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To Darkness Bound #1

Daughter of Shadows

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The tips are good in Hell.The hours are brutal.And the clientele is... interesting.Every night, I cross the Barrier to the demon realm to sling drinks at Hell on Earth, a bar on the edge of Darktown.I’ve always been fascinated by demons. It’s a fascination I’ve never quite learned to control and it just might get me killed.One fateful night, a darkly handsome, not-quite-human patron grabs my arm, leaving a magical mark burnt into my skin.Determined to find out what the mark means, I do the I venture alone into the demon realm.What I discover is terrifying.Things are changing in Darktown. The ancient enchantment that maintains the Barrier between worlds is failing. Demons are breaking into the human realm, ready to kill.And I just might hold the key to restoring the Barrier.Four sexy Darktown residents are magically bound to protect me.But can my dark protectors keep me safe for long enough that I can uncover my true destiny?

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2019

320 people are currently reading
228 people want to read

About the author

Zandria West

10 books16 followers

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5 stars
96 (27%)
4 stars
109 (31%)
3 stars
96 (27%)
2 stars
39 (11%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,625 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2020
Great read!

This book was so unique, from other RH series. I loved it, the book had me from beginning. I love how the characters interact with each other. Can't wait to read the next book.
117 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2019
A reader walks into a bar.....

Zandria West's debut novel reads like one from a more seasoned author. With a unique concept, a lot of cool world building and some engaging characters, this book was a fun read. 
The world building of this book was interesting. In this world, paranormal creatures are out and separated behind a magical wall. Lana works across the barrier at a bar that caters to the inhabitants behind the barrier. We get vivid descriptions of her home, and workplace along with many other locations. We learn the general rules behind the magic and creatures. It is surprisingly smooth for a debut novel. 
The plot is interesting. It follows a logical line of discovery. A couple of minor things seem sudden, but nothing that is a deal breaker and nothing that isn't done in half of the other books in the genre. 
The characters are likable. We spend the most time with Lana, but we do get some POVs from the guys, mostly when they are separated from Lana. We do meet the majority of her harem in this book although it is not complete by the end of the book. I really liked the ones we did meet. I will warn insta-love haters, there is a bit of this in here. More like almost-insta-caring. Each of the guys are of a different magical persuasion. We have a werewolf, a witch and a vampire so far. 
Overall, I would recommend this book. I'm interested in seeing where this goes.
Profile Image for Victoria (nocturnalintimacy).
2,256 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2019
Kindle Unlimited.
2.5 stars

I liked the idea behind this one, but the execution fell a little flat. It felt like things got away from the author, and there wasn't time to really develop the characters before crisis hit, wraps up and the book ends. Somehow at the end of the story I still didn't have a firm grasp on the main character, or her love interests.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 15, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/15/2019)! 🎁
117 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2019
Zandria West's debut novel reads like one from a more seasoned author. With a unique concept, a lot of cool world building and some engaging characters, this book was a fun read.
The world building of this book was interesting. In this world, paranormal creatures are out and separated behind a magical wall. Lana works across the barrier at a bar that caters to the inhabitants behind the barrier. We get vivid descriptions of her home, and workplace along with many other locations. We learn the general rules behind the magic and creatures. It is surprisingly smooth for a debut novel.
The plot is interesting. It follows a logical line of discovery. A couple of minor things seem sudden, but nothing that is a deal breaker and nothing that isn't done in half of the other books in the genre.
The characters are likable. We spend the most time with Lana, but we do get some POVs from the guys, mostly when they are separated from Lana. We do meet the majority of her harem in this book although it is not complete by the end of the book. I really liked the ones we did meet. I will warn insta-love haters, there is a bit of this in here. More like almost-insta-caring. Each of the guys are of a different magical persuasion. We have a werewolf, a witch and a vampire so far.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I'm interested in seeing where this goes.
Profile Image for Natalie.
32 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2019
Magical Story That I Wish I Read Sooner

What can I say about this book? 😏 I loved the blurb, and the characters were awesome! Lana, the FMC, literally goes through Hell in this book ( ironically she works in a bar in Hell ) . One night at work, her life changes dramatically, and the adventure begins. You will meet Ruark, Alex, Meow Meow, Gabriel, and other unique characters. I really enjoyed this RH first in series, especially as it was a debut book for Zandria West. The story line was unique enough to keep you reading, but at times it read like a young adult book .All the same, I am definitely going to read the next book so I can find out where book 2 takes her .This book has a definitive RH theme, but it's not as dark ,nor did it have many adult scenes as I thought it would have based on the blurb. That was the main reason I took a star off. The four stars I did give it were definitely because of the unique storyline and the awesome variety of paranormal characters. All in all, this book was a great read for adults who really want a paranormal read with minimal darkness and sexual content. Hoping the next book gets a little more adult.



