~An epic dark fantasy, the Shadow Series is an adult paranormal romance adventure. Follow the continuation of Violet's story in Book 3 of the series~
Violet Archer's world is crumbling down around her. She's discovering things she never knew and there's still more to come. Determined as she is, she's rolling with the punches--and knocking out a few of her own.
She's finding herself in the middle of . . . well . . . quite a few things. And as deeply tangled as she is with two very powerful men, she can't just walk away from either.
She's also carrying a heavy burden, with the weight of two warring races on her shoulders, a prophecy to fulfill, and an item she must procure for the god of death.
And none of it will be easy. Violet is going to have to make her way through some very dark places . . . if there is any chance of finding the light.
*Adult novel. Contains mature and explicit content. **Advisory warning for those with sensitivities or triggers to issues regarding mental health and well being.
Shadow's Due by T.M. Hart is book 3 in this series and its all starting to come together now with certain secrets all untwisting and truths coming out. This one has a little more action and more of darker storyline but it's not in a frustrating way it's more thrilling than the last couple of books in this series. Definitely worth reading 📓
The first bit was difficult for me to get through. I can't stand Elijah. I literally wanted to throw down the book and stomp on it when he reappeared. Thankfully, I didn't (ebook > device > stomping = disaster).
I felt rejuvenated by Violet's return to the Dark Manor though. Don't want to leave spoilers... so, I'll just say... mmmmmmm, delicious!!
Glad some questions are being answered, FINALLY. Looking forward to continuing with the series.
This book was just boring. I'm tired of Violet and her inability to control her libido. I'm also not into Elijah saying the lines of a date rapist. No thanks.
I am sad that there is only 1 book left and I will soon be saying goodbye to this world 😭😭 the plot twists in the book …SOOOO GOOD!! this book is so underrated!!
DNF. I hate this series... I’ve been in a reading slump where I can’t connect with any of my main characters, but finally FINALLY after reading the first book, I found myself connecting with the MC, she was a bit too passive for me but I could deal bc the amnesia made her uncertain. Elijah was a bit on my shit list cause he tried to murder her or whatever but fine; redemption, right? Whatever. Moving on to book two. Skimmed tf out that one. Irritated from the jump that the entire second book happens before the first. ENTIRE. Sooooo what was the point of that?? Nothing. Then we find that our passive heroine is not exactly passive but in fact a kickass badass that she for no reason decided to hide from her family, even though it literally makes no sense because if she really is a princess then she wouldn’t have the power to go out on secret missions and get training all behind her mothers back. Like, protocol??? So due to my irritation I skimmed enormous chunks (i suck. I know) and surprise surprise, the Shadow Prince is her childhood friend she swore to marry. He’s able to arouse her, despite her assurance that she’s never been aroused before that this is just some coinci-fuckin-dence. But beside my issue with that, everything is literally her fault. I mean, She became infected bc she refused to return home despite the prince insistence several times. She called home like ONE TIME like she wasn’t in enemy territory. She gave up her light to literal evil. So quite frankly I was a bit annoyed. Then here we fine ourselves back in the present, where her husband spurred her bc she f**ked her V—whatever. Her fated mate, Elijah. Elijah gave me serious rapey vibes and I was pissed that she couldn’t seem to keep her hands to herself. Fated mates are one of my favorite troupes and the fact that this forced me to read a love triangle without my consent, cause book two blindsided the shit outta me, forced me to dnf and rant. Of course, now that I’m in a calmer mood, I can admit under duress that the world building was decent, and I enjoyed the side characters: Giddeon, the Femme Fatals, and Maxim. So I do understand why people enjoy the series. I guess -_-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Can I just say that I HATE Elijah and that his actions are 100% NOT OK. I mean, I didn't particularly like him in the first book either, but reading him in this one just solidified it for me. ****************SPOILERS BELOW********************* I am a bit intrigued by the witch telling him "she's not for you" when he travels to the Shadow Land with Violet. Hopefully this lends itself to a "happy" ending where he doesn't try to force himself on her like he does all the fucking time like a damn rapist. I know he doesn't actually do anything, but dude, how he acts is NOT ok.
I do love the development with Violet and the Dark Prince <3
And what is going on with these Femme Fatals? There has to be something more there...
Again another gripping read ! Violets world is crumbling down around her and Secrets are slowly being revealed! Her feelings for Elijah are all over the place yet the relationship with Zagan slowly grows and leaves you wondering where it will take the three of them? Her travels takes her to the God of Death for which she has to to find an item for him only to find out it has a dual purpose. What decisions will Violet take and where will it lead her ? Cant wait for book four !
My one question has still gone unanswered as to how Elijah forged a “vinculum” with Violet when according to the book you can only have that with one being in your existence. I am holding out for an explanation on that still. Definitely more happening in this book. Nice to see Violet on the move taking control of the situation or fate that was decided for her now that she is all caught up. Intrigued to see how the story continues in the next book
Wow, I have so many thoughts I am afraid I will get too excited and my review won't make any sense.
First off, I'll say that this book is definitely my favourite thus far. So many questions were answered yet enough remain to make me itch to read the last installment. Learning about each character's backstory and journey was definitely my favourite part. I think that for this review, I'll do what I did for the first book and talk about each character separately, although some might overlap.
Violet: I loved Violet's narrative in this story. I liked the way the author really wanted to convey to the readers that Shadow Violet and Radiant Violet are two completely different people with different morals. I don't have much else to say about her apart from one massive flaw of hers that I will talk about when I talk about Elijah.
Zagan: Throughout the first part of the book, I kept waiting for Zagan to show up. (you can really tell he's my favourite character) When he finally did I screamed with joy. Being a massive slow burn fan myself, his and Violet's relationship felt like a treat. The only thing I hope we will get from Zagan is some self acceptance. I desperately need a scene in the next book where he understands that he is not a possessive monster to Violet. I need there to be a relationship deeper than just lust between the two. From the last few chapters, we see that Zagan has given up on trying to drive Violet away. I really hope that this new decision of his will flourish into a relationship of mutual respect.
Elijah: Wtf. No that's literally my only reaction. Now I knew that I didn't like Elijah from the beginning, but I thought it was because he was irritating. I honestly did not see this disgusting behaviour coming. The fact that he worked with the Contessa and kidnapped Zagan, a literal child, so that he could be with Violet WHO WAS FUCKING EIGHT AT THE TIME literally makes me want to vomit. The scene where he was explaining to Violet how he pulsed into her room multiple times when she was sleeping AS A CHILD was one of the most uncomfortable scene I have ever read. Like she literally felt how he had to hold himself back from doing whatever he wanted to do (if you know what I mean). And granted we don't know how old she was but it was probably around 16 and it would have been non consensual. And the fact that he demanded "payment" for helping her. Disgusting. I really don't understand how Violet believed him when he said that he would never take anything from her that she was not willing to give. Violet? Did you not literally tell him to stop? Were you not visibly uncomfortable? You literally can't tell me she actually wanted him to do that. That is literal sexual assault. I don't care about the deep connection they have, she did not want any of it. I literally don't care if Elijah gets killed off.
Which brings me to Violet's massive flaw. She is doing the same thing to Zagan. I don't care that Zagan is only holding back because he does not want to hurt her. He told her No multiple times and she continued to come onto him. And at points she stopped herself because she did not want to "lose all self respect". I'm sorry but how do still have self respect after coming onto him like that. The only thing that I kind of understand is that she is possessed by her Shadow self and she does tell us "I would've never have done what I did had I been myself" but I still feel that this much coming on when Zagan doesn't want it is not necessary.
Maxim: I KNEW IT! I literally said that he was the leader of the weird cult and that he was low-key evil. Except I was also wrong? Because he's not evil? He obviously knows a lot more about the Prisms than anyone else. But why does he have the king's mark on his chest? I highly doubt that he got it tattooed on him for the respect or something. Like no that doesn't sound like something he'd do. I think that he got it unwillingly or he always had it. Is he related to Zagan somehow? A cousin or brother? I literally don't know.
Adriel: I literally love the woman. The things she does for her daughter, the fact that she protected prisms as a child and continued to try save them. I really hope she doesn't die. PLEASE DON'T KILL HER OFF!🙏 I know that Violet is angry that she kept so much from her but keeping her in the dark about her being a Prism was the best way to protect her. I'm not surprised that the council is bad but Davis? Really? At least I feel like he does not actually want to kill Prisms but just got caught up in a majority decision.
The Contessa: Since we don't actually know what she wants or where she comes from, I have a theory about her. I think she is Aurelia, the first female prism. Think about it, in the King's journal, he says that the darkness was starting to take over Aurelia. The Contessa is a literal being of Darkness that seems to have no light left in her. She controls the Umbra, the beings that were released by the King himself, the man who was helping her. And what else do we know about the Contessa? She wanted Zagan and Violet to get together, hence complete the bond. Why would she want that? I get how she might want to control Zagan because he's a powerful half blood, people usually try to acquire power. But what would she get from getting Violet and Zagan together? If she were Aurelia it would make sense for her to try to get two prisms together to complete the prophecy and destroy the council, the people who killed her beloved.
That's pretty much it for this review, I'm keeping it short because I want to read the next book right now.
Book 1 and 2 were great. Book 3 is dragging on and I’m finding myself uninterested which really irritates me! I never NOT finish a book or series unless I just can’t take it anymore and this is one of them. If book 3 is like this I can only imagine what book 4 will be like. Not horrible but stopped grabbing my attention so it’s a 3 for me.
I usually like a little more steam with my action. However, I made due and still enjoyed the story. Violet's attraction to Elijah irritates me to no end, especially after he told her the truth. He acted like he was better than her in the previous books. Everything got better when Zagan showed up and we were treated to a sweet seduction. The action is just right, the cast of characters are rounded-out and the scenes are well-written. Even with awkwardly misplaced or misspelled words, I was able to move past them as there weren't a lot. My only complaint, after three books, we should know more about whats going on with the upcoming war. I would like more relationship solidity between Zagan, who is the most innocent of all characters, and Violet. I feel like Ethan is hanging around and we aren't liking him right now, not even as a fall back. It took too long for this book to be released for these measly scraps. I would recommend this book to anyone, but would let them know it is a slow world-build so don't rush it. PS - what's up with Damien...getting interesting.
I spent a good portion of this book lost. There were pieces of information missing that I felt I shouldn't known going in as the reader. I don't know if I missed it in the first two books or what but the revelations about Elijah were confusing. Understanding that an author needs to balance repetitious information in a series, I felt like there was none when reminders of certain aspects are needed. I also didn't like how the author portrayed Elijah in the book as the manipulative bad guy who kidnapped and turned Zagan over as a kid. Elijah is imprisoned at the council for aiding Violet who for whatever reason has a death sentence. Perhaps because they now know she's the prism? In any case, it leaves Violet free to chase after Zagan again and again, all the while he's resisting the bond to keep her from the dark with him. Between Zagan and Elijah I realized that Violet's love interests aren't the most desirable personalities, prickly and harsh the both of them. She has a bond to both but now hates Elijah for what he did to Zagan and for finding a way to get his prism match.
Violet's sojourn into the death God's realm seems pointless and I was impatient for her to get that visit over with and back to the story at hand. Her parents were very interesting in this book though, particularly her father who we learn is an elder of the light's council. The same council that's behind the prism murders, or so Maxim claims.
I did enjoy this book more than the previous two, but I had a hard time getting through the middle of this book. When she was in the land of lost souls, I just didn’t understand the purpose of why she was there or what happened while she was there. I’m sure it will connect at one point, but sometimes I feel as though this author stretches to include plot into the story. A lot of it feels random, though I can’t help but continue to read it because I want to know more about Zagan! The slow burn has been killing me! And what about her bond with Elijah? I know she originally was prism with Zagan but is her bond with Elijah void?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This whole time, I had been the one coming for him. Hunting him. Waiting for him. And I had already known that he’d never be free of me. I had already known that I was bound to him."
So, the real world no longer exists to me, and I'm am living in this fictional one. It's okay though, it's pretty fucking rad here.
This was my favourite book yet! The world building, the plot, the pace, the emotional roller coaster, the characters, everything was on point. From chapter 17 on, you're in this little bubble of Zagan and Violet, and it's so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Zagan is this little grumpy old man and it's so cute. “I think I would rather you return to stabbing me,” he growled. I laughed harder. “Why are you laughing?! These are not humorous comments.” He is finally coming around and I am so here for it! You definitely see the change in him as the story progresses and I really fucking hope that Hart doesn't do something stupid like kill him off. We need to see what they become 🥺
Violet is a little minx and I love her! She has learned how to handle Zagan and it's hilarious. The whole leg fiasco had me laughing so hard, it was so melodramatic but necessary 😂 On top of it all, she is a kick ass character, her journey has been amazing and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Elijah is a douche canoe. I understand his point of view, but I don't like him. I hope he redeems himself in the next book, maybe by sacrificing himself?? That would suffice 🤷🏻♀️
I'm still on the fence with Maxim. I want to trust him especially with what transpired near the end, but I'm not convinced. I'm 70% sure he is going to turn out to be a good guy, but 30% sure he is going to backstab everyone.
Her mom is a bad ass, her back story is so endearing. The author has done a great job with her character arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I actually can’t believe that I’ve already finished book 3 in this series!
I’m just loving it so much that I can’t put it down.
This book was very different from the previous 2 although it seemed to hold a lot more mystery it did answer a lot of questions that I had building in my brain.
There was also just something more about this book that I can’t put my finger on but it may be my favourite in the series so far.
You learn a lot of things about certain people and honestly I’m shocked. Some parts I did see coming but others I did not.
This series has just been so good so far it’s dark, it’s funny, it’s steamy it has action and of course there’s also Zagan Black.
I mean what more could you possibly want?!
Actually scratch that there is one more thing that would made this series amazing and that would be some appearances from other characters.
They were introduced in book 1, and mentioned in book 2 but no where to be found in book 3 and that’s makes me sad.
Other than that though this series is so good and I’m really sad to be starting the last book!
But I couldn’t stop now, even if I wanted to.
𝗣𝗦𝗔 - This book contains spice. So if you are not of age, or do not like that sort of content then I advise giving it a miss 😊
OMFG Bitches I screamed. This was the BEST book so far. It's filled with so many answers yet still leaves you in so much darkness. I am literally on the edge of my seat. I have so many questions. Where TF is Killian?!?! Why can't all books come with playlists??
Vi's mama is so badass. PLEASE tell me that there is a movie series in contract. Fuck Elijah and the Radiant Court also Daphne however now I'm curious if there is more to explain her actions but until that shows any validity she can die.
This was what I wanted. Before starting this series there was a warning that it's an adult book for grown ass women. That this book right here is going to be dark and dirty. I did NOT get that with the first. The second got grey but this one, this one got dark and dirty and it was everything I needed.
I am still guilty for glossing over the Femme Fatales. However their interactions with the dragons put a smile on my face for sure. There are lots of laugh out loud moments. I am so sad that the next book is the finale one but I am grateful that I am LATE in discovering this series so that I have the pleasure of devouring this in days vs having to wait.
