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The Shadow Realms #2
Shadows of Discovery
Lexi never expected Cole to return, but when she learns he must leave again, she agrees to go with him. Back in the Gloaming, she discovers Cole will stop at nothing to become king despite opposition from the dark fae who don’t want him to rule.
Cole never wanted the role of king—now he has no choice. It’s either survive the trials and claim his father’s throne… or perish. Unfortunately, his strengths as a half fae and half lycan have not prepared him for the dangers of the outer realms.
Lexi’s fear for Cole’s safety is rivaled only by the consequences of her choices. If he makes it through the trials and takes control of the Gloaming, can their love survive her deadly secret?
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.***
Cole never wanted the role of king—now he has no choice. It’s either survive the trials and claim his father’s throne… or perish. Unfortunately, his strengths as a half fae and half lycan have not prepared him for the dangers of the outer realms.
Lexi’s fear for Cole’s safety is rivaled only by the consequences of her choices. If he makes it through the trials and takes control of the Gloaming, can their love survive her deadly secret?
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.***
370 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2021
688 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Brenda K. Davies
95 books2,279 followersBrenda 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
June 11, 2022
"I´ll always be here for you, but don´t put yourself at risk for me."
"I would die for you, Elexandria; do not doubt that."
This is a three POV book out of which the two POV´s of Cole and Lexi frequent.
I really loved Lexi in this book. She really knows her worth and is such a strong character. I loved seeing her learn how to fight and get stronger in a physical sense as well. I loved her and Coles relationship, they really have chemistry and I absolutely love that "burn the world for you" energy from Cole. Cole is being the fierce, ruthless warrior he has been since book 1 and I am starting to think that beheading is his favorite way of killing with how much it´s being mentioned...
I loved how we got to see more of the side characters in this book, especially Brokk. I really love his character and all the ironic, snarky remarks he makes. Love Sahira as well, she really feels like a mother figure but also a best friend to Lexi. This book also made me really hate some of the side characters, especially a certain Lord. Now I am just hoping for a bit more background story on all of them in future books, especially Brokk.
The plot was really good, it was quite fast paced and never got dull. I really didn´t expect the plot twist at the end, although some in the middle of the book were expected. I liked how the world building was further developed but I would love to see more of the Gloaming. And I have to say sometimes I get a bit confused with the time setting, I don´t quite understand what decade we are in. They have horses and carriages and write letters because they don´t have phones, but then Lexi wears lace bras and she owns the Harry Potter books....
Overall it was an enjoyable read, I feel like the plot really starts to thicken and I am excited to dive into the next book of the series!
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones, sexual assault (not caused by the love interest), FMC is threatened with rape (not caused by the love interest)
"I would die for you, Elexandria; do not doubt that."
This is a three POV book out of which the two POV´s of Cole and Lexi frequent.
I really loved Lexi in this book. She really knows her worth and is such a strong character. I loved seeing her learn how to fight and get stronger in a physical sense as well. I loved her and Coles relationship, they really have chemistry and I absolutely love that "burn the world for you" energy from Cole. Cole is being the fierce, ruthless warrior he has been since book 1 and I am starting to think that beheading is his favorite way of killing with how much it´s being mentioned...
I loved how we got to see more of the side characters in this book, especially Brokk. I really love his character and all the ironic, snarky remarks he makes. Love Sahira as well, she really feels like a mother figure but also a best friend to Lexi. This book also made me really hate some of the side characters, especially a certain Lord. Now I am just hoping for a bit more background story on all of them in future books, especially Brokk.
The plot was really good, it was quite fast paced and never got dull. I really didn´t expect the plot twist at the end, although some in the middle of the book were expected. I liked how the world building was further developed but I would love to see more of the Gloaming. And I have to say sometimes I get a bit confused with the time setting, I don´t quite understand what decade we are in. They have horses and carriages and write letters because they don´t have phones, but then Lexi wears lace bras and she owns the Harry Potter books....
Overall it was an enjoyable read, I feel like the plot really starts to thicken and I am excited to dive into the next book of the series!
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones, sexual assault (not caused by the love interest), FMC is threatened with rape (not caused by the love interest)
September 17, 2024
this book picks up right where the previous one left off and Cole has to enter the fae trials in order to be considered the new king of the dark fae and as someone who lives for magical trials in books, i was at the edge of my seat during his chapters at the start while he was facing them. Lexi and Cole’s relationship develops more and she finally tells him about the whole situation with his brother Orin. the lord of the shadow realms becomes aware of Lexi’s connection to Cole, thanks to Malakai being a hater like the pos he is and Cole now has to try to find a way to skirt around this ultimatum without anyone he cares for being killed. also, that mirror scene .. looking respectfully not really😮💨. the ending caught me off guard AGAIN, and if i was wearing a wig it would’ve been snatched off and landed on the moon cause the way my jaw was on the floor?! things are starting to slowly be hinted at about Lexi’s heritage/abilities and i can’t wait to find out. i feel like it’s been so long since i’ve knocked out a series back to back like this and im not complaining tbh.
January 27, 2022
Shut. The. Front. Door. What did Davies just inflict on me with this ending?!!
Underestimated....remember I said that about Lexi. Well it looks like a maaaaaay be right. More clues are revealed in book 2 and I am thrilled at where it seems to be heading for her. She is about to emerge as a power house, I just know it.
To die for sums up Cole. This guy is a beast in more ways than one. Such an extraordinary character. He has just the right amount of alpha with plenty of heart, tons of power, intelligence, and know how to satisfy his woman. All that and a bag-o-chips.
The romance is amazing. The storyline is exciting and shocking. The secondary character build is amped up. The underlying mystery is addictive.
Love this series! Wait to you read the last paragraph I was 😲 What. The. Heck.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
Underestimated....remember I said that about Lexi. Well it looks like a maaaaaay be right. More clues are revealed in book 2 and I am thrilled at where it seems to be heading for her. She is about to emerge as a power house, I just know it.
To die for sums up Cole. This guy is a beast in more ways than one. Such an extraordinary character. He has just the right amount of alpha with plenty of heart, tons of power, intelligence, and know how to satisfy his woman. All that and a bag-o-chips.
The romance is amazing. The storyline is exciting and shocking. The secondary character build is amped up. The underlying mystery is addictive.
Love this series! Wait to you read the last paragraph I was 😲 What. The. Heck.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
June 19, 2022
3.5 ✨
While we get way more action in book 2, there wasn’t a lot of romance. And the romance we did get was super rushed.
I feel like this series is trying to get somewhere, but the plot, world building, and romance are skirting the line for me. I’m a bit underwhelmed.
I’m excited to see where the twist and cliffhanger go in book 3, and more plot lines with different characters opened up from this book so I’m excited to see where it goes!
While we get way more action in book 2, there wasn’t a lot of romance. And the romance we did get was super rushed.
I feel like this series is trying to get somewhere, but the plot, world building, and romance are skirting the line for me. I’m a bit underwhelmed.
I’m excited to see where the twist and cliffhanger go in book 3, and more plot lines with different characters opened up from this book so I’m excited to see where it goes!
Read
August 6, 2021Shadows of Discovery is now LIVE! Grab your copy today.
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🌕 Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/SDbn
🌺 Kobo: brendakdavies.com/SDko
🌕 Google Play: brendakdavies.com/SDgp
🌺 Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/SDsm
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November 7, 2022
The romance is moving waaay too fast for my liking, this being the main reason I'm dropping this series.
I was expecting more angst, tension ... and while we get some action, I honestly feel like the plot isn't the main focus here — maybe it's just me *shrug*
I was expecting more angst, tension ... and while we get some action, I honestly feel like the plot isn't the main focus here — maybe it's just me *shrug*
September 10, 2022
We need to talk about how inconsistent the world and the author's writing are. What is it with referring to the pop culture and contemporary world while the world of the book is obviously medieval? Also, there are clear references to Earth while the Gloaming has 4 moons. So are they traveling across space when they go to the human realm? Or the human realm is on another planet? I feel like this is not clearly explained...
Also, the pace of the story... is so fast! There is so much happening, but also things are not given enough emphasis. The trials are fast, the coronation is fast, and everything is in fast-forward mode. That results in the plot being filled with holes and also told more than shown. Why exactly was the last war fought? Just to claim control over human lands and not be hidden anymore? Was it a power move? What happened before?
If you have a huge world in your head, I would also like to see it penned down better on paper. Or else, the reader is just lost. I was also getting a bit tired of the inner monologues of the characters in the books. Also, where were the side characters? This entire kingdom seemed like it was run by 5-6 people. No wonder the Lord can run you over that easy!
While I might continue this series, I feel like it is not living up to its potential!! There are witches, vampires, lycans, elves(?), DRAGONS, but damn are they all underused!!
Also, the pace of the story... is so fast! There is so much happening, but also things are not given enough emphasis. The trials are fast, the coronation is fast, and everything is in fast-forward mode. That results in the plot being filled with holes and also told more than shown. Why exactly was the last war fought? Just to claim control over human lands and not be hidden anymore? Was it a power move? What happened before?
If you have a huge world in your head, I would also like to see it penned down better on paper. Or else, the reader is just lost. I was also getting a bit tired of the inner monologues of the characters in the books. Also, where were the side characters? This entire kingdom seemed like it was run by 5-6 people. No wonder the Lord can run you over that easy!
While I might continue this series, I feel like it is not living up to its potential!! There are witches, vampires, lycans, elves(?), DRAGONS, but damn are they all underused!!
Read
August 6, 2021Shadows of Discovery is now LIVE! Grab your copy today.
🌕 Amazon: brendakdavies.com/SDam
🌺 Apple Books: brendakdavies.com/SDab
🌕 Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/SDbn
🌺 Kobo: brendakdavies.com/SDko
🌕 Google Play: brendakdavies.com/SDgp
🌺 Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/SDsm
🌕 Paperback: brendakdavies.com/SDpb
🌺 Hardback: brendakdavies.com/SDhb
🌕 Amazon: brendakdavies.com/SDam
🌺 Apple Books: brendakdavies.com/SDab
🌕 Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/SDbn
🌺 Kobo: brendakdavies.com/SDko
🌕 Google Play: brendakdavies.com/SDgp
🌺 Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/SDsm
🌕 Paperback: brendakdavies.com/SDpb
🌺 Hardback: brendakdavies.com/SDhb
August 12, 2021
I always buy everything Brenda k Davies has ever written
so when I found out she has written a new series I was excited ...
she hit this 2nd book out of the park like wow what a story and an amazing storyline for this series ..
But I have one complaint THAT ENDING…. how could you!!
Left me hanging so much but this books has so much and I truly can’t wait for more .
She blew my mind with this one, which honestly is nothing new which is why she is in my top favourite authors.
so when I found out she has written a new series I was excited ...
she hit this 2nd book out of the park like wow what a story and an amazing storyline for this series ..
But I have one complaint THAT ENDING…. how could you!!
Left me hanging so much but this books has so much and I truly can’t wait for more .
She blew my mind with this one, which honestly is nothing new which is why she is in my top favourite authors.
November 13, 2022
Turning out to be a solid series. Looking forward to book 3.
* fated mates
* crazy mad kings
* magic
* shifters
* DRAGONS 🐉
* vampire
* witches.
* fated mates
* crazy mad kings
* magic
* shifters
* DRAGONS 🐉
* vampire
* witches.
June 19, 2023
In this installment of this epic tale, things get more complicated... Cole has to go through some super hard things, his lycan wants to claim his mate real bad, and that secret that Lexi is keeping is burning to be let out... the bad guy, proves himself to be even more bad when he threatens to do reallllly bad things to Lexi if Cole doesn't comply with his demands. Soooo the plot thickens and then there's another cliffhanger ending.
I'm in it, I want to know what happens now, so I'm going to probably read this whole series, but it does get a bit long in parts, and I did skim through it at times, and the mains are away from each other for a long time...
3 stars
I'm in it, I want to know what happens now, so I'm going to probably read this whole series, but it does get a bit long in parts, and I did skim through it at times, and the mains are away from each other for a long time...
3 stars
May 2, 2024
~3.75✰~
January 12, 2022
How this book, and the previous one in this series, can have such high ratings is BEYOND me. Does anyone genuinely appreciate reading shit like this? Virtually all the men are fucking vile, and that includes Cole. Y'all, if you ever come across a man this possessive and jealous, you need to RUN the other way, for real. Men who display this type of behavior are the ones who eventually make their way into the tabloids when they get arrested for having murdered their partners.
I'll bite off my own toes before reading another book in this series. :))
I'll bite off my own toes before reading another book in this series. :))
July 2, 2025
What?!?! Cliff Hanger much. UGH
Well, I guess I'm jumping into book 3 today as well...
This book has surpassed my expectations. It is eventful, intense and has one heck of a plot. I love how it's a book about vampires, fae, and lycon but it's not the same old same old.
It has intrigue and intensity that keep you hooked. Lexi is turning into such a strong badass, who is sure of herself and I can't wait to see where this story takes her. Her development throughout the 2 books has been incredible!
Well, I guess I'm jumping into book 3 today as well...
This book has surpassed my expectations. It is eventful, intense and has one heck of a plot. I love how it's a book about vampires, fae, and lycon but it's not the same old same old.
It has intrigue and intensity that keep you hooked. Lexi is turning into such a strong badass, who is sure of herself and I can't wait to see where this story takes her. Her development throughout the 2 books has been incredible!
December 28, 2024
Another good one! I'm going to end up reading all 11 books before I switch to anything else, if they all end like this!
This continues Lexi and Cole's story. They go thru lots in this but their love is as strong as ever.
The Lord is purely evil and I can't wait until he's destroyed.
I knew Lexi was more than she appeared. I'm intrigued to see where all of this goes. I really want to read the synopsis of all of these books but I don't want spoilers.
Onto book 3!
This continues Lexi and Cole's story. They go thru lots in this but their love is as strong as ever.
The Lord is purely evil and I can't wait until he's destroyed.
I knew Lexi was more than she appeared. I'm intrigued to see where all of this goes. I really want to read the synopsis of all of these books but I don't want spoilers.
Onto book 3!
December 11, 2023
3.5 stars
May 1, 2022
The spice is immaculate
April 16, 2024
I got exactly what I asked for in book 2, and I am over the moon! There was so much more action in this one! A little more political intrigue and a little less romance if I'm being honest. I'm not upset. Overall, I think it was a good trade in order to get more of a plot to follow, and boy, we're we ever given a plot!
I will always love a trial based book. It is one of my favorite things, and I'm so drawn toward any storyline that has one, so this one absolutely delivered. Cole is so badass, and while I think his romance and mating with Lexi is kinda lackluster and a little bit boring, Cole's character is awesome, and I love him. I also love Lexi. She herself is a little bland, but she has these quirks that I'm finding myself drawn to.
I love seeing more of the brothers, and I love the enchanted castle that's got this thing going on with Lexi. This book was so fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Also. THAT. END. Can't wait for the next one!
I will always love a trial based book. It is one of my favorite things, and I'm so drawn toward any storyline that has one, so this one absolutely delivered. Cole is so badass, and while I think his romance and mating with Lexi is kinda lackluster and a little bit boring, Cole's character is awesome, and I love him. I also love Lexi. She herself is a little bland, but she has these quirks that I'm finding myself drawn to.
I love seeing more of the brothers, and I love the enchanted castle that's got this thing going on with Lexi. This book was so fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Also. THAT. END. Can't wait for the next one!
December 9, 2023
This was an amazing book. There is so much more with Lexi and Cole. I really love Cole. My heart broke for him with everything he had going on. He just lost his father and then he's immediately doing the trials.
Lexi is coming into her own. I really feel like there is so much more with her. I'm starting to feel like she is not half-human but something else. Some things happen in this one that makes me question so many things, lol.
Holy crap, that ending!!! Like seriously, I'm so glad I can read the next one because that left me with my mouth hanging open. So good. I will definitely be starting the next one immediately because I have to know how all this plays out.
Lexi is coming into her own. I really feel like there is so much more with her. I'm starting to feel like she is not half-human but something else. Some things happen in this one that makes me question so many things, lol.
Holy crap, that ending!!! Like seriously, I'm so glad I can read the next one because that left me with my mouth hanging open. So good. I will definitely be starting the next one immediately because I have to know how all this plays out.
December 9, 2021
This series is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites.
The twists and turns are incredible. The world building is top notch. The characters are flawed yet completely perfect for the world that has been created. And the villains??? I hate Maliki. H. A. T. E him. And the Lord? Hate him too. So, they are the perfect villains because when they die (and you know they will) we all will be cheering their demise. I hope it’s gruesome. And painful. And bloody.
I can not wait for book 3. Can. Not. Wait.
The twists and turns are incredible. The world building is top notch. The characters are flawed yet completely perfect for the world that has been created. And the villains??? I hate Maliki. H. A. T. E him. And the Lord? Hate him too. So, they are the perfect villains because when they die (and you know they will) we all will be cheering their demise. I hope it’s gruesome. And painful. And bloody.
I can not wait for book 3. Can. Not. Wait.
August 17, 2021
I love all of Brenda K. Davies books and this one doesn't disappoint. While I still prefer the Vampire Awakenings series and the Road to Hell series, this one is still pretty solid. Cole is my favorite and I love how terrifyingly protective he can be. Lexi is badass and has more strength and courage than she thinks. Knowing how some of her other series were written, I am kind of hoping for future books or series to be from Brokk's and Orin's points of view.
July 29, 2022
Cliffhanger ending!!! Ahhhh that wasn’t what I expected.
A little steam
A little smut
I would have liked more but 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
The world building aspect is great.
Recommended series
Narration is fantastic great audio
A little steam
A little smut
I would have liked more but 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
The world building aspect is great.
Recommended series
Narration is fantastic great audio
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars
I think I definitely enjoyed the first book more than this one. This one wasn’t bad it just felt drawn out but that last few pages definitely got me oh my God, what?! Intrigued to see where the rest of the series will go.
I think I definitely enjoyed the first book more than this one. This one wasn’t bad it just felt drawn out but that last few pages definitely got me oh my God, what?! Intrigued to see where the rest of the series will go.
December 13, 2025
I’m surprisingly HOOKED with this saga. Little did I know is a ELEVEN books saga.
Forget what I said in the 1st. This is actually a pretty good story aaand good carachters. I’m hating on The Lord and Maliki like I hated Umbridge back in the day.
I don’t understand the crossing lines and references between this story and the real world but I’m here for the drama 😎
4.5/5 on entertainment. My 5 stars are for my absolute favs. Sorry.
Forget what I said in the 1st. This is actually a pretty good story aaand good carachters. I’m hating on The Lord and Maliki like I hated Umbridge back in the day.
I don’t understand the crossing lines and references between this story and the real world but I’m here for the drama 😎
4.5/5 on entertainment. My 5 stars are for my absolute favs. Sorry.
February 14, 2022
Again very tropey, but very addicting. And I should've expected that twist at the end. Now I need to continue with the next one.
November 12, 2022
Loved couldn’t get enough
January 20, 2024
Ohhhhhh snapppppp!!! Bring on book 3!
March 12, 2025
Holy shit!!
October 7, 2021
Never fully remembered book one and was annoyed quickly and rushed through finish. It wasn't this books fault I'm at my limit. But it wasn't the escape I expected.
I'm on a streak of dumb chick reasoning that has me considering removing a few authors. I'm too old for little girl stupidity in a grown woman. Also threat of rape in every romance book? Really? Is that the only thing in your imaginations to fear? Maybe if every MC wasn't automatically hot they could have normal fears.
I'm on a streak of dumb chick reasoning that has me considering removing a few authors. I'm too old for little girl stupidity in a grown woman. Also threat of rape in every romance book? Really? Is that the only thing in your imaginations to fear? Maybe if every MC wasn't automatically hot they could have normal fears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews