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A Tempest of Shadows #2
A City of Whispers
A reverse harem, enemies to lovers, slow burn romance.
"The relentless clock of fate was groaning over to the next hour, ringing the arrival of a battle as old as time, sounding the final alarm, the final chance to fall to our blades or lift them high. It was repeating infernal hours that grew hungrier with each turn, more vicious than the day, the year, the century before."
The end was here.
The great war had begun.
I had been torn apart and remade, a marionette to dance over the coals of this world, stitched together by my tormentors. The great masters thought they could break me down and own me.
They were wrong.
I had won my freedom, my place in this world, my golden-eyed protector by my side.
Until it happened again; the grim call of fate looking out at me through eyes of darkness, the great masters waiting with the power I needed, curses and promises in their hands.
It was time to make another deal.
It was time to play their game in earnest.
Book 2 in the Tempest of Shadows series. Over 105,000 words.
This is a slow burn with DARK themes, unwilling anti-heroes, and one hell of a kick-ass heroine woven through a rich fantasy setting.
"The relentless clock of fate was groaning over to the next hour, ringing the arrival of a battle as old as time, sounding the final alarm, the final chance to fall to our blades or lift them high. It was repeating infernal hours that grew hungrier with each turn, more vicious than the day, the year, the century before."
The end was here.
The great war had begun.
I had been torn apart and remade, a marionette to dance over the coals of this world, stitched together by my tormentors. The great masters thought they could break me down and own me.
They were wrong.
I had won my freedom, my place in this world, my golden-eyed protector by my side.
Until it happened again; the grim call of fate looking out at me through eyes of darkness, the great masters waiting with the power I needed, curses and promises in their hands.
It was time to make another deal.
It was time to play their game in earnest.
Book 2 in the Tempest of Shadows series. Over 105,000 words.
This is a slow burn with DARK themes, unwilling anti-heroes, and one hell of a kick-ass heroine woven through a rich fantasy setting.
486 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2021
323 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Jane Washington
34 books4,625 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
September 12, 2024
still lost as fuuuuuuk but this was SO much better than the first book!!!
I get it now, how this is all a setup for the masters & Lavenia. It was hard to see before because I was busy trying to understand what the goddamn castle looked like, but the writing is less complicated in this one (or maybe I just became a little more intelligent after going through a gruesome trial that is the first book of this series)
there is no romance in this, (and book one) because apparently this is the ultimate slowburn. so I'm putting a lot of trust in you jane. with that said, I eat up every single interaction between the masters and Lavenia even if they are being total assholes to her bc I know where this is all gonna lead heeeheeee
I think what made this book significantly better is the found family. Lavenia's new loyal crew; Frey, Bjern, Sig and Herra. they're such comfort characters to me <3 their loyalty to Lavenia warmed my heart and kept me interested throughout the book.
I have mixed feelings about Calder - possibly because I knew about him before starting. (I got spoiled) I guess that made me not care that much about his character. tho if I'm being honest I would've seeked the spoiler myself anyway so I guess it wouldn't have made much of a difference if I knew beforehand or not.
this book was more engaging than the first, Lavenia was being put through so many things that got me feeling real bad for her. I'm still lost af as to what's really happening with their world but I'm just trying to vibe. I'm sure I'll understand the more I read. and if not.. then oh well 😭
I'm still giving this 3 stars bc reading it still felt like a school assignment
I get it now, how this is all a setup for the masters & Lavenia. It was hard to see before because I was busy trying to understand what the goddamn castle looked like, but the writing is less complicated in this one (or maybe I just became a little more intelligent after going through a gruesome trial that is the first book of this series)
there is no romance in this, (and book one) because apparently this is the ultimate slowburn. so I'm putting a lot of trust in you jane. with that said, I eat up every single interaction between the masters and Lavenia even if they are being total assholes to her bc I know where this is all gonna lead heeeheeee
I think what made this book significantly better is the found family. Lavenia's new loyal crew; Frey, Bjern, Sig and Herra. they're such comfort characters to me <3 their loyalty to Lavenia warmed my heart and kept me interested throughout the book.
I have mixed feelings about Calder - possibly because I knew about him before starting. (I got spoiled) I guess that made me not care that much about his character. tho if I'm being honest I would've seeked the spoiler myself anyway so I guess it wouldn't have made much of a difference if I knew beforehand or not.
this book was more engaging than the first, Lavenia was being put through so many things that got me feeling real bad for her. I'm still lost af as to what's really happening with their world but I'm just trying to vibe. I'm sure I'll understand the more I read. and if not.. then oh well 😭
I'm still giving this 3 stars bc reading it still felt like a school assignment
May 11, 2021
I loved this book but I want to be clear that there is absolutely no romance in this book. You get the idea that it is going to be a RH but the most that happens is one character kissing another.
I look forward to the next book, can't wait.
I look forward to the next book, can't wait.
March 6, 2021
Five tests to defeat the darkness. Five tests to save the world. Five masters to survive. Masters closer to gods than men who have lived so long and have so much power that life has become a game. Competition. Manipulation. Control. Possibilities and impossibilities. They each want the Tempest, Not for the girl but for the win. To win her is to win the ultimate power. However, the masters have made a critical error. They broke her to remake her stronger but they did their jobs too well. She learned their game and turned it on them. The puppetmasters have found the one they can't control. She is the shadow, the storm. She has survived one test, ready to face another. She has true allies. She has the support and fear of the people. She has the fury of the masters. She has the darkness's attention. And now she has even more reason to fight. The darkness has her other half.
Once again Jane Washington proves she is a wordsmith. Her worldbuilding is unmatched. The complexity requires concentration. I believe you could read this book multiple times and discover new details each time. A tidbit about the land, a food, the dress. It is that elaborate. However, even with the arresting descriptions, the characters are key to the story. The Weaver, Inquisitor, Warmaster, Scholar, King, and especially the Captain captivate but the star is the Tempest. Ven is the storm, she has a shadow but more than anything she is STRENGTH. She withstands. She persists. She will triumph. I see no alternative. Her story captivates. My only concern involves the masters. I haven't fallen for them and we are at the end of book two. I'm ready for a little less brutality, a little more sexiness. I see the fascination they have with Ven, and I realize these seeds will blossom into relationships but it's moving too slowly. Their cruelty and self-interests overshadow any other interactions they may have with Ven. I don't doubt Jane will work it out brilliantly by the end, I would just prefer more relationship movement. Right now, I favor the Captain and wonder how the dynamics will ever work if I (or Ven) can't fall for the others. For now, I will be content with her besting them.
Once again Jane Washington proves she is a wordsmith. Her worldbuilding is unmatched. The complexity requires concentration. I believe you could read this book multiple times and discover new details each time. A tidbit about the land, a food, the dress. It is that elaborate. However, even with the arresting descriptions, the characters are key to the story. The Weaver, Inquisitor, Warmaster, Scholar, King, and especially the Captain captivate but the star is the Tempest. Ven is the storm, she has a shadow but more than anything she is STRENGTH. She withstands. She persists. She will triumph. I see no alternative. Her story captivates. My only concern involves the masters. I haven't fallen for them and we are at the end of book two. I'm ready for a little less brutality, a little more sexiness. I see the fascination they have with Ven, and I realize these seeds will blossom into relationships but it's moving too slowly. Their cruelty and self-interests overshadow any other interactions they may have with Ven. I don't doubt Jane will work it out brilliantly by the end, I would just prefer more relationship movement. Right now, I favor the Captain and wonder how the dynamics will ever work if I (or Ven) can't fall for the others. For now, I will be content with her besting them.
February 14, 2022
3/3.5 stars it definitely gives more
We definitely get more insight and there’s a glossary this time around but there is still tons of description and things going on that I and the heroine just can’t understand. Some parts of explanations aren’t explained clearly enough for me especially when they are inferred that the characters know what’s being talked about but that I get lost.
I still don’t get the endgame of these 5 or 6 men. I don’t get why they are so hostile to her other than trying to do some tough love crap or something. Overall I still found myself focused, knee deep in the story and enthralled in everything that’s going on. Mostly because I NEED to know how this all goes down, I’m intrigued enough to see where this is going. But these men really really really need to grovel and redeem themselves before it’s over. I suspect they may have some sort of curse tied to either marrying, getting on the eternal throne or some variation of something like that. Still I’m intrigued.
We definitely get more insight and there’s a glossary this time around but there is still tons of description and things going on that I and the heroine just can’t understand. Some parts of explanations aren’t explained clearly enough for me especially when they are inferred that the characters know what’s being talked about but that I get lost.
I still don’t get the endgame of these 5 or 6 men. I don’t get why they are so hostile to her other than trying to do some tough love crap or something. Overall I still found myself focused, knee deep in the story and enthralled in everything that’s going on. Mostly because I NEED to know how this all goes down, I’m intrigued enough to see where this is going. But these men really really really need to grovel and redeem themselves before it’s over. I suspect they may have some sort of curse tied to either marrying, getting on the eternal throne or some variation of something like that. Still I’m intrigued.
November 13, 2025
Bring back (6) grown men fighting over one woman 🙏
The tension is IMMACULATE
The tension is IMMACULATE
August 29, 2025
2 stars
This series is waaaaaay too slow burn. The MMCs and fmc barely interacted in the space of 800 pages between the first and second book. And the one guy she has chemistry with gets turned into a two dimensional villain.
This series is waaaaaay too slow burn. The MMCs and fmc barely interacted in the space of 800 pages between the first and second book. And the one guy she has chemistry with gets turned into a two dimensional villain.
March 12, 2021
These books are a little different than what I typically like. Actually, let me rephrase that, the writing style in these books is different than what I typically like. Washington has a style of writing that is very descriptive and….and….what is a good word? Airy? Light? Ugh no. I don’t have the right words, but her writing is, for lack of having the right words to describe it myself, pretty. Obviously, this isn’t a bad thing at all, but I tend to steer clear of books that use a lot of imagery and description. However, when I read book one in the series, A Tempest of Shadows, I found that it really didn’t bother me too much. Picking up this second book, I wondered if it would get to me, and surprisingly, it didn’t.
This book picks up where AToS left off and we are taken on quite the journey. At the end of AToS, I didn’t love any of the guys too much, except for Captain, and I can’t say that my feelings are too different now. I think I’m still a little guarded with them, and, let’s be frank, their personalities aren’t the most endearing to begin with.
This is a more slow burn than I am used to as well, but I find that I’m liking the build up that its presenting and I’m really excited to get my hands on book 3!!
If you haven’t started this series, then I highly recommend that you do. This isn’t an easy, no-think read though. You will need to be engaged in order to understand the story. It took me a few times in picking up this one before I was in the right frame of mind for it. If you aren’t feeling it in the beginning, then put it aside and come back to it….it’s definitely worth it.
This book picks up where AToS left off and we are taken on quite the journey. At the end of AToS, I didn’t love any of the guys too much, except for Captain, and I can’t say that my feelings are too different now. I think I’m still a little guarded with them, and, let’s be frank, their personalities aren’t the most endearing to begin with.
This is a more slow burn than I am used to as well, but I find that I’m liking the build up that its presenting and I’m really excited to get my hands on book 3!!
If you haven’t started this series, then I highly recommend that you do. This isn’t an easy, no-think read though. You will need to be engaged in order to understand the story. It took me a few times in picking up this one before I was in the right frame of mind for it. If you aren’t feeling it in the beginning, then put it aside and come back to it….it’s definitely worth it.
March 15, 2021
I rated the first book 4 stars and I'm rating this one 5 stars because I felt this book was much more enjoyable to read. What made it better, for me, was the pacing. The first book was great but it was so much information at a fast pace, with tons of details, and it got confusing at times to remember people, places, and things. So if you struggled with the first book on this, like me, then I would say don't give up yet.
I'm also really happy to say that it IS a reverse harem novel. Woot woot! There was no mention of it at the time I read the first book so I thought I'd take a moment to celebrate with you that it is. Make those men fall to their knees Ven!
Lastly, this book also had more development between Lavenia, the 5 Masters and The Captain. It is a slow burn reverse harem, emphasis on slow, but I feel it starting to piece together. I'm hoping to get more back story on the 5 Masters in the next book to understand why they feel a pull towards Lavenia but appear to hate that they do. Why are they intent on destroying her at times but helping her at other times. There's a lot more to uncover with them. I truly believe this story will be epic.
For the third book, I plan on just letting the author take me away with her words. Jane Washington is truly talented. I'm going to let the story fall into place and not worry about trying to guess the answers before it's revealed. I'm along for the ride.
Happy reading :)
I'm also really happy to say that it IS a reverse harem novel. Woot woot! There was no mention of it at the time I read the first book so I thought I'd take a moment to celebrate with you that it is. Make those men fall to their knees Ven!
Lastly, this book also had more development between Lavenia, the 5 Masters and The Captain. It is a slow burn reverse harem, emphasis on slow, but I feel it starting to piece together. I'm hoping to get more back story on the 5 Masters in the next book to understand why they feel a pull towards Lavenia but appear to hate that they do. Why are they intent on destroying her at times but helping her at other times. There's a lot more to uncover with them. I truly believe this story will be epic.
For the third book, I plan on just letting the author take me away with her words. Jane Washington is truly talented. I'm going to let the story fall into place and not worry about trying to guess the answers before it's revealed. I'm along for the ride.
Happy reading :)
October 23, 2024
It was entertaining, but I still feel like it’s missing something.
I’m not completely hooked on this series - it’s good but not great.
I’d rate it somewhere between 3.5-4 ⭐️.
I’m not completely hooked on this series - it’s good but not great.
I’d rate it somewhere between 3.5-4 ⭐️.
March 12, 2021
This book starts off after the events of the last book and, wow, it just keeps getting better and better! The world building in this book has been beautifully done, the descriptions and characters made me feel as if I'm right there. I was also so emotionally invested from start to finish. Even after finishing it all, I'm sat trying to unpack all of what happened - and a lot did happen!!
Our girl, Lavenia/Tempest in this book is becoming so strong and independent. I really love how strong and unbreakable she is, even in her darker moments Tempest always pulls through. She is a light in the never ending darkness of Fryio. She is one of a kind in many ways and not least because she is the fated Fjorn. The people of Fryio are seeing her differently since after the events of book one; showing respect and seeing her as their saviour. This helps with the idea from her friend Frey, that they are now seeing how Tempest is battling the darkness and trials via the beetle in the mirrors. I thought this was a clever, creative, magical version of Face Time. I want one!
We get to know more of her friends and allies and more of their personalities in this book too, which I loved. Tempest isn't afraid to ask for help. It's great they are all working together to try and beat the darkness and the Masters so she isn't alone dealing with it all.
The Masters still playing games and are being abusive towards Tempest. They really annoy me, which comes to show how well written their characters are. I understand they need to break and remodel Tempest for the good of the world but they are just so cruel with it. Tempest has now learnt how to play their games and starting to out whit and stand up for herself, much to the disgust and consternation of the Masters. At the moment I still don't like any of them and don't think they are worthy of Tempest. However, they are changing slightly towards her and respecting her a little. Fjor has been showing it more than others especially with that hot kiss! Phew!
I'm so intrigued about the same names of the Kings in history. What's going on there? Are all the kings from the past the same one: Vidrol?
Poor Calder he just can't catch a break can he? He seems to have the worst luck ever and yet no matter what happens he always tries to do the right thing. Now the darkness has him I hope he will pull through and not let the darkness control him completely; I'm holding out hope. Tempest and him deserve to both be happy together. At the end of this book, Tempest is battling the darkness out of her body with her shadows. I just hope she gets all the darkness out. I can't help but wonder can she do that for Calder, and why hasn't she tried to do it yet? Has she now past her second test of the mind? What will happen next?
I have a lot of unanswered questions and I can't wait to get them in the next books! Such a brilliant series.
Our girl, Lavenia/Tempest in this book is becoming so strong and independent. I really love how strong and unbreakable she is, even in her darker moments Tempest always pulls through. She is a light in the never ending darkness of Fryio. She is one of a kind in many ways and not least because she is the fated Fjorn. The people of Fryio are seeing her differently since after the events of book one; showing respect and seeing her as their saviour. This helps with the idea from her friend Frey, that they are now seeing how Tempest is battling the darkness and trials via the beetle in the mirrors. I thought this was a clever, creative, magical version of Face Time. I want one!
We get to know more of her friends and allies and more of their personalities in this book too, which I loved. Tempest isn't afraid to ask for help. It's great they are all working together to try and beat the darkness and the Masters so she isn't alone dealing with it all.
The Masters still playing games and are being abusive towards Tempest. They really annoy me, which comes to show how well written their characters are. I understand they need to break and remodel Tempest for the good of the world but they are just so cruel with it. Tempest has now learnt how to play their games and starting to out whit and stand up for herself, much to the disgust and consternation of the Masters. At the moment I still don't like any of them and don't think they are worthy of Tempest. However, they are changing slightly towards her and respecting her a little. Fjor has been showing it more than others especially with that hot kiss! Phew!
I'm so intrigued about the same names of the Kings in history. What's going on there? Are all the kings from the past the same one: Vidrol?
Poor Calder he just can't catch a break can he? He seems to have the worst luck ever and yet no matter what happens he always tries to do the right thing. Now the darkness has him I hope he will pull through and not let the darkness control him completely; I'm holding out hope. Tempest and him deserve to both be happy together. At the end of this book, Tempest is battling the darkness out of her body with her shadows. I just hope she gets all the darkness out. I can't help but wonder can she do that for Calder, and why hasn't she tried to do it yet? Has she now past her second test of the mind? What will happen next?
I have a lot of unanswered questions and I can't wait to get them in the next books! Such a brilliant series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2021
This book was fire. In the best way. I just loved it. And Lavenia. And the Masters. And I don’t even know how I feel about Calder right now. I love it even more than the first book! Ven is so strong, but also so funny and self-less. She’s changing and growing more powerful in this book, but somehow she remains the same lovable heroine. The Great Masters are also changing, and they’re catching unexpected feelings for Lavenia, when it’s obvious that they don’t want to. Calder is a mystery to me, one that took me on a very bittersweet journey this book. I didn’t think I would cry in this book, but the Calder and Ven scenes tore me apart. I can’t tell what’s up or down with them or who’s right and who’s wrong and what their fate will be. That’s what makes this book all the more appealing and addicting to read. You just want to know what will happen to Ven, to Calder, with the Masters, the world, everyone. And I don’t even know what to say about Fjor, Vale, Vidrol, Helki, and Andel. They’re intense, and so powerful, and their chemistry with the Tempest is out of this world. It was sizzling. I never know what to expect with them and that’s just another thing that I love about them. The best part is that neither she nor they want to want each other and be together, but their fates are calling and it’s twisting them all up. They’re connected whether they like it or not, and they can’t escape their fate. I am all here for this budding reverse-harem romance situation in this book. It’s pure gold. Just read this book!!! It’s a fictional, fantastical gem!!! It’s a must read book and series!!! I can’t wait for the next one!! I just know it’s going to be the best one yet! Jane Washington never disappoints. Her writing just gets better and better with each new book that she writes. She’s always one of my absolute favorite romance writers out there. Period. And this book just proves my point!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2021
A City of Whispers lives up to it's expectations and gives us a world like no other. Washington's world building reminds of other great authors in this genre so it's easy to lose yourself in this book and get entertained by the gripping story at hand.
In this instalment Lavenia is tested by those masters and faced by more demands. Fives tests that will determined everything. Lavenia takes everything in her stride. She isn't broken by them. She been build to survive anything and they took that calculated risk and failed.
Now we get to the delicious richness of the world and Washington explores the darkness something that has been grabbing my attention lately. Lavenia really lives up to her title and this book had me lost in her world exploring the depths and cravens that Washington creates in order to test the waters further in this world. This was a brilliant instalment and can't wait for more.
In this instalment Lavenia is tested by those masters and faced by more demands. Fives tests that will determined everything. Lavenia takes everything in her stride. She isn't broken by them. She been build to survive anything and they took that calculated risk and failed.
Now we get to the delicious richness of the world and Washington explores the darkness something that has been grabbing my attention lately. Lavenia really lives up to her title and this book had me lost in her world exploring the depths and cravens that Washington creates in order to test the waters further in this world. This was a brilliant instalment and can't wait for more.
March 7, 2022
Wait.....give me a moment to really think about this.........
NOPE. It's still the absolute truth!
So stay tuned! I will be doing a full review on the very last book! So head on to book 5 to find out why I love this baby so much!
Here are some lines I LOVED (you can check out my other reviews for more lines that I liked from each book):
💜 (Ven + Helki lol) “It jokes.” I watched Helki’s massive, brutish arms crossing over his chest, his wild eyes shining out at me, full of malice. “I didn’t know it could do that.” I swallowed my scowl, forcing a smile instead. "I’m sure you’re well acquainted with the feeling of not knowing what’s going on...."
💜 (Ven + Andel) “You can’t dance for shit.” He dragged me along, his footing exact, his scowl growing.
“You can’t converse for shit,” I tossed back.
💜 (one with all the guys ;) )
“We’ve made up a day,” Vidrol said, a short distance away. “It was much faster carrying her. Maybe we should keep her asleep the whole time?”
“That defeats the purpose,” Fjor said dryly. “This is working—”
“It’s working for you,” Helki argued. “She hates me.”
“You did try to break her leg,” Fjor pointed out.
“Because she kissed—”
“You kissed her, beast.” Vale was using my nickname for Helki, taunting him. “We all saw it.”
“Maybe that’s the problem. You’re seeing too much,” Helki threatened, and I heard the sound of steel unsheathing.
Vale laughed. Vidrol joined in. Even Andel snickered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
Book two in this series was a wild one. There were times that I felt the plot was lost, only to find the thread again a chapter later. The main plot twist in this book threw me for a loop and I find myself desperate to get a full grasp on what’s actually going on. I feel as lost as Lavenia, the FMC. There is just so much mystery.
I really like Lavenia as a character. I think she’s intelligent and resilient, and has way more patience than I would in her situation. She’s doing the absolute best she can. Her ragtag gang of friends are also a great addition.
I am dying for some relationship development between these characters. I feel like I’m dying of thirst in a desert of sand. I know things are coming, I could feel the subtle shifts in this book, but holy moly slow-burn champion.
And what on earth is happening with Calder????? I am eager to find answers and resolutions of any kind!!
I really like Lavenia as a character. I think she’s intelligent and resilient, and has way more patience than I would in her situation. She’s doing the absolute best she can. Her ragtag gang of friends are also a great addition.
I am dying for some relationship development between these characters. I feel like I’m dying of thirst in a desert of sand. I know things are coming, I could feel the subtle shifts in this book, but holy moly slow-burn champion.
And what on earth is happening with Calder????? I am eager to find answers and resolutions of any kind!!
April 4, 2024
Okay so I’m trying to hang in here with this series, 3.5 stars , little bit of romance and bonding of friends for the FMC , I like this, like that Ven is getting more support , I’m still feeling very confused and that I’m missing the point , the MMC are starting to change the way they treat Ven but again I still feel unconnected to any of them. I’ll persevere and hope that the third book gives me some clarity! I’m hanging in there Jane as I like your books
December 25, 2023
Wow. Just wow. Jane never fails to blow me away. The world is getting easier to see and I'm finally able to recognize the names of the masters and their abilities without referring back to the cheat sheet(thanks for that!). I'm still unsure of who to trust in this book tho. It just keeps me guessing and my mind is spinning with theories. Diving right into the 3rd!
December 5, 2024
Forgot to decide a rating yesterday but yeah I have to give this 5 stars. Jane Washington is slowly becoming my favorite author ever. The tension and slow burn is unmatched, I truly don’t know how she does it. I fell in love with every single character and that’s hard to do in reverse harem books with so many love interests but it clicked for me in this one.
April 22, 2021
J'ai toujours beaucoup de mal à rentrer dans l'histoire, les noms ont des consonances trop proches (pour moi !), je m'y perds. Malgré tout j'aime l'intrigue, les rebondissements même si parfois la docilité de Lavenia m'hérisse. En tout cas, je lirais la suite.
August 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars
This series is starting to show some promise.
Master one power per book?
This series is starting to show some promise.
Master one power per book?
October 22, 2024
i’m Sat. & i’m a vale apologist.
August 22, 2023
4.5 stars
May 18, 2021
These endings
These ambiguous endings that really make no real sense to me are driving me B@tsh!t crazy. What exactly happened there at the end?!? I don't know even after reading it twice. I felt like I was running through a thick mist filled woods, unable to see where I was going. The story felt too scattered and disjointed there at the end. I almost feel a sense of loss over the last 4 hours I spent reading because I don't know really what happen now that I think back on what I read. I still don't like any of the men. I hate that Calder is being written as the villain now when he's the only one I like. I'm even starting to get frustrated with Tempest because she seems to have started to become wishy-washy with those jerks. She better not forgive them after everything they have done. They have done nothing that deserves love at this point.
This isn't like the enemies-to-lovers characters of the Curse of the Gods series. Those guys had some qualities that would redeem them and there was spunk in Willa. Tempest just has pain, darkness, and death. So there isn't really much lightening to any of the situations. Man, I don't know if I can take much more of this "wanting to throw my Kindle across the room in frustration"-feeling. Please let some clarity happen soon.
These ambiguous endings that really make no real sense to me are driving me B@tsh!t crazy. What exactly happened there at the end?!? I don't know even after reading it twice. I felt like I was running through a thick mist filled woods, unable to see where I was going. The story felt too scattered and disjointed there at the end. I almost feel a sense of loss over the last 4 hours I spent reading because I don't know really what happen now that I think back on what I read. I still don't like any of the men. I hate that Calder is being written as the villain now when he's the only one I like. I'm even starting to get frustrated with Tempest because she seems to have started to become wishy-washy with those jerks. She better not forgive them after everything they have done. They have done nothing that deserves love at this point.
This isn't like the enemies-to-lovers characters of the Curse of the Gods series. Those guys had some qualities that would redeem them and there was spunk in Willa. Tempest just has pain, darkness, and death. So there isn't really much lightening to any of the situations. Man, I don't know if I can take much more of this "wanting to throw my Kindle across the room in frustration"-feeling. Please let some clarity happen soon.
September 20, 2021
A City of Whispers is the second book in this RH, bully romance from one of my go-to authors. After passing the first test from that chilling prophecy, we can see Lavenia's growth in character. She became more of a bad-ass young woman that will continue to overcome anything the five masters throw her way.
I know that this is an RH novel, but I'm still thinking on who will be with her at the end. Is Calder among her love interests or will it be just the five masters? Along with that, I just have this bad feeling that Calder will be a huge player in this prophecy other than being her Blodsjel. We shall see.
I know that this is an RH novel, but I'm still thinking on who will be with her at the end. Is Calder among her love interests or will it be just the five masters? Along with that, I just have this bad feeling that Calder will be a huge player in this prophecy other than being her Blodsjel. We shall see.
March 12, 2021
One of my favorite things about Jane Washington is the way she is able to take characters and make them so real and so fleshed out with very little backstory or overall information about them. The A Tempest of Shadows series does not disappoint. This world is rich with diverse characters and side characters. The “love interests” (very heavy on the air quotes here) are all mysterious enough to wonder about who they are and why they have the powers that they do and what their overall motivation is. I also looooove that this story is a true enemies to lovers storyline where the “love interests” all actually hate each other and have no attraction for each other at the start of this story and even in this second book as well. I always hated when a story claimed to be enemies to lovers, but they were still super attracted to each other and flirted constantly. The attraction level is similar to Scarlett Dawn’s Trixie Towers series for anyone who knows it except their hatred for each other in this series isn’t quite as explicit. There are also hints of bully romance as well but not really. I don’t like bully romances and this story isn’t one but the “love interests” do train her for her battle fairly harshly. Overall, this story was a good addition to the first one. This one had a slight increase in heat level, even though they all still hate each other. And Lavenia definitely grows throughout the story. She isn’t quite at kick butt territory but is growing stronger each day. However, this story did have some confusing aspects, at least for me personally. Some questions I had after that last part in the first book weren’t really answered (maybe I missed it) or maybe it will be discussed in later books. New questions pop up in this installation, while some of my previous questions from the first book weren’t really addressed. Also, the whole looping relationship with Calder was really really confusing. None of this at all detracted from the story as I believe Jane will close all these plot holes eventually but it’s definitely the first time I went huh in one of her books. Also plan on doing a reread to see if I missed stuff and will update this review once I do. But overall, I think this story has beautiful prose, super interesting and dynamic characters (which is really the most important part for me). And I highly highly recommend this book to anyone who has like Jane’s previous works or loves the RH genre.
December 25, 2021
They had taught me to fight, to manipulate, to bite with my words. They stitched the need for violence into my fingertips and whispered the way of vengeance into my mind. They hadn’t just dragged me into their game—they had taught me to play it.
Ha! The grand masters are all so effortlessly malicious and villainous that I am kind of falling in love with them 😈😏😏🖤 Plus their proclivity towards manipulation and torture doesn't dissuade my growing feelings at all.✨💀
My fav from this book was the scene from the midworld where the masters start "courting" Lavenia. 😆😆 I could NOT stop laughing lol. Oh also, Andel breaking Ven's mind again and again🖤🖤 *swoon*.
I am off to read the next book now because cliffhangers suck🙃
P.S- Do I really classify as a psycho if I got all hot and bothered with this speech?😏🙃 :
“I look at you, so tiny and delicate, and I feel this overwhelming urge to watch you shatter under the weight of me.” He kissed me again, somehow knowing that it would stop me from reacting to his words. “But then someone else touches you, and the violence I feel toward them is tenfold, and I no longer want to see you hurt.” He kissed me again, and I could feel that anger in the heaviness of his lips, the pressure of his fingers flexing against the back of my neck, the press of his hips into my stomach, the hardness of him swelling angrily against me. When he pulled up again, I was breathless and there was a rasp in his voice. “Sometimes I wake up with the taste of you on my tongue, sometimes with your blood on my hands. I dream of ways to destroy you—to defile this bond as much as I feel defiled by it. I want to watch you squirm against me, my hands around your neck, but I don’t know if I’m inside you in this fantasy or not.”
Ha! The grand masters are all so effortlessly malicious and villainous that I am kind of falling in love with them 😈😏😏🖤 Plus their proclivity towards manipulation and torture doesn't dissuade my growing feelings at all.✨💀
My fav from this book was the scene from the midworld where the masters start "courting" Lavenia. 😆😆 I could NOT stop laughing lol. Oh also, Andel breaking Ven's mind again and again🖤🖤 *swoon*.
I am off to read the next book now because cliffhangers suck🙃
P.S- Do I really classify as a psycho if I got all hot and bothered with this speech?😏🙃 :
“I look at you, so tiny and delicate, and I feel this overwhelming urge to watch you shatter under the weight of me.” He kissed me again, somehow knowing that it would stop me from reacting to his words. “But then someone else touches you, and the violence I feel toward them is tenfold, and I no longer want to see you hurt.” He kissed me again, and I could feel that anger in the heaviness of his lips, the pressure of his fingers flexing against the back of my neck, the press of his hips into my stomach, the hardness of him swelling angrily against me. When he pulled up again, I was breathless and there was a rasp in his voice. “Sometimes I wake up with the taste of you on my tongue, sometimes with your blood on my hands. I dream of ways to destroy you—to defile this bond as much as I feel defiled by it. I want to watch you squirm against me, my hands around your neck, but I don’t know if I’m inside you in this fantasy or not.”
March 12, 2021
A City of Whispers is the second book in the Tempest of Shadows series and you most definitely have to have read the first book in order to read this second one. I don't want to delve too far into the actual plot of the book. What you really need to know is that Lavenia is a kick booty female lead. She is put through some stuff and she may be learning as she goes, but she is most definitely learning how to spin things to her advantage. Calder is, well Calder. He is intense for sure. The Masters are their usual gruff selves. We do get to see and learn a little more about them. But this is for sure a slow burn. We are in book two and we still have no real romantic connection with anyone. We have the connection with Calder but that's not solid either. In this dynamic though, it works.
I am really enjoying the story here. It is unique, adventurous and mysterious. And very intense. This is not one of those books you can just pick up and half way pay attention to though. You have to be completely focused on what you are reading or you will be lost. That's a bit annoying at times as I have a husband and 8 yo child who don't know what it means to let mommy just read. So having to go back and reread parts of what is already a thick book, well it took me days to make it through. That's my only complaint though.
The characters and the story are definitely gripping and the ending in this book, man! I'm ready to get further into this story and see what's going to happen next.
I am really enjoying the story here. It is unique, adventurous and mysterious. And very intense. This is not one of those books you can just pick up and half way pay attention to though. You have to be completely focused on what you are reading or you will be lost. That's a bit annoying at times as I have a husband and 8 yo child who don't know what it means to let mommy just read. So having to go back and reread parts of what is already a thick book, well it took me days to make it through. That's my only complaint though.
The characters and the story are definitely gripping and the ending in this book, man! I'm ready to get further into this story and see what's going to happen next.
June 6, 2021
A City of Whispers by Jane Washington is the second book in the Tempest of Shadows series.
After fighting against the Warmaster and winning the title of Legionnaire, Lavenia thinks she’ll be free and able to escape the torment from the five great masters. But the Tempest was so very wrong, and the hell they are about to bring down on her has only just touched the surface. With the arrival of her eighteenth birthday, Lavenia has a choice to make, and unfortunately there’s no way to escape from it…or is there?
By the end of the first book, and even with the knowledge that this is a reverse harem series, I think I was beginning to fall into this false hope of it being an M/F romance, rather than a why choose. There’s just something about the connection between Lavenia and Calder that seemed like there was a strong possibility of this. However, as the story continues to unfold with the second book, you can see how the connection with the other men grows, and how these are also important relationships for Lavenia to have. Even though she might despise them with everything she has, they’ll come a time when she will no longer resist the pull she has towards them and possibly forgives the tricks they’ve played.
I enjoyed this book slightly less than the first story, but there was still a captivating storyline, that I’m looking forward to reading A Dream of Embers next.
After fighting against the Warmaster and winning the title of Legionnaire, Lavenia thinks she’ll be free and able to escape the torment from the five great masters. But the Tempest was so very wrong, and the hell they are about to bring down on her has only just touched the surface. With the arrival of her eighteenth birthday, Lavenia has a choice to make, and unfortunately there’s no way to escape from it…or is there?
By the end of the first book, and even with the knowledge that this is a reverse harem series, I think I was beginning to fall into this false hope of it being an M/F romance, rather than a why choose. There’s just something about the connection between Lavenia and Calder that seemed like there was a strong possibility of this. However, as the story continues to unfold with the second book, you can see how the connection with the other men grows, and how these are also important relationships for Lavenia to have. Even though she might despise them with everything she has, they’ll come a time when she will no longer resist the pull she has towards them and possibly forgives the tricks they’ve played.
I enjoyed this book slightly less than the first story, but there was still a captivating storyline, that I’m looking forward to reading A Dream of Embers next.
March 12, 2021
I have received an early copy for an honest review
Where can I possibly start to describe the intensity of this journey into book 2 of Jane Washington's epic fantasy?
In book one readers learn about the Tempst and her role in defeating the darkness. We all cheered her on in standing up to the Masters and her sly rebellion against society.
In book 2, readers will follow the Tempst in her rise in society and the further developments in her relationship with the Captain and the Masters. The relationship starts to heat up and this is a slow burn reverse harem romance.
I literally sold my first born kid to become a part of Jane's ARC team and have no regrets in this decision at all. Between the incredible world building of the three worlds and the character relationships and structure to the backstory and character profiles, Jane has literally thought of everything! Because the intensity of the series is building up as the war against the darkness goes on, as the reader, I was literally trying to stretch out the pages hoping the end will not come too soon but wanting to speed through to the conclusion!
If I can give a million stars I would!!! This is a must read for readers that love romance, fantasy and slow burns!!
Where can I possibly start to describe the intensity of this journey into book 2 of Jane Washington's epic fantasy?
In book one readers learn about the Tempst and her role in defeating the darkness. We all cheered her on in standing up to the Masters and her sly rebellion against society.
In book 2, readers will follow the Tempst in her rise in society and the further developments in her relationship with the Captain and the Masters. The relationship starts to heat up and this is a slow burn reverse harem romance.
I literally sold my first born kid to become a part of Jane's ARC team and have no regrets in this decision at all. Between the incredible world building of the three worlds and the character relationships and structure to the backstory and character profiles, Jane has literally thought of everything! Because the intensity of the series is building up as the war against the darkness goes on, as the reader, I was literally trying to stretch out the pages hoping the end will not come too soon but wanting to speed through to the conclusion!
If I can give a million stars I would!!! This is a must read for readers that love romance, fantasy and slow burns!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2021
I’ve been a fan of Jane’s work for a few years. Just when I think her books cannot get any better, she always surprises me and exceeds my expectations. From page one until the end, I was sucked into Ven’s world and felt like I was actually there. The world-building in A City of Whispers is unlike any I’ve read in a really long time because Jane does not skimp out on details, she is so thorough with descriptions. I know that scares some readers but it’s not overwhelming, she somehow manages a perfect balance to give a well-rounded view. The character development in this book was pretty spectacular as well. I was unsure of what to expect with Ven, the masters, and Calder as far as growth. I was not disappointed because each of them grew at their own pace, nothing about their storylines felt rushed. I feel like I can learn a lot from Ven because she refuses to give up no matter what is thrown at her. That's something I truly appreciate and respect in a strong FMC. So much happens in this book and as much as I’d love to give more details, I don’t want to spoil anything. Needless to say, this is a 5-star book in my eyes, and I cannot wait until book three is released! I have so many questions and am excited to dive back in. Thank you, Jane, for writing another incredible book.
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