House of Shadows

Royal Houses #2

by K.A. Linde

Kerrigan Argon, a half-human, half-Fae, has joined the Dragon Society against almost everyone’s wishes.

A year of training is required with her dragon.

But first she must travel with the dark Fae prince, Fordham Ollivier, back to his home in the House of Shadows. Nothing but slavery and death has ever awaited a half-Fae in their halls.

Yet something is wrong within their wicked world. A thousand year old spell is weakening. Cracks forming in the foundation. And Kerrigan may just be their ruin or their salvation.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Dragons, Audiobook, Young Adult, Romantasy, Fae

578 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2021

About the author

K.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.

She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.

Reviews

[Abbie Toria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

House of Shadows was so good! Things really kicked up a notch from House of Dragons (Book 1), and I stayed up reading deep into the night. More dragons, more yearning, a regency-style season, dragon training, political activism, and we learn more about the mysterious House of Shadows, as well as the Order itself. While this series is labelled as Young Adult, and Book 1 can read quite young, I enjoyed that this book felt much more New Adult theme wise.

⚔️ Romantasy
🐲 Fae, dragons, dragon riders, and magic
⚔️ Royal courts
🐲 Elitist fae society oppressing humans and half-fae
⚔️ Book 2 of a completed 5 book series (now being traditionally published)

Kerrigan and Ford's relationship was brilliant. (I do have to let myself forget that Kerrigan's only 17 in this, or things become uncomfortable.) And that letter at the end was something else.

One aspect that really sets this series apart for me is the political activism. House of Shadows builds on this with protests, humans and half-fae demanding their voices be heard, a growing civil rights movement, and anti-racist counter-rhetoric. K. A. Linde's author's notes talk about her writing this during the 2020 pandemic and the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, and you feel that momentum and energy.

Book 3, House of Curses, isn't traditionally published until the summer and I genuinely don't know if I can wait that long. Since the series was originally indie published, I may have to investigate those editions to keep me going 👀.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series is so fun lmao

i'll start by saying that from a craft standpoint this probably doesn't necessarily deserve a 4 stars (it's a bit corny and convenient) but it's SO FUN. there's so many plot elements, the dragons remain a prominent aspect, and it has a romantic element without being bogged down by romance.

really, there are so many threads that are being followed at once and i fear that i'm obsessed. it reads fast and it's a good time, try her out

**thank you to Bloom for the ARC copy**

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I binged book two just as fast as book one.

We learn more about the House of Shadows as the name suggests, and we also learn more about the secrets of Kerrigan’s past.

We get a new team of friends where the bonding of training forces them to trust each other. Trials, dragons, and magic.

Again, I liked that Linde demonstrates minorities protesting and standing up and the heavy retaliation and fear. The author’s note mentions this was written during BLM. Reading and fantasy is a safer medium to reflect on our own world and, we may not have magic or dragons, but we do have a voice.

Fordham and Kerrigan is summed up by will-they-won’t-they. It was infuriating.

Romance aside, this is an addicting series that will fly you out of a slump.

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[Natasha Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly detailed, plot twisty and so very addictive; K.A. Linde’s follow up to House of Dragons was even more immersive than the first!

We finally got to explore the House of Shadows, meet some of its inhabitants and see a nuanced, more complex view of Alandria’s history (and the sacrifices that made the ruling houses and Dragon Society possible) that was soo interesting, I found it almost impossible to put down.

I will say, I was a pleasantly surprised by how introspective the narrative was, given how much action and conflict we see. But I really enjoyed discovering a more emotionally vulnerable side to our protagonist Kerrigan, who was really endearing in her approach to the challenges she faced. Along with dragon Tieran (whose backstory made me want to hug him soo much!)

Though don’t worry, she’s still fiercely set on fighting for her place in The Society. And of course, determined to help dismantle the oppressive system that exploits all half fae and humans (like her friend Clover who gets a few POV chapters herself.)

I also loved the depth in the lore surrounding Kerrigan’s powers, and how intricately connected everything was. I can’t go into too much detail, but I can say her magic is one of my favourite aspects (and I’m honestly really excited to see where it leads us in the rest of series.)

But my favourite thing by far had to be the intense, slow-burn dynamics between Kerrigan and Fordham (our surly Prince who’s mellowed soo much since his first interactions with Kerrigan.)

We do meet new characters as well, who are mostly likeable (like Benton and Bayton, the half Fae servants from The House of Shadows.) The only exception being Ashby March, whose smug condescending attitude had me rooting for his demise.

Overall, an amazing follow up to House of Dragons that’s perfect for Fourth Wing or Throne of Glass fans. I’m honestly soo excited for book three!

Also, a huge thank you to Emelie, Tor Books & Bookbreak UK for the HB copy.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Narrated by Amy McFadden, 🎧︎📚House of Shadows by K. A Linde is the second book in the Royal House series. On completion of the House of Dragons, I was eager to learn what new adventures awaited Kerrigan and her friends. Action, suspense, intrigue, romance and magic awaits you, so grab your earbuds an prepare for an awesome ride.
 

🎧︎📚House of Shadows picked up from where House of Dragons left off. I had a blast with this installment, which came as no surprise.  Kerrigan has defied the odds. Enrolled in The Society's training program, Kerrigan is now on her way to becoming a full fledged member. However, she still faces prejudices as not all members of The Society welcomed her.  This meant she needed to work extra hard to prove her admittance to the training program was not a fluke. Her being a member of  The Society place her in the perfect position in becoming an advocate for half faes. Not only did she have to deal with prejudice, there was also the issue of corruption within The Society. Someone among the group was responsible for the attacks against the half faes and humans.

Kerrigan's faces many challenges in her to journey to becoming a full fledge member of The Society, but has expected she never backed down. She faced each one head on.  Those she could not conquer directly, she overcame through other means. During the course of her training she made new discoveries about her magical abilities. Discoveries, which provides aid in some of the challenges she faced.

House of Dragons hinted at a possible romance between Kerrigan and Fordham.  Things between them heated up in this installment. However, complications both old and new placed a damper on the budding romance.

While I loved most of the characters , there were some I wished would disappear for good. Their bigotry and sense of entitlement grated on my nerves. Frankly, I found it hard to drum up sympathy for any of them, even for the one who had been framed.

The story featured several shocking revelations, but the ones at the end proved to be the biggest shocker of all.  These revelations left me for the next book in the series.  

NARRATION
Amy McFadden continues to narrate this awesome series. She brought the story and each of the characters to life through her narration. Her brilliant performance, which enhanced the listening experience, shows why she is the perfect narrator for this series. 

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bloom Books for the gifted ARC.

I SHALL CONTINUE.

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I feel like I can enjoy book one and be ready for book two, but book two is ultimately what helps me decide if I want to continue a series. And alas! I do want to continue this series. I am having a great time with this whole setup. It’s a bit dramatic (lean into it), there’s a lot of great characters and the romance is creating a stable slow burn that I can work with.

Not to mention, the dragons! I don’t think I’ve read a series recently where dragons are at this much of the forefront and I forgot how much I enjoy it. I know this is a reprint of an already complete series so if you’ve been missing dragons too, try these!

I like the FMC, Kerrigan plenty. She does not have it all figured out and honestly that’s what I’ve enjoyed most. The longer series vibes really lends to character arcs you can see slowly build and I am curious how that will continue for her in the third installment.

Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 2ish open door
- Violence: high

[ava ✮⋆˙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy plot twist!!!

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans

Picks up where we left off in Book 1 where Kerrigan has won a spot in an academy setting. She is also dealing with her special magic and all that entails. There are mystery and political aspects that are continually explored in this section of the world. More is revealed and new villains emerged. I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out in book 3.

CW: Political Aspects, Real Life Parallels, Racism, Classism, Betrayal, Conspiracy, Discrimination

Video review available in Week 17: Apr 23 – Apr 29, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!

House of Shadows throws us back in the world of magic, mystery, mayhem, and murder. It picks up from the end of House of Dragons and we get more of everything we love in YA fantasy.

