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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
-Arranged Marriage
-Forbidden Love
-Royalty
-Fake Identity and betrayal
-Only one horse
-Duel P.O.V.
Bride of the Shadow King is all about Faraine, the oldest princess of Gavaria, and Vor, the King of the Troldefolk. Gavaria's on the brink of getting invaded by the Fae, so Faraine's dad comes up with a genius plan: marrying off his favorite daughter, Ilsevel, to King Vor, in order to the Troldefolk's military power. Vor agrees so he can access to Gavaria's magic wielders to save his own kingdom from a mysterious threat.
So, Faraine, who's been living a secluded life in a convent, gets called back to the castle to support Ilsevel and make sure she goes through with this whole marriage thing. However, each royal child of Gavaria has a magical gift and the problem is, when Faraine's around other people, her gift turns cripling. But when she meets Vor, her gift calms down, and she's left totally confused and intrigued. It's like they've got an instant connection they can't deny.
With both kingdoms going downhill, it's super important that Vor and Ilsevel tie the knot and secure the alliance. But Faraine and Vor can't ignore the fact that they're drawn to each other.
This book was a total blast to read, seriously. I was hooked on the political scheming, and everyone's motives made perfect sense to me. Even if I didn't agree with how they did things, I totally understood why. Sylvia Mercedes did an awesome job exploring the whole moral dilemma thing and what we'd do to protect our loved ones.
Oh, and I absolutely loved seeing the different relationships Faraine and Vor had with their friends and family. Each one was unique and gave so much depth to the characters and the story.
Now, let's talk about the downsides. The first half of the book dragged a bit, gotta be honest. It took forever for the plot to get going. And some of the characters felt kinda underdeveloped.
This book left me with a bunch of questions, and I'm betting they'll all get answered in the next two books of the trilogy. Can't wait to get my hands on them!
If you're into stories with hidden powers, arranged marriages, and forbidden love right smack in the middle of an imminent war, trust me, you're gonna eat this book up.
A big thanks to Sylvia Mercedes, Daphne Press, and Netgalley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this review was posted voluntarily.
-Forbidden Love
-Royalty
-Fake Identity and betrayal
-Only one horse
-Duel P.O.V.
Bride of the Shadow King is all about Faraine, the oldest princess of Gavaria, and Vor, the King of the Troldefolk. Gavaria's on the brink of getting invaded by the Fae, so Faraine's dad comes up with a genius plan: marrying off his favorite daughter, Ilsevel, to King Vor, in order to the Troldefolk's military power. Vor agrees so he can access to Gavaria's magic wielders to save his own kingdom from a mysterious threat.
So, Faraine, who's been living a secluded life in a convent, gets called back to the castle to support Ilsevel and make sure she goes through with this whole marriage thing. However, each royal child of Gavaria has a magical gift and the problem is, when Faraine's around other people, her gift turns cripling. But when she meets Vor, her gift calms down, and she's left totally confused and intrigued. It's like they've got an instant connection they can't deny.
With both kingdoms going downhill, it's super important that Vor and Ilsevel tie the knot and secure the alliance. But Faraine and Vor can't ignore the fact that they're drawn to each other.
This book was a total blast to read, seriously. I was hooked on the political scheming, and everyone's motives made perfect sense to me. Even if I didn't agree with how they did things, I totally understood why. Sylvia Mercedes did an awesome job exploring the whole moral dilemma thing and what we'd do to protect our loved ones.
Oh, and I absolutely loved seeing the different relationships Faraine and Vor had with their friends and family. Each one was unique and gave so much depth to the characters and the story.
Now, let's talk about the downsides. The first half of the book dragged a bit, gotta be honest. It took forever for the plot to get going. And some of the characters felt kinda underdeveloped.
This book left me with a bunch of questions, and I'm betting they'll all get answered in the next two books of the trilogy. Can't wait to get my hands on them!
If you're into stories with hidden powers, arranged marriages, and forbidden love right smack in the middle of an imminent war, trust me, you're gonna eat this book up.
A big thanks to Sylvia Mercedes, Daphne Press, and Netgalley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this review was posted voluntarily.
I read Bride of the Shadow King because somehow I read an excerpt or the first chapter, something like that and then found out it was free on my kindle and so was able to continue on. It is a bit different in regard to setting and fantasy species. A compelling read. This first book is a solid story and start to a series.
4 Noble Reasons for Choices Made
4 Noble Reasons for Choices Made
I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next book. It was very much a set up book and did drag at some points but I loved the world and the characters so it kept me engaged.
I couldnt decide if I liked it or not, it was 3,5 in my mind, as I was intent to continue, I gave it originally 4 stars. But after book 2, I dont think that was the right call. Review together with book 2.
The writing read very childish and young. So many exclamation points that were not necessary at all. It could use a good edit.
It was a decent story with decent plot. It’s definitely YA and has no spice other than heavy kissing, if you’re wanting something more than that, then read something else. I felt like she didn’t grieve her sisters death at all and it was kind of brushed under the rug and all of a sudden she was taking her face and her name and went on her merry way. It leaves on a cliffhanger and I will be finishing the rest of the series because I simply cannot not finish something and it was interesting enough to keep me intrigued.
It was a decent story with decent plot. It’s definitely YA and has no spice other than heavy kissing, if you’re wanting something more than that, then read something else. I felt like she didn’t grieve her sisters death at all and it was kind of brushed under the rug and all of a sudden she was taking her face and her name and went on her merry way. It leaves on a cliffhanger and I will be finishing the rest of the series because I simply cannot not finish something and it was interesting enough to keep me intrigued.
Very intrigued with this book! The ending made me want to read book 2 immediately
This book gave me serious bridge kingdom vibes and I’m excited to continue the series
Disclaimer: this book contained 10000x more exclamation marks than it needed seriously
This book gave me serious bridge kingdom vibes and I’m excited to continue the series
Disclaimer: this book contained 10000x more exclamation marks than it needed seriously
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I did not particularly like the beginning of this book, and downright disliked the twist in the middle, which is why it sat half finished on my shelf for a year. But oh boy the second half of the book is a f*cking delight!
I loved the second half! Damn does Sylvia Mercedes know how to build suspense and dread and I just couldn't stop reading.
Maybe it was just my catnip.
I loved the second half! Damn does Sylvia Mercedes know how to build suspense and dread and I just couldn't stop reading.
Maybe it was just my catnip.
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes