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Moongrove Academy: Wicked Spells #2
Shadow Slayer
It’s time I wise up, before I’m buried in an early grave. Avenging my friend has never seemed more difficult.
Things aren’t as they seem on campus. The killer picking off students wears a familiar face, but more sinister forces are at work while he distracts us.
I am uniquely positioned to save lives, despite being a freshman witch, as long as I can work together with three very different men. That’s so much easier said than done.
Ben, the liar, has a lot to answer for first. Dark magic continues to threaten him and his younger brother, whom he is determined to save despite the odds.
Geo struggles with what it means to be a man when he has a heart of stone. Every time he takes his gargoyle form, I fear he will set his budding emotional growth aside in the name of duty.
Phaeron fights a unique battle against corruption that could turn him against what he stands for. When he takes a professor’s position at Moongrove Library, suddenly he starts seeing me as the forbidden fruit which he craves to bite.
And somewhere in this mess, I still need to pass my classes. Maybe I can convince Phaeron to offer “extra credit.”
This is the second book in a medium burn, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers series with a strong heroine who doesn’t have to choose between her three love interests. It is recommended for mature readers.
Things aren’t as they seem on campus. The killer picking off students wears a familiar face, but more sinister forces are at work while he distracts us.
I am uniquely positioned to save lives, despite being a freshman witch, as long as I can work together with three very different men. That’s so much easier said than done.
Ben, the liar, has a lot to answer for first. Dark magic continues to threaten him and his younger brother, whom he is determined to save despite the odds.
Geo struggles with what it means to be a man when he has a heart of stone. Every time he takes his gargoyle form, I fear he will set his budding emotional growth aside in the name of duty.
Phaeron fights a unique battle against corruption that could turn him against what he stands for. When he takes a professor’s position at Moongrove Library, suddenly he starts seeing me as the forbidden fruit which he craves to bite.
And somewhere in this mess, I still need to pass my classes. Maybe I can convince Phaeron to offer “extra credit.”
This is the second book in a medium burn, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers series with a strong heroine who doesn’t have to choose between her three love interests. It is recommended for mature readers.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2023
About the author
Ella Hendricks
8 books307 followersElla Hendricks is an author of romances with dark roots and steamy twists. She loves getting lost in fantasy worlds, especially if the monsters are naughty and the lady saves the day in the end. When Ella is not writing about swoon-worthy men, she’s off collecting video game achievements. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and lives in Texas with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 19, 2025
5 🌟
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 2/5
Why Choose
Witch FMC
Fae, Witch, & Gargoyle MMCs
Magical Awakening
V|rg|n MMC
Protective J/P MMCs
Ride or ☠️ Besties
Bodyguard Romance
Friends to Lovers
Dark Academia
Complete Series
Shadow Slayer is book two in the Moongrove Academy trilogy (Wicked Spells). The books need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. As with book one, it ends on a significant cliffhanger.
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 2/5
Why Choose
Witch FMC
Fae, Witch, & Gargoyle MMCs
Magical Awakening
V|rg|n MMC
Protective J/P MMCs
Ride or ☠️ Besties
Bodyguard Romance
Friends to Lovers
Dark Academia
Complete Series
Shadow Slayer is book two in the Moongrove Academy trilogy (Wicked Spells). The books need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. As with book one, it ends on a significant cliffhanger.
May 9, 2023
I instantly fell in love with the first book in the Moongrove Academy Wicked Spells series (I mean there were witches and libraries, how could I not?) and I've been waiting for the second book for what feels like forever. Well, Shadow Slayer did not disappoint, if anything it was better than the first.
Cress is determined to become the best witch she can be so she can fight with her friends. She's incredibly determined to stand by everyone while they stand up for her. Cress is better than when she's started but she still has a little bit to go. As for her relationship with the guys, feelings are getting deeper, they are bonding and things are super steamy. Cress and the guys are forming deep relationships. Ben while he is struggling over what to do about his brother. Geo is learning more about his feelings, and learning to balance duty and passion. As for Phaeron, he is struggling and the truth about what really happened when Morgana (his ex) sealed the Hungering Darkness. So, yes the guys are supporting Cress but she's supporting them as well. It's a relationship of mutual care and respect.
The world has expanded. There were more details about the campus and I got a better understanding of the supernatural world with a closer look at these pocket dimensions. Heck, the story even takes place in one of the fae pocket dimensions. That's right people, the fae have arrived. Along with ghosts, familiars (there's an actual fair), assassins, and a slew of other things.
So never mind the terrific backdrops, the story was bomb. Cress has cemented very strong friendships within her coven. They are closer than ever, supporting her and jumping into all kinds of danger. The danger brings training sessions and more magic which was great. My favorite scenes have to be the Thanksgiving scenes. We get to know Roe's (aka mama bear's) family and it was utterly fantastic. The sense of family and togetherness was so heartwarming and it turns out Cress has a lot more support than she thought. Good thing too because the enemies are piling up on all sides and danger is everywhere. This somehow leads to the truth about not only Cress's horrific past but Ben's as well.
Holy crap! Shadow Slayers' ending blew my freaking mind and that's saying something since this book was nothing but chaos from the start. They are all f'ed. They thought they had problems before well, they've just tripled and got a lot more deadly. The ending of Shadow Slayer was all shock and horror and made me tear up. Gods, I'm gonna have to endure this cliffhanger until the next book. It's gonna be brutal.
Cress is determined to become the best witch she can be so she can fight with her friends. She's incredibly determined to stand by everyone while they stand up for her. Cress is better than when she's started but she still has a little bit to go. As for her relationship with the guys, feelings are getting deeper, they are bonding and things are super steamy. Cress and the guys are forming deep relationships. Ben while he is struggling over what to do about his brother. Geo is learning more about his feelings, and learning to balance duty and passion. As for Phaeron, he is struggling and the truth about what really happened when Morgana (his ex) sealed the Hungering Darkness. So, yes the guys are supporting Cress but she's supporting them as well. It's a relationship of mutual care and respect.
The world has expanded. There were more details about the campus and I got a better understanding of the supernatural world with a closer look at these pocket dimensions. Heck, the story even takes place in one of the fae pocket dimensions. That's right people, the fae have arrived. Along with ghosts, familiars (there's an actual fair), assassins, and a slew of other things.
So never mind the terrific backdrops, the story was bomb. Cress has cemented very strong friendships within her coven. They are closer than ever, supporting her and jumping into all kinds of danger. The danger brings training sessions and more magic which was great. My favorite scenes have to be the Thanksgiving scenes. We get to know Roe's (aka mama bear's) family and it was utterly fantastic. The sense of family and togetherness was so heartwarming and it turns out Cress has a lot more support than she thought. Good thing too because the enemies are piling up on all sides and danger is everywhere. This somehow leads to the truth about not only Cress's horrific past but Ben's as well.
Holy crap! Shadow Slayers' ending blew my freaking mind and that's saying something since this book was nothing but chaos from the start. They are all f'ed. They thought they had problems before well, they've just tripled and got a lot more deadly. The ending of Shadow Slayer was all shock and horror and made me tear up. Gods, I'm gonna have to endure this cliffhanger until the next book. It's gonna be brutal.
January 1, 2026
I would actually give this book a 3.5. I listened to it on audible and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrator, when males try to do female voices I cringe!
I was glad that in this book we got more of the snarky magical library handbook who actually has a significant job now.
We got more from her cats and got to learn more about why witches had familiars, even going to an event where some friends found theirs.
With the special powers of her shadow mate she was able to talk to her and friend and even her blood mate was able to talk to his mom and inherit her powers.
We even got some spice from her reverse harem that I’m thankful for, because I felt her blood which mate was getting too much alone time.
I was even pleased with the “mean girls” storyline once she found out about what her father did, she seems to be growing and maturing.
The changeling is a wild card I swore an oath on his true name that is not working for the autumn queen, who is evil. Yet we don’t know what was actually sworn… so we don’t know the wording he used so there could be a workaround. 🤷♀️
The book definitely has good parts… kinda predictable but it’s still fun.
This book ends on a cliffhanger after an epic fight scene so be ready for that
I was glad that in this book we got more of the snarky magical library handbook who actually has a significant job now.
We got more from her cats and got to learn more about why witches had familiars, even going to an event where some friends found theirs.
With the special powers of her shadow mate she was able to talk to her and friend and even her blood mate was able to talk to his mom and inherit her powers.
We even got some spice from her reverse harem that I’m thankful for, because I felt her blood which mate was getting too much alone time.
I was even pleased with the “mean girls” storyline once she found out about what her father did, she seems to be growing and maturing.
The changeling is a wild card I swore an oath on his true name that is not working for the autumn queen, who is evil. Yet we don’t know what was actually sworn… so we don’t know the wording he used so there could be a workaround. 🤷♀️
The book definitely has good parts… kinda predictable but it’s still fun.
This book ends on a cliffhanger after an epic fight scene so be ready for that
March 19, 2026
It's not enough that the Dark Hunger is targeting murdering students on campus and Cress is trying to master her magic, but she's trying to come to terms with being with three men, and now has family drama to contend with. She learns the truth about her birth family, their deaths, and her ancestral magic. For every revelation, a new complication arises. But Cress has more support than expected and, as the Bright Soul, may be the key to saving them all.
I like the balance of this story. For every blessing, there's a curse. Three gorgeous men. One has to discover his humanity, one must escape from a blood bond, and the other must escape from the dark corruption. Cress has her magic, but since she became a librarian witch, how will her ancestral powers work? She has the support of her coven, but now they are all at risk too. The pacing, world development, and character development are more solid than in the first book. I loved the interactions with Ro's family and the visits with the departed, and like the mystery of the changeling. The growing role of the familiars and the snarky magical library handbook continue to be among my favorite parts of the story. And the 'bad guys' are worthy opponents. Better than the first. 3.5 stars
I like the balance of this story. For every blessing, there's a curse. Three gorgeous men. One has to discover his humanity, one must escape from a blood bond, and the other must escape from the dark corruption. Cress has her magic, but since she became a librarian witch, how will her ancestral powers work? She has the support of her coven, but now they are all at risk too. The pacing, world development, and character development are more solid than in the first book. I loved the interactions with Ro's family and the visits with the departed, and like the mystery of the changeling. The growing role of the familiars and the snarky magical library handbook continue to be among my favorite parts of the story. And the 'bad guys' are worthy opponents. Better than the first. 3.5 stars
March 17, 2026
3.5 ✩ (rounded down)
i finished this book in a single sitting. it was just as good as, if not potentially a little better, than the first. the world-building continues to expand with more information about the different cultures, creatures, familiars, and magic, which makes the world feel really detailed and alive. the characters continue to prove to be so easy to connect with, and some of them genuinely feel like the kind of people you’d want as friends.
the story follows cress as she works through her feelings about ben, geo, and phaeron while also learning more about her birth family, her ancestral magic, and the truth about their deaths. at the same time, ben is fighting against garroway while facing the reality that his timeline is getting closer. the dynamic between cress and the men in her life is one of the most enjoyable parts, and the slow burn between them is both sweet and frustrating in a good way!
i finished this book in a single sitting. it was just as good as, if not potentially a little better, than the first. the world-building continues to expand with more information about the different cultures, creatures, familiars, and magic, which makes the world feel really detailed and alive. the characters continue to prove to be so easy to connect with, and some of them genuinely feel like the kind of people you’d want as friends.
the story follows cress as she works through her feelings about ben, geo, and phaeron while also learning more about her birth family, her ancestral magic, and the truth about their deaths. at the same time, ben is fighting against garroway while facing the reality that his timeline is getting closer. the dynamic between cress and the men in her life is one of the most enjoyable parts, and the slow burn between them is both sweet and frustrating in a good way!
June 18, 2023
This is an amazing book. You definitely need to the read the first one in the series to have a hope of understanding what is going on in this book. The world building with all of the different creatures and cultures is amazing and detailed. The characters are rich and inviting and you just want to make some of them your best friends. The romance is top notch it makes you swoon, sigh, steam and cry. The plot is phenomenal. The only ‘bad’ thing is this author loves cliff hangers! That’s why the unfair comment. I am fully invested in this. I want to see what happens next and now I have to wait!
May 9, 2023
Cress is still jumping in feet first being new to her witch abilities. She is learning things that they really are not teaching at her Moongrove, and all coming from a smexy dimensional. Good thing they got that whole he murdered my friend cleared up. Its going to take her friends, her men, and new allies to defeat this evil and even then it may not be enough.
This is a why choose, college age, medium spice, slow family build PNR.
This is a why choose, college age, medium spice, slow family build PNR.
February 25, 2026
Minor spoilers:
I am not sure what’s wrong with me. This is a decent read and I did finish it and will read the next book. I just really hate the you have no choice story lines. I would rather have them make a dumb mistake then have no choice story line so I did not love this book but I was so glad when Ben and Bee got free from the blood ruin. Hopefully book 3 is better and the main characters all connecting more
I am not sure what’s wrong with me. This is a decent read and I did finish it and will read the next book. I just really hate the you have no choice story lines. I would rather have them make a dumb mistake then have no choice story line so I did not love this book but I was so glad when Ben and Bee got free from the blood ruin. Hopefully book 3 is better and the main characters all connecting more
April 30, 2023
Okie I grabbed this honestly cause I'm a book HOE and love the cover I'm a visual reader if it doesn't grab my attention. I'm not intreasted, I then realize that I have not read book 1 after all... So back I go devoured it! Then book 2! Oh my lanta this is good!! I love our girl she's strong and I love love love her journey so far she has some major growth in this book and I'm excited for more!
May 17, 2023
Facing Evil . . .
We are starting to get to know the characters better as Witch Cress works with her guys, Ben (a liar), Geo (a gargoyle coping with new emotions), and Phaeron (who accepts a professor’s position at Moongrove Library), beginning to bond. Can her guys and her friends go against the evil on campus while dealing with students being killed? Are they strong enough to win?
We are starting to get to know the characters better as Witch Cress works with her guys, Ben (a liar), Geo (a gargoyle coping with new emotions), and Phaeron (who accepts a professor’s position at Moongrove Library), beginning to bond. Can her guys and her friends go against the evil on campus while dealing with students being killed? Are they strong enough to win?
May 19, 2023
Cliffhanger!
Sorry, I really hate books that do not end the story! I love series, but each volume should complete the given story!
Sadly, these cliffhangers seem designed to force me to purchase the next volume! Not going to do it!
Sorry, I really hate books that do not end the story! I love series, but each volume should complete the given story!
Sadly, these cliffhangers seem designed to force me to purchase the next volume! Not going to do it!
Read
May 28, 2023Amazing
Book 2 has been an amazing twist of story lines and adventure. The secrets coming and shocking each time. characters are still very interesting and well written. Look forward to the next book but wish we didn't have to wait for so long.
Book 2 has been an amazing twist of story lines and adventure. The secrets coming and shocking each time. characters are still very interesting and well written. Look forward to the next book but wish we didn't have to wait for so long.
October 16, 2024
Engaging and different
A dimensional, a gargoyle, and a human love and protect their witch girlfriend. Looking forward to the last book. There’s a god who’s good at destroying things too. Fun read.
A dimensional, a gargoyle, and a human love and protect their witch girlfriend. Looking forward to the last book. There’s a god who’s good at destroying things too. Fun read.
May 12, 2025
much better than book 1.
This book was much better than the first in terms of pacing and character development.
This one’s plot was structured better and as its own book leading into the big battle book rather than stilted.
This book was much better than the first in terms of pacing and character development.
This one’s plot was structured better and as its own book leading into the big battle book rather than stilted.
August 16, 2023
Ooohhh my god
I need more!!!! Cressida and her guys and their friends and allies are freaking amazing!!!! I can not wait to see what happens next!!!
I need more!!!! Cressida and her guys and their friends and allies are freaking amazing!!!! I can not wait to see what happens next!!!
September 17, 2023
Great read
I loved this book very much . Can't wait to read the next book. Oh my gosh great read it
I loved this book very much . Can't wait to read the next book. Oh my gosh great read it
October 3, 2023
Super fun!
This was a super fun little story. I like the flawed characters, and the narrative moves along nicely. Can't wait to read the next one.
This was a super fun little story. I like the flawed characters, and the narrative moves along nicely. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 18, 2024
What a trip
Better than the first. More action and interactions. Cress has come a long way in just two months. Can't wait for the next.
Better than the first. More action and interactions. Cress has come a long way in just two months. Can't wait for the next.
Read
July 22, 2024DNF
October 10, 2024
The cliffhanger
Wow, what a ride this was! So much action . World bulding, amazing plot and characters growth. Can't wait to read next book . And the cliffhanger? Whoaaaa!
Wow, what a ride this was! So much action . World bulding, amazing plot and characters growth. Can't wait to read next book . And the cliffhanger? Whoaaaa!
October 14, 2025
While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first, I am looking forward to the next book.
November 15, 2025
Enjoyable enough to finish but unlikely to seek out the last book even though it ends on a cliffhanger.
Read
December 13, 2025🟢 This is a reverse harem 🟢
January 16, 2026
OMG, this did not play out like I expected, at all. I have to get my hands on the next book after this ending. 5 stars for sure.
February 15, 2026
The story is good, but the spice is too much and so unnecessary! Hmmm, should I read book three or not 🤔
March 23, 2026
I'm new to the "why choose" genre but I really enjoyed watching all the bonds develop between our main crew. Great read.
April 8, 2026
3/5 ⭐️
Well, that took a dark turn. I liked this a bit more than the first book; the FMC is not annoying me as much 😂😂
Well, that took a dark turn. I liked this a bit more than the first book; the FMC is not annoying me as much 😂😂
September 14, 2023
This story is turning out to be amazing! Cress is working through her feelings about Ben, Geo and Phaeron. Ben is fighting against Garroway and almost certain death as his timeline draws near. Cress learns more about her birth family and ancestral magic as well as the truth of their death. And the slow burn between Cress and her men is torturous but sweet. I really am enjoying the dynamics between all of her men and how Cress is dealing with all of the turmoil in her life. I highly recommend this series and look forward to finding out how it ends in the final book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews