The Shadow Princess (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 6) by Sawyer Bennett-Review & Excerpt Tour
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My name is Thalia Clairmont and I am heir to the throne of Vyronas. A title that was unknown to me after the love of my life, Bastien Dunne, had me stripped of my memories and sent me through the veil into another dimension. He maintains it was for my protection after my parents were killed and our kingdom was overthrown, but I see it as a betrayal.
Overwhelmed by my feelings of both love and anger for Bastien, I quickly understand that things aren’t what they once were. Vyronas is at war and an evil sorceress has claimed my throne by casting her blood magic to subjugate my people. With my memories returned, I realize Bastien isn’t the man I once loved and has instead become a distant, hardened warrior whose heart is as cold as ice.
My magic alone cannot defeat the blood sorcery, so I delve into the deepest shadows to find a way to regain control of my kingdom. Can I defeat evil without succumbing to the darkness? And will Bastien and I be able to reclaim the love we once shared? I am the Shadow Princess and it’s time for me to reclaim my throne.
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REVIEW:THE SHADOW PRINCESS is the sixth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult CHRONICLES OF THE STONE VEIL erotic, fantasy series. This is twenty-seven year old Princess Thalia Clairmont of Vyronas, and commandant Bastien Dunne’s story line. THE SHADOW PRINCESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person (Thalia) and third person (Bastien) THE SHADOW PRINCESS focuses on the return of Princess Thalia Clairmont of Vyronas. Seven years earlier, in an effort to protect the sole heir to the throne, Thalia Clairmont was bespelled, and sent to live in the First Dimension aka Earth aka Wyoming where she would live and flourish, never knowing her true identity or the powers she controlled. Fast forward to present day wherein the Vyronas commandant Bastien Dunne is tasked with retrieving the soon to be queen, Thalia Clairmont, the woman he once loved but a woman who must now rule in the face of death and destruction. Ferelith, an evil sorceress, has been using blood magic, a forbidden form of alchemy, to take control and destroy anyone who opposes her siege but the wielders of blood magic become more powerful with every kill, and Thalia only knows of one person capable of teaching our heroine how to manipulate those powers. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Thalia and Bastien, and the potential fall-out as Ferelith sets her sights on our story line heroine, taking aim at man who controls Thalia’s heart.
Bastien Dunne lost all emotions and feelings the day Thalia was exiled to the First Dimension. Seven years yearning for the woman he once loved, Bastien struggled with Thalia’s return and his inability to move beyond the feelings no longer under his control. Thalia Clairmont’s memories and powers returned upon her arrival in the dimension where she was born but Thalia battled between head and heart believing betrayal was at the center of her exile and banishment. Reuniting with Bastien was made more difficult with Bastien’s less than welcoming attitude and emotions, emotions of which he no longer controlled. An impending war with Ferelith has Thalia searching for help, help that will reveal the truth about who she is, and of what she is capable.
The relationship between Bastien and Thalia is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people who had fallen in love years before but destroyed by a need to protect, preserve and defend. Thalia was still in love with the man that broke her heart, and proving he is worthy meant sacrificing in the face of danger and death. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Bastien’s brother Kieran Dunne; Thalia’s cousin Archer, their uncle Hephastus; several members of the Vyronas’ Conclave including Chief Laina Mercea; demigod Maddox; fallen angel/Dark Fae/leader of the Underworld Amel; and sorceress Ferelith Haramish. I am hoping the author has plans for Kieran, Maddox and Amel.
THE SHADOW PRINCESS is a complex and enchanted story of power and control, death and destruction, magic and the black arts, second chances and love. The premise is detailed, intriguing and dramatic; the characters are spirited and edgy; the romance is intimate and tender.
Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Clash of Yesterday (prequel)
The Revelation of Light and Dark
A Discovery of Secrets and Fates
The Evolution of Fae and Gods
A Battle of Blood and Stone
The Rise of Fury and Fortune
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Sandy
Read the first THREE chapters of The Shadow Princess HERE
Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.
A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.
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