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Wolves of Morai #2
A Queen's Shadow
After meeting her fated mate, Kai, on the eve of her warrior trial, Isla’s life has changed forever. She’s never felt passion or love greater than what burns between them, but it comes at a cost. Thrust into the role of queen at Kai’s side, she’s caught in a deadly game of politics and power against the kingdom she once called home. And without her wolf, she’s more vulnerable than ever.
But she isn’t the only one adjusting to a new reality. In the wake of the challenge, Kai’s newfound abilities grow more harrowing, and as whispers of his gifts make their way across the continent, he finds himself at the center of the burgeoning strife. A hero, a villain, an ally, an enemy—he doesn’t care how he’s perceived as long as he can protect those he cherishes. Isla, most of all.
From the moment they met, from before the defiance of their mating bond, Isla and Kai have felt the goddess, Fate, breathing down their necks. Every step, every decision, every tragedy of their lives winding them together until, finally, they could collide. Haunted by a history both bloody and shadowed, their search for answers finally comes to an end, but the weight of the truth is greater than they ever thought possible.
But she isn’t the only one adjusting to a new reality. In the wake of the challenge, Kai’s newfound abilities grow more harrowing, and as whispers of his gifts make their way across the continent, he finds himself at the center of the burgeoning strife. A hero, a villain, an ally, an enemy—he doesn’t care how he’s perceived as long as he can protect those he cherishes. Isla, most of all.
From the moment they met, from before the defiance of their mating bond, Isla and Kai have felt the goddess, Fate, breathing down their necks. Every step, every decision, every tragedy of their lives winding them together until, finally, they could collide. Haunted by a history both bloody and shadowed, their search for answers finally comes to an end, but the weight of the truth is greater than they ever thought possible.
Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2023
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About the author
Melissa Kieran
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 8, 2023
4.5 stars. Melissa Kieran toyed with me with this book. If she wasn't edging me with sexual tension, I was stress-reading from all the heart-rending, angsty what-the-hell-is-happening-no-that-can't-be-it conflict she was building.
I couldn't put this down. Inhaled it. I adore these characters. I love this story. It was high-stakes, fast-paced and exciting, but the storytelling was clear and tight. The characters grew. The plot exploded. We have answers now, but still so many mysteries to uncover. And that ending?! I need gd smelling salts or something to revive me after that.
Read if you like:
- political intrigue
- tender, gorgeous romance
- spice
- action
- angst
- shifters, witches and fae, oh my
- CLIFFHANGERS
In fact, read it if you don't like any of that, because it's great and will probably change your mind.
The wait for Book 3 will be a long one.
Kai and Isla forever 🫶🏽
"My heart is yours. My soul is yours. And you are mine.”
“Love is a devastatingly powerful thing, For all it blooms, it destroys with even greater force.”
I couldn't put this down. Inhaled it. I adore these characters. I love this story. It was high-stakes, fast-paced and exciting, but the storytelling was clear and tight. The characters grew. The plot exploded. We have answers now, but still so many mysteries to uncover. And that ending?! I need gd smelling salts or something to revive me after that.
Read if you like:
- political intrigue
- tender, gorgeous romance
- spice
- action
- angst
- shifters, witches and fae, oh my
- CLIFFHANGERS
In fact, read it if you don't like any of that, because it's great and will probably change your mind.
The wait for Book 3 will be a long one.
Kai and Isla forever 🫶🏽
"My heart is yours. My soul is yours. And you are mine.”
“Love is a devastatingly powerful thing, For all it blooms, it destroys with even greater force.”
August 9, 2023
3.75⭐️
I adore this series and the author. I also received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here’s my honesty:
I am heavily invested in this story. I adore the characters, the world, the lore and it’s history. It’s such a wonderful twist on shifter fantasy with added fae and witches.
The mystery and intrigue around this story is great and I love that it’s very morally grey in terms of the history and who the ‘bad guy’ is.
History and lost artifacts have meant that not everyone has the full story and everyone is only doing what they think is right. So who is actually bad? And who is good? And who is just mislead?
I loved some of the spice scenes that we got here 😮💨😮💨 and that Isla still continues to be an absolute BADASS WOMAN. ❤️🔥
The tension throughout the book was obscene and the ending was great!
I rated the first book 5⭐️’s, so this sequel has obviously not delivered for me in certain areas due to the rating I’ve given it.
So let me explain the not so good stuff:
The story is there.
But the pacing and the editing left a lot to be desired.
The sentence and sequence structure was occasionally confusing. And the plotting of events was a touch… out of place?
I’m unsure if the pressure to release this so soon was the reason for its pacing issues or if maybe this just needed a really good dev edit.
Obviously being an indie author, access to these things can be difficult.
I just found that so much of this book was watching the characters run around like headless chickens - completely unsure of what was going on.
I needed them to have a little more direction and more discovery.
I needed more of the found family that was built in book one.
I will still continue with this series and support Melissa because I love the story, the characters and the world. And BOY do I want to his series to go off with a bang.
I just think this one needed a few more months to marinate. ❤️
I adore this series and the author. I also received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here’s my honesty:
I am heavily invested in this story. I adore the characters, the world, the lore and it’s history. It’s such a wonderful twist on shifter fantasy with added fae and witches.
The mystery and intrigue around this story is great and I love that it’s very morally grey in terms of the history and who the ‘bad guy’ is.
History and lost artifacts have meant that not everyone has the full story and everyone is only doing what they think is right. So who is actually bad? And who is good? And who is just mislead?
I loved some of the spice scenes that we got here 😮💨😮💨 and that Isla still continues to be an absolute BADASS WOMAN. ❤️🔥
The tension throughout the book was obscene and the ending was great!
I rated the first book 5⭐️’s, so this sequel has obviously not delivered for me in certain areas due to the rating I’ve given it.
So let me explain the not so good stuff:
The story is there.
But the pacing and the editing left a lot to be desired.
The sentence and sequence structure was occasionally confusing. And the plotting of events was a touch… out of place?
I’m unsure if the pressure to release this so soon was the reason for its pacing issues or if maybe this just needed a really good dev edit.
Obviously being an indie author, access to these things can be difficult.
I just found that so much of this book was watching the characters run around like headless chickens - completely unsure of what was going on.
I needed them to have a little more direction and more discovery.
I needed more of the found family that was built in book one.
I will still continue with this series and support Melissa because I love the story, the characters and the world. And BOY do I want to his series to go off with a bang.
I just think this one needed a few more months to marinate. ❤️
August 9, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
COMPLEX FEELINGS
I both throughly enjoyed being back in this world… & believe that with a few things amended it could have been a lot tighter in plot & pacing.
