I loved reading Slaying the Shadow Prince after Blood and Steel. I feel like it help understand more of Wilder's past. As well as understand more about the Wraiths and the Warswords. I loved listening to how Talemir and Drue fell in love. All of my favorites tropes in this one.

Talemir and Drue's love story was so swoony, the tension and the spice (:melts:).

Talemir is a shadow daddy. Loved every second of him fully accepting his other side. I enjoyed seeing his internal battle.

Drue is so fierce and the banter between them was awesome. Seeing how much she cares about her people and everyone she loves.

Islay Jacobs had a great range narrating Drue's POVs. Chase T. Walker did a wonderful job narrating Talemir POVs. They both did a great job sharing accents with the joint side characters. It was a seamless transition between chapters.

I loved this book and the audiobook was so well done! I enjoyed the narrators, and they just bring you into the story. It’s spicy and has delicious tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, touch-her-and-you-die… I’m really enjoying this author’s work.

This book as my first from this author, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

The two MCs had great chemistry, and when that slow burn finally hit...it paid off in a big way! The narrators both did a fantastic job and really brought the text to life! Well done all around!

I really wanted to like this audiobook, but I’m DNFing it. The cover is beautiful, and the premise sounded really neat, as I am a fan of of Sarah J. Maas, and the King of Battle & Blood. But the story fell flat for me, and after listening for a bit, I gave up. The narrator did a great job though, and maybe in the future I will try reading this instead.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC!

I loved this story! It was such an emotional look into the world before Blood and Steel! And the narrator was excellent

Thank you to Dreamscape and Netgalley for the advanced audio copy.

Absolutely loved this. It’s a beautiful companion to Blood & Steel and gives a great insight to some of the plot points I wondered about in the main series. I absolutely love Drue and Talemir.

On audio, this is even more of an easy comfort read. I’ll definitely be buying a copy on audio.

This is a book in the Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers series, a collection of separate books by different authors. This standalone book takes place in the author’s The Legends of Thezmarr series world, which is also home to Blood & Steel (the first book of that series) and Vows and Ruins (second book). It takes place before the events of Blood & Steel so you don’t need to have read that before reading this. A pair of Warswords - one of whom appears in Blood & Steel - are in Naarva looking for a young man to question about changes in the magic of their swords. This is against the backdrop of the larger shadow-wraith problem, which has decimated Naarva. They meet Drue, a young female ranger in the area who immediately recognizes one of the Warswords, Talemir, as being not what he says. This is a book for adults only as it contains explicit content. Tropes include enemies to lovers, a stabby FMC, found family, shadow daddy, touch her and die and one tent/horse.

The Lovely: There is so much to love in this book - the characters (and their growth), the plot, the spice and the world. I loved the characters & their relationship - especially how Talemir treats Drue as an equal, doesn’t coddle her and doesn’t follow her around like a love sick puppy. The plot and tensioning was so perfect I lost track of time, and how far I was into the book. For only being a 10.75 hour audibook, nothing felt rushed or out of place.

The Mundane: Still not clear on why the FMC tolerated Coltan’s behavior. Yes, I know he was her long time friend but how/why did she not gut him after his betrayal.

Audiobook Qualities: This audiobook was dual narrated by Islay Jacobs and Chase Walker. I loved the female narrator, especially for how she portrayed Drue and Adrianne (who sounded quite different from each other). Her narration of the MMC was ok, but not as distinct. At first, I struggled with the male narrator’s portrayal of the MMC, Talemir. It just didn’t make sense, already knowing Tal from my previous read of the print book. But, it came to grow on me and I came to actually like it. I also liked the male narrator’s portrayal of Dru.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Recommendation: I received an advance listening copy for free from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This audiobook quickly drew me in and I couldn’t turn it off. I did listen to it on 1.25x speed (my usual). The story works as a standalone in the world (Legends of Thezmarr) and is actually my favorite (because, well, shadow daddy). Having now listened to these in a different order I can say that this book can easily be read before OR after Blood & Steel. But, it definitely needs to be read before book two, Vows and Ruins. I loved the audiobook format of this, especially as a re-read. If you like romantasy with a strong FMC, a broody MMC and training/competition, I think you like like this audiobook.

“You are a spectrum of colour in the shadows. You pull me back towards the light.”

This was my first Helen Scheuerer read and it won’t be my last! Helen knows how to do Romantasy right.

The tension between Drue and Talemir was palpable from the start and the banter between these fast enemies was great. Even through the initial hatred there was soo much chemistry between them. The burn was slow, but when it finally hit it was worth every minute we had to wait for it.

Narrators Islay Jacobs and Chase T. Walker did a fantastic job! They really brought the dual POV to life and were great choices for Drue’s take no sh#t attitude and Talemir’s Flynn Ryder-esque swagger.

I recommend this audio read to any fans of monster, paranormal or fantasy romances and will certainly be reading other titles from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer and Dreamscape Media for an advance listening copy. These are my honest thoughts.

I absolutely loved this book and it has cemented Helen as one of my favourite authors! It had absolutely everything you need, excellent writing, riveting plot and spicy romance.
I loved the journey the main characters went on, from true enemies intending to kill each other, to learning about each other and the mysterious curse that was affecting the people in this kingdom.
It reads really well as both a standalone, and an addition to the Legends of Thezmarr series, without spoiling anything from the main books, but still giving additional information and background to help you piece together what's going on in the main series.
I loved Drew's character for her strength, and her ferocity, playing a role that is not only unusual in this world, but generally unexpected of women in our world. This is a real strength for Helen, as Thea in the main series has a similar attitude, but they are both their own people, and not once did I feel like this was the same story with different names. This has all the elements I loved from Blood and Steel, but still felt like a unique, exciting story.
The narrators did an excellent job, and K really felt the characters come to life. I would definitely recommend this audio, and would look out for other books narrated by them in the future.

4.5 Stars

The blurb says it’s for fans of ACOSF, Bridge Kingdom etc and I have to say it’s the truth! It’s a fast paced romantacy with lots of action, loads of spice, and a well built world to get immersed in. I don’t know if it’s a unique enough plot that I’ll remember it for forever, but I had an absolute blast reading it and tore through it in one day.

The dual POV is always a plus and if you are into audiobooks, the two narrators who handle the voice acting do an amazing job! I’m excited to read more of this author’s work!

*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ALC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*

This was such an enjoyable fantasy read! I have mixed feelings about the enemies to lovers trope, but this one was done well. I loved the slow burn between Drue and Talemir. It was so satisfying following their journey as they opened up to each other and eventually found trust and love. I also appreciated their separate stories and personal growth.

I found the world building strong in this story. When I read a romantasy, I’m not just here for the love story, I want an intriguing plot and well developed setting and conflict. This definitely delivered! It was well thought out and engaging. It kept my interest throughout. I also enjoyed the side characters like Wilder, Adrienne, and Gus.

I enjoyed the audiobook production of this novel. I thought the narrators were well cast for Drue and Talemir. I did think the narration was a little slow. I usually prefer not to increase the speed, but I upped it to 1.25x about halfway in and enjoyed it more that way.

Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it. This is my first book by this author, but I am interested in reading more from her!

"If that's not enough, then carve out my heart, wildfire. It's yours."❤️‍🔥⚔️

Rating: 4/5
Format: ALC - audiobook
Narrators: Islay Jacobs and Chase T. Walker

My thoughts:
Islay and Chase were the perfect Drue and Talemir. I loved listening to them narrate this story! It was my first book by Helen Scheuerer and definitely won't be my last! I enjoyed the pacing and the level of spice. I laughed while listening, got anxious at certain parts, and completely swooned during the epilogue.

After finishing Slaying the Shadow Price, I learned that it's a prequel to another series by HS?! So I am definitely adding that to my TBR!

Some of my favorite quotes from Slaying The Shadow Prince:
-"He wouldn't let her know just how unnerving the experience had been for him, wouldn't let her know that in a world made black and white, she had been doused in color."
-"There's no one else I want fighting by my side, whose home I'd wish to defend. If you're going to the depths of darkness, I'm going with you."
-"Her own heart, with its own darkness, was his as well"

I recommend Slaying the Shadowing Prince for those who like the following:
-Spicy romantasy
-Forced proximity
-One tent
-Touch her and die
-Amazing banter
-Badass heroine
-Winged hero

Thank you Helen Scheuerer, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC!

I'm not going to lie.... Looking at the cover, I expected a Courrt of Silver Flames like story, but I was pleasantly surprised by a well thought out and developed world. I enjoyed both our main characters, and the pacing was great until the very end. I would be happy to read more from this author. The space was definitely doing its job

Another solid romantasy by Helen Scheuerer! Slaying the Shadow Prince takes place in the same world as Blood & Steel but this is more of a prequel to it. Wilder is in it and his mentor Talemir Starling. (We get why Wilder is all moody about his former mentor in Blood & Steel). Talemir and Wilder head to Navar to investigate some claims of mishandling of navarian steel which is used to make Warswords’ weapons.

Dru Emmerson is the accused ranger/noblewoman who takes an immediate dislike of the Warswords, feeling like they and Thezmarr didn’t do enough to help her country in the previous war. Dru and Talemir have a whole enemies to lovers trope down pat and I really liked their chemistry. Talemir goes all squishy soft for Dru and doesn’t think he’s worthy of her because of his condition and I just love how she proves time and time again that she cares for him no matter what. With this being a standalone I thought the romance aspect would be rushed but I think the author did a good job of easing into it and not just throwing them together in the first 5 minutes of them meeting. The pacing was good and it was an easy read, not a lot of filler or over informative. I’ll definitely be reading more of Helen’s work.

I was blessed to receive and ALC of Slaying the Shadow Prince and I really enjoyed Islay Jacobs’s narrating. She had really good tone and inflections and she did a great job of adding different accents for other characters. Unfortunately I found the male narrator, Chase T. Walker, to be very monotone in his narration. His voice was fine but he didn’t change his tone up much or add any type of inflections. I had to rewind several times during his chapters. I would still recommend listening to the audio version if you’re a regular audiobook user just because how good Islay was. If you’re new to audiobooks maybe save it for later because it’ll be really easy to lose focus on the story when they switch chapter POVs if you don’t have the experience.

Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for gifting me an ALC vie Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, Talemir Starling is giving shadow daddy vibes which I absolutely love and Drue Emmerson is a strong badass noblewoman-turned-ranger that exudes confidence and independence. The two clash at first meeting, literally, and it's a reluctant attraction-instant lust romance where Drue very much wants to kill Talemir and Talemir thinks Drue is amazing. I love that Talemir is a warrior but recognizes that Drue is too and she doesn't need him to solve her problems for her. The audio is great because there are two narrators so there's a clear transition between the different POVs and chapters. It flows really well and the voices are strong and easy to listen to which is so important with audiobooks. I actually did not know that this was part of a series (Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers #4) until I finished it but they are all standalone novels written by different authors so there was no confusion and now I get to add a few more titles to my TBR! The main characters and each of their best friends were super lovable and entertaining. I love that they're all warriors and the women are valued just as highly as the men in this group. This is a great fantasy book for anyone who wants a good balance of action and romance.

*Monster Hunter x Monster
*Enemies to Lovers
*Warrior Cast
*Forced Proximity
*Fierce Loyalty
*Vengeance

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was the perfect combination of action, adventure, and romance. All characters were thought through. The storyline was easy to follow. I highly recommend for any Sarah J Maas fan. This may be better.

I already loved this series but this novella put it at the top for me! The audio is amazing and I loved that it was duel narration!

Talemir and Drue are perfect for each other- both are warriors, trying to protect their home and both have experienced loss at the enemies’ hands! Their chemistry and tension were delicious!!

You definitely need to read this one second, it gives such good information for the books to come!

What you can expect:
🗡️shadow daddy
🗡️warrior MCs- both independent and fierce
🗡️forced proximity/allies
🗡️enemies to lovers
🗡️magical world
🗡️touch her and d!e

Slaying the Shadow Prince by Helen Scheuerer
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I have had many of Helen Scheuerer's books on my tbr for a while and was excited when I saw multiple of them were getting audiobooks! I really enjoyed this stand alone NA romantasy read. We have a monster hunter and a (half-monster) warrior who must come together to save the realm. Our monster hunter wants to save her friends and family. Our warrior wants to prove he's more hero than monster. Parts are a bit predictable but I'd still consider this to be an enjoyable and quick read. I'll definitely be continuing with more of the author's books!

Read this book if you like:
- (mortal) enemies to (monster) lovers
- wings?????
- fast pace plot
- romance focus fantasy read

Slaying the Shadow Prince is already available in print but will be newly released in audio format on December 12th. If it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

I requested this audiobook because it seemed like the perfect book. The cover is beautiful, and the premise of the story which basically follows a Romeo and Juliet plot line - star crossed lovers, essentially, but without the teenage drama. The tropes also sounded interesting - forced proximity, touch her and die, and a morally grey MMC. However, this story really fell flat for me. The characters are just sort of flat, the action scenes are not interesting, and it is entirely predictable. There was just something missing - a spark, a revelation, or something. I loved the premise of the story, and the narrator is fantastic, but my mind drifted off so much. It is okay - 3 stars - but it could be so much more.

Slaying the Shadow Prince is a standalone romantasy novel by Helen Scheuerer, set in her established world from Blood and Steel. This was my first time reading something by this author, and wow I was very impressed! She's gained a new fan in me. :)

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer, and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

What I loved:
- the main cast of characters were multidimensional and significant to the plot and overarching arcs
- Drue and Talemir were fantastic, and their relationship development had such passion and was very believable
- the spice was SPICING, phew!
- the non-romance plot was solid and was a large part of the novel
- the plot and the romance intertwined beautifully and I love how Scheuerer wrote this so much!!

Here is where I'd write where there is room for improvement, but I don't have any :)

Overall, I really enjoyed Slaying the Shadow Prince and will definitely start recommending it to my audience and friends ASAP! I just started my audio ARC of Blood and Steel, so I'm excited to dive deeper into this universe. This title would be great for fans of SJM, S.M. Gaither, Carissa Broadbent, Melissa Blair, and Samantha R. Goode.