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The Shadow Series #2

Poisoned Shadow

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Just when I was getting a handle on my magic, my fae family drama, and an unwanted fiance, someone wants me dead. Again.Returning home is never easy, especially when you’ve lived apart from your family for eight long years and your face reminds them of your well-loved twin whose murder still haunts these halls. How can I, Becka Rowan, live up to her memory?I’d only been back home a few weeks when tragedy struck again in the form of a poisoner. I almost died. My father lies in a coma, his fate uncertain.It’s bad enough that I’m always being measured up to my beloved twin; how can I ever hope to feel safe and welcome at House Rowan with Shadow Dwellers and poisoners out to get me?The assassination attempt brings Enforcer Quinn back to House Rowan. I’m excited to be working side by side with Quinn again, solving the case together. His return gives me the opportunity to find out if the connection between us is real. I hope he feels the same draw to me as I do to him.But Quinn’s holding back; keeping things professional between us. Can I blame him? I’m still engaged to my dead twin's fiance! I need to control my magic, end my engagement, and then find a path forward with Quinn. Is that too much to ask?Assuming Quinn and I can solve the poisoning before they strike again.

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2020

50 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Candice Bundy

24 books278 followers
After lifetimes spent spinning data webs in information technology and crafting alchemy in a winery, Candice now pens tales filled with murder, magic, and romance in the paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction genres. She likes to throw fierce, clever heroines off cliffs and into the arms of heroes who stand at the ready to catch them.

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Email: candice@candicebundy.com

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews63 followers
July 6, 2020
Candice Bundy – Shadow Series Bk 2 – Poisoned Shadow – Reviewed 7/5/20 – Read 7/3/20
Becka is trying to settle in... learning how to handle the newfound gift, so many things are happening! Everything is so unsettling!!

Life has been hard on Becka Rowan, tested ungifted, now out of the blue she finds that her gift has finally graced her, after having been outcasted from the Fae community for the last 8 years. During that time, she had lost contact with her twin sister except for an occasional phone call, and then she is killed! At the funeral, the Shadow Dwellers attack House Rowan. Everyone feels sure they were behind killing Tessa, and now it looks like they want Becka dead too. Just when she found comfort with Quinn, the enforcer that was assigned to protect her, he was ordered back to the city, leaving Becka with only her wolf shifters as protectors.

Becka’s life has been tossed in the air, she is forced to work with her aunt, while learning and training to use her gifts. It seems that instead of creative, her gift is to nullify. Even still Becka is not ready to capitulate, as she won’t change her fashion style to match the families, nor will she let her hair go natural, leaving it pink makes her feel like she has some control of herself.

Complying with her father’s request of joining him for tea and their daily talks. Becka finds him on the roof, at one of the Pergolas woven with wisteria, it sure is a beautiful sight. She sees that he has poured her tea, taking a sniff, she finds it is one that she just cannot force herself to drink. While he is busy hunting for the honey, she pours her’s into his cup, then refilling her’s with water. Ah, success, he states… the honey is found, and he rejoins her. Both take a sip only to feel the immediate effects of the poison that someone had added to the tea. As she collapses, her mind goes blank…

Sometime later Becka becomes aware of things around her. The healer is near and so are the wolf shifter guards. What had happened to her? How can this be happening, why can’t they find the ones doing this after all this time? What about her father, Lord Vott? Where is he, is he ok??? And the story begins….
What did I like? I enjoy visiting the world of the Fae, shifter, and the magical realm. This is book two of the Shadow series, the first was a fast-paced and exciting book with lots of things going on. Well, Candice did not let up on the action, if possible, this one is even more exciting. The mystery goes deep and keeps you entertained on every page. Cannot say that there is a dull moment from page one to the end.

What will you like? Another chapter in Becka’s life is downright filled with action on almost every page. The deception is hiked up several notches, the intrigue draws you in and it just keeps sucking. The new beginnings are just starting and Becka is going all the way. The style that Candice has with her descriptions and details reaches out and puts you right next to all the action and mystery. She fills the air with a touch of mystical magic, fear for safety, and a touch of romance. You can hear the animals and the hiss of the mystery flowing over your fingertips. Beautifully written and edited with an enchanting storyline that will capture you immediately. Looking forward to the next book and it cannot come soon enough for me. I am sure you will feel the same way!!!!

• File Size: 2900 KB
• Print Length: 291 pages
• Publisher: Lusios Publishing, LLC (July 2, 2020)
• Publication Date: July 2, 2020
• ASIN: B089219S3L
• Genre: Psychic Thrillers, Werewolf & Shifter Thrillers, Vampire Thrillers
Profile Image for Lora Shouse.
Author 1 book32 followers
June 26, 2020
I think I liked this book better than Twinned Shadow, the first book in the Shadow Series, which was a pretty good book of its own. Lady Becka of House Rowan is now pretty much trapped in Fae territory. With few exceptions, most people there don’t seem to like her. She was originally judged to be ‘ungifted,’ which meant she didn’t exhibit any Fae magic, and exiled to life in the city in the human world. Becka had come to like life in the human world: going to college, doing her own thing, and planning on a career working to improve relations between humans and the Fae-touched. But all that changed when her twin sister, Tesse, was killed and she was recalled to the Fae territories.

Now, having been attacked by the same Shadow Dwellers who killed her sister and suddenly displayed evidence of a new and powerful gift, after all, Becka has been declared her mother’s heir and is being trained to assume that position eventually. Her mother, though she still hasn’t actually warmed up to Becka very much, is no longer ignoring her, and her aunt Astrid, who is training her in the use of her gift, is now even somewhat friendly. But her next-oldest brother, Calder still appears to hate her because she has replaced him in the line of succession to become head of the house. And most of the other members of the household, not to mention the people of other houses, are still deeply hostile. Becka’s pink hair, boho clothes, and blunt manner all strike them as rude and barbaric.

There is a lot of action in this book. Not pulse-pounding violent fighting-type action, but rather shifts in relationships and the like. The Shadow Dwellers attempt to poison her twice more. The first time Becka accidentally shares the poison with her father, who doesn’t recover as quickly as she does herself. Alain, the fiancé she has inherited from Tesse, brings in a cousin, Hanna, to serve as a relationship coach for them. Hanna is at first very friendly to Becka, but after there is an accident when Becka is testing whether her power can be used to free another Fae from a curse, and she accidentally touches Hanna, causing her to completely lose her magic, Hanna becomes very vindictive and bitter toward her. Alain shares her vindictiveness and uses the incident to break their engagement. Becka likes this, as she wants to be free to have a relationship with the enforcer, Quinn, who helped her when she first arrived in the Fae territories. But she is not as pleased when Alain’s house tries to get all the other houses to censure her and end their alliances with House Rowan because of the incident.

When eventually the enforcers discover who was doing the poisoning, Lady Becka is led to a close encounter with another Shadow Dweller, this time one who looks as if she is very powerful.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
May 10, 2021
“Poisoned Shadow” is the second instalment in “The Shadow Series” by Candice Bundy, an urban fantasy paranormal romance series featuring Becka Rowan, the ungifted half of a Fae twin sisters, who was exiled to the human world upon her birth, for her lacking of Fae powers. A human world that do not trust Fae, gifted and ungifted alike.

Unfortunately for Becka, her plans to move on by accepting an esteemed college internship, and address the issue of interspecies conflict, were abruptly cut short, by her twin sister murder and subsequent investigation in Faerie (‘Twinned Shadow’, Book 1). The half-good news is that Becka is back home with her family at House Rowan, the full-bad news is that she just barely survived a poisoning attack on the family, somebody wants her death… again. With her own father in a coma and the culprit on the lose, Becka will have to hold her ground against the unknown enemy to save House Rowan. Fortunately, Quinn is back, much to Becka’s relieve, at least him she can trust… and it gives her the opportunity to further explore their possible relation. Unfortunately, Quinn is fully investing in keeping ‘it’ very professional, but that is a problem that will have to wait, until they find the poisoner.

Candice Bundy series is very well-written, fast-paced, and action-packed, with an exceptionally well-developed world, that successfully addresses each character’s personality and the rich social interactions between them. Nevertheless, the! story is – as it should be – first of all, an urban fantasy story, designed to entertain, something it does in spades by mixing a ‘whodunnit’ plot with a romantic subplot into a very satisfying Fae related urban fantasy tale. This story is even better than the first, and I for one, cannot wait for the next 😊
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,712 reviews51 followers
July 22, 2020
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*

The ending pumped it up to a 4.5 for me. This installment takes on a different feel but still gives you the detective vibes when someone tries to poison Becka. I thought it was a little slower because it went more inward with the story. Becka's old wounds are being picked at, what she thought she was over, she clearly isn't. And then there's having whiplash from being treated like trash, to being put in the spotlight, and then scolded for not stepping into line. Gosh, that bit really got to me. It was frustrating to see her having to take back a family that wanted nothing to do with her when they didn't think they could gain anything. Like, it's such an emotional degradation to your self-esteem. And Becka dealt with a lot of that throughout the book, it was almost exhausting. I think it was a near relief when her life was in danger, at least then we'd get either humor or well-awaited spice between her and Quinn, who presents a whole other issue.

I was overall entertained but aside from it feeling a little repetitive (it was during her reflections), I really enjoyed myself. The ending most definitely sets up a super exciting new storyline and I want it so bad! Some characters are taking longer to develop but a good few changed a lot and I THINK I'm appreciative of them still being horrible but more understood...? I love that they can be so complex, and I hope this doesn't end anytime soon.
Profile Image for Kylie.
267 reviews21 followers
July 30, 2021
Poisoned Shadow picks up a little after the ending of Twinned Shadow. With Becka now a gifted fae and working to become guilded she struggles with her return to her home and family after being outcast. When Becka and her father are poisoned, Quinn returns to help find the attacker. This story has tons of action and mystery, along with lots of external and internal struggles for Becka. I had an idea who the poisoner might be from the beginning but the way the author keeps you guessing makes for a very interesting story. I found myself second guessing who it was several times. One of the parts I really enjoyed was seeing Becka's relationship with her father change. It was intriguing to see how their dynamic changed with her return and how his personality I feel shifted slightly from the first book. I was somewhat surprised by the ending and picked up Shadow Underground as soon as I finished this one. Candice Bundy does a wonderful job of capturing the readers attention and holding it to the very end.

Thank you to Story Origin for a review copy.

1,927 reviews14 followers
October 3, 2020
Becka's life was in jeopardy, she still did not control her gift and it was becoming a threat to others. Guilt, regret and mistrust weighed down on her, making her doubt her abilities to integrate with the Fae. After the last attempt on her life, the cavalry, understood as the enforcers, took the reins and valuable information came to light. Exciting and intriguing this book. Many suspects and motives, and no one to trust. With the temptation back, Becka was more convinced than before of what she wanted to be part of. Intrigue, action, strong characters, magic, betrayal, violence, strong emotions, losses and a mysterious prophecy. Although the story continues it does not end with a cliffhanger and makes us expect more of the romance between Becka and Quinn. Liked the twists and the intriguing plot where things weren't as clear cut as they seemed. Kept me intrigued following the action. Voluntarily reviewed this interesting book that I received from StoryOrigin and I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Andrea Barth-Leidinger.
417 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2021
Dipping in the world of fea and shifter there is more living in it than seems. The shadow dwellers. Up to no good it belongs to Becka and her new found gift to stand up for everything that she believes in. With the help of Quinn and the enforcers she takes charge. Will she know to find out who’s friend or foe? Will she learn to rein her forces? Will she be able to understand her gift? I read this second book in the series without knowing of the first. It’s doable, but I think it might be better to read the series in order as I am definitely going to pick up the first one before going to the third to eliminate some black holes still lingering...all in all an very enticing story which I practically read in one go even if it is not a small booklet. Enjoy your read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,473 reviews49 followers
July 21, 2020
This is book 2 in The Shadow Series it’s a supernatural detective mystery. Becka was living her life the way she wanted to until she found out that her twin sister is dead now it’s up to Becka who is the next in line for the House of Rowan she needs to learn how to use her gift, no one wants Becka there especially her brother who was next in line to take over the House of Rowan. The Shadow Dwellers poison Becka but she accidentally poisons her father who she shared it with but now he’s in a coma and it’s not looking good. There is so much going on in this story but I’m not going to get into it all, this is a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book.
127 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2020
As Becky attempts to settle into her life and powers - the fae family drama continues. Someone or something wants her dead! And then there is the fiancé ... and the Enforcer.... all leading to adventure and breathtaking excitement.
This second book continues the thrilling series and is even better than the first. Once finished, you’ll be anxious to start the next book, because you won’t want the excitement to end!
Profile Image for Jessica.
360 reviews
April 24, 2021
A great second book!

The plot thickens and we learn a bit more about our characters, the fae world this new gift! Sorry, I have a hard time remembering the main character's name with first person story. Anyone else? :)

This book also does not end on a cliffhanger but yes, I want to read more! I think I liked this book more then the first one. I'm off to the next one, I hope!
822 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2020
Becka is still adjusting to living in the far world again. But life is never easy when someone is trying to kill you. Such an amazing continuation of this series. Love this wonderful world with Becka and Quinn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
July 15, 2020
Poisoned Shadow by Candice Bundy is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number two in this amazing series that I have loved reading and can not get enough of this author. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,676 reviews36 followers
June 10, 2021
A very good sequel to the first book in the series. The drama continued to build as the story progressed. The characters are known to some extent and are still very intriguing. I can’t wait to see where this author will take these characters.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,378 reviews88 followers
May 22, 2021
This urban fantasy mystery is SO good! I really liked it.. It is smart and interesting, with a great mystery and super suspense..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,044 reviews46 followers
July 2, 2020
The death of her beloved twin left a lot of pain for the family, and left her with the fiancé of her twin, someone hunting her and other close family members, and some tangled drama

At least Quinn is back to investigate by her side. As ling as she is attached to her dead twin’s fiancé, there is little that can move forward between her and Quinn

And her pesky magic ....

It’s all a lot to try to get under control

Can she survive long enough?

Fantasy, drama and action adventure

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,712 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2021
Omg book 2 keeps the hits coming! So well written and i devoured it! I'm off to find book 3 cause I need it like yesterday!!! Amazing job
2,402 reviews13 followers
July 3, 2020
Personal and family troubles plague the main heroine as she fights an attraction as she continues to masquerade as her sister. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
May 27, 2021
This was a great addition to the series and once again Candice Bundy has done a terrific job with the characters and the continuation of the story line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
705 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2021
Book 2 of the series, i recommend you start with book 1
But so loving this series
Love the characters enjoying finding out about the world
The writing style drew me in, so who needs sleep

Now on to book 3
Profile Image for Destiny Bridwell.
1,719 reviews36 followers
August 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. We are back at Rowan House and the problem with the Shadow Dwellers. There are people trying to poison Becka. Quinn is back from the city to help her once again. She is trying to get close to him to see if things can go somewhere but he is keeping things professional since she is not engaged to her dead sister's fiancé. But that is now what Becka wants she wants Quinn. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first one. It was so full of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. The story just keeps getting better and deeper with each book. I want to see what more comes between her and Quinn. I get the impression that he feels it too.
55 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2020
Poisoned Shadow is the first book by Candice Bundy that I have read, and I have already returned to download book one. Seamlessly meshing together elements of mystery, high fantasy, urban fantasy makes this book a page-turner. I love the confidence that Becka exudes while still being able to see that her way, may not be the only way. Kudos to the author for making Quin and Becka restrain themselves during her engagement. But oh, it makes me happy when Becka is cut loose from…just kidding! You will have to read the story to find out what happens. :)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kreela.
670 reviews25 followers
July 1, 2021
"“you’re back in the world of the fae. You can no longer make up your own rules.”

Excerpt From: Candice Bundy. “Poisoned Shadow: An Urban Fantasy Supernatural Detective Mystery (The Shadow Series Book 2).” Apple Books.

Her father poisoned. Shadow walkers are trying to steal her powers. She gets poisoned. Her mother has decided who she will marry, but she is entranced by an enforcer from the House of Oak: Quinn. And despite fending off both assassination attempts and an unwanted political marriage, she must deal with the side effects of learning what her power can do, and it isn't pretty. Becka's new friend loses her powers, and Becka is demoralized by it.

To be honest, the plot may be wonderful, but there are things I don't like:
• the romance is too young-adult for me. There are longing glances, and a kiss or two. I found myself reading two novels at once just to get an adult romance in on the side. But the relationship Becka and Quinn have seems realistic otherwise.
• Fae powers are all about the money. Seriously? What your power is determines your worth to the family and dictates your job. Wow. While I grew up thinking the possibilities were endless, I realized that what I wanted to be did not match what I was capable of doing. It all came back when I realized Becka has that epiphany. Worse, her family dictates the job. Becka is steamrollered into what she does and who she marries. This is a nightmare. Although Becka ultimately receives a good job, she did not choose it.
• Spoiler: Hanna's choice to remain in the room when Becka practices was not considered Hanna's fault? Shouldn't Hanna take some responsibility for her actions?

What I like:
• Becka's wordsmithing skills are remarkable. She sounds regal every time she offers her opinion.
• Did I mention how tactful she can be? LOL.
• The plot is not derivative. Despite alternating with another story, I still kept returning to this one. It had a better plot.
• I really like the villain at the end. That woman is edgy.

Profile Image for Heather.
1,242 reviews
January 12, 2024
3.5 stars. Becka is and is in trouble, constantly. I don't like the situation with Hanna. It felt very deus ex machina. Obviously I heard her fiancé needed to be gotten rid of so she could be with Quinn, but it's still felt super railroaded and I didn't like how Hanna changed from helpful and friendly to a vindictive person so quickly. I felt like that was against her nature. she's hurt, but she's not a bitch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chris06.
608 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2025
poisoned

The House of Rowan isn’t safe for anyone.

This book jumps right back in and of course our FMC is still drawing attention to herself even though she tries her best not to.

Who can she trust?
Who is out to get her .. or better yet who isn’t?

The relationship with her mother gets better in this book … as well as with one of her aunts

And her fiancée�� got love how that works out.

Can’t wait to get to the next book .
Profile Image for Julie Bannach-Wiernik.
33 reviews
April 6, 2023
Wow!! My new favorite author!

This series just keeps getting better and better! I finished this book less than a day again cause I need to find out what happens next. I love how there is so much adventure and mystery with a bit of romance involved. Definitely recommend this you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews