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Shadowblade Academy #3
Darkness Falls
I didn’t realize what I had until my four sexy troublemakers were snatched away from me.
Demons have captured me. Now I’m losing my mind in a cell with my own flesh and blood as my prison warden. My four Glovemates were forced to flee, and I feel dreadfully alone. But I know they haven’t given up on me.
Strange things are afoot in the demon prison. My thoughts have gone wicked and violent. At night, eerie moans echo through the dark halls, besieging my senses. An attractive demon watches over me, and I’m not sure how long I can resist his advances in my weakened state.
War is stirring all around—outside the prison, inside my head. I should have never come to this glorious forest because everything I touch seems to wilt.
I worry the darkness haunting me is only the first stage in my transformation. All I can do is fight my inner demons and hope my mates get to me before it’s too late...
(DARKNESS FALLS is the third book in the Shadowblade Academy series. Darker and steamier than ever before, Coralia must battle her demons both inside and out, while falling deeper in love with her four Sunny, Quentin, Dax, and Venn.)
(Publisher’s Note: This book contains topics that may trigger some readers, including insinuations about sexual assault, capture-bonding, and brainwashing. It contains violence and explicit scenes. Please be advised.)
Demons have captured me. Now I’m losing my mind in a cell with my own flesh and blood as my prison warden. My four Glovemates were forced to flee, and I feel dreadfully alone. But I know they haven’t given up on me.
Strange things are afoot in the demon prison. My thoughts have gone wicked and violent. At night, eerie moans echo through the dark halls, besieging my senses. An attractive demon watches over me, and I’m not sure how long I can resist his advances in my weakened state.
War is stirring all around—outside the prison, inside my head. I should have never come to this glorious forest because everything I touch seems to wilt.
I worry the darkness haunting me is only the first stage in my transformation. All I can do is fight my inner demons and hope my mates get to me before it’s too late...
(DARKNESS FALLS is the third book in the Shadowblade Academy series. Darker and steamier than ever before, Coralia must battle her demons both inside and out, while falling deeper in love with her four Sunny, Quentin, Dax, and Venn.)
(Publisher’s Note: This book contains topics that may trigger some readers, including insinuations about sexual assault, capture-bonding, and brainwashing. It contains violence and explicit scenes. Please be advised.)
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2022
About the author
K.C. Kingmaker
29 books166 followersKC Kingmaker lives in San Diego and has been writing and reading fantasy and romance for years.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 13, 2022
OH THIS WAS INTENSE!
Coralia is captured at the start (technically from the cliffhanger of book two) by demons and her guys have to find a way to rescue her before it's too late and she falls into the darkness.
For a good minute there I thought Ornoth would be added to the bunch, BUT IT'S GOOD HE WASN'T, because he and Coralia are incompatible. He's just an evil demon spawn making...well, demon.
I feel so bad for Riann and all the other captives, they didn't deserve it. I hope we see Finley again, she was so cool and I think they could use her help in what's coming.
And that Bruce Kittenson twist? I WAS READY BUT I WAS ALSO NOT READY. I knew he/they would be attractive, but I was not expecting the adorable-ness related to their feelings for Charli. I just want to squish them both, they're so cute.
And can we talk about the TENTACLES??? I'M SO?? WHAT??? HELP. If Bruce was unexpected that was most definitely unexpected. But at least Coralia and Sunny finally did the deed.
Of course, we also got a cliffhanger. I'm a little less mad than last time, but still can't wait to see what will happen next.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honestly review*
Coralia is captured at the start (technically from the cliffhanger of book two) by demons and her guys have to find a way to rescue her before it's too late and she falls into the darkness.
For a good minute there I thought Ornoth would be added to the bunch, BUT IT'S GOOD HE WASN'T, because he and Coralia are incompatible. He's just an evil demon spawn making...well, demon.
I feel so bad for Riann and all the other captives, they didn't deserve it. I hope we see Finley again, she was so cool and I think they could use her help in what's coming.
And that Bruce Kittenson twist? I WAS READY BUT I WAS ALSO NOT READY. I knew he/they would be attractive, but I was not expecting the adorable-ness related to their feelings for Charli. I just want to squish them both, they're so cute.
And can we talk about the TENTACLES??? I'M SO?? WHAT??? HELP. If Bruce was unexpected that was most definitely unexpected. But at least Coralia and Sunny finally did the deed.
Of course, we also got a cliffhanger. I'm a little less mad than last time, but still can't wait to see what will happen next.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honestly review*
July 11, 2026
RH MMMM Unseelie, Vampire, Panther shifter, Mage/Bonded Mates/Multi PoV
SYNOPSIS (of 5 Book Series): The story is set in a world where there are all kinds of different supernaturals that live alongside humans. On her 21st birthday when the FC‘s (Coralie) sister disappears she is kidnapped and taken to Shadowblade Academy to train as a shadowblade. Initially only her sister was thought to have supernatural powers but it turns out the FC was just a late developer. Having never shown signs of supernatural powers the FC‘s powers have started to manifest. Initially the FC does not want to be at the academy but soon realises it is the best place to find out what happened to her sister. The series covers how the FC learns of her new powers, meets and falls for the 4 MCs who are her bonded mates and defeats the demon trying to take over the world.
HEAT LEVEL 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆🍆🍆 The heat and spice increase as the series progresses. There is no MM but some Dom elements with one of the MCs. There was plenty of spice in the later books which took over to some extent and, personally, I found it crude, too lengthy and not particularly sexy as a result.
I have no idea why I persevered with this series as it really wasn‘t good and I skimmed major sections of all the books. 3 stars was generous.
In summary I found the writing to be on the juvenile side with an FC who was supposed to be quirky and sarcastic but was just annoying and stupid and seemed to have no small ego based on absolutely nothing. There was no real relationship, world or character building which made everything superficial and there were some particularly unlikeable characters (and that wasn‘t just the bad guys). I found it hard to like any of the MCs especially Sunder and there was no romance it was just straight up sex which doesn‘t do it for me. The plot itself was boring with so many plot holes and an author who prefers to just tell you that people are great or not without bothering to provide any evidence to support or allowing the reader to reach that conclusion organically. It is never explained why the FC is suddenly lauded by all these people and heros. It would seem if you are just rude and obnoxious then you are a save the world heroine 🤷♀️
This wasn’t for me and there are more enjoyable series with better narrative and world building.
SYNOPSIS (of 5 Book Series): The story is set in a world where there are all kinds of different supernaturals that live alongside humans. On her 21st birthday when the FC‘s (Coralie) sister disappears she is kidnapped and taken to Shadowblade Academy to train as a shadowblade. Initially only her sister was thought to have supernatural powers but it turns out the FC was just a late developer. Having never shown signs of supernatural powers the FC‘s powers have started to manifest. Initially the FC does not want to be at the academy but soon realises it is the best place to find out what happened to her sister. The series covers how the FC learns of her new powers, meets and falls for the 4 MCs who are her bonded mates and defeats the demon trying to take over the world.
HEAT LEVEL 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆🍆🍆 The heat and spice increase as the series progresses. There is no MM but some Dom elements with one of the MCs. There was plenty of spice in the later books which took over to some extent and, personally, I found it crude, too lengthy and not particularly sexy as a result.
I have no idea why I persevered with this series as it really wasn‘t good and I skimmed major sections of all the books. 3 stars was generous.
In summary I found the writing to be on the juvenile side with an FC who was supposed to be quirky and sarcastic but was just annoying and stupid and seemed to have no small ego based on absolutely nothing. There was no real relationship, world or character building which made everything superficial and there were some particularly unlikeable characters (and that wasn‘t just the bad guys). I found it hard to like any of the MCs especially Sunder and there was no romance it was just straight up sex which doesn‘t do it for me. The plot itself was boring with so many plot holes and an author who prefers to just tell you that people are great or not without bothering to provide any evidence to support or allowing the reader to reach that conclusion organically. It is never explained why the FC is suddenly lauded by all these people and heros. It would seem if you are just rude and obnoxious then you are a save the world heroine 🤷♀️
This wasn’t for me and there are more enjoyable series with better narrative and world building.