This book felt like I was rehashing the events of book one—just in a different font (which is great as a reminder in the first 20%) but it was still happening at 70% Which made it feel like I wasn’t getting any new information or progressing the plot forward, when we actually were.
With some of the sentence structure, I felt like I would trip over it when I was reading (some of the sentences are also beautiful ✨) so I believe a fresh pair of eyes looking at this before publishing could have really helped the reading experience over all.
I do actually really wish the 1.5 novella (of the dark moon) was included in THIS story. I feel like the story line would have really added to the tension & pace of the first 50% of this novel.
If that had of been included I think there could have been a good portion of the second half of this book condensed & the pacing would have felt a lot snappier & propelled us towards the climatic ending.
I felt there was a missed opportunity to bring tension between two characters, enemies to lovers to enemies again, story line that I wish was pursued more—give me the tension! When it wasn’t, I found myself disappointed.
And—I missed the found family element in this book. It was such a strong component in book one & a big highlight for me. But it fell a bit flat in this one.
There are a lot of threads that I can see are being laid, some obvious & some that have kept me guessing.
I think the ending was fantastic & looking back at things now I love how those little Easter eggs were there all along. It makes me really excited for the next instalment of the series… and SO NERVOUS & WORRIED OMG!
Overall I still love the authors world, characters & writing style. I trust that the author knows where this story is going & that she will get us there.
Although I can see she is still honing her craft & while I can pick up on the things I’ve mentioned that would have made it a tighter book overall—I still had fun reading it & will 100% be continuing the series.
Arc review
COMPLEX FEELINGS
I both throughly enjoyed being back in this world… & believe that with a few things amended it could have been a lot tighter in plot & pacing.
This book felt like I was rehashing the events of book one—just in a different font (which is great as a reminder in the first 20%) but it was still happening at 70% Which made it feel like I wasn’t getting any new information or progressing the plot forward, when we actually were.
With some of the sentence structure, I felt like I would trip over it when I was reading (some of the sentences are also beautiful ✨) so I believe a fresh pair of eyes looking at this before publishing could have really helped the reading experience over all.
I do actually really wish the 1.5 novella (of the dark moon) was included in THIS story. I feel like the story line would have really added to the tension & pace of the first 50% of this novel.
If that had of been included I think there could have been a good portion of the second half of this book condensed & the pacing would have felt a lot snappier & propelled us towards the climatic ending.
I felt there was a missed opportunity to bring tension between two characters, enemies to lovers to enemies again, story line that I wish was pursued more—give me the tension! When it wasn’t, I found myself disappointed.
And—I missed the found family element in this book. It was such a strong component in book one & a big highlight for me. But it fell a bit flat in this one.
There are a lot of threads that I can see are being laid, some obvious & some that have kept me guessing.
I think the ending was fantastic & looking back at things now I love how those little Easter eggs were there all along. It makes me really excited for the next instalment of the series… and SO NERVOUS & WORRIED OMG!
Overall I still love the authors world, characters & writing style. I trust that the author knows where this story is going & that she will get us there.
Although I can see she is still honing her craft & while I can pick up on the things I’ve mentioned that would have made it a tighter book overall—I still had fun reading it & will 100% be continuing the series.
Arc review
August 15, 2023
Somebody punch me in the face and take me back to a time where I hadn’t read the last 50 pages or fast forward me to 2024 and I have book 3 in my hands.
August 5, 2023
I love the first book, even some things that doesn’t made sense for me and I love them all.
But this book was so hard to read and finish. I felt like nothing was happening. The pacing to slow for the few days spawn the book is written in.
The spice is poor in this one, too hard to compare with the mating bond scene, but girl, half of the scenes are unfinished.
And, also the writing seems lees energetic? If that makes sense? Maybe is because i felt like nothing is happening for the 80% of the book. All was “riddles” and “detectives” without going nowhere
I skipped the description parts too many times.
You can read it, but I didn’t enjoyed as much as the first, also
I love the plot of the gods and the finish of the book was unexpected, but not thrilling or exiting? Even if the end was a bad sign for the fated mates? I mean it didn’t make me feel nothing
Dear Melissa. I’ll read anything you write. I really like Isla and Kai, I’m waiting for book 3. Take your time.
But this book was so hard to read and finish. I felt like nothing was happening. The pacing to slow for the few days spawn the book is written in.
The spice is poor in this one, too hard to compare with the mating bond scene, but girl, half of the scenes are unfinished.
And, also the writing seems lees energetic? If that makes sense? Maybe is because i felt like nothing is happening for the 80% of the book. All was “riddles” and “detectives” without going nowhere
I skipped the description parts too many times.
You can read it, but I didn’t enjoyed as much as the first, also
I love the plot of the gods and the finish of the book was unexpected, but not thrilling or exiting? Even if the end was a bad sign for the fated mates? I mean it didn’t make me feel nothing
Dear Melissa. I’ll read anything you write. I really like Isla and Kai, I’m waiting for book 3. Take your time.
July 30, 2023
5⭐️3.5🌶️
A Warrior’s Fate (Book 1) is one of my favourite shifter novels so I was incredibly excited to see A Queen’s Shadow land as an ARC in my inbox. I quickly threw my weekend plans out the window, buckled down with bulk snacks and binged this book! It was so good!
The plot REALLY thickens in A Queen’s Shadow. We see the story take twists and turns, secrets and betrayal are revealed, all layered with mysteries that you won’t see coming- or get all of the answers to. There are a lot of character developments and we see quite a bit of personal growth, but also emotional turmoil and effects on mental health.
I loved seeing more of the romance take place, the spice also really levels up in this book 🌶️😉. I swooned over Kai & Isla and their dynamic. I adore Isla as a character, I find her to be very relatable and love how multifaceted she is. And Kai. Oh ALPHA KAI. This man (alpha, shifter, ….?) 🥵. The mouth on him, the smirk, his loyalty and devotion, his strength.
Throughout the entire book my thoughts were on a constant cycle of loving this, damn boy, oh no, WHAT IS HAPPENING. On repeat. I was on the edge of my seat quite early on and let’s just say I went there quite a few times. I have quite a few theories, and didn’t get all the answers so I know I’ll be jumping on Book 3 as soon as it’s released in 2024!
A Warrior’s Fate (Book 1) is one of my favourite shifter novels so I was incredibly excited to see A Queen’s Shadow land as an ARC in my inbox. I quickly threw my weekend plans out the window, buckled down with bulk snacks and binged this book! It was so good!
The plot REALLY thickens in A Queen’s Shadow. We see the story take twists and turns, secrets and betrayal are revealed, all layered with mysteries that you won’t see coming- or get all of the answers to. There are a lot of character developments and we see quite a bit of personal growth, but also emotional turmoil and effects on mental health.
I loved seeing more of the romance take place, the spice also really levels up in this book 🌶️😉. I swooned over Kai & Isla and their dynamic. I adore Isla as a character, I find her to be very relatable and love how multifaceted she is. And Kai. Oh ALPHA KAI. This man (alpha, shifter, ….?) 🥵. The mouth on him, the smirk, his loyalty and devotion, his strength.
Throughout the entire book my thoughts were on a constant cycle of loving this, damn boy, oh no, WHAT IS HAPPENING. On repeat. I was on the edge of my seat quite early on and let’s just say I went there quite a few times. I have quite a few theories, and didn’t get all the answers so I know I’ll be jumping on Book 3 as soon as it’s released in 2024!
August 14, 2023
When I received the ARC for this book, I knew I was going to devour it. Thank you Melissa for the trust.
The first book was a 5 stars for me, everything about it was perfect. This second book I have felt that it is a "bridge book", it has explained more things about the world, the political conflict, the moral debates of the characters... but there have been no big battles or action scenes like in the first one. I feel like Melissa is saving this for the third book. The plot has revolved around the mystery that was presented to us from the first book. I must say that the end has left me with my mouth open. I didn't expect that at all. I NEED THE THIRD BOOK NOW!
About the characters, in this book we have had more POVs, which have given us very interesting scenes. Kai seemed to me the perfect combination between sexy and cute. Isla is a great protagonist, fighter, determined and very empathetic. They form a perfect combination: adorable, sexy and emplosive. Speaking of explosive things, the spicy scenes OMG!
I repeat, THE END OF THIS BOOK. Without a doubt, one of the best things. I didn't expect it at all. This ending has left me with a lot of desire to continue. I just hope my babies can have their happy ending. They deserve it.
The first book was a 5 stars for me, everything about it was perfect. This second book I have felt that it is a "bridge book", it has explained more things about the world, the political conflict, the moral debates of the characters... but there have been no big battles or action scenes like in the first one. I feel like Melissa is saving this for the third book. The plot has revolved around the mystery that was presented to us from the first book. I must say that the end has left me with my mouth open. I didn't expect that at all. I NEED THE THIRD BOOK NOW!
About the characters, in this book we have had more POVs, which have given us very interesting scenes. Kai seemed to me the perfect combination between sexy and cute. Isla is a great protagonist, fighter, determined and very empathetic. They form a perfect combination: adorable, sexy and emplosive. Speaking of explosive things, the spicy scenes OMG!
I repeat, THE END OF THIS BOOK. Without a doubt, one of the best things. I didn't expect it at all. This ending has left me with a lot of desire to continue. I just hope my babies can have their happy ending. They deserve it.
October 10, 2023
Me ha parecido que todas las piezas del tablero se han acomodado para el gran final; me ha parecido que la bravura de Isla no se e ve reflejada como en el libro anterior.
It seemed to me that all the pieces on the board had been arranged for the grand finale; It seemed to me that Isla's bravery was not reflected as in the previous book.
It seemed to me that all the pieces on the board had been arranged for the grand finale; It seemed to me that Isla's bravery was not reflected as in the previous book.
August 15, 2023
A Queen’s Shadow by Melissa Kieran is the second book in The Wolves of Morai series, a wolf shifter fantasy romance series. There was also a novella in between books on and two. *spoilers for book one* Isla is with her fated mates Kai, who also happens to the Alpha of a kingdom long seen as her family’s enemy. They are both caught in a web of political intrigue, spun even more dire by unknown forces meddling in their fates. This is a spicy book for adults only. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
The Lovely: I love love Kai and Isla, and their relationship, especially how they handle the changes thrust upon them (not just Isla becoming Luna). This is still a spicy book (and, consistent with the prior book, the spice is well written) but I loved the intimate, caring moments where they knew when the other person needed comfort.
The Mundane: The plot tension was a lot more consistent in this second book. It’s still definitely more reactionary - there’s not a singular event in the future everyone is working towards - but that makes sense for this book. The ending was astounding. I did struggle a bit with some of Raana’s chapters as they are quite ethereal (which makes sense for her) and sometimes hard to follow what she was doing & what was happening.
The Dreadful: Nada. Zip.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Recommendation: I’m honestly just sitting here stuttering and stunned by the ending. I did NOT see that coming. For me, this book was actually better than the first (although that slow burn in book one was fantastically done). I miss the characters already and it is going to be a long wait for book three in 2024. 100 percent go read the first book, the novella and then this book. Even if you’re normally more into Fae fantasy or witch fantasy, you will like this wolf shifter fantasy.
The Lovely: I love love Kai and Isla, and their relationship, especially how they handle the changes thrust upon them (not just Isla becoming Luna). This is still a spicy book (and, consistent with the prior book, the spice is well written) but I loved the intimate, caring moments where they knew when the other person needed comfort.
The Mundane: The plot tension was a lot more consistent in this second book. It’s still definitely more reactionary - there’s not a singular event in the future everyone is working towards - but that makes sense for this book. The ending was astounding. I did struggle a bit with some of Raana’s chapters as they are quite ethereal (which makes sense for her) and sometimes hard to follow what she was doing & what was happening.
The Dreadful: Nada. Zip.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Recommendation: I’m honestly just sitting here stuttering and stunned by the ending. I did NOT see that coming. For me, this book was actually better than the first (although that slow burn in book one was fantastically done). I miss the characters already and it is going to be a long wait for book three in 2024. 100 percent go read the first book, the novella and then this book. Even if you’re normally more into Fae fantasy or witch fantasy, you will like this wolf shifter fantasy.
May 1, 2024
Lo he devorado, mejor que el primero.
August 15, 2023
4⭐️
This series has quickly become one of my favourites. The characters, the plot, the romance… it’s everything!!
Isla and Kai’s relationship is passionate, secure, humorous?? Some of the things that man said had me giggling and kicking my feet. 🫦 I love male characters that bend for their girls lmao. Not only do I love the relationships in this series, but I love the characters individually as well. They’re all strong, supportive and hilarious which makes reading about them so much better.
I am also so incredibly invested in the Adrian and Raana storyline. Give me more!!!
I will say, this second instalment was a bit slower for me to get into than the first. I found it dragged on in certain chapters and it occasionally kept me from being fully invested because I would put the book down. With that being said, the direction in which this series is going scares me for the characters but I am HOOKED and I cannot wait to read the next one!!!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m in my wolf era and I am looking for my mate. ✨🌙🐺🤎
“Show the world how much I belong to you. My mate, my wife, my warrior, my queen. Every breath , every beat of my fucking heart is yours. It has been since the night I met you.” ❤️🔥
This series has quickly become one of my favourites. The characters, the plot, the romance… it’s everything!!