Profile Image for Chrissy.
540 reviews14 followers
August 14, 2019
What's next

So this book was a promising start to the story of lana, her men and how they keep the world's safe just as they are. There is plenty of a tions and intensity from just a few chapters in. So not on!y do we get action and suspense with fights seems And trying to figure out all the new parts of Obama's life right along side her but we get some slow burn type romance brewing. Hopefully we'll get more of that right along with the action in further stories. I also loved the idea of the bond marks and I can't wait to see how those fully play out. Now while the ending of this book was kind of happy for now the main issues of the barrier and the key are still in play not to mention that final little twist having to do with mama's family at the end. Lol and I'd really like to now if those humans that Lana saw in the beginning will play a part of it we will even find out more about them. Overall it's a very promising start to This paranormal series with some reverse harem romance, action and twisty mysteries. Good book would recommend.
Profile Image for Jenny (jennyluvslitbooks).
773 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2019
From the debut author comes a new read with an interesting story line, “Daughter of Shadows”. Being this is my first read from the author, I found her writing style very engaging, there was a smooth flow of story and the characters are well fleshed out. The story has a unique contemporary twist and entertaining.

In this world, there was a barrier between Earth and Hell's realm, and Lana, our FMC, works as a bartender at the Hell side (yes, you read that right). She has always been drawn to the darkness and then came one night, when one guy customer touched her arm and activated some sort of mark on her. She tried to find that guy and from him, she found secrets that her father kept from her. Secrets that forever will change her life.

Told mostly through Lana’s POV but with some male characters POV enough for us to get to know their characters individually. Overall, I would definitely continue reading from this series and I’m curious to know how the story will come around.
Profile Image for Tiffany Rains.
109 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2019
I definitely could not tell this was this author's first book. The descriptions of the world and the boundary separating it along with the character's descriptions were amazing and definitely helped me feel like I was there. Lana definitely has more guts that I would ever have but I'm sure her fascination with the demon world helps those. I loved that the three guys we are introduced to had their own personalities but seem to mesh well. I am definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Profile Image for TylerAnn.
46 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
Definitely recommend

I was hooked in to the story within the first few chapters and I devoured it within in one sitting. it is such a good story that has you on the edge of your seat wanting more! Everything flowed in the story seamlessly and put you right there with the characters , with the perfect visuals and descriptions to accompany . It's is unlike any story i have read before which makes it that much more unique and intriguing. I'm really looking forward to the second book. Five stars from me - read it people it's awesome!!
1,220 reviews
September 8, 2020
Every night Lana surrounds herself with some of the most dangerous paranormal characters that Darktown has to offer. It's her job at Hell on Earth Bar to offer service with a smile and show no fear. However, when a handsome stranger shows an unusual interest in her, she notices. This intriguing story is filled with four alluring, powerful alpha males just waiting for the opportunity to claim Lana as their own. There is also plenty enough deceit, mayhem, and danger to please most readers. This fast-paced drama makes for a very entertaining read. Enjoy!!!!
Profile Image for BlackAthena .
166 reviews
June 1, 2025
Good Start

This book ends rather abruptly however it is a logical stopping point. I think my discomfort lies in the pacing of the events in the end. The FMC is still grieving the loss of her father but gets over another death in a short car ride.

I also still don't understand why the MMCs are with the FMC. I get the marks have meaning but I don't get how asking for the protection of one means gaining the protection of all AND why is the FMC a beacon only part of the time?

Solid start and I'm hoping book 2 will fill in a lot of gaps.
20 reviews
February 7, 2019
Read as beta/arc. It’s so good you guys. And relatable. When a human is thrust into a world you know you don’t belong in this author captures how most of us would handle the situation. And the plot twist was one I didn’t see coming. And y’all I’m always guessing the twist correctly! And the guys come in slowly not all at once. I like this cause you get to be introduced and form an attachment with each of them without getting everyone confused
Profile Image for Heather Endsley.
185 reviews13 followers
February 13, 2019
Wonderful debut for this author. Demons city, humans on the other side. Shifters, witches, vampires. It’s got it all. This is a slow burn RH.
Lana is going through so much after losing her father. Then she meets Gabriel and the bond is formed. From bartender at the demon bar to being they key to saving it all. What will happen in book two. Will Gabriel tell her everything or hide the worst of it??
283 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2019
Amazing 1st book from this author

This story pulled me to it and I'm glad I read it. So unique for a supernatural read and that's saying something. I loved how the story flowed and it kept you moving. There was no stalling in this book and as the author being nee and fresh, it really speaks volumes for her future. It is a RH slow burn that ends in a cliffy but it's worth the wait for the next release
Profile Image for Blair Parent.
88 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2019
Fairly good start, excited for the next

I liked the story line and the characters. It is an almost love at first sight type of story. What I had a hard time with was when the characters would talk it wasn't in double quotations like you normally would see, so sometimes it was hard to tell when they were talking and who. Other than that it was pretty good. Can't wait to meet protector number 4.
42 reviews
February 4, 2019
This book is phenomenal! Loved it. A definite page turner. This author came in with a splash with her debut book. So excited for the second book and looking forward to seeing more from this author!! If you haven't read this yet stop what your doing and go get yourself a copy of this book! You won't be sorry!!
Profile Image for Aisha Caouette.
19 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2019
Awesome new author!

This book was great. I’ve been following this author and waiting for the release. Then I read the reviews and decided to put off reading it for a while. I’m so glad I decided to read it today! It sucked me in and I ended up reading the whole book while at work and didn’t get any actual work done!
Profile Image for Anouk.
133 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2019
Watch out for the hook!

This was a new writer to me so I started with a sample but it hooked me in at the first chapter and I had to buy this book. I can’t wait for the next one! If you hate unfinished story’s than you better wait for the next book to come out because this story only just started by the end of this book!
Profile Image for Mary.
517 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2019
Lana went from working in a bar that serves demons to be chase by a witch and demons. They want something from her and she doesn't know what. Gabriel started all this when bonded himself and three of his friends to her to protect her. But there is more going on with the bond. Her dad hid a secret from her but I asked Gabriel to protect her.
Profile Image for Toubob.
433 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2024
There are lots of things that either don't make sense or annoy me.

1 man decides to bind him and his buddies (for life) to a woman because her father told him too. What? 2 of the men aren't even nearby when it happens. Yet the woman is fine with it and so are the men. The h is super annoying, self-absorbed and immature.
36 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2019
Well written, great storyline, awesome characters. Kind of a suspense effect, loved the relationships she develops with her guys. Definitely an intriguing read, looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Ashley M.
30 reviews
February 8, 2019
Amazing

This book had me from chapter 1. Sexy men, a badass main character and a wicked witch.... what more could you want. I'm in love with Lana and her men!! I absolutely can not wait for book 2!!!!!!
Profile Image for Kokom1.
894 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2019
I did like this book. It did take a bit of time to build a connection with the characters but overall the storyline was interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing the fourth demon connect with the MC. Should be interesting.
242 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2019
The beginning was the best part

I downloaded the book because the sample had me thinking that this was going to be a good one, but not was i disappointed. It was rather sub par and I skipped a lot of it in the end. Do not think I will be continuing this story
121 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2019
More, more, more

I love when a book leaves me waiting and wanting more. I cannot wait until the next book is out. The characters are well developed and you cannot help but love them all. Great story and character development. I'm hoping book two will be out soon.
34 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2019
Gooood

This is a unique and intriguing book. I read it in one sitting! I love how fast paced it is and was disappointed that I have to wait for the second! Can't wait!! Definitely give it a try if you like RH and supernatural books.
Profile Image for Amber.
2,222 reviews60 followers
March 25, 2019
Awesome

What a great start to what I am sure will be an epic series. The world building was great, the storyline was fresh, new and exciting, and the characters are well crafted. I look forward to seeing where this one goes.
5 reviews
February 4, 2019
Brilliant start to an interesting series!Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Amanda.
208 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2019
Loved this book so much! I couldn't put it down! Finished it in about 4ish hours! Fantastic writing! I can not wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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