Title: Heart of the Shadow KingSeries: Bride of the Shadow King #3
Pages: 596
Publisher: Ace
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:
A KING DESPERATE TO SAVE HIS BRIDE.
A QUEEN DISCOVERING THE DARK POTENTIAL OF HER POWER.
After nearly losing one another in a savage attack on the city, Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar fully committed to their marriage. But the situation in the Under Realm remains dire. With the world poised on the brink of collapse, Vor struggles to protect his kingdom. Though Faraine longs to support him as queen, she fights the weakness in her body at every turn . . . not to mention the strange changes warping her gods-gift.
When war drags them apart, Vor and Faraine face the consequences of their choices. How can Vor lead those who have lost faith in him? Torn between honor and desire, he must decide where his heart truly lies: with his kingdom or his queen.
Meanwhile, as Faraine explores the new dimensions of her power, she starts to believe the coming cataclysm may be prevented. But in doing so, will she unleash a darkness in herself far more disastrous?
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I’m so happy to be on the tour today for Heart of the Shadow King, the third and final book in the Bride of the Shadow King series. What a wild ride! This book is packed with tension, romance, and high-stakes moments that sucked me in from the start.
Faraine’s growth in this story is one of my favorite parts of the book. She learns so much about her powers, her strength, and her sense of self. Her growth is incredible, and I really enjoyed her arc. She’s been tested so many times, and she’s definitely not the same person she was at the beginning of the series. She’s been through a lot, and I loved how she proved that she’s so much more than a pawn in someone else’s game.
And Vor. Vor. He’s everything I love in a hero— protective, loyal, and willing to fight for the people he loves, especially Faraine. But in this book. he’s also really frustrating at times. He struggles with his trust in her, which, after everything they’ve been through, didn’t really make sense. His sense of duty also frustrated me, though I can kind of understand his feelings of obligation. It just felt a little out of place after everything he went through with Faraine. That being said, the push and pull between them had me completely hooked, and when they finally get the moment they deserve—just chef’s kiss.
The world-building and action in this book are also great. It’s just as immersive as the first two, and the stakes feel higher than ever. It’s intense, and with the introduction of some morally grey and mysterious characters, there are definitely a few twists I didn’t expect. I also liked the secondary characters almost as much as I liked Faraine and Vor. I could easily see a spin-off that focuses on a couple of them! Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
A man could live and die in the light of that smile and never want for any other.
If we don’t foster beauty where we can, nurture it and encourage it to grow, what is the point of living? Of fighting?
Hi, there. I’m Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
I love this book cover!