Risen Shadows

The Fae Files #6

by Cecilia Dominic

A queen imprisoned.
A reluctant prince.
A realm in peril…
The second dumbest thing I ever did was to make a Fae bargain with my mother. The dumbest thing was to make another one…

Trading my freedom for Lawrence’s life seemed like a noble act, and if I wasn’t already a celebrity in Faerie, I definitely am now. The problem is that being in the asylum means I have to play by its rules, and it soon shows itself to have a twisted mind and secrets to hide.

While I’m connecting the asylum’s secrets to my past and the hidden history of Faerie, my gargoyle lover and mate Lawrence is dealing with political and family complications. I thought my mother was my greatest foe, but it turns out there’s a bigger, deadlier game afoot, and Lawrence and I are the pawns.

Can I figure out how to leverage the power of the asylum to wriggle out of the bargain I made and claim my mate and destiny? Or will I be too late to defeat the voracious soul-sucking spirits amassing in Faerie and lose my sanity, my realm, my life… and my lover?

Sometimes even a Fae princess has to agree to an impossible bargain, and sometimes she has to break the rules. Guess which one I’m going to do?

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Cecilia Dominic became a clinical psychologist because she's fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn't stop making stuff up. By day, she helps people cure their insomnia. By night, she writes fiction that keeps her readers turning pages past bedtime. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, but she prefers to be called versatile, not conflicted. Cecilia has been published in short and novel-length fiction and currently writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and the world’s cutest cat.

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book six and the finale of The Fae Files series and the main characters Reine, Queen of All Fae, and her bond mate and gargoyle, Lawrence. At the end of the last book, Reine’s twisted past came back to bite her, through her own mother’s evil and long planned plot to gain the crown for herself, which saw her having to make a FAE deal with her mother and ending up in the Fae asylum in the Dark Fae capital of Cruaidh. She has accepted a term of thirty years imprisonment in the asylum, for the freedom of Lawrence, as well as Max and Gabriel, who had gone missing and were her main aim in the last book. No one had known what had happened to them, as well as her Grey Fae father Ellerin, who had disappeared as well. Reine knew she shouldn’t have made a deal with her mother, who had never had any sign of love for her, and now she has probably lost Lawrence, who will be heart broken when he finds he can’t see her for so long and his bond to her will no doubt break, or kill him! She hasn’t really thought of that. Her quick trial showed her just exactly who was against her and how deep the plots had gone. Her supposed Council of Three that she had trusted to rule in her absence back in the Earth realm and in the Aerie, have not had her best interests at heart. Reine finds herself in a separate part of the asylum, built as an exact replica of her childhood rooms, designed by her mother Maeve! The head healer wants to see her medicated like her former nanny, but Reine has to show she can keep her mind, even though the dark fae lands make her ill and it would be all too easy to go insane. The spooky lake out in the grounds scares her as she can’t see the bottom and can imagine all sorts of creatures coming out to get her.

Meanwhile Lawrence has to decide if he is going to accept his position as Crown Prince of the gargoyles, as his mother and many of the village want him to. His half-brother and sister, Micha and Minerva, certainly have no wish to take such a role! Grimalkin, Sir Raleigh, has turned up in Aerie to accompany Lawrence, which helps comfort him as he misses Reine being around. He has got Barton and Dr Eath working on making him some breathing apparatus, so he can go to Faerie and rescue Reine, at least that is his plan! Reine has found there are secrets within the asylum and some areas that even the healer hasn’t ever explored. She soon finds her way into a secret library that brings news of prophecy that the Great Rising, which is happening a thousand years earlier than it should and making revenants attack anything in their path, will bring all of Faerie under one queen, with the exact markers Reine herself has. Part Light Fae, part Grey Fae, and part Dark Fae, with a gargoyle consort, bringing the gargoyles back into Faerie as they used to be! If Reine doesn’t make some huge sacrifices then all of Faerie could be destroyed. She needs to work out how to stop the revenants and use the spell she finds to restore Faerie to allow gargoyles to return. But it isn’t quite as easy as all that, as parts of the spell are in each part of the original Faerie, one in the capital of the light and one in the dark. Magical mirrors will play their part in allowing Sir Raleigh to find his way back to Reine and for Lawrence and her to reconnect! But there is a much bigger game being played and they are merely pawns in something that has taken eons to come about. Sacrifices are made and leverage made of powers only those truly recognised can use and are worthy of. A very apt finale as everything comes together and right prevails. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risen Shadows is the sixth and final book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files urban fantasy series. You really need to read all of the books in this series in order since the story flows fairly seamlessly from one book to the next. This series takes place in the same world as Dominic’s Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers series and Lycanthropy Files series. It’s not necessary to read those books to enjoy this series, but if you have, you’ll enjoy seeing some familiar characters and references to past events. I love how the mythology of this world just gets richer and richer.

I love the characters in this series, and it has been so much fun to watch Reine and Lawrence’s inner and outer journeys. Along with satisfying character arcs, this book features the mystery, intrigue, and suspense common throughout the series. I loved learning more about the history of the Fae and gargoyles, as well as discovering some other creatures that inhabit this world.

The story is told in chapters alternating between Reine and Lawrence’s perspectives, which helps keep up the suspense. The momentum builds, and the second half of the book felt like a race to the finish. That’s great, except that it ended so quickly. There was a brief epilogue, but I would have liked to see the ending fleshed out a bit more given the world-changing events that occurred. It sounds like some of these characters are likely to appear in subsequent books set in this world, so I hope we’ll learn more about what happens to everyone.

Try this if you enjoy urban fantasy series with a snarky heroine, featuring many different paranormal creatures, and including a slow-burn romance.

I received a free copy from the author, and I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Katheyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Risen Shadows” is the sixth and final instalment in “The Fae Files” series by Cecilia Dominic. This is a series fully embedded in Dominic’s wider verse, which also includes the “Lycanthropy Files”, “Dream Weavers and “Truth Seekers” series. Despite of some already known characters reappearing in “The Fae Files”, the books can be read fully independently from the previous series without any detriment to the stories. The series focuses on Reine’s story, an exiled Fae princess, who tries her very best (& worst) to return home.

After successfully having confronted her past (Shadows of the Past, Book 5) and finding the links between her own past, the asylum secrets and the hidden history of Faerie, Reine is finally in her way back home, with an ever bigger target on her back. Desperate situations call for desperate measures, and Reine against her best discernment makes a path with her bigger foe, her own mother, to be protect Lawrence and herself from an even worse treat. A Fae princess must agree to impossible bargains on occasion, but... Reine might be a princess, but she also know how to break the rules.

This has been an interesting series, evolving with each new instalment, as we have followed Reine in her journey back to Faerie, through always entertaining and brand-new challenges, every ‘end’ being just a new beginning and a new chapter in Lawrence & Reine’s life. Now the journey is over, back home in Faerie with a blast.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in the Faerie asylum after making a plea bargain to save her friends, Reine must now embrace all she is to save all of Faerie. The dead are rising and are ravenous and soon all of Faerie will be destroyed. But who can Reine trust? With new allies and old foes, it’s a race against time for the Fae. And can she finally find the solution to the deadly environment for the gargoyles or will she have to lose her connection with Lawrence?

Cecilia Dominic brings her Fae Files series to a conclusion with Risen Shadows. With phenomenal world building, a strong but flawed lead character who shows tremendous growth, and compelling storytelling, this series is a jewel in the urban fantasy genre. This final book ties up the loose ends of Reine’s journey and gives our tortured couple a satisfyingly happy ending. However Ms. Dominic leaves space for side characters to have their own adventures, enticing readers to stay tuned. Until then, I will be catching up on her Lycanthropy and Truth Seekers series that exist in the same universe.

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

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is time for our heroine to pull out all the stops if she wants to save her realm and our hero. It is not going to be easy, but then our heroine doesn't exactly play by the rules.

This is book sic of the series and its conclusion. I strongly recommend starting at the beginning of the series.

This is an urban fantasy story featuring the fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting. I love the detail. The characters are also well developed with diverse personalities and agendas which sometimes go together and sometimes not. This one packs a lot into the story as everything comes together for the final act. Overall, it was a fascinating and highly engaging series and I look forward to more from this author.

Highly recommended.

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

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally, I’m not a huge fan of the last book in a series. Don’t get me wrong; I usually love them, but I think I am secretly and subconsciously angry it’s over. For some reason, I didn’t feel that with this one. Reine has been such a great character through all the books, and she’s definitely come a long way from the beginning. This very nicely wrapped everything up, and I think knowing we’ll get to see more of Reine and Lawrence in spinoff series makes me even happier. This was a great series ender, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Penny Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consider the loose ends as being tied. Throughout this series Reine was given tasks where she had to “tie up loose ends”. This leads to her learning the secrets that bring about her becoming the Queen of All Fae. Oh and Lawrence can finally breathe in Faerie. I enjoyed this last book very much. The author helped to really “tie up those loose ends” on storylines with characters throughout the book. I am going to miss these characters. That is why I was excited to read that the author plans to continue the storyline for some of the other characters. Yay!!!.

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

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this series has taken me on a wild ride. I loved every book in this series. This one was no exception. There was treachery, secrets, deceit and love. There was a lot happening in this book and I read through it rather quickly but now it's finished and I'm on the hunt for other series by this talented author.

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

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one hell of a ride and now it’s all come to a close. It’s been well paced, fun and brimming with adventure, magic, mystery and suspense. The characters have grown so much, seen so much and been through so much and this final book saw them come together to save faerie and each other. It’s been a fantastic urban fantasy series with some fantastic characters and although the ending did seem a little rushed it’s a series I did very much enjoy.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risen Shadows is the last book in The Fae Files series, and it was a great book. I enjoyed this final book. Reine and Lawrence's point of view alternates between each chapter, which leaves the story filled with tension and intrigue. I loved this book, even though it is the last book, this story kept my attention.

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

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been a fun and wild ride and I've enjoyed every moment that I got to spend in this world. What a joy to be able to read all these in a row also. I loved how the series ended but I still wish there was more to this series, as I am sad to see it go. If you're reading this, you need to stop and start with the very first book in this series. It's amazing and snarky and full of irreverence. Totally fun.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risen Shadows is the sixth and final book in the Fae Files series, what an ending. If you have been following Reine and Lawrence 's story you do not want to miss this book. There is suspense, intrigue, secrets, danger, family and romance. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

we're still going strong in the Fae Files series, it had what I was hoping for in a sixth entry of this series. The characters felt like they belonged in this universe and the story worked with them. It had what I was looking for from Cecilia Dominic.

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

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risen Shadows is the sixth and final book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files urban fantasy series. You really need to read all of the books in this series in order for the best experience though they can be read as standalones if they must. It has been so much fun to watch Reine and Lawrence. Good prevails. I look forward to more from this author.

[Jo Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last one is the best.

I enjoyed this series to a degree. I did find books 2,3,4,5 were very long winded and took too long to get to the point.
I like descriptive writing but don't need every single detail repeating over and over again.

I will possibly read other books by this author in the future.

[Milian Glafira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wished..

... For more. The ending is messy and the whole book feels a bit hurried. Bang after bang after bang kept going, not a worthy end to a good series, I almost wish I hadn't read it.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reine is back for more trouble but this time politics are involved more then ever. And of course there is intrigue, secrets, danger, and family involved. Just a fun and entertaining read that kept me glued to the end to see what would happen and how it would end.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great wrap up to Reine and Lawrence 's story. While finishing up storylines and answering some lingering questions, it also leaves the opportunity for spin offs for other characters. This series has an overall flow, that is really easy to follow. This conclusion was non stop.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ast pace action, suspence, and bargains. What will Reine do to save Lawrence? Can she figure a way out of the bargain?.

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

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sixth and final installment of The Fae Files was well written and kept me entertained from start to finish thanks to the endearing characters.

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

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning installment in this wicked good story! I love love love the flow!! You need to check this one out!!.

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

[Brittany Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risen Shadows by Cecilia Dominic is a wonderful few romance. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, enjoyable and more. Risen Shadows is the sixth book in The Fea Files.

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