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The Fae Files #3

The Shadowed Path

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Be careful what you wish for…Reine’s return to Faerie isn’t what she hoped. First, she has to sneak in rather than enter in triumph. Second, she has to figure out what to do with her gargoyle lover, who still hasn’t forgiven her or her brother for a major betrayal but who is accompanying them out of a sense of tradition and duty. And, she hopes, the feelings he still has for her.

Third, she’s pretty sure someone high up in her grandmother’s court is trying to kill her.

As Reine travels the shadowed paths typically forbidden to those of the Light Court while evading a hidden, yet clever pursuer, she has to navigate her own interpersonal complications and face the truth about who and what she truly is. Otherwise, she’s guaranteed to lose the final battle against the powerful enemy who’s been pulling the strings all along, and Faerie will never be the same.

The Shadowed Path is the third installment of The Fae Files, a series with magic, wit, and a little bit of bite. If you like snarky heroines, memorable creatures, and unique magical worlds, then you’ll love Cecilia Dominic’s spellbinding series.

Preorder The Shadowed Path to pierce the veil today!

Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2020

6 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

Cecilia Dominic

34 books393 followers
Cecilia Dominic became a clinical psychologist because she's fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn't stop making stuff up. By day, she helps people cure their insomnia. By night, she writes fiction that keeps her readers turning pages past bedtime. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, but she prefers to be called versatile, not conflicted. Cecilia has been published in short and novel-length fiction and currently writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and the world’s cutest cat.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Penny.
3,127 reviews85 followers
March 8, 2021
This is the third book in this series, and I admit it took me a minute to catch up because I read too dang much. LOL! Reine has come a long way from the closed off fae she was in the first book, and I love how she’s turned out and become settled in who she is. In this latest, she is on a quest to Faerie, but there is danger around every corner. She’s a little worried about her relationship with Lawrence, and she needs to find out what Kestrel’s magic is. This was an excellent book with lots of action, and there are a few secrets revealed in this. The end blew me away, and now I’m anxious to get the next book in my hand to see what poor Reine is going to have to go through next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Chris.
653 reviews17 followers
February 19, 2021
Book 3 in the Fae Files series, and wow what a book.

This book picks up where book 2 ends. The whole group winds up in Faerie on the Shadowed Path. And what we find on that path...sorry can't tell you since that would spoil it for you.

The only problem is that this book ends on a cliffhanger and leaves me wanting more and the next book in the series isn't released yet.

Excellent series that will keep you reading long after bedtime.

I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
2,996 reviews43 followers
December 11, 2023
This is book three of The Fae Files series and Reine finally has a chance to get back into Faerie, except it won’t be with her mother’s blessing, but instead through a back door along the dangerous Shadowed Path. She must follow a guide, Ellerin, who is a grey Fae and known as the Wanderer, and is also accompanied by Kestrel, a human witch with magic that just won’t stick as one kind, and her father John. Their intent on entering the path is crucial and they only learn later on that it could even be deadly, as secrets and information are kept from them all. Kestrel hopes to see the royal doctor at the Light Fae Court, who should be able to figure out exactly what she is and what type of magic she has. John and Ellerin seem to clash at every turn and Reine wonders just exactly who Ellerin is and why he is interacting with her and helping her return to Faerie. Someone in her grandmother’s Court has been trying to kill her and stop her from returning to Faerie. Now it seems someone is following them through dark fae lands and even into the area between light and dark, now the realm of the grey fae, who refuse to follow either court anymore. Lots of danger for all of them and even more for Lawrence, who has followed them with Reine’s brother Rhys, the Fae who killed his father. But Faerie is no longer a safe place for gargoyles like Lawrence, who wants to keep Kestrel and her father safe. There is ancient history of gargoyles being the protectors and guards of the royal fae, but the fae memories have them as dangerous foes! What the truth is, is anybody’s guess, but Faerie is now poisonous to gargoyles and if Lawrence stays there too long, he will slowly get weaker until he dies!

Even Reine had no idea about this and when she realises Rhys has brought Lawrence into Faerie, she can’t stop thinking about him and they get a lot closer. Even if they have still to get over Rhys’ betrayal of Reine and his actions against Lawrence’s family centuries ago. Thankfully she still has Sir Raleigh, her grimalkin with her and he is still a great warning signal for them all. Someone has been pulling strings for centuries and messing with Reine’s life, forcing her exile and non-return to Faerie. What the reasons were for this, are steeped in Fae politics and power plays, with some Fae following more human traits, rather than following the old ways still. There is a treacherous path for Reine to tread on this journey and she is lucky to have Sir Raleigh and Lawrence with her now, especially with Kestrel being such a target of interest to all they come across and her true identity and abilities will be revealed in the end, to much anger from those fae around them. There is so much going on and it isn’t just happening to Reine, even though she is the main target of most that is happening. The voice that spoke to her before, Troubadour, who is actually a bard of some kind, assists Rhys and Lawrence get around the dark fae city, but even they face creatures who should not be there, as the effects of the target on Reine expands to cover them. Once they all unite in the grey area, others want to know the status of things in the fae courts and what will happen soon, as signs of a once in ten thousand year event seems to show signs of appearing a millennia before it was expected. Reine will have a lot of handle and keeping her whole expanded group safe, when she has no idea what most of their true intentions are, is made ever harder by her mother’s cruel treatment. Her mother and grandmother have a lot to answer for, and an unexpected change in leadership forces matters even further into chaos regarding Lawrence and Reine and any chance of them being together. So much is going on and there is still so much more to come and to discover, I can’t wait! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Riley.
970 reviews65 followers
March 30, 2021
Having fulfilled the objective her mother had given her, Reine returns to Faerie. In this mission to find her place in her homeland, Reine is accompanied by the witch, Kestral, who is looking to define her own powers. Also along for the journey are Ellerin, the mysterious sometimes helpful (sometimes not) gray fae who is the guide and John, Kestral’s father.

Going into The Shadowed Path, I was leery of the change of location. I mean, the previous stories had taken place in a perfectly good location on earth – Atlanta. Now, in book 3, Reine is in Fae land. Turns out, this is just what Reine’s story needed. Being in a magical land means anything is possible.

Faerie is dark, gray and light. It is full of danger, adventure, magic and beauty. The same might be said of Reine, whose Fae-ness will become increasingly apparent as the story moves on.

Gargoyle Lawrence is also back in the story, having followed Reine’s troop, ostensibly to protect his goddaughter, Kestral, and John. In reality, he has not forgotten Reine, even though he feels betrayed by her (see the events of Shadows of the Heart). In the first two books, I found it difficult to see how Lawrence would fit into Reine’s story. But now I can say with certainty that he does.

A new character, the dark Fae Troubadour, adds mystery and possibilities to the story.

I can’t forget Sir Raleigh, the gimalkin/cat is a delightful character/pet. He is usually just where he needs to be and can communicate with just a look (like most cats I know). He is superior to humans (like most cats I know) and is not afraid to show it.

Before The Shadowed Path, I was concerned about Reine fulfilling her Fae destiny while still having a soft spot for earth and earth-bound people. Lets just say that this part of the story has just begun and there is so much potential there. Now, more than ever, I am looking forward to the next part of the story!

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lorena.
852 reviews23 followers
March 9, 2021
The Shadowed Path is the third book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files urban fantasy series. You really need to read all of the books in this series in order since the story flows fairly seamlessly from one book to the next. This series takes place in the same world as Dominic’s Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers series and Lycanthropy Files series. It’s not necessary to read those books to enjoy this series, but if you have, you’ll enjoy seeing some familiar characters and references to past events. I love how the mythology of this world just gets richer and richer.

This is a quick-paced adventure with lots of action and intrigue as well as a bit of paranormal romance and humor. The story is told alternately from exiled Fae princess Reine’s perspective, and from her gargoyle love interest Lawrence’s perspective. Many of the chapters end on little cliffhangers, building suspense and making this book hard to put down.

I enjoyed Dominic’s depiction of faery and some of its inhabitants. I also really like all of the characters and am enjoying learning more about them. Many secrets are revealed in this book, but I get the impression that there are more surprises ahead.

My only complaint is that I felt slightly disoriented at the start of the book because it’s been a while since I read the previous book, and this story takes off quickly without much review. Also, those who dislike cliffhangers will probably be frustrated with the ending. If either of those issues concerns you, I encourage you to read the entire series once it’s complete—it’s really too much fun to miss! Personally, I will be eagerly and somewhat impatiently awaiting Book 4.

Try this if you enjoy urban fantasy series with a snarky heroine, featuring many different paranormal creatures, and including just a bit of romance.

I received an ARC from the author via BookSprout, and I volunteered to provide an honest review.
Profile Image for Shellie.
258 reviews12 followers
June 17, 2023
Prepare to be enthralled by the enchanting world of "The Shadowed Path," the third installment in the captivating series, The Fae Files, written by Cecilia Dominic. In this mesmerizing tale, exiled Fae princess Reine embarks on a treacherous journey back to Faerie, only to find that her homecoming is far from what she had anticipated.

Reine's return is anything but triumphant. Instead of a grand entrance, she must resort to sneaking into Faerie, facing the consequences of a past betrayal that has strained her relationship with a handsome gargoyle and her own brother. Amidst the complexities of her personal connections, Reine becomes increasingly aware of a looming danger within her grandmother's court. It seems that someone is plotting to end her life.

As Reine treads the forbidden shadowed paths of Faerie, evading a cunning and relentless pursuer, she must confront her own inner conflicts and uncover the truth about her identity and purpose. Failure to do so would result in losing the final battle against a powerful enemy who has been orchestrating events from behind the scenes, forever altering the fate of Faerie.

"The Shadowed Path" delivers a spellbinding blend of magic, wit, and a touch of bite. Cecilia Dominic expertly weaves a tale filled with snarky heroines, unforgettable creatures, and a uniquely crafted magical realm that will leave readers captivated.

If you are drawn to strong-willed protagonists, imaginative creatures, and immersive magical worlds, then "The Shadowed Path" is a must-read. Join Reine on her thrilling quest and immerse yourself in the richly woven tapestry of The Fae Files series.

Escape into a mesmerizing new world today by delving into the pages of "The Shadowed Path" and uncover the secrets that lie within.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
February 14, 2021
“The Shadowed Path” is the third installment in “The Fae Files” series by Cecilia Dominic. This is a series fully embedded in Dominic’s wider verse, which also includes the “Lycanthropy Files” and “Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers” series, but despite of some already known characters reappearing in “The Fae Files”, the books can be read fully independently from the previous series without any detriment to the stories. The series focuses on Reine’s story, an exiled Fae princess, who tries her very best (& worst) to return home.

Reine’s wish has granted, her exile is over, and she is finally back in Faerie, but not with music and fanfare, but rather sneaking out through the back door on her grandmother’s court. On top of that dismal return she has a couple of problems; first, how to knit her relationship with Lawrence, who hasn’t gotten over the betrayal and second find out who is trying to kill her. Reine travels the shadowed paths, trying to evade the killer and finding out the truth at the same time. The final battle is on the horizon, threaten to change Faerie forever.

This is a captivating series, that keeps on evolving with each new installment, after expending the last two rooting for Reine to be finally able to go back to Faerie, we are confronted with a new full new situation and realize the ‘end’ is just but the beginning of a new chapter in Reine’s life, one that can change not only her own path but even Faerie’s destiny permanently.
Profile Image for Kathy.
782 reviews30 followers
April 19, 2024
Since her mother is still enforcing her exile, Reine must seek another way into Faerie to plead her case before her grandmother, Queen Titania. With the guidance of Gray Fae, Ellerin the Wanderer, Reine commits to the Shadow Path which will take her through the lands of the Dark and Gray Fae. Accompanying her is young witch, Kestrel who hopes to learn the secret of her magic from the Fae physician and Kestrel’s father, John, as well as her grimalkin, Sir Raleigh. But the path is treacherous and the consequences can be deadly for those who aren’t sincere in their intentions. From the start, someone is working against them and trying to prevent Reine from reaching the Court of the Light Fae. Also pursuing her is Lawrence and Rhys who have reached an uneasy truce. As they travel the path, Reine comes to question everything she believed was true about Faerie. She meets the Dark Fae, Troubadour, who was partially responsible for her previous trials, and reconnects with a former friend, Aoine, now Lady of the Forest. She and Lawrence give in to their feelings towards each other, creating a bond neither anticipated. But with the air in Faerie toxic to gargoyles, are they doomed to heartbreak in the end?

With exceptional world building, Cecilia Dominic brings Faerie to life. Dangers lurk around every corner for Reine and her fellow travelers. Explosive secrets are brought to light which will shake the foundations of several characters. Reine finds herself thrust into a role she never expected, and tragedy is not far behind. Ms. Dominic delivers a fast paced adventure that pulls you along the path with Reine and company, on the edge of your seat with each twist and turn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,028 reviews40 followers
March 9, 2021
Returning to faerie is not the joy she hoped it would be, not by far. So much so that she changed her goals to just staying alive.

This is book three of the series. It works pretty well as a standalone, but you will get more enjoyment from them if you read them in order.

This is an urban fantasy story featuring the fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting. I love the detail. The characters are also well developed with diverse personalities and agendas which sometimes go together and sometimes not. The plot and setting keep growing and adding new dimensions, which keep the read (and our heroine) on our toes. Overall, it is a fascinating and highly engaging story and I look forward to more.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Profile Image for Jennifer.
594 reviews15 followers
March 9, 2021
This is the third book in the Fae Files series, but it doesn’t seem to be the last. It continues where the second book left off. It is best to read the series in order since there isn’t much in the way of refresher material in this book. The story continues with all the excitement, paranormal, mystery, and intrigue that the first two books have. Our main character has grown but still seems to have battles to face. Again, like the first two books, you are left with just enough answers and questions to make you want to continue to read the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,895 reviews116 followers
April 17, 2023
Book three and it’s a great instalment! A fast paced, action packed adventure with intrigue, mystery, romance and a little humour that I just couldn’t put down. Reine Is going back to Faerie and she is such a great character full of sass and snark and it’s fantastic seeing her continue to grow and develop. Lawrence our gargoyle is back and it’s exciting to see and him and Reine together. Mythology, paranormal twist and turns and surprises along with incredible world building and a continued enthralling and captivating read and I’m off to read book four!
86 reviews
May 31, 2025
Hold on for a wild ride. The 3rd installment of The Fae Files is filled with so much magic, monsters and espionage it'll blow your mind...in a good way though. We learn so many answers but that just leads to more questions. Don't blink or you just might miss a clue. This book is all about adventure as Reine and her friends travel through all 3 realms in Faerie. Gosh this series is so good. I am so enthralled by it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,476 reviews21 followers
March 10, 2021
Raine is back and so are many characters from this and other series popping in set in the same world. I laughed and groaned but was entertained to see what Raine would face this time and how she would survive. Full of twits and turns, action, danger, secrets, intrigue, and family I loved it. Instead of a triumphant return or even a quite return, Raine gets none of that but that was part of the fun.
16.6k reviews155 followers
March 7, 2021
She is back home but not in the way she had wanted, she has to sneak in. He is hunting her and brother after they betrayed him. She is going to need to work hard to solve what is going on. What is she going to need to do? Will he get his revenge on them? Follow how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
March 9, 2021
The third book in the Fae Files series a story that held my interest until the end. This series is just getting better with each new book. What is going to happen to Reine and Lawrence? I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
March 11, 2021
The Shadowed Path by Cecilia Dominic is an amazing book to read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I have been so hooked on and I loved it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
250 reviews
March 13, 2021
Wow, this was an adventure, book three continues after the end of two. Action and romance, it is great to read Lawrence and Reine tell the story. And it was a doozy, the ending is a cliffhanger. I did enjoy this book and I am waiting for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Layne.
1,040 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2021
This was a great third book in this series. I really liked Reine as she showed character depth and became likable pretty quickly on. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the world building was great! I’m off to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cassi Sanchez-Manning.
182 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2021
This is the 3rd book in The Fae Files series. In this book Reine returns to Faerie and does not get all she was hoping for out of the homeland. This book kept me interested and flowed seamlessly from book 2. I look forward to the next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,147 reviews13 followers
April 23, 2023
I just love princess reine and the fact that she and Lawrence finally got together. The action in this story is incredible and the plot has me so invested in this series. I just can't put this awesome book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
February 16, 2021
Another great addition to this series that will keep your attention thanks to the character work and the ongoing, ever evolving story line. Can't wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,478 reviews22 followers
March 10, 2021
This is the third installment in the Fae File series. It is well written with amazing character work and development. This is easy to read with excitement, action, intrigue and mystery. Very enjoyable read.
2,402 reviews13 followers
March 10, 2021
The main heroine returns to Faerie but she faces more danger in this great read full of action, plot, suspense, romance and twists plenty. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
88 reviews
January 25, 2023
another great story

I am absolutely loving this series. I purchased all of them and will be starting on book 4 right after this review. All I can tell y’all is to get these books. They are great stories that you will not want to put down or stop reading!
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,770 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2023
Action, mystery and more. Reine is going back to Faerie, but not hte way she wants. Can she make it there in one piece? Will Lawrence for give her? Who is after her?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
681 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2024
This series is totally worth it. This is the third book I have read in this series and I loved it and am ready for book 4 which fortunately I have and will be reading and finishing it shortly! I just can't put these books down. Get with the series! I know you'll love this book.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews24 followers
September 25, 2024
So much is going on here and in the best of ways! In book 3 Reine is in Fae land where anything is possible. Now, more than ever, prepare to be enthralled by Dominic. Dangers lurk around every corner, and you will be on the edge of your seat. A terrific third installment.
447 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2025
The ShadowedPath by Cecilia Dominic is a wonderful adventure paranormal fantasy. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, enjoyable, and more. The Shadowed Path is the third book in The Far Files.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,657 reviews16 followers
July 27, 2023
Oh my lanta I'm in love love love with the characters!! I'm loving the flow and off to fine more!!!!!
Profile Image for Janice.
171 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
A terrific third installment of a Fae Thriller!

I was so happy to see Lawerence the gargoyle and Reine the princess fairy get together! The third installment was the best so far. I can’t wait for the fourth book in June 2021! It’s a five star review from me good action, wonderful mythology, great mystery and relationships. Well done and thank you Cecelia Dominic.❤️❤️❤️🎉🎆
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