Splintered Shadow

Shattered Galaxies #1

by Nancey Cummings

The portals take...

So I forgot to update my phone. Big deal. Who actually does that? Only, there’s a glitch and my 69G phone opened a portal to another planet! Because that makes sense. #TechFail. Also, rude.

Now I’m stuck on an alien planet with Grumpy McGrumperson. He’s got these tattoos that move over his skin and he can shift into a giant raven. I mean, sure, he’s hot and he saved me from being eaten by a pack of monsters, but I don’t trust anything about this place, let alone a grumpy alien, and I’m going to find a way home.
The portals give...

The female belongs to the king. The stars delivered her and the royal mark is inked into her skin. She is destined for greatness. Then why did I, the blind prince, find her?

Now that I have her, I refuse to let her go. She is my fate, my mate and my destiny.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2022

About the author

Nancey writes fun, fast and flirty scifi romances featuring feisty heroines and out-of-this-world heros. Nancey lives in an old house with her husband and two cats who have complaints with management. When she’s not writing, she enjoys video games, horror movies and anything involving time travel.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancey...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nanceycumm/

Reviews

[Kay ❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A regular cellphone teleports a woman to an alien planet

CW: loss of a loved one

She gets over it within two weeks of living with a guy packing extra equipment though

[Jayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read! Although the story line was very different, it gave me the same vibes as Master of Crows by Grace Draven. This book had so much to love. The hero is partially blind and a little bit of a grump. He is cocky, but in a funny way(he knows he is being cocky) and not an annoying way. The idea of symbiotes was super interesting. I loved Ghost and Pitch! Also excited to hear more about Baris one day, hopefully.
More positives:
No 3rd act breakup
No big misunderstandings
No babies or pregnancy

[Mary L · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the blurb you can tell that the heroine is obnoxious and I was right! but honestly i was like whatever and it's an alien romance so it's not a big deal.

At first I thought the story was going to be more like Stolen by an Alien books but in reality was like a poor copy of her books combined with the book Grim in some aspects?

First of all, i love alien romance, kidnapped romance and the trope you are spy but in reality they are just human and I LOVE LOVE good conversation and banter between the main characters buuuuut in this book… it wasn't the case the first 20% they don't know each other and let alone speak to each other! so that's a big no no, now pair that with info dump in the same 20%... I don't know how i didnt dnf
Then the next 20% they start to know each other but the author just makes some interactions and then jumps into 2 week into this alien world and I'm like? why? why we cannot see their relationship blossom through those times on paper but no, we only get just some interactions.
There was some good 20% in the book that i did enjoy but towards the end, the last 35% it was political and boring and they start to have this lust between each other but i was like mmmm noup,i couldn't feel the chemistry between them, it was weird to read so i skip it

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I wish Nancey was writing more in this world but, alas, it is a multi-author world. I am sure the other authors will do it justice, but it would be nice if a couple of the king's guard got to find their matches.

Sarah is having a normal evening at home folding her laundry and missing her friends when she is suddenly sucked into a portal that forms in her cellphone. Maybe she should have done that update! Coming to, she realizes she is not in Kansas, er Philadelphia, anymore. She is not even on Earth. And some kind of shadow monster is chomping on her leg.

Vekele is hiding out at one of his family's country estates after suffering an attack that resulted in his losing sight in two of his four eyes. Only his peripheral eyes had clear sight now, so his military career was over. His brother, the King, has shown up to request that he check out an "anomaly" picked up by sensors. Vekele is sure it is just space dust and that his brother is only trying to get him to leave the estate, but the king's orders are the king's orders. He is shocked to arrive at the anomaly's coordinates and find a woman being attacked by a void beast.

I don't want to spoil the story for you. There is plenty of action and intrigue. Sarah will end up with an unlikely "pet" and Vekele will get a new mission in life. The characters are great and the story is engaging. Enjoy. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! I absolutely and positively loved this story! I'm ready to re-read it and hug it SO much.. Adventure, danger, and heartfelt romance. Grumpy space elf prince and a sassy human girl who totally bowls him over!

[⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

My reviews of the Shattered Galaxies series:
Book #1 Splintered Shadows ★★
Book #2 Ravaged World★★★
Book #3 Scattered Petals★★★
Book #4 Fractured Waves★★★
Book #5 Crushed Dominion★★★★
Book #6 Broken Song ★★
Book #7 Destroyed Desire ★★★
Book #8 Jagged Honor★★

I think the coverart is really nice. I wish more romances took the initiative to have digital paintings and utilize it to show how the characters look.

That's about the most fond thing I have to say.

I enjoy alien romances a lot but this didn't do much for me when all is said and done. It's boiled down--the world building, romance, conflict, it's all done fast and easy and simply. Even the sex scenes are only a few sentences long. The series tie in plot point was just kinda... thrown in there so abruptly I had to go back and read a little to be sure I hadn't missed anything, and there were several times where I felt like important information was missing or had been forgotten.

Like, this book is about 350 pages long and in that runtime is trying to establish an entire sci-fi world, a romance, emotional baggage for the characters, a new planet/culture/species, and has a political subplot merged into it. Not a single one is given its due and is shot at readers really rapidly. The reason Sarah and Velekele or whatever his name is have to get married is because Sarah has an owl tattoo and a random councilor would have a fit if she didn't marry a royal because important sacred symbol. We barely understand anything about these characters or the culture or the social/political situation, why are we immediately skipping over development just to make these two get hitched and have them have wedding night sex?

Again, just, nothing was given its due. It reads like it was meant for a young audience and yet is clearly for adults. The author got caught up in trying to have grandiose ideas and a quick and simple execution and couldn't reconcile that the two weren't going to mesh.

The latter half of the book did struggle to hold my attention and I did skim a bit. Several of the ideas were pretty good but, I think the plot was just too big for the book in question and it would have better suited the narrative to have shrank its scale and focused more on the emotional beats between the leads.

I don't have anything much to say beyond this. I didn't hate it, but I didn't get much joy from the experience either. Not a book I would want to revisit again nor one I would recommend.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Vekele and Sarah
Note: This is a book in a multi-author series, interconnected but not interdependent!

One cell-phone glitch, and Sarah finds herself on an alien world. Attacked by four-eyed monsters, and rescued by an attractive four-eyed Arcosian, she’s not sure that it’s a bad situation at all!
Vekele was half blinded by the murderous family politics that are normal for the Arcosians. A former general, he is trying to recuperate in boredom, when he is sent by his brother to investigate an ‘anomaly’. He doesn’t expect to run across a human woman, nor does he expect her to become so important…

These alien beings are fascinating ones, and I feel that we barely scratched the surface with them! Vekele and Sarah are an interesting pairing, their shadowy companions equally intriguing.
The world Ms. Cummings describes is a harsh one, but it makes for quite a bit of action and adventure. Add in some romance, a little light comedy courtesy of the animals, and you have a sci-fi romance adventure that fans will be sure to enjoy!

[Emma Alisyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed

Yay! It is hard to find a good fae space fantasy romance and this checked all the boxes. Elegant, brooding hero and plenty of action.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read : May 22, 2022
Rating : 4 Stars

This was very awesome and I thought the "aliens" sounded really interesting, I love aliens that actually look alien and not Brad but dyed blue or orange.

The symbiote thing sounds whacky, a little icky but also kinda fun.
I'd love to read about Baris his story,poor thing.

[Danger Kayutak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The human woman getting stranded on Alien World is one of my favorite tropes, but I get disappointed with the stories, for a lot of reasons. Oftentimes the heroine's difficulty adjusting comes across as petulant and ungracious. This was not the case with Splintered Shadow.

After Sarah's initial shock at being stuck on a totally different world, she took her new circumstance in stride. She asked questions, she learned about the world she was living in. Doesn't hurt she was in the company of a elvish looking Alien with four eyes and Inky Black Wings.

Their chemistry was great, with all the banter and teasing and snark that I love. Even when Sarah discovered that the world she was in was more "Game of Thrones" than Cinderella, she (and her shadow puppy) persevered.

Really enjoyable story and a very quick read.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluffy darkness

Sarah was supposed to be dragged out of her apartment for socialization by a friend. Instead a phone update sends her to an alien planet. Pro: she can breathe the air. Con: there's a pack of 4 eyed shadow murder puppies gnawing on her leg.

Spoilers ahead.
I was pointed to this collaboration by an author I beta for. I've read a few by Cummings before but they didn't grab me. This one was great. There was humor, snark, charm, drama but not whiny angst, and a cast of interesting characters. We get enough background we aren't floundering, enough world building to be interested, a plot worth sticking with, and characters that develop instead of stagnate. I know this is 1 of several by various authors, and that each is going to be different, but I'd like to revisit this world. What happens with Baris? Hints of the gargoyles (I know they begin with a k but I can't remember names) were thrown in there but never came back to. What will happen with the other cousins? There's still a few threads I'd like to see tied off.

[Love-Leigh Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

•“Alice had her rabbit holes. Wardrobes were notorious transportation devices, as were ruby slippers—or silver in the books. Now Sarah had a cell phone-generated portal to an alien planet.”•

I throughly enjoyed this book. The pacing was perfect, the characters unique and the plot a fantastical retelling, of what I would consider, Beauty and the Beast. The main characters were so fun to read and see how they adapted, especially Vekele opening up to Sarah when he’s been so closed off for so long. My favorite part though, had to be the back and forth banter between Sarah and Vekele, especially with Vekele’s dry delivery. It was too funny! A great read, highly recommend and after reading the afterword I am VERY excited for a possible Baris story in the future.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

Okay it's low in spice factor and the relationship does happen quickly especially the jump to love, however this goes into so much detail allowing you to know and understand the characters and their world that despite being a ridiculously short relationship prior to getting serious it doesn't read like instalove.

The plot is gripping and the characters are unique. It's an alien world filled with political intrigue and way more unlikable characters than likeable ones and as a reader I just want to roll around in this world like Sarah's shadow puppy.

I did keep hoping for Sarah to regain contact with her family or Vekele to regain his lost vision but you can't have everything right?

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe she should have updated her phone, but then Sarah wouldn't have met the grumpy alien prince (Vekele), who seems to be fascinated with her. She would have kept grieving and missing out on life, so luckily she is no longer on Earth, and she is in a great adventure instead. I loved how Sarah was the light to Vekele's dark (and grumpy nature), and how she brought out a different side to him. I loved the protective Vekele (and his karu companion, and their other companion), the challenges they all faced together, and banter between Vekele and Sarah.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5) There were some cute scenes sprinkled here, but it never quite took shape for me to love this. It feels like the author had some specific phrases/scenes they wanted to write and then created everything else around those scenes, not taking the time to make sure it made sense. It makes for some strange time skips and confusing story structure.
The dialogue and interactions between the LIs feels weird and stilted, almost forced in some places. I would’ve liked this more if it had either expanded on the blooming relationship more or if it focused on the court/palace intrigue. As it is, it feels like neither plot was explored enough.
Hopefully I’ll like the rest of the series more.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! The characters had such great chemistry and banter, loved their story!
Honestly it was so cute despite the murder and violent court politics.

I do however wish we got a just a bit more depth and a touch more introspection from our main two. They both had pretty tragic events in their past and while I loved that it never got too heavy I do wish there was just a tiny bit more emotion to it all. Sarah went from heavy grief and isolation to crushing on the hot alien pretty quickly without much internal struggle which didn’t quite connect for me.

Other than that I really enjoyed it! Obsessed with Vekele and his adorably grumpy/arrogant/sweet personality.

[Tiffany Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot aliens with a human female that falls through a portal and also gets a bonded monster dog/protector - checks a lot of boxes for me at least lol. Semi enemies to lovers because there is a lot of initial mistrust between the two main characters. I love stories where one of the main characters has to navigate in a new environment/planet/universe and this for me did not disappoint. There's some action, intrigue, political turmoil - plus the spice between the two main characters adds a lot to the story that I enjoyed. I would have liked a bit more heat in their scenes together but that's a personal preference. I'd still recommend this book to other alien lovers like myself.

[AlitaConejita]

I was worried when the story was likened to game of thrones, but it was a light and fluffy romance for all of that (with some kills and stuff but skimmed over so it wasn’t the focus).

I liked the main characters and I liked the story. Those that have DNFed and left reviews aren’t wrong in saying the world building isn’t great and that a lot of important things are glossed over. But still, it was good enough that I didn’t get stuck on those context details and enjoyed the MCs getting together (and mostly ignored the Stockholm-y ness of the getting-to-know-you circumstances :p).

[Yj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 4/5 but…

The writing style and perspective narrative changes in third person read awkwardly, especially through the introductory paragraphs. The relationship development also seemed shallow due to the rushed pacing of the first half of the book. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you prefer to read fast burn or are an impatient reader.

What kept me reading was the banter between the two main characters, especially Vekele (whom I found to be likable and interesting).

[Jamie Wagnor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and Fun

This book was so much better than I thought it would be. The female lead was funny and endearing and the male was brooding and sweet. I liked the play between them. The side characters were great as well. The world felt full and there was enough intrigue to keep me interested. The relationship between the brothers was very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the King’s story. I’m always a little wary of shared universes but this first entry was such a pleasant surprise. Plus who doesn’t love alien animals?

[Cecy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quiero que sepan que me estoy ahogando no más de escribir lo siguiente: el problema es la protagonista. Va a haber spoilers. No es coherente, y para mí el turn off es el hecho de que se le murió su adorado Roberto (si sentí pena por ella, pero mi empatía murió en el momento en que empezó a hacer un polyship meramente emocional entre el muerto y el alien) y se la pasa recordándole al príncipe alien cuatro ojos que nunca va a ganar y que no es una competencia (pero si fuera, no ganaría), ah, pero en su corazón caben los dos (🤢). Ni lo termine.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!! Adventure, danger, humor, and the steamy romance had me from beginning to end. I really hope that the author will consider writing more in this world. This dark theme alien world with the slow burn romance filled with intrigue and action. Will definitely have you hooked. I also liked the bond animal aspect. Overall a great read. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.

[Madly Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Story

I am just floored at how much I loved this book. Vekele and Sarah have the best dialogue. The pace was outstanding - not too dragged out and definitely not rushed. I’m amazed at all the intrigue that was involved - I just loved everything about this book and I think it’s going to be one of my keepers. I’m just sad about Baris’ ... umm... don’t want to give it away. I’m first on line for his book!!!!

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a sweet romantic story for Vekele and Sarah

The cover art really fits the lead characters Vekele and Sarah. These two are meant for each other. Sarah’s phone accidentally opened a portal to a different world. Vekele is the spare prince who has been hurt and feels less than normal, second and damaged. The two lead characters help each to accept the past and move forward. Read On!

[Fia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly a short fun read, it's nice to see a FMC who doesn't freak out every few minutes and takes everything in stride and just embraces the changes. Both MCs are charming on their individual ways and it's rather cute how they fit together. It's not a super deep plot and would have been a cool standalone series with a deeper more detailed plot across a few books. I like the world that is built and it's worth a read.

[V.P. Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!

I have a soft spot for grumpy and slightly damaged heroes and Prince Vekele fit that bill. This is a cute little portal romance and the aliens look like elves with wings, four eyes, and two 🍆🍆. The storyline was sweet, there was some sass from Sarah our FMC and overall it was solidly romantic, spice was a 🌶🌶 as it was more romantic than explicit; but this is a must read story. On to the next Shadowmark story with Baris and Lenore!

[Carina G · Rating 2 out of 5]

The positive: I loved their humor. Love the bonded animals.

Negative:
Wished for more backstory from both sides.
Also, there was a lot skipped of their potential time together/ her 2 weeks? She was staying in his place.
No sadness/ depression about her losing her friends and her old life.. she just avoids emotional struggle.

Overall:
At first, I LOVED the book but the more I read/ thought about it the worse it got.
Hope that makes sense

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a new series called Shattered Galaxies. I always enjoy a story written by Nancey Cummings…filled with a dark themed alien world, this book is a slow burn romance filled with intrigue and action packed prose. I love the bonded animals the best. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for Book 2 in this series.❤️❤️

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entirely alien world but the political machinations and intrigues are familiar though theirs is extreme. It is not so easy to be a prince or a king in their world.

The MMC is quite interesting and the FMC is brave to take on someone like our dark prince. He may be that, but our prince loved our princess and that is good enough for me. She knows his world and embraced it.