Shadow Fallen

Dream-Hunters #6

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon returns with Shadow Fallen , a brand-new entry in her Dream-Hunter series.

For centuries, Ariel has fought the forces of evil. Her task was to protect the souls of innocent mortals when they die. Captured by a powerful sorceress, she is transformed into a human who has no memory of her real life or calling.

And is plunked into the middle of the Norman invasion of England.

Cursed the moment he was born with a "demonic deformity," Valteri wants nothing of this earth except to depart it and will do his duty to his king until then. When a strange noblewoman is brought before him, Valteri realizes he has met her before…in his dreams. When others come for her, bringing with them preternatural predators, he is faced with a destiny he had no idea was waiting. One he wants no part of.

The truth is that Valteri isn’t just a knight of William the Conqueror. He is the son of one of the deadliest powers in existence, and if he doesn’t restore Ariel to her place, she is not the only one who will be in peril. The world itself hangs in the balance, and he is the necessary key to hold back the powers of evil. But only if he can find a way to work with the woman who stands for everything in the universe he hates.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Demons, Magic, Angels

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 12, 2022

About the author

Official Author site
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New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn

Fan Run International Sites:

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Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The McQueen is back!!!!! I've missed this amazingly talented writers books so much!!! Shadow Fallen is the precursor to Jaden's book coming next in this series. Valteri the godless is another sherrilyn character who's life has been full of pain and suffering since childhood and into manhood for something that wasn't his fault! Because of his eyes being different colors he was treated like shit! Everything from saying he was the devils own to the good men of the cloth torturing him and doing unspeakable things. He is undefeated in war and king Williams brother and top commander but instead of being paided with gold like William promised he gives him Ravenswood Hall and the lands and outlying territories instead. The people whisper behind his back and are afraid of their new master and valteri does nothing to change that. But with the appearance of a mysterious lady things are about to change for this dark and lonely warrior. The beautiful Ariel is a Arel angel who collects mens souls dying on the battlefield for heavens fight against evil but when she comes to collect a young mans soul his witch mother puts a curse on her and she becomes earth bound with no memory of who she is and until till someone she loves dies in her arms to break the curse that's were she will remain. I love how Ariel wasn't frightened by valteri and his looks or gruff manner. This was a beautiful love story with a few twists and turns and passion with a slow burning love and finding out who valteri's real father was and having both Thorn leader of the hellchasers and dark hunter Shadow be apart of this story made all the more enjoyable. Team bad was at it again with demon Belial doing the dirty work trying to get our angel to fall so he could take Ariel's soul to the evil Kadar! What a prize to bring not only the soul of a Arel warrior angel but the daughter of the greatest heavenly warrior angel michael. Sherrilyn is setting all the pieces on the board for the return of one of the most feared and predatory characters of all time! Jaden has been buying his time and plotting his revenge! But his time is coming and not even god can help those who fucked with him!! I'm so excited!!!! Bravo Sherriyln Mcqueen on coming back after dealing with so much pain and having your life and your families lives ripped apart for the last few years and STILL putting out one hell of book!!!! Thank you for continuing to write books about survivor's who fight the good fight and win! Until next time Luv's💕💋

[Teodora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oki, so I will read this and probably everything Sherrilyn Kenyon writes, but why are we not getting some of the most asked books?

I want Savitar & Thorn (& even maybe Noir) to get their books FASTER! I just found this series THIS year and I am already unpatient about this I don't even want to think what the fans that read this series from the start feel!

If I have to wait 10 years before Thorn gets his book I will be crying in a corner.


Review after I finished the book.

Now i understand somehow why this book was before Jaden.

Still waiting for Thorn & Shadow in the future (as near as it could be)

I saw she posted about Savitar and Jaden coming in 2025 & 2026 or something like that and also another book without a name in 2027. IF THAT ONE IS NOT THORN I CRY FOR REAL BECAUSE 2027 AND THORN IS NOT EVEN ANNOUNCED!?!? Please put us out of our misery and tell us Thorn will get his book. 😭😭

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to read a Medieval setting romance from SK aka Kinley MacGregor again. The way that it ties into the Dream Hunter series isn't super obvious at first, but it's very crucial. I loved the pairing of Ariel and Valteri. He's another tortured hero, but I love my tortured heroes, so that's fine with me. It has some interesting philosophical/spiritual elements that add a different level to the story. I'm still struggling through a reading slump and low spirits, but this book wasn't painful for me to read and I got drawn into the story. I'm grateful for that right now.

Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine: http://www.affairedecoeur.com/

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley for review for Affaire de Coeur Magazine

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half
I am a long time fan of this author and indeed my first paranormal romance was her Night Pleasures which opened my eyes to a world of fabulous stories that blew me away. This sadly wasn’t the book I’d hoped for but hear me describe why before you judge too harshly.
Ariel is I suppose an angelic reaper who escorts souls who are meant to help fight in the eternal war between good and evil. At least she should be but she’s been cursed by an embittered parent to become mortal and doomed to watch whoever she falls in love with die in her arms. Ok so far that’s making sense but the man who finds her is not the run of the mill hero as he’s angry and embittered by all the evil acts that have dogged his life. You see Valteri has heterochromia, or mismatched eyes that in these more primitive times many view as demonic. To further confuse things he’s the half brother of William the Conqueror who took the English crown from Harold which to my mind didn’t really add anything to this story. So here’s Ariel not remembering who she really is and she’s offered protection by a rather horny Valteri who seems obsessed with his loins and how he could never approach Ariel as he would taint her by association. I really found this part of the book somewhat tedious as I do prefer the heroes that this author used to write about. Now add in a Demon who is desperate to claim Ariels soul when the curse springs into action and I don’t know it just felt too full of words and intent and just not enough action.
So does anything save this book ? That’s a resounding yes because we get characters from the Dark Hunter series appearing and whilst initially if I’m blunt they don’t actually do a lot it allows the author to fill in gaps satisfying regular readers and hopefully enticing new ones. I don’t know of any author who makes her characters suffer as much as Ms. Kenyon because trust me that’s definitely a theme in her stories. Like many others I want to see those characters who have previously been in the background and here with Thorn, Shadow and a glimpse of Jaden and even the wonderful Acheron appearing I really do look forward to more and hope that next time I can rate even higher!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Dream Hunter book which is a spin off from the Dark Hunters series. I've been reading both of these series for a long time and I have to say this is the first book of this authors that I didn't love. Not that it will stop me from reading the next books in either series but for the first half of this book, it didn't feel or read like it was from the Dark Hunters universe at all.

Ariel can't remember her life and has been cursed to be a mortal human because of something she did but can't remember. She meets Valteri who was given up by his mother who never wanted him and he was abused and treated badly as a child until his brother found him and tried to help him. His brother has now given him a home, land and title.

Valteri is looked upon by others as something vile because of his mismatched eyes and how many men he's killed on the battlefield but Ariel doesn't look at him in that way. Valteri feels a strong pull towards her but his self loathing won't allow him to make a move on her because he thinks that being with him would ruin her. Plus he's never met a woman who would willingly be with him, not even when he paid for it.

These two end up working closely together when he asks for her help with his books since he isn't good at math and can't make heads or tales of the ledgers. So Ariel helps him and they spend more and more time together, getting closer.

It was bored with the first half of this book but once her "brothers" showed up, it started to pick up because then we start to see what's really going on and who she actually is. Once I understood why she was cursed, who she is and who Valteri actually is, then things started to make more sense and the story started picking up and I enjoyed it more. I really enjoyed the ending when Acheron and Simi made an appearance. It was a good addition to the series but not my favorite.

Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gods at play in Medieval times!

I’m not sure if this is a Medieval historical romance wrapped in the banner of Fantasy or an historical fantasy novel. The gods at play in the human world with archangels and fallen angels, demons and their ilk running riot, and attempting to change the balance of power.
It’s been sometime since I’ve read a fantasy where the pantheon of gods infect and infiltrate the historical world. The time is that of William the Conqueror. Valteri the Godless, is William’s half brother, a fearsome warrior, more berserker, and a tormented soul. Tormented as a child by the clerics in charge of him who saw his mismatched eyes as a sign of the demonic. Valteri has a dream of a blond woman in a battlefield. Prophetic. Ariel, is a daughter of the archangel Saint Michael and “a Naşāru—a resolute warrior whose calling was to stay far from the mortal realm, where their licentiousness could tempt her, except for those brief moments when she was commanded to find dead warriors to return to life so that they could fight in earthly battles that were denied to her species. Her job was to protect the order of the universe. To defend the primal forces. She was not to know pain. That was for mortals to bear.”
Ariel is tricked by a troublesome demon Belial and a crone with a grudge against her. Ariel is stripped of her powers. She is the key to Belial’s attempts to regain favour of the evil god Kadar. Of course there’s tricksy moments and counter moves but how Ariel will win free and how Valteri will protect and be protected is contested every step of the way.
Things of course take a slightly different tack. My heart goes out to Valteri who is more than he seems, a lonely and abused man with a kind heart whose self protection solution is to isolate himself and move from one battle to another. Only this time William outplays him by gifting Valteri lands and responsibilities Valteri doesn’t want.
A love story filled with heartache, demons, angels and the like.
This is my first Kenyan novel. I don’t think it will be my last.

A Macmillan-Tor/Forge ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow Fallen is a rewrite of Daemon’s Angel, originally issued in 1995. While Shadow Fallen is not directly connected in time to any of the previous novels in the Dark-Hunter universe, it does bring into play (or references) characters from previous novels, including some of the original gods in the Primus Bellum as well as Thorn, Shadow, Grim, the Malachai, and various demons and demi-demons.

There is a lot of repetitious inner dialogue or actions on the part of Valteri and Ariel which slows down the flow of the plot. Much is made of the fact that Valteri doesn’t know who his father is. The theme of fatherhood is also raised by Thorn and Shadow as they commiserate on the negative aspects of their fathers. The Epilogue addresses some of these issues.

While Shadow Fallen is the first in a trilogy, the second one (Queen of All Shadows) isn’t expected to be published until December 2024 and the third one (Shadows Within) not until December 2025. It’s going to be a long time before we find out what happens next (although Sherrilyn’s website says under Shadows Within, “Shhhhh . . . We don’t want to spoil Shadow Fallen or Queen of All Shadows :) But yes, it’s true. Jaden’s story is coming.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow Fallen was a fun read! It was great coming back to this world after so long, even more so since this read mostly like a self-contained story and I was able to follow it without having to worry I was forgetting something important lol

The beginning was super entertaining. I loved the opening chapters and how they worked to introduce the two main characters, Ariel and Valteri, and the way it set up their relationship. Kenyon's writing captured my attention from the get go and I flew through the first half of the novel.

Things did get a little repetitive as things went on, though. The big "conflict" between Ariel and Valteri kept getting rehashed in the same sort of scenes over and over and I never truly felt like there was any danger. It was pretty obvious everything was going to end up okay? Usually, I'm able to enjoy the journey and the twists along the way, but I felt that they fell a little flat here after a while.

The ending was rather dramatic lol but the epilogue was such a sweet little addition and I loved seeing Ariel and Valteri get to that point themselves. <3

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

I read and loved Ms. Kenyon/McQueen’s books years ago but haven’t read any the past few years so I was excited to dive back in and discover her again. That smooth as silk writing style that I remember is back in spades and her characters feel just a real as ever (and that is saying something considering most are not even human!) This author is a master at writing characters that make a reader absolutely ache for their pain and cheer for their joy. And the world is just as interesting and complex.

It is the pace of the story, itself, that feels a bit off in this one, though. Valteri is truly a broken soul who has suffered the most extreme and horrific torture throughout his life. He is considered demon spawn because of his heterochromia (one eye is a different color than the other). It is easy to love and feel for his character as we watch him take all the abuse while still doing his best to be a decent man - at least off the battlefield - there he is truly the demon people think him. It is in the constant and extremely repetitive self-flagellation that the story lags. His inner voice repeatedly degrades himself almost constantly throughout the first half of the book and stops any forward movement in the overall story almost completely in places. The growing love Ariel has for him as she helps him learn to live is truly a thing of beauty, however, and almost makes up for the plodding plot-line.

The second half of the book does pick up considerably as all the background players make their moves and the tension and action takes center stage. This is where those who have kept up with the Dark Hunter series will be most happy, as characters from earlier books enter and take part in the unfolding action. Unfortunately those of us who aren’t already familiar with those characters, will feel a bit left out, as there isn’t a lot of depth to help us really understand the nuances behind the actions.

The ending is very abrupt, as well. Man, I wish a little less time had been spent on reiterating the horrors of Valteri’s childhood and more time had been given to allowing us to enjoy and understand what happened AFTER the big climax! As it stands, the ending is happy… we just don’t get to see how it actually happened.

Even so, I still enjoyed the book and am immensely happy this very talented author is at it again! There are just some whose pen can capture the imagination and never let go and Ms. Kenyon/McQueen is definitely one!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Sherrilyn's world. Our Author Goddess has returned to us with a new fantastical tale. This is the first full length book in a three volume story arc. Introducing Valteri, the son of an enigmatic character, whose backstory has been long awaited by many of us fans. Shadow Fallen is a story of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, rapture and torture, forgiveness and revenge, good, evil and the gray shadows in between. Set in medieval England, it is during the time when the Normans conquered the Saxons.

Lord Valteri is a Norman warrior who is used to a life of constant travel from war to war with no place to call home. He is feared and hated by all, due to a deformity rumored to be proof his unknown father was a demon. All he needs is his sword, horse, armour and a fight. Now he is commanded by his half-brother, King William, to be the lord of an estate in England and is responsible to look after the Saxons who live there. And they hate him.

Ariel is an ethereal beauty who is found in a field, unconscious and is brought to the manor. She wakes up to find she knows her name but remembers nothing else. She is confused as many things are not familiar and some skills, that she begins to discover she knows, do not make any sense for her to know. There is something otherworldly about her.

Ariel and Valteri struggle to break a curse in order to stay together. Their love is strong and true but they need to overcome a self-serving demon who keeps interfering in their journey to HEA. Which, of course, makes it an exciting adventure.

As in Stygian, there is a fun theme within this book that I call "Who's Your Daddy?". The banter between Shadow and Thorn is hilarious as they compare childhoods and argue who had it worse. Is having absent parents better ? Would you want to trade your parents ?

I love the interaction of Ariel and Valteri with the other characters, especially Wace, Edyth and Cecile. Just wait till you meet them.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was rereading the entire Dark-Hunter/ Dream-Hunter/ Were-Hunter series to prepare for the release of Shadow Fallen and was so thrilled to read it early. In fact, I read it twice before writing this review.
I hope you enjoy Shadow Fallen. I highly recommend it.

[Patty Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Tor/Forge and Sherrilyn Kenyon for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.


Shadow Fallen is the sixth book in the series Dream Hunters. This one tells the story of an angel Ariel who falls to earth because of a curse. Ariel’s job is to escort the dead souls (usually soldiers fallen in battle) to their afterlife. One such soul’s mother was so distraught at her son’s demise that she curses Ariel to fall to earth and fall in love with a man, Valteri, who will then die and leave her brokenhearted. The old woman has made a blood curse with a demon, who also wants their souls to gain his freedom from Hell. Valteri is no ordinary man, he has suffered greatly because of his vague parenthood and most think him some sort of demon. Ariel has lost her memory but falls madly for Valteri knowing him to be the good man that he is. Now, if they can only find a way around this curse.

I was not a fan of this story. I have read the prequel to the series, Phantom Lover and enjoyed it very much and was hoping for something in the same vein. This story just had too much repetition and it got really boring. I read it in one sitting and to be constantly hit over the head with Valteri had a hard life growing up, got it, he got beaten, got it, he doesn’t trust anyone, great, over and over again for three hundred pages, just wasn’t interesting. Same with Ariel, I mean she was an angel fallen from heaven, there should have been lots to talk about becoming mortal that could have been interesting. The only thing that was remarkable was how beautiful and kind she was. I mean really, that’s it??

There was also lots of confusing history of different demons and demigods, their children and who ran things in what realms. As well as bible quotes thrown in for good measure. So for me the characters were cardboard, the story weak and the repetition of scenes with no forward progress was not enticing. I am curious to see what the rest of the series is like, since I liked the first one so much but as for this one, it’s a pass for me.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know...maybe because it's been so long since I've read a book in this world, or maybe due to the time period it was set, but I was bored while listening. I didn't really connect with either the main character, was glad that they ended up with their HEA, but also glad to be done with the book too.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long time Sherrilyn Kenyon (McQueen) fan I was thrilled to see she was releasing a new book especially after everything she has been through ove the last few years. It has taken me a few days to formulate my feelings on this book and sadly I was underwhelmed by this one.

The book feels like it was trying to be a standalone/entry point for new readers as the main story doesn't really align with any previous/ongoing storyline. The appearance of some long standing side characters was great for me (and will be for long time readers too) but there were too many references to previous goings on that could confuse new readers. Also. I found myself much more interested in what they were up to than the two main characters

One of Sherrilyn's greatest strengths is her characterisation. This is why fans are desperate for certain characters to get their own books but she misses the mark with Valteri and Ariel. Both characters are almost personality-less and incredibly repetitive. It didn't take long for me to grow bored with Valteri's "woe is me" inner monologues and Ariel.makes the same stupid decision repeatedly that just left me feeling frustrated. Their romance isn't really that exciting either, I almost wasn't bothered whether they ended up together and rhe end feels rushed. We get told after the fact that certain things have happened rather than see them. Considering this involves a certain long standing character, I found this frustrating as a both a fan and a reader.

The overall impression I get is this book is setting-up something for a future book, as one of the MCs is connected to a character that Sherrilyn has announced will be getting a book. While this may pay off later, it does this book no favours. Sherrilyn fans will eat this up regardless. Like me, many will just be happy to see their favourite author goddess is writing/publishing again.

Will this book put me off the next? Absolutely not! I'm desperate to see the stories of certain characters be told. The book is full of her trademark snark and humour which I enjoyed - it was like a literary comfort blanket in some respects. While this may not be her finest, I have no doubt she will come back stronger on the next one and I can't wait to read it.

Many thanks to the publisher who provided an earc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Mina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the excerpt...I AM DYING!!!!

Finally a book from the Dark-Hunter series. I know Sherrilyn has gone over some personal issues these past years. You can't believe how excited I am!. And yes! Mismatch eyes. You know it.

4/15/2022

I might have gotten a little too excited and thought the book was about Jaden (well it sort of was, but not really).

What to say. I love Sherrilyn and I have been a fan since I picked up Fantasy Lover some 15 years ago. But man, the last few books in the Dark-Hunter have taken a turn and I think everything that I loved about them has been pushed aside for a new twist. I feel like these last books should be part of another series and not Dark-Hunter.

Basically, Valteri is a Norman warring in England against the Saxon for his brother (William - this doesn't bring anything to the plot). As a Sherrilyn hero, Valteri has suffered, been betrayed, and has known no love nor kindness. Ariel is an angel charged with the protection of souls and making sure they go where they are supposed to. She is cursed by an old woman and the antagonist is a demon named Bilael (or something like that) who is a trickster and basically, I don't know what he does. Valteri and Ariel meet, they fight their attraction, Ariel has amnesia - I mean, I didn't hate them... I just got bored with them.

Shadow and Thorn are sent to protect Ariel and Valteri and kind of don't do a good job. Fast forward past all the drama, Ariel and Valteri get their happily ever after.

The thing that upset me the most was that Valteri didn't get to meet Jaden! and continues to hate him. The answer to why Valteri's powers were locked is also not answered. I think it was more a story to set the plotlines for the next book in the series than actually a Dark-Hunter.

Even do it wasn't my favorite, I am still looking forward to the next book. I need to get Savitar, Jaden, and Thorn's HEA. I just hope they do soon.

[Jenelle Kellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I don’t want to go into many details, because we have been waiting so long for this. I don’t know if I would call it a Dream Hunter novel, but it’s definitely part of the DH universe. We meet many of our favorite demons, and more history of the incredible world McQueen has built.

That being said, I enjoyed this book so much! I felt like the author has found herself, she’s living freely, and her creativity is blooming. Yes! She is back!

[Aimee Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is the Queen is Back! I was just starting a reread in anticipation of the long awaited “Munro” when I was lucky enough to receive this ARC. I was a little anxious because it felt like I was skipping ahead, but this book can be read as a stand alone. Wonderful story, great characters, a bit of steam (after tremendous longing and build-up!), and all the great mythology one would expect from Sherrilyn Kenyon. And Acheron (plus Simi!) get to cameo … I couldn’t ask for more.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back Sherrilyn. Excellent as usual.📖📖👏👏

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story, loved getting to know these characters! Loved how things turned out, and I hope we see these characters in the future!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ariel is cursed to live out her existence as a human by a cruel witch, she is found by a Saxon man who is hated by others named Valteri the Godless. Will these two unlucky people be able to survive everything that is thrown at them including the scheming of demons? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a great installment of the Dream Hunter series. If you are a fan of paranormal romance and Sherrilyn Kenyon, then be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and eBooks are sold.

[Andrea (andreasathenaeum) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited about this book and I'm glad I finished it, but the first half of the book was a slog. It felt very repetitive, to the point where I was skipping actual pages. In the end I enjoyed the story, and I liked the Easter Eggs of other characters, but oh boy this was a challenge to get through. As always grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

[katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've always known that Sherrilyn Kenyon isn't the best writer, but I've always been able to overlook that and enjoy her books, until this one. I'm not sure if I can't stand her writing style anymore or what because it has been a few years since I last read anything by her. The way she repeats everything all the time and how there's literally no difference between any of her characters. Like, every single one of them had a Tragic Backstory and so they go on monologue after monologue about how the world sucks and people are terrible and can't be trusted and every single person in their lives has hurt them in one way or anything and they're a complete monster and a terrible person and some days it doesn't feel worth it to get up and be a decent person. We get it. Why are there 5 different monologues about that in 20 pages?

Also, because it's set in like 1000 AD or whatever, I guess Sherrilyn attempted??? to sound like that with all her 'Aye's and 'Nay's and whatever fake old English words she put in and I just couldn't stand it. I've never liked it when she did this in other books, but this one I really couldn't stand. And Ariel was supposed to be super strong and cool and powerful and whatever and she just spent the entire book sounding weak and talking about being a wife and needing to protect her husband. As if she didn't have better things to do other than sit around in human affairs, which she claims she's not supposed to do anyway. They felt pretty codependent to me; they just kept running away and then chasing after each other and then yelling how they can't live without the other. That plot literally happened at least 3 different times in the book. It was a constant 'I need you or else I'm going to die' feeling. And not in a hot 'you're the love of my life and the only person I will ever feel this way about' kind of way, it just really felt very codepedendent and more 'if you leave me I will die you are responsible for my life' kind of way.

I also feel like there were some things that just weren't wrapped up at all at the end of the book. We could've taken out some 'life sucks and people are mean poor me' and added some like other characteristics and then wrap up all the plot lines. It kind of sucks when I think about how much I used to love these books and now I'm incapable of looking over a lot of things. Like, I know in all her books the writing is not that great and literally every single character is a carbon copy of each other, but I still chose to enjoy the stories and I am not sure if I can anymore. Feels bad, I guess.

[P.E. Owens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's start this review off by saying I am a huge fan of crossover stories that combine romance and fantasy. That said, I am undecided between giving this book a 2 or 3 star review. All the elements were there to make this story a great romance between two people destined to be together and all against a backdrop of angels, demons, & and a slew of fantastical-biblical characters. (Although, I use biblical loosely).
There is a "Midsummer Night's Dream" feel to this story that was so appealing to me, but it was the characters that nailed the coffin lid down tight for me. Between both main characters running away to their near peril only to be dragged back with injuries and the realization that they need each other, only to then fall back into their near constant and prolonged–and wildly overly repeated personal issues–this book just fell so incredibly flat. I wanted OUT so many times, but I am no reading quiter.
I think I liked the idea of the character more than the characters themselves and found myself making up different ways their story could have been written. I think it was somewhere half way through, I was set to give up until the addition of two badass immortals made their way into the story (I'll let you be pleasantly surprised) and then I was back in. Only, that didn't last long. The Puck-like character who created all kinds of mischief did redeem himself, but it far too quick and foolhardy. After all HE"S A DEMON! I mean, COME ON!!!
I want to give this book more, but I just don't have it in me to give.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and TOR Books for the chance to read an advanced copy of Shadow fallen by Sherrilyn Kenyon. As it has been a long wait for any books from the author (through no fault of hers), I really wanted to read this right away. I am a big Dark Hunter and League fan, and basically devoured this book. I loved it, and once I got into the book realized why these two characters were introduced into the series. Shadow fallen had the perfect balance of new insight to the Dark hunter characters we have known and loved, and introducing us to new characters like Valteri and Ariel. I like the chemistry between them, and the humour from secondary characters we know from previous books. Hopefully we will not have to wait too long for the next books in the series!
Anyone reading this book as a stand alone will enjoy it, but may be confused by some of the background and characters as the Dark Hunter series as a whole is quite large! Take your time and read the series!!!!

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons, angels and demigods fill this novel set during the conquest of England, 1066. I haven't read the other books in the Dream Hunter series, therefore, I'm missing some of the back story. I cannot write a better review than the blurb does without leaving spoilers scattered throughout. I liked Ariel and Valteri. They were a couple destined to be together. I feel too much time was spent on the repetitive internal dialogue, coupled with the Valteri's tortured childhood background being rehashed several times. It caused the plot to drag. This in turn affected the pace. I enjoyed when Thorn and Shadow joined the fray to try and stop the evil forces; even Acheron and Simi make an appearance at the end of the novel. I was a bit confused on the hierarchy of the angels and of the demons, but this could be due to not reading this book in series order. Overall, Shadow Fallen is a good read.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars--SHADOW FALLEN is the sixth in instalment in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s adult DREAM-HUNTERS paranormal/romance series-a part of the author’s DARK HUNTERS world. This is Valteri the ‘Godless’ and Ariel the Arelim’s story line. SHADOW FALLEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: SHADOW FALLEN is a mediaevil story line that takes place several hundred years before modern times, and reveals some of the events leading up to one god’s powerful need for revenge- a deity war between heaven and h*ll- a prequel of sort, in preparation for the author’s QUEEN OF ALL SHADOWS and SHADOWS WITHIN.

Told from third person perspective SHADOW FALLEN follows Ariel, a Arelim, in the wake of a curse against our story line heroine. The Arelim are the guardians of humanity who escort the souls upon the death of the body but an old crone, with the help of demon spawn Belial, has cursed our heroine for taking the soul of the son who died in battle. Having lost her heavenly powers and any memory of the past, Ariel finds herself falling for her would-be rescuer, a warrior known as Valteri the Godless, a man whose true nature has been bound by a seal. As Valteri fights his attraction to Ariel, Ariel will recover her memories, and discover the truth about the curse, and the man with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ariel and Valteri, and the fall-out as both Ariel and Valteri sacrifice themselves for the love of each other.

Valteri the Godless is thought to be demon born, and has spent his life indebted to his ‘brother’ William, fighting on the fields of battle and war. Cursed from birth for his heterochromia aka different colored eyes, Valteri has always considered himself to be the spawn of the devil, and has suffered at the hands of religious men all of his life. Believing himself unworthy of friendship or love, Valteri is caught off guard with the appearance of our story line heroine, a woman that calls to more than his heart. Ariel can no longer remember who she is or what she had done in the past but as her mind begins to heal, flashes of memory reveal a heavenly connection but also a connection to the man with whom she is falling in love.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several who have been previously introduced in the author’s Dark Hunters series: Thorn, Shadow, Jaden and Acheron, as well as Mildred the old crone; several friars and monks; Belial the prince of all evil, and his father Kadar, the king of all evil.

SHADOW FALLEN is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; retribution and suffering; acceptance and love. The premise is gritty, emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive and tempting; the characters are powerful, broken but healing.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Lyn *Nomadic Worlds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a faithful fan of the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon since back when the books were still being released. 16 years later and I’m amazed at the evolution of the Dark Hunters and Dream Hunters and the connections between all the stories and characters.

Meet our tortured hero, Valteri – deemed terrifying and unlovable and a horrible demon – because of, guess what? The color of his eyes! People can be so cruel. The one thing I’ve always admired about Sherrilyn Kenyon’s stories is her ability to show the worst of humankind. And the best of it.

Stuck in a predicament not of her own choosing, Ariel still saw Valteri for who he truly was. I loved that about her. She didn’t let the prejudice and bigotry of other people stop her from seeing Valteri’s good heart.

And of course we can’t forget all the hidden nuclear secrets, appearance of some favorite characters, a surprising cameo and a satisfying end. The pacing was a bit slower than usual but overall it was a nice addition to both the Dark Hunter and Dream Hunter series.

A big thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Posted on Blog

[Jewelrymuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
“Shadow Fallen” by Sherrilyn Kenyon is a Dream Hunter novel set during the first Norman king of England’s reign. A little history with paranormal fantasy-romance makes this next installment a good book to relax with after a long day.
The hero, Valteri “the godless”, has lived a brutal, cursed life in a world where if you are born different you are labeled as evil and a demon. He has no trust in anyone until Ariel, the heroine, is dropped into his life. He believes Ariel is the one he sees in his battlefield dreams.
Ariel is vengefully cursed to live as a human with no memory of her other worldly life as a warrior protecting the souls of the battle fallen from being taken by evil. Only until the one she loves dies in her arms will the curse be broken. From the first, she looks at Valteri as if he is her savior.
Valteri and Ariel are each more than what they seem and so much a like. Both warriors in their own rights. Each wanting to do what they feel is right to protect the other, almost to the extreme.
Both must find a way to help the other to overcome the evil that wants to tear them apart before the world they are living in is turned to darkness.
New supporting characters, good and evil, and old friends from previous stories make this story a fun read for Kenyon fans, but the story can be read as a standalone for someone new to her series.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for angsty? Looking for traumatic childhoods? Mix that in with medieval times and this basically describes the story. If you liked Ms. Kenyon (McQueen) and her Kinley MacGregor stories, this is the one for you. As a side note, it is sad that the author cannot change her surname to one that she wants. This book can be read as a standalone. I thought it was going to be more with the dream hunters but this goes a completely different direction.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Katie Eliuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know when your in line for a bathroom stall at the bar and there is a couple poor me crying drunk bitches in the way? And you just need to get to that stall at the end but they won't stop crying about how shitty their lives are. Then suddenly someone says SHOTS! And they fuck off and you can finally go pee.

That was this book.
200 pages of the mmc wallowing in self hate and anger. A angel cursed into a human body that did nothing helpful the entire time. And a 25 page happy ending with much to simple answers.

[page_pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author Goddess is back!

Sherri is a master storyteller. She has ways of making you care about the characters and praying for that HEA (even when you already know you're going to get it!). She weaves her worlds in the most intricate ways with twists and turns that keep you invested and eager for more.

I was surprised to find out this is one of her older short stories that had been reworked into a novel. I haven't read the original, so it was all very new to me, however, the first half of the book read like it was being stretched. It was very wordy, less actiony. I was beginning to wonder how she was going to turn things around to keep me intrigued.

Then, BAM!

Around the halfway mark we start getting the bigger picture, introducing characters that, if you're familiar with the D-H books, you already know and love. These characters tie in not just for the sake of being there for long time fans, but actually serving a purpose of furthering the main series arc. And judging by events and conversations that happened, the series is going to get even better!

While I cared about Ariel and Valteri and wanted them to have a happy ending, without the presence of the others (Thorn, Shadow, Jaden, and Acheron), I don't think I would've rated this four stars. It probably would've been three. I just didn't care AS MUCH for them as I do others in the series. While this can be read as a standalone, I don't recommend it. It's much better knowing the bigger picture.