October 31, 2022
The series started out with promise. Sadly, it did not perform. Coralia is kidnapped to attend an academy for assassins that is also attended by various supernaturals. For some inexplicable reason she attracts the attention of the four hottest/most skilled of the male students who also happen to be the "glovemates" of her missing sister, Myria.
The academy itself has little to do with the story. Yeah, there are a couple of mean girls and hot professors, but other than that most of the activity revolves around Coralia's horniness and the Glove's continual need to go rescue someone.
By this installment Coralia appears to be a schizophrenic sociopath. Why would you do this to your main character? I did not finish because all of the weird introspection became tedious. If someone can point out some reason I can't fathom to finish, maybe I'll give it another go.
The academy itself has little to do with the story. Yeah, there are a couple of mean girls and hot professors, but other than that most of the activity revolves around Coralia's horniness and the Glove's continual need to go rescue someone.
By this installment Coralia appears to be a schizophrenic sociopath. Why would you do this to your main character? I did not finish because all of the weird introspection became tedious. If someone can point out some reason I can't fathom to finish, maybe I'll give it another go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This book was an amazing addition to an already fantastic series!! So many twists!! I absolutely love the characters in this story 🖤 Coralia is amazing!! It’s no wonder she’s bringing in the hotties 🔥 left and right 😌 There is definitely spice 😍🌶 This book is a little darker than the last two, but I’m totally here for it. This series has been a consistent page turner for me!! Coralia has a lot to deal with in this book!! She’s been taken and her guys: Sunny, Quentin, Dax and Venn have been forced to flee. Coralia has faith that they’ll come back for her. She and her Glovemates definitely have a special bond ♥️ What a cliffhanger!! I absolutely can’t wait for Book 4!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES 💙🖤
This book was an amazing addition to an already fantastic series!! So many twists!! I absolutely love the characters in this story 🖤 Coralia is amazing!! It’s no wonder she’s bringing in the hotties 🔥 left and right 😌 There is definitely spice 😍🌶 This book is a little darker than the last two, but I’m totally here for it. This series has been a consistent page turner for me!! Coralia has a lot to deal with in this book!! She’s been taken and her guys: Sunny, Quentin, Dax and Venn have been forced to flee. Coralia has faith that they’ll come back for her. She and her Glovemates definitely have a special bond ♥️ What a cliffhanger!! I absolutely can’t wait for Book 4!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES 💙🖤
October 9, 2026
At this point, it’s a continuation of the rest of the series. The group is still fighting evil and there’s just like four different battles going on with the main female character and her glove mates.
The writing is the same it’s mediocre, but I cannot get past how the spicy scenes are written. I’m all for the name-calling and spicy scenes but this whole “daddy sunny” and “punish me daddy” and how the spicy scenes are described is just very childish and it’s driving me nuts. I am not one who doesn’t finish books so I will continue on.
The writing is the same it’s mediocre, but I cannot get past how the spicy scenes are written. I’m all for the name-calling and spicy scenes but this whole “daddy sunny” and “punish me daddy” and how the spicy scenes are described is just very childish and it’s driving me nuts. I am not one who doesn’t finish books so I will continue on.
Read
June 17, 2022So many questions!
So many questions with so many possibilities. This was an interesting continuation of the last book and it's left me wanting to know what will happen in the next adventure. I definitely want to know what secrets her mother is hiding! I look forward to see what will happen in book 4. I would absolutely recommend this series, happy reading.
So many questions with so many possibilities. This was an interesting continuation of the last book and it's left me wanting to know what will happen in the next adventure. I definitely want to know what secrets her mother is hiding! I look forward to see what will happen in book 4. I would absolutely recommend this series, happy reading.
July 27, 2022
it’s coming!
OMG! I’m surprised by so many things and then not at all by others. Coralia is well on her way to discovering so much. I know that my mouth dropped for one part of the ending but not the other. A little bit of expectation with a little bit of shock keeps you hooked! And I’m definitely fully on the line!
OMG! I’m surprised by so many things and then not at all by others. Coralia is well on her way to discovering so much. I know that my mouth dropped for one part of the ending but not the other. A little bit of expectation with a little bit of shock keeps you hooked! And I’m definitely fully on the line!
April 15, 2023
Shadowblade Academy 3: Darkness Falls
😱 OMG 😳 this book was an interesting continuation of the last book and it's left me wanting to know more of what’s going to happen next. I definitely want to know what secrets her mother is hiding! I look forward to reading book 4 as soon as I finish writing this review . I absolutely recommend this series 📚, happy reading.
😱 OMG 😳 this book was an interesting continuation of the last book and it's left me wanting to know more of what’s going to happen next. I definitely want to know what secrets her mother is hiding! I look forward to reading book 4 as soon as I finish writing this review . I absolutely recommend this series 📚, happy reading.
May 6, 2023
gahhhhh
This story just gets crazier and crazier!!!!!! I’m so engrossed in it! The characters are literally fighting for their live all the way through these books. I love it! I love how they work together and get each other through each thing. Coralia is one of the strongest FMC’s I have read about recently and she gets it done! Can’t wait to read the next one!
This story just gets crazier and crazier!!!!!! I’m so engrossed in it! The characters are literally fighting for their live all the way through these books. I love it! I love how they work together and get each other through each thing. Coralia is one of the strongest FMC’s I have read about recently and she gets it done! Can’t wait to read the next one!
December 28, 2025
I tried with this series. I really did. But ultimately, there’s absolutely zero chemistry between the FMC and her supposed mates. And honestly, at times, Coralia is annoying and immature AF. I just can’t believe she’s any sort of leader, and I don’t believe she gives a shit about any of her guys. So, I’m out at around 80% of this book and the series as a whole.
December 13, 2022
Coralia
Freeing Riann and Coralia from the leather wings, Dax's mother and some of his people are killed. Cyrus takes over his mothers' village. Back at the Academy the boys are imprisoned for leaving.
Freeing Riann and Coralia from the leather wings, Dax's mother and some of his people are killed. Cyrus takes over his mothers' village. Back at the Academy the boys are imprisoned for leaving.
April 16, 2023
Great story.
Our hero and friends Have problems to solve and mysteries to unravel.They need to learn to master their own skills first then solve the problems which effect the wider community/Love the story, hope you do,too.
Our hero and friends Have problems to solve and mysteries to unravel.They need to learn to master their own skills first then solve the problems which effect the wider community/Love the story, hope you do,too.
June 30, 2023
a juicy book 3
With a cliffhanger like that it makes it sound like thats a story for book 4 for sure.
Shadow blade academy is all sorts of entertaining and definitely not boring. It’s one thing after another with the mysteries, action and twists.
With a cliffhanger like that it makes it sound like thats a story for book 4 for sure.
Shadow blade academy is all sorts of entertaining and definitely not boring. It’s one thing after another with the mysteries, action and twists.
November 13, 2025
Engaging and entertaining
Shadowblade Academy Darkness Falls #3 by KC Kingmaker: 4 stars
Some bizarre twists and surprises in this story… somewhat OTT in some instances. Also very engaging. Looking forward to book 4.
—ptators
Shadowblade Academy Darkness Falls #3 by KC Kingmaker: 4 stars
Some bizarre twists and surprises in this story… somewhat OTT in some instances. Also very engaging. Looking forward to book 4.
—ptators
October 4, 2022
😆
I was really hoping that once she got herself back. She’d be a bit less naive acting. But guess not.
I was really hoping that once she got herself back. She’d be a bit less naive acting. But guess not.
Did Not Finish
July 8, 2026Truly just not interested in this story enough to keep going. The first two were fine, but I feel like nothing is happening
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews