contract with Emarazel.

Thank you to Christine and Nick for sending me this book to review!

[Cogito_ergo_sum · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The authors are imaginative, but this series could have used a lot of concept editing. The plot is really messy and there were so many scenes which I struggled not to skim. Furthermore, the character depth is the weakest area. These felt like cardboard characters following a script, some being used as nothing more than props in kidnapping schemes. They didn’t feel like organic personalities where you forget they’re not real people. Their interactions with each other lacked the interpersonal conflict you’d see in real life. As a result, I wasn’t rooting for the main characters and I felt indifferent if they died. Yes, I could see the effort as they tried to portray character development of Ursula, but it didn’t meet expectations. Also, they didn’t even try for the supporting characters’ development. As a result, their effort fell completely flat.

I would recommend this to people looking for mild entertainment to pass a boring afternoon in the event that they have nothing else to read and they crave fantasy. While the fantasy and adventure is there, it lacks the ingredients that elevate a novel to a level where I’d be recommending people put this series to the top of their to-read list. As it stands, the fantasy and adventure wasn’t enough to distract from the deficiencies.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one I was really looking forward to reading and also dreading reading because it was the last book in the series. Bael and Ursula are such a dynamic couple and I absolutely love their story. So, while I was excited to learn more and have it summed up, I also didn’t want it to end!!

The book is fantastic that it picks up right where the previous one ended and then bam, you’re off! The action is crazy throughout the entire book with battles full of dragons and giant spider like things. As usual the book is impeccably written and grabs you at the beginning only relinquishing control when the words The End come onto the page. I have been so vested in these characters that I’m sad to see it come to such an amazing conclusion. Ursula finally figures out who she is and where she comes from. She also reconnects with some family she never expected to have and got some steamy time with Bael. The supporting characters are amazing as usual and give the story more depth while building an intriguing and lovable world.

I seriously cannot say enough good things about this book! I devoured it in a day and highly recommend it! Another job well done for this phenomenal writing duo!!

[CM · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure I should have continued…

I have read all most all of CN Crawford’s books. This series had high ratings and I disagree. Book 1 never showed the teacher/student relationship between Ursula & Kester. Their relationship was confusing as the book went on. Bael was at the end of book 1, but suddenly became dominant. Book 1/2 dealt with Abrax which was fine as we discover the Emerazel vs Nyxobas relationship. Kester is no longer there, but in the background?? I thought book 2 would blend with book 1 making it feel like a series. It reached a readable level that made me think book 3 would resolve the chaos and complete the series. Sadly, Book 3 should be ignored. Bad book, and all over the place with no plot. (Like Highlander 2 - just don’t). Book 4, should have been book 3 and Excalibur should have just been a cool sword required for Abrax’s death. Why wait til the end to find out who Ursala is? Book 3 could have ended the series if Book 1 started well, book 2 pulled the pkg together and book 3 pulled the knot. Nope. This was not at all what I thought it to be. I do not recommend the series - unless you like simple ppl, no plot, bad twists and begging for the books to end. I regret buying this series.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series. The fight scenes were not as good in this as in the earlier books, but it was balanced out by a lot of great emotional development of the characters and relationships, and of course answered big questions. And wrapped up the series exactly how I wanted.

As I've said in previous reviews, C.N. Crawford does not deliver complex or intellectual literature. What they (husband and wife team) do deliver, in spades, is a rich, cohesive fantasy universe, great action, and witty characters. And very little, very mild smut, for readers who aren't into the heavy smut that is prevalent in some fantasy reads.

Also, one of my favorite things about them as authors is the continuity of the universe they've created through different series. The types of magical beings, locations, how to defeat / kill things, modes of travel, ect.

If you need a fun, quick read and universes heavy on fantasy are your thing, read something from C.N. Crawford.

[Kokom1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this final instalment. Could not put it down. Was literally hiding in meeting rooms at work pretending to do work to get in a few more pages just to see what happens next. I thought it was a good balance between action, friendships, villainy and love. I was a little disappointed in How little Kester was in the book. He’s such a large part of book one, then Bael book two. I guess I just thought there would be more Kester but it was pretty much all Ursula and Bael. Enjoyed seeing Zee and Cera support Ursula and come together as a good team. Kind of saw the end coming but it didn’t take away from the impact. The build was good. There was closure. Overall a highly enjoyable book that I finished just before bed and then relived in my dreams as my imagination ran wild. I received this book early to review.

[Amanda Sauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite series by C.N. Crawford. I love Ursula and Bael is so awesome. I love the history that they use for the past. The writing is amazing and you can’t tell the transitions between the two authors. Ursula is totally kick ass and it’s great to see a female character that is pretty fearless. I love seeing an empowered woman that doesn’t put up with anyone’s crap. Bael, what can’t I say. I love this character. I love who he is and how it hasn’t always been what the reader was told that he had so much more depth to his personality. The ending to the story is a great way to end everything so I was happy with it. I am wondering how the newest series fits into the world. Check out the complete review at underthebookmark.com

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh it's crazy to think I waited so long to be able to read this....that I missed the damn release day!!!! Well I saw it this morning and wasn't able to put it down at all. Crawford as always did not let me down. Although I am sad that it is over it was an amazing book and an amazing ending to a great series. And of course as always Crawford sneaks in hidden lessons and forces us to learn, it's like when you use the blender to blend veggies to a mush and put them in random things so your kids eat the veggies for once lol. I was not surprised at all to find out who her father was, I figured it out after he kept talking to her when they met. But the way it was delivered was awesome. I am so happy that Bael was finally able to be happy.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I would give the series 3.5 to 4 stars. The four books make up four parts of a whole story. Books 1 -3 end in cliffhangers. I'm giving this one 3. I liked the book, it had plenty of action and resolved the main story line. But I don't feel like things were wrapped up with some of the characters. I guess I wanted a little more closure. What was everyone's reaction when they found out about Ursula's origin? I felt that the ending regarding living in the Shadow Realm was an easy way to wrap up the book but it wasn't true to the response Ursula had whenever she was there. No other mention of Ursula's grandfather or the white dragon. I guess I just feel like there were a lot of additional characters that were brought in to drive the story but never mentioned again.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good ending to the series

The dragons. What can I say about the dragons? I love dragons, but this book made dragons out to be terror inducing, selfish and destructive hoarders. I just didn't like them.

Abrax is the bad guy that everyone is fighting against. I honestly would have liked to see an end to the Gods themselves. I think the world of these characters would be much better off without them, but that didn't happen.

There is a big reveal towards the end that I wasn't expecting, so that was cool. I hope everyone gets a break now. This was non-stop drama for a long time. I was surprised that nobody even mentioned anything about beaches and margaritas at the end. That's what I would be doing if I were them. I'd be taking a much needed vacation!

[tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a big fan of the structure or plot

I am a huge fan of this genre and love a slow burn romance. However, this whole series was so slow and chaotic. Characters would just disappear and reappear with out another thought. No real build to the different conflicts. Sometimes the characters and enemies were strong one second a sniveling weak in others. Lots of easily fixed mistakes.. They had no plans and just winged it. I enjoy books with a main character that starts weak and unlocks stronger, deeper depths to their power. I didn't feel a real connection with the main love interest. Mostly physical. The authors give a lot of detail to scene building but not to world building. Their other books are better

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have reached the end of this series, and wow, what an end! I came in more towards the end of the series, and I still became so invested in the characters because of the great writing of the authors. This finale had it all, great romance, wonderful action, and a very engaging plot, and I was sad to see it go as I usually am when I see a great series end. Most questions/loose-ends/etc. were tied up, and I was more than happy with how everything ended up. I really hope, though, that we get to see a spin-off as I’d love to see all the characters again. If you are fan of this series, you will love this last one! Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like to give away any spoilers in my reviews & this review is on the series as a whole. It took awhile for me to actually get into this series because as with any new series you have to learn about who the characters are, but once all the characters were in play you couldn't help but get sucked into their "lives" and root for the good guys. Overall this series was awesome and I would definitely recommend it. The only criticism that I have on this series is that it seemed to me that sometimes the author strayed from which POV she was writing from (& that is just my opinion-please don't let that dissuade you from reading this great story)

[Bridgett Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we find out!

I've been waiting for the end to find out what happened in the past to Ursala that would make her forget her childhood. This book wraps everything up but by the time it gets to why you kind of know already. I really like all the main characters but fail to understand why Bael keeps getting the tar beats out of him all the time. The book ends leaving me wanting more... What happens now... I won't give anything away from the end ... you'll just have to dive in!

[Brendi Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite book in the series. Dynamic duo C. + N. Light up the pages in the final!

Finally Ursula find out who she is. Wow. I had hits of the ending in the first book and the second. But this book was extremely well written. In depth characters full backstory, the fight scenes were well thought out and perfect. It was acting packed heart racing, tear jerking rollercoaster ride. The entire series was one of the best I've read. I am looking for more to read from this dynamic duo!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a while to get into it as I didn't really connect with Ursula, the main character much throughout the series. I'm glad I persisted though, as the series was well worth reading. I enjoyed the concepts of the worlds, especially the Shadow Realm and its inhabitants. The characters were interesting and hid some big secrets that threatened to completely blindside Ursula, but she showed her true strengths when pushed and this was a good finale.

[Amethyst Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? This series is phenomenal. I love the world the Crawford’s have built that flows through multiple series. The characters are strong and well developed. I will say, I was shocked at the end but surprising revelations. Like always, this book is hard to put down and will completely capture your attention to the point of distraction from other stuff. You just can’t help but get sucked in!!