Throne of Shadows

Throne of Shadows #1

by Emma Fenton

Magic or Myth? Princess Honoria Ramadani is mere weeks away from marrying the man she loves, becoming a queen, and finally escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the Helish court. When an ominous prophecy threatens Ria’s entire future, she’s hesitant to put stock behind childish superstition. But with her parents’ sudden, inexplicable illness and subsequent deaths, she can no longer deny that there are greater forces at work. The discovery of an antiquated law forces Ria to fight for both her life and the throne, pitting her against her vicious older sister. An ancient demon-summoning ritual—which promises that any desire can be granted, for a price—may be the only thing that can save Ria from certain death. But witchcraft is a finicky matter, and she soon finds herself magically bound to an arrogant demon who might cause more problems than he solves. There are worse terrors than demons lurking in the palace walls, however, and Ria will have to forge the unlikeliest of alliances if she wants to have any chance of surviving.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Enemies To Lovers, Young Adult, Demons, New Adult

351 pages, ebook

Published December 30, 2018

About the author

Emma Fenton is a recent graduate of Roanoke College where she studied Literature and Creative Writing. She once wanted to be a princess, then a vet, an equine manager, and a forensic scientist, but she eventually stopped defying the prophecy and became a writer. She now lives in the mountains of south-west Virginia with her family and works from home in her pajamas.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Stars

This was an enjoyable story that I found myself hooked to until the ending.

The author did a good job with the development of the characters but was just a bit lacking with the world building.

This is definitely a series where I will be reading the next book. I want to find out what happens especially with Peryan.

[Deepi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I have no idea I would end up loving it so much. I love reading fantasy books because of the different world setting and the involvement of magics. But this book is different from the others, it expresses lots of feelings that touch one's heart. The character of Ria, the protagonist, is so much relatable. She is innocent and vulnerable, but she never exposes that to anyone and she always tries to be as strong as possible in difficult situations. I feel so much connected to her from the start to the end because of the author's tremendous writing style.

The plot focus on protecting the Kingdom of Helhath. The World building was not very well explained but I that didn't stop me from loving this book because of the characters which were so amazing. Peryn, the demon who is both funny and cruel and with his dark suits, witty mind, handsome face, stone heart ( a little) made me love him. His character will definitely make the readers fall in love with him. I love the conversations between Ria-Peryn. I couldn't find words to explain my love for them.

If there is one fictional character that I hate the most, then it is Mikhael. I will never forgive him for what he had done for Ria. I liked the character Ameer, the Elder Scholar who is more like a fatherly figure for Ria, the one who always tries his best to take care of her. The twist at the end wasn't something I guessed, I was certain with some parts but the rest was unexpected. There were little magic here and there to add more amazingness to the story.

The climax is so smooth and gentle and I really really want to read the next book in this Trilogy (The Shadow Queen Trilogy) because I enjoyed reading this book. It is indeed a wonderful read.

[Jenny Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting premise - I really liked the way the author portrayed the reality of the kingdom's politics. While the heroine certainly isn't perfect, she's clever and someone for the reader to root for. While I liked the romantic pairing, the actual unfolding of the romance seemed a bit farfetched and fast - at least on the male lead's side.

[Abby Gray]

Throne of Shadows is an impressive debut novel. The main character, Ria, is perhaps what captivated me the most about this book - she’s smart and savvy, essentially good-hearted but far from being above playing dirty when necessary, and fiercely courageous in spite of all her fears and anxieties. It was a joy to read such a thoughtfully written heroine, and to watch as she is pitted against and thrown together with a fascinating cast of characters in a world thick with mystery and magic. I don’t want to say much else about the plot or the other characters for fear of giving things away, so I’ll just say that one of the only things I found myself wishing once I’d finished this book was that I could read more - more about the world in which this story takes place, more about the supporting characters, and above all more to find out what happens next for Ria. I’m in luck there, though, because there will be a sequel and it’s already underway! I’m excited to continue reading Ria’s story, and to explore more of this world of sorcery and intrigue.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found on kindle unlimited, plot sounded something up my alley, downloaded, read, it was very good and I can’t wait to read book 2

1st read: march 20, 2022
2nd read: November 20, 2022 my first review still stands except I decided to buy it and read it again because still no Amazon/kindle account recovery yay.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witchcraft, power plays and murder. Oh my!

This story has HUGE character development when it comes to Ria. And thankfully that’s a big YAY thing for me since I was tempted to stop reading it by the 4th chapter. Ria is weak, naive and just annoying. She is everything you would think a princess is(not a good way) and as awful as this sounds I was kind of rooting for Jaya. Why? Because Jaya knew who she was and what she wanted and didn’t let anyone stand in her way. Yes, I know it sounds crazy but hey I love some baddies. Speaking of which can we all just take a moment to love on Peryn? Such a lovely dark character that we all can’t help but love. Even when he is a demon summoned by Hell. But hey at least his outlook and attitude brings some life to Ria and this book.

I’d recommend it!

[Rachel H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never delivers

This book is really slow. You keep waiting for something to happen and nothing ever does. When there is finally some action, it is lacking any substance and it’s also completely unbelievable. The fight scene between the two sisters was not believable in the slightest, and the demon doesn’t seem to have any actual powers. The premise behind Throne of shadows sounds cool, but it doesn’t live up to it’s potential. Then “ending” pissed me off. I won’t call it a cliffhanger, because there was no “cliff” in the book whatsoever.
It’s like when you’re walking up some steps and you’re not really paying attention, and then you take an unnecessary step without realizing and your foot falls through the air before it hits the floor. That’s a perfect analogy for this book.

[turningpageswithmorgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing and thrilling. It absolutely blew me away. Ria is the second daughter behind her blood thirsty older sister who is heir to the throne--or so everyone thought. Ria and her sister must battle to the death to determine who will be the new queen. Ria enlists a demon's help(Peryn) to achieve this but she accidentally binds their souls together. Not only that, someone is trying to kill Ria and all of her potential suitors for king. Ria and Peryn try to weed out the other one in the castle using magic to win the kingdom. But, the other magic wielder may find them first.

[The Christian Book Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do to provide everyone wrong? The King and Queen of Helhath die, leaving the throne open to both Ria and Jaya; however, since both sisters are unmarried, they must fight for the throne. Ria, younger and weaker than her older sister, proves to everyone that she has the smarts to conquer her sister by using the help of black magic. However, not everyone believes Ria should be queen, especially her council and her sister's ex-finance, Duke Izan. Will the Council and Duke Izan succeed in removing Ria from her throne, or will Ria fight for her throne?

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK. This book was everything I have ever wanted a book to be. Ria was an amazing character - she was smart, and strong, but still understood her own limitations which was so refreshing; she was intelligent and politically savvy and I am here for it. I can't even describe my love for Peryn, he was the best.

Honestly feel like I have been looking for a book with this type of plot and characters for my whole life, lol.

[Elle Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this great little book on a free e-book alert list and I am so glad! It has a fantastic premise, engaging characters and the ending left me wanting so much more. I really liked the world building, the magic and the various tricky situations Ria had to get herself out of. She is a very likeable heroine. And Peryn - :)

I was reading so fast I had to go back a few times and make sure I didn't miss anything! Thanks Emma - loved it and can't wait for book two.

There are some spelling and grammar mistakes, but overall it is so good I really didn't care.

[Brittany Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing local talent!
I’m so glad I picked this up. Emma Fenton proves Roanoke has some incredible storytellers. Throne of Shadows is fast-paced, vivid, and completely gripping. Ria’s journey from surviving an ancient law to unraveling the dangers hidden in her own palace held my attention the whole way through. I loved the mix of court intrigue, magic, and the unexpected bond with a demon ally. If you’re local and love fantasy, this should be on your shelf.

[Jane Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! I immediately felt the loneliness and overwhelming obstacles confronted by the main character, Ria. The reader knows things are really bad when an arrogant, good-looking demon is her only hope of survival. The characters are vivid and interesting and the plot is full of intrigue. I can't wait for the next book. Please hurry.

[Kelli Cutshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

the ending I did not expect

I saw a Tik tok about this book and thought the scene was funny. So I decided to give this book a read..and I am so happy I did! It is so well written, with so many ups and downs and roundabouts…the surprises…it is just so well written and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book.

I can't wait for the next book in the series. I liked the little twist at the end but wish it hadn't left me hanging so much.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning!

A handsome demon and a beautiful queen.....magic and a corrupt council. Murder and mayhem, good start for a great series. Can't wait for the next book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tastefully spun with a hint of desire

Capturing heart and souls with good intentions fighting the bad. It will make you late for work if you read it before you go in.

[Gypsie Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good accidental bonding and some snarky quips!

[Suzanne Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great magical story with strong female character. Looking forward to book 2.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for book 2!

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very enjoyable and easy to read book! I’m looking forward to the sequel!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! I loved the story and the creative individuality. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!