Isla and Kai’s relationship is passionate, secure, humorous?? Some of the things that man said had me giggling and kicking my feet. 🫦 I love male characters that bend for their girls lmao. Not only do I love the relationships in this series, but I love the characters individually as well. They’re all strong, supportive and hilarious which makes reading about them so much better.
I am also so incredibly invested in the Adrian and Raana storyline. Give me more!!!
I will say, this second instalment was a bit slower for me to get into than the first. I found it dragged on in certain chapters and it occasionally kept me from being fully invested because I would put the book down. With that being said, the direction in which this series is going scares me for the characters but I am HOOKED and I cannot wait to read the next one!!!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m in my wolf era and I am looking for my mate. ✨🌙🐺🤎
“Show the world how much I belong to you. My mate, my wife, my warrior, my queen. Every breath , every beat of my fucking heart is yours. It has been since the night I met you.” ❤️🔥
August 7, 2023
Okay so here’s the tea:
5⭐️ 3🌶️
—Melissa is a master of descriptive writing, the way she writes is so beautiful. She is particularly crafty with World-building, the characters got to travel and explore more places in this book. We become more familiar with other pack territories and how they may side in the future with the idea of war hanging over their heads. We got more information about history, lineages, more supernatural creatures that will be appearing in the future. She does such a phenomenal job writing a spooky undertone, it keeps the reader engaged and asking questions the entire time. Kai and Isla’s story is extremely unique, and you just have to love them.
—With four pov’s this was perfect for the reader to be able to keep up with what’s going on behind the scenes, yet it doesn’t give too much away since the mystery remains elusive up until the end. Which brings me to…
—THEEE ENDING, holly hell, fantastic. A Cliffhanger, that will be holding me in anticipation until book 3. We got some serious info dropped. The ending did an excellent job of tying into the questions that Kai and Isla have had since book one.
—Some reviews are saying it’s a slow build up but there’s a lot happening, why would we want to rush to the end. We’re still divulging into the world, setting the scenes, building up for a major war. Personally, I enjoyed learning about the characters enough that the writing didn’t feel like it dragged on. This was a good set up for book 2, now I am anticipating that book 3 will be extremely fast-paced with lots of war, political conflict, high stakes. That being said, I am sooo excited for book 3! Thank you Melissa for the ARC reading opportunity, she is definitely an author that everyone should watch out for!
June 13, 2024
Esp:
ESTOY ENCANTADA!!💗
Todo lo que pasó en este libro simplemente AMO, tantas cosas, tantas revelaciones, en serio NECESITO EL SIGUIENTE LIBRO YA, AHORA!😩
Amo mucho a Isla y Kai, Kai… QUE HOMBRE!!, QUIERO UNO DE ESOS POR FAVOR!! Por qué no existen?!!
Me encanta su relación, su conexión, su apoyo mutuo, (obviamente también sus momentos 🔥), son tan hermosos, y todo lo que pasó con ellos en este libro, omg, se vienen muchas cosas para ellos, no estoy lista, yo solo quiero que sean felices reinando.🥹🤍
Me encanta que este libro tenga multiple Pov, me emociona leer también a Raana y Adrien, 🥹🤍LOS AMO, lo que pasó con ellos me tiene emocionada pero también asustada jaja, pero no importa, por ahora estoy feliz, pero se que van a pasar *cosas* AAAAHHHH.😩💗
TODO LO QUE PASÓ AL FINAL?!! No estoy lista pero necesito el siguiente libro urgentemente.😩
Estos libros son mis nuevos favoritos, me encantó como escribe Melissa, estos libros son muy adictivos, tiene una historia maravillosa y unos personajes fantásticos, y también se convirtió en una de mis autoras favoritas.🥹🤍
Eng:
I'M DELIGHTED!!💗
I just LOVE everything that happened in this book, so many things, so many revelations, I seriously NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!😩
I love Isla and Kai so much🥹, Kai… WHAT A MAN!!, 🥵I WANT ONE OF THOSE PLEASE!! Why don't they exist?!! 🤧
I love their relationship, their connection, their support for each other, (obviously also their moments 🔥), they are so beautiful, and everything that happened with them in this book, omg, a lot of things are coming for them, I'm not ready, I just I want them to be happy reigning.😩
I love that this book has multiple Pov, I'm also excited to read Raana and Adrien, I LOVE THEM🥹🤍 what happened with them has me excited but also scared haha, but it doesn't matter, for now I'm happy, but I know what will happen *things* AAAAHHHH.😩
EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THE END?!! I'm not ready but I need the next book urgently.😩
These books are my new favorites, I loved how Melissa writes, these books are very addictive, it has a wonderful story and fantastic characters, and she also became one of my favorite authors.🥹🤍
- Multiple pov
- Fated mates
- Chosen one
- Star-crossed lovers
- Political intrigue
- Expanding world y lore
- Touch him/her and die
- Shadow magic
ESTOY ENCANTADA!!💗
Todo lo que pasó en este libro simplemente AMO, tantas cosas, tantas revelaciones, en serio NECESITO EL SIGUIENTE LIBRO YA, AHORA!😩
Amo mucho a Isla y Kai, Kai… QUE HOMBRE!!, QUIERO UNO DE ESOS POR FAVOR!! Por qué no existen?!!
Me encanta su relación, su conexión, su apoyo mutuo, (obviamente también sus momentos 🔥), son tan hermosos, y todo lo que pasó con ellos en este libro, omg, se vienen muchas cosas para ellos, no estoy lista, yo solo quiero que sean felices reinando.🥹🤍
Me encanta que este libro tenga multiple Pov, me emociona leer también a Raana y Adrien, 🥹🤍LOS AMO, lo que pasó con ellos me tiene emocionada pero también asustada jaja, pero no importa, por ahora estoy feliz, pero se que van a pasar *cosas* AAAAHHHH.😩💗
TODO LO QUE PASÓ AL FINAL?!! No estoy lista pero necesito el siguiente libro urgentemente.😩
Estos libros son mis nuevos favoritos, me encantó como escribe Melissa, estos libros son muy adictivos, tiene una historia maravillosa y unos personajes fantásticos, y también se convirtió en una de mis autoras favoritas.🥹🤍
Eng:
I'M DELIGHTED!!💗
I just LOVE everything that happened in this book, so many things, so many revelations, I seriously NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!😩
I love Isla and Kai so much🥹, Kai… WHAT A MAN!!, 🥵I WANT ONE OF THOSE PLEASE!! Why don't they exist?!! 🤧
I love their relationship, their connection, their support for each other, (obviously also their moments 🔥), they are so beautiful, and everything that happened with them in this book, omg, a lot of things are coming for them, I'm not ready, I just I want them to be happy reigning.😩
I love that this book has multiple Pov, I'm also excited to read Raana and Adrien, I LOVE THEM🥹🤍 what happened with them has me excited but also scared haha, but it doesn't matter, for now I'm happy, but I know what will happen *things* AAAAHHHH.😩
EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THE END?!! I'm not ready but I need the next book urgently.😩
These books are my new favorites, I loved how Melissa writes, these books are very addictive, it has a wonderful story and fantastic characters, and she also became one of my favorite authors.🥹🤍
- Multiple pov
- Fated mates
- Chosen one
- Star-crossed lovers
- Political intrigue
- Expanding world y lore
- Touch him/her and die
- Shadow magic
July 31, 2023
Ugh, Isla and Kai have my heart, I love them both so much. The romance, the angst, the spice, the fantasy world - A Queens Shadow had me in all the feels, and now the wait is on for the next installment!
'I am me because I am yours. I'm made to take you, all of you, as what you are'.
This is the second novel in the Wolves Of Morai series, and it did not disappoint. The plot, the politics, more exploration of the world, and the romance and vulnerability between Kai and Isla was perfection. I couldn't have asked for more.
If you've read the novella, Of The Dark Moon, where the focus is on Adrien and Raana, you'll be pleased to know that they have their own POV chapters, so we can follow along with their relationship after the novella.
There's mystery and adventure, fantastical creatures, fated mates and romance, found family and politics - all tied into a highly enjoyable, page turning fantasy read.
'I realised I loved him more than I feared anything else'.
Thank you to Melissa and Flying Pig PR for this copy. This review is voluntary.
'I am me because I am yours. I'm made to take you, all of you, as what you are'.
This is the second novel in the Wolves Of Morai series, and it did not disappoint. The plot, the politics, more exploration of the world, and the romance and vulnerability between Kai and Isla was perfection. I couldn't have asked for more.
If you've read the novella, Of The Dark Moon, where the focus is on Adrien and Raana, you'll be pleased to know that they have their own POV chapters, so we can follow along with their relationship after the novella.
There's mystery and adventure, fantastical creatures, fated mates and romance, found family and politics - all tied into a highly enjoyable, page turning fantasy read.
'I realised I loved him more than I feared anything else'.
Thank you to Melissa and Flying Pig PR for this copy. This review is voluntary.
September 21, 2023
Ahhh, I had no clue I'd be so into wolf shifting fantasy! Witch's, fae, and so much more I loved it!
I was a lot more interested in Adrien and Raana than Kai and Isla in this book 🤣 I'm just obsessed and need to know if they're also fated mates!!
I've read all the books in this series in less then a week I think! 10/10 would recommend to my fantasy girlies and they're also on KU! ✨️
I was a lot more interested in Adrien and Raana than Kai and Isla in this book 🤣 I'm just obsessed and need to know if they're also fated mates!!
I've read all the books in this series in less then a week I think! 10/10 would recommend to my fantasy girlies and they're also on KU! ✨️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
4.5 I loved this one so much more than the first. I have to admit I didn’t see the twist coming. Make sense though.
I am excited for the next!
I am excited for the next!
April 8, 2024
I am speechless!! The ending has me on the edge of my seat. I cannot believe I have to wait until November until I get to find out what happens!!!!
May 19, 2024
Quedé con más preguntas que respuestas 😅
Ojalá salga pronto el 3ro para no olvidarme de todo
Ojalá salga pronto el 3ro para no olvidarme de todo
January 7, 2025
Sometimes I can finish a book! The cliffhangers go crazy in these
August 5, 2023
3.6 v much a filler
October 13, 2023
I enjoyed the turn in the love story. I enjoyed the mystery of the past and I'm excited to see how they take on the future!
February 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
I adore this book. Miss Melissa you created an amazing story with developed characters (and a lot of side characters to love) and overwhelmingly well built world. It was a wonderful experience to learn how Isla and Kai navigate their new life and try to overcome many, MANY struggles and difficulties. To see new love story develop between Adrien and Raana (I’m rooting for them very very much🫶). To discover this crazy mystery which turns them from side to side, becoming more crazy in every chapter while still holding my attention captive.
I loved having many POVs and getting into different characters heads. Writing style was really great. I had no trouble connecting with anyone and every dialogue felt natural, real and not forced. We met new creatures, world is slowly expanding and magic and abilities evolve. Ending scenes and cliffhanger? Heartbreaking💔. (If they not find any other solution for future, which I strongly hope that they will as we should get 2 more book in the series.)
A phenomenal read, I can’t wait for the next part🫶
And excuse me baby bak? As a pet? So cuuuute. I’m melting with how everyone was under its charm instantly.
I adore this book. Miss Melissa you created an amazing story with developed characters (and a lot of side characters to love) and overwhelmingly well built world. It was a wonderful experience to learn how Isla and Kai navigate their new life and try to overcome many, MANY struggles and difficulties. To see new love story develop between Adrien and Raana (I’m rooting for them very very much🫶). To discover this crazy mystery which turns them from side to side, becoming more crazy in every chapter while still holding my attention captive.
I loved having many POVs and getting into different characters heads. Writing style was really great. I had no trouble connecting with anyone and every dialogue felt natural, real and not forced. We met new creatures, world is slowly expanding and magic and abilities evolve. Ending scenes and cliffhanger? Heartbreaking💔. (If they not find any other solution for future, which I strongly hope that they will as we should get 2 more book in the series.)
A phenomenal read, I can’t wait for the next part🫶
And excuse me baby bak? As a pet? So cuuuute. I’m melting with how everyone was under its charm instantly.
August 4, 2023
What do I do now?!
How can you end it like that Melissa?!
My heart has been ripped open and I was left staring at the wall trying to pull myself back together.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book, and now that I’ve finished it I don’t know what to do. What do I do with a whole year to go round and round in my brain about Kai and Isla, and where this all leads them??
I had forgotten how much I loved these characters until I was spun back into their world. Isla and Kai can be my Luna and Alpha any day!
How can you end it like that Melissa?!
My heart has been ripped open and I was left staring at the wall trying to pull myself back together.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book, and now that I’ve finished it I don’t know what to do. What do I do with a whole year to go round and round in my brain about Kai and Isla, and where this all leads them??
I had forgotten how much I loved these characters until I was spun back into their world. Isla and Kai can be my Luna and Alpha any day!
July 30, 2023
I'm on the ARC team for A Queen's Shadow and OH MY GOD. This book was absolutely fantastic! I couldn't put it down.
We pick up a few weeks after the end of the first book, preparing for Isla's coronation. This book held, twists, turns, and loop-de-loops I wasn't expecting but were foreshadowed phenomenally. We get four points of view, which normally is a lot for me, but this book NEEDED it. Instead of this feeling like more than one plot, Kieran uses the four perspectives to weave together one cohesive plot. More than once, I gasped out loud as a new twist was revealed.
I loved the higher focus on Kai and Isla's romance in this, while also allowing them to be their own people and do what they need to do. As always, my heart is breaking for these two people who just want to be together and be happy, but fate always has other plans. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment, and how everything will come together.
If you enjoy werewolves, fated mates, political intrigue, shadow mommies, found family, delicious ✨pining✨, and twists that will keep you on your toes, download this book now!
We pick up a few weeks after the end of the first book, preparing for Isla's coronation. This book held, twists, turns, and loop-de-loops I wasn't expecting but were foreshadowed phenomenally. We get four points of view, which normally is a lot for me, but this book NEEDED it. Instead of this feeling like more than one plot, Kieran uses the four perspectives to weave together one cohesive plot. More than once, I gasped out loud as a new twist was revealed.
I loved the higher focus on Kai and Isla's romance in this, while also allowing them to be their own people and do what they need to do. As always, my heart is breaking for these two people who just want to be together and be happy, but fate always has other plans. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment, and how everything will come together.
If you enjoy werewolves, fated mates, political intrigue, shadow mommies, found family, delicious ✨pining✨, and twists that will keep you on your toes, download this book now!
September 16, 2023
This book had me in a constant state of anxiety. It was that feeling of just waiting for the ball to drop. There were definitely some steamy and cute moments, but it was mainly just anxiety. I really love when books make you truly feel emotions the way this author does.
August 20, 2023
I stumbled across the first book in this series very randomly and unexpectedly. Ever since then I have been in love with this world and in love with Melissa as an author. I signed up for an ARC of this book and was very excited to read🥰
The world building in this series has always been immaculate - very detailed, yet easy to follow. With fantasy books I sometimes struggle to follow the world and can’t always imagine what places might actually look like, but with this world I have it built out so well in my head thanks to Melissa’s amazing descriptions. This book continued to deliver all of the amazing world building detail and enabled me to immerse myself deeper.
The characters in this world continue to be so incredibly likeable. I feel so connected to them all and want to be in one of their packs so badly 😫😅 I have come to the conclusion that I will read absolutely anything about Kai, Isla, Adrien and Raana - can they all please adopt me? I loved their growth as couples and individuals - the extend POVs was excellent. I also loved how characters like Ameera began to open up more in this book.
I will say that the ending was so unexpected! I really didn’t know where it was going and when Isla’s realisation became apparent it ripped my heart out😫 The end of this book really made me realise how detailed Melissa has been with all of the foreshadowing, hints and Easter eggs. Such a masterpiece!✨
The first book in this series and the Novella were 5⭐️ for me. This book as it stands at the ARC release is a 4⭐️. The element that really stopped it being a 5 for me was that there was a lot of jumping around. The actual story line didn’t flow in places and sometimes the sentence structure and writing would change half way through a chapter which made it confusing. It often felt like a lot of repeat conversations and pieces of information, sometimes going around in circles where I felt like I hadn’t learnt important ‘new’ information for quite a few chapters. The pacing at times was also slow in the sense that there felt like detailed descriptions, which Melissa is great at, wasn’t always needed to move the story along. I loveeed all of the character growth and how this was written. I also feel like something else ✨major✨ other than the ending needed to happen. For example, I expected someone a bit more ‘out there’ and closer to home with the Eli situation. I think tightening up these elements will make this book a 5 stars for me.
Side note - Melissa also writes her spicy scenes so well! And for multiple pairings. I often find some spice cringe but never in this series, 10/10 🔥🤍
I need book 3 like, yesterday. “If you fail they all fall” - no, no, no…surely not?!😅 I really hope all of these characters can find their happy ending. Melissa - I’m trusting you not to break my heart!
Whilst I eagerly wait for book 3, I will 100% be doing a re-read of the whole series so far as I miss the characters already. If anyone who enjoys fantasy (+ romance) hasn’t read this series yet … PICK IT UP!
To end this review, some of my favourite quotes:
"I am me because I am yours. I'm meant to take you, all of you, as what you are." - this will forever be one of my favourites.
Ever since the Novella in this series came out, Adrian continues to surprise me. I definitely have a soft spot for him and can’t wait to see how he is able to shape this world:
"He has taken and twisted so much of my life, hoping to mold me into a mindless monster he can control, but I won't break.”
"I love my pack, and I want my crown, but I only have a few people left. If the easy way to get those things means hurting them…then I'll fight for it."
*******
P.S - love that the matron of all witches is called Ellena. That’s my name and I rarely come across it, especially in books🤩 Also, where can I adopt a baby bak please?!🥺
The world building in this series has always been immaculate - very detailed, yet easy to follow. With fantasy books I sometimes struggle to follow the world and can’t always imagine what places might actually look like, but with this world I have it built out so well in my head thanks to Melissa’s amazing descriptions. This book continued to deliver all of the amazing world building detail and enabled me to immerse myself deeper.
The characters in this world continue to be so incredibly likeable. I feel so connected to them all and want to be in one of their packs so badly 😫😅 I have come to the conclusion that I will read absolutely anything about Kai, Isla, Adrien and Raana - can they all please adopt me? I loved their growth as couples and individuals - the extend POVs was excellent. I also loved how characters like Ameera began to open up more in this book.
I will say that the ending was so unexpected! I really didn’t know where it was going and when Isla’s realisation became apparent it ripped my heart out😫 The end of this book really made me realise how detailed Melissa has been with all of the foreshadowing, hints and Easter eggs. Such a masterpiece!✨
The first book in this series and the Novella were 5⭐️ for me. This book as it stands at the ARC release is a 4⭐️. The element that really stopped it being a 5 for me was that there was a lot of jumping around. The actual story line didn’t flow in places and sometimes the sentence structure and writing would change half way through a chapter which made it confusing. It often felt like a lot of repeat conversations and pieces of information, sometimes going around in circles where I felt like I hadn’t learnt important ‘new’ information for quite a few chapters. The pacing at times was also slow in the sense that there felt like detailed descriptions, which Melissa is great at, wasn’t always needed to move the story along. I loveeed all of the character growth and how this was written. I also feel like something else ✨major✨ other than the ending needed to happen. For example, I expected someone a bit more ‘out there’ and closer to home with the Eli situation. I think tightening up these elements will make this book a 5 stars for me.
Side note - Melissa also writes her spicy scenes so well! And for multiple pairings. I often find some spice cringe but never in this series, 10/10 🔥🤍
I need book 3 like, yesterday. “If you fail they all fall” - no, no, no…surely not?!😅 I really hope all of these characters can find their happy ending. Melissa - I’m trusting you not to break my heart!
Whilst I eagerly wait for book 3, I will 100% be doing a re-read of the whole series so far as I miss the characters already. If anyone who enjoys fantasy (+ romance) hasn’t read this series yet … PICK IT UP!
To end this review, some of my favourite quotes:
"I am me because I am yours. I'm meant to take you, all of you, as what you are." - this will forever be one of my favourites.
Ever since the Novella in this series came out, Adrian continues to surprise me. I definitely have a soft spot for him and can’t wait to see how he is able to shape this world:
"He has taken and twisted so much of my life, hoping to mold me into a mindless monster he can control, but I won't break.”
"I love my pack, and I want my crown, but I only have a few people left. If the easy way to get those things means hurting them…then I'll fight for it."
*******
P.S - love that the matron of all witches is called Ellena. That’s my name and I rarely come across it, especially in books🤩 Also, where can I adopt a baby bak please?!🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2023
4.0 Stars
First off, thank you Melissa and Flying Pig PR for the e-ARC of AQS.
As expected, I devoured it the second I got my hands on it.... and after a weekend of grief.... I picked it back up for a second time to see what little details I might have missed along the way.
I think of A Queen's shadow as the interlude to a hopefully fast paced, action-packed finale of the series. The author did a great job hinting at what's to come without giving it away, so I'm actually terrified of how it will all play out.
I got to say, it feels so good being back in this world and among its characters. I live for the moments that Kai and Isla share. I love their dynamic, the banter and their bond even more this time. Isla being a badass as usual, having to deal with the burdens of becoming a fullblown royal, healing her wolf, having a dad who acts all kinds of shady and keeping the secret about her mom from her brother while also remaining her feisty, lovable, very relatable self. And Kai, continuing to take on a world of troubles while taking care of politics, diving into Deimos' history, protecting everyone from everything and mostly himself, while also going through phases of personal horror. I mean how much can one man... well Alpha.. really take until he breaks?!!
There are some major twists, turns and revelations that really threw me for a loop. And talk about a cliffhanger for an ending! Damn, I was NOT ready!!
Apart from that, we get introduced to new characters, new creatures and explore a bit more of the territories, though the focus is still on our main two couples, with Adrien and Raana getting their POVs vowen into the story, which can be tricky to do, but Melissa did a really good job. Continuing on from reading Of the Dark Moon, I think it was a smooth transition. In my head those two have to be read together from now on. In fact, the novella seems like such a big and crucial intro for AQS, it surprised me the two weren't printed as one to begin with.
I was missing the Deimos crew getting more down time, sticking their heads together a bit more, unravelling the mystery by bouncing ideas off of each other as a family unit. That part felt a little scattered. Though I was glad everyone got their supporting character moment in AQS by interacting with Kai and Isla.
I LOVED Seb and Kai getting some bro time haha. And I don't know how to feel about the appearance and /or significance of what I'll call the „little bundle of confusion“(not spoiling it) that made this scene hilarious. I'm very curious to find out how that relates to the everything in book 3.
Overall AQS did feel like there was too little time to get the pacing sorted out before it hit the publisher. But I didn't mind it as much because for me the plotline and character development was strong enough to make it a great read.
When it comes to the writing itself, there's a lot of marvelous phrasing. So if anything, Melissa's style has become even more compelling to read and her way of weaving the atmosphere of this world together with the inner conflict of the characters living in it (while balancing the heavyness and angst with light and sweet and sometimes spicy moments) is just top notch. There was not as much spice in this book, but the scenes we got were amazing!
Besides, there is a plot here people.... so sexy time is not the main concern and that's okay.
Needless to say I'm very excited for the next and last installment of this series and all future works that Melissa puts out, because she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
I just hope she gets to take her time with it and I'm usually very impatient so it hurts me to say this, but I wholeheartedly believe an epic finale deserves not to be rushed.
First off, thank you Melissa and Flying Pig PR for the e-ARC of AQS.
As expected, I devoured it the second I got my hands on it.... and after a weekend of grief.... I picked it back up for a second time to see what little details I might have missed along the way.
I think of A Queen's shadow as the interlude to a hopefully fast paced, action-packed finale of the series. The author did a great job hinting at what's to come without giving it away, so I'm actually terrified of how it will all play out.
I got to say, it feels so good being back in this world and among its characters. I live for the moments that Kai and Isla share. I love their dynamic, the banter and their bond even more this time. Isla being a badass as usual, having to deal with the burdens of becoming a fullblown royal, healing her wolf, having a dad who acts all kinds of shady and keeping the secret about her mom from her brother while also remaining her feisty, lovable, very relatable self. And Kai, continuing to take on a world of troubles while taking care of politics, diving into Deimos' history, protecting everyone from everything and mostly himself, while also going through phases of personal horror. I mean how much can one man... well Alpha.. really take until he breaks?!!
There are some major twists, turns and revelations that really threw me for a loop. And talk about a cliffhanger for an ending! Damn, I was NOT ready!!
Apart from that, we get introduced to new characters, new creatures and explore a bit more of the territories, though the focus is still on our main two couples, with Adrien and Raana getting their POVs vowen into the story, which can be tricky to do, but Melissa did a really good job. Continuing on from reading Of the Dark Moon, I think it was a smooth transition. In my head those two have to be read together from now on. In fact, the novella seems like such a big and crucial intro for AQS, it surprised me the two weren't printed as one to begin with.
I was missing the Deimos crew getting more down time, sticking their heads together a bit more, unravelling the mystery by bouncing ideas off of each other as a family unit. That part felt a little scattered. Though I was glad everyone got their supporting character moment in AQS by interacting with Kai and Isla.
I LOVED Seb and Kai getting some bro time haha. And I don't know how to feel about the appearance and /or significance of what I'll call the „little bundle of confusion“(not spoiling it) that made this scene hilarious. I'm very curious to find out how that relates to the everything in book 3.
Overall AQS did feel like there was too little time to get the pacing sorted out before it hit the publisher. But I didn't mind it as much because for me the plotline and character development was strong enough to make it a great read.
When it comes to the writing itself, there's a lot of marvelous phrasing. So if anything, Melissa's style has become even more compelling to read and her way of weaving the atmosphere of this world together with the inner conflict of the characters living in it (while balancing the heavyness and angst with light and sweet and sometimes spicy moments) is just top notch. There was not as much spice in this book, but the scenes we got were amazing!
Besides, there is a plot here people.... so sexy time is not the main concern and that's okay.
Needless to say I'm very excited for the next and last installment of this series and all future works that Melissa puts out, because she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
I just hope she gets to take her time with it and I'm usually very impatient so it hurts me to say this, but I wholeheartedly believe an epic finale deserves not to be rushed.
August 3, 2023
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Holeeeee Shit! This author is a beast... a writing beast... an evil writing beast? She's definitely a wizard.
I might die from that cliffhanger though. I also understand why she ended the book the way she did. Unless we wanted to turn this book into a massive 1500 page manuscript, there isn't going to be a good place to end this story until it's done. Shit is getting real.
The writing is superb. Melissa Kieran manages to give us enough detail to be able to understand and visualize this world, but she doesn't give us so much detail that we get bored and skip pages.
All the characters are written beautifully, and I don't just mean the main characters. We get to meet and know everyone, even the bad guys. No one is written in black and white, even the villains view themselves as having good intentions. People are well rounded and have defined personalities. I adore all the side characters.
I can't wait to read more about the baby bak.
The spice is *chef's kiss* Spice in this series didn't start until like 57% into the first book, and since that book was over 500 pages, to me it makes the series a slow burn. It felt slow. Thankfully, we get spice immediately in this one, because the main characters are already together. I got enough spice that I didn't feel like the author was cock-blocking us, but not so much that it overwhelmed the story.
The plot and storyline were written masterfully. There are so many twists and turns...I'm not sure my poor heart can take it. There is enough suspense, and intrigue, and uncertainty that this story never gets boring.
- 📚 Book 2 of 4 in Series
- 👀 POV: Multiple, third person
- 📖 Fantasy
- ❣️ Male-Female
- 🎱 Tropes: fated mates, reluctant mates (book 1), war, political intrigue, betrayal and lies, family,
- 🧁 FMC: Luna of wolf shifter pack/Queen, warrior, stubborn, maternal, bleeding heart
- 👥 MMC: Alpha of wolf shifter pack/King, tries to shoulder everything alone, 100% devoted to his mate, cares too much for everyone
- 🌎 5/5 World-building Stars
- ⭐️ 5/5 Plot-line Stars
- 🤓 5/5 Character Development Stars
- 🍒 Virgins: None
- ♥️ 5/5 Romance Stars
- 🌶 4/5 Spicy Stars
- 🔥 Slow Burn (slow in book one)
- 🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
- ‼️ Triggers:
Holeeeee Shit! This author is a beast... a writing beast... an evil writing beast? She's definitely a wizard.
I might die from that cliffhanger though. I also understand why she ended the book the way she did. Unless we wanted to turn this book into a massive 1500 page manuscript, there isn't going to be a good place to end this story until it's done. Shit is getting real.
The writing is superb. Melissa Kieran manages to give us enough detail to be able to understand and visualize this world, but she doesn't give us so much detail that we get bored and skip pages.
All the characters are written beautifully, and I don't just mean the main characters. We get to meet and know everyone, even the bad guys. No one is written in black and white, even the villains view themselves as having good intentions. People are well rounded and have defined personalities. I adore all the side characters.
I can't wait to read more about the baby bak.
The spice is *chef's kiss* Spice in this series didn't start until like 57% into the first book, and since that book was over 500 pages, to me it makes the series a slow burn. It felt slow. Thankfully, we get spice immediately in this one, because the main characters are already together. I got enough spice that I didn't feel like the author was cock-blocking us, but not so much that it overwhelmed the story.
The plot and storyline were written masterfully. There are so many twists and turns...I'm not sure my poor heart can take it. There is enough suspense, and intrigue, and uncertainty that this story never gets boring.
- 📚 Book 2 of 4 in Series
- 👀 POV: Multiple, third person
- 📖 Fantasy
- ❣️ Male-Female
- 🎱 Tropes: fated mates, reluctant mates (book 1), war, political intrigue, betrayal and lies, family,
- 🧁 FMC: Luna of wolf shifter pack/Queen, warrior, stubborn, maternal, bleeding heart
- 👥 MMC: Alpha of wolf shifter pack/King, tries to shoulder everything alone, 100% devoted to his mate, cares too much for everyone
- 🌎 5/5 World-building Stars
- ⭐️ 5/5 Plot-line Stars
- 🤓 5/5 Character Development Stars
- 🍒 Virgins: None
- ♥️ 5/5 Romance Stars
- 🌶 4/5 Spicy Stars
- 🔥 Slow Burn (slow in book one)
- 🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
- ‼️ Triggers:
August 14, 2023
Review of Melissa Kieran’s A Queen’s Shadow Book 2 in the Wolves of Morai series. The story continues almost right where we left off. This book explores the events following the first book and book 1.5. So I recommend reading both of those first. I love the premise of this series and was so excited to be offered an ARC of this book. Melissa is great at giving you plot twists you do not see coming and it ends on quite the cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read Book 3, when it comes out. I loved the build on Isla and Kai's relationship in this one.
That being said, I did not enjoy this one as much as the first book and book 1.5. It was missing some of my favorite elements from those books. In the first two (book 1 & 1.5) we got to experience first hand the interactions with our favorite group of friends, but in this one it was more, “when I/we spoke to …” type of things. So all those group conversations were not “real time”. I missed how they teased each other and fed off of each others energy. I understand this one was a “darker” more “serious” book but it was one of my favorite elements of the other books. I was expecting to learn more about the others in this one. More about Sebastian and what's going on with him and Ameera. They were hardly in the book at all.
I also am not a huge fan of so many different perspectives/narrators in a book. I prefer to only switch between two at most. This one does four, but Melissa does actually do this very well. So if there are going to be 4 different narrators in a book I prefer the way she does it.
This book to me felt more like a teaser for the next book than a full book itself. Nothing was really resolved other than Isla being crowned Luna. I did read it super fast because I wanted to get the review done quickly, so I may have to go back and re-read it. I think because I loved the first book so much (I’ve read it 4 times) this one just didn’t meet my expectations. It also felt rushed at times. So because of my disappointment I couldn't give it 5 stars.
That being said, I did not enjoy this one as much as the first book and book 1.5. It was missing some of my favorite elements from those books. In the first two (book 1 & 1.5) we got to experience first hand the interactions with our favorite group of friends, but in this one it was more, “when I/we spoke to …” type of things. So all those group conversations were not “real time”. I missed how they teased each other and fed off of each others energy. I understand this one was a “darker” more “serious” book but it was one of my favorite elements of the other books. I was expecting to learn more about the others in this one. More about Sebastian and what's going on with him and Ameera. They were hardly in the book at all.
I also am not a huge fan of so many different perspectives/narrators in a book. I prefer to only switch between two at most. This one does four, but Melissa does actually do this very well. So if there are going to be 4 different narrators in a book I prefer the way she does it.
This book to me felt more like a teaser for the next book than a full book itself. Nothing was really resolved other than Isla being crowned Luna. I did read it super fast because I wanted to get the review done quickly, so I may have to go back and re-read it. I think because I loved the first book so much (I’ve read it 4 times) this one just didn’t meet my expectations. It also felt rushed at times. So because of my disappointment I couldn't give it 5 stars.
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