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The Shadow Walkers Saga #4

A Crown of Thorns and Lies

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The Shadow Realm was not what I expected.
With it came so many unexpected joys, but also, the worst kind of pain.

Back in our Realm once more, new enemies make themselves known, and betrayal is around every corner. It stings the worst when it’s from the ones you thought you could trust with your life.

We’ve sacrificed too much and waited too long to let anything stand in our way now.

The journey isn’t over yet, but out of the shadows, light is born.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2020

301 people are currently reading
551 people want to read

About the author

Sloane Murphy

48 books893 followers
Sloane Murphy is a writer, dreamer, fur mom and crime documentary addict who has developed an unhealthy appreciation for cheesy YA Films, cupcakes and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales, ballet and all things supernatural, drinks far too much coffee, and watches an ungodly amount of Netflix.

She loves to write dark, paranormal/fantasy romance and characters who will shatter your heart. Characters who enjoy stomping on the pieces and then laugh before putting you back together again. And she definitely doesn't enjoy readers tears. Nope. Not even a little.

If you want to keep up to date with all things Sloane, including where her next book is out, please join her mailing list. You can sign up on her website. www.authorsloanemurphy.com

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5 stars
523 (60%)
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218 (25%)
3 stars
104 (12%)
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11 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Denisa.
1,381 reviews332 followers
November 17, 2022
It's starting to get a bit too much.

Still a really fun series, curious about what'll happen next, but eh. We'll see.
Profile Image for Sanne.
187 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2020
I give this book 3 stars. I tried really hard to give it more, but i felt like i coudn't stop compairing the books to Cassandra Clare's. So maybe i'm not the best person to write a review.

But all in all it was a good book and i liked the slow burn of this story, with every book you learn more and more. All of the characters are easy to like. It had a great world build and also. The love making is so steaming hot!
Profile Image for Tash.
1,288 reviews106 followers
November 7, 2020
This was a surprise instalment. Remy finds herself in an unexpected situation that may change the course of her future. With her guys by her side, you think she would be ready for anything but this instalment is good as the others. As someone who devours reverse harem, this book was the best of both worlds.
Murphy knows how to write an engrossing story and Remy is the perfect heroine for this genre. She isn't afraid to embrace her guys and have individual relationships which just make the book hot and sweet and it isn't just about the gang.
There is plenty of action moments as Remy isn't one to sit on the side line. For a paranormal series you have to appreciate the richness and the work that has gone into the series. Fourth book in and doesn't feel that the gang hasn't gotten old.

This book doesn't skip a minute so if you haven't read the previous instalments you will find yourself lost. I enjoy something different with reverse harems and Murphy definitely offers an intriguing tale.
Profile Image for Tracy Books_Beers_Brews.
1,069 reviews51 followers
October 19, 2021
I first discovered Sloane Murphy in the Shadow Legacies series & I knew I had to go back and read this series. Let me tell you, that was an excellent life choice right there.

Each book in this series just keeps on getting better and better. I am still reeling from how this book ended, so naturally I went straight into the next book, even though it was almost midnight at the time. Sleep is not necessary when a series captures your attention as much as this one has.

I cannot say enough great things about the characters, the story and the development that Sloane Murphy has created with this series. The characters have such depth & I love the underlining theme within the story about questioning what has been told to you from those in authority. This book and series is absolutely amazing & I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
March 24, 2021
And the mini series continues.....
The addiction to this series started with an arc Witch's Curse (The Shadow Weaver #1) but recommended that A Crown of Blood and Bone (The Shadow Walkers Saga #1) be read first. Well that's all it took to start an addiction to this series and then next!
Remy's harem is shocked to find out that she is now an angel. Her memories are slowly coming forward.
Time is an essence to stop the evil demon who is determined to become the king of power to take over the world and end certain factions but who is he or it?
Remy has an important decision to make concerning Creek.  Die or become immortal part demon and part hunter.
Fallon was rescued from AZ but now is bound to demon Deacon. Yet it seems Az is still lurking in her mind.
A fabulous series of addiction.
Profile Image for Leo C. .
577 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2022
Le hubiera dado 4 estrellas porque la historia me tiene enganchada, me gustan mucho los personajes y el final me ha encantado pero hay partes que he tenido que saltar porque no me han gustado nada. Esta autora me ha demostrado que para ciertas cosas no tiene término medio.
Profile Image for Jane GAD.
325 reviews10 followers
September 8, 2023
Each book in this series just gets better.. a lot of steam (fanning myself 🧙‍♀️) hot hot hot 🔥
Profile Image for Taylor Jefferson.
635 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2024
I think I'm done. I skimmed through most of this book. There was so much filler. I am beyond frustrated with how many times something big would be revealed with zero follow up or resolution.

Profile Image for Sarz.
551 reviews11 followers
April 20, 2024
A bit too much...

I'd give it a 3.5 if it was possible. It's good story, but the series could honestly be a couple of books shorter if some of the sex scenes were cut out or down. I'm all for a bit, or even a lot, of smut, but this has crossed the line from the sublime to the ridiculous imo. I'll keep reading the series, because I like all of the MCs and I want to see them through, but I'm at the point of skimming past most of the steamy bits.
Profile Image for Yasmin Danielle.
208 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2022
A fast-paced story about love, loss and war. A fictional fantasy book you can’t put down

A lot has happened since we went to the mountain in ‘A Crown of Shadows and Secrets’. If you recall, a stand off took place in the Shadow Realm between Archer and Remys Haram in which Remy had a plan which saw everyone walking away with minor casualties except Archer. Although that’s not entirely true because all is fair in love and war, which is how Our beloved Everly dies and Remy is poisoned by a Demon. Which leads us onto the fourth book in The Shadow Walker Saga. When the poison entered Remys blood stream her mortal body essentially died. As a result, she is now as she once was - a Shadow Walking immortal Angel reborn in the Shadow Realm (aka Part Demon). While Shadow Walkers are rare, Remy is an endangered species meaning she is one of a kind. As for Creek, he is in a bad way. A choice needs to be made and either way, loved ones will suffer the consequences of that choice.

While all hell is quite literally breaking loose in the Shadow Realm, it’s not been peachy on Earth. Demons have been attacking and the witches are pretty much drained from dealing with the memory replacements on what humans have witnessed. Meanwhile, Bauer was placed in a magically-induced coma for having conspired against the many and Colt has been blowing up a dozen or so of Archer and Bauer’s sites, Armories, cabins, and stores. Like I said, a lots happened since the mountain and it’s safe to sag Remy is going to be the only angel in existence with gray hair and wrinkles.

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I really enjoyed the plot development! While we can foresee some of the main plot outcomes, there are still plenty twists, turns and mini plots taking place within this story which adds so much depth to the character and story building which still has a major surprise element. For instance the Bennett family tree, the four horseman, and what happened to Remys Mom and why her family is so dysfunctional.

In contrast, lets talk about sex baby or more to the point, the amount of it! I can appreciate a steamy explicit scenes of lust and romance however I did find that Murphy went overkill on several occasions in this book - dare I say, smut for the sake of smut. There was no purpose for these scenes so in all honesty I just skim read them (and who skim reads fantasy porn.. that just highlights the TMI). Elsewhere, despite the characters strong bonds it does bug me that Remys bonded are still keeping secrets from her - hypocrisy much. The audacity that the men (and in particular Levi) has, they keep secrets and yet they want total transparency; it’s infuriating. There reasons may be innocent, or not, however from a narrative standpoint the secrets aren’t needed and it reverses all the excellent character development Murphy has already done.

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BOOK SCORE:

Even though I have a few ‘bug bares’ within the finer details, I feel that overall Murphy done a brilliant job and giving us an absolute wealth of knowledge and information in her world building and characters which she articulates excellently.

Like I said previously, this book has lots of spice in the form of lusty and horny immortals, which is fabulous for a smut-worthy read. It most certainly made for a fun, delicious and entertaining reading experience however, there are a few things I would do differently; mainly the fact of 1) writing smut purely for the sake of building a character count within a book and 2) the shocking use of swearing when not required.


So the scores are in… BOOK: 4 ⭐️ SPICE: 2 🌶
Target Audience:
mature young adult.

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1,254 reviews
July 18, 2022
I am totally sold on this author, I love where her mind goes (where she lets the muses go) with this storyline. I really enjoyed the ups and downs of this epic plot, with some amazing side characters and fabulous nuances that show a lot of attention to detail which I really appreciated.

Some of the twists I didnt see coming!! I loved the character who literally dropped in to help out Remy and her crew, loved finding out more about Everly's family, the big character at the end making an appearance. I think for me the reason I didnt give it a 5 star is because of how long this book was there was so lulls and I was able to put the book down for awhile because I was hooked the whole time, totally a personal thing for me. I think because sometimes the sexy times came in right when the plot was getting fast-paced and amazing, it kinda took me out of the story. Don't get me wrong, I love steamy scenes, just at this point in the series I am looking for more plot and progression then stopping every so often for sexy scenes (I think because their relationships were cemented earlier on in the series for me). Other than that it was great!!

I loved the characters again in this series. I cannot wait to read the spinoffs because of how much I am invested in their stories 😍😍😍. I loved the training Remy had to go through, I was sad to see a lot of the characters come and go for their own training and check-ins. Oh and was not happy with the secrets the guys were still keeping from her, despite their strong bonds and harping on Remy to be honest and open. Nonnie was amazeballs, loved Le, Morgan and her Horsemen are so much fun, worried about who will turn next on this group after another betrayal at the end of this book. I want to hug Fallon so badly, can't wait for her series and see what she does with Colt, Deacon, and anyone else who turns up haha.

With the cliffhanger, we get to see the last faction of the bunch and see how Remy can get them on her side to fight the baddies and stop all the unnecessary deaths. already downloaded book 5, which these were on audio like books 1-3, so I could get through them faster (I am a pretty slow reader vs how fast I can listen to audiobooks) but it looks like the spinoffs are starting out on audio so that is good to look forward too ❤️
Profile Image for Jenna Paavola.
98 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2020
A Crown of Thorns and Lies by Sloane Murphy is the fourth book in the Shadow Walkers Saga. It's a reverse harem paranormal romance series. This book is not standalone. You have to read the previous books first to understand this one. This one picks up right after the last book.

I fell in love with the characters in the first book, and I was super excited to continue their story. Remy has a sweet and special relationship with each of her guys, and I love it. It was amazing to see how their relationships and feelings have grown throughout the series.
I like Remy as a character. She is a strong warrior who isn't afraid to save the people she loves. She is a total badass.

This book has many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat while reading. They will also keep you guessing what's going to happen next.
The storyline is amazing and fast-paced. There is drama, secrets and suspense. A Crown of Thorns and Lies is very well written and definitely one of my favourites in the series. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

The story kept me interested from the beginning, and I would recommend this.

I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bookiechick  Reviews.
725 reviews24 followers
September 26, 2020
Holy heck! Noooo! I need more!
.
I’m addicted! I freaked love this series! My excitement level grows with every book! It’s so different to what I have read before with RH PNR and I’m loving it!
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The journey Remy has been on has been incredible! So much drama, action, suspense and anticipation. With no shortage of twists this book and series so far have me at the edge of my seat. And the endings kill me! I cannot wait for the next one. I need more stat!
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There’s so much to unpack with this book, where do I even begin? Remy and the guys continue to blow me away with their team work and strides to work to a better future. I have loved seeing their team work and dynamic. I also enjoy how even though she’s a strong FMC she’s ok with relying on her guys to get through or take charge when needed.
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I am still coming down from the ride this book has been so I apologise for this being a vague as heck review but I absolutely love this book! It’s such a whirlwind ride, it’s a new and different world to explore and I love the unique twists that Sloane has throughout. I’m a sucker for a great PNR book and this series has flown to to top of my list!
Profile Image for Ashley Estep The Art of Reading .
788 reviews36 followers
November 4, 2020
This paranormal, reverse harem book is the 4th book in The Shadow Walkers Saga from Sloane Murphy. Let's talk real here, I don't like paranormal and I don't like reverse harem. What the hell am I doing reading this series, right? It was a complete accident, but now I'm hooked.

Remy and the boys are back and are still as strong as before. I love these characters. I'm completely hooked on them. Murphy had me on the edge of my seat with this book. I felt like every page had a different twist and turn. There is book is packed with so much I literally didn't have time to even stop to think about the PNR or RH aspects of the book.

Sloane Murphy delivered an amazing, fast-paced read filled with everything I love. Drama, angst, secrets, and steamy moments. The plot is fantastic and paired with amazing characters, and great writing.

The Shadow Walkers Saga is a must read for paranormal lovers! Sloane Murphy is doing such amazing things with this series and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Profile Image for anna.
1,057 reviews11 followers
June 9, 2022
didn’t understand why decision about creek was hard. just about everyone told her to turn him.
and again she learned about her great power but she didn’t want to understand what she could do, she kept it as it was. i didn’t get it. this power could be a great advantage if she mastered it asap.
she had few free days when she could have explore her new power but why bother? it’s not like there was some danger in their lives. 🙄🙄
when something interesting was beginning to happen suddenly it was the end of the chapter and next phase was “a week after bla bla bla”. i hated it. i wanted to know about levi and remy’s first training with powers and creek’s new pleasure power management.
she never learns? she was warned about bauer many times but noooo she went alone with him.
also they finally opened the envelope? after 4 books? i was surprised they opened archer’s journals in this book. and it was obvious that “M” in yhe letter was michael because he’s literally the only one whose name starts with m apart from morgan.
Profile Image for Mercy .
545 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2021
This is a 500 + page book, I had to read it in one sitting. I was quite tired at the end.
One thing - the sex scenes are soo, soo dangerously hot. If she was a human that kind of thing would never be possible, she would have expired permanently a long time ago. Dead by snu-snu.
Anyway, one thing was answered. We find out what was in that letter she received in the first book I believe.

There is a new potential love interest, hope she can handle another man.
Also, a good thing is that despite the hint of m/m action there was none. Phew.
Profile Image for Laura Jackson.
411 reviews21 followers
September 20, 2020
This is the fourth book in Sloane Murphy’s Shadow Walker saga.. I have never read a series of books so fast in my life.. cover to cover it was action packed and fast paced. I recommend you read the books in order or you will be completely lost ..

“Becoming an angel really hasn’t been great for me so far..”-Remi


This book definitely kept my interest and I was just devouring io to get answers
And find out what’s going to happen next .. i wasn’t ready for it to end,l now I will join every one else in the wait for book five ..,

I can’t decide who my favorite guy is yet either... maybe when I do another read through because this series is definitely going in my reread pile .. I love Remy and her guys ..she’s not afraid to fight especially for the people she loves ..

I definitely will recommend this series to anyone and everyone ..
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
September 26, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the fourth book in The Shadow Walkers Saga and it is not a standalone as it picks up where book three left off. If you enjoy reading dark paranormal stories with vampires, angels, demons and wolf shifters, then this series is for you. From the first book where readers met Remy, one cannot help but fall for her as she is the type who goes all in for those she loves. Watching her growth to where she is now, along with her men, just shows what an exceptional relationship they all have together which comes in handy as they face the twists and turns that are in this book. The storyline will keep you perched on the edge of your seat until the end. This is one you need to read to believe and will keep you guessing as to what will be coming next….I highly recommend this series. I volunteered to read a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
414 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2025
We have leveled up coming back from the shadow realm our FMC and creek have changed dramatically. Things will not be the same no more do overs for both of them, learning on how to handle their new situations. While also not having all of their memories is so frustrating but even with the setback they have made progress in the war. Even after not figuring out who is behind this and why they have our FMC as the main target for what’s happening. It’s exasperating that this whole dilemma is built on actions that happened a long time ago and the person doesn’t even know what they did. After everything that happened our FMC is still betrayed, we are back to being confused and annoyed that there is more to figure out. I’m enjoying this series less and less but I need to know so I will keep reading until I don’t care lol.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,381 reviews67 followers
September 17, 2020
A Crown Of Thorns And Lies is book four in The Shadow Walkers Saga. This is not a stand-alone. I recommend to read the books in order.
ACOTAL picks up where the previous book, A Crown of Shadow and Secrets, was left off.
Remy and her males are on another realm - barely escaped and now to sort them new. Remy finds out - sorry not sorry, no spoilers here, only so much, I fell in love with Remy's character and the story in book one, but this installment is by far my favorite book in the saga.
The story is action packed, fast paced, drama filled and left me breathless and ina major book funky. It's a high speed, full of unexpected twists and turns read, a read cover to cover in one sitting book. I loved the story so so much and can't wait what happens next . I recommend the book, 5 stars.
Profile Image for Brandy (this_b_loves_books).
168 reviews25 followers
September 28, 2020
R.E.V.I.E.W

Stars: 5/5
Heat:5/5

A Crown of Thorns and Lies is hands down my favorite book of the series so far! I picked it up and did not put it down until the end. It has everything you need in a RH PNR and the sexy times are ON FIRE.

I am low key obsessed with Morgan and her horsemen.

This one is an emotional rollercoaster for sure, so make sure you clear your schedule and get ready for one hell of a sexy and exciting read. We learn some crazy truths. We get satisfaction, only to be thrown for another loop. We suffer heartache and betrayals. We experience love and family. It really is a great story with amazing characters. The deeper I get into this world that Sloan Murphy has created, the more attached I am becoming to these characters.
Profile Image for Fantasy Beyond Pages.
141 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2020
Wow I've read this series in I believe 4 days. It keeps you hocked but I especially liked this one. It felt calmer and yet more exiting because there wasn't little fires everywhere.
Before it was a lot to handle because they were fighting so many battles simultaneously but with this one it doesn't feel as rushed and I felt closer to the characters.

Remy's T-Shirts, Morgan's Karaoke obsession, their friendship, Fallons storyline the steamy scenes and Caleb's big brother attitude made this book a blast.

The plot twists and betrayal will leave you with your mind blown and ready to punch someone.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
September 24, 2020
A Crown Of Thorns And Lies: Dark Fantasy Paranormal Romance (The Shadow Walkers Saga Book 4) by Sloane Murphy is a fantastic story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number four out of five and I am so in love with this series that I can not wait to read the rest of this fantastic series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires, wolf shifters, Angels, demons, dark fantasy and paranormal romances cause you will NOT be disappointed at all.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Dawn Higgins.
907 reviews16 followers
September 27, 2020
I am loving this series and each book gets better and better.

This starts where book three ended in that cliff hanger with Remi now being a Angel that she was in a previous life. Only trouble is she can't remember anything about that life so has it all on to trigger her memories which she has buried deep inside her.

These books are action packed with plenty of action and steamy explosive hot sex through out as these are a RH, but i recommend that you read the books in order, if you like a dark pnr with Vampires, Lycans, Angels and Hunters these books are a must read.

The plot twists will blow your mind along with betrayal that you don't see coming. There are so many questions still to be answered this is going to have your mind spinning trying to know who to trust and who not to trust. Can't wait for the next book as yet again that ending was so not what i was expecting AT ALL.
Profile Image for Lesley Robson.
826 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. A lot has happened to them all and when you think they are gonna catch a break .. boom... it all starts back up again. We find a few traitors in the midst, a few twists and turns just to keep you on your toes and at times you wont know who you can trust. I know one thing I wouldn’t try and figure out where anything is going because no matter how you will think it will go, it wont, it will go a different way , throw another spanner in the works and you just know that you wont be disappointed. Iflove this series and I cant wait to delve into the next book. I need my remy and her guys fix.
Profile Image for Tracy.
316 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2020
This one felt like a bit more of a slow burn compared to the rest of the series but that doesn't mean that it misses out on lots of action and steamy moments with Remy and the gang. I am completely hooked on this series and you have to appreciate the world building here because as a seasoned paranormal reader sometimes it's hard to find something new which takes you by surprise but boy this sure does. Lots happens in this book and we see Remy and her crew facing off with old enemies and meeting new ones and she also learns who she can trust and who she can't. The book of course ends on a huge cliffy and you really need the next book on standby to carry on with what is going on. I for one love this series hard and it's been a massive help to me during isolation and has kept me sane.
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
750 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2020
Sloan has yet again blown my mind with this book. So many questions answered in this book and so many new questions raised.
Remy has such a sweet special relationship with each of her guys and it was amazing to get to know all these characters as couples and as a family.
I love this series as Remy is a totally strong female warrior who is not afraid to jump into any battle for those people that she loves.
An amazing paranormal series that will have your mind spinning trying to work out who is on what side of the this war and who is going to stab you in the back.
Profile Image for thebuxombibliophile.
218 reviews
September 26, 2020
Remy is one lucky lady!

This is the fourth installment of The Shadow Walker Saga by Sloane Murphy, and I was blown away from book one (A Crown of Blood and Bone) and I want so badly to be apart of this world. Also, having a RH situation with incredibly alpha beautiful men might help. This book played out beautifully and made me want more and more of their story. I love her connection with each of the men. This is a series I will re-read for sure! Do yourself a favor and start with book one for full understanding!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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