Rising Darkness

Shadow City: Silver Wolf #2

by Jen L. Grey

Fight or flight only works when you know who you're up against.

There's no running from an enemy who is constantly several steps ahead. The best you can do is stand and face them.

Finding my mate should have been a time to rejoice, not the catalyst for disaster. The closer we become, the more danger we find ourselves in.

Shocking revelations and buried secrets surface, only reinforcing the truth that Griffin and I are in big trouble.

One thing is clear, we can’t win if we don’t even know who we’re up against. I’m not quite sure if we’ll be able to make it out alive.

If you can't get enough of books by Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Leia Stone, and Jaymin Eve, then you'll love this paranormal romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Fantasy Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.

My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.

​I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.

I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
​
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Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterlyn's life went to complete crap in Broken Mate and things get even crazier in Darkness Rising, the second book in Jen L. Grey's Shadow City: Silver Wolf series. The story picks up right where Broken Mate left off with Sterlyn kidnapped but with Sterlyn being the badass alpha that she is gets herself out of it but the attacks just won't stop. It's time to strategize and find out who's behind the attacks and figure out what really happened the day her entire pack was killed. Lucky for Sterlyn she isn't doing things on her own, Griffin, Killian and others are there supporting her, they have her back and have become something more than Sterlyn thought possible.

Sterlyn is different from any other fmc that Jen has written before, she has her moments of emotional responses but Sterlyn really does think logically and strategically, almost like a general in a war and it. That she can calm down, analyze a situation and respond appropriately, it's one of the things that marks her as a leader. I love that she takes charge and uses her brain in a situation and applies the appropriate response, she also listens to others, thinks through what they say, and then applies the logic she has learned to reason whether something would work or not. It's the reason why all of them listen to Sterlyn, not only her training but the way she acts, how respectful she is, and her compassionate heart.

The group Sterlyn has found herself in has gotten even tighter. Griffin is a great mate, he is caring, understanding, he views them as equals but is still protective while knowing that she is very capable. Griff is also willing to follow her lead more often than not and has grown in maturity, who knew that the jerk from book one would turn out to be a good guy. Killian is still her brother, their bond is stronger than ever and Rosemary who seemed so separate has now joined this little group and while some of her reasoning may be unknown, I think Rosemary legitimately cares about Sterlyn but she just tolerates the boys. The final person to join this little group is Serria, who we met in the first book, has a bigger role in this book, her sass helps balance out Griffin, Killian, and Rosemary, I found that I liked her a lot.

Rising Darkness was a great read, I was entertained the entire time. The story was interesting, seeing an alpha female take charge, piecing together past events, facing down sexist men with strength and dignity, and so much more. There are a couple of shady characters lurking about, like Dick, Griff's substitute alpha, the man is evil and he hides it, I can't wait until it comes out because I have a theory about him. The big question is who is the one who had Sterlyn's pack killed? I think a lot of things are connected and I can't wait to see them play out. One thing for sure is that the last few chapters in this book were pure chaos. The danger, the but-kicking, the shocking plot twist, all made for an exciting ending. I can't wait for the final book in Sterlyn's story Silver Moon.

[CassDamm · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ✨

Book 1 was ok, seemed like it had decent potential with the storyline (the female mc was a terrible pick me girl who was “so different from everyone else”) and for whatever reason I was going through a shifter binge read so it fit what I was looking for.
It wasn’t anything special, I definitely wouldn’t have recommended it if someone asked for a shifter recc bc there is way better ones, but if you’re bored and it’s there it wasn’t terrible.

Book 2 however… it had a lot of parts that contradicted things from book 1. I had to struggle through it to get to the end and then it ended on a stupid cliff hanger.
The series was not good enough that I’m going to read book 3 to see what happens and finish the series. I’m going to walk away fine with the book 2 cliff hanger for the ending.

[☀️Carden☀️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reread this series again, and I had to reconsider my opinion.

The second book is very short, and isn’t as well paced either. Most of it is rushed, and a bunch of things happen that can be easily be cut out.

About 75% of this book is Sterlyn fighting bear and wolf shifters, whine she continues to get kidnapped by some unknown person. And her angst with Griffin continues. I still don’t like him as a character, but there’s nothing wrong with Sterlyn.

She continues to be brave and strong in the face of danger, and I love her perspective. However, the pacing and romance are kind of off. It’s hard to believe Sterlyn’s romance with Griffin, and the conflict in this one only builds up to a big conflict later on in the book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that Sterlyn has a bit of an edge on Griffin with her defense skills. Sterlyn, Griffin, and their friends are getting a feel for who is after her. Lots of action and steady paced. Enjoying the banter between the group. Rosemary is really having to watch what she says. One sitting read.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still just meh... needs more... just more depth I guess. Or maybe I'm just not connecting with the characters.

[Shalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Shadow City series and it starts off right where the first book ends. Sterlyn had been kidnapped and she wakes up in in trunk.
But we all know Sterlyn is a fighter and never backs down, and Griffin and Killian are never far behind. Although Griffin and Sterlyn haven't really had time to settle down and get to know each other they really have made sense as mates. Griffin has grown alot and I am loving his character. I am also really liking Rosemary and her straight forward attitude being around more. Killian being the best friend/ brother is a favorite for me.
The story that is unfolding plus the non stop action, keeps you on your toes and wanting to know everything. 🥰 I'm already going crazy knowing there is only one book left!😥
I received a ARC of this book and am leaving a honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterlyn
Griffin
Killian

An enemy is still threatening Sterlyn as she tries to figure out who is hunting her. Griffin, Killian, Sierra and Rosemary are all helping to keep her safe and help her find out who is after her. Sterlyn faces the demise of her pack in an attempt to get answers. Sterlyn is concerned her Alpha mate Griffin, and her friends may be hurt or worse trying to protect her. One thing is clear to Sterlyn the enemy is one step ahead. This is a very good, fast paced book. You get to know more about all the characters. Sierra and Rosemary are in the story more as secondary characters. This book is also a cliffhanger and I will definitely read book 3 for the conclusion. This book is better read in the series order. I would also read more books by this author.

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is better, although I feel like we lost some character building with a few of the side ones. It was okay across everything.
It is just...well they talk about all these sups and stronger ones etc. But so far, we have an angel and shifters, mentions of some vamps too.
Anyway, it is getting better and faster in pace. The steam is less than average, could do with more... then again, so can a lot in this series. It was an easy read, I listened to while doing spreadsheets, and not once did I have to stop so I could concentrate more...that's not a great sign of a great book. But it is good for a nice read
3.3 stars

[Storm Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation!

Love that this book picks up right where book one ends. It's nice to see Sterlyn taking on her Alpha persona more. She is definitely growing as a person. And Oh the twists!!! Can't wait for the next book

[Booksushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kickass female alpha

Wow this second book just sucked me right in! I absolutely loved it. JEN L GREY has such a way of writing that makes u want to binge read her books.

I have loved this series so far. Absolutely cannot wait for the next book!!

[~Jennifer~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, due to repetitive and recapping.

[Harshita Choudhary · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF @70%

I don't know why this is a pattern with Jen's books. It starts with a bang then the next book is so damn boring that it doesn't make u want to continue reading.

[Dawn McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book. I really loved this book. Griffin has really redeemed himself in this book. Sterlyn is amazing. She is strong, smart, and an all around good wolf. So much action in this book. It also has some moments of normalcy where you get to actually get to know the characters. There is a surprise at the end and of course an epic cliffhanger.

[Lisa Shellhammer · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF i just couldn’t get through it. Just one convoluted thing after another and as soon as they catch a bit of a break another crazy thing happens.

[Harlequin Madness · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like strong female characters, this is your book

When we last saw our heroine, Sterlyn, she had been kidnapped and was in the trunk of a car. Does she lose her shit and need to be rescued by her mate, Griffin? Nope. She calmly tells him through their mind link what’s happening, pulls the emergency release and saves herself. But the danger isn’t over. Whomever it is that is hunting her, is not giving up that easy. So Sterlyn, her mate and her rag tag group of friends go back to her old packlands to see what clues they may be able to find. A bit of a plot twist near the end of the book keeps the suspense going.

Seriously, I love the women in this book; Sterlyn, Rosemary and Sierra. They are a kickass bunch! Rosemary is an angel, and we met her in the previous book. Initially, I thought she was going to be our resident mean girl, but she’s just a no nonsense girl who tells it like it is, and likes people to do the same to her. She ends up becoming a good friend, and ally, of Sterlyn. While Sierra, a wolf shifter, isn’t as strong as Sterlyn or Rosemary, she’s still all in with our group and has some comical comebacks. What I really love is that as far as being trained and an able fighter, Sterlyn is better than the two alpha males. They don’t really even have brute strength over her, because as an alpha Silver Wolf, she has additional strength. I’ve never read a shifter romance where this was the case, and I find that I rather like it. She also doesn’t spend copious amounts of time in her own head going on and on and on about how strong she is.

While the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se, it does leave quite a few things dangling. Like the first book, this story is very light on steam, but I was actually ok with it. I was enamored enough with the characters and storyline enough that I found I didn’t really miss it. I can’t wait to start the third, and final book, of this trilogy to see how things shake out.

[Klizbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I’m not sure why I can’t seem to connect with this story or it’s characters. I skimmed through the last 30% of this book. I didn’t really enjoy the first one either.

Part of the fact that I didn’t like this story was because of the romance. I understand that Sterlyn and Griffin had a mate bond. They felt the “tugging” sensation towards each other. However, the way they ended up together in the first book was jarring and unconvincing. They interacted a lot and were always antagonistic towards each other. They felt like enemies. Then, for no reason whatsoever, BAM! They’re in love and mated. What?! When did this happen? It wasn’t natural or believable.

The dialogue and interactions felt off, unnatural…maybe juvenile?

I liked that Sterlyn was such a badass but I didn’t like how both alphas were basically weak pushovers. It’s not hot. Griffin is supposed to be the Alpha of all Alphas and he came off as puny. He didn’t have any fight training, he wasn’t intelligent, he had no strategy skills…he was more ‘politician’ and less ‘alpha’. Killian was a little bit better.

- 👀 Single, first person POV
- ♥️ M/F fantasy romance
- 📖 This is in between YA and NA, closer to YA, but with a little sex
- 🔥 Medium burn
- 🍒 Virginal FMC vs manwhore MMC
- 🌶 lowish steam. So the sex scenes in this book were not graphic or detailed. They were barely more than ‘fade-to-black’
- ‼️ OW/OM drama (Griffin was dating OW in book 1), kidnapping, strong sexism, death of family member/ death of parents
- 🚫 No cheating, no MM

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

RISING DARKNESS (Shadow City: Silver Wolf Book 2) is the 2nd book in series. I started reading this book, as soon as I finished Book 1: BROKEN MATE. This book does pick up the story where it ended in Book 1.

Sterlyn has found her true fated mate in Griffin and they have accepted each other as such. Killian is now part of her new family, and she loves him like a brother, and he loves her as a sister. Sterlyn is in love with Griffin as her true fated mate. Both of these shifter men would protect her with their lives. But she feels guilty that she has brought serious danger to them. The closer that Griffin and Sterlyn's bond to each other becomes, the more danger seems to find them. They have band together with Killian, the female shifter Sierra, and the fallen angel Rosemary. The 5 have taken on quite a few battles, and all lived to fight another day. But Sterlyn's family secrets, that have been kept from her, have become a problem. They need to find out who they are up against. You can't win if you don't know who you are fighting. As the story unfolds, Sterlyn is shocked to find who it is behind all their troubles. Book 2 does end in a cliffhanger, but I started reading Silver Moon right away. Silver Moon is the final book in Silver Wolf trilogy. From the author, “Each of her trilogies end with having the mated couples with their happy ever after.”

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry- the ending didn’t work for me

Book one started out Great but tragic. Book 2 doesn’t advance the plot line near enough for a trilogy.

The person she finds at the bed of the book as an enemy who works with the people who killed her family I didn’t care for.

We have way too much to resolve in the next book and the enemies are more powerful than the silver protectors- supposedly powerful wolves, the entire shifter city, the angels etc. and have unlimited zealots who will die for them…..

So we have Dick, the new person, the mastermind and infinite zealots on the enemy side. On the good side 4 people who are supposed to be alphas and rulers.

But fail each and every time.

Frustrating at lack of progress and hopelessnesses on the good guys side.

She lost her entire family and I feel the lack of community and connections in this book.

I will finish out the trilogy, but find book 2 sadly lacking

[Karly Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

WARNING!!! This is book 2 in the Shadow City: Silver Wolf trilogy. You have to have read book 1 in order to understand this one. ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!!

Wow. This book was a complete roller coaster of emotions, and I couldn’t get enough of it. In this book, we pick up right where we left off in book 1, with Sterlyn getting kidnapped. I think what I like most about this trilogy, is that she doesn’t take shit from any of the guys. She has a level head when it comes to strategizing, and I definitely think that helps her with many of the sticky situations she finds herself in. This book didn’t move quite as quickly as book 1, and because of that, book 3 will have to include a lot of problem solving. I will say, I didn’t see the plot twist in this book at all, so that was a nice(but stressful) surprise. Fair warning, this book ends on another one of Jen’s cliffhangers that will have you wanting to scream. Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing how Sterlyn and Griffin’s story ends in book 3.

I received this as a free ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Rising Darkness” is book two in Jen L.Grey’s Shadow City: Silver Wolf series.

This series is freaking awesome. I love these characters! If you haven’t read book one “Broken Mate” you have no idea what you are missing out on. So stop whatever it is you are doing and start this series now, seriously go now, go! This book is jam packed with action, suspense, drama, friendships, loyalty and laugh out loud moments.

This picks up right where Broken Mate left us with Sterlyn being kidnapped. But being the bada$$ that she is she is able to get herself free, but things only get worse and keep coming for her. Sterlyn isn’t alone along with Griffin, Killian, Rosemary and Sierra they work together to find out what is really going on, who is after her, what really happened to her pack.

I read this book in one sitting and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I’m super excited and can’t wait to see how things go in book 3.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just alright for me. While I'm still interested in the storyline, I found the plot to be a bit dragged out. On the positive side, the world-building is well done. However, my main issue is with the characters—they didn't quite meet my expectations.

There's a lot of fighting in the story, which got boring quickly for me. Sterlyn and Griffin's relationship felt rushed, and there wasn't enough depth to it. Instead, the focus seemed to be on the numerous fighting and kidnapping scenes, leaving little room for the development of their relationship. The scenes involving Griffin often revolve around their physical intimacy, but the relationship itself lacks depth and feels bland.

The book takes an interesting turn towards the end, setting up another storyline for the next book. It doesn't end on a major cliffhanger, but it leaves you wanting more information and curious about what comes next.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺 The Silver Mate Series by Jen L. Grey 🐺

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Heroine / Supernatural
Good vs. Evil
Romance / Mystery
War / Action

I READ THIS SERIES BACK IN 2023

After stumbling across the broken mate (1st book) in my Kindle store, I was hooked!

I absolutely fell in love with the storyline and all the main characters, so of course, I downloaded the other 2 books of the Silver Mate series, immediately 👌

5/5 ⭐️ is my rating. I loved these books, so much so that upon completion, I went straight to my Kindle store and purchased the rest of the Shadow City Collection. I only wish I could find the collection in paperback as these are books I'd reread and love to see on my bookshelves.

Needless to say, if you like to escape to a supernatural world that has a strong female lead and dominate, protective males, with battles, mysteries, and friendship, then I highly recommend these books 📚 🙌🏻 ❤️

[Kjayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fun paranormal with great world building and strong found family vibes. Each sub-series has its own story arc, but there is bigger political drama unfolding throughout the series. Overall, you’ll like this series if you like good vs. evil plots, political drama, fated mates, alliance building.

The only negative is that I feel like each subseries should have been one book. I find that each individual book ends in an odd place, but each series has a good conclusion.

Although each sub-series can be read as a standalone, it’s much more enjoyable to binge in order:

Silver Wolf Series:
1. Broken Mate
2. Rising Darkness
3. Silver Moon

Royal Vampire series:
4. Cursed Mate
5. Shadow Bitten
6. Demon Blood

Demon Wolf Series:
7. Ruined Mate
8. Shattered Curse
9. Fated Souls

Dark Angel Series:
10. Fallen Mate
11. Demon Marked
12. Dark Prince
13. Fatal Secrets

Silver Mate Series:
14. Shattered Wolf
15. Fated Hearts
16. Ruthless Moon

[C. Mercie M Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dove" is ready to break free of her disguise....

When Sterlyn realizes that she has been kidnapped, by letting her guard drop again, she bests herself up over not following her father's training. Knowing she's just found her true mate means that she'll try to do anything to get back to him, but she's also not going to waste a tacticle advantage. Sterlyn, her mate, and new "brother" Killian, need to make a plan to figure out who the alpha is that's hunting Sterlyn and take them out. The characters action is constantly moving, and it locks them into only a few settings; the boys houses, the old silver wolf community, the bookstore, and some school attendance, the lake, and the river. They never actually enter the shifter city, and attend any meetings, which has got to inhibit Sterlyn's ability to see who all the bad guys are, and plan what to do next.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterlyn, Griffin, Killian, Rosemary are back and pull you back into the action. After being taken Sterlyn has to figure out how to get free. After its all said and done she has to return home and figure out why they are trying to take her and maybe who she is up against, but what she finds out will shock her to the core and leave her reeling. Will she be able to figure out everything before they try to get her again? What other secrets will she find out? Will they be able to protect her and themselves or will they lose?
Another amazing read that will keep you glued to your seat with all the twist, turns, emotions, and so much more, with and ending that will blow your mind, and will have you anticipating the next. I so can't wait for the next.

[Yezz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much fighting

So much fighting makes it really boring fast. Dove and Griffin had already rushed into their relationship we never got any depth to it. But add in the many many pages full of fighting and her being kidnapped that you only get a few pages of just her and Griffin as well as her friends. Most scenes with Griffin are all sexual not that I mind but the relationship is bland due to lack of depth. Another big issue I have is with Killan and Griffen, never met an alpha that was weak let alone 2, they both have very little training and seem weak strength wise. With as little pages you get in regards to her friends it's very hard to like the other characters. I'm hoping the next book is better.

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this one, we are building off of what happened in the previous book. This trilogy must be read in order since each book builds on the last book. I really love Sterlyn, and her story is crazy. But I'm starting to hate when they have to pick between guys. I'm so used to why choose/reverse harem, so when there are two love interests, and she has to pick, then it gets annoying. However, he's her fated mate, so I get it, but I just wanted more. I love these three and eventually see the friendship instead of the love vibes there. Working on this review is making me want to go back and reread the trilogy. I've been in a reread mood lately, reading some of my favorites from this year. I can't wait to see the rest of this world!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Sterlyn takes charge in this book. It's a good thing too as her whole world is so chaotic.

I feel like the Griffin in this book would have fit the bill, but at least his opinion counts for something. He's just a different Griffin this time around. It could have been drawn out a bit more to explain it, because it is pretty quick. works for the pace of the book, but when I thought about it after the fact I was wondering if maybe Griffin should have started out a bit better to Sterlyn in the first place, which would make his change less drastic. Though it all fits.

Can't wait for the next one in the set. Hopefully no more character 180s though.

[Samie Rood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whirlwind of emotions and action. I couldn't put it down and read it all in one day. It starts off the bat with Sterlyn having been kidnapped, and having to figure out the best plan to get back to Griffin and Killian and the small little family that she found herself a part of. I truly love the bond that forms with all of them and how they have each other through everything they go through. And the suprise the Sterlyn finds about the past caught me by surprise as well. I definitely didn't see it coming but I can't wait to see how it turns out. I can't wait for the next one to come out and see this story to the end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series more and more!! The book starts off where last ended. This book has so much action!! The pacing is just right and in this book Sterlyn made some astonishing discoveries. I know my jaw dropped a few times. Sterlyn is such a strong character. Her dad raised her to be a phenomenal alpha. I don’t want to give spoilers away, but read this series!!
The audiobook is such a fun listen!! The narrator, Heather Costa does a phenomenal job. Her voice is perfect of how I would envision Sterlyn voice. All of the emotions come across very well. Easy to follow along, and determine who is speaking. I highly recommend the audiobook. I was lost in Shadow City.