The Shadows

Dark Sorcery #4

by Cheyenne McCray

**Author note below
Hannah Wentworth flees her life in San Francisco to join her sister witches in Otherworld, and vows to help conquer the evil bent on destroying the human realm. In a strange twist of fate, the only being who can help her happens to be the king of the Dark Elves, the father to her nemesis. He is the one man Hannah can never, ever trust-especially because of her dangerous attraction to him.

Garran knows the beautiful, headstrong Hannah is wary of him for having banished his people to a life underground. But now Garran can right that wrong by helping her and the other gray witches in their battle against the demons of Underworld-even if doing so means sacrificing the passion he's found only in Hannah's arms.
**Previously published as Shadow Magic

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

479 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2008

About the author

Cheyenne McCray fell in love with reading and writing early, deciding in kindergarten that one day she would become an author. Today, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction author who’s sold millions of books worldwide. Having published more than 100 novels and novellas in contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic suspense, she is now also writing cozy mysteries as Deb Ries.

Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.

Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.

Reviews

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This,the fourth book in Cheyenne McCray's mainstream "Magic" series certainly does NOT disappoint!

"Shadow Magic" gives us the story of Hannah, a D'Anu grey witch with a background that makes it hard for her to trust; and Garran, King of the Drow Dark Elves.

When they meet, the sexual attraction is hot...and immediate. But it's only as they join forces to fight the Fomorii demons and learn to trust each other that this attraction becomes love. At a critical point in their battle to save humans and the Alliance, they will each have a tough decision to make...and mistrust or the wrong decision by either will see both of them dead...forever.

I really enjoy this series. The sex is about as hot as you can get from a mainstream publisher and who doesn't love books with sexy Elves, witches, gods, goddesses, demons, etc? I'll be first in line for "Dark Magic" which it's released in Nov 2008!

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yuck! Read the previous ones in the series, but I stop with this one. Got to page 68, then decided I have better things to do with my life. No really good character development by that point, but lots of gratuitous nipple-hardening described.
Well, I actually picked this up, thinking I hadn't read it, and did finish it this time. The author is really all over the place with this, the bad guys look demonic or curl their lip in human form so everyone knows they are evil, there's way too much warm and fuzzy, I keep expecting Ewoks to show up; kind of like paranormal Nancy Drew with Penthouse forum thrown in.

[Mindy Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I unintentionally started in the middle of a series. Not a good idea. You will feel a bit lost. The sex scenes felt pretty rushed and I don’t think the heroine spent enough time getting to know the king’s people. This was pretty action focused so a lot of relationship building blocks were lost.

HFN✅ The overall story arc continues to the next one I guess

[Daelith]

I'm 134 pages into this book and I forced myself to read that much. I just can not bring myself to finish it. I am not connecting with the characters. When I find I would rather play Solitaire than read, it's time to move on. I see what one reviewer meant about the obsession with the hair brushing shoulders and the leather straps across the chests. These descriptions of the male characters are a constant. Remind me of the old 80's romances.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book added to the Dark Sorcery series. As the over all story continues in its complex wynding way Hannah finds herself in a prossition she would never have thought possible.
Great characters, thrilling storyline and some serious steam!!!
Brilliant!!

[Kelly Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, just another great story in this series. Once you get past all of the editing errors, the story is rich, colourful, adventurious, sexy and filled with suspense.

[Laura Scribner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series because they have plot along with the lust, but this one was weak in both parts. Still, a quick easy read, so that’s always nice.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Tremendously Stupendous Installment!,

I strongly suggest the previous books in this series (Forbidden Magic, Seduced by Magic and Wicked Magic) be read before tackling this book. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I've been waiting for the day that Garren met his match! Hannah, a D'Anu witch and Garren, the Drow King make a dynamic duo. Garren is brave and honorable; however, he and his people are often misunderstood. Hannah, is strong-willed, intelligent and a warrior in her own right. Ceithlenn set off a destructive chain of events when she successfully opened a door to the Underworld and freed her husband Balor. The witches and warriors are outnumbered and outgunned. The Formorii infiltrate top level positions in the government and have basically taken over running the city. Darkwolf and Junga have enshrouded Balor's eye in Darkwolf's powerful magic, making it virtually undetectable by Balor. Balor without his power is one angry god. Under Ceithlenn's dominion chaos and destruction reign; Garren puts his life and throne on the line attempting to defeat the goddess and get redemption in the eyes of the fae and witches for his people. The story had a flair of predictability, but was nonetheless engrossing and exciting. Two things that bothered me about this novel were how easily and often the D'Dannen and witches accused Garren of double-crossing them and how all characters involved call Ceithlenn "that B*** goddess". It grated on my nerves that Ceith is constantly called the B-word. She's a formidable nemesis, who is tough, merciless and unyielding, not a "B". This story had the same amounts of sex as the previous novels but at the same time there was a lot more development and "story" than the previous books. I would consider this book a hybrid between dark urban fantasy and dark paranormal romance. I highly recommend this book and series to those dark urban fantasy readers who have patience to sift through the many sex scenes to stick with the marvelous plot. To be honest I read more of these scenes than in previous novels. Garren and Hanneh had electrifying passion and chemistry; I just couldn't look away. I also look forward to reading the next book in the series, Dark Magic.
I also recommend:
Darkfever (Fever Series, Book 1)
Storm Born (Dark Swan, Book 1)
Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, Book 1)
The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, Book 6)
Witchling (Sisters of the Moon, Book 1)

[Denise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

More twists and turns abound in this next exciting installment of the Dark Sorcery series. McCray does a great job of bringing her characters and their stories to life. There is non-stop suspense, mystery and action along with some scorching chemistry and hot romance. Danger is around every corner as the warriors, witches and elves continue to fight for their survival and the fate of the world. It will take everything they have and more to continue the battle between good and evil and come out unscathed. More secrets and hidden agendas will be revealed, lies exposed, unforeseen betrayal, new alliances formed, bonds tested, and a new romance explored. There is plenty of excitement to keep you entertained.
*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Ren Puspita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Cheyenne McCray's books and stories, and Magic series by her is definitely my fave. She can mix suspense, magic, myth and a sensual story well. Magic series can be categorized for erotica, esp for 2 first books. But not so heavy, I can said just at mild level. And this series can't be read stand alone, since the event always continue from the first to the last..

What I dislike.. Ummm, maybe because the hero, (almost all of them, really) use to have a long hair and wear leather pants. Not fans of hero like that, I prefer them have a short, military cut and use jeans instead, lol.

If you like paranormal stories with witch character and Irish myth, be sure to include this series to your must to read list

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the series. This one had a LOT more story to it but the same amount of sex as the previous books in this series. You can't read them out of order. If you've gotten this far in the series and have been enjoying it then you will certainly enjoy this book too. This book is about Hannah and her man, the Drow king. The next one is supposed to be the final book in the series even though she hasn't written a book about every witch in the coven - stopping at 5 books leaves 3 witches without a story. I'm looking forward to seeing how this all ends. I mean I know it's a PR so it'll ultimately have a HEA for pretty much everyone but I wonder how it's going to happen! That's a sign of a good story!!

[Angela France · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned? Much.. romance is alive and kicking.. a renewed sense of success.. Felt like a silly teen again while reading it.. Yet.. had a Dark ominous over tones that was super fantastic to read. It's was grown up and sexy and earns five stars in my mind. Clearly a book worth reading and an Author who knows her stuff.. At times clearly innocent.. and other times clearly erotic, which was truly delish! Yet or maybe because of the erotic nature of the book.. it's truly made it's way into my heart and on my book shelf, my only complaint no hard back covers.. This is a book and series worth reading.. and re-reading, and I do mean over and over and over again.

~Alfy

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah Wentworth is a D'Anu witch who travels to the realm of the Dark Elves as she accompanies King Garran's daughter Rhiannon as she requests the assistance of the Drow to fight against Ceithlenn and Balor. Little does she know that she is going to end up attracted to Garran despite the archaic and oppressive rules applied toward females in his society. Darkwolf continues to deal with the pain of hiding Balor's eye while trying to evade both Balor and Ceithlenn. The storyline would be more comprehensible if previous novels have been read or if there was a summary of characters. Some inconsistencies...or less than clear explanations for reasons behind actions such as Vidal's.

[Amy Freese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I am left breathless and stunned! Cheyenne McCray's Magic Series has been such an amazing ride, and this book keeps it going. Shadow Magic is the witch, Hannah's story. This book also gives the reader a better look into the world of the Drow. I admire Cheyenne's creativity. The witches,the Fae and the human PSF are becoming a stronger team. Darkwolf and Elizabeth are back, only not as prominently. Everything I loved about the previous books is still here, the action, the suspense, the intense emotion of the characters. Very anxious to see where the story goes in the next book! I strongly recommend the Magic series to any paranormal fan!!

[July · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite book in this series so far. Hannah is so stand offish comared to the other witches in the other books in this series. But this book really brought it for her.
And I always thought of the Drow as being small well I was wrong.... Garran the Drow King is 6'6", that's quite large in my book. And he is described as a yummy man.
I don't want to spoil this book for anyone but let me just say that the sex scenes are spectaclar...
The fight scenes are good. And several familar faces make apperances.

[Kerry sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book as I love Garren. I was not a fan of Hannah though but together they work really well. This book also see the final battle with the bitch goddess and the next baddie is set up, well Darkwolf is a constant baddie but get a boost this time. The story was fast paced and sizzled. I didn't think Garren would be quite so vanilla in the bedroom though, so a little disappointed with that. That's where the book dropped a point for me, but I am looking forward to the next one. This has been a very good series so far.

[Gypsie Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story line between Hannah and King Garran. The sex scenes were fantastic as usual. Cheyenne McCray is a master at sizzling erotica! I also found that I have grown to like Darkwolf and his growing affection for Elizabeth/Junga. I am hoping to read more about that relationship. I look forward to Cassia and Jake and what secrets they have.

Unfortunately I found that I had no quotes that struck me as I read so I have nothing to share.

[Lisarenee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the book but man it was a little more crude when it came to the relationship interaction than I care for. Made me appreciate all the finesse my favorite authors use when they try to write a romantic scene. About witches, demons, fairies, etc. The city of San Francisco is on lock down after a demons and a previously deceased witch and warlock are released from the underworld reeking havoc on the city.

[Ansu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I could not wait for Garran's story and I was not disappointed but then again you cannot go wrong with a Cheyenne M book. She does not disappoint with the action and the romance and her heroines are not silly womend you want to shake!!!.

If you enjoy your paranormal romance with spice and action and want something that is light and easy to read then pick this book.

[Tonya Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book in the series. I didn't think that I would like Garran and Hannah together, but boy have I changed my mind. They make an awesome couple. I really think that this was the best book out of the series. If you like books about witches and hot sex, then you should pick up the Magic series by Cheyenne McCray. I really have enjoyed every book in the series.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this book once before but couldn't really remember it until after I had made it through the book a second time.

Like the first time, I was completely enthralled by the book from beginning to end. The interaction between Hannah and Garran was quite interesting. I look forward to reading the next one.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I unknowingly jumped into the middle of this series so it was difficult to acclimate to the previously created world and characters. It was an okay read, but I wasn't drawn in enough to want to read the rest of the series.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in Cheyenne McCrays Magic Series is a hit. I read it straight through, could not put it down. Cant for the next one.

[Morgan Sibbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book

[Kelly]

magic 4th bk

[Angie]

Book #196, for 2009

[Kim]

Just finished this one and about to start the last in this series. Really good paranormal action adventure and naughtiness !

[Amanda]

Magic Series #4

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my favorite so far. I like the storyline, and the descriptions are good.

[Lynzylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOt my favorite of the series, I am about 1/2 through, so we will see if that changes