Trick of Shadows

The Duskhunter Saga #2

by Sara C. Roethle

When a noble is murdered in Silgard, Lyssandra and Steifan are sent to investigate. At first the murder seems like a normal vampire kill, but the mystery quickly spirals into a dark conspiracy of blood, coin, and death. When someone tries to kill her, Lyss realizes that she’s out of her depth and must call upon the one man she’d rather stay far away from. Asher is more than happy to help, but with vampires there’s always a price. As bodies start piling up, Lyssandra inches closer to the truth. The truth about the murders, her bond with Asher, and a secret powerful enough to undo the Helius Order for good. She may be able to kill the monster haunting her steps, but can she stop the one manipulating her from the shadows? Even when he happens to be the man she’s looked up to her entire life? Find out in the second installment of the Duskhunter Saga.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Magic, Enemies To Lovers, Epic Fantasy

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2021

About the author

Sara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.

Her series include:

Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes

Reviews

[⊹ Gabriela | Asternyx ⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say, this was better than the first book.

⤏ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Banter
⤏ Trigger Warnings: blood, graphic violence and gore


⤏ Plot
I have to admit I liked this way more than the first book. I was intrigued by the entire scheme and how complicated it all was. The appearance of more creatures was unexpected.

⤏ Characters
∘ Lyssandra
Lyss is still her usual self. Still thinking she can do everything alone, still denying HIS help and treating him badly. However, we can also see that she's changing for the better.
∘ Asher
He was more present in this book and I was always waiting for night time, so he'll make an appearance. He's truly a character I like and I honestly don't think Lyssandra deserves him...

⤏ Romance
There's more happening between these two, their bond is making an appearance more and more often and I think we'll find more about it in the next books. I just hope Lyss i going to stop being so stubborn and see what's in front of her.

⤏ Conclusion
I decided that I'll continue this series just to see if she'll end up being a likeable character, if she's finally going to accept the bond and how it will end for them all because I don't trust the Potentate at all.


«⋯ The Duskhunter Saga ⋯»
#1 Reign of Night — 2.5🌟
#2 Trick of Shadows — 3🌟
#3 Blade of Darkness — *tbr
#4 Heir of Twilight — *tbr

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is Lyss being sent out on a mission by the Potentate so soon after her return, and when he knew a war between vampires was on? She was sent to the city of Silgard, the main city of Ebon Province because a Duchess had been killed supposedly by a vampire, and they were to hunt him down and bring back his head. However as usual wherever Lyss goes trouble follows and both she and Steifan are embroiled in the disappearance of many people and a mystery surrounding the death of the Duchess. Lyss was suspicious, what she was being told was far from the truth and she would not leave before she unravelled the mystery. In the end she once again encounters the nattmara, Egar who was out for her blood literally, and a sidhe witch Ryllae who helps them no end towards getting rid of this evil. As always Asher is where Lyss is and even though she keeps rebuffing his attentions I do think Lyss is falling for Asher, her vampire master. The seeing-sword which is sentient and had been gifted to her by the Potentate himself warns her of danger and has saved her life many a time now but what she finds out about the sword makes her question things she would rather not have to question. I love the series and the fact that this is not just another vampire hunter book, but so much more. I love the strong character of Lyss as well as her vulnerability and the way she sometimes shows a softer side than the one she usually lets us see. Hopefully she will start to change her tune regarding her attitude towards the vampires, maybe realising not all of them are evil. I also love the fact that her friends though knowing her secret, watch her back and I look forward to reading book 3!

[ElfQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK - as a Werewolf fan, I've never been a big fan of vampires although yes I've read a lot of vampire books. I have to say that the second book is just as good as the first. I knew that *spoiler* Egar would play a bigger part in the second book as the villain. The plot was good, it pulled me in right away + of course, I enjoyed every little interaction that happened between Lyss + Asher. I absolutely enjoyed when Asher was found saying..."As my lady wishes..." page 107 or in page 198...Asher seemed genuinely surprised."An invitation from my lady? My, I thought this day would never come."
OMG - Asher is adorable + although I've been hearing how much there is no real romance in these books, what I'm loving is the tension between the two. I also really enjoyed a new character in this book that added more depth + plot value to the whole story. Now I'm dying to know what's really going on in the Helius Order or that sword. I'm convinced that sword actually belongs to Asher but maybe I'm wrong. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book!!!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is written well and the plot was good. But it’s way too short for me to feel immersed in the story, which is why I took a star off. I was disappointed there were very few meaningful interactions between Lyss and Asher in this one. He would show up after all the action happened, which I’m assuming is because it was daytime? Hopefully the Jan 2022 release date will be moved up significantly.

[Victoria Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trick of Shadows draws you in

Another riveting book in the Duskhunter Saga. In this book you find yourself starting to root for the Vampire and his more traditional philosophies. The entire cast of characters builds and we learn a little more about each of them. I have to admit I read this in two and a half days and now I'm devastated to discover book 3 won't be finished until 2022!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the plot and intrigue of this book more than the first, I missed the first book's fast paced action when reading this. I loved every Asher and Lyss interaction and Steifan made for the perfect companion to Lyss. Tholdri's appearance out of nowhere near the end seemed a little out of place, but he's a funny character so I'll overlook his flimsy explanation. The plot is really full of twists and turns and the "villain" of this story is quite fun.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Mystery and More!

This second book finds Lyssandra in a full fledged murder mystery with Steifan and Tholdri along. If you have read book one, you anticipate the nefarious character to surface and he definitely does. And if course, Asher continues to be not your normal vampire. This was an easy read, with hints setting up the next book's storyline.

[Robin Desotell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic Read from Sara C. Roethle!

I love this story. It is captivating, refreshing, and spectacular to read. I do wish there was more romance, but otherwise, I shall put this down as a favorite read to visit again.

[Denise Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trick or treat

My review great read book too short ordered next book more of a treat than a trick
Great plot twists

[Utshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good!!! I cannot wait until the next release! I’m very much shipping Lyss and Asher.

[Heather Kurilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series

Am loving this new series! Can't wait for the next book. My only complaint is that now I have to wait until January of next year!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her writings. She is definitely at the top of my favorite authors. I cannot wait for this series to continue.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I said this about book one, and its still the same, it ended far too quickly, but I am enjoying the story telling.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition

Lyss is back with a new murder to investigate. We meet some new characters and travel to a new location. The investigation is complicated and not easy to figure out.