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Renegades of Magic #1
Shadow Wizard
Spy, manipulator, traitor… He might be her only salvation.
Lady Seliah Phel can’t escape feeling like she’s one of those fairytale princesses awakened from a long slumber—except that her life is no romantic story and there’s no happy ending in sight. Though she has her magic and she’s been rescued from the depths of madness that consumed her since adolescence, Selly finds that the years she lost aren’t so easily recovered. Everyone treats her like the child they remember. To prove something—perhaps only to herself—she’s recklessly volunteered to stave off a host of monsters with only the enigmatically alluring, cuttingly sarcastic, and probably deceitful wizard Jadren El-Adrel for company.
Jadren isn’t the heroic type. In fact, he’s not much of anything. Relentlessly groomed into a shadow of a man by his sadistic mother, he’s the perfect spy and tool, with no real will of his own. When he’s stranded in the wilderness with Seliah Phel, he figures the outcome is immaterial. Live or die, it’s all the same to him. But Seliah is a different story and she isn’t like anyone else. Though he reminds himself she’s basically a child in a woman’s body, he finds it increasingly difficult to resist her artless charms and relentless curiosity.
As their predicament goes from dire to disastrous, Jadren realizes his many failures have jeopardized Selly’s future, perhaps her very life. Far from home and trapped without resources, Selly has only Jadren to rely upon—the one person she can’t possibly trust. There seems no possibility of rescue from their friends and family back home at House Phel, so Jadren and Selly must work together to survive… if they can.
Lady Seliah Phel can’t escape feeling like she’s one of those fairytale princesses awakened from a long slumber—except that her life is no romantic story and there’s no happy ending in sight. Though she has her magic and she’s been rescued from the depths of madness that consumed her since adolescence, Selly finds that the years she lost aren’t so easily recovered. Everyone treats her like the child they remember. To prove something—perhaps only to herself—she’s recklessly volunteered to stave off a host of monsters with only the enigmatically alluring, cuttingly sarcastic, and probably deceitful wizard Jadren El-Adrel for company.
Jadren isn’t the heroic type. In fact, he’s not much of anything. Relentlessly groomed into a shadow of a man by his sadistic mother, he’s the perfect spy and tool, with no real will of his own. When he’s stranded in the wilderness with Seliah Phel, he figures the outcome is immaterial. Live or die, it’s all the same to him. But Seliah is a different story and she isn’t like anyone else. Though he reminds himself she’s basically a child in a woman’s body, he finds it increasingly difficult to resist her artless charms and relentless curiosity.
As their predicament goes from dire to disastrous, Jadren realizes his many failures have jeopardized Selly’s future, perhaps her very life. Far from home and trapped without resources, Selly has only Jadren to rely upon—the one person she can’t possibly trust. There seems no possibility of rescue from their friends and family back home at House Phel, so Jadren and Selly must work together to survive… if they can.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
99 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
101 books1,343 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 27, 2023
Reread note: you should read the Bounds of Magic trilogy before this book and the rest of the Renegades of Magic series.
Kennedy does this thing where she spends most of Grey Magic (Bounds of Magic 3) setting up the reader to dislike a particular side character… Then she makes the side character the hero of her next trilogy.
That’s a trick, and she pulls it off. Sure, Kennedy gives you hints that Jadren, our protagonist in this first book of a new spinoff trilogy from her Bounds of Magic series, had layers to be discovered; but there is no getting around that he is not likable to start. Then Kennedy uses the heroine, Seliah, to pull back those layers for us. It’s brilliant, and it sets up the romance perfectly, as well as turns the reader’s opinion of Jadren around completely by the end of the book.
Which is then the perfect set-up for Book 2, Rogue Familiar: A Dark Fantasy Romance. Bravo, Ms. Kennedy, and I can’t wait for book 2.
Kennedy does this thing where she spends most of Grey Magic (Bounds of Magic 3) setting up the reader to dislike a particular side character… Then she makes the side character the hero of her next trilogy.
That’s a trick, and she pulls it off. Sure, Kennedy gives you hints that Jadren, our protagonist in this first book of a new spinoff trilogy from her Bounds of Magic series, had layers to be discovered; but there is no getting around that he is not likable to start. Then Kennedy uses the heroine, Seliah, to pull back those layers for us. It’s brilliant, and it sets up the romance perfectly, as well as turns the reader’s opinion of Jadren around completely by the end of the book.
Which is then the perfect set-up for Book 2, Rogue Familiar: A Dark Fantasy Romance. Bravo, Ms. Kennedy, and I can’t wait for book 2.
October 13, 2022
This series that began with Dark Wizard is simply unlike any other out there. With its arrogant Wizards who can be truly vile towards their familiars I honestly didn't think it could get worse ! We knew that Jadren had been left with Sellys family as a spy but honestly finally discovering his secrets was absolutely jaw dropping. I thoroughly enjoyed this story although perhaps the romance for me wasn't as front and centre as I prefer but it certainly had me gripped. If you enjoy fabulous world building alongside pulse pounding stories then honestly this author who excels when it comes to fantasy romance should definitely go on your wish list, more please !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
September 30, 2022
Worth the wait
I love the bonds of magic series and this doesn't disappoint. The story takes a while to find it's heart but the characters are fun and the world is interesting. I'd recommend starting with bonds of magic but you can absolutely pick it up here and enjoy. I hope you do!
I love the bonds of magic series and this doesn't disappoint. The story takes a while to find it's heart but the characters are fun and the world is interesting. I'd recommend starting with bonds of magic but you can absolutely pick it up here and enjoy. I hope you do!
October 1, 2022
BUY THIS FABULOUS BOOK!!
When it comes to fantasy romance Jeffe Kennedy writing and this series has sunk it’s claws into me. Kennedy along with her world building and character development is what fantasy romance should be. Kennedy, like most great authors knows how to craft a story, a world, characters, and pull a reader into the story. She doesn’t just craft the standard sexfest, that seems to oversaturate the genre. There are scintillating sexual encounters, but those scenes don’t drive the plot, which unfortunately in this flooded book market is what seems to be the thrust of most books.
The character romance between Selly and Jarden isn’t forced; it’s actually organic within the story, which is refreshing. The banter between the two is fabulous. Selly I adored as a feral familiar, she was both strong, and vulnerable, but not broken. When it came to Jarden, his story/series arc is heartbreaking, and learning of his life in his wizard house was soul shattering.
If by now you can’t tell I adore this series then you need to reread the review. The book isn’t a stand alone as it is part of the world that starts with Dark Magic (Bonds of Magic). The story continues in Rogue Familiar coming in 2023. If you love authors like Draven, Andrews, Wilson, Jones, Bouchet, or Neill then buy this book!
When it comes to fantasy romance Jeffe Kennedy writing and this series has sunk it’s claws into me. Kennedy along with her world building and character development is what fantasy romance should be. Kennedy, like most great authors knows how to craft a story, a world, characters, and pull a reader into the story. She doesn’t just craft the standard sexfest, that seems to oversaturate the genre. There are scintillating sexual encounters, but those scenes don’t drive the plot, which unfortunately in this flooded book market is what seems to be the thrust of most books.
The character romance between Selly and Jarden isn’t forced; it’s actually organic within the story, which is refreshing. The banter between the two is fabulous. Selly I adored as a feral familiar, she was both strong, and vulnerable, but not broken. When it came to Jarden, his story/series arc is heartbreaking, and learning of his life in his wizard house was soul shattering.
If by now you can’t tell I adore this series then you need to reread the review. The book isn’t a stand alone as it is part of the world that starts with Dark Magic (Bonds of Magic). The story continues in Rogue Familiar coming in 2023. If you love authors like Draven, Andrews, Wilson, Jones, Bouchet, or Neill then buy this book!
October 12, 2022
Man, I am loving the world Jeffe Kennedy is building first in her Bonds of Magic and now Renegades of Magic series. Shadow Wizard starts off right where the first trilogy ended, with Jadren and Seliah taking the rearguard to protect the other members of House Phel after they rescue Nic, the lady of their magical house. It should be a simple matter to serve as rearguard and then rejoin the others. But things are rarely simple when it comes to the wizards and familiars of House Phel.
I flat-out loved Jadren and Seliah in this book. They are both wounded characters, but they carry their wounds in different ways. Seliah’s wounds are well known to those around her—she was driven insane by her unused magic as a familiar and is readjusting to life now that her magic has been drained and her sanity returned. Jadren’s wounds are hidden, hinted as coming from his own family House but unrevealed to others. His external signs are his sarcasm and reticence.
When you combine an innocent woman eager to learn everything she can after years of isolation due to her magical trauma and a jaded man eager to keep his secrets after years of self-isolation due to his magical trauma, you get an amazing couple. Seeing them start to realize what each can mean to the other is the heart of Shadow Wizard.
Being the first book in a trilogy, Shadow Wizard only begins to dig into the mysteries and possible changes that Jadren and Seliah can bring not only to themselves, but to their Houses. But when you’ve got a fantastic start, with characters who’ve just begun to expose their depths, you’ve got something that makes you long for more.
Kennedy is a master of fantasy romance, and her own magical powers are on full display in Shadow Wizard.
I flat-out loved Jadren and Seliah in this book. They are both wounded characters, but they carry their wounds in different ways. Seliah’s wounds are well known to those around her—she was driven insane by her unused magic as a familiar and is readjusting to life now that her magic has been drained and her sanity returned. Jadren’s wounds are hidden, hinted as coming from his own family House but unrevealed to others. His external signs are his sarcasm and reticence.
When you combine an innocent woman eager to learn everything she can after years of isolation due to her magical trauma and a jaded man eager to keep his secrets after years of self-isolation due to his magical trauma, you get an amazing couple. Seeing them start to realize what each can mean to the other is the heart of Shadow Wizard.
Being the first book in a trilogy, Shadow Wizard only begins to dig into the mysteries and possible changes that Jadren and Seliah can bring not only to themselves, but to their Houses. But when you’ve got a fantastic start, with characters who’ve just begun to expose their depths, you’ve got something that makes you long for more.
Kennedy is a master of fantasy romance, and her own magical powers are on full display in Shadow Wizard.
September 26, 2022
So good!!!
March 12, 2024
This was kind of a frustrating book. It's titled as the first in a series, but realistically, if you're starting this without having read the Bonds of Magic series you're dropped right into the middle of a story and world with zero context. Hell, it hasn't even been that long since I read Grey Magic, the last book in Bonds, but the fact that I didn't remember exactly where Jadren and Seliah finished their last scene at the end of that book meant that I started this one a little lost. I reviewed Grey Magic and complained about the abrupt ending, supposing that the idea was that this sequel series would pick up the baton and continue the story. That clearly is the case, but even now that I've finished Shadow Wizard I'm still left with more questions about the publication strategy behind all of these books. It is my whole belief that with some editing, Grey Magic and Shadow Wizard ought to be one book, with multiple POVs. The transition between them is little more than a chapter break. Bonds of Magic and Renegades of Magic should be one series. Kennedy's entire logic for separating them into separate trilogies is based on the fact that they focus on different couples, but for me personally I've seen so many different ways that multiple POVs and couples are handled across series that transitioning into new MCs other over the course of a book would strike me as much less weird than the way that the larger story arc is broken up. Because, again, these are not self-contained trilogies within the same world: you really cannot read this book without having read the first trilogy. You'd be lost.
The other big problem with Shadow Wizard is that because we don't completely fade Gabriel and Nic, the MCs from the first trilogy, they are here, but redundant. They get stuck on this incredibly draggy sideplot where they are working off of outdated information to try to locate Jadren and Seliah (the new MCs), who were still missing in action at the end of the first trilogy. So we start this book right there with Jadren and Seliah from their point of view, and continue the action forward with them for several chapters. We then jump basically backward to spend an entire chapter with Gabriel and Nic working their way through a whole strategy to recover J&S from where they believe they still are, even though we know from the narrative that they've long moved past that. It's a needle-scratch of a chapter that grinds the story progression to a halt, and this isn't really the kind of book or series where you need lots of complex threads of information to form a whole picture. It's very linear and straightforward overall.
I'm very interested in the story, world, and characters here, so although the structural issues are plentiful I am going to continue reading. But if you've come across this review as someone new to Kennedy or this series, heed my warning!
The other big problem with Shadow Wizard is that because we don't completely fade Gabriel and Nic, the MCs from the first trilogy, they are here, but redundant. They get stuck on this incredibly draggy sideplot where they are working off of outdated information to try to locate Jadren and Seliah (the new MCs), who were still missing in action at the end of the first trilogy. So we start this book right there with Jadren and Seliah from their point of view, and continue the action forward with them for several chapters. We then jump basically backward to spend an entire chapter with Gabriel and Nic working their way through a whole strategy to recover J&S from where they believe they still are, even though we know from the narrative that they've long moved past that. It's a needle-scratch of a chapter that grinds the story progression to a halt, and this isn't really the kind of book or series where you need lots of complex threads of information to form a whole picture. It's very linear and straightforward overall.
I'm very interested in the story, world, and characters here, so although the structural issues are plentiful I am going to continue reading. But if you've come across this review as someone new to Kennedy or this series, heed my warning!
November 7, 2022
The opening scenes of Shadow Wizard overlap slightly with previous book, Grey Magic, with Selly (Seliah) and Jadren helping Gabriel and Nic escape her captivity. They stay behind to deal with the magical hunters when Selly is taken captive by the brutal House Samerhill, and Jadren must use his Convocation High House upbringing to free her. Unfortunately, things go from bad to worse, when the pair ends up as guests in House El-Adrel under Jadren’s mother’s hospitality.
Shadow Wizard kicks off the much awaited sequel series to the wonderful Bonds of Magic series. The title is the first in the Renegade Magic series which continues the stories started in Bonds of Magic with Gabriel and Nic, but the focus switches to Gabriel’s younger sister, Seliah, and the wizard Jarren El-Adrel.
Both Selly and Jadren are outcasts, carrying the weight of neglect and abuse. While hers was due to ignorance and unintentional, his was conducted with horrifying intent by his mother. They are both deeply scared, but she faces the future with brightness while he is disillusioned and sardonic. He is haunted by his past, preventing him from moving forward. She is held back by her past and may be stunted emotionally, but is thirsty for knowledge and wants to move past it.
Right from the start, Jadren lusts after Selly, but he will never pursue her for a multitude of reasons. Yet, the more one-on-one time the couple spends together, the closer they get and the harder it is to turn off his desire. I liked the story best when it focuses on the couple, and I can watch each grow and develop into the person they are meant to be. They are better together because they trust and give without judgement. Their growing bond is fragile and beautiful. However, much of the book is about what happens to them, and I was reeling from the torture, implications of such, discussion of such, etc. My anger towards the people behind it sometimes overwhelmed my enjoyment of the story.
Narration: The story is primarily shared via the alternating third person POVs of Jarden and Seliah. There are some chapters also shared from Gabriel and Nic’s POVs. Using a British accent, Ms. Balm narrates the entire story with a deepish and slightly raspy voice. Overall, her performance is soothing and easy to listen to. Giving a partially-voiced reading, she adjusts the dialogue for most characters, albeit just enough to know different characters are speaking. She tends to be a little higher pitched for females, and softer and lower for males. She adjusts appropriately for mood and emotion.
Shadow Wizard is a highly emotional story. I love Seliah and Jadren together. This book is not a romance per se, as their story is not over and there is not an HEA. I loved learning more about Jadren’s unique magic and look forward to seeing the pair discover what they can do together.
My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Shadow Wizard kicks off the much awaited sequel series to the wonderful Bonds of Magic series. The title is the first in the Renegade Magic series which continues the stories started in Bonds of Magic with Gabriel and Nic, but the focus switches to Gabriel’s younger sister, Seliah, and the wizard Jarren El-Adrel.
Both Selly and Jadren are outcasts, carrying the weight of neglect and abuse. While hers was due to ignorance and unintentional, his was conducted with horrifying intent by his mother. They are both deeply scared, but she faces the future with brightness while he is disillusioned and sardonic. He is haunted by his past, preventing him from moving forward. She is held back by her past and may be stunted emotionally, but is thirsty for knowledge and wants to move past it.
Right from the start, Jadren lusts after Selly, but he will never pursue her for a multitude of reasons. Yet, the more one-on-one time the couple spends together, the closer they get and the harder it is to turn off his desire. I liked the story best when it focuses on the couple, and I can watch each grow and develop into the person they are meant to be. They are better together because they trust and give without judgement. Their growing bond is fragile and beautiful. However, much of the book is about what happens to them, and I was reeling from the torture, implications of such, discussion of such, etc. My anger towards the people behind it sometimes overwhelmed my enjoyment of the story.
Narration: The story is primarily shared via the alternating third person POVs of Jarden and Seliah. There are some chapters also shared from Gabriel and Nic’s POVs. Using a British accent, Ms. Balm narrates the entire story with a deepish and slightly raspy voice. Overall, her performance is soothing and easy to listen to. Giving a partially-voiced reading, she adjusts the dialogue for most characters, albeit just enough to know different characters are speaking. She tends to be a little higher pitched for females, and softer and lower for males. She adjusts appropriately for mood and emotion.
Shadow Wizard is a highly emotional story. I love Seliah and Jadren together. This book is not a romance per se, as their story is not over and there is not an HEA. I loved learning more about Jadren’s unique magic and look forward to seeing the pair discover what they can do together.
My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
May 1, 2023
4.25⭐️
I did not realize that this was a spin off of the Bonds of Magic Series and I had only read the 1st book, Dark Wizard, that is on me, but it does leave a bit of knowledge/information out of full understanding. It does contain huge spoilers for Bonds of Magic, so I will definitely be reading book 2, but after I finish the original series.
♥️💋A few favorite quotes:
😊..."The Phel virus, infecting us all."
🥰"Sometimes your practicality can be an annoying hindrance to my fantasies of vengeance."...
🥰"You can't trust what a man says when his heart is being carved out of his chest."
Gabriel blinked at him. "Figuratively or literally? "
Jadren only laughed. Both, he didn't say aloud.
I did not realize that this was a spin off of the Bonds of Magic Series and I had only read the 1st book, Dark Wizard, that is on me, but it does leave a bit of knowledge/information out of full understanding. It does contain huge spoilers for Bonds of Magic, so I will definitely be reading book 2, but after I finish the original series.
♥️💋A few favorite quotes:
😊..."The Phel virus, infecting us all."
🥰"Sometimes your practicality can be an annoying hindrance to my fantasies of vengeance."...
🥰"You can't trust what a man says when his heart is being carved out of his chest."
Gabriel blinked at him. "Figuratively or literally? "
Jadren only laughed. Both, he didn't say aloud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
Continuing the story of the House of Phel, even though this is book #1 in a new series.
I think people will like it better if they've read the story of Gabriel and Nic.
This is not a complete story. We have resolution of some of the issues, but it definitely leaves you wanting book #2.
Definite content warning for an abusive parent. She gives "experiment" a bad name. And our time in House of Sammiel and what they do to THEIR familiars is not really non-abusive, either.
Jadren is complicated. I think he's going to turn out to be powerful in some interesting ways. His mother has messed him up good. Salieh is powerful, but has some PTSD from her past, too. It's interesting to see how they understand each other.
I think people will like it better if they've read the story of Gabriel and Nic.
This is not a complete story. We have resolution of some of the issues, but it definitely leaves you wanting book #2.
Definite content warning for an abusive parent. She gives "experiment" a bad name. And our time in House of Sammiel and what they do to THEIR familiars is not really non-abusive, either.
Jadren is complicated. I think he's going to turn out to be powerful in some interesting ways. His mother has messed him up good. Salieh is powerful, but has some PTSD from her past, too. It's interesting to see how they understand each other.
October 3, 2022
sweet and sensual
This is a great return to Selina’s life after her sanity returns. Jadren isn’t the easiest wizard to endure. However, we get a look at his birth house, which explains much. Selina begins to mature, and I have no doubt she will be a familiar to recon with in the following story. Please write faster.
This is a great return to Selina’s life after her sanity returns. Jadren isn’t the easiest wizard to endure. However, we get a look at his birth house, which explains much. Selina begins to mature, and I have no doubt she will be a familiar to recon with in the following story. Please write faster.
June 25, 2023
Ah, Jeffe Kennedy, I can always count on you for an engaging, fun read!
I was really happy to go back to the Bonds of Magic universe, because the Gabe/Nic trilogy was some of my favorite books of 2022 (they're in love! They like each other! They work well together and they have stupid inside jokes!), and I really thought Seliah's plotline could be expanded into another story. Lo and behold, it was!
It's definitely darker than the previous trilogy -- lots of torture, body horror, and general squickiness, which doesn't bother me, but certain scenes may be a lot for some people -- and Kennedy keeps engaging with the same questions of consent/agency from the first trilogy. Now, it's not the focus of these stories, which are at their core romances, but there's enough nuance involved that you can tell she put a good amount of thought into how it would come across. You may not agree or like how she deals with it, but it worked for me, given the context.
(I do have a small quibble: a minor character is introduced who is both non-binary and ace, which is GREAT, but the way Kennedy did it felt very shoehorned in and I wish she had done so more gracefully. The inclusion is nice but I hope that character shows up more, with more organic engagement with the narrative. Like most of the same-sex relationships in these novels, it's in the background -- bring it forward! Make queer characters part of the main story!)
I was very curious about Jadren's backstory in the first trilogy, since it was very clearly implied he wasn't just an asshole noble, but YIKES ON BIKES that's a heck of an explanation. He and Seliah have a very bumpy road toward figuring out their happiness, but I'm looking forward to the ride!
I was really happy to go back to the Bonds of Magic universe, because the Gabe/Nic trilogy was some of my favorite books of 2022 (they're in love! They like each other! They work well together and they have stupid inside jokes!), and I really thought Seliah's plotline could be expanded into another story. Lo and behold, it was!
It's definitely darker than the previous trilogy -- lots of torture, body horror, and general squickiness, which doesn't bother me, but certain scenes may be a lot for some people -- and Kennedy keeps engaging with the same questions of consent/agency from the first trilogy. Now, it's not the focus of these stories, which are at their core romances, but there's enough nuance involved that you can tell she put a good amount of thought into how it would come across. You may not agree or like how she deals with it, but it worked for me, given the context.
(I do have a small quibble: a minor character is introduced who is both non-binary and ace, which is GREAT, but the way Kennedy did it felt very shoehorned in and I wish she had done so more gracefully. The inclusion is nice but I hope that character shows up more, with more organic engagement with the narrative. Like most of the same-sex relationships in these novels, it's in the background -- bring it forward! Make queer characters part of the main story!)
I was very curious about Jadren's backstory in the first trilogy, since it was very clearly implied he wasn't just an asshole noble, but YIKES ON BIKES that's a heck of an explanation. He and Seliah have a very bumpy road toward figuring out their happiness, but I'm looking forward to the ride!
February 4, 2025
Awesome writing. The H is not trusted by anyone, he's sarcastic and mean while the h is thought to be unbalanced and weak. They have a major fight to survive and he does all he can to save her. She's terrified of everything at first but she ends up being the one who saves him. Fantastic!
October 25, 2022
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Jadren is a scion of House El-Adrel, a powerful wizard family in the Convocation. He is a spy planted by his mother to infiltrate the newly restored House Phel. Jadren cannot help but like the optimists that make up the re-established wizard house, especially Seliah. He tries to ignore his growing fascination with the feral familiar. That proves difficult when they are trapped inside the horrors of Jadren’s birth house. Can Jadren protect Seliah from his mother’s evil intentions? What will he do to ensure she gets back to her brother’s house safely?
Seliah “Selly” Phel is an unbonded and untrained familiar of House Phel. She knows nothing about the Convocation, their laws, or the wizard/familiar hierarchy. Selly has spent most of her adolescence trapped in madness because of her inability to tap into her magic. She is uncertain if she can trust the snarky wizard she is stranded with. However, Selly understands that she must rely on Jadren to survive their current ordeal. Can Seliah breach Jadren’s emotional walls? And what dark secrets will she learn about the enigmatic wizard?
Jadren has been my favorite side character since his introduction in BRIGHT FAMILIAR, book two in the BONDS OF MAGIC series. I am ecstatic he is the main male lead in this new series. I have always had a fondness for snarky, cynically warped characters, and Jadren did not disappoint. I love Jadren’s satirical personality. He wields his sarcasm and sardonic wit as a protection mechanism. No one is exempt from his biting attitude. What I adore the most about Jadren is his protectiveness towards Seliah. He understands her in ways that the others fail to.
It is so great to finally see Seliah’s true personality emerge. She has spent most of the previous series locked in madness brought on by her magic. I adore Seliah’s persistence and tenaciousness. She is bravely learning how to navigate and adapt to this scary new world she belongs to. What I love the most about Seliah is her ability to stand firm against Jadren’s biting cynicism. She senses there is more to the wizard than what he allows others to see. His acerbic guidance helps Selly mature not only as a familiar but a woman too.
SHADOW WIZARD is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s new dark fantasy romance series, RENEGADES OF MAGIC, a spinoff from her BONDS OF MAGIC series. It is important to read the previous series before embarking on this story. The BONDS OF MAGIC books set up the intricacies of the author’s world, especially the unbalanced wizard and familiar hierarchy. SHADOW MAGIC picks up where GREY MAGIC, book three, leaves off. Jeffe Kennedy does a brilliant job of touching up on the important parts from the previous books and novella.
I like how the author explores the other houses in the Convocation, allowing readers to glimpse how unfairly familiars are treated. It is great reconnecting with Gabriel, Veronica, Han, Iliana, and Alise again. They all play an important role in the story, some more than the others.
SHADOW WIZARD is a gripping tale of two souls navigating the dark and twisted side of wizards and familiars. This is not a series for anyone squeamish toward abusive situations and implied torture. I cannot wait for more of Jadren and Seliah’s escapades in the next installment.
Jadren is a scion of House El-Adrel, a powerful wizard family in the Convocation. He is a spy planted by his mother to infiltrate the newly restored House Phel. Jadren cannot help but like the optimists that make up the re-established wizard house, especially Seliah. He tries to ignore his growing fascination with the feral familiar. That proves difficult when they are trapped inside the horrors of Jadren’s birth house. Can Jadren protect Seliah from his mother’s evil intentions? What will he do to ensure she gets back to her brother’s house safely?
Seliah “Selly” Phel is an unbonded and untrained familiar of House Phel. She knows nothing about the Convocation, their laws, or the wizard/familiar hierarchy. Selly has spent most of her adolescence trapped in madness because of her inability to tap into her magic. She is uncertain if she can trust the snarky wizard she is stranded with. However, Selly understands that she must rely on Jadren to survive their current ordeal. Can Seliah breach Jadren’s emotional walls? And what dark secrets will she learn about the enigmatic wizard?
Jadren has been my favorite side character since his introduction in BRIGHT FAMILIAR, book two in the BONDS OF MAGIC series. I am ecstatic he is the main male lead in this new series. I have always had a fondness for snarky, cynically warped characters, and Jadren did not disappoint. I love Jadren’s satirical personality. He wields his sarcasm and sardonic wit as a protection mechanism. No one is exempt from his biting attitude. What I adore the most about Jadren is his protectiveness towards Seliah. He understands her in ways that the others fail to.
It is so great to finally see Seliah’s true personality emerge. She has spent most of the previous series locked in madness brought on by her magic. I adore Seliah’s persistence and tenaciousness. She is bravely learning how to navigate and adapt to this scary new world she belongs to. What I love the most about Seliah is her ability to stand firm against Jadren’s biting cynicism. She senses there is more to the wizard than what he allows others to see. His acerbic guidance helps Selly mature not only as a familiar but a woman too.
SHADOW WIZARD is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s new dark fantasy romance series, RENEGADES OF MAGIC, a spinoff from her BONDS OF MAGIC series. It is important to read the previous series before embarking on this story. The BONDS OF MAGIC books set up the intricacies of the author’s world, especially the unbalanced wizard and familiar hierarchy. SHADOW MAGIC picks up where GREY MAGIC, book three, leaves off. Jeffe Kennedy does a brilliant job of touching up on the important parts from the previous books and novella.
I like how the author explores the other houses in the Convocation, allowing readers to glimpse how unfairly familiars are treated. It is great reconnecting with Gabriel, Veronica, Han, Iliana, and Alise again. They all play an important role in the story, some more than the others.
SHADOW WIZARD is a gripping tale of two souls navigating the dark and twisted side of wizards and familiars. This is not a series for anyone squeamish toward abusive situations and implied torture. I cannot wait for more of Jadren and Seliah’s escapades in the next installment.
October 14, 2022
💝💘🌋⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So blown away by this heart breaking ~ heart stopping UF tale 💓💧💔 Jeffe Kennedy was writing this series & the one before this spin off for me ~ especially! Every word spoke directly to me. All of her Fantasy books effected me exactly this way!
A tortured HEA couple ~ Wizard Jadren & Familiar Seliah ~ were epic together. All of his life ~ he suffered being tortured in the lab by his evil mother's zest for cruel experiments! The reasons why totally drove me nuts once I found out! His mother belonged in Hell!
Seliah, on the other hand, suffered in a different way! Her family thought the family was farmers, without any magic. Until her brother, Gabriel, accidentally used the family's super powerful magic of moonlight and water! And he became one of the most powerful Wizards! Saliah's powerful magic as a Familiar was also lain stagnant all her life ~ it drove her wild and feral!
Wizard Jadren was in the right place at the right time! He knew what the suffocating depths of magic-induced insanity felt like. He’d been there. He’d also risked his life to drag her out. Yes! He literally saved her life as well as her sanity!
The world building in the series was staggeringly fantastic! Reading from the beginning ~ that was Bonds of Magic Series consisted of three novels plus a novella ~ in reading order ~ was the only way to appreciate & experience all the breath taking magic of Wizard Jadren & Familiar Seliah's tale of high fantasy! This has been one of the Best UF series out there right now! Jadren & Seliah would need a Trilogy to conclude their story. However, I would absolutely need more than 3 books! More of them together, please 💝💘
Dying to read Book #2: Rogue Familiar ⚡️ Release Date: 2/23/23
Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
A tortured HEA couple ~ Wizard Jadren & Familiar Seliah ~ were epic together. All of his life ~ he suffered being tortured in the lab by his evil mother's zest for cruel experiments! The reasons why totally drove me nuts once I found out! His mother belonged in Hell!
Seliah, on the other hand, suffered in a different way! Her family thought the family was farmers, without any magic. Until her brother, Gabriel, accidentally used the family's super powerful magic of moonlight and water! And he became one of the most powerful Wizards! Saliah's powerful magic as a Familiar was also lain stagnant all her life ~ it drove her wild and feral!
Wizard Jadren was in the right place at the right time! He knew what the suffocating depths of magic-induced insanity felt like. He’d been there. He’d also risked his life to drag her out. Yes! He literally saved her life as well as her sanity!
The world building in the series was staggeringly fantastic! Reading from the beginning ~ that was Bonds of Magic Series consisted of three novels plus a novella ~ in reading order ~ was the only way to appreciate & experience all the breath taking magic of Wizard Jadren & Familiar Seliah's tale of high fantasy! This has been one of the Best UF series out there right now! Jadren & Seliah would need a Trilogy to conclude their story. However, I would absolutely need more than 3 books! More of them together, please 💝💘
Dying to read Book #2: Rogue Familiar ⚡️ Release Date: 2/23/23
Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
If she had to be bonded to him, which she’d begun to accept as an inevitability, then she wanted all of him. She’d have Jadren as a lover, if only once. He owed her that much . . .
"Seliah," Jadren called through the door, then cracked it woodier and thrust an arm inside, waggling a silky robe at her. "Clothing has arrived. Try not to destroy the robe before you can get dressed in what they brought."
Suppressing a snicker at this dry humor, she snatched the robe and put it on. Swiftly belting it, she flung the door open. "Your turn," she sang out, gesturing grandly at the bathing chamber.
Jadren eyed her warily. "Why are you so perky all of a sudden?"
Because I'm going to have really good sex later today, she thought, giving him a sly smile. "Feel good to be clean," She said aloud.
August 5, 2025
💙🖤 Shadow Wizard Review 🖤💙
Thank you so much to Jeffe Kennedy for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Shadow Wizard is a paranormal fantasy and book one in The Renegades of Magic series. For Lady Seliah being rescued and gaining her powers aren’t exactly what she expected. Tired of being treated like a child and desperate to prove herself, she signs up to fight monsters with only the reclusive outcast Jadren to rely on - but did she volunteer for more than she bargained for??
This was a fun magical read! I really enjoyed the banter between Seliah and Jadren in this story. Their chemistry was really interesting and I enjoyed seeing the development of their bond. This book had really interesting world building and magical lore that was unique. I enjoyed that this book was in the same universe as the Bonds of Magic series and the cameos from other characters was really fun
This was a wonderful five star read! A great start to a series, I adored these characters and I’m excited to see where the story goes in the future! This book had some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book was a bit of a slow burn and had a few brief scenes later, so two flames for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, great banter and unique magic, then absolutely pick this one up!!
Thank you so much to Jeffe Kennedy for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Shadow Wizard is a paranormal fantasy and book one in The Renegades of Magic series. For Lady Seliah being rescued and gaining her powers aren’t exactly what she expected. Tired of being treated like a child and desperate to prove herself, she signs up to fight monsters with only the reclusive outcast Jadren to rely on - but did she volunteer for more than she bargained for??
This was a fun magical read! I really enjoyed the banter between Seliah and Jadren in this story. Their chemistry was really interesting and I enjoyed seeing the development of their bond. This book had really interesting world building and magical lore that was unique. I enjoyed that this book was in the same universe as the Bonds of Magic series and the cameos from other characters was really fun
This was a wonderful five star read! A great start to a series, I adored these characters and I’m excited to see where the story goes in the future! This book had some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book was a bit of a slow burn and had a few brief scenes later, so two flames for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, great banter and unique magic, then absolutely pick this one up!!
January 7, 2025
Jeffe does a good job of making Jadren seem like an irredeemable asshole and then slowly making you actually like him
I never tend to like book series like this that have mini arcs of different POVs, so why do I like this one??
For starters, the previous characters are not completely abandoned. The leading characters are all made to be quite distinct from each other as well. The different pairings of characters work well too- I can easily see why someone like Nic and Jadren would hate each other. We get to see a lot more of the other High Houses and the overarching conspiracy too.
Although I loved this whole Jadren/Saliah arc, the first book wasn't as good. The Gabriel and Nic POVs were repetitive and I ended up skimming them since they just felt like filler. However, I don't feel like this issue continued on into the next 2 books. Throughout this book and next book (not including the last), Gabriel is a bit of a meathead.
But now I have to wait for the Alise/Cillian series to come out?!?!? Good thing this author has a bunch of other books to check out
I never tend to like book series like this that have mini arcs of different POVs, so why do I like this one??
For starters, the previous characters are not completely abandoned. The leading characters are all made to be quite distinct from each other as well. The different pairings of characters work well too- I can easily see why someone like Nic and Jadren would hate each other. We get to see a lot more of the other High Houses and the overarching conspiracy too.
Although I loved this whole Jadren/Saliah arc, the first book wasn't as good. The Gabriel and Nic POVs were repetitive and I ended up skimming them since they just felt like filler. However, I don't feel like this issue continued on into the next 2 books. Throughout this book and next book (not including the last), Gabriel is a bit of a meathead.
But now I have to wait for the Alise/Cillian series to come out?!?!? Good thing this author has a bunch of other books to check out
June 11, 2023
A new series, but also a direct continuation on the previous series. So def read that one first.
In that one Jedren and Seliah was left behind to protect Gabriel´s and Nic´s escape. But things went south and Jedren needs to save Seliah. Which makes things go south even further. And then they end up in hell, not literally hell, but close enough. At his mother´s house. And that house is Hell.
This world is also hell, if you are a familliar. And in the last series we saw that Seliah had gone mad from not being bonded to a wizard. Jedren is a spy (and everyone knows it), he is also an arrogant asshole, but sometimes something shines through and it shows that he has built up a tough shell.
They have an adventure together, they go through fire together, and they totally get the hots for each other.
Great narration. This is my second audio by this narrator and it works really well. I wish I had done all the books by her
In that one Jedren and Seliah was left behind to protect Gabriel´s and Nic´s escape. But things went south and Jedren needs to save Seliah. Which makes things go south even further. And then they end up in hell, not literally hell, but close enough. At his mother´s house. And that house is Hell.
This world is also hell, if you are a familliar. And in the last series we saw that Seliah had gone mad from not being bonded to a wizard. Jedren is a spy (and everyone knows it), he is also an arrogant asshole, but sometimes something shines through and it shows that he has built up a tough shell.
They have an adventure together, they go through fire together, and they totally get the hots for each other.
Great narration. This is my second audio by this narrator and it works really well. I wish I had done all the books by her
December 13, 2022
A good fantasy needs world building that will transport the reader into a world they fall in love with. This author has the handle on that.
Selly and Jadren share an adventure when they’re stuck together in the middle of nowhere. Both need to rely on the other in order to survive.
This story has that adventure but the real heart of it is the respective backstories of Selly and Jadren. Both truly heartbreaking at times but his was the stuff of nightmares and shows you that blood doesn’t matter to some families. A little slow to get into, I loved their romance and interactions. Look forward to the next book.
Selly and Jadren share an adventure when they’re stuck together in the middle of nowhere. Both need to rely on the other in order to survive.
This story has that adventure but the real heart of it is the respective backstories of Selly and Jadren. Both truly heartbreaking at times but his was the stuff of nightmares and shows you that blood doesn’t matter to some families. A little slow to get into, I loved their romance and interactions. Look forward to the next book.
October 17, 2022
I thought this was going to be less enjoyable and enthralling that the first series but thankfully I was wrong. This story stands in it own and although I HATE cliffhangers I loved how this story progressed and ended. I don't think I could have taken much more of them being hurt and brutalized but I am glad there is a Book 2. I just wish House Phel was able to get some money of of House Al-Adel. For all their time and unnecessary fight somebody should pay. Gabriel and Nic need to make their house work so they can deal with the corruption in their ranks.
July 29, 2024
So, whenever I start a Jeffe Kennedy book, I'm not immediately grabbed because the tone/writing style for me has some sort of internal association that I'm still not sure about BUT I know I will be grabbed by the worldbuilding and tension and scenarios. So idk how to rate it because it's not going on my favourites but I really really enjoy reading her books.
I love the political scheming element, I love the forced proximity, and I love the unique worldbuilding. I am a sucker for that. I largely skim the sexual content but that's maybe more of a mood thing.
I love the political scheming element, I love the forced proximity, and I love the unique worldbuilding. I am a sucker for that. I largely skim the sexual content but that's maybe more of a mood thing.
September 14, 2023
So far, the books of this author have been just meh for me. Most of the time, her books start well and then fall apart halfway through the story or by book 2. But this new series reconciles me with this author! Her narrative construction has definitely gained in quality and density and the heroes are original, well-written, sassy and witty, with a wonderful relatioship. Love it!
October 1, 2022
Fantasy romance, sequel series, with a new romantic couple. A tortured wizard hero and a just-emerged-from-magically-induced-madness familiar heroine. Lots of peril and magic and feelings... Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 22, 2023
So good
I finished this book and went right back and reread it. Jadren and Seliah are wonderful together - both broken enough to understand each other. The adventure was quite good too, and Jadren's mother makes Veronica's father look tame. I love the mix of magic, politics, and sexy times.
I finished this book and went right back and reread it. Jadren and Seliah are wonderful together - both broken enough to understand each other. The adventure was quite good too, and Jadren's mother makes Veronica's father look tame. I love the mix of magic, politics, and sexy times.
May 23, 2023
I was looking forward to their story. I enjoyed getting to know both Jadren and Shelly, and although the plot happened to them a lot, rather than them driving the plot, it travels at a decent clip and kept me interested.
Read
August 22, 2023August 22, 2023
DNF @ 6%
Soon as I started I felt like I was missing a huge chunk of information. I was. There’s a whole other series that involved these characters and this world. I didn’t care for that particular series (slavery, having sex each month to find a wizard and become their familiar).
DNF @ 6%
Soon as I started I felt like I was missing a huge chunk of information. I was. There’s a whole other series that involved these characters and this world. I didn’t care for that particular series (slavery, having sex each month to find a wizard and become their familiar).
July 27, 2024
Longest intro ever
Be prepared for this simmering slow burn to end on an unresolved note (not even a proper cliffhanger). I'm irritated by how little actually happened in this book. Luckily, I liked the MMC and MFC enough to soldier through. On to the next!
Be prepared for this simmering slow burn to end on an unresolved note (not even a proper cliffhanger). I'm irritated by how little actually happened in this book. Luckily, I liked the MMC and MFC enough to soldier through. On to the next!
December 16, 2022
Too much torture, not enough of anything enjoyable.
March 17, 2023
I really liked this book as fantasy, and I'm glad we're getting more stories from this world. The romance felt like instalust/love and I do love a hero who falls first. Will be reading the rest.
April 6, 2023
I really loved the banter and the snark between our main characters. The story is interesting, as is the setting. I liked the characters and I’m looking forward to the next book.
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