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Daughter of Shadow #3
Ebon Queen
Can Calla outrun the Ebon Queen’s forces and ensure the Dragon Flights are reborn?
The First-Born dragons died over a hundred years ago and their rebirth is the last hope in the realm’s battle against the Ebon Queen. Only Calla’s dragon soul can spark their life.
As fugitives, Calla and her men struggle to find people who can aid them on their journey to the dragon city. A visit to an elven court to request aid from Galen’s friend creates unexpected consequences and adds urgency to their travels. Running out of options, the party are forced to enter Devin’s unsavoury world of assassins and thieves to seek help from an unusual source.
The new party member’s fierce protectiveness of Calla causes problems as the men struggle to trust the man and his motives—especially Rohan. Can the group put aside their differences and unite to protect Calla?
The Ebon Queen’s darkness continues to spread throughout the lands as she searches for her Daughter of Shadow. The group carry a new weapon in the battle against her creeping death and decay, but will unleashing the dragons help defeat the Queen? Or will the First-Born herald a new problem for the human realm?
Ebon Queen is the third book in the Daughter of Shadow reverse harem romantic fantasy series from USA Today Bestselling author LJ Swallow.
If you enjoy slow burn, action-packed, sword and sorcery romance books you'll love this series with irresistible elves, a fierce warrior, a sexy Lord, a strong magical heroine, and a pet dragon with a secret.
Please note: This book is written in British English
The First-Born dragons died over a hundred years ago and their rebirth is the last hope in the realm’s battle against the Ebon Queen. Only Calla’s dragon soul can spark their life.
As fugitives, Calla and her men struggle to find people who can aid them on their journey to the dragon city. A visit to an elven court to request aid from Galen’s friend creates unexpected consequences and adds urgency to their travels. Running out of options, the party are forced to enter Devin’s unsavoury world of assassins and thieves to seek help from an unusual source.
The new party member’s fierce protectiveness of Calla causes problems as the men struggle to trust the man and his motives—especially Rohan. Can the group put aside their differences and unite to protect Calla?
The Ebon Queen’s darkness continues to spread throughout the lands as she searches for her Daughter of Shadow. The group carry a new weapon in the battle against her creeping death and decay, but will unleashing the dragons help defeat the Queen? Or will the First-Born herald a new problem for the human realm?
Ebon Queen is the third book in the Daughter of Shadow reverse harem romantic fantasy series from USA Today Bestselling author LJ Swallow.
If you enjoy slow burn, action-packed, sword and sorcery romance books you'll love this series with irresistible elves, a fierce warrior, a sexy Lord, a strong magical heroine, and a pet dragon with a secret.
Please note: This book is written in British English
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2020
267 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Swallow
125 books745 followersLJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 26, 2023
DNF at 30%. Calla really became a character I just stopped caring about at all due to how unlikable she was. I didn't care one bit what was happening with her. Her treatment of Luin was so frustrating and childish. He was with her for FIFTEEN YEARS! She really dismissed him too quickly and in my opinion, taking way too long to fix at this point.
January 3, 2021
Failed to capture or inspire me
November 21, 2020
A lot happens in this book with the Ebon forces making greater moves to destroy the human and elven lands. Calla and the gang keep pushing forward in their quest to hopefully save their homeland. I can't wait for the next and final book in this series, can't really get enough of the dragons!
June 8, 2024
interesting but very weirdly written
This book needed an editor. But besides that, the story was interesting if a little sallow in the details and much to be desired for the character development and showing character motivation… idk but I’m hooked on the story and I’ll see the series through to the end. I’m here for the entertainment, not the prestige!
This book needed an editor. But besides that, the story was interesting if a little sallow in the details and much to be desired for the character development and showing character motivation… idk but I’m hooked on the story and I’ll see the series through to the end. I’m here for the entertainment, not the prestige!
November 3, 2020
I absolutely loved this book!!!! I fell in love with Luin, just as much as I love Calla’s other guys. I can’t wait to see what happens next! This was my favorite book by far and could hardly put it down! It was so sooo good! There’s so much action and mystery and answers solved and questions answered, but still so much left to uncover in the next book. I know I will be surprised with the outcome in the next book, but I know I will love it! Can’t wait for more in the next and final book! The conclusion will be amazing, I just know it! I love Calla more in this book than any other and all her guys are all so different and perfect for her.
November 12, 2023
*2.5⭐️
Not gonna lie this series is just getting progressively worse but I’m in too deep at this point.
I have kinda stopped enjoying Calla as a main character and she is really bland at this point. I didn’t expect her to keep growing her harem- I thought that the OG 4 had made a connection in the first book and they were going to stick together but that wasn’t the case. Nothing against it, I just like the other way better personally.
I haven’t read three books just to stop now right before the finale but I have to admit my hopes are not high.
Not gonna lie this series is just getting progressively worse but I’m in too deep at this point.
I have kinda stopped enjoying Calla as a main character and she is really bland at this point. I didn’t expect her to keep growing her harem- I thought that the OG 4 had made a connection in the first book and they were going to stick together but that wasn’t the case. Nothing against it, I just like the other way better personally.
I haven’t read three books just to stop now right before the finale but I have to admit my hopes are not high.
January 3, 2024
So, it seems this series has a habit of waiting until the last quarter or so before things get genuinely interesting. The rest of the book is more of the same we've already seen: the gang goes somewhere and is betrayed (seriously, there's no tension anymore when this happens because it happens every time), and there's some romance/smut sprinkled in between. I did enjoy the further development between Calla and the guys, particularly Devin.
October 31, 2024
Let me start this off with I really did not expect to be into this series as much as I am. Book one started off very slow, understandably so, but each book in this series has gained momentum. I was not sure what direction book three would go especially as thing developed with the men. Which as a side note, I am totally here for all of the male attention that Calla is receiving from them all. They each have their own pitfalls and strengths like any characters in books.
Leander had less of a presence in this book as that in previous ones, especially as the book comes to an end. He seems to just kind of be there and his major part was just soothing Calla after and interaction after her magic displays. This was slightly disappointing as there was more that could have been done surrounding his leaving the stronghold.
Rohan really struggles in this portion of the series and honestly in a very annoying way. He feels threatened by Luin and lost in general as a person since he is no longer part of the Lux. This is understandable because this was his livelihood and now, he no longer has that to look to. He drinks himself sorry and just acts like an annoying brute all the time.
Luin really finds himself in this book, as he is no longer a dragonkin but a man. He too is quite annoying in this book because he is distant from Calla. Calla really struggles to see past him no longer being a dragonkin and distances herself from him. He does redeem himself in terms of this budding relationship with Calla.
Devin kind of just skirts his way through this book. He helps them find the dragon kingdom and is the main resources for getting there safely. He finally acknowledges the tension and his needs when it comes to Calla, but there is still more to develop between them, I think.
Gaelen also struggled in this book, and we see more of his dark side that aches for vengeance come out. In the midst of a blood moon ceremony he indulges in magic that can lead him astray. We do not get much of his mental thought process through this though, just that he regrets his actions after they are escaping.
Leander had less of a presence in this book as that in previous ones, especially as the book comes to an end. He seems to just kind of be there and his major part was just soothing Calla after and interaction after her magic displays. This was slightly disappointing as there was more that could have been done surrounding his leaving the stronghold.
Rohan really struggles in this portion of the series and honestly in a very annoying way. He feels threatened by Luin and lost in general as a person since he is no longer part of the Lux. This is understandable because this was his livelihood and now, he no longer has that to look to. He drinks himself sorry and just acts like an annoying brute all the time.
Luin really finds himself in this book, as he is no longer a dragonkin but a man. He too is quite annoying in this book because he is distant from Calla. Calla really struggles to see past him no longer being a dragonkin and distances herself from him. He does redeem himself in terms of this budding relationship with Calla.
Devin kind of just skirts his way through this book. He helps them find the dragon kingdom and is the main resources for getting there safely. He finally acknowledges the tension and his needs when it comes to Calla, but there is still more to develop between them, I think.
Gaelen also struggled in this book, and we see more of his dark side that aches for vengeance come out. In the midst of a blood moon ceremony he indulges in magic that can lead him astray. We do not get much of his mental thought process through this though, just that he regrets his actions after they are escaping.
November 13, 2020
This book has it all! A whole bunch of hot guys (including a dragon and a couple of elves!), a woman who is strong enough to stand on her own if she needs to, a war between good and evil (which will not be won or lost in this book), action, adventure, and love. If you have read the first two books you will love this addition to the storyline and will wait with bated breath for the next one, right along with me.
I don't want to spoil the story for those of you who are reading along. You do have to read the other books first if you want to really enjoy this one. I was given a copy of this book by the author. My review if voluntary.
I don't want to spoil the story for those of you who are reading along. You do have to read the other books first if you want to really enjoy this one. I was given a copy of this book by the author. My review if voluntary.
November 1, 2020
This book is everything that I have been waiting for and more. It has been a hot minute since we had a new book in this series and it is a great one. I love, love how strong Calla has become and though I want to smack Luin and Rohan outside their heads, I love how her relationships with the guys are developing. There are so many twists and turns and new revelations that come out in this book that it is difficult to put into words how much I enjoyed reading it. The ending is a doozy and I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series!
November 10, 2020
I cannot tell ya how HAPPY I was to get to dive back in to the Daughter of Shadow book world! Ebon Queen was beyond anything that I could've expected... Action, adventure, Calla, These Men & their connection.. and LUIN! GAH!! I really wasn't sure I was gonna like the former dragonkin but the push and pull between him and Calla will most definitely have you shouting at your kindle! Their group dynamic has changed again! A lot happens in EQ and now I have an arsenal of questions and a book hangover to match because that ending?!?! SO GOOD! I cannot WAIT for the next book in this series!
February 6, 2022
The stakes are much higher in this installment and the group faces many challenges as they seek an end to the Queen. I enjoyed the parts with the elven habitats and the initial meeting of the dragons.
What i did not expect was for the story to start going downhill from there. The constant arguments got rather annoying and repetitive and the male characters all seemed to have had a personality change. I was not keen on the new Luin and the choice they make towards the end felt rather forced to a drama making problem.
The ending comes rather fast and i did feel somewhat unsatisfied.
What i did not expect was for the story to start going downhill from there. The constant arguments got rather annoying and repetitive and the male characters all seemed to have had a personality change. I was not keen on the new Luin and the choice they make towards the end felt rather forced to a drama making problem.
The ending comes rather fast and i did feel somewhat unsatisfied.
December 29, 2023
Wow!
Each time I think Calla and the men will catch a break, that things will go their way, if only for a little while…no. Not happening. On the run, Luin and Devin leading the way, the find themselves in the very place Calla almost died as a child. The place she saw the dragons. From that point on, each and every day they flirt with the chance of attack.
I am looking forward to the finale, to see how Calla, Luin, Rohan, Leander, Galan and Devin fare against the Ebon Queen and her consort and the First Flight.
Each time I think Calla and the men will catch a break, that things will go their way, if only for a little while…no. Not happening. On the run, Luin and Devin leading the way, the find themselves in the very place Calla almost died as a child. The place she saw the dragons. From that point on, each and every day they flirt with the chance of attack.
I am looking forward to the finale, to see how Calla, Luin, Rohan, Leander, Galan and Devin fare against the Ebon Queen and her consort and the First Flight.
January 1, 2025
First book review of 2025! Hello 2025.
I'm so excited I don't have to wait a year to read the next book and what I hope to be a grand finalé of the series.
I'm so excited I don't have to wait a year to read the next book and what I hope to be a grand finalé of the series.
November 15, 2020
It was nice to continue the journey with Calla and her men! We get some action in this book as we journey along and meet some new interesting characters along the way. The men struggle some with getting along of course. Overall I think Calla has her hands pretty full with the cards and men she has been dealt. It will be very interesting to see how everything plays out in the next book!
November 20, 2020
Ebon Queen
Ooh! This was good. Calla is getting stronger. Luin is a mystery man for a lot of this. Was good to get a little of his POV towards the end of this book. They are all learning to trust and work together. Hopefully this fully develops in the next book. Love the twists and turns we are taken on. Well written and hard to put down.
Ooh! This was good. Calla is getting stronger. Luin is a mystery man for a lot of this. Was good to get a little of his POV towards the end of this book. They are all learning to trust and work together. Hopefully this fully develops in the next book. Love the twists and turns we are taken on. Well written and hard to put down.
November 22, 2020
Sorcerers, celebrations, storms, and sanctuary
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. As in previous books, new characters are introduced. Some of them are quite intriguing and others offer unexpected solutions. Calla's crew continue to battle their pasts, secrets, and shadows.
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. As in previous books, new characters are introduced. Some of them are quite intriguing and others offer unexpected solutions. Calla's crew continue to battle their pasts, secrets, and shadows.
October 7, 2023
Wait, that ending. 😳
The world-building continues to be strong, the development of the relationship between the characters as the travel, the introduction of new characters, and the exploration of powers known and unknown, plus Ebon forces finally making a bigger move...
I love, love, love these characters, and can't wait to see what happens in book #4.
The world-building continues to be strong, the development of the relationship between the characters as the travel, the introduction of new characters, and the exploration of powers known and unknown, plus Ebon forces finally making a bigger move...
I love, love, love these characters, and can't wait to see what happens in book #4.
April 17, 2025
I continue to enjoy this series. However, it seems that the beta readers and editors slack more with each book. from basic typing errors to character names spelled wrong and the wrong names inserted in some situations. no one is perfect, so it doesn't really change my mind about the story, but it would be nice to see more care put into the publishing.
January 3, 2021
More than meets the eye
There’s more happening than anyone realised, and what a shock at the end! Events are spiralling and hard choices have to be made. Now to wait for Shadow Throne to be published and see where Calla goes from here.
There’s more happening than anyone realised, and what a shock at the end! Events are spiralling and hard choices have to be made. Now to wait for Shadow Throne to be published and see where Calla goes from here.
December 6, 2021
Loved
Calla and her men are on a quest with Luin to awake the first dragons so they can help in the war against the Ebon queen. This book has things revealed and decisions to make. Need more.
Calla and her men are on a quest with Luin to awake the first dragons so they can help in the war against the Ebon queen. This book has things revealed and decisions to make. Need more.
July 26, 2023
oh. my. god.
Forget what I said about it being predictable. This was anything but. Oh my god. And it ended on a CLIFFHANGER. Jesus Christ almighty I will never get a good nights sleep again if I can’t consume the next book NOW.
Forget what I said about it being predictable. This was anything but. Oh my god. And it ended on a CLIFFHANGER. Jesus Christ almighty I will never get a good nights sleep again if I can’t consume the next book NOW.
July 29, 2023
Better
It gets better and better with every book in this series! I love Luin! Rohan is such a rage!! Galen and Devin I also really like their spunk too. Don’t get me started on Leander!
It gets better and better with every book in this series! I love Luin! Rohan is such a rage!! Galen and Devin I also really like their spunk too. Don’t get me started on Leander!
August 10, 2025
This is a review for books 1-4. This was an interesting take on a why chose romance. I did enjoy it but I was not in love with it. The characters at times were annoying but I was glad I gave it a shot.
November 23, 2025
Désolée pour l'auteur mais je n'aime pas du tout Calla est attrocement irritante et stupide, aucune femme forte à l'horizon.
Dans son harem quelques hommes sont intéressants, les autres sont horribles, ne parlons même de Rohan...
Je ne pense pas continuer la série
Dans son harem quelques hommes sont intéressants, les autres sont horribles, ne parlons même de Rohan...
Je ne pense pas continuer la série
November 15, 2020
This book gets so much more magical and totally does not go where I expected it to!
Well written this enthralling book really took it there with the magic!
Well written this enthralling book really took it there with the magic!
December 9, 2020
Loved loved
This story just keeps getting better. I wanted to read it slower but could not put it down. I can not wait to read what comes next in this story.
This story just keeps getting better. I wanted to read it slower but could not put it down. I can not wait to read what comes next in this story.
February 28, 2021
3rd ebook in this series. I read books 1-3. Fantasy with elves, humans & dragons. Excellent characters. Excellent world building.
March 16, 2021
Wow
On so this was deck interesting as the story progresses. I plan to read the next book straight away now
On so this was deck interesting as the story progresses. I plan to read the next book straight away now
July 17, 2021
Awesome!
I have to say that LJ Swallow never lets me down! This story was well worth the wait. I can not wait to read the next and final one.
I have to say that LJ Swallow never lets me down! This story was well worth the wait. I can not wait to read the next and final one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews