Hunted by Darkness

Coven of Shadows and Secrets #2

by Ashley McLeo

A quest to Hell . . .

A supernatural heist . . .

An attack to rock the supernatural world . . .

With two sacred stones at large, the world is inching toward chaos.

Closer to home, though, Luca needs our help. He’s on the brink of death, and the only way to save Luca is to venture to Hell.

I feel responsible for Luca’s illness, so I’m all in. The thing is, I’m pretty sure the leader of this mission has a dark secret.

Just like Tobias. The secret master himself.

One minute the handsome vampire is hot. The next he’s cold. Then hot again.

Personally, I’m feeling conflicted too. Not just about him, but many thing: the mission to hell, the recent coven heist and, most of all, what the heist revealed.

But all that drops away when a radical supernatural group attacks. It’s my cue to seek the sacred stones. The time to strike.

We cannot delay or the world might very well fall into madness.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Paranormal

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2022

About the author

Ashley lives in the lush and green Pacific Northwest with her husband, their dog, and the house ghost that sometimes makes appearances in her charming, old home.
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!

Reviews

[Malischa Nijenhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very in love with this series. 😍
Ashley mcleo did a great job.
In this book the story continues where book 1 ended. And it has a lot of action in my opion. Great worldbuilding, wonderful characters and I can't wait till book 3 is here!!❤️

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Coven of Shadows and Secrets series and follows on from the attack on the coven by a shade, aiming for Meridith Stone, but instead hitting the coven head Luca as he jumped in its way to protect her. Meridith, a seeker witch, Hans, half wizard, half demon, and Gunner, a wolf shifter of the royal line of Isila, have been tasked to travel to Hell to retrieve some vital plants needed to cure Luca from the shade’s poison. It seems the coven has another traitor, as all the Earth bound sources of the plant were destroyed! Meridith is happy to have the support of the coven and wants to help it, after feeling responsible for the Pearl of Hell being released in unknown hands. Meanwhile, Tobias, a vampire of the direct royal Laurent family, and Shay, a Nephilim, are travelling to Switzerland to visit the exclusive supernaturals bank, le Bastion, where a break-in had been reported and reports of a second stone, the Opal of Heaven was stolen from one of the vaults. They are to search for clues as to who broke into the vault, supposedly the most secure bank in the world, and also try to find out the identity of the particular vault’s owner. They have a fairly easy job with the first part of their investigation, but are refused the identity of the owner by the head of security for the bank. So they have to be a bit sneakier and the answer they discover is shocking!
To travel to Hell, they need to access a portal in Hans’ home village in Romania, created by his mother, Lilith, the wife of Lucifer, for her to be able to visit him and his sister Nic (Nicoleta), as well as their father who she still loves. Nic has however fully embraced her demon side and has been getting mentored by a dark prince of the Underworld, honing her powers, so they are far greater than Hans, who turned away from his demon powers and stayed in the light. She has been using her dark powers on the humans in their village, with no concern about any effect they may have on them. Hans tries to persuade her to turn away from the dark, but she wants Lilith to come to Earth permanently, something Lucifer would never allow. If Lucifer found out about Hans and Nic, as well as their father, he would kill them all, something Nic is too blindsided to even realise as the dark powers have twisted her too much. Their trip is more tiring and long than they first thought and the sights they see are not pretty at all. Meridth uses her seeker magic to locate the special plant, only to find in amongst a field of various demons, busy harvesting other crops. Luckily, they have an invisibility potion just for that purpose. But Hans goes off script when he spots his mother and is somehow drawn to her and ignores the others completely. They only manage to escape with Lilith’s assistance and it is a dangerous run for safety! Nic is there waiting for them and isn’t happy with Hans and the fact he hasn’t brought their mother back with him. She doesn’t want to even listen to what has happened and tell shim he is no longer her brother.
The others spot a sigil burned into her chest, the sigil of Lucifer, the same symbol seen at the locations of both stones that were stolen. It seems Nic has joined with one of the Princes of the Underworld and they must be behind the theft of the two stones. This makes the recovery of the stones far more important than first imagined and with a Prince of Hell on the earth side somehow, the dangers to all of humanity are far greater. The coven must search the world for signs of madness, with the first signs coming shortly after, with people jumping off tall buildings. But far worse is to come as the Prince and his companions enter a large city and cause wrath and chaos amongst the mostly human population and the signs of one of the stones being used is clear! Meridith thinks she saw her former boss, the Ringmaster, but since they are always wearing a mask and modulating their voice, they could be anyone. Only the eyes make her believe it was him. The Ringmaster’s true identity will soon be revealed, with Meridith in even greater danger than ever before. Silas and Gunner are chasing the lead of a Miriam Black who was connected to the vault, but soon find three old women greeting them with imprisonment. The identity of one of the Seven becomes clear and these women are key to knowing something about what may be coming next regarding the celestial stones. Still more to come for the S&S coven and its members, in particular Meridith, as death comes calling. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next couple of books in the series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so loving the Coven of Shadows and Secrets series, Ashley McLeo has done an amazing job with Hunted by Darkness, the sequel to Seeker of Secrets. The story picks up right where it left off with Meredith, Hans, and Gunner going to Hell in search of a rare plant to save Luca, while Tobias and Shay headed off to Switzerland to check out Le Bastion, the supernatural bank where the Pearl of Heaven was stolen from. Of course, things never go as planned but a lot of very interesting facts came to light.

