Drawn in Shadow

Goddesses of the Morrigan #2

by Ashton Abbott

The Morrigan, great trinity goddess, has been dismantled by the Raedan Order.

Macha, goddess of battle and sovereignty, has been captured and given over to those she has harmed in the past.

There will be no mercy, even if she did lower herself to beg.

She would rather rot.

The enchanted ash tree she is imprisoned within drains her to within an inch of her life, then lets her immortality restore her so it may feed again. And again.

Oh, and the memories…

It forces her to live through the worst of her many lives, reliving the hurt… and the pain. The souls of past loved one's haunt her… along with another. One that she had thought herself rid of, but that continues to torment her just as sure as this tree sucks the very marrow from her bones.

Escape is inevitable, she knows that.

But this forced reminiscing paired with the torture of feeling herself fed from is threatening the stability of her ancient mind. Can she hold strong and let the pain wash over her like the steady waves she hears in the distance? Or will Macha the Conqueror finally be toppled?

Paperback

Published August 14, 2020

About the author

Ashton Abbott is an anxiety ridden hot mess most of the time. I can say that because I’m talking about myself. This is kind of therapeutic.
I write paranormal romance, dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic paranormal romance, and horror in the near future. I like to think I write on the grittier side of things. Is grittier a word? I guess this is my book so I can do whatever I want. Grittier is officially a word according to this book. Geez I’m bad at this. Ok, about me.
I am a Mom to two beautiful hellions. I have a smokin’ hot husband. I love them even though they can have an attitude sometimes. Honestly, it’s karma because so do I. How long does this thing have to be?
I enjoy reading and gaming when I have a moment to actually take a breath and chill. Epson salt baths! I play the shit out of some Minecraft.
I actually genuinely love hearing from my readers so don’t be shy! I post a ton of memes on my Facebook page and am not above getting into best meme contest so feel free to challenge me. BYYYEEEE!

Reviews

[Shiny Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline in the book Drawn in Shadow (Goddesses of the Morrigan) written by Ashton Abbott characterises a strong female named Macha who is a complex, complicated, seductive Goddess of Battle and sovereignty.
While reading this book one finds differential emotions, there is a blend love and hate with the negative character portrayed by Macha as the story grows. Story has her series of deaths and heartbreaks. The sufferings and
Prisoned in an ancient ash tree she relieves her memories. She has suffered a lot and the souls of past loved ones haunt her but she knew that "Escape is inevitable".
But this forced reminiscing is tearing away the stability of her ancient mind.
Can she hold strong against the darkness creeping in threatening to claim her?
Or has she been the darkness all along?

The book is well written and you will be able to imagine each and every phase along with the story. It will keep you engaged till the end. I am really impressed with the character building of Macha. The storyline and characters are spectacular.
All together it’s a good book where you will actually curious to read what comes up next.

Ashton Abbott has written 2 series of this book and both are amazing. She has an astonishing ability in describing characters in her stories.

[Pretty_Book_Whore Narissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read this absolutely amazing story of Macha!
😲😩🤯😍😵
I went through so many emotions right along side Macha!
I can't wait for Ashton to release this to the world!

[The Lusty Literarians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time means nothing when you live to be hurt.

Drawn in Shadow is a deliciously cruel and seductively dark origin story. She may be an anti-hero, but my heart still broke for her. This story spans hundreds of years and several lifetimes in Macha's history. We get an intimate look at several important interactions throughout Macha's existence. I really enjoyed her duality. Her hold over the cycles of life was subtle but present. She is a bringer of death, a champion of the people, and also a creator of life. Judge, Jury and Executioner if you will over people's life threads. This book does a great job of getting you to root for the "bad guy"! I'm Team Macha all the way!

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Drawn in Shadow. The storyline is interesting and great world building throughout. The characters are well developed and written. This is a book that pulls you into its world. I would recommend reading.

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

[Jhemima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me to a hell of a roller coaster ride of emotions. Macha is such an interesting and complicated character that my heart was torn. I loved every bit of it. Amazing world-building, as well. Definitely a page turner!

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

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to stay interested in reading the book and enjoyed the plot and characters. It was well written and the characters had great development throughout the book. I was very happy with the book and always enjoy the emotions it gives you as you read.

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

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing read with so much world-building, I was enthralled. Macha is not the good "guy" but she also isn't the bad. I can't say too much to not give anything away but you won't be disappointed. I had all kinds of feelings for her but couldn't help myself but really root for her as well.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Magic and. a strong female character who is alluring and in control. The storyline and characters are spectacular. The book leaves you wanting more to the story as you get drawn into the world that the author has created. A very good book.

[K. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and well written original story. Great world building and very well rounded characters. . . Well done!

[Cath · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book two of the Goddesses of the Morrigan Trilogy and is all about the goddess Macha, the Queen of Anti-Heroes and Macha the Conqueror. She has lived thousands of lives, but also died a thousand times. Now she has been ensnared inside an ancient ash tree, with the limbs and roots magically growing into her body, done on the orders of the Raedan Order, who have imprisoned her and her other two sisters. To relive every death, every gruesome death she has suffered and every heartbreak she has undergone. She is the goddess of battle and sovereignty and she has been entombed while alive, sentenced by the witch under the leader of the Raedan Order. One of the bodies she took over was the daughter of a king, one of three who shared the ruling of the kingdom. When the king died, she took over, but the other two kings refused to recognise her, or allow her to rule, leading to her beating them in battle. She allowed their families to live, but will face the sons later on in the tale! She finds herself married to Loki, not that she knew his true identity to start with. Before that she had married a mortal man and was having his twins, when Loki took action to ensure she returned to him! When her children are grown, she releases them to separate tasks, free of her and any other control. Badb turns up and takes Macha to kill Loki, but more importantly to follow the star that led her to Macha, and another star that leads to their other sister Anu! There they come across a ruined temple and Celeste, the daughter of Anu, who is the only one who can get them into where their sister is imprisoned of her own accord. Another tale of vicious battles and graphic violence. Each sister, part of the Morrigan, is split apart and made to face their worst memories and tortured to make them repent, which isn’t likely. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawn in Shadow, book two of Goddesses of the Morrigan is written by Ashton Abbott, a growing favorite of mine, who focuses on Macha.

Macha, the goddess of battle and sovereignty, was imprisoned in a tree and had to relive her most painful moments. Macha has a story that has found its way into my soul. Macha is a strong character but when faced with the challenges of past loved ones haunting your memory, how can someone stay strong and endure on?

I would recommend this series over and over. Abbott has a way of writing the characters that you love and becomes obsessed with.

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

[Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paranormal porn

As good and satisfying as the last book was, this one was equally disappointing. The author focuses (GRAPHICALLY) on sex scenes several times. It does nothing to move the story forward. It seems like she was being salacious just by for the fun of it. Maybe she ran out of ideas and defaulted to the most common denominator. Regardless of the reason, it is a very disappointing departure from her previous work. I hope the next book is more like the first.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Macha’s, it’s well written and kept me engaged throughout, I really loved machas character development and storyline, even the support characters are wonderful.
It’s an entertaining read and I can’t wait to read where this goes next.

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

[Ken Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashton Abbott is smoking with the 2nd book of the Goddesses of the Morrison series. Abbott has demonstrated an excellent approach to character development and world building as well as an awesome imagination.

I received an advance reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a good fantasy novel and a dark book. Combined together? EPIC! I couldn’t put this book down and look forward to continuing the series.

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

[Smut Report]

Heat Factor: I’m covered in the blood of my enemies! It’s a perfect time to bone!

Character Chemistry: Macha is pretty self contained

Plot: Battle Goddess experiences several lifetimes, learns some stuff, kills a bunch of people

Overall: This is not in any way a romance, but it was an entertaining read

Read our full review at The Smut Report

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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[Erin Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Review of Drawn In Shadow by @_ashtonabbott_

Drawn in Shadow in the second installment of The Morrigan series. This time we follow Macha, goddess of battle and sovereignty, has been captured by those she has hurt in the past. She is imprisoned and cursed to relive the worst pain of her many lives.

Macha is complex and complicated. She had me hating her guts in one life and crying and pleading for her mercy in others. Seductive, dark, complex, and wickedly playful this story draws you in to the story will have you captivated from beginning to end.

I was asked to beta read this from the author for an honest review.

[Diane Nortje · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was my first book I read by this author, and it kept me hooked! Macha, the goddess of battle and sovereignty is not the good guy and she isn’t the bad guy. The story tells you of her struggles in every life she comes back in - which makes you understand her more and more. Will definitely keep a look out for this author, the book was well written and the story flowed. 5/5

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashton has a way of making a female character badass, legendary, thrilling, and completely flawless. Her way with building worlds is beyond stunning. Drawn in Shadow in the second installment of The Morrigan series and you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this book. Ashton's dark imagery in the Morrigan series is nothing like I've ever read. Completely captivating from beginning to end.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love books that are dark and about Anti-Heros? This is book, Drawn in Shadow is for you. Macha is a strong headed, independent, badass of a female character. The reader gets to learn all about Macha's life, the good and the bad. The plot and characters of the book pull you in and keep you interested and wanting more.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawn in Shadow: A Goddesses of The Morrigan Novel by Ashton Abbott is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series. I highly recommend this story to everyone.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read! Ashton delivers a fabulous story with some great characters! Aust read!!