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Obsidian Queen #2
Princess of Shadows
Madeline Bennet has a quartet of knight marshals at her beck and call, and they’re all driving her mad. It’s only been a week since she was kidnapped, and Rafe’s already coddling her, Gray’s turned into a surly taskmaster, Eric’s trying to steal her cat, and Jonathan is entirely too charming for anyone’s good. Only one of them knows her secret—a secret she plans to take to the grave.
Unfortunately, that plan falls through the moment a creature of shadows shows up on her doorstep.
It’s cute. It’s fluffy. It’s evil.
And Madeline is its master.
More are coming, but there’s nothing the future Obsidian Queen can do to stop them, not while she’s posing as Jonathan’s wife at a luxurious haunted mansion in the heart of Colorado.
Leaves are falling, pumpkins and scarecrows line doorsteps, and romance and death are in the air. Before she can find a way to keep the darkness at bay, Madeline must find a killer, drink cider, and not fall for the team’s most promiscuous knight.
A task that’s proving to be harder than expected…
Unfortunately, that plan falls through the moment a creature of shadows shows up on her doorstep.
It’s cute. It’s fluffy. It’s evil.
And Madeline is its master.
More are coming, but there’s nothing the future Obsidian Queen can do to stop them, not while she’s posing as Jonathan’s wife at a luxurious haunted mansion in the heart of Colorado.
Leaves are falling, pumpkins and scarecrows line doorsteps, and romance and death are in the air. Before she can find a way to keep the darkness at bay, Madeline must find a killer, drink cider, and not fall for the team’s most promiscuous knight.
A task that’s proving to be harder than expected…
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2023
565 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Lynn Cook
5 books49 followersShannon Lynn Cook is a pen name for an Amazon bestselling author who woke up one day and decided life would be more interesting with magic and lots of love interests. (For her characters, not herself.)
She drinks too much sweet tea, prefers pie to cake, and hopes to someday own a hairless cat of her very own. Shannon lives in Colorado with her beloved (romance-hating) husband, two creative kids, and several extremely demanding fur babies.
Website: https://shannonlynncook.com
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/b5r4e2
She drinks too much sweet tea, prefers pie to cake, and hopes to someday own a hairless cat of her very own. Shannon lives in Colorado with her beloved (romance-hating) husband, two creative kids, and several extremely demanding fur babies.
Website: https://shannonlynncook.com
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/b5r4e2
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 18, 2023
Oh my gosh, this series is so awesome! I am absolutely loving it.
This installment started off on a slow foot. I wasn’t sure where the plot was headed, and I planned to knock off a star for it. But wow, I ended up CAPTIVATED. The pure bliss I had in falling head over heels in love with the male love interest was absolutely delightful and more than made up for the rocky beginning.
As far as the romance, the chemistry is off the charts. :) I’ve seen other reviewers say this introduces a love triangle, but that’s not entirely accurate. Whatever you want to call it, it’s FABULOUS and I’m swooning for one guy only for Madeline. But the fact that there’s attraction going on from every angle is deliciously entertaining. Don’t worry- the author has woven it in seamlessly so that no one is cheating or manipulating. It’s all circumspect and above board, and there’s great communication all around. This is honestly SO MUCH FUN. (I even spent a couple hours skimming through the book again and reading all my favorite interactions. There were tons of them… ahh :))
I wish there were more authors who specialize in steamy clean romance like this. It is a rare thing. The balance this author strikes in this series is perfection.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scenes or crude language. Some innuendo and teasing, asking about past history, stuff like that that makes it seem more adultish, but still appropriate. Neither the FMC nor the MMC are promiscuous. (Yay! I have a difficult time trusting MMC’s that are players. Just fyi, I don’t really consider ANY of the guys in this book to be players, tbh.)
Cover- fantastic. I am loving these new covers!
I read this on KU
How I rated the series:
- Guild of Secrets- 5 stars!!
- Princess of Shadows- 5++ stars!! (my fave)
- Knights of Obsidian- 4.5 stars
- Traitor of the Entitled (novella about Eric and Chloe)- 1 star (DNF @60%)
- Creatures of Midnight- 4.5 stars
- Queen of Aparia- 2 stars
This installment started off on a slow foot. I wasn’t sure where the plot was headed, and I planned to knock off a star for it. But wow, I ended up CAPTIVATED. The pure bliss I had in falling head over heels in love with the male love interest was absolutely delightful and more than made up for the rocky beginning.
As far as the romance, the chemistry is off the charts. :) I’ve seen other reviewers say this introduces a love triangle, but that’s not entirely accurate. Whatever you want to call it, it’s FABULOUS and I’m swooning for one guy only for Madeline. But the fact that there’s attraction going on from every angle is deliciously entertaining. Don’t worry- the author has woven it in seamlessly so that no one is cheating or manipulating. It’s all circumspect and above board, and there’s great communication all around. This is honestly SO MUCH FUN. (I even spent a couple hours skimming through the book again and reading all my favorite interactions. There were tons of them… ahh :))
I wish there were more authors who specialize in steamy clean romance like this. It is a rare thing. The balance this author strikes in this series is perfection.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scenes or crude language. Some innuendo and teasing, asking about past history, stuff like that that makes it seem more adultish, but still appropriate. Neither the FMC nor the MMC are promiscuous. (Yay! I have a difficult time trusting MMC’s that are players. Just fyi, I don’t really consider ANY of the guys in this book to be players, tbh.)
Cover- fantastic. I am loving these new covers!
I read this on KU
How I rated the series:
- Guild of Secrets- 5 stars!!
- Princess of Shadows- 5++ stars!! (my fave)
- Knights of Obsidian- 4.5 stars
- Traitor of the Entitled (novella about Eric and Chloe)- 1 star (DNF @60%)
- Creatures of Midnight- 4.5 stars
- Queen of Aparia- 2 stars
February 3, 2019
I Need More!!
Ugh! I was not ready for this book to end!! I need more. I really enjoyed the setting of this part of the story with the haunted mansion. The tension between characters and growing storyline just left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book!
Ugh! I was not ready for this book to end!! I need more. I really enjoyed the setting of this part of the story with the haunted mansion. The tension between characters and growing storyline just left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book!
September 26, 2018
I’m glad I stumbled upon the first book in this series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the world.
Although I must admit that it’s hard for me to choose a favorite knight, I am definitely leaning towards Jonathan after this book.
I’d recommend this series to someone who likes urban fantasy and a female lead who is not the most decisive person in the world. If you like someone who doesn’t flit back and forth in her drooling of men, you probably should steer clear.
I normally don’t like reverse harem stories... but if this series is going there (yeah, can’t tell yet), I think it might be that I’ll like.
I rate the book a solid 3 1/2 stars.
Although I must admit that it’s hard for me to choose a favorite knight, I am definitely leaning towards Jonathan after this book.
I’d recommend this series to someone who likes urban fantasy and a female lead who is not the most decisive person in the world. If you like someone who doesn’t flit back and forth in her drooling of men, you probably should steer clear.
I normally don’t like reverse harem stories... but if this series is going there (yeah, can’t tell yet), I think it might be that I’ll like.
I rate the book a solid 3 1/2 stars.
February 10, 2023
Is it venomous?
I loved this series when I 1st read it under her Shannon Lynn Cook pseudonym, but I had forgotten just how good it is!
Madeline's world has been upended, & she's at a loss for her life's direction now. Happily, the team has a proposal for her (pun intended 😉)
As the creatures of the dark gain in number & eagerness, Madeline gains the beginnings of some much needed clarity on the Obsidian Queenship as well as her love life in this book - and then another major monkey wrench gets thrown into both, ending on a "Now what are they going to do?" note.
So exciting and fun - I can't believe I waited so long to reread this! And I can't wait for book 3!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, some innuendo but spicy clean, nothing graphic
I loved this series when I 1st read it under her Shannon Lynn Cook pseudonym, but I had forgotten just how good it is!
Madeline's world has been upended, & she's at a loss for her life's direction now. Happily, the team has a proposal for her (pun intended 😉)
As the creatures of the dark gain in number & eagerness, Madeline gains the beginnings of some much needed clarity on the Obsidian Queenship as well as her love life in this book - and then another major monkey wrench gets thrown into both, ending on a "Now what are they going to do?" note.
So exciting and fun - I can't believe I waited so long to reread this! And I can't wait for book 3!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, some innuendo but spicy clean, nothing graphic
March 19, 2023
…and the story continues!
This second book was so good! If you haven’t read the first yet, make sure you do before diving into this one or it will be harder to understand what’s going on. I absolutely loved the storyline, the swoony romance, the lovable characters, the hilarious bantering, and more. So excited to jump right to the next book- I’ve gotta know what happens next!!
This second book was so good! If you haven’t read the first yet, make sure you do before diving into this one or it will be harder to understand what’s going on. I absolutely loved the storyline, the swoony romance, the lovable characters, the hilarious bantering, and more. So excited to jump right to the next book- I’ve gotta know what happens next!!
December 7, 2023
While I’m severely conflicted on Madeline and her major swings from one guy to another, I can see why it would happen as I to love all the knights 🥰 (except maybe for Gray, Gray is a bit ornery 🤣).
I’m already diving into book three because WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING?! And oh boy, who’s Madeline gonna end up with…? 😳 IM STRESSED YALL!
🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊 Five foxes for this AMAZING book two!
I’m already diving into book three because WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING?! And oh boy, who’s Madeline gonna end up with…? 😳 IM STRESSED YALL!
🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊 Five foxes for this AMAZING book two!
March 24, 2024
Omg I loved this one soooo much. Murder, fantasy, romance, more romance, and more murder. Like it's everything I love. And was well executed. (The ending gave me straight chills.)
I'm so excited for the rest of the book series, definite new favorite.
I'm so excited for the rest of the book series, definite new favorite.
April 17, 2025
Rather dramatic near the end, thoughts that I had about the first book still carry over (why does she want to kiss every male person she comes across), etc. The plot's very enjoyable though.
Content: Clean-ish? She has weird thoughts, but no explicit scenes or curse words.
Content: Clean-ish? She has weird thoughts, but no explicit scenes or curse words.
December 19, 2024
[3.5 stars]
Book 2 continues in the same vein as the first. The storyline/plot is good and engaging, it even has a mystery air to it that I enjoyed. Unfortunately, the biggest mystery angle of this book is what guy the FMC is going to end up with, and who she can possibly kiss next. There are many heated scenes that need to be skimmed through (not technically going beyond kissing, but still uncomfortable), and there is a ridiculous amount of ogling male characters.
Yes, I’m going to continue with book 3, because I do like the story and world being developed… but I wish Tapscott would tone it down.
Content:
There are kissing scenes too steamy for my comfort (though it doesn’t go beyond kissing), and an overabundance of lustful thoughts. There are mentions of characters having sex, though not with any detail and not within this storyline. There is no foul language. There is some violence, but it’s not too excessive or gory. There is magic. There are no references to faith or God.
Book 2 continues in the same vein as the first. The storyline/plot is good and engaging, it even has a mystery air to it that I enjoyed. Unfortunately, the biggest mystery angle of this book is what guy the FMC is going to end up with, and who she can possibly kiss next. There are many heated scenes that need to be skimmed through (not technically going beyond kissing, but still uncomfortable), and there is a ridiculous amount of ogling male characters.
Yes, I’m going to continue with book 3, because I do like the story and world being developed… but I wish Tapscott would tone it down.
Content:
There are kissing scenes too steamy for my comfort (though it doesn’t go beyond kissing), and an overabundance of lustful thoughts. There are mentions of characters having sex, though not with any detail and not within this storyline. There is no foul language. There is some violence, but it’s not too excessive or gory. There is magic. There are no references to faith or God.
May 3, 2025
I can't. Seriously. We're on to dude number four that she's smitten with. Four! In less than two books! This girl is so flighty and useless. She’s so busy swooning over all these men and trying to sort through all her feelings for them all that she can’t see the obvious bad guys right in front of her face.
I almost enjoyed the mystery portion of this book. I love a good locked door mystery, and this had all those aspects with the great addition of a haunted house story. As it turns out, the plot was just so simple, the killer completely obvious, and the story a bit of a letdown.
I almost enjoyed the mystery portion of this book. I love a good locked door mystery, and this had all those aspects with the great addition of a haunted house story. As it turns out, the plot was just so simple, the killer completely obvious, and the story a bit of a letdown.
June 8, 2023
I think I'm confused about my feelings for all of them, too. lol 😆 I'm on to the next one... I hate when you want a book to go one, and it's not 🙄
Maybe the next one is like better..
Maybe the next one is like better..
March 30, 2019
Disappointed and boring
The only good thing I liked about the book was the ending. The title Shadow Princess didn't match the book storyline. All but 90% of the plotline was about ghost and the h telling the monster to go home.
The romance was boring. I mean safe. The mc heroine character was weak and pathetic.
The wolf potential romance showed more chemistry than the Griffin and her knight. Couldn't stand the mc being clueless I mean she's always losing her phone when someone is after her. Oh yeah she didn't believed it. The brothers treatment of her was a joke. At book one one brother cheated/used/dumped her and the other only wanted an easy lay. Then the author decided to start over on the romance on book two with different guys.
The writing was not bad but it feels like the author made the mc too weak minded and with force romance. I like my heroine with kickass magic, with slow build romance with a hot alpha, and who can fight. I didn't get that from this book. Wrong book I guess.
Instead I get a Barbie downer who got dumped, weak, can't fight, and with blah romance. I read this book thinking the mc will developed into a self reliant and strong characters with powers. Her only power is persuasion, still leaves with her parents, and with a weak romance. The Griffin romance to me was a joke. The worst was at the end when the wolf wanted to kill her from book one. Really? I think this book was unnecessary and a filler.
The only good thing I liked about the book was the ending. The title Shadow Princess didn't match the book storyline. All but 90% of the plotline was about ghost and the h telling the monster to go home.
The romance was boring. I mean safe. The mc heroine character was weak and pathetic.
The wolf potential romance showed more chemistry than the Griffin and her knight. Couldn't stand the mc being clueless I mean she's always losing her phone when someone is after her. Oh yeah she didn't believed it. The brothers treatment of her was a joke. At book one one brother cheated/used/dumped her and the other only wanted an easy lay. Then the author decided to start over on the romance on book two with different guys.
The writing was not bad but it feels like the author made the mc too weak minded and with force romance. I like my heroine with kickass magic, with slow build romance with a hot alpha, and who can fight. I didn't get that from this book. Wrong book I guess.
Instead I get a Barbie downer who got dumped, weak, can't fight, and with blah romance. I read this book thinking the mc will developed into a self reliant and strong characters with powers. Her only power is persuasion, still leaves with her parents, and with a weak romance. The Griffin romance to me was a joke. The worst was at the end when the wolf wanted to kill her from book one. Really? I think this book was unnecessary and a filler.
March 16, 2024
If you are looking for a book with all the autumn feels, this would be a great one to pick up.
Quotes
"Why did you murder my shoe?" Rafe looks just as rattled as me.
"You can't murder something that isn't alive."
I'm beginning to think I need to abandon the group entirely, settle down in a tiny town and marry a human. We could live off the land, raise cattle, grow tomatoes. I could even learn to sew my own clothes.
It sounds brilliant.
All except the live off the land, raise cattle, grow tomatoes, and sew my own clothes bit.
"Never persuade a healer," Rafe says. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you can get in for that? Didn't you read the book of law that Finn gave you?"
I lean close, whispering so the others won't hear. "I am an evil queen, remember? I'll do what I want."
Quotes
"Why did you murder my shoe?" Rafe looks just as rattled as me.
"You can't murder something that isn't alive."
I'm beginning to think I need to abandon the group entirely, settle down in a tiny town and marry a human. We could live off the land, raise cattle, grow tomatoes. I could even learn to sew my own clothes.
It sounds brilliant.
All except the live off the land, raise cattle, grow tomatoes, and sew my own clothes bit.
"Never persuade a healer," Rafe says. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you can get in for that? Didn't you read the book of law that Finn gave you?"
I lean close, whispering so the others won't hear. "I am an evil queen, remember? I'll do what I want."
February 5, 2023
The TENSION
If romantic tension was a sleeping drug, this one would have enough to fell a moose.
Seriously. So much. And I absolutely LOVE the direction it's going. I ship it.
Beyond the romance, I loved the plot in this second--probably even more than the first. Our MC and crew find themselves at an upscale mansion resort known for hauntings... and disappearances, and they need to find the culprit, before Maddie's partner is the next victim.
This was the best kind of Rollercoaster, and the ending left me dying for me. Book 3 can't come soon enough.
If romantic tension was a sleeping drug, this one would have enough to fell a moose.
Seriously. So much. And I absolutely LOVE the direction it's going. I ship it.
Beyond the romance, I loved the plot in this second--probably even more than the first. Our MC and crew find themselves at an upscale mansion resort known for hauntings... and disappearances, and they need to find the culprit, before Maddie's partner is the next victim.
This was the best kind of Rollercoaster, and the ending left me dying for me. Book 3 can't come soon enough.
October 2, 2018
Great follow up
I originally read the first book because I thought it was a Reverse Harem story. It lends itself to that sort of outcome with all the close male relationships. But I went back,and saw that it won't end that way. So I'm disappointed about that. I really like all the guys in this story, and don't want her to have to choose!!
But, Maddie is a great character. (And I want my own hairless kitty!)
Will definitely continue on.
I originally read the first book because I thought it was a Reverse Harem story. It lends itself to that sort of outcome with all the close male relationships. But I went back,and saw that it won't end that way. So I'm disappointed about that. I really like all the guys in this story, and don't want her to have to choose!!
But, Maddie is a great character. (And I want my own hairless kitty!)
Will definitely continue on.
April 25, 2022
Loving this series!
This series just keeps turning me around- I can’t quite figure out what’s gonna happen next, or who is behind everything, and (especially) who Madeline is gonna end up with! Talk about a love triangle, it sometimes feels like a love pyramid! Still, the story continues to captivate me and I am loving the magic, romance, suspense, and angst of this series!!
This series just keeps turning me around- I can’t quite figure out what’s gonna happen next, or who is behind everything, and (especially) who Madeline is gonna end up with! Talk about a love triangle, it sometimes feels like a love pyramid! Still, the story continues to captivate me and I am loving the magic, romance, suspense, and angst of this series!!
September 28, 2018
I'm really liking this series and hope in for reverse harem with it's build .
October 23, 2018
I need more! When is book three coming out? So good!
February 10, 2023
Princess of Shadows
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 2 of 5 (6 including the novella)
– this is told from Madeline’s point of view
– there are some steamy kisses
– there are some suggestive comments
Review:
I’m not really sure what I think about Madeline’s love interest in this book (as it changed from the first one and wasn’t on my radar as a possibility). I liked him and how he was with her, but with it having been presented as not happening in the last book and then switching over in this one I just really don’t know what to think about it at this point. Hopefully the next one will help me out with that! (slight spoiler coming next with the identity of the love interest from this book)
I really liked getting to see more of Jonathan in this book with how much he and Madeline had to be together posing as a husband and wife. It was interesting to see (especially with his magical abilities) how Madeline went about trying to hide her newest secret with the shadow creatures coming out of the woodwork. Especially when they began to really fall for each other. I was shocked by who the killer really was (because I forgot about them by the time we got to find out who). I liked that Madeline wasn’t willing to sit by as a bystander/do nothing and wanted to get in the action. I loved that Rafe tried everything he could to watch over Madeline and keep her out of trouble, but had a difficult time with that since she wasn’t too good about remembering to grab her phone or answer it when he checked in. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: the 3 o’clock noises waking them up, their pretending to be married, Jonathan’s funny comments & mind reading, and the ghost hunters.
Summary:
Madeline isn’t one to sit on her hands and it’s driving her crazy to be constantly monitored and told not to do things by her new protector. And there isn’t much either of them can do when evil shadow creatures start climbing out of the woodwork looking for an assignment from their queen – Madeline. But that doesn’t affect Madeline when she is requested for a job with her knight marshal friends and she accepts. Until they begin showing up at the manor where she is pretending to be Jonathan’s wife in order to discover what is happening to the disappearing husbands that stay the night. It’s bad enough that they have to find the person responsible for the disappearances, but now Madeline also has to hide her new subjects or risk the wrong person discovering her secret…
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 2 of 5 (6 including the novella)
– this is told from Madeline’s point of view
– there are some steamy kisses
– there are some suggestive comments
Review:
I’m not really sure what I think about Madeline’s love interest in this book (as it changed from the first one and wasn’t on my radar as a possibility). I liked him and how he was with her, but with it having been presented as not happening in the last book and then switching over in this one I just really don’t know what to think about it at this point. Hopefully the next one will help me out with that! (slight spoiler coming next with the identity of the love interest from this book)
I really liked getting to see more of Jonathan in this book with how much he and Madeline had to be together posing as a husband and wife. It was interesting to see (especially with his magical abilities) how Madeline went about trying to hide her newest secret with the shadow creatures coming out of the woodwork. Especially when they began to really fall for each other. I was shocked by who the killer really was (because I forgot about them by the time we got to find out who). I liked that Madeline wasn’t willing to sit by as a bystander/do nothing and wanted to get in the action. I loved that Rafe tried everything he could to watch over Madeline and keep her out of trouble, but had a difficult time with that since she wasn’t too good about remembering to grab her phone or answer it when he checked in. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: the 3 o’clock noises waking them up, their pretending to be married, Jonathan’s funny comments & mind reading, and the ghost hunters.
Summary:
Madeline isn’t one to sit on her hands and it’s driving her crazy to be constantly monitored and told not to do things by her new protector. And there isn’t much either of them can do when evil shadow creatures start climbing out of the woodwork looking for an assignment from their queen – Madeline. But that doesn’t affect Madeline when she is requested for a job with her knight marshal friends and she accepts. Until they begin showing up at the manor where she is pretending to be Jonathan’s wife in order to discover what is happening to the disappearing husbands that stay the night. It’s bad enough that they have to find the person responsible for the disappearances, but now Madeline also has to hide her new subjects or risk the wrong person discovering her secret…
January 23, 2023
Okay, this book started out with some promise, but the middle had me confused and then the ending was...it. That was it. Huh.
Okay, so in the first book Gray is the love interest, but then Rafe is introduced and creates this tension between them. But of course the heroine is very flirtatious in general with all the men.
Then, in this book it's like, "Goodbye, Gray, see you never" until towards the end. So you think it would focus on her relationship with Rafe, but inside the book spends most of the time with Jonathan and Madeline undercover at this haunted mansion.
By Chapter 12, I was over it. It felt too hyper focused on JUST the two of them.
What kind of girl has an affair with her best friend’s boyfriend? My dear friend Maisy, apparently.
Best friend? You guys had nothing to do with each other for both books. I don't think you are even friends...
Okay, now for spoiler land....
My guess is Book Three will be the same, but this time she falls in love with Eric. I hope this doesn't turn into a reverse harem, but at the rate she's going through guys, I'm not sure.
Okay, so in the first book Gray is the love interest, but then Rafe is introduced and creates this tension between them. But of course the heroine is very flirtatious in general with all the men.
Then, in this book it's like, "Goodbye, Gray, see you never" until towards the end. So you think it would focus on her relationship with Rafe, but inside the book spends most of the time with Jonathan and Madeline undercover at this haunted mansion.
By Chapter 12, I was over it. It felt too hyper focused on JUST the two of them.
What kind of girl has an affair with her best friend’s boyfriend? My dear friend Maisy, apparently.
Best friend? You guys had nothing to do with each other for both books. I don't think you are even friends...
Okay, now for spoiler land....
My guess is Book Three will be the same, but this time she falls in love with Eric. I hope this doesn't turn into a reverse harem, but at the rate she's going through guys, I'm not sure.
dnf
February 18, 2023I couldn't get into this one. I struggled with the first book but managed to get through it and just couldn't engage here. The heroine and set up is not my thing. She's sort of a spoiled princess type who finds out she's more powerful than she thought and constantly lusting after the myriad of guys around her. Oh, and all of the guys are hawt and want her. Judging from the first two books I am guessing that each book will feature a different guy of the group for which to flirt and make out. There is a lot of headspace about these guys and I just can't get into it. It almost felt like a reverse harem book and harem and reverses harems are definitely not my things
Funnily enough, with all the time spent about the males around her and their hotness there is a plot. It's the reason I picked the first book up to find out the story. Unfortunately the heroine's girly girl attitude, her reticence to learn to have appropriate power and her reliance on everyone around her just isn't progressing her character fast enough to make the read worth while. She's just not my type of heroine and I find her annoying rather than cute. The plot by the beginning of book 2 is barely established and isn't moving fast enough to offset the things that are making this a slog.
I am not going to rate this series because really it's just a case of a bad fit for my tastes. There are plenty of people who will enjoy it and it will find its target audience.
Funnily enough, with all the time spent about the males around her and their hotness there is a plot. It's the reason I picked the first book up to find out the story. Unfortunately the heroine's girly girl attitude, her reticence to learn to have appropriate power and her reliance on everyone around her just isn't progressing her character fast enough to make the read worth while. She's just not my type of heroine and I find her annoying rather than cute. The plot by the beginning of book 2 is barely established and isn't moving fast enough to offset the things that are making this a slog.
I am not going to rate this series because really it's just a case of a bad fit for my tastes. There are plenty of people who will enjoy it and it will find its target audience.
August 1, 2025
“But what if there’s a greater purpose? What if I’m supposed to do something? Something only I can do?”
Princess of shadows is the second book in the Obsidian Queen series and it was an enjoyable read. We meet the same group of characters again but get close up and personal with Madeline and Johnathan as they pretend to be married during a mission at a so called haunted house. People have been disappearing and it’s the team’s job to figure out who’s behind this. As the two spend more and more time together they learn things about each other and soon realize that the facade that they often give off is far from the truth. But they can’t get to distracted as there lives and those around them depend on their stealth and discerning skills.
Johnathan is without a doubt my favourite #mmc in this series. His magical abilities allow him to see if there’s any magical creatures nearby and when he touches somebody he’s able to read their mind. He’s funny, charming and thoughtful using his gift for good when he so easily could use it for evil.
Madeline has learned of her true identity and is managing the trouble that comes with that as her knight Rafe is by her side. Though there magic is similar and pulls them together often it seems her true emotions are not for him.
Madeline’s magic is powerful and it seems like she’s just getting started in figuring that out.
Princess of shadows is the second book in the Obsidian Queen series and it was an enjoyable read. We meet the same group of characters again but get close up and personal with Madeline and Johnathan as they pretend to be married during a mission at a so called haunted house. People have been disappearing and it’s the team’s job to figure out who’s behind this. As the two spend more and more time together they learn things about each other and soon realize that the facade that they often give off is far from the truth. But they can’t get to distracted as there lives and those around them depend on their stealth and discerning skills.
Johnathan is without a doubt my favourite #mmc in this series. His magical abilities allow him to see if there’s any magical creatures nearby and when he touches somebody he’s able to read their mind. He’s funny, charming and thoughtful using his gift for good when he so easily could use it for evil.
Madeline has learned of her true identity and is managing the trouble that comes with that as her knight Rafe is by her side. Though there magic is similar and pulls them together often it seems her true emotions are not for him.
Madeline’s magic is powerful and it seems like she’s just getting started in figuring that out.
February 13, 2023
Well that was interesting. This is no longer a love triangle..... it's more like the bachelorette show. One girl, 4 hot guys who really like her....Ya it's just dumb! Why do I keep reading? It's just one of those crazy things that happens to me every once in a while, where I just want to read silliness. Seriously this has so many holes_ Can the Griffin tell she's lying only when they touch? Cause sometimes he knows and other times he has no idea. So glad Gray just shut his feelings off and lets the other guys try there luck with this girl. And really, they are supposed to be investigating a huge crime but all the can seem to do is make out in closets. Why didn't she just ask everyone with her powers to begin with.
So it's got lots of issues and people I really have no idea who to route for? Am I team Gray or Rafe or Johnathan.... or am I team everyone dump the girl who can't make up her mind! Let's go with that one. In all seriousness I really want to have a love story with this and I can't seem to care because there is no one to really route for.
On to the next!!
This book has a bit of violence. Nothing crazy and some kisses.
So it's got lots of issues and people I really have no idea who to route for? Am I team Gray or Rafe or Johnathan.... or am I team everyone dump the girl who can't make up her mind! Let's go with that one. In all seriousness I really want to have a love story with this and I can't seem to care because there is no one to really route for.
On to the next!!
This book has a bit of violence. Nothing crazy and some kisses.
April 26, 2023
lots of fluffy
Overall, the plot in this 2nd book is good and it has some added suspense. The mystery with the haunted mansion was intriguing and fun but it was also a bit all over the place. There were so many side characters and motives that it was hard to follow. I like the world and magic system but feel like it hasn’t be well developed. It’s almost just in the background which is a shame because it would add so much more to the story.
I liked Madeline better in this book than I did in the first but she is still a weak character in my opinion.
The ending was also incomplete. Two books now have revolves around Trent but the ending with him was almost an afterthought.
I am undecided on whether I will read the next book or not. There wasn’t enough here make me want to keep reading.
Anyway, it was well written and not a bad book but just not my favorite either.
Overall, the plot in this 2nd book is good and it has some added suspense. The mystery with the haunted mansion was intriguing and fun but it was also a bit all over the place. There were so many side characters and motives that it was hard to follow. I like the world and magic system but feel like it hasn’t be well developed. It’s almost just in the background which is a shame because it would add so much more to the story.
I liked Madeline better in this book than I did in the first but she is still a weak character in my opinion.
The ending was also incomplete. Two books now have revolves around Trent but the ending with him was almost an afterthought.
I am undecided on whether I will read the next book or not. There wasn’t enough here make me want to keep reading.
Anyway, it was well written and not a bad book but just not my favorite either.
February 15, 2023
This book series is a must read!!
I absolutely ADORE this book! I love the characters and their developments in this book, especially getting to dive deeper into Jonathan’s character. Madeline’s internal dialog is so entertaining and absolutely hilarious. And the chemistry and banter between Madeline and Jonathan… I have no words other than “it was perfection!” Shari does a FANTASTIC job of creating this mystery and conflict within the storyline while developing the chemistry/tension of the characters and I could not get enough.
All in all, this series is a favorite and I cannot wait until the rest of the books are released! Keep ‘em coming!!
I absolutely ADORE this book! I love the characters and their developments in this book, especially getting to dive deeper into Jonathan’s character. Madeline’s internal dialog is so entertaining and absolutely hilarious. And the chemistry and banter between Madeline and Jonathan… I have no words other than “it was perfection!” Shari does a FANTASTIC job of creating this mystery and conflict within the storyline while developing the chemistry/tension of the characters and I could not get enough.
All in all, this series is a favorite and I cannot wait until the rest of the books are released! Keep ‘em coming!!
March 11, 2024
The first book in this series wasn't my favorite. The main character is just not the type of person I click with and I'm not a huge fan of love triangles (quadrangles?), so it was definitely personal preferences.
But in this book I started to actually click with this book and series, and the characters grew on me. So if the first book in the series isn't your favorite because of the above, the rest of the series does grow on you and just keeps getting better!
The romance is low spice, but on the higher end of low spice with a few kissier kissing scenes. So if you want your urban fantasy with a good dose of swoon, this is definitely the series for you!
But in this book I started to actually click with this book and series, and the characters grew on me. So if the first book in the series isn't your favorite because of the above, the rest of the series does grow on you and just keeps getting better!
The romance is low spice, but on the higher end of low spice with a few kissier kissing scenes. So if you want your urban fantasy with a good dose of swoon, this is definitely the series for you!
February 9, 2023
So Many Unexpectedly Funny Parts!
I'm absolutely loving this series! It's so much fun and so many unexpectedly laugh-out-loud moments! And in the ever increasing mystery surrounding Maddie, the sort of budding romance between her and a certain guy, all the current revelations, and that ending, and you have one heck of a book! I'm can't even say how excited I am for the next one. I NEED ALL THE ANSWERS, because, seriously, THAT ENDING! Would definitely recommend reading if you're looking for something that it entertaining and completely enthralling!
I'm absolutely loving this series! It's so much fun and so many unexpectedly laugh-out-loud moments! And in the ever increasing mystery surrounding Maddie, the sort of budding romance between her and a certain guy, all the current revelations, and that ending, and you have one heck of a book! I'm can't even say how excited I am for the next one. I NEED ALL THE ANSWERS, because, seriously, THAT ENDING! Would definitely recommend reading if you're looking for something that it entertaining and completely enthralling!
March 15, 2023
I'm still not super fond of Madeline and what seemed to be a promising determination to go on a hiatus from men did NOT last long. I thought maybe the love interest would be settled or at least there'd be an inkling, but alas, nothing is clear. Relationship drama is okay but this is too much for me. I don't feel as though I can get invested in any of her relationships because I don't know when she'll switch targets once again. I think we'll try one more time, but I'm not too optimistic about finishing this series.
February 22, 2025
Good premise, too much ogling
This is a great series with a fantastic premise- good against evil but with lots of twists
But a huge percentage of the book is Madeline talking about various guys' physical attributes and how much she's crushing on various guys at once. A bit would be fine, and it's all pretty clean, but there's so much of it, it starts to get in the way of the story.
I'm still reading Book 3, but hoping for less hopping between guys crushing on them.
This is a great series with a fantastic premise- good against evil but with lots of twists
But a huge percentage of the book is Madeline talking about various guys' physical attributes and how much she's crushing on various guys at once. A bit would be fine, and it's all pretty clean, but there's so much of it, it starts to get in the way of the story.
I'm still reading Book 3, but hoping for less hopping between guys crushing on them.
April 12, 2023
I binge-read this series a few weeks ago - I wish I had reviewed all these books right away because they totally deserved it!
I will probably come back and re-read this series in the future, and leave the reviews they deserve, but for now I'll just leave a review for the whole series - I loved it! 5 solid stars!!!
I will probably come back and re-read this series in the future, and leave the reviews they deserve, but for now I'll just leave a review for the whole series - I loved it! 5 solid stars!!!
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