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Sunlight and Shadows #2
A Taste of Shadows
The faintest sound of her voice can kill.
Lyyli Ives has lived her entire life in silence. Those who have heard her voice never live to tell the tale. When she accidentally nearly kills her sister, she is sent away to the only person who can help her—the Archmage at Darkest Star Arcane.
Lord Killian Graves’ life is falling apart. His mother is cursed into a deadly enchantment. His title and school are threatened to be stripped from him. But when a mysterious woman who doesn’t speak pleads for his help, he finds he cannot resist the allure of her beauty nor the mystery of her predicament.
However, a great evil is after the power she wields, threatening not only her life but the lives of everyone they love. Killian must save her from her fate. Or die trying.
Lyyli Ives has lived her entire life in silence. Those who have heard her voice never live to tell the tale. When she accidentally nearly kills her sister, she is sent away to the only person who can help her—the Archmage at Darkest Star Arcane.
Lord Killian Graves’ life is falling apart. His mother is cursed into a deadly enchantment. His title and school are threatened to be stripped from him. But when a mysterious woman who doesn’t speak pleads for his help, he finds he cannot resist the allure of her beauty nor the mystery of her predicament.
However, a great evil is after the power she wields, threatening not only her life but the lives of everyone they love. Killian must save her from her fate. Or die trying.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 7, 2022
Her voice is deadly, so deadly that one whisper can kill. She never asked for this power but one man can help her if she has the strength to not open her mouth. Lyyli is cursed, or so she thinks. Her voice has the power to render death on anyone who hears it. One mistake can be deadly, or so she learns when she almost kills her own sister. She’s sent to Lord Killian and his school to help beings control their magic. He’s a powerful mage. Lyyli doesn’t know if he can help her as she feels she’s destined to be alone, helpless in her silence within the shadows of life. But he shows her there’s hope, that she doesn’t have to be alone. As they work closely together, she falls in love with him. Can she truly be in love even though she can’t speak? But there’s a great evil on the horizon and they want to capture her to use her power for malevolent purposes, destroying everything and everyone she holds dear. The only person who can save her is Lord Killian. Will he get to her in time, or will she succumb to her fate?
A Taste of Shadows is a riveting fantasy romance from start to finish. From the beginning, the premise captured my imagination. I cannot imagine how heartbreaking it would be to never use my voice, to never say I love you, to never be able to even whisper. It would be such a solitary life, even when surrounded by others. Lyyli is the embodiment of that kind of life. I connected with her right away. Her journey is fraught with conflict and is beautifully portrayed in the descriptive narration. One can’t help but want to help Lyyli. Lord Killian is such an intriguing character. He’s the perfect compliment to Lyyli, even though he has his own issues to work through. The magical academy was such fun as there were plenty of characters to meet and interact with. The plot moves at a wonderful pace with plenty of action, emotional tension, and romance. The ending is a cliffhanger, which I didn’t care for, but many readers won’t be too concerned with. Sydney Winward is a brilliant writer and, in this book, she shows off her world-building skills. She’ll transport you into her world and you’ll love every minute of it. If you’re a fantasy romance reader, you’ll want to read A Taste of Shadows. If you like your books fraught with drama, conflict, and emotion, you’ll want to read A Taste of Shadows. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
A Taste of Shadows is a riveting fantasy romance from start to finish. From the beginning, the premise captured my imagination. I cannot imagine how heartbreaking it would be to never use my voice, to never say I love you, to never be able to even whisper. It would be such a solitary life, even when surrounded by others. Lyyli is the embodiment of that kind of life. I connected with her right away. Her journey is fraught with conflict and is beautifully portrayed in the descriptive narration. One can’t help but want to help Lyyli. Lord Killian is such an intriguing character. He’s the perfect compliment to Lyyli, even though he has his own issues to work through. The magical academy was such fun as there were plenty of characters to meet and interact with. The plot moves at a wonderful pace with plenty of action, emotional tension, and romance. The ending is a cliffhanger, which I didn’t care for, but many readers won’t be too concerned with. Sydney Winward is a brilliant writer and, in this book, she shows off her world-building skills. She’ll transport you into her world and you’ll love every minute of it. If you’re a fantasy romance reader, you’ll want to read A Taste of Shadows. If you like your books fraught with drama, conflict, and emotion, you’ll want to read A Taste of Shadows. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
February 6, 2022
“A Taste of Shadows” is beautifully written with vivid details to describe each of the characters.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 19, 2022
Lyyli Ives thinks she is evil because of the people she has killed with her voice. She does not understand why her voice can be deadly. When Lyyli almost kills her sister, she is bundled up with her belongings and sent to Lord Killian Graves who is opening a school to teach students how to control their magic. This story contains action, heartache, romance, a HEA, and ends in a cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this story! The first book in this duet had me gripped from start to finish and I can say that this second part to the duet has done the same thing!
Fantastic writing, characters you can't help but love and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages to know what's next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to fans of this genre :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fantastic writing, characters you can't help but love and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages to know what's next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to fans of this genre :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2022
I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book. It’s intriguing. Dark. Overall a wonderful book. I’ll definitely have to read more by the author and recommend reading it.
January 7, 2022
An amazing fantasy story that kept me intrigued. Loved the characters and definitely has me wanting more by this superb author.
February 16, 2022
Lyyli Ives has a deadly power. Killian Graves might know her secret. Together, they help each other solve a mystery that might impact their entire world.
A Taste of Shadows was an enjoyable read filled with drama, high stakes, and romance. The characters and their internal and external conflicts were very thought out. I rooted for Lyyli and loved how she overcame her fears. Killian was a new favorite of mine. He is quite intelligent, preferring books over parties but I loved his interactions with Lyyli. They made for a wonderful couple that I rooted for the entire time.
If you are searching for a unique, fantasy romance, search no further. This has it all:
-fae
-magic
-powerful female heroines
-charming, intelligent male love interests
Then this is for you. Don't sleep on this book!
A Taste of Shadows was an enjoyable read filled with drama, high stakes, and romance. The characters and their internal and external conflicts were very thought out. I rooted for Lyyli and loved how she overcame her fears. Killian was a new favorite of mine. He is quite intelligent, preferring books over parties but I loved his interactions with Lyyli. They made for a wonderful couple that I rooted for the entire time.
If you are searching for a unique, fantasy romance, search no further. This has it all:
-fae
-magic
-powerful female heroines
-charming, intelligent male love interests
Then this is for you. Don't sleep on this book!
April 30, 2026
***MINOR SPOILERS***
This book is part of the Sunlight and Shadows series.
Lyyli was born with a voice that causes people to kill themselves. All her life, she has tried to keep from speaking or even making a noise. In one scene, she falls against a wall and gasps in pain. Three people hear her and try to kill themselves. Her history is a mystery as she is left with a couple at age 3. Later you find out how it was possible for her not kill her adoptive parents as kids at that age have little control.
Her adoptive family sends her to an academy for those with magic. Her father hopes they can help her, but it is not clear why they would have accepted her. On the way to the academy, she is kidnapped by a shadow fae lord who hopes to use her voice to manipulate others. It was not clear how he found out about her skills. He wants her to help him become the king of all the shadow fae.
Killain is one of the 10 shadow fae lords. At the beginning of the story, his mother and a cousin are struck down by a curse that puts them in a coma like state. They will eventually die if a way to break the curse is not found. Killain is a great male main character. He is smart, caring, and is the one who wants to have the academy. He makes a sacrifice to try to help his mother and cousin.
Killain is able to figure out what Lyyli is and has ideas about what to do to help her. He decides to go to a meeting at the home of the fae lord who is holding Lyyli. He wants to find out if someone there is responsible for the curse or if someone might know how to break it.
The book felt a little YA to me. When Lyyli finds out that Killian is unmarried and is being encouraged to marry, she wants him to consider her. When he says he should not pursue a relationship with her because she may become his student, she does something impulsive. It felt as if Lyyli pursued him, at first, because he could help her. Later, it seemed more likely that she cared for him.
The story alternates between Lyyli and Killian’s POV.
I do not plan to continue reading this series or the author.
This book is part of the Sunlight and Shadows series.
Lyyli was born with a voice that causes people to kill themselves. All her life, she has tried to keep from speaking or even making a noise. In one scene, she falls against a wall and gasps in pain. Three people hear her and try to kill themselves. Her history is a mystery as she is left with a couple at age 3. Later you find out how it was possible for her not kill her adoptive parents as kids at that age have little control.
Her adoptive family sends her to an academy for those with magic. Her father hopes they can help her, but it is not clear why they would have accepted her. On the way to the academy, she is kidnapped by a shadow fae lord who hopes to use her voice to manipulate others. It was not clear how he found out about her skills. He wants her to help him become the king of all the shadow fae.
Killain is one of the 10 shadow fae lords. At the beginning of the story, his mother and a cousin are struck down by a curse that puts them in a coma like state. They will eventually die if a way to break the curse is not found. Killain is a great male main character. He is smart, caring, and is the one who wants to have the academy. He makes a sacrifice to try to help his mother and cousin.
Killain is able to figure out what Lyyli is and has ideas about what to do to help her. He decides to go to a meeting at the home of the fae lord who is holding Lyyli. He wants to find out if someone there is responsible for the curse or if someone might know how to break it.
The book felt a little YA to me. When Lyyli finds out that Killian is unmarried and is being encouraged to marry, she wants him to consider her. When he says he should not pursue a relationship with her because she may become his student, she does something impulsive. It felt as if Lyyli pursued him, at first, because he could help her. Later, it seemed more likely that she cared for him.
The story alternates between Lyyli and Killian’s POV.
I do not plan to continue reading this series or the author.
April 10, 2022
Excellent world-building to hold hunkie archmage
I absolutely love Winward's Fae land she created in book 1. In this book, we get to experience the other half of the realm. The level of detail in her magic system is incredible. This is one of the few fantasy romances I would recommend to a high fantasy reader because the plot, magic system, world-building, and hero's quest (Lyyli's) is that good!
But this is a book I will also recommend to romance lovers because of the swoon-worthy Lord Killian Graves. He's an arch mage powerful enough to go dark, but loyal to his family and his altruistic dream of starting a magic school. I loved his ultra responsible side quest of battling monsters and witches to save his mother where he acquires a unique, magical affliction. His condition and how he deals with it, set this book apart. No spoilers, sorry.
I can't recommend this book enough!
I absolutely love Winward's Fae land she created in book 1. In this book, we get to experience the other half of the realm. The level of detail in her magic system is incredible. This is one of the few fantasy romances I would recommend to a high fantasy reader because the plot, magic system, world-building, and hero's quest (Lyyli's) is that good!
But this is a book I will also recommend to romance lovers because of the swoon-worthy Lord Killian Graves. He's an arch mage powerful enough to go dark, but loyal to his family and his altruistic dream of starting a magic school. I loved his ultra responsible side quest of battling monsters and witches to save his mother where he acquires a unique, magical affliction. His condition and how he deals with it, set this book apart. No spoilers, sorry.
I can't recommend this book enough!
January 21, 2022
This book has a strong, well-developed and an interesting story line with twists and unexpected turns keep you reading and turning the pages. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginable. I felt like I was right there watching, feeling, and experiencing the book...not just reading it. The atmosphere created and characters were so realistic. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. This is a fast-paced intriguing read! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2022
If she speaks, he dies. Yet they can't deny the powerful love that binds them.
I mean...what more compelling situation can you imagine for a romance???
I absolutely loved this book--maybe even more than book 1, and I was a huge fan of book 1. The world building is imaginative and detailed. The characters are compelling and swoonworthy. And the story is spellbinding, original, and left me breathless.
I love Killian and Lyyli, and I rooted for them from page 1 through every moment of their quest for a well-deserved happily ever after. If you like your heroes dreamy, broody, and loyal, and your heroines feisty, resourceful, and full of heart...this book is for you!
I mean...what more compelling situation can you imagine for a romance???
I absolutely loved this book--maybe even more than book 1, and I was a huge fan of book 1. The world building is imaginative and detailed. The characters are compelling and swoonworthy. And the story is spellbinding, original, and left me breathless.
I love Killian and Lyyli, and I rooted for them from page 1 through every moment of their quest for a well-deserved happily ever after. If you like your heroes dreamy, broody, and loyal, and your heroines feisty, resourceful, and full of heart...this book is for you!
January 27, 2022
A Taste of Shadows is another great fantasy fae story from Sydney Windward. Killian is shadow mage who only wants to focus on starting a school and is too busy for courtship. His mother and cousin are enchanted into a deadly sleep, and as he investigates, he finds treachery and abduction. Lylie is a siren, banished from home after almost killing her little sister. The plot is fascinating and the characters are great. 4.5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2022
Lyyli and Killian's instant connection drew me in right away, their relationship was tested is almost every way possible, beasts, magic, curses, even a wicked old witch. I was rooting for Lyyli and Killian at every bend and was reading with great excitement and sometimes sorrow at what they may face next. The details in the back stories of the characters were impressively thought out. I thought I had figured out the ending about Ch 28 but I was pleasantly wrong. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, I haven't read book 1 and still found this very easy to read.
February 1, 2024
What a beautiful story! I didn't want to put this book down. Sweet Lyyli is forced to live a life of silence because her voice has the power to kill any who hear even just a note. Lord Killian Graves is a shadow lord stuck in a political game being forced to take a wife but all he wants is to run his school. All that changes when his mother falls ill to a curse and nothing he does can save her. I loved the worldbuilding, the stakes, and the oh so sweet romance. The way he sees emotions after his deal with the witch was so creative! I want so much more of this couple!
October 26, 2023
Exciting story
A unique take on the existence of the sirens. Just enough actions,mysteries and thrills in this hero to lovers romance. Sydney really is great at conveying the emotions of the MCs.
A unique take on the existence of the sirens. Just enough actions,mysteries and thrills in this hero to lovers romance. Sydney really is great at conveying the emotions of the MCs.
January 15, 2024
Shadewalking. 10 stars. I really want to try that. Loved the world and the fantasy elements. I felt the book was driven more by the romance than by the plot. A really neat twist on the little mermaid storyline.
April 1, 2026
I liked the premise of this book, with a magician trying to save his family and a girl just trying to have a normal life without killing anyone. It was intense, and there was a lot of suspenseful moments, but it was cute.
January 23, 2022
Good series so far wtih plot, suspense, romance in a PNR academy setting with interesting characters. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2023
Shook that this one wasn’t as good to me as the first!! Plot and characters were a bit less intriguing than the first one but still cute. 3.5 ⭐️
February 14, 2025
This story was just as good as the first one but a breath of fresh air, with new characters and a whole new plot line! This story is pure and beautiful!
April 9, 2026
Quite good
March 23, 2026
⭐️5/5 (had the time of my life)
🌶️1/5 (glimpses and kisses)
I absolutely loved this world. I think the magic system/lore was so fun. I just want to dive deeper into it. I definitely am going to be picking up more by this author. This book was Bridgerton meets cruel prince in the absolutely best way.
a couple of reviews say this ends in a cliffhanger. It doesn’t. Everything is resolved. I have no idea what they are talking about but it stressed me out the entire time I read for nothing.
🌶️1/5 (glimpses and kisses)
I absolutely loved this world. I think the magic system/lore was so fun. I just want to dive deeper into it. I definitely am going to be picking up more by this author. This book was Bridgerton meets cruel prince in the absolutely best way.
a couple of reviews say this ends in a cliffhanger. It doesn’t. Everything is resolved. I have no idea what they are talking about but it stressed me out the entire time I read for nothing.
February 25, 2022
Really enjoyed the first book in this series—but loved book 2 even more! And while it’s a series, each book works as a standalone.
A siren who doesn’t realize she’s a siren (or even a mermaid)…who can’t talk to people (including her love interest) lest they hear her voice and die. WHAT A CONCEPT. The romance was so wonderful. Slow burn. Not really steamy, but very emotional and hit the right notes without steam. Great story!
A siren who doesn’t realize she’s a siren (or even a mermaid)…who can’t talk to people (including her love interest) lest they hear her voice and die. WHAT A CONCEPT. The romance was so wonderful. Slow burn. Not really steamy, but very emotional and hit the right notes without steam. Great story!
March 18, 2022
Did not want to put it down! Love, political drama, magic, familial love, friendship and so much more happen. Love the bumbliness of the smart people and how impatience and lack of communication can be a downfall, along with admitting you screwed up. Added bonus, I could not guess what the characters were going to do next most of the time. Cannot wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews