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Shadowlands #1
Into the Shadows
Her life is bound to the throne. His is bound to a dragon.
Enemies from the start, fate has woven together the lives of Lady Snowlark and the Drameara, leading them on an unwilling journey that challenges their most basic beliefs.
Lady Snowlark has one purpose in life – to do her duty and serve the throne. But when she is taken captive by one of the dreaded warriors who are stirring war across the country, survival becomes the ultimate goal in a high stakes game that can have only one winner – Snowlark or the Drameara.
Into the Shadows is an extraordinary tale of courage and determination that will carry you along on a journey that is as captivating as it is unexpected.
Enemies from the start, fate has woven together the lives of Lady Snowlark and the Drameara, leading them on an unwilling journey that challenges their most basic beliefs.
Lady Snowlark has one purpose in life – to do her duty and serve the throne. But when she is taken captive by one of the dreaded warriors who are stirring war across the country, survival becomes the ultimate goal in a high stakes game that can have only one winner – Snowlark or the Drameara.
Into the Shadows is an extraordinary tale of courage and determination that will carry you along on a journey that is as captivating as it is unexpected.
323 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2021
191 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 25, 2021
A consuming read
What a journey Into the Shadows takes us in. Vengeance is the name of the game but hearts are infallible. Prophecies and lore merge as Lark is taken captive and is taken on a trek to see the Ancient. In the process Lark and her captor battle feelings and a friendship of sorts only to be betrayed in the end. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
What a journey Into the Shadows takes us in. Vengeance is the name of the game but hearts are infallible. Prophecies and lore merge as Lark is taken captive and is taken on a trek to see the Ancient. In the process Lark and her captor battle feelings and a friendship of sorts only to be betrayed in the end. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
October 21, 2021
It was in my TBR for long time.....
I m regretting why I haven't read it earlier....
This is so awesome....
Cant wait for boook 2
I m regretting why I haven't read it earlier....
This is so awesome....
Cant wait for boook 2
May 6, 2023
good but flat
The book was great for light reading. If you’re looking for spicy this is not it. Plot twists were a bit too obvious making the main character seem incredibly dim which made the entire reading feel like you were just begging the MC to get to the point and figure it out. Overall I thought it was a good book, but it wasn’t a favorite.
Trigger warnings for SA, Fatshaming (though well characterized for relevant scenes), and implied incest.
The book was great for light reading. If you’re looking for spicy this is not it. Plot twists were a bit too obvious making the main character seem incredibly dim which made the entire reading feel like you were just begging the MC to get to the point and figure it out. Overall I thought it was a good book, but it wasn’t a favorite.
Trigger warnings for SA, Fatshaming (though well characterized for relevant scenes), and implied incest.
June 8, 2021
What an amazing book! Expect the unexpected till the very end, this book is full of surprises and I really enjoyed the read. The ancient one has awoken after hundreds of years and she is out for vengeance. All her kin have been killed and the Citadel, the city which they had built was decimated. The Rhymer were bent upon starting a civil war and now they had found new allies, the shadow warriors who were almost invincible, being more beast than human, and they fought for the ancient one. The King and Commander of Lenora, the city of Valoria sent their crimson guard far and wide all over the kingdom with orders to kill any Rhymer they came across be this man, woman or child, they were ruthless and now searching for the red lions, the rhymer warriors. Then Princess Lark was kidnapped by a shadow warrior and dragged all over the kingdom towards the mountains to be presented to the ancient one. Lark expected to be executed every minute of every day during her very exertive travels but for some reason the Dramaera only knew, she lived. Although Lark started out as a pampered princess she soon toughened up as the demands on her body called for the need to do so. Also her feelings towards the Dramaera started to change and this worried her immensely as she had always been taught that these were her people's enemy. She also saw a different side to the Rhymers when passing through their villages and also met with some kindness from some of them. The story leaves us on a very heart stopping and surprising part of the tale and I for one, cannot wait to continue reading the story of Lark who was told she would play an important role in the destiny of Valoria, and with her courage and perseverance I am sure she will!
May 30, 2023
Intriguing plot; needs proofreading
This story kept me engaged despite a preponderance of comma errors, excessive use of passive voice (was, were, had been), a misuse of further/farther, and an unnecessary hyphen between “no one.” If readers can ignore these plaguing mistakes, the book is rather enjoyable. It ends at the 83% point, though, and the rest is a teaser chunk from the next book in the series. This first book has a slow burn romance between a princess and her captor, whose secret identity is rather easy to figure out. While the two protagonists are well suited for each other and their relationship grows steadily for most of the story, their connection is seriously damaged due to outside forces. Therefore, the novel ends on a downer, but perhaps things will turn around in the next installment?
A map of the world at the front of the book would be helpful. There are times when the characters travel in one direction and then backtrack. How close are they to the borders?
There are times when events and obstacles are too easily overcome by the Shadow Warrior. He seems to be a mix of a vampire and Sampson (and Delilah) with a bit of lizard thrown in, which could be off-putting for the reader. Most of the time the reader can suspend disbelief.
Some of the secondary characters are stereotypical and lack nuance. The father, the fiancée, the helpful girl toward the end, and the antagonist need more dimensions.
What makes the book worth reading is the character arc of the protagonists. They are on a journey of self-discovery that draws in the reader.
This story kept me engaged despite a preponderance of comma errors, excessive use of passive voice (was, were, had been), a misuse of further/farther, and an unnecessary hyphen between “no one.” If readers can ignore these plaguing mistakes, the book is rather enjoyable. It ends at the 83% point, though, and the rest is a teaser chunk from the next book in the series. This first book has a slow burn romance between a princess and her captor, whose secret identity is rather easy to figure out. While the two protagonists are well suited for each other and their relationship grows steadily for most of the story, their connection is seriously damaged due to outside forces. Therefore, the novel ends on a downer, but perhaps things will turn around in the next installment?
A map of the world at the front of the book would be helpful. There are times when the characters travel in one direction and then backtrack. How close are they to the borders?
There are times when events and obstacles are too easily overcome by the Shadow Warrior. He seems to be a mix of a vampire and Sampson (and Delilah) with a bit of lizard thrown in, which could be off-putting for the reader. Most of the time the reader can suspend disbelief.
Some of the secondary characters are stereotypical and lack nuance. The father, the fiancée, the helpful girl toward the end, and the antagonist need more dimensions.
What makes the book worth reading is the character arc of the protagonists. They are on a journey of self-discovery that draws in the reader.
July 14, 2021
I had the chance to be an advanced reader, which was awesome.
The book was somewhat slow to get into. The characters were developed nicely and you really feel like you gain an understanding of their personalities.
The plot line got a little stale, two main characters doing the same thing over and over, but I really liked the overall story.
Unfortunately, I did not finish this book due to mature content and strong language. I failed to understand why it was relevant in this book. The author could have accomplished the overall idea, including Larks past, without the more vulgar sexual content and using the F word. Even when it came to Val and Lark, his sole purpose in their relationship, is to conquer her sexually. Val still could have been unfaithful to her, a ladies man, without it being all about sex and him making lewd 100% of the time. There was not one conversation that didn’t involve him making a sexual comment about Lark. The king loves Lark and yet it never shows him being disappointed in his sons extracurricular sexual activities and that disrespect to Lark. Not many Kings would want Royal seeds being spread around like that.
I was really disappointed to not finish the book, but couldn’t get around the filth. It detracted from the story.
The book was somewhat slow to get into. The characters were developed nicely and you really feel like you gain an understanding of their personalities.
The plot line got a little stale, two main characters doing the same thing over and over, but I really liked the overall story.
Unfortunately, I did not finish this book due to mature content and strong language. I failed to understand why it was relevant in this book. The author could have accomplished the overall idea, including Larks past, without the more vulgar sexual content and using the F word. Even when it came to Val and Lark, his sole purpose in their relationship, is to conquer her sexually. Val still could have been unfaithful to her, a ladies man, without it being all about sex and him making lewd 100% of the time. There was not one conversation that didn’t involve him making a sexual comment about Lark. The king loves Lark and yet it never shows him being disappointed in his sons extracurricular sexual activities and that disrespect to Lark. Not many Kings would want Royal seeds being spread around like that.
I was really disappointed to not finish the book, but couldn’t get around the filth. It detracted from the story.
June 27, 2021
Into the Shadowlands is the introductory book of Linda K Hopkins new fantasy series Shadowlands.
An ancient powerful, vengeful dragon awakens after centuries asleep, with only one thing on her mind, revenge.
Lady Snowlark, better known as Lark, as led a sheltered, spoilt life at the palace. Due to marry the less than honourable Prince Valiant, her own wants and needs are secondary to her powerful sense of duty.
When concerns for her mother’s health arise, and all of her requests for help are ignored, she makes the rash decision to undertake the perilous journey herself, accompanied only by her younger brother Pipit and one guard.
Dramatic evens unfold when they encounter a formidable foe who sets Lark on a path that changes her life forever.
While the Drameara constantly challenges her both physically and mentally, there is an undeniable emotional pull between them.
In the end only deceit and unbearable heartbreaking decisions await at their final destination.
If you like adventure, drama, mystery with a touch of romance , then you will no doubt enjoy this book. This book does contain some violence, so there are some darker moments.
An ancient powerful, vengeful dragon awakens after centuries asleep, with only one thing on her mind, revenge.
Lady Snowlark, better known as Lark, as led a sheltered, spoilt life at the palace. Due to marry the less than honourable Prince Valiant, her own wants and needs are secondary to her powerful sense of duty.
When concerns for her mother’s health arise, and all of her requests for help are ignored, she makes the rash decision to undertake the perilous journey herself, accompanied only by her younger brother Pipit and one guard.
Dramatic evens unfold when they encounter a formidable foe who sets Lark on a path that changes her life forever.
While the Drameara constantly challenges her both physically and mentally, there is an undeniable emotional pull between them.
In the end only deceit and unbearable heartbreaking decisions await at their final destination.
If you like adventure, drama, mystery with a touch of romance , then you will no doubt enjoy this book. This book does contain some violence, so there are some darker moments.
July 14, 2021
Thank you BookSirens for a copy of this ARC in return for an honest review.
While I did enjoy parts of Into the Shadows, it left a lot to be desired. I didn't find myself super drawn to picking it up whenever I had free time and that is usually a sure sign that it's not going to be a favourite. I did like the slow burn of the tension between Lark and the Drameara, and their banter was enjoyable at times. But, I just felt like for 85% of this book there really wasn't a plot. There was a lot of walking, sleeping and Lark trying to escape captivity, but that was about it. I really had high hopes for this as most of the reviews I've read were all "so many twists and turns" and "I totally didn't see that coming" but I saw all of it coming except maybe the last 15 pages. And 15 pages does not make an entertaining book. Truthfully, I'm still not certain what the plot is.
I'm going to give this 2.5 stars, and hope that the next book in the series gives the readers a little more suspense and meat to the story.
While I did enjoy parts of Into the Shadows, it left a lot to be desired. I didn't find myself super drawn to picking it up whenever I had free time and that is usually a sure sign that it's not going to be a favourite. I did like the slow burn of the tension between Lark and the Drameara, and their banter was enjoyable at times. But, I just felt like for 85% of this book there really wasn't a plot. There was a lot of walking, sleeping and Lark trying to escape captivity, but that was about it. I really had high hopes for this as most of the reviews I've read were all "so many twists and turns" and "I totally didn't see that coming" but I saw all of it coming except maybe the last 15 pages. And 15 pages does not make an entertaining book. Truthfully, I'm still not certain what the plot is.
I'm going to give this 2.5 stars, and hope that the next book in the series gives the readers a little more suspense and meat to the story.
June 5, 2022
I wish I could rave about every book, especially by indie authors. And there were a lot of great things about this book.
But I want to start with the challenge I had while reading it, which is that the book was so pervaded with sexism and sexual violence that I had trouble getting through it. I love, and even prefer, books that deal with difficult themes and address real world problems, but this book seemed like it was replicating them? This was particularly troubling to me in terms of the romance between Lark and the Draemaera, who kidnaps her, holds her hostage, and says a number of misogynistic things to her. It was hard for me to watch that dynamic evolve into a romantic relationship. There were also a lot of truly horrific moments of sexism from Lark's fiancé, Val, and a lot of depiction of sexual violence.
That being said, the book is very well-written. Hopkins' writing is evocative and fluid. Banter and dialogue are particular strengths. The plot and pacing are very smooth. Great writing, cool premise, but unfortunately I don't think I can return to this series.
But I want to start with the challenge I had while reading it, which is that the book was so pervaded with sexism and sexual violence that I had trouble getting through it. I love, and even prefer, books that deal with difficult themes and address real world problems, but this book seemed like it was replicating them? This was particularly troubling to me in terms of the romance between Lark and the Draemaera, who kidnaps her, holds her hostage, and says a number of misogynistic things to her. It was hard for me to watch that dynamic evolve into a romantic relationship. There were also a lot of truly horrific moments of sexism from Lark's fiancé, Val, and a lot of depiction of sexual violence.
That being said, the book is very well-written. Hopkins' writing is evocative and fluid. Banter and dialogue are particular strengths. The plot and pacing are very smooth. Great writing, cool premise, but unfortunately I don't think I can return to this series.
December 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel. The fast pace and great world building kept me enthralled until the end.
I really enjoyed Lark’s point of view throughout, and how we gained more knowledge of the Ancients and the Drameara as she did.
The Drameara is such a good character, swathed in darkness and duty, serving the Ancient. I really loved all the mystery involved in his character; it was very well done.
I did have a problem with Lark’s sheer bullheadedness, though. Although I understand that it is hard thinking in a different way than that you were raised; I found her inability to admit she may be wrong distracting and hard to handle.
The book was quite enjoyable to me; it ended on a slight cliffhanger - not enough to irritate, it just enough to leave me wanting more. I look forward to reading more from this author and find out what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed Lark’s point of view throughout, and how we gained more knowledge of the Ancients and the Drameara as she did.
The Drameara is such a good character, swathed in darkness and duty, serving the Ancient. I really loved all the mystery involved in his character; it was very well done.
I did have a problem with Lark’s sheer bullheadedness, though. Although I understand that it is hard thinking in a different way than that you were raised; I found her inability to admit she may be wrong distracting and hard to handle.
The book was quite enjoyable to me; it ended on a slight cliffhanger - not enough to irritate, it just enough to leave me wanting more. I look forward to reading more from this author and find out what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2021
This book is full of twists and turns. There were several times I thought I knew what was coming, and the next thing I knew, the book had taken a 90-degree turn and I was trying to catch up. For the last third of the book, I was reading as fast as I could.
The first part of the book was a little slow but it was necessary for the world-building and to introduce the main characters. There is a kingdom with a cruel king and his even crueler son, a young woman duty-bound to marry a man she despises, and non-human warriors. I enjoyed it more than I can say and can hardly wait for the next book. I hope I am not spoiling anything but 'Here be REAL Dragons'.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author. It was my pleasure to read and review this book.
The first part of the book was a little slow but it was necessary for the world-building and to introduce the main characters. There is a kingdom with a cruel king and his even crueler son, a young woman duty-bound to marry a man she despises, and non-human warriors. I enjoyed it more than I can say and can hardly wait for the next book. I hope I am not spoiling anything but 'Here be REAL Dragons'.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author. It was my pleasure to read and review this book.
July 5, 2021
Hopkins' fans will not be disappointed. Once again she serves up her manly dragons and the women who love them in a spellbinding tale. Every book she writes gives greater depth and poignancy to her unique, creative imagining of shapeshifters. Their characters struggle at new levels with the repercussions of having two forms, two identities, and one passion.
This is a hot start to the new series. Our hero and heroine travel great distances and just when we think they will never arrive, they find themselves in the presence of the nastiest villain yet.
I can't wait for the next book in the Shadowlands series!
This is a hot start to the new series. Our hero and heroine travel great distances and just when we think they will never arrive, they find themselves in the presence of the nastiest villain yet.
I can't wait for the next book in the Shadowlands series!
July 1, 2022
The beginning was a bit rough, but thanks to another reviewer, I stuck it out, and ended up enjoying it quite a bit. The main character starts out as a bit of a "pampered princess", but she grows into a stronger, more likable character as the story progresses.
The "creatures" in this book are rather different. In some ways, this reads like what I would call a more traditional fantasy. There is no modern technology, and the "morals" are rather outdated. Castles, sword fights, dragons... that sort of thing. However, it has some of the feel of a more modern shapeshifter urban fantasy thrown in. I am curious to see where this series goes.
The "creatures" in this book are rather different. In some ways, this reads like what I would call a more traditional fantasy. There is no modern technology, and the "morals" are rather outdated. Castles, sword fights, dragons... that sort of thing. However, it has some of the feel of a more modern shapeshifter urban fantasy thrown in. I am curious to see where this series goes.
March 19, 2023
The Best Epic Fantasy that I've read so far in 2023! I love books that hook me by the end of the first chapter and this book definitely checks that box.
The story gives the perspective of three different communities and the history of how they got to where they are currently. The world building is phenomenal. But the character building is why I'm going to read the rest of the books. I want to know what happens to the characters. If the bad guys are going to win. By the way there's levels to "bad guys" in this tale. I definitely recommend this to lovers of epic fantasy or you just love a good tale. You won't be disappointed 💜
The story gives the perspective of three different communities and the history of how they got to where they are currently. The world building is phenomenal. But the character building is why I'm going to read the rest of the books. I want to know what happens to the characters. If the bad guys are going to win. By the way there's levels to "bad guys" in this tale. I definitely recommend this to lovers of epic fantasy or you just love a good tale. You won't be disappointed 💜
June 6, 2022
Few chinks to iron out
Slow paced and slow burn story about two enemies, one captive of the other. They make their way across the land, and our heroine gets to learn more about the world outside the palace walls.
I enjoyed the banter. But I will say I struggled with getting any sense of purpose or meaning behind the characters' goals and values. The world building was really slim, and the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. In the end, things felt rushed and too simplistic.
I'll be reading the second book to see what this leads to.
Slow paced and slow burn story about two enemies, one captive of the other. They make their way across the land, and our heroine gets to learn more about the world outside the palace walls.
I enjoyed the banter. But I will say I struggled with getting any sense of purpose or meaning behind the characters' goals and values. The world building was really slim, and the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. In the end, things felt rushed and too simplistic.
I'll be reading the second book to see what this leads to.
June 24, 2021
This was so great! From page one to the end I was drawn in and captivated. There was an almost Beauty and the Beast type vibe when it came to Lark and the Drameara. She was able to slowly come around her prejudices to see the man inside.
Granted I was screaming at Lark ‘NOOOO!’ at the end but I can’t say I didn’t love that twist. Brutal but man was it a doozy of a good twist. I can’t wait for more!!!
Granted I was screaming at Lark ‘NOOOO!’ at the end but I can’t say I didn’t love that twist. Brutal but man was it a doozy of a good twist. I can’t wait for more!!!
June 25, 2021
Intriguing
What a great read! This story has strong characters and is beautifully descriptive. I certainly didn't expect some of the plot twists, especially at the end. I wanted to keep reading, as I always do with Linda's books, and I can't wait for the next novel to see how this all plays out for Lark. I found this story a bit darker than the Dragon Archives series which makes it stand apart. I'm really looking forward to the next book. We'll done, Linda!
What a great read! This story has strong characters and is beautifully descriptive. I certainly didn't expect some of the plot twists, especially at the end. I wanted to keep reading, as I always do with Linda's books, and I can't wait for the next novel to see how this all plays out for Lark. I found this story a bit darker than the Dragon Archives series which makes it stand apart. I'm really looking forward to the next book. We'll done, Linda!
Read
July 4, 2021Intrigue and adventure. Interesting storyline with many twists and turns.
I felt the story to be a bit slow at the beginning, however I understand that it was probably needed for world and character building. There are still things that leave me questioning the overall premise and am hoping they will be addressed in the next edition in the series.
Overall it was a quick read and enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt the story to be a bit slow at the beginning, however I understand that it was probably needed for world and character building. There are still things that leave me questioning the overall premise and am hoping they will be addressed in the next edition in the series.
Overall it was a quick read and enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2021
Amazing world full of surprises, suspense and action, this was a great world builder, amazing characters and can't wait to see where this story will take us next.
This was definitely a page turn and easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was definitely a page turn and easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2023
Good book, I think I will like the series. Liked that the main character had some real life growth due to being put in a situation she wasn’t used to and couldn’t control. I didn’t like the sexualized vampire aspect of the Warrior character but it works. If it weren’t for that then I probably would’ve given the book a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
Interesting read
This is not my usual book to read, but it sounded interesting. The Shadow Warrior is as dangerous and strange as imaginable, and the princess is the typical useless woman. The storyline is interesting and I will continue to read the series. I must figure out who is lying and how the battle will unfold.
Read on my friends.
This is not my usual book to read, but it sounded interesting. The Shadow Warrior is as dangerous and strange as imaginable, and the princess is the typical useless woman. The storyline is interesting and I will continue to read the series. I must figure out who is lying and how the battle will unfold.
Read on my friends.
July 1, 2021
''Into the Shadows'' is a really enjoyable fantasy story - with a cruel king, sinister prince and a poor woman forced to marry for the sake of duty. There are a lot of twists and turns, a lots and lots of action! It was a really enjoyable read that I highly recommend. 5/5 stars.
July 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a great fantasy novel that had interesting characters. I'd like to see more in this world and look forward to more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2021
Love love love! Great characters, great storyline, excellent world-building, intriguing, and very creative. I cannot wait for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel. I liked the growing attraction between the main characters and how focused Lark was on escaping.
I'm very interested in this series so look forward to another novel in the series.
I'm very interested in this series so look forward to another novel in the series.
September 9, 2023
Shades of "History is written by the winner".
The two countries have their own version of history and the peoples hate the others.
Lark is taken prisoner/hostage by a warrior Drameara of the other land. She learns a lot in the process.
The two countries have their own version of history and the peoples hate the others.
Lark is taken prisoner/hostage by a warrior Drameara of the other land. She learns a lot in the process.
December 12, 2023
Not predictable
I really enjoyed this story it brought the characters to life. Just when you think you know what's gonna happen. The story line changes a different direction. I recommend this book you won't wanna put it down until the end.
I really enjoyed this story it brought the characters to life. Just when you think you know what's gonna happen. The story line changes a different direction. I recommend this book you won't wanna put it down until the end.
June 10, 2021
Magnificent as always! This book is filled with magical awesomeness, suspense, action, and great characters. Enjoyed it immensely and looking forward to the next book.
August 19, 2021
Great story
As usual another fantastic readMrs Hopkins never fail to impress. I can't wait for the sequel to continue the story.
As usual another fantastic readMrs Hopkins never fail to impress. I can't wait for the sequel to continue the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews