This book was fine. I would like a physical copy of it to read just for my shelves as that cover is gorgeous!

The writing was nice, characters intriguing. Overall I’m happy I read this.

This book started off so quickly and had lots of potential! I enjoyed writer's style as it is written in a poetic manner with vivid descriptions. HOWEVER, by 30% it slowed down considerably and I found it difficult to maintain interest. I personally do not like the love-triangle trope or the unexpected pregnancy trope....they both turned me off. Despite that, I still finished the book but I don't know if I'll read book 2.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity

A wild right I'm hoping for more.

This book was a good read, I really liked the world building and storytelling in this book. I think the book started strong but there were parts when I struggled to want to keep going.

I liked the relationship were although very fast paced. The two MC I like the warrior romance in a world where love is almost forbidden or a weakness.

I will say, I don't think this is a bad book. I enjoyed it to begin with but when it hit the halfway point it felt like a real slog to get through.
I think it has potential but the pacing needs to be fixed halfway through act 2.

I was enjoying this book a lot but halfway through I just couldn’t get to motivation to finish in a timely manner. I did finish this book though and I enjoyed the last portion of this book a lot. I find that I struggle to ge through some fantasy books, but I had fun.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read and advanced copy of this book by earc. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

I was completely invested in this story of Forbidden Love. In this world where warriors are forbidden to wed will have you at the edge. It won't come easy but through everything the love would have been worth it.

Fallen Shadows was an interesting book, but I feel like the beginning throws you directly in the middle of things, and I've read so many books with this kind of intro and it does require a backstory soon after the prologue/1st chapter, and this book is really lacking when it comes to backstories.

It goes a bit into the dystopian genre, but I feel like the way they were made to believe everything the Elders said was quite unique and interesting, which is a bonus in my opinion.

The story itself follows 2 warriors and the forbidden love story between them, and the opportunity to go out of the protected area instead of being punished after they were caught. This adventure will help them discover the truth and we get to know more about the FMC, but I still think that lots of information is missing.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Genre: Adult Fantasy

Let me start by mentioning that the plot was very interesting. I was sucked in the book from the start. I like the world of Elders the author build and I enjoyed the pace of the book as well. It was a bit if info dump at the start which was dragging but it is same for every fantasy book. This book gave dune meets assassins creed vibes which was intriguing.

I would wish that the author explored more backstories of the main characters rather than just mentioning their reasoning. The story follows our main characters who are in training to become warriors and are forbidden to love. But they seem to be drawn towards each other. At the end the MMC breaks the rule and helps the FMC when her brother dies.

I would have loved if there was a little slow burn, this was insta-love which is fine with explanation. Without their background it didn’t stick to me. Overall, it would do with some editing and character development.

I DNF at 50% so won't be posting a review anywhere else.

I wanted to like this, but the more and more I read the more annoyed I became with the main male character. Lack of any character trait except controlling, jealous and only thinks through muscles. The book started off right away in a lusty situation with no chemistry between the main characters, and the rest of their book is this unhealthy lust that is never based on substance. Or at least it was never talked about in the first half of the book.

I really did love the concept of the setting, storyline and the quest. It was just the character I couldn't get behind.

Right off the bat, there's lots of action and palpable longing from our two MCs, Varek and Elara. Great, amazing. I'll keep reading.....

I found the dialogue and the overall language of the book weirdly formal and stiff. I'm assuming it's to reflect the repressed and controlled society the characters live in, but it didn't make for exciting reading. Especially during the romantic scenes, it just seemed forced even though the characters were in love with each other from page one.

Unfortunately, because of this, I DNF at around 25%.

I'm sure others will like this book, but it just didn't click with me.

* Thank you to NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review *

In a world dominated by fierce warriors and forbidden love, the novel "Fallen Shadows" by Raven More takes readers on a gripping journey filled with peril, romance, and soul-wrenching choices. Elara and Varek, two souls destined to meet, find themselves bound together on a treacherous quest to uncover a mythical serum in the deadly outer realm. As they navigate a treacherous landscape and face formidable challenges, their hearts ignite with forbidden emotions that threaten to consume them. However, as secrets unravel and their pasts come to light, they face a devastating choice: embrace their fated bond or succumb to the deceit that threatens to tear them apart. More weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and unwavering love in "Fallen Shadows." The world-building is intricate, transporting readers to a realm where danger lurks around every corner and where love is a forbidden fruit that beckons with tantalizing temptation. Elara and Varek are beautifully crafted characters, their personalities and motivations intricately woven into the tapestry of the story. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between them crackles with intensity. As their quest unfolds, readers will be captivated by their journey, rooting for them to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart. The plot of "Fallen Shadows" is a masterclass in storytelling. More keeps readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that unfold seamlessly. The pacing is perfect, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a relentless forward momentum that propels readers towards the thrilling conclusion. The action sequences are heart-pounding, and the emotional moments are poignant and impactful. More's writing is lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in the world of "Fallen Shadows" and making them feel as though they are alongside Elara and Varek on their perilous journey. Overall, "Fallen Shadows" is a captivating and emotionally charged read that will leave readers breathless. Raven More's masterful storytelling and vivid world-building create a tale of forbidden love, epic quests, and soul-stirring choices that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. This novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and stories that explore the boundaries of love and destiny. Immerse yourself in the world of "Fallen Shadows" and let Elara and Varek's journey take you on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you spellbound.

This tale drew me in immediately, it has an archaic and very traditional setting. The world in this book is plagued by darkness outside the castle that shelters those remaining. The elders are strict and require a lot from the warriors, this leads us to a new warrior Elara, the first woman to step up to this title.

Elara is driven and fierce holding herself to high morals and vows wanting to protect those in the castle and her remaining family member. She is looked down upon due to being a woman wanting to be a warrior, but another warrior Valek assists her with her training and becomes someone who she longs for. Its funny that in the beginning it seems they desire each other but think it will not be reciprocated.

Due to the rules by the elders marriage and children are not allowed and it is also forbidden for warriors to wed. This leads both Valek & Elara on a journey for freedom, honour and love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this!

DNFed at about 15%.

This is not a fantasy novel. This is all spice and nothing else. From the beginning there is no character development, just insta-love and spice. The characters have no backstory, there is no works building and the whole thing just made me cringe.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review!

I sadly had to DNF this book. I wanted to love it based on the premise. I felt like the story needed more world building and I was confused from the first page.

If there was more background on the world and characters in the beginning, I felt like I would be able to enjoy this!

I was drawn in by the premise of the story but unfortunately this one is a DNF for me. I had a really hard time getting into the story and them going instantly to spice pretty much over her very ill brother did not help. I appreciate the opportunity.

Poetic, epic and filled with secrets and monsters.

It felt like you were dropped into a world of knights and forbidden desires from the first page. The premise was gripping and I was drawn into the forbidden love and desire between the two main characters. In a world full of monsters, secrets, and yearning for more than seems possible, this story could've have really benefited from being extended over more than one book! There was so much to learn and to say, and it almost felt like there was a missing prologue/several chapters to the book.

Overall though, a really good read, and well worth adding to any fantasy/romantasy addict's collection!

DNF @ 30%
I tried, I really tried.
I could not get into it. There was no world building and I was lost and couldn't understand the implications of the MCs actions. The prose were too much, there were 5 different paragraphs of the FMC just describing the MMC giving her a sponge bath. And that was the point it was too much for me.
Pros- This book has wonderful described fight scenes, and is full of action from the get-go.
I am still intrigued by the story and I want to know if it get better, or what actually is going to happen to the MCs so I may pick up again, but currently I was just not feeling in.

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.

I was really excited for this story. It started off very strong with an initial fight scene, but ….. 👀👀 that’s it in the interesting department.
The main characters are warriors protecting the village from creatures, but are also in Insta Love. The synopsis had a lot of promise but the world building lacked, there were no answers to the magic system, and the characters had the personalities of a caveman.

The statement “we’re warriors” as in “hulk smash” was repeated…..💀💀💀💀