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Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Description:
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?

 

 

Review:

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the 3rd and final book in her Bride of the Shadow King series.  Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar determined to fill their marriage vows. Upon arrival, the Under Realm situation is very bad, and Vor needs to win over those who have lost faith in him: as he struggles to protect his Kingdom. Faraine wants to help support Vor, as his Queen; but she begins to learn dimensions of her powers, which leads to massive changes to her body warping her gods-gift.

We follow Vor and Faraine as he knows his duty as King, leading to destructive battles ahead; Faraine is deeply plagued by Maylin’s powerful training.  Both Vor and Faraine spent too much time apart, as it did feel stagnant at times. Vor gathers his army to help Faraines’s father fight the Fae. Faraine stays in Mythanar struggling to understand Maylin’s training her to learn about god’s gift, as well as using her ability to become crystal stone. When the world is crumbling, Faraine will be the one who will save them, suffering from her pain, but proving herself worthy of being the Queen by saving Vor and the tortured souls of his dead people during a magical ritual, releasing the stone.

I thought a lot of the story was slow moving, at least till the last ¼ of the book. There was so much chaos and inner dialogue throughout. We did get a backstory about Maylin, who actually was Vor’s real mother. I really loved Hael, who was great.   I loved the ending, when Captain Hael will decide between Sur and Theodre.

Heart of the Shadow King was a very good ending, but I did think there was a lot of confusion within the constant changes and much dialogue.  Heart of the Shadow King does nicely end this trilogy, as Mercedes gives Vor and Faraine a happy ending.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.

 

 

 

Review:

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the first book in her new Bride of the Shadow King series.  We meet Princess Faraine, who is the oldest daughter Of King Larongar of Gavaria; as she has been banished to a convent, since her father was not able to arrange a marriage by the groom.  Now her younger sister, Ilsevel is refusing to marry King Vor of Mythanar, and Faraine is called home from the convent to calm her sister and convince her to wed the man her father wants her to marry. 

King Vor agrees to wed princess Ilsevel, because he needs human magic to save his kingdom; as King Larongar is determined to get Vor to help protect their own kingdom.  Faraine is on her way home, and she and her brother are attacked; King Vor with his team comes to their rescue. In a short period, as they head to Gavaria, with them having an instant connection, as their attraction is strong. King Vor is eager to take a human bride, as he is willing to do what is needed to help his people. When he meets the lively and talented, Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement; with the blessing of King Larongar.

When disaster strikes, and Ilsevel and her younger sister, are both killed in an attack by Gavaria’s enemy. King Larongar is determined to keep the marriage alliance, with Faraine now being forced to take her sister’s place; as a mage helps to change Faraine face to look like her sister. When she travels with Lyria to become King Vor’s new wife, as his Queen; she continues to wear a veil to keep her facial change. The wedding night approaches, with Vor and Faraine succumbing to their sexual feelings.  But Vor will discover the truth about Faraine, and all hell will break loose.

Bride of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn and forbidden romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal, sacrifice and death.  The finale was a wild intense ending, leaving us with so many more questions. Bride of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes.  Though there was some bad scenes as we got closer to the end, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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