Meredith is actually fitting in well with the SS coven, she's getting closer to people, opening up, and learning to depend on others. It looks like she's found her people, or rather her people have found her. Not only is Meredith growing as a person but she is growing her powers as well, nothing too dramatic but it's good seeing her in action. I love seeing her life going in a better direction, she's still getting her memories back, growing relationships, and has a thirst to learn while still going on adventures.

Speaking of relationships, Meredith and Tobias have some real chemistry in this one. Both are feeling a pull and while Meredith has no clue what it is Tobias refuses to believe his sire's theory about the two of them. There is something obviously between the pair, they have softened towards each other, grown closer, and seem to care a heck of a lot more than they did a few weeks ago. Heck, the changes in Tobias are obvious and it's a good change. The tension between the two is killing me but they aren't the only ones, another couple has some weird tense chemistry and at last, neither couple has figured anything out but I sure hope they figure it out soon.

I got lost in this story a lot happened, besides chemistry. There was a bank heist to solve a bank heist, clues to Meredith's past which brings up so many questions, as does Hans when his big secret is revealed. The Ringmaster is still out there, a shadowy supernatural government is mentioned, and some shocking reveals including the truth behind Lucifer's sigil, kidnappings, jailbreaks, possession, a little mythology, and some interesting family trees and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Everything was paced really well with just enough information being leave readers wanting more and enough action to cause my heart to race.

In Hunted by Darkness things have taken a turn for the worst. There is betrayal, the Ringmaster has entered the game, and it's looking like Apocalypse Now out there. The story ended with more than one character in trouble, for one it's not looking so good. Ashley McLeo has pushed readers off a very high cliff and now I'm dying for the next book, History of Witches, and I'm hoping it's coming sooner rather than later.

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Worse, Demons or Human's That Choose Evil?😳👿😡😇💥
A 4.5 Star Read.🌟
Hunted by Darkness (Coven of Shadows and Secrets #2)


This was a fabulous follow up to Book #1. The two groups are readying to leave on their separate quests. Tobias & Shay to try and discover who broke into the La Bastian Vault & who the vault belonged to. While Hans, Gunner and Meredith travel to Romania to use a portal to Hell. They need a herb for the Healers to save the life of Luca, the Head of S & S.🙏

Tobias is struggling being separated from Meredith. He thinks it's related to giving her some of his blood to save her life. He keeps dismissing his Sire's suggestion that they could be soulmates!💘 He works surprisingly well with Shay and once their mission is over he sends her back to base, while he goes to visit his older brother. He's acting even more strange than when they last caught up years ago. He's suggesting humans shouldn't be the dominant species any longer.😳 Tobias thinks something might be seriously amiss & decides he should contact their Sire!

Hans hoped to keep his lineage a secret, but that was a huge fail.🙈 His younger sister, aged 17 years, is an absolute nightmare who craves attention, even if acting out is the way she gets it.😕 The trio head off to Hell. On their return a broken promise enrage's his sister so much that a true fight ensues. They're all shocked by her ferocity & power!💥

With both groups back together at the crypt and Luca hopefully on the mend, they can pool all of the knowledge they've gathered and start trying to piece what's going on together. Is Fate actually playing a bigger part than anyone would have guessed?💘💍🌜 Who is the biggest threat to humanity right now?👤👿👑💥

I'm slayed by that cliffhanger, the timing was diabolical.😂 Hurry up book #3, I need so many answers. Definitely recommending this series.🌟

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Gijzette Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 2nd book of the Coven of Shadows and Secrets we get the story from four characters point of view. Our Main protagonists from the first book, Meredith and Tobias, who are joined by Hans and Gunner.

In book two we get to learn more about Hans and his family as he, Meredith and Gunner travel to Hell to get the required herb to cure Luca of his shade poisoning. This trip to Hell, as you would expect, is not an easy adventure and the group run into obstacles along the way. Additionally, we also get to learn more about Meredith and Tobias’ families. The last part of the book is over the top filled with action and unfortunately ends in a cliffhanger. I am now anxiously awaiting book 3 so I can find out what happens next.

The author does a really good job at character and world building. It makes it very easy to visualise what is being described. The author also creates enough suspense to keep you reading and I find it very hard to put her books down.

I really enjoyed this book and if you loved the first book in this series then this is a must read for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Darkness grabbed my attention from the summary with A quest to H3ll . . ..

Those four little words opened up a lot of questions that I was dying to know the answers to.

A trip to h3ll is just where our characters went. They were on a mission to save a dear friend.

And now someone has stolen the sacred stones. If they can’t retrieve the sacred stones the outcome could become harmful to the whole world.

Hunted by Darkness was a magical read that most definitely had me on the edge of my seat as I raced to the end looking for all the answers. Hunted by Darkness kept me on the edge as I watched and waited for each of the clues to come tumbling out and fall into place as they searched for the sacred stones.

Once again Meredith and her familiar kept me entertained from beginning to end with magic floating in the air. I liked that Meredith’s familiar was there to protect her and keep her safe with his magic and not just a pet or something.

I want to invite all paranormal and fantasy fans to grab a copy of Hunted by Darkness today.

[V P Allasander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very few series have sequels better than the ones that came before them. They are either as engaging as the previous books or worse, but with this book, it is not the case. Meredith is growing as a character and with her powers. It feels good to see her in action. Taking on a quest to go to Hell to save Luca - that's something. I like how she's gelling with the coven in this book. And the chemistry between the characters is amazing. Most spectacular part of this book was the bank heist to solve a bank heist - I mean that was an intriguing concept done great. The author has treated this story well and developed the world beautifully. Her writing is fluid as in the first book, her storytelling skills marvelous. The ending has made me want the third book more, which is a good thing. I'm hoping for the third to be even better than this one. A lot of intrigue this series has, and I greatly recommend it to everyone looking for a good fantasy read.

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

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought it was just a retrieval mission, but that led to much bigger issues. Now she has to undertake a dangerous mission with people she is not sure she trusts. And she is on a short timetable as well, so no time for brooding. Time to get it done.

This is book two of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but will be more enjoyable if you start from the beginning so that you get the full backstory.

This is an urban fantasy story with a hidden paranormal world. The story is well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting that really caught my attention. The characters are also well done with a smart heroine and an annoying hero, just the perfect combination. The plot moves along at a good pace with plenty of action and mystery to keep me turning pages. Overall, I enjoyed this latest installment to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

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

[Elpis G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Darkness is the second book of the Coven of Shadows and Secrets. The book follows Meredith and her friends as they try to save members of their coven and humanity in a number of dire situations. After the cliffhanger that was the last book, I was greatly looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint.

Hunted by Darkness was a decently long book but it didn't drag on at all. There was a good mix of action alongside character and world development. There was some switching between different characters points of views but it didn't bring down the story at all and it was interesting to see the events of the story play out with different perspectives.

Overall, I don't have any complaints about this book. It fulfilled my expectations and I enjoyed reading it a lot. It did end on another cliffhanger but I guess that means I'll be reading the third book for sure now too.

I received a copy of the book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved this book. It starts right in the action (leading on from the first book, Seeker of Secrets) with Meredith going to Hell with Hans and Gunner for a herb to save Luca, while Tobias and Shay head Le Bastion to find out about the vault another gem has been stolen from (and importantly who owns the vault). On their separate missions they all learn large secrets about each other and on their return to Yale more truths are revealed (sorry, no spoilers).

Hunted by Darkness is fantastically written, keeping you wanting to read and find out more about all of the characters. I love the way each chapter is from a different character’s viewpoint (mainly Meredith, Tobias and Hans; with Gunner at the end which draws you into wanting to read the next book and learn more about Meredith’s family background).

[Marieke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this sequal took my breath away. Even better as book one!

It is hard not to talk about the book without giving away a bit of the story. But wow Ashley can take you to this world of magic, mysterie, a bit of mayhem, fun, soul searching, surprises and excitement.

Amazing to follow the caracters and what they all are and can do. Not only Tobias and Meredith but also Hans and his sister Nicoletta, Gunnar, Shay and of course Merediths familiar Benedict and all te others. Love how Ashley describes the little familiar Benedict. Ashley has the gift to write as if you walking in the caracters shoes. Every chapter gives more depth and insigh to the story.

As always Ashley has written another addictive story which is a must to read. It is a gift to yourselve this book.

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so first, that double cliffhanger should be illegal. Is it July yet?

There is so much world expansion in this book! Not only do we learn about the enemy S&S is fighting against, but there's so much more about the different types of magic and paranormal creatures. A few mysteries took me by surprise, and even though I called a big one pretty early on, it didn't hurt the story at all.

Plus, now we have not one, but TWO forbidden romances to root for. Hurray for tension and drama!

I think the next book will have a lot about Mer's past based on the title, and I'm really looking forward to it.

[Shirley Bostock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Coven of Shadows and Secrets. It picks up where it left off with Meredith, Hans, and Gunner going to Hell in search of a rare plant to save Luca, Tobias and Shay head off to Switzerland to check out the supernatural bank where the Pearl of Heaven was stolen and where shocking secret was revealed, A lot of shocking but interesting facts emerged that keeps you reading and wanting more, Meredith is remembering more about her parents which answers some mysteries but the Ringmaster is back and is definitely part of the bigger picture.
It fulfilled all my expectations. It ended on another cliff hanger so can’t wait for History of Witches

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more stat!!! ❤️‍🔥

When I finished book 1 I was so eager to read book 2, now... well, now I'm dying because... damn Ashley!!!, really???... WTH with that ending??? 😫😭
This book is fantastic, even better than the first one; with shocking and angsty moments, the plot darker and more twisted, the chemistry between Mer and Tobias to die for!!! 🥵
Also I really hope that other couple will work out their differences and end together, I want them together!!! 🤗🥰
And more mysteries to the list, I need answers girl, like now!!! 😅
Sooo looking forward to read the next book... gaaahhhh!!!, the waiting is going to kill me, but it's so worth it!!! 😍❤️

[Lauren Loubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment in the Covrn of Shadows and Secrets series was even better than the first! I have a feeling it will continue to get even better.

It picks up right where Seeker of Secrets left off. Merideth is coming more into her powers, beginning to fit in with S&S and making friends. The relationship between Merideth and Tobias continues to develop ad their chemistry intensifies - she is unsure of why she feels such a strong pull to him, where Tobias is fighting the belief of what his sire suspects their relationship might be.

More adventure and chaos ensue... and that ENDING! 🤯 Bravo Ashley, I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith is a special kind of witch, one who can seek out things by her magic. So when a valuable stone is stolen, the SS Coven goes seeking knowledge of who it was stolen from. In the meantime, an evil demon prince and his hordes of followers, enter the earth domain and seek to dominate it using the stolen, but powerful, stones. Can the coven recover the stones and send back to hell the escapee before he can destroy earth and it's people's?.

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Hunted by Darkness (Coven of Shadows & Secrets #2) by Ashley McLeo through Bookfunnel.
A quest to Hell...A supernatural heist...An attack to rock the supernatural world... Two sacred stones at large that need to be retrieved and closer to home Luca, the Coven leader, needs help, he is on the brink of death after protecting Meredith from an attack. The only way to save Luca is to venture to Hell. They cannot delay either or the world might fall into madness. I enjoyed reading and definitely recommend. This book is available on Amazon

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Ashley has created a fast paced tale filled with excitement, thrills and dangerous situations that encourage you, the reader, to keep flipping the pages to find out what happens next.

Meredith Stone, the new coven seeker witch, alongside other coven members, is on the trail of the dangerous pearls, the world is in chaos (when isn't it?!) and he'll is trying to escape its underground confines! All this and an underlying will-they-won't-they feeling kept me up reading way past my bedtime 😉😊
Can't wait to get stuck into book 3!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. It was so good. As soon as I started reading it I knew that I was in for one heck of a book. This book took me away from my everyday life to another world in which I could get lost in and forget everything else. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that will keep you reading and not disappoint. This book needs to be read, no doubts about it.

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists, turns, secrets and betrayal keeps you guessing and wanting more.
Meredith, Hans, Tobias, Shay, Luca and Harper are trying to find the stolen stones to prevent disaster. Hans’ sister gives them the information they seek but Hans finds out that she is evil and working with a Prince of Hell.
Ashley doesn’t disappoint in this 2nd book and the ending of this book is jaw dropping! I need the next book like yesterday ❤️

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book is just as good as the first if not even better. Meredith and Tobias are still fighting their attraction to one another; but, Tobias is coming to the conclusion that Meredith may be his soulmate. Secrets, betrayal by a friend, battling demons--More action and depth to this book makes me want to hurry up and read the third book.

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

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets series and ends in another cliffhanger! Meredith continues to hunt the stones and goes to hell to seek a herb to help save Luca. The tension between her and Tobias continues and the slow burn romance burns brighter. The storyline developed and the villain is revealed. This book contains a unique storyline and the relationships between several characters continue to blossom. I cannot wait for the final book in the series!

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anticipating this sequel since I put the first book in the series down and it didn't disappoint. I love the dynamics going on with all the characters. Having so many POVs brought a lot of richness to the story. Ms. McLeo's world building is also on point in this story. I'll just sit here and wait impatiently for number three.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay Luca is saved all is right in the world, well not quite. When they were all split finding things for Luca and what not one of them had their secret spilled by his own sister and well that secret is not a fan favorite to Shay who’s a angel. Meredith slowly recovering more memories I can’t wait to see what else is discovered in the next book .

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic second in series.

I was sure this continuing saga could match the intensity of the first book, Seeker of Secrets, but I am happy to say I think it surpasses book one.

The plot twists, are filled with danger and suspense. The characters keep surprising me and I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series. This latest addition is incredible and grabs you from the get go! The world building continues to grow and the characters are amazing and has you rooting for them. It’s one hell of an adventure that’s exciting and enthralling and transports you to another world and The only problem is waiting for the next book to come out!!

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, fun story! Love when characters have to take trips to Hell; like the whole doom and gloom vibe and the interesting settings. Plus, a quest for some sacred magical stones; I’m all on board. Good action and adventure! Exciting danger and suspense! Likable strong characters! Cliffhanger ending though, so you’ll need to continue the series for the full story. Excited for the next one!

[Ashlee Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. It’s wonderfully written and fast paced. Easy to read and follow along with. Wonderful characters that keep you hooked. Twists and turns and secrets that will leave you reeling. Laugh out loud moments, nail biting anticipation, and lots of what just happened moments. This series is amazing!

This is a definite must read series and can’t wait for what’s to come.

[Courtney Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Darkness is book two in the Coven of Shadows and secrets. If you have not read book one you should definitely start there. I really enjoyed this book and getting to see Meredith and the coven continue on their quest. I can't wait for book three to come out!.

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

[Silvia Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Darkness is the second installment of the coven of Shadows and Secrets series. it starts with a quest to hell, it follows Meredith and her friends as the story unravels itself, ending in a cliffhanger.
For those lovers of magic this is the book for you!
I simply cannot wait to read the third book.