After winning the tournament, Kerrigan now must complete the training for her and her dragon if she wants to be a member of the society. There are five total trainees and not all may make it through the rigorous tasks ahead. They will be tested like never before and it is stressful. I love the bonds that form between Kerrigan and the other trainees and I was rooting for them all.

Kerrigan and Ford are back and better than ever. Their relationship progresses but there are still things standing in their way. I know they would be perfect for each other and they even give us some heat *finally* but just when I thought things were good another roadblock pulls them apart. It is frustrating to say the least and though I get it, I am not happy about it. I need to see these two together especially since Ford really turned up the swoon!!

"You  shouldn't stay hidden. You can't be contained, and no one should try to force you. Wild and untamed are the only ways in which you should exist."

Kerrigan also has to face the House of Shadows, a magical wall, and the Red Masks who want to wipe out everyone who is not full-fae. Her plate is obviously full but she is awesome and has proved time and tie again that she can persevere when she puts her mind and heart into things.

We get new friends and new foes and everything isn’t as it seems. I love the twists and turns the story takes and how things are unfolding. Kerrigan and the other trainees get to use their powers because there is definitely action in the installment. From battles and riots to society meetings and balls, they are thrown into things that are unfamiliar and they have to learn fast. It’s exciting and nerve-racking at times and I couldn’t put it down when the action picked up.

The mystery is intriguing and I was desperate to see how the story would go. We do get answers at the very end and, OMG, I am left desperate for the next book. I need to see how things will play out not only with the romance but with the mastermind behind the threat to Kerrigan and the whole Society.

Overall, House of Shadows adds so much to this entertaining fantasy series and I can’t ways for more!! I loved it!


*ARC generously provided by the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions*

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Royal Houses series picked up right where House of Dragons left off. I was immediately pulled into the world the author created. Once again Kerrigan was a force to be reckoned with. She is fierce, well spoken, and brave. I loved watching her come into her own in this book. Her deepening relationship with her dragon, Tieran, was heartwarming. The trials she faced throughout the book make her stronger, and I loved the way she and Fordham became a great team. The tension and slow burn between them was finally quenched only for them to face more challenges. I ached for her when he made the decision he did. I wish there was more of Fordham’s POV. His actions, words, and body language all say different things. I want to know what’s going on in his head. The plot unfolded perfectly and kept me invested. The end reveal was shocking, but I suspected who it was from the beginning. The ending left me reeling and anxious for what’s in store for Kerrigan and Fordham! Thanks to Bloom Books for a copy of this book!

[ThianeJansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Round up to 3.5!✨

House of Shadows picks up directly after book one, throwing Kerrigan straight back into danger, politics, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates new courts, unfamiliar allies, and increasingly high-stakes training, the lines between loyalty and betrayal blur fast. With revolution stirring, war looming, and truths about magic, dragons, and power coming to light, Kerrigan is forced to question who she can trust and what she’s willing to sacrifice to survive.

This is a sequel that raises the stakes immediately and never gives you time to breathe 🤌🏻

Tropes I ate up👏🏻
🐲 Dragons and dragon bonding
🌑 Shadow powers
👑 Political intrigue
🔥 Revolution and social injustice
💔 Forbidden romance
😮‍💨 Slow burn tension
💪 Training arcs
🕵️‍♀️ Betrayal & hidden agendas
🤝 Found allies (but never fully safe)
😱 Cliffhanger ending

This is how you write a thoroughly engaging sequel! The story expands in every direction bigger politics, deeper magic, more characters, and far more emotional damage. The constant twists keep you on edge, and just when you think there’s room to breathe, the story pulls the rug out from under you again.

Kerrigan carries an enormous emotional load, balancing training, leadership, and unanswered questions. The tension between her and Fordham is deliciously painful and bordering yearning.

The cast is broad but memorable, the worldbuilding feels immersive without becoming overwhelming, and the balance between action, romance, and intrigue is expertly handled. The heartbreak and betrayals hit hard, which only makes the quieter, tender moments land even better. The author also gives a lot of recaps which I don’t mind but might pull others out of the story.

And the ending?
Unhinged. Rude. Criminal. Immediate need for the next book.

Brain power needed: 🧠🧠/5
Read if you like: dragons, fae politics, shadow magic, slow burn tension, and high-stakes.
Highlight: Dozan (he’s like Carrion Swift honestly) and weirdly enough the villains? My blood was BOILING.

[Kalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with this series!
Addicting, exciting and keeps ya guessing!
Kerrigan is the sassy FMC with such easy banter.

[Devin McCain · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES! So happy to be back in the Royal Houses world again. Ford has my heart and I never, ever want it back. Add in the fierce Kerrigan in all her half-human, half-fae awesomeness, dragon training, the House of Shadows, and all of the mystery and destruction that comes with it, I'm hooked! Can't wait for the next one.

[Elizabeth Fantham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first novel in this series and very disappointed with this one. I had hopes that it would be a good book as well, but it is not.

The characters are just not well done, very little connection to them. The relationships do not feel as though they go together. I don't care or like any of the characters. A lot of the story makes no sense in how the author wrote it (it's errors in the writing, not intentional storyline) There is no flow to the story, it jumps around and is rushed. The magic system also does not make a whole lot of sense and isn't written well.

Overall it's mediocre writing at best. There was potential, but it was lost in this book. Authors REALLY need to step up their writing game when it comes to the Fantasy genre. There are many extremely well written books in the fantasy genre and this isn't one of them.

[Amy Krissann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay.
I was SO excited for this next book. The first one was so good and I expected this one to be as well, if not better.

It wasn’t.

The story was there, but the weird POV side character relationship stuff was weird. It wasn’t placed well, and honestly it was unnecessary. The weird love triangle doesn’t really make sense? Like March wasn’t allowed to go to her father’s estate uninvited but then all of a sudden showed up without an invitation?

And there were a TON of spelling and grammar mistakes. At one point it went from third person POV to first person POV then back to third person POV all in the same page. It was bad enough that I almost DNF’d but I loved the first book too much to do that.

I’m really excited to see where Ker and Ford’s relationship goes and will definitely be trying the third book out.
Also THE ENDING! Never saw it coming.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ADDICTION STARS!! I am so addicted to Kerrigan and Fordham's story....I NEED MORE. What a ride it has been....my teeth hurt from grinding them through their story. If you haven't started this series, do it now.

[Purdy True · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars rounded up to 2.

It just felt that the characters kept making bad decision after bad decision and the plot felt a bit too over the place.

[Erica Chilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

House of Shadows is the second installment in the Royal Houses series. Since it is a continuation in an epic fantasy series, book one, House of Dragons, must be read first to avoid confusion and to understand the complex world building.

Since it had been a long time since I read the debut, I was fearful I would be confused at the start of House of Shadows, but KA Linde flawlessly delivered cues to clue the reader in without massive amounts of info dumps, leading with a smooth transition from one book to the next as if ending one chapter and beginning another.

Kerrigan was abandoned at the House of Dragons when she was a child. While she was under the impression she was removed by her father due to her half-fae lineage, it was to keep her safe under the protection of the mountain.

After the events of the previous installment, which I won't highlight to avoid those reading this review before deciding to start the series, Kerrigan is training to become a full-fledged member of the society. Combat, history, and bonding with her dragon, while being targeted by Society members for not being full fae, she has a large target on her back.

Kerrigan is a strong heroine. She's as gifted as she is flawed. Nothing comes easy to her, trying with all her might to succeed even when she fails. She doesn't necessarily take things in stride, but that is what makes her feel more realistically human. Bridging the gap between all social classes, royals, fae, half-fae, human, and destitute human, Kerrigan becomes a symbol of hope.

House of Shadows is an adventure. While fast-paced, it was a long, complex journey filled with politics, battles, push-pull romance between enemies turned lovers, smoldering into a slow burn with the whisper of a triangle (quadrangle?) as Kerrigan is torn between what she wants, what she needs, what would be for the good of her people, and what would be good for the people she represents, not only in the Society or her royal lineage but for those she sees as her people.

Everyone fighting each other, inter-fighting and species fighting, I won't get into the overall plot, as that is something best dove into blindly. What I will say is that Linde is a master of angst. Not only is our Dark Prince a persnickety sort, stoic with a hot and cold personality, Kerrigan is dealing with the King of the dregs, feelings from her teen years quite possibly rearing their ugly head as he becomes protector instead of negotiator... then the royal line comes in to create mischief, dragging along a betrothal of the lost princess, one in which who needs her to be queen to his future king.

It's a year long wait, which I will be anticipating the next installment, as it promises to deliver more of which readers voraciously read in the first and second installments. One thing I know not to fear is the seamless transition from one book to the next, no need to reread, but I will say the prospect is temping.

My guilty pleasure, sentient beings in a series, where they take on a life of their own. Be it an inner beast, a gargoyle or a pixie, or a sarcastic dragon partner. The relationship Kerrigan develops with her dragon, the witty repartee, the teasing, the little snips and digs, it brings life to a creature that is generally just on the pages.

Highly recommended to fans of both adult and young adult epic fantasy. House of Shadows is sure to please the masses.

[Emily Kurosawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading House of Dragons, I can easily say that The Royal Houses series has earned its place on my favorite series list!! As soon as I finished reading book #1 I jumped straight in to book #2 House of Shadows. I enjoyed  reading "House of Dragons", but this one is even better!!! Kerrigan journey continues on, she thought her life was difficult but now it's about to get a whole lot more complicated. A touch of mystery, action and suspense; the power of creating friendships with the unlikeliest people, and using your voice to fight back especially for those who are afraid to speak up. Kerrigan lived in the shadows for most of her life, and now, it's her time to be in the spotlight. This might frighten her, but she's strong and Kerrigan faces her fears head on. And let's not forget the romance! Kerrigan's love/personal life is interesting to say the least! I mean, you could say there's a *slight* love triangle or more like Kerrigan who has quite a few people from the opposite sex who are interested in her. However, she can't have a relationship with the person she truly wants to be with.

Kerrigan and Fordham created a great friendship; they connected on a much deeper level. And the chemistry between them is sizzling. But they can't be together, so they settled on being friends. Well... the status of their friendship is interesting, to say the least. I mean, the greenhouse and lake scenes were too steamy. Amongst other things, she's working together with her teammates/friends, and training around the clock while looking for answers that she desperately needs. Phew, Kerrigan sure does have a lot on her plate. My goodness!! The the last few chapters?!!!! I was literally screaming!!!! I mean, it was so unexpected! Especially the cliffhanger! Cannot wait to read House of Curses next year!!!


Navigating through turbulent waters Kerrigan is now a Society ("a ruling class") member and a dragon rider in training; she's the first half-fae to become a member. Leaving the "House of Dragons" a place she spent most of her life; it was her home from the past ten years. She embarks on a new journey, with her companion the Shadow prince she's heading to the "House of Shadows". Its going to be an interesting yet difficult welcoming for both of them. The House of Shadows have a strong disliking towards humans and half-faes, but this won't deter Kerrigan. After all, she can handle anything that is thrown her way. The Dragon riding training tasks are harsh and complicated. But it's crucial to complete and pass each task, hence she needs to do it in order to survive. And on top of this Kerrigan and Fordham are tip toeing around each other, they have a strong connection and dormant chemistry between them but they can't give in to the temptation, or more like he can't. Oh, and let's not forget that Kerrigan is also learning more about her magic/abilities. So many things happening in such little time.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I am really enjoying this  Royal Houses series.  House of Dragons was first and very exciting and unexpected.  I loved the dragons and all the magic aspects in the world building, along with Royal Houses.  The Society is sort of a law enforcement organization made up of fae with dragons providing extra abilities to help with protecting the different lands.  Kerrigan becomes a trainee even though she is half fae.

There is so much happening in House of Shadows giving a long complex story.  Kerrigan is the first to visit in pretty much a thousand years.  She connects with the half fae and humans there, who are mostly enslaved by the fae.  Kerrigan has dealt with the slurs for nearly all her life. But now she becomes more of advocate since she is now joining the Society as a half fae.  The House of Shadows has been hidden from the rest of the world for a thousand years with no one able to leave until Fordham was cast out.  Kerrigan can sense the wall and it is tied in with her own magic somehow.

After the visit, the training begins for the new candidates for the Society.  It is grueling.  Kerrigan faces many challenges, and prejudice. Even in the Society, whose purpose is to provide protection, there is corruption and bias.  Kerrigan also has to learn more about her own magic.

The RFA - Rights For All is a protest group trying to support better treatment for half fae and humans.  Kerrigan believes in their cause and attends some rallies and supports them. Dozan and Clover are also participants.  The Red Masks want to eliminate all half fae and humans and the groups clash at a protest.

Kerrigan is also pursued by three men.  Dozan casually pursues her, it seems more for her skills he might utilize.  Marsh wants to claim her as a fiance to secure his own title of King and take over her lands.  Fordham is the one she loves and he is afraid to give in to loving her as he is cursed.   It sometimes feels a bit reverse haram except Kerrigan is only interested in Ford.

Kerrigan works so hard,  loves so deeply, has such compassion for all the people.  She really is on a tightrope throughout the events.  There are some shocking twists along the way and a couple big ones at the end.  I enjoyed this so much and look forward to seeing how Kerrigan faces her new challenges.

Narration:
I was glad to have the same narrator continue with the series. I enjoyed the performance and rather different voices for males and females.  We get Kerrigan's point of view and she became Kerrigan for me.  I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip:  HERE

 



COYER # 28 A strong female protagonist.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

House of Shadows starts off right after the events of House of Dragons.

With this book being called House of Shadows, I had a similar issue as with book one, because I expected the majority of the plot would take place at or around the House of Shadows, but that wasn’t really the case.
Instead, the focus here was on the Rights For All-organisation (RFA), Kerrigan’s training, her relationship with Fordham, anything with March, which turned out to be its own issue, and her feud with Lorian, a high ranked Society member.

We did get to meet the members of the House of Shadows and therefore Fordham’s family in the beginning of the book. And while I liked the plot and thought it was interesting seeing Fordham in this very different environment, I wished we would have spent more time there!

The majority of the plot was spent with Kerrigan’s friends & their training at the Society.
I do think there could have been more done with the second RFA protest as well as with Darby’s subplot, because they basically were abandoned at some point.
I enjoyed seeing Kerrigan & Fordham getting close, the relationship I loved the most though was probably Kerrigan and her dragon Tieran! Ohhh what a pair!
Kerrigan and March though, I just couldn’t understand why Kerrigan was being somewhat nice to him, knowing his true character. There were sooooo many moments where she could have been more feisty and rude with him (and I would have supported it!), but she wasn’t.
Audria, a kinda-friend of Kerrigan, was already suspicious to me in the first book and I don’t think I like her any more than I liked her back then, probably even less. I keep waiting for her to betray the group one way or another. Or maybe I’m just reading into something that isn’t there.

The pacing was a bit all over the place. The first and last 20-25% were great, then it went back and forth between being nicely paced and almost a bit slow, conveniently jumping several weeks ahead.
The big battle at the end was really well done!
There were also a couple of unexpected reveals towards the very end that I would have expected later on in the series.

Very excited for the next book in the series and how the ending of this book will affect the plot of book three, House of Cruses.

Thank you to Tor Bramble for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kodie Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Shadows, book two in K.A Linde's epic fantasy/paranormal Y/A series Royal Houses and for me a highly anticipated read that did not disappoint.

So at the risk of spoiling things for both book one and two, I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

Kerrigan was everything I thought she'd be and more. She's fearless and sweet and perfectly flawed. Nothing in life has ever come easy to our half fae queen. Torn between two worlds that are both so very different, she is trying to find her balance among all the crazy whist fighting the unknown in every direction. Let me tell you there is never a dull moment.

House of Shadows, just like book one is a intricately woven and at times necessarily long winded story of up hill battles and overcoming the unknown. Its tension filled, suspenseful and surprising. Its frustrating and teasing and even swoony on times. Truth be told its a freaking rollercoaster. The attention to detail is next level and whilst I did find at time it could drag, that did have its purpose in terms of making you feel.

The characters are so depthy and I feel we haven't even scratched the surface. With every chapter a new layer is peeled back and I am left even more intrigued for what else is coming. Obviously Ford is a huge slice of mystery with his hot and cold personality and his devilish good looks. I found myself having a love hate relationship with him and his mood swings but it also added that extra something to the story because the tensions!!!!. Lordy. I cannot.

I am a romance reader and normally the lack of romance for me would be off putting but this story is so well written with so much going on and truly great characters.. I didn't find myself missing it as much as I usually would.
Obviously there is romantic aspects in here but it is very little to my norm. Not a bad thing though here because the author killed it with character and story development.

Now let me tell you... I am tamping about the wait for the next book!!!. This is terrible for me, I am going to be biting at the nail for book three!!!!. AHHHHHHGGGH.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book since last October! This book did not disappoint.

It took a bit to remember what happened in the first book but I didn't have trouble delving back into this world.

I enjoyed seeing the House of Shadows. I also enjoyed seeing Kerrigan and Fordham's relationship develop.

I am not a fan of March. Ugh I'm curious to see how that will play out and how Kerrigan can get out of it.

There was so much happening with the wall, training, mysteries of the Red Masks and the Father. It almost felt like too much at times. Like the story was all over the place and nothing was adding up. Deception is everywhere. Definitely some surprising reveals.

The ending though! I had predicted it and once it confirmed my thoughts. I'm dying to the next book next October! I want more!

Overall, I enjoyed the second installment of this series. The story is great for fans of Avatar, ACOTAR, Shadow and Bone, and any other fantasy books. I couldn't put this book down.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as i reached the end of House of Dragons I instantly started looking forward to this second installment! I picked this one up as soon as i could and got back into the Royal Houses world! I enjoyed this second installment!

Kerrigan's journey continues! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen next in her story and I really liked how this installment kept me on my toes. I enjoyed getting to dig deeper into this world and with these characters. Once again, I so enjoyed what Fordham brought to the story!

With House of Shadows, Ms.Linde has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to getting back into this world with the third installment, House of Curses!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, let me preface this if you have NOT read House of Dragons, stop, turn around and go back to read it because it is an absolute must! Now that is out of the way, OMG! This book! The level of depth that Linde gives us with her fantasy books is 100% chef’s kiss! I could NOT stop reading this one once I started. I was wrapped up in Kerrigan and how things were all going to play out for her. We delved into the House of Shadows this time and I was just absolutely spellbound by everything. It is raw, intense and so many levels of twists that I bow to Linde and her writing. The whole connection between Kerrigan and Ford is just WOW! I am dying to get my hands on more from this series!

[Lauren - SERIESous Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely has a different feel to it than the first one. It feels more like a fantasy story than an academy genre where Kerrigan has multiple love interests. The politics of the world shift into focus here.
I think if I read this vs the audio book I would have enjoyed it more. There are far too many characters to keep straight, especially with the shifting third person POV. it's easy to lose track.

[Kelly Morphew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so ready to get back to this series! Book 1 left me so intrigued with the characters and I couldn’t wait to see where the story would go. I love the multiple perspectives that we get in this book. It really opens up the world even more. Fordham and Kerrigan’s relationship builds and builds and the trust they have in each other makes my romantic heart thrilled. Can’t wait to see what twists we’ll see in House of Curses!!

[Dragon Vivi · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai dévoré ce livre (tout comme le premier). L'univers est vraiment génial et me donne envie de plonger dedans.
Je suis juste triste que Kerrigan et Fordham ne soit toujours pas ensemble.
Je hais March et tout ceux qui sont pour la supériorité des Faes.
Certains éléments font écho à l'actualité (au racisme, à l'injustice...) et j'aime cet aspect.
J'aime toujours autant lire des livres avec des dragons.

[Georgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited a year for this installment and I was not disappointed. However, KA is no longer my best friend! I do NOT have the patience to wait another year for the next book!! GIVE IT TO ME NOW! I cannot wait for this next one!
Great job to the Angst Queen on leaving us wanting more!

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens!!

This has such an interesting and twisty plot! I love how it’s all unfolding and the intricate way the author put this together. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next two books!!