Shadow Touched

Nightworld: Court of Magic #2

by J.N. Colon

Thorn is paying a hefty price for saving Nightworld. Not only has the darkness come calling, but so has her coven…

After catching the attention of witch trackers, Thorn brokers a deal with the devil again and is thrown into another supernatural investigation with the irresistible—and infuriating—fae prince. Dead bodies are turning up at Shade, and there’s no doubt that vampires are responsible. But Vampire King Hugo is making more than a play for territory this time.

While a new danger lurks in Chicago, the shadows creeping through Thorn grow stronger. The more she uses her death powers, the deeper she sinks into madness. As secrets and betrayal threaten to tear the partners apart, Caleb and Thorn are left at the mercy of enemies.

If she can’t regain control of the death raker, not only will Thorn’s soul be forfeit, but Nightworld could become a true hell on Earth.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fae

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author J.N. Colon writes fast-paced paranormal romance and urban fantasy. As a bona fide bookworm and paranormal junkie, she’ll snatch readers from their cozy couches and drop them in a perilous world ripe with mystery, danger, and romance. While sipping mocha lattes and devouring sweets, she crafts chilling adventures starring snarky heroines and brooding bad boys. Binge-watching reruns of Supernatural and Vampire Diaries help her create the perfect blend of thrilling action and epic romance. Subscribe to J.N.’s newsletter for a free book and dive into a spine-tingling journey today. www.jncolon.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book was fantastic, this second book is even better. I immediately got caught up in the story and jumped straight into the action with Thorn and Caleb. The storyline is tense and exciting, it’s hot and steamy and the characters have incredible chemistry and their banter is just fantastic. On the edge of my seat for the majority of the read I am so glad I am on this journey into the nightworld.

[Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude, I don't even know where to start with this book. I'm just over here trying to process everything! I loved book one, but this one totally ramped it to a whole 'nother level. I actually don't know how to write this review without babbling and sharing secrets, give me strength please lol. I'm having a whole Déjà vu moment, of wishing I wasn't so on the ball and getting everything right...because daaaaanngg I did not want that to be the case.

I legit was over here being all like Jena...Don't you dare...please don't follow where my guts taking me...

But then reality hit and I was like, this is Jena we're talking about...sooo I kinda knew she'd do it just because I was like, 'nooooo you can't do that!' I know you have an evil streak gurl lol...so this 👇🏻 feels a lot more accurate, don't you think Jena? 😂

Okay, so you guys probably think I gone and lost me mind...and well, that could be true. I'm constantly losing it...just imagine Capt'n Jack Sparrow on the ship losing his brain after dropping it, that's practically me. But that isn't new news. Have you not read my rambles before? If no, then I apologise for my brand of crazy, it's a unique kind. 😆

But ya'll are sidetracking me...yeah, focus people 😂. I have an awesome book to tell you about. And it's one that you MUST add to your stack of books to read! So shuffle what you must, to have book one read, so you are all ready by the 21st October for book two (Preorder here --> Shadow Touched). Trust me, you don't want to miss it! If you love fast-paced books, with all the crazy things happening, that will have you devouring the pages...and getting mad because the page no longer refuses to turn...I gotto take that one up with the boss.

Okay, that might be a smidgen of an exaggeration but I DEPEND ON IT BEING ALL FIXED...So, that's basically the same thing right? totally critical. You never know, I might go nuclear without more. I left an emergency note on the fridge when we ran out of coffee once. It was a code red national security risk, so honestly, it seems to be on the same level 🤷🏻‍♀️...Jena, I hope you are prepared and ready coz I neeeeeedds more! Don't hold back on me. I can take it. What do I have to do? Sell an organ? Yell to the streets, something about believing in Faeries? I'll do it. I'm crazy enough to do it lol. And hey, you never know it might bring Tinkerbell to me. So it's worth a shot lol. Or do I need to bring out the big guns...

We'll see what happens and comes from that lol. 😆😉

Okay, let's talk a little about the plot. You are in for quite the wild adrenaline rush. That's for sure, guys. But I guess you want more than all that. Demanding lot aren't ya? lol. Ah dang, I've been dreading this part. Okay, darkness has always been a part of Thorn but after using her Death Raker power on quite an evil necromancer and saving the soul of her Tinkerbell...it has awoken her ability like never before. Her soul is paying the ultimate price. And the darkness has come crashing in, wanting to rule over her. Lucky our girl is a tough one and has found herself, for the very first time, someone who is determined to pull her back from that ledge. Someone that cares about her and not just using her power. You know you want a sneak peek...and I got you.

“Then I’ll make sure to pull you out of the shadows.” He drew a few inches away to kiss the scar slicing my eyebrow. “Either way, I won’t let you disappear, Thorn. I promise.”
Caleb Blackwood was willing to be my anchor in the stormy ocean trying to rip me from all the goodness in my life? No one had ever cared enough to notice what these powers did except him. And certainly no one but Caleb had ever made an effort to keep me from disappearing in the current of wickedness.

But the darkness inside her isn't the only thing she has to worry about. Nope, coz that would be too easy. But the witches, from her old coven, that she's been running from, have caught up to her. So Thorn once again makes a deal with the Fae King...Or devil? Whatever works for you lol. But he currently seems like the lesser of all the evils. And since that still can't be enough...dead bodies are once again popping up in Fae territory, more accurately Shade. Coz it's not a normal day in the Nightworld without that right? That's what we are used to after all lol. Can other power-hungry supes not come up with any new plans that don't lead to dead bodies being their go-to move?

So once again, our favourite bickering pair team up to investigate what the hell is going on...and this time it seems like the vampires want to give "who can be the most evil" placement a shot. But there is definitely more at risk than just territory, that's for sure. So buckle yourself in because Rose and Tinker may be taking on more than they can handle this time...but doubtful...my fav pair can pull off anything...they might just get a teensy bit knocked up along the way...but with secrets and betrayals lying in wait...who will destroy whom first. Or will Thorn lose to the madness of her power along the way becoming the ultimate threat?

But I wouldn't be opposed to some major beat-down with some witches...let me at 'em. I say.

I'm just gonna say, it's not just been a stressful day for them lol. When you get to those last scenes you are like...seriously, did this just all happen in one day?! No, that can't be right. But yeppers, it's totally a true story!

Okay, that's legit all I can say on the plot, my power of control is slipping. My ability at keeping spoiler secrets is as bad as my impatience when it comes to waiting on book releases. #BookNerdProblems #Amiright

This is a fast paced story that I guarantee you will love. It has you going through all the feels and freaking the hell out through the majority of the story. Jena knows how to pull at our hearts and stressing us out. I'm with Mark on this one...Jena creates her own little planet made just for me and takes all the joy in it too, I might add...but I love her and her creative evil genius side. It keeps me on my toes and realising I may just be as crazy as she is. Coz I devour that stuff like its my favourite drink of coke...and I've been told I have a definite evil streak more than once lol. No wonder we are friends Jena 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

The world-building and characters are everything and more than you could hope for. You can't help but love this world and Tink and Rose are epic. I love those guys so hard. Their relationship is just too much. I can't help but love them to bits. I'm just waiting for them to realise it for themselves. But meanwhile, I'm totally on board with my Tinkse shipping. Anyone who wants to claim my Tinkerbell come at me...

Thanks as always to the amazing and incredible Jena, for always writing books I become obsessed with. You are creating a monster, you do realise that right? Ah well, you can't shake me now. Sucks to be you then 😂....but you stuck with me now. I'm like mould, hard to get rid of and always comes back. 😂

Okay, peeps what are you waiting for?!...go and preorder this gripping story, that you will devour like chocolate and ice-cream. Then I imagine you will for reals need to devour all the chocolate and ice-cream when finished...book-hangover anyone?!

For people that don't know me, I'm a part of Jena's ARC team...so I did receive this book in place for an honest review and as always this is my true feels. Can't fake these rambles even if I tried. The books write 'em themselves.

If you love my brand of reviewing, don't forget to give me a follow.

Time to shut this trap. But be sure to slip this book in, in any ways necessary. You can even pull a Sheldon...just don't get caught lol.

Peace out guys and happy reading. ✌️

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Nightworld: Court of Magic series and Thorn is struggling to keep herself safe and in one piece, as the darkness within her claims another part of her soul after she used her death magic and killed the necromancer trying to keep Nightworld safe, but also leaving traces of her distinct magic for her coven and especially her evil mother and the Grand Witch of the Coven Ellexia, to be able to track her. Her mother Lillian pulled her out of their family home when she was just seven years old, after her death raker powers first came out, taking her to the coven against her father’s wishes and leaving her in the hands of the evil Grand Witch, and getting herself a place of importance in the coven! She was trained to interrogate and torture whoever Ellexia wanted her to and was severely punished any time she tried to refuse. Each time she used her dark powers, a little bit of her soul darkened and she would crash from an unpleasant high. After finally escaping both her mother and Ellexia, she had hidden in the Nightworld and gotten herself a job at Shade, a nightclub run by the Fae, catering to humans and all kinds of supernaturals. The owner is King Lachlan of the Fae and his son Prince Caleb Blackwood has flirted on and off with Thorn for ages. They have even kissed, but he has made his hatred of all witches quite plain, after they killed his mother and older brother, leaving him to live with his harsh father.
Now Thorn has witch trackers and a venator have found her in Shade and she needs to run, because she will never willingly go back to being the Grand Witch’s plaything to order around and do such sickening duties for. She would rather die! But the death of a human and then a couple of supernaturals, both within the Shade club and just outside it, with clear signs of vampire attacks, leave King Lachlan needing her special skills to question the vampires on site and also those of the Council, to find out who is behind the killings and obviously looking to rule the whole of the Nightworld for themselves! When the dagger of Asterix is stolen from Lachlan’s own office, Thorn knows it must be an inside job, but neither Caleb nor his father believe those closest to them could be traitors to the Fae. The Vampire King Hugo is up to something, but there is no evidence he is behind what is happening and he can just bring forth a patsy to be blamed. Each time Thorn is pushed to use her death raker powers, she becomes more and more addicted to the power and starts to lose herself. Only Caleb is capable of pulling her back from the brink or stopping her from going too far and having another death put a dark blot on her soul! Those they should have been able to trust have turned against them and new super vampires have been created with the stolen dagger and neither Thorn nor Caleb are strong enough to defeat them on their own.
To use the dagger, a witch must be involved and the secrets Thorn uncovers with her gifts, bring details of a much larger threat than any of them could imagine. The Queen of Demons is missing, after she used the dagger to build an almost undefeatable army and her sister has taken her place. Humans are disappearing form Nightworld and no one seems to know why or where their bodies are, or if they are even still alive. Someone is using them for their own power hungry needs and when Thorn’s human neighbour gets involved, all bets are off. She has protected him in the past and would do anything to make sure he isn’t used as a puppet to get to her again. When a large number of witches enter Shade, it is obvious they have found out where Thorn has been hiding, under the Fae King’s protection and Caleb causes a distraction to allow her to get away, but she doesn’t get far. It seems some enemies have grouped together for an eventual power grab, but none of them can be trusted to be doing anything for anyone but themselves. Both Caleb and Thorn end up under her mother’s thumb and will soon be brought in front of the Grand Witch, to suffer and do as she wishes, whilst revealing anything she wants to know. Loads more of the will they, won’t they get together, from Thorn and Caleb, going from ignoring each other to being all over each other, and everything in-between. They are forced to work together by King Lachlan, to investigate the deaths at the club and also figure out who has the dagger she originally stole from the Demon Queen. Lots of action for the pair and they certainly get battered a good bit in this one, but always come through it all in the end. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely adrenaline rush this series has been! There is more action, adventures, close calls and betrayal than you could possibly think could happen. Almost everyone is not as they seem as the action and suspense heats up!

I definitely recommend this series to everyone who loves paranormal romance, supernatural people, a exciting book that will grab you and have you reading the pages as fast as you can! There is so much action and interpersonal relationships to wade through one gets dizzy sometimes! Rose Thorn meets members of her coven in the human world including her mother that her flashbacks only confirm
what she already knew about her mother to be true!

If you’re looking for action, adventure, suspense, drama, an exciting series that is so well written you’ll have a hard time putting it down well this series is for you! This is just the second book so get the first book as well so you can go straight into this one when you’re done with it! Then you’ll be ready like the rest of Jena’s legion of fans who will be chomping on the bit waiting anxiously(hardly) for book three to come out so we can get back to our friends and find out what and how they go about the task to save the world from power hungry supernaturals!

One thing is for sure- you will not regret reading this series! You will know you’ve read a story that you will be telling everyone you know to read because you’ll want your friends to enjoy it as much as you do!!

Bravo Jena! I don’t know how you do it but I’m so glad you are able to craft a story that is so magical that time seems to stand still when one is reading your books! Any interruptions are annoying in the extreme because you don’t want to be pulled away from the story! It’s that addicting and in books that’s what readers want- a story that will grab you and keep you spell bound to the end!

I salute you and can’t wait for book three to come out!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series really hits its stride with this book. While I was entertained by the first book, I was INVESTED in this one. Thorn was still capable and kick-ass but she really brought the sass this time and I loved her exchanges with Caleb. Ah Caleb, after the last book I said he had a lot of ground to make up before I considered him worthy of Thorn. Well in this one I adored them together. Caleb spends a lot of his time (when not driving Thorn crazy of course) trying to anchor Thorn and protect her as she battles the affects of using her death-raker powers in the last book. And I love the relationship between them - simmering with sexual tension, their banter and bickering are enjoyable and there is the underlying edge of affection (no matter how much they might deny it) that was missing last time. Oh and the story is a fun ride too - packed with action, magic and battles as Thorn & Caleb team up once again and the behest of King Lachlan to figure out what the Vampires are up to and track a certain missing artifact while dodging witch trackers.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine made a deal, but it came with a very steep price. Now she is learning how to deal with that and it just keeps taking her deeper...

This is book two of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but it is even better in order. I recommend starting at the beginning on this one.

This is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance story with witches, vampires and fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a lot going on. Both the setting and the characters are well done, with some nice development to flesh out the story. The plot is rather complex, with lots of intrigue which keeps you guessing where things are going next, even more so that in the first book. I really enjoyed the enemies-to-ally aspects of the story as well as the interactions of our hero and heroine. Overall, this was an excellent read and I definitely am looking forward to the next book.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first book!!! 💕

Yes, you read it right, this second installment in this amazing series is even better than the first one!!! 🤩
The relationship between Thorn and Caleb is getting stronger, no just sexual attraction but now we can also see deeper feelings from both of them!!! 🤗🥰
The plot keeps getting darker and more twisted, the battles they had to fight are leaving not just physical wounds, but also emotional ones, it’s getting harder for Thorn to control her darker side!!! 😩😭
But they have proved again they are stonger together, that they have each other's back... and they will need this alliance more than ever, as this fight is not over yet... can't wait to read the next book!!! 🖤

[AshLux97 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book just like the one before!
Everything was amazing, the main leads, the romance, the storyline and the actions.

Thorn and Caleb are so hotttt🔥, they have so much chemistry, their banters are everything and the push and pull really make it more anticipating.

I just wished that
1. they actually discussed their relationship, no need to put a label but have some sort of confession that doesn't leave the other unsure
2. and for only once, they don't get freaking interrupted!!!!
Don't care about the other interruptions but the last one, are you kidding me??

All in all, it's an effing great read
So excited for the next book!

[thebooksuccubus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear J.N. Colon can not write a book that I don't love! Thorn is as kick butt as ever. Even with the death raker itching to tarnish her soul more. Caleb continues to be his confusing flirt self, but boy does it get good. 😉 Who doesn't love a bad boy with a sweet heart under all those thorns. Even though he considers Thorn to be the rose. The action gets kicked up a notch in this one and so does the heat. The deception it taken to a whole other level, get ready for some amazing twist. Can't wait to see how the two take on the Nightworld in the next book!

[T.L. McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book was even better than the first. Witch trackers are on Thorn’s trail and her past is wanting to bite her in the a**, her powers are becoming more dangerous and wanting to pull her to the dark side, and the undeniable chemistry between Thorn and Caleb is getting even spicier as they team up once again to fight a Big Bad who’s up to no good. There was so much intrigue, twists, turns, and holy smoke moments, I could not put this book down for nothing, and I mean nothing. I was fully invested straight through until the end, and then immediately wanted more.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story that once you start reading you can’t stop until the end! The storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat as you get pulled into the Nightworld! Thorn and Caleb have their hands full but have a wonderful banter going on that has you thinking they are great with each other! Will Thorn save herself as she try to save those around her? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Touched was just as good as Death Kissed, if not better. I love the writing style of J.N. Colon. So much action takes place from page one. My heart races whenever I read this author's work, especially Shadow Touched. Rose and Caleb, a.k.a. Tinkerbell, still trade barbs. The chemistry between them in this novel is sizzling. I didn't see the twists and turns coming or the betrayals and alliances. Prepare for another shocking, fast paced adventure in Nightworld.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will not want to put this book down. Thorn and Caleb, what a pair. Thorn is still hiding at Shade, of course she still sucks at bartending. Thorn is struggling with her deathraker powers, will she ever get a hold on them? They also have to find out what the Vampires up to, can they, or will all go to hdoublehockeysticks? So follow the action, suspense and of course betrayal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crislee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun and exciting book from Ms Colon. This one is more steamy than most of her books but doesn't go into near porn like many authors love to do. Of which I'm grateful. Just more steamy tension and exciting action with Thorn and Caleb. I can't wait see what they get into next.
If you read and liked any of the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, you'll like this one too. It's not as graphic in the sex scenes. But similar in story.

[Cara Varndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.N. Colon does not disappoint with Shadow Touched. The twists and turns keep on coming for Thorn and Caleb. I love their chemistry together whether it’s their banter, fighting or when they are giving in to one another. I can not wait to see where their new adventure will lead them. So excited for book 3.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series just gets better this time around as Thorn is a blast and a riot. Full of action ,danger, some steam, and entertaining scenes to enjoy. Thorn and Caleb are so cute as they do what they must do this time around. Glued to the end to see what would happen next and what Thorn must face. Some twists and plots pop up too. What will they uncover this time.

[Jodie Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment is just as good as the first book. I was hooked right back into Thorn's story, i could not put the book down.
I love this series and cannot wait for the next book. I cannot wait to read more from this author, she writes really well. Great story, Great characters. I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nilda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series with great characters and storyline. First book was great but this one is even better. Thorn and Caleb will have you turning pages and wanting more. I really enjoyed this one and can not wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those series that I can't put down - I need to keep reading to find put what happens next. I love Thorn & Calebs banter. Plenty of action & suspense. Looking forward to more of their journey

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why Jasper Why

This was an interesting continuation. I like that we again are spending time with Thorn and Caleb. I once again could not put it down and there were definitely some unforeseen twist in this story.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series. The characters continue to develop as the story moves along and the plot is fast paced enough to keep you interested.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, action and adventure is the name of the game here. Absolutely loved everything about the characters and the plot. Hoping there’s more books coming, can’t wait.

[Sheila Ryals · Rating 5 out of 5]

😻

Good lord evil every where you turn. Hopefully she can conquer it and save herself and Caleb. I def like them as a pair.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book!!

This was even better than the first book!! Never disappointed in anything J.N.Colon writes!! Can't wait for book 3 to come out!!!