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tashasbookishcorner 's review for:
Bride of the Shadow King
by Sylvia Mercedes
This book is really laying the foundation for the series, almost like the first part of a book rather than a more self contained story, but I found the slower pace was to its benefit. It suited both main characters, who are more reserved and thoughtful. It also allowed time to build the underground world of Mythanar, with it's unique creatures, giant caverns, glowing crystals, the customs of the Trolde folk. I loved it.
Faraine isn't really in a position to do all that much in this novel but she's trying her best. It seemed like she was going to have the chance to be more proactive in the sequels. It does make her stand out from other romantasy protagonists, particularly with her empath ability (and I appreciated this was shown to be quite a draining thing without empathy being negative). Vor is another character trying his best in a bad situation, you can feel how much he cares for his people. Despite being literally called the Shadow King he's quite different to a lot of these romantasy shadow fellows (not that there's anything wrong with them, or stabby romantasy fmc's), being quite pleasant, gentle and not apparently all that inclined to brooding or sarcastic quips. The side characters were great.
I'm excited to read the sequel and find out more about this whole corruption business, as well as find out what Faraine and Vor's relationship is going to be like going forward. Overall, I'd recommend for those who like a slow burn romantasy and worlds with glowing crystals and giant fungi. Not for those afraid of horses/horse adjacent creatures,this won't help.
Faraine isn't really in a position to do all that much in this novel but she's trying her best. It seemed like she was going to have the chance to be more proactive in the sequels. It does make her stand out from other romantasy protagonists, particularly with her empath ability (and I appreciated this was shown to be quite a draining thing without empathy being negative). Vor is another character trying his best in a bad situation, you can feel how much he cares for his people. Despite being literally called the Shadow King he's quite different to a lot of these romantasy shadow fellows (not that there's anything wrong with them, or stabby romantasy fmc's), being quite pleasant, gentle and not apparently all that inclined to brooding or sarcastic quips. The side characters were great.
I'm excited to read the sequel and find out more about this whole corruption business, as well as find out what Faraine and Vor's relationship is going to be like going forward. Overall, I'd recommend for those who like a slow burn romantasy and worlds with glowing crystals and giant fungi. Not for those afraid of horses/horse adjacent creatures,this won't help.