Reign of Shadows

Academy of the Damned #6

by Veronica Shade, Leigh Anderson, Rebecca Hamilton

Madison might have left the halls of La Voison, but she’s about to take the deadliest of final exams.

Madison and her friends find themselves face-to-face with the source of Camille’s evil Marduk, a dark and ancient god hellbent on becoming the most powerful deity of all time.

The goddess Hecate is their only hope to stop his reign of terror and free the Soule family, but after a year as Marduk’s captive, she’s hanging on by only a thread. Now Madison must conspire with vampires, risk leaving friends behind, and locate a sacred plant in a last ditch effort to bring Hecate back to consciousness.

But with each obstacle she overcomes, one soul-shattering truth becomes to kill an immortal, Madison will need help from the other side of the veil.

Time is running out, and the entire supernatural world is on the brink of destruction. To save the Soule family once and for all, Madison must come to terms with the past, battle through Hell itself, and make the ultimate her own soul.

Fans of Stephenie Meyers’ Twilight and Bella Forrest’s Harley Merlin series will devour Veronica Shade’s Academy of the Damned series.

Scroll-up and one click to read the captivating conclusion of the “Academy of the Damned” series today!


Binge Read the Complete Series Today! Curse of Stone
Ritual of Magic
Crown of Blood
Throne of Death
Queen of Legacy
Reign of Shadows

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Witches

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2021

Reviews

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been an emotional ride, but nothing prepared me for this boom. Madison has grown and overcome so much but this installment was such a rollercoaster ride of craziness and heartache. She faces the ultimate test and no one leaves the fight unscathed. I loved the complexities of this story so much, and am sad to say goodbye. But the journey was worth every moment!

[Kayleigh henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute fantastic ending, to what was a great series. The journey these characters go on was a rollercoaster and gripping at every turn.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heart warming.

I read the whole series and just finished with the most satisfying feeling. I loved everything about this series. Its full of magic, mystery, bad and over the top good. I would definitely recommend this series to everyone.

[Shayay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas and cool magic. Entertaining and fun, but I was hoping that Madison would’ve had more growth throughout the series. Also, the ending was disappointing for me. Still a good read, and I’ve enjoyed the series, but I didn’t fully connect with this series. This is the final book, so definitely read the previous books; this one doesn’t really catch you up to all of what happened in this series. Witch Madison and all her friends are trying to stop an evil witch from keeping other witches as statues, and for killing others. Madison needs to find out how to save those in need, so she goes on a bit of a magical adventure. Madison continues to lead with her heart; that’s not a horrible thing, but it does lead her to make some stupid choices. Also, with this being the final book in this series, Madison is still whining about being a witch and she’s overdramatic at times, so that can be annoying. That’s why I would’ve liked to see more growth from her; she’s been pretty much the same for the whole series. She does show some good strength at times though and is selfless, so she’s a likable character. The romance is all very tame; it’s sweet at times, but doesn’t really delve into the romantic connection. Overall, I liked the read. There’s going to be a spin-off series featuring Madison’s best friend, who does Voodoo/Hoodoo type magic and there will be vampires involved; unfortunately because of one of Madison’s decisions. I didn’t really connect with Madison’s friend or the way the vampires are in this book, so I’m not fully sold on reading it. I’ll probably still check it out; these type of books are good for an easy, light read.

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had so much potential, and it just fell flat for me. There were several continuity errors that made it hard for me to connect to the story and Maddison had almost no character growth, which got old. I liked the potential of the story enough that I finished the series so I could see how it ended, and though I am annoyed with how it ended, I do see why it ended the way it did. I don't agree with it, I don't like, but I understand it... sort of. Anyway, if you are looking for short fluffy-ish reads where you don't have to think a lot and just want to be entertained, this series is for you. If you are looking for an epic romance with tension, heat, connection and spice with good plot, story and follow through, you will likely be disappointed.

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Epic Ending for the series is at hand and you don't want to miss this rollercoaster of an adventure!!
Advice-read in order or you will be lost. Characters are strong and the plot just got better with a little butt kicking action. Can you handle all the magic being thrown around?
Madison is at it again. Trying to save the world and her Goddess Hecate from the evil that has been unleashed onto the world. Due to a witch who doesn't know when to quit. But there are some things Madison learns that she will have to do. Things that may disrupt others lives, but it's all for the good of the world. Can she do this and not feel guilty in the end? Is there any other way to get the job done?

[Heather Froman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers possible......


If I had to describe this series in just a few words...great potential, didn't quite reach it.

The storyline could have really been fleshed out better. If you compare it to a house, it would be like having the blueprints for a beautiful house, then using a builder who used only half of the blueprints, rushed the build, and cut corners. I know that sounds harsh, but it's how I feel this series was written.
The potential for something really good is there, but continuity errors, whiny characters that spend whole chapters saying "why me", and repetitive editing errors /jumping ahead/possibly missing sentences just left me not wanting to finish this last book.
I mean one sentence has Marduk holding a claw to Madison's mothers throat, the next sentence has Madison jumping through a portal after Marduk and her mother. What portal? When did Marduk and her mother enter the portal?.Did they never step out of the portal in the first place?
Other issues have to deal with the characters themselves. Madison, who is supposed to be the heroine of the story, seems really dumb at times. I really don't think she ever uses her brain, certainly not enough that I would put any faith in her that she can save the world. She is investigating hundreds of statues, they move at times, they are all super realistic looking. She discovers one is actually a cursed human and still alive, just turned to stone, yet it takes her two more books to realize the other statues are also cursed humans that are trapped. She finds out she is part Spirit witch, sees dead people, talks to her dead roommate in the first book, sees other dead people, yet is shocked to discover that she used her spirit witch powers when she talked to her dead boyfriend. Madison as a character seems like a self absorbed, not so bright, whiny teen, who will do anything for her friends, but spends time whining the entire book. It's usually at a time when people are in trouble or needing assistance, yet her character still manages to stop and take time to ask "why is this happening to me" even when what she should be doing is running, and it usually ends up putting others in danger, because she is the center of the universe and everyone looks to her for guidance, when I feel that she keeps making the wrong choices based on how it makes her feel, rather than the bigger picture.
I know at this point I am just ranting, but for a lead character, to me she is not likeable at all. She spends chapters wondering if the guy she likes likes her back. She is facing an all powerful demon and she is stuck in her head wasting time wondering if they will be a good couple if they are still alive if they can defeat a demon and all powerful witch. Yet, rather than spend time planning an actual strategy, she is once again going "woe is me". All the choices are left up to her, and if the other characters don't like it, well...they end up going along with her no matter how dangerous and ridiculously stupid it is, because well I guess because she's the heroine. She tries to talk a witch out of being evil? Um, yeah we don't want to have to kill a person, but the sacrificing of one to save the many, is apparently not a saying Madison thinks applies to a 200 plus year old demon worshipping witch who kills to stay in power and stay young, sure, lets go chat and of course she will just stop being evil because you Madison, asked her to nicely.
A good story is when a character realizes that they are wrong and learns from it and gets better, not feels guilty for making the wrong choices and then does it again.
They listen to their friends, and elders input. Except even the more powerful characters defer to her, I am still trying to figure out why.
No growth for the characters, characters that are kind of bland, very little descriptions of characters beyond a few words. Skipping storyline, characters that allow themselves to be pushed around.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book six of the Academy of the Damned series and sees Madison and her friends realising that they have to face more than just Camille and all her witches at La Voison, now they have to face off against an ancient and evil god in Marduk, if they are to have any chance to free the Soule family of Spirit witches and defeat evil. They need their own goddess, Hecate, to help them win the battle, but she has been weakened by the lack of believers taken by Camille and now being imprisoned by Marduk in hell, along with Madison’s own mother. Her mother helped save them on the previous attack on La Voison, but Marduk dragged her through his portal, before anyone could stop him. Madison is desperate to get her mother back, as she is the strongest witch amongst them, but Hecate is the one they will need back first if they are to take down both Camille and Marduk. Madison is getting closer to Damon, but the fact he was frozen in stone as a statute for over a hundred years, means he is far from offay with modern life. But she is having problems accepting her best friend Julieta’s magic, linked as it is to a voodoo Loa, and she worries about the cost of her magic to her friend.

One of them is going to have to make a huge sacrifice to overcome the double threats of Camille and Marduk and the group of friends will need some very specific pieces to create a strong enough spell to get Hecate out of Marduk’s prison. It will leave her making a deal with the queen of vampires that won’t go down with Julieta’s colleagues in New Orleans, fight against an eight legged cursed being and coming close to losing some of her friends along the way. Hecate is so far gone and almost dead, leaving Madison to hunt for a mythical plant of unknown identity, or Hecate may never even wake up. They discover that Marduk has his own plans, above and beyond that of Camille, wanting to become the only god left, taking all others prisoner and draining them of their powers, just like Camille and her other coven leaders have done with the Soule witches.

Madison tries to get Camille to make a deal for the lives of the Soule’s, but her quest for power is all she is concerned with, having made a deal with evil for the upmost power available, if she could trust her evil god to even play fair! Madison is left with no choice and need Hecate to show them the only weapon that will work against a god, as well as against Camille, but the price is high. Camille has never quite gotten her hands dirty in killing all those who opposed her, but to kill Camille will come at a huge price for the witch that does the deed! First they need assistance from beyond the veil, from someone with skills with an ancient weapon, who can train Madison and her friend, in the hopes they can defeat Camille at last. A face off will soon be held at la Voison, to try and recover those friends captured in stone, plus all those of Damon’s relatives frozen for decades. Whether a small group of friends can defeat the evil holding the whole supernatural world hostage, or if evil will win out, will all be decided if an ultimate sacrifice can be given. A difficult decision for the person involved and one that goes against everything they believe in, but if they don’t follow through with this sacrifice, the cost to all their friends will be extreme. A complex ending and savage cost for whoever makes that sacrifice, which would leave them without everything they believe makes them the witch and person they are. A fitting end to Madison’s journey and still more to come from Julieta’s. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch Madison and her group of friends are about to face the true source of Camille's power - a dark god called Marduk who intends to become the most powerful deity ever. Their hope to stop it all was their goddess Hectate but after a year of being captive by Marduk, she is very weak and only just alive. So Madison needs to conspire with Vampire's and locate a sacred plant in a last-ditch effort in order to bring Hectate back to consciousness. As she passes each obstacle one shattering truth becomes clear - in order to kill an immortal Madison will need some help from the other side of the veil. Time is running out, and the entire supernatural world is on the brink of destruction. To save the Soule family once and for all, Madison must come to terms with the past, battle through Hell itself, and make the ultimate sacrifice: her own soul.

OMG - this was an explosive finish to the series which took us on a rollercoaster through Hell, New Orleans and even the sewers as Madison did whatever she had to do to rid the supernatural world of the ultimate evil. Her friends were her rock throughout it all but they all went through some analysis of their relationship with each other. I loved the way Madison did everything she could to avoid killing but at the end did what was needed for the greater good even if she had to pay a huge personal cost. There were times when I was heartbroken but everything seemed to work out, even if I would have preferred a slightly different result. Well written and easy to read and understand.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

First about this book.

This is the last book in the series and shows us once again the victory of good over evil. As it is said no good deed comes without a sacrifice, and that remains the case here as well. As the book ends it answers all questions, leaves no strings entangled, yet at the same time leaves us with hope of a beautiful future and a spin off series in the same set up as well.

About the Series

This series is not just about life, changes & the unpredictability of life, it's also about

1. Learning to go with the flow
2. Accepting yourself and others
3. Coming into your own self
4. The infinite possibilities about how individuals can grow
5. Man proposing & God disposing
6. The power of free will
7. Love, protection & the strength of these emotions

This series inspite of being of paranormal genre is about any person and if read with that in mind is an inspirational book as well.

From the magical and paranormal perspectives, this series manages to create a perfect balance between the humanity, magic & paranormal elements.

Plot wise, very engaging & intriguing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Soule

Reign of Shadows, the final book in the Academy of the Damned series begins with Madison Whitaker facing a terrible dilemma. In order to free the Soul Spirit Coven and all the other Gods, Goddesses and people cursed by Camille Brewster, she must kill her. And her pledge to Hecate determines that if she deliberately kills another, her powers will be stripped from her.

This last book circled round and touched again on the themes in the book. Especially well done, IMHO, was the focus on differences and how people can be hurt, isolated and even killed because of perceived fears of differences. The value of family, even broken and dysfunctional family is explored and brought to meaningful conclusions.

Madison and her friends get to bring to close a mighty adventure, perhaps not in the way you would have wanted. You will have to find out for yourself what happens, and reflect upon your feelings.

I think Academy of the Damned is a serious contender for one of the best Young Adult Paranormal series written in contemporary times. The authors are obviously highly educated, able to flavor the series with accurate Myths and Legends, Pantheons of Gods and Goddesses and wonderful quotes from great poets. I highly, highly recommend this series.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reign of Shadows is a wonderful end to the Academy of the Damned series. Filled with awesome paranormal, supernatural action, suspense, twists, and romance, it keeps you engaged. Madison and her friends go through so much to try to save the Soule clan. They sacrifice much as well. Madison has a chance to reconcile herself to the decisions she has made before and after enrolling in La Voisin. Many secrets are revealed, and hard-fought battles are lost, but in the end, the war is won at great costs. The story is not all rainbows and sunshine in the end, which makes it much more realistic. Madison makes some very grown-up decisions, and long fractured relationships heal. It is nice that everyone who should be together is together.

I love that Julieta will get her own series, Academy of Voodoo, next. What kind of trouble will she, and I hope Laurent, find themselves in? I can hardly wait to read that series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catknipnd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the saga finally comes with a HEA for now but with one big loss at the end you hope doesn’t happen. Madison and her friends finally have the knowledge and the weapons they need to win. But for every huge win against evil there must be a sacrifice.

This book gives a bittersweet ending to this series with a lead-in to the spin-off series coming next. Almost everyone gets what they deserve. The author has kept the suspense building through all 5 books with the payoff at the end. You will be biting your nails and, at times, want to throw your reader at the wall in frustration or have to put in down for a bit to process what is happening. Her writing will keep you engaged and you’ll be laughing, crying, screaming in rage and just shaking your head; sometimes at the same time over the same scene.

All in all, a very satisfying series with an ending that satisfies and has the perfect setup for the spinoff. I can hardly wait

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All that matters now is survival. Saving Hecate. Saving Momma. Defeating Marduk. Setting the world to right. Then and only then can I think about the future." - Madison

Her world shattering around her, Madison flees with her friends, vowing to find a way; a way to reduce Momma and the remaining ensourcelled Soule witch clan. But what can a young, unsure, air/Soule witch hybrid do against an ancient demon?

“We can't change the past.” - Beau Redfern

What Madison learns from Jaxon shakes her, but Madison is determined to save her mother and rescue Hecate. When Madison arrives in Hell, however, all bets are off....

" I’ve already been to Hell and back. Whatever the cost, whatever the difficulty, if there is a way to save everyone, I will do it.” - Madison

Wowza, what a book! Non stop action with loss, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption inextricably blended into an captivating, intense read!

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final confrontation is here and the stakes are as high as they have ever been. Can our heroine pull herself and her team together to do what is needed?

This is book six of the series and the conclusion of it. I do not recommend starting here.

This is a rather intense urban adventure story with an academy setting. The story is well written, but not necessarily easy to read because of the multiple plot lines and complex interactions going on. That is made doubly true by all the elements coming together for the final showdown. The resulting plot is fast paced with plenty of intrigue, action and surprises to keep you interested and turning pages. Overall, an excellent series and I look forward to going back and reading them in the proper order.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison and her friends are determined to rescue Hecate and her mother from Marduk an ancient god wo is resolute in his desire to become the most powerful of all the gods. Unfortunately, the only way to end Camille's hold over La Voison is to free Hecate, and end Camille's life. Madison isn't sure that she can willingly pay the price.
Wow, what a spectacular end to a fantastic series. Action packed, fast-paced, and exciting read with a lot of magic. Wonderful, well written characters who will go to great lengths to save a deity, and free the Soule family. Witty dialog, and plenty of twists in the plot that kept me engrossed in this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading *spoiler alert*

Considering I dont usually read young adult romance (no smut) I really enjoyed this trilogy but I felt the ending was a bit rushed and the spelling was definitely off towards the end. I was also super disappointed that mads lost her powers, I know that was hecates rule but Considering she ultimately saved ALL the gods surely one of them could of offered her to pledge and gain her powers back? The apparent *sexual* scene was extremely weak, it didn't necessarily need details about what they were doing but it was their first time together and it was only mentioned as "as we join as one" well that's crap and hardly romantic and full of love and also he never told her he loved her too. Otherwise a good read 😁

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet finale 😭😍

So sad for this series finale, love this story and its characters so much!!! 🥰
Madison journey is so hard, full of sacrifices, loss and pain 💔😢 but, along with this, is friendship, loyalty, family and love!!! 🤗❤️
My heart hurt so much for all that happened to her to finally be able to defeat Camille and, at some point I felt betrayed, thinking this couldn't be happening but, you know, I should knew better, all it's settled in the end and now I feel really satisfied about how all things turned out 😍
Now, I can't wait to read Jules and Laurent series, yay!!! 💕

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison and the others are trying to free Hecate and her mother. Madison and the others will have to go a journey to get what they need. Madison is afraid she is not strong enough to what she needs. Madison is also concerned about Julieta and her loa. Madison feels her friend would not be in the situation due to her. Madison is still grappling with her feeling for Beau and Damon. Madison will have to make a decision that will have a life long repercussions for her.

The final battle with Camille was good. There were parts that dragged a little for me. I did enjoy the story though. I recommend reading this book.

[Anita Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding conclusion to the Academy of the Damned series. It marks one of those bittersweet moments when reading a great series where you get a conclusion and see how things turn out but you also have to say goodbye to a cast of characters that have crept into your heart and captured your imagination.There is darkness, danger, romance and enough twists and turns to keep you dizzy. Madison and her friends put themselves through the ringer and make sacrifices to do what is necessary to save the clan and each step of the way will have you wholly captivated.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Gamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

So whiney

Spoilers
Bruh, I think most people would agree if you have a chance to kill hitler, you kill hitler. Also, the fact that she loses her magic adds nothing to conclusion? Is the author thinking it can’t all be happy in the end? Dude, she saved her God. Hell, she was told by her God to kill and is still not granted amnesty? Honestly it sucks, cuz the rest of the series was actually pretty good and I got through it in a couple of days, but this one took me over a week because I had no motivation to pick it up and read how Madison didn’t want to kill the evil genocidal psychopath, blah blah blah whine whine whine

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to this very engrossing series. Madison and her friends need to do so many things to stop the witches at La Voison Academy. They need to rescue Hecate from hell and the required ingredients to open the portal are not easy to come by. Conspiring with vampires being one of the requirements. Madison eventually comes to the realisation that Camille has to die to save everyone who has been held captive and used for their life-force. What she is unsure of is whether or not she can kill someone and was she actually prepared to pay the price involved.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Madison and her friends from the previous books are all brought together in the last of the series. This book has plenty of twists and surprises. There is great world building, magic, suspense and even some tearful scenes. Madison with the help of her friends go up against Camille and Marduk to save her mother, the Soule family, and the rest of the magical world. Looking forward to the next series starring Julieta! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Academy of the Damned and this series has been one hell of a roller coaster ride and I loved going along on the ride but sadly this is the conclusion to this series and it was one fantastic conclusion but sorry guys no spoilers I just wouldn’t know where to start. The only thing that I didn’t like in this story was Madison’s attitude she was badass all through this series but in this one she came off as a whiny sook so I don’t know what happened there, this is one series that I definitely recommend.

[Vanessa Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book of the series and I was really nervous at how the author would end the story. I really appreciated that Veronica Shade didn't rush the ending and that everything was thought through. I appreciated that it wasn't a "all is well that ends by well" type of ending. The battle against Camille and Marduk was hard and prices had to be paid to save the Soule family and Hecate. Overall, I'm really really pleased I found this book series. I enjoyed every single book and I will miss reading about Madison and her friends.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Shadows: A Slow Burn Paranormal Witch Romance (Academy of the Damned Book 6)

I have truly loved this series, finished all in 3 days… not much sleep, ur it captures you from book 1.. While I wasn’t happy with the way Madison goes through so much with her friends and family. The confrontation with Camille, and the very end, oh what an ending! I wasn’t happy with the ending especially after everything that Madison went through……. She deserved much better for everything she did….

I definitely recommend this book.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most magical gift of all

Camille must die. It's the only way to save the Soule family and Madison's friends that Camille turned to stone. Her friends know that if Madison kills her, she will lose her witch powers. Her bestie offers to kill Camille her voodun powers will not be lost. There will be a different cost though. Can either of them do what must be done? Can Madison save her friends and her mom? If Madison has to kill, will Damon still love her with no powers? Great series!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own. Madison and her friends must defeat Camille and Marduk, and get back Hecate and Madison’s mom. This book is so fast paced. Had to laugh when Damon eats his first hotdog! The author gives us a surprise at the end, it does not end the way I expected. However a real good ending for this series and now it is Julieta turn for a new series. I recommend this series and this book to all.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall a great ending to the series. Madison's face-to-face confrontation with Camille, about two thirds of the way through the story, drove me away from the story for a bit. The ending is bittersweet, but satisfying.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining.Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Tera Bunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of shadows is a great ending to a great series. It was such an emotional rollercoaster. It was filled with so much action, suspense, twist and turns. Love the romance that gets sprinkled into the story. Madison has to go through so much and do so much to save everybody she loves. Can she really do everything that is asked of her? Recommend reading the series in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.