Shadows of Betrayal

The Shadow Realms #3

by Brenda K. Davies

As Cole plunges into war against the rebellion in the Gloaming, his enemies aren’t the only things to fear on the battlefield.

The Shadow Realms hold more monstrous secrets than Cole or Lexi ever knew, and some of them are about to break free. When allies become enemies and betrayals unfold, Lexi and Cole will learn who they can trust and who wants them dead.

And through it all a new threat will rise… from someone they trust.

Return to the Shadow Realms. A world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies... and treachery lurks around every corner.

***Due to sexual content, violence, and language, this book is recommended for readers 18+ years of age.***

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Fae, Paranormal, Audiobook, Dragons

Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2022

About the author

Brenda K. Davies is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Vampire Awakening Series, Alliance Series, Road to Hell Series, Hell on Earth Series, and historical romantic fiction. She also writes under the pen name, Erica Stevens. When not out with friends and family, she can be found at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.

Reviews

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok, i think I’ve reached the point where it’s nearly impossible to talk about the books cause most of it would be a spoiler since im halfway through the series. so much happened in this one and there’s some big reveals about both Cole and Lexi’s powers. i feel like i can see where things are headed and im just along for the ride. i’m sure the group will have a better chance to officially go after the lord, so im eagerly awaiting those battle scenes that will come. i liked seeing more of Sahira, Brock and the others and im interested to see what’ll happen with Lexi and Cole after the ending! 👀

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You really do love her, don´t you? It´s more than your lycan seeking its mate; you love her."
"What´s not to love?"

This is a three POV book, told by the POV´s of Lexi, Cole and Brokk.

I still liked Lexi in this book, she is starting to become stronger and more of a badass, which I loved for her. However I somehow got a bit annoyed with Cole, some of his actions felt a bit egoistical and not like the sweet Cole I liked in book one. I still liked their chemistry and their relationship although it didn´t progress much in this book.

I liked the newly added sidecharacters and I loved to read some chapters from Brokk´s POV. However there is not that much character development for the side characters in this one; and some who appeared frequently in book one and two were barely mentioned in this one.

The plot feels a lot slower in comparison to the first two really fast paced books. This one has more of a "normal pace" but now in comparison feels slow, so it took me a while to get into it. Towards the middle of the book I enjoyed the slower pace because it allowed for more details and more explaining in the books. I loved how we finally got to see another realm besides the Gloaming, and it was absolutely beautiful. I loved how more magical creatures were introduced and we learned more about the witches and dragons.

Overall it was a bit of a "meh" book. It was good but not above-average amazing. I think I will nevertheless read the fourth book as well.

trigger warnings: war, loss of loved ones and a LOT of beheading (Cole wth is up with you!?)

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just continues to be a stellar series.

Here we fine Lexi coming into more of her power. Cole has power that will potentially be world ending (did not see that coming). The two of them together as their powers grow are about to be ready to take on the lord. I am ready for this to go down. The lord is the ultimate evil and insane bad guy. I am looking forward to seeing the war come to fruition. This is going to be epic!

As far as the romantic aspect, it is loaded with it. We do see more of the heart felt moments than just the explosive sex. They become complete to me in this book.

The revelation of book 2 is where we start book 3. Let me tell you the bombs dropped in the first several pages will make you gasp.

I am DE-VA-STATED book 4 will not release until March. 💔

Happy reading,
DD 🥂

[Erica Stevens]

Shadows of Betrayal is now live!

⚜️ Ebooks: brendakdavies.com/SBwb
⚜️ Paperback: brendakdavies.com/SBpb
⚜️ Hardback: brendakdavies.com/SBhb
⚜️ Audiobook: Coming 2022

Return to the Shadow Realms. A world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies… and treachery lurks around every corner.

[denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.25✰~

[Brenda Davies]

Shadows of Betrayal is now live!

⚜️ Ebooks: brendakdavies.com/SBwb
⚜️ Paperback: brendakdavies.com/SBpb
⚜️ Hardback: brendakdavies.com/SBhb
⚜️ Audiobook: Coming 2022

Return to the Shadow Realms. A world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies… and treachery lurks around every corner.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Jinane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theres too much of everything my head hurts - still spicy though.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes .
This is a reason I don’t stress about buying her books I just click and go for it every time. What an epic ride this was. That ending has me tho .. please hurry for the next book. It’s kills to wait ..

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can't stop reading this series. There is so much stuff that happens in these books and I'm so rooting for Cole and Lexi.

I love that Del is around now. I was shocked though to hear about all the secrets that came out with his return. Although some of them I expected. I've been having a feeling about Lexi for a little bit and he basically confirmed some of what I thought.

Cole definitely has a lot more power than anyone realizes. Even him I think. I love how much he trusts Lexi though. And how they are with each other, ugh...They are truly made for one another.

I'm also really curious about what is going to happen with Orin, Brokk, Sahira, and even Kaylia now, because somehow she is going to play a part in all of this as well.

[Kirha · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, this book had me on the edge of my seat. Between the double crossing and hidden agendas, my head was spinning. Cole and Lexi are, of course deeply in love, but the amount of obstacles they have to overcome is…well you have to read it.

If you recall how the last book ended, then you know there’s this new dynamic to their rag tag group. Not to mention possible future romances in the distance. Well, I’m speculating.

Anyhoo, I love this book and the series and I’m looking forward to the next hurdle these two till have to surpass.

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say that this one just wasn't as good as the last.

There's a lot more going on in this one compared to the first. I do have to admit that I'm missing the adorable falling in love vibes. I'm losing the feeling of chemistry between Lexi and Cole as we come to the end of the third installment. Since completing the trials, Cole is becoming a lot more possessive of Lexi and not in a romantic “I'll protect you” kind of way. It's a psychotic “I own you” kind of way, and it's not working for me. Looking back, it's probably done intentionally, but I still hate it.

There's also a LOT more smut in this one. There was a bit there where it felt like sex scene after sex scene, and it was a bit much.

I'm finding myself more interested in reading about the brothers rather than our MCs and I'm a little bit worried about how I'm going to feel going forward in this series, but my hopes are high. Lexi is coming into her power, and I'm banking on her turning into a badass and taking control of some of the chaos in her life.

[Lynsey A · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books just get more intense!! I doubt I'll get thru all 11 before going back to work, but I'll give it my best shot! LOL

More is revealed in this book and Cole's love for Lexi shines brightly on the pages. He will kill anyone who harms her. Always my fave trope. LOL

Curious to see how all of this will work out. And will I get a book about Orin and Sahira? And if so, Orin better grovel and prove his love to the ends of time. Same with Brokk and Kaylia. Except it is Kaylia who must grovel and prove her love. 😂

Onto book 4!

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three books to go and I am so damn hyped! This is epic and so so so good, god it is amazing and only getting better!

Their love is everything! This author has it down to the T how to write epic love stories! Swooning how protective H is , how mentally unstable when h is threatened.

Orin my god, what an asshole but I love him! He is awesome😅

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one wasn't my favorite in the series so far. However, some exciting things were brought up and I feel like this is a content builder book for the series and it's preparing for bigger stuff in coming books. I don't want to give away any of the fun stuff that came up in this one but overall it has upped my excitement for coming books.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a page tuner!!!
You don’t want to turn your back on this one you just don’t know who to trust or if you can ever truly trust anyone.
This book was amazing, fast-paced and just wonderful. What a great story to end the year on oh I can’t wait for more.

[Jane GAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better!

[Gracie Hammen · Rating 5 out of 5]

while the lack of editing is evident, the plot is actually really interesting. good world building, good characters, and good mix of smut and actual plot.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Alexis Brass · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice audiobook to listen to while I am driving or mowing the lawn. Not a literary piece of art. Like reality TV, a little trashy, but easy and enjoyable.

[Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG THIS ONE WAS SO GOOD! I LOVE AND I NEED THE NEXT ONE

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed a lot, pretty much lost interest in the main couple lol not good…

[Meghann Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I know what I’ll be doing all weekend. Binging the next 3 books. This story has completely engulfed me!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting!

Lots of new things emerging in this book. It is very intriguing and exciting! Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Brandy Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just keep getting better. This book is fast and sucks you right in from the start. We don't know who to truly trust. We just know that the love that Lexi and Cole have is real. They should be able to make it through everything together. The fight they have to go through is epic. The surprises they have thrown at them will take your breath away. When you come upon the end you're going to want to go right back and look at everything that has happened. you will question if Lexi can make it through the next book.

you have to read these in order. you will be lost if not.

[Aysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it 10/10 if I could because 5 stars isn’t enough

The Shadow Realms series does need to be read in order.

Book three in an already phenomenal and exhilarating fantasy adventure series, the Shadows of Betrayal is a beautifully written testament to courage, strength, fortitude and power of females the world over, and of course love. Full of chaos, magic, betrayal and uncovering secrets, this book has it all, balanced with truly scintillating sex scenes, witty banter and lighter moments to offset the darker elements.

From those opening scenes right through to the end; readers will be enthralled and captivated. It’s intense, exciting, daring and full of so many amazing twists and turns. You will laugh, cry, sigh and maybe growl absentmindedly. You. Will. Experience. Everything. And isn’t that the whole point? The sign of an epic series like this, is when you can connect to the characters and their emotions (so much so they become your own emotions) regardless if it all feels otherworldly and implausible. Although, to me it didn’t feel like this, it actually felt incredibly real. It’s pure unfiltered magic on paper. So many questions answered: questions that we didn’t even knew existed. And much more questions are raised.

Author Brenda K Davies is a literary crafts woman. How she weaves a tapestry with so many different beautiful threads joining into one glorious picture is beyond me. The dialogue, the action sequences, the magic, the power, the rules and destruction, it’s all so impeccably well done and will have you invested, intrigued and on the edge of your seat the whole way through.

This book was utter perfection - it’s no wonder readers are falling in love with Lexi and Cole.

These two clearly already won over my heart and I loved them together in Shadows of Fire and Shadows of Discovery.

This is definitely one of my top reads of 2021 by far … I'm telling you it doesn't get any better than this!

*Spoiler* This book does have triggering content such as violence, death, PTSD and mention of previous attempted rape.

Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
Eye-catching cover: 🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Okay, here is how enthralled by this series I was. I had been alternating between listening and reading this series for the past two books. When it came time to start book 3, I realized that I was not going to be in a position that day to read as much as I would have liked and needed to be able to listen instead. But then I found out that Audible did not have book 3 out yet. Oh No! What to do? Start another book? No, I NEEDED to know what was going to happen in the series I was reading....I was INVESTED darn it. So, I did some research. I finally found the audio for book 3 on Apple Books and downloaded it immediately. So yeah, this whole word vomit has absolutely nothing to do with reviewing the book, but it does speak to my mind set about the series.......

As I have already mentioned, this series just keeps getting better and this book is no exception. Things have been ramping up with each additional page. Our group of secondary characters has only grown. The thing about having this huge group of core people invested in helping Cole and Lexi that is surprising is that they are each pretty well fleshed out and can each stand on their own. We also still have much to learn about some of them - *cough cough* Orin....
Other than Orin, I do not think there is anyone in the core group that I don't like. Well, its not that I don't like Orin, but his morals leave a lot to be desired. But, Lexi seems to draw people to her and it seems as if she is creating a group of people that are all going to be beneficial to whatever it is going to take to find a way to kill the evil Lord of the Realms.

Then we have the developments with Cole. This is getting a little scary. There is actually a lot of information that we get to learn in this book. Things are heating up. Things are getting crazy......I can't wait.

(But, on a sad note....there is not an audio version of book 4 out yet. Well, at least not one I can find. I guess that means I'm going to have to just read it..... )

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - credit to previous books.

I’ve been drawn to this series like a moth to a flame with both Book 1&2 getting 5 full stars. Book 3 was disappointing, to say the least. Without spoiling, some scenes with Cole were *truly* unbelievable, even for an immortal & I found myself rolling my eyes. Yes, he’s a very strong and powerful man but he is not invincible, something ,ironically, stated in the book several times.

The book was also quite repetitive, has more smut than the other two (this would have been fine if it had more of the storyline & new content to balance it out). Not only that, but the book had a VERY slow start, picking up in the last 4 or so chapters (which were truly exciting).

I normally start a book & finish within a few hours of the same day. This took me 2 days to finish, skimming and skipping some pages included. I kept starting & stopping due to boredom & losing interest but I struggled on to an to an anticlimax of an ending that’s meant to keep the reader on their toes until the next one. Instead, I’m infuriated & I’m thinking about DNF the series because if the remaining 2 books are set up the same, it is not worth it!

I really hope the next book recovers & saves this.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some authors are genius world-builders and other authors create brilliant characters that seem like real people. Brenda K. Davies is one of those rare gems who excels at both, as she has proven again with Shadows of Betrayal.

I love how so many things came together and were revealed in this book. Cole's character is even more vulnerable and badass, which is a hard combination to pull off. Lexi really grew as a character, moving away from reacting to events to being the instigator of them. Their bond is so much deeper too. Their relationship has now matured so far beyond being fated mates. They have really become each other's protectors, partners and best friends, which makes their love story so much sweeter and more intense.

This book is so hard to put down that you might want to plan for a reading marathon before you start the first page - and forget about sleep! I just love the connections and personalities of all these characters. No matter what was happening chapter to chapter, it was always engrossing and I wanted more. I still want more and now I can't wait for book 4 to be released!

[Cat Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've all had a book that we just couldn't put down and Shadows of Betrayal is no exception. Brenda K. Davies does NOT disappoint... ever. I literally would wake up in the middle of the night to read the next chapter or three. (Who needs sleep?! Not me LOL) The sneaky plot twist from the end of Shadows of Discovery fueled my eagerness to continue this ever-developing story of discovering magical secrets, fighting for love, justice and power, and even making new alliances or relationships. Oh and don't ever forget the dragons! (I got a kick out of seeing that there were Sasquatches in one of the realms too.) Cole and Lexi's quest to stop the Lord's pyschotic tyrannical reign requires absolute secrecy and the utmost care in every move they make. Every chapter seems to bring yet another obstacle in their path to bringing peace to all the realms. You're just going to have to read this amazing book to find out what happens next!