I wanted to give it more stars but due to the grammatical errors and frustrating plot line, I couldn’t. Literally *every* single time Angels are referenced, it’s spelled Angela. Kills me 😂 How did no one writing or editing this book not notice that?!
Back to the plot - I am 100% team Zagan. I’m dying to know what’s going to happen with Elijah - I’m somehow hoping that his intended prism will be freed from the realm and he can be reunited with him, freeing Violet.
The character development of Zagan is great in this book, we see a whole new side of him. Though I will say, it’s kind of upsetting that Violet was pinned with two men who are not nice to her. There’s a whole lotta lust the love word is never brought up.
I’m also wondering - when are they going to mention the fact that a prism is only supposed to have ONE half to make the whole? And Violet has bonded with TWO different male prisms?!
I also have a prediction that Maxim is secretly the returned Dark King. Why else would he have the tattoo? 🤨 Guess we shall see.
Shadow's Due deepens the complexity and darkness of Violet Archer’s journey, delivering an intense mix of emotional turmoil, high-stakes conflict, and steamy romance. As Violet grapples with the weight of warring races, a prophecy, and a perilous quest for the god of death, her resilience and determination are tested in ways that leave you breathless.
Caught between two powerful and enigmatic men, Violet’s tangled relationships add a layer of tension to an already volatile situation. T.M. Hart masterfully explores the gray areas of loyalty, love, and morality, crafting a heroine who is flawed, fierce, and utterly compelling.
The story takes readers through vividly dark and dangerous settings, with twists that keep you guessing and emotions that run deep. Shadow's Due is a gripping installment that balances action, intrigue, and passion, making it an unforgettable chapter in this epic adult fantasy romance series. Perfect for fans who crave high-stakes drama and a touch of darkness.
While I was skeptical going into book 3 because I wasn't sure stoked after book 2, I can tell you I know appreciate what book 2 was. This book was captivating and fast-paced even though so much happened and brought to light. I really enjoyed Violet in this book and watching her try and come up with ways to help Zagan regain his light was amazing. I do hope she will be able to save Elijah(I don't hate him but I do hate his past choices) in the next book and that the three of them will be able to find a working relationship so that they can save the world together. I loved learning more about all her mother (Adriel that badass) had done to save the previous prisms. I wonder if Adrial can reconcil with her husband to remove violets execution warrant and come together with Maxim and the revolution to right the wrongs of the light court elders and the Contessa
This book was the best in the series so far. If they had combined the first two books into one (shorter one), then this series would’ve been much more enjoyable for me, so far anyway. Violet finally knows who she is and we are finally caught up to the story. I can’t decide how I feel about the love triangle, but I actually understand the purpose of it now, where the previous two books just angered me with the unnecessary love triangle. I am finally committed to the storyline. I feel like we finally got what the actual plot is in this book and I’m liking the actual plot, not just the subplot of Violet’s amnesia. I’m getting annoyed with Zagan’s hesitancy! The plot twists are good and the progressions is finally something worthwhile. Let’s see if book four finally redeems the series as a whole.
I have no idea what the reviewer who detailed "loose ends" is talking about. I will not post any spoilers but some things don't need to be explicitly worded to be understood. I totally binge read the first 3 books in the series...and OMG I don't think the 4th is out yet...NOOOO😭😭😭 I thought it was only 3 . I can't say I want the story to end though. each book has been better than the last. All manner of supernaturals, angels, demi gods, fates, shifters, witches , mortals and im sure I'm missing a few. whew. I mean really....what else could you want in a story...Love, sex, good vs evil, more sex, fighting, monsters , anguish, tension, and relief all across from every end of the universe. This is the best fantasy type story I've read in a very long time. I'm getting ready to see what else this author has written along with WHEN THE NEXT BOOK IS COMING!
This author doesn't get the recognition that she deserves! I read this whole series in roughly three days. Did I eat? Not really. Sleep was irrelevant, but this series yanked me out of the deep and dark rut that Outlander has perpetually thrown me into while I wait for the next book. Everyone talks up SJM and ACORAT series, but in my honest opinion...this series blew that one out of the freaking water and into the next realm. The first book was good, even though I was not shipping the LI, I still devoured it. The second book and beyond are absolutely amazing. This series is a little dark, but the main LI is morally grey, would burn the world down to save her, and best of all Violet is a freaking badass-which is completely refreshing. I loved this series and will keep coming back to re-read it for every slump I find myself in.
If Book 1 is a very loooong introduction to various characters, premises and a brief glimpse to what will come to pass, and Book 2 is a much needed back story which continues to build the entire picture, Book 3 is the start of the ‘merging’ of the bits and pieces that were thrown throughout the first 2 books.
Romance-wise, Zagan’s and Violet’s fated bond situation shows a very different take from the usual ‘we’re fated mates so let’s do 1-2 chapters trying to fight it but eventually give in by the 3rd or 4th chapters’ thing. As a matter of fact, fighting against the fated bonded situation actually took 2 books. In the 100+ slow burn romance books I’ve read, this is by far the slowest of the slow. And I liked it, surprisingly. Curious to see how intense this will become as there’s only 1 book left to fit all that the previous 3 books were building on.
Mystery, Romance, Supernatural & Suspenseful plot twists! Has it all.
The love triangle between the heroine and 2 prisms was riveting; as I kept switching which prism I wanted to see her end up with. And her dealings with the femme fatales' that began in book 2 is very funny and comical. I loved the character development and plot. Story flowed easily.
One minor issues for me (others maybe not) is the need for editing. Not many but some grammar issues with missing pronouns, etc. There was one sentence I couldn't figure out though it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this series.
I really hope there going be another book in this series, otherwise I have to say the ending is not complete. Big cliffhanger?
It was good to finally get some answers, but there is still a whole lot left unexplained. And oh my god Elijah is trash. It was getting frustrating listening to how much Violet hated and resented Elijah, but then would immediately get all hot and bothered and wanted to f*uck him immediately. Like ew. I get it's this whole Prism bond thing, but surely she could just CHOOSE which man she wanted. Ugh. Not a fan of how the author decided to handle that situation. It would have been better that after she got her memories back, she remembered her bond with her original Prism, Zagan (who she bonded with first), and that would have superseded any feels for Elijah. I'm hoping Elijah gets the kick in the next book.
loved this one. It was actually really funny. I found myself laughing at her interactions to Zangan and his response to her. He is soo series and doesn't seem to understand her.
Plot: This one starts with her against the tree with zagan remembering what happened. He leaves her She re-connects with Elisha, and finds out the truth, he is the one who took zagan. but he still loves her. there is this weird part of the book where she does to the underworld (didn't love this part of the book) she is in trouble with a couple of dragons and zagan comes to save her again after that the book gets soo good! she is dedicated to be with him, and he keeps trying to push her away. at the end, they finally have sex, and he lets his guard down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoy this series. If it is important for you to see healthy relationships played out in a book then this isn't for you. None of the relationships in the book are healthy. That being said, I read for escapism and these books pull me in. I find when they come in the mail I start reading immediately and I forgo all of my other responsibilities for the day. There are some spelling mistakes in book 2 and 3 three. I keep seeing Angela when I believe it is suppose to say Angels. I can read past that though because the story line is good. This love triangle has got me stressing. Can't wait for book 4 to come in the mail!
Alright so, book 1 was okay. I was hooked at the end with that damn cliffhanger! Book 2...LOVED! Fell in love with Zagan. . This book, Shadow's Due, definitely had me hooked. It took a bit of a weird turn in the lost souls realm but other than that, I thought it was fantastic! . This book had me laughing out loud (hidey-hole) lmao! I can't! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Zagan to give in! The desire...the need...the connection and how they're relationship evolves and they save each other time and time again...sigh. . I'm glad there's another book because I need more!