When I say I love romantasy, this is the kind of book that I’m talking about. I want the romantic plotline to be driving the story, and I want to spend most of the time getting to know the characters and their motivations.

At the beginning of our story, Vor, the Shadow King, saves Princess Faraine from an attack. There is an immediate attraction between them, but he is engaged to her sister! The dual POV writing kept this tension building, and I couldn’t put it down.

The Bride of the Shadow King series was originally independently published, but was picked up by Berkley/Ace (swipe to see the original!). Book 2 came out last week, and Book 3 will be out on Feb 25th! All three books follow the same couple.

4 stars 🌟

Thank you to Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I've heard about Sylvia Mercedes and her books in the book community for some time now, especially as she's often many people's favorite indie author. I had not had the pleasure of reading her books before because I usually read largely print books from publishers, but the Bride of the Shadow King series recently was given new covers by Ace and I'm thrilled to have been given access to the trilogy. Personally, I'm a big romantasy lover when it's done right so this book had me intrigued from the beginning, but it turned out to be not what I was expecting.

Princess Faraine is the eldest daughter of her kingdom but has been shunned by her father due to her gods-gift (or chronic illness) getting in the way of marriages and political moves. She has learned to give her three other siblings her place, and when the Shadow King comes looking for an alliance, she is not surprised that it's her sister her father's parades. Though not his first choice, King Vor is willing to do anything to gain access to the human mages who may be able to rid a horror threatening his people, including marrying a human princess. When disaster strikes, Faraine is forced to take her sister's place unbeknownst to King Vor, and must keep up the facade or else ruin her husband, and her kingdom's chances, of an alliance.

This story was so easy to read, and I mean that in a good way! The chapters were relatively short and there was always some event (however small) that was moving the story along. I never felt like the reader was sitting stagnant waiting for things to happen. That being said, there was less intense action than I thought there would be, but I found myself not minding this. Getting to know the main characters, their families & friends, as well as the kingdoms they would be a part of was done well to set up even more expansion in the coming books.

I do wish there had been a bit more worldbuilding in general, but only because I found myself intrigued by what was presented to the reader. The Shadow King is a trolfolk, aka 'trolls' as we know them but to them, that's a slur, but they look more like elves or fae. I found this to be a nice fresh take on some folklore creatures, the trolfolk reminds me of dwarves in their cities and culture, so it felt like the author mashed together some ideas and came up with something unique I had never read before. Hopefully, there will be even more expansion in the coming books as I had fun learning about these cultures so far!

For being a romantasy book, I was shocked to learn that there were no spicy scenes in this book. There is one towards the end that got a bit steamy, but nothing happened that I would consider 'spicy'. After reading more romantasy books last year, I honestly can say this was refreshing. There was lots of pining and thinking about one another in this book, and it feels like the romance is going to be slow-burn for a while. That's one of my favorite tropes, so seeing it done realistically was very entertaining, and I am rooting for the main characters.

Some of the characters in this book felt deeper than others, but I enjoyed seeing the story and romance through both of the main characters, Fairane and Vor. We need more dual pov romances, especially in romantasy, and they were an excellent example of that. Fairane has her god-gift which essentially acts as a chronic illness in this world, and even with the disrespect from her family, she stayed strong as a sister and friend. For being called the "Shadow King", Vor was very respectful and kind to everyone, and I loved this little twist. Oftentimes characters who are given that title end up being in the vein of enemies to lovers, and "darkness" but it was refreshing to see him be the opposite of that in most scenes.

Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this book and I am intrigued for the rest of the series!

I was not expecting to be hooked from page one or for the setting and lore to be set up so beautifully. The tension between the characters in the first half was so great, but the last half had me clawing for the next page–it’s that longing feeling that clings to your heart when you see that there are two people on the page who would be happier of they could know the truth about the other. I was not expecting the level of court intrigue or the physical pain that Faraine’s magic caused her, nor where that whole thing went.

This is a good setup for the next book, which I will have a review up for soon!

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, I have to DNF this at around 30%. It's for an entirely petty reason, but there are entirerly too many exclamation points. I think if there was 50% less exclamation points, I might have been able to get farther, but I also wasn't a huge fan of the main characters. Unfortunately, it's a no from me on this one.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I enjoyed the storyline and romance. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

New to this author and thought it was super enjoyable. I loved the slow burn romance although sometimes I just wanted to yell at them to be together already. It was a good first book of a series and loved the troll aspect and found the world interesting but at times it felt like the story was repetitive and a little slow.

This was book one in a multi book series and I can safely say I will be continuing with it! This book was more of a slow burn, but I am very excited for this relationship to grow in future books. I am so excited to see their relationship grow and watch them overcome the obstacles in their way.

I enjoyed the multiple perspectives given and how we got to experience some events in both characters pov's. I also really enjoyed the genuine issues the characters had to deal with to be together and I am really excited to read book 2!!

This was such a great start to a romantasy series and I am diving into book two asap!

This was AMAZING. From the start I was captivated. This reminded me so much of Grace Draven’s Radiance duology. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance bits, the fantasy! The world building!! Wow! It felt so unique. Vor - what a man!! The ending??? I need book 2!!

This fast-paced read was hard to put down, with action starting on the very first page and never letting up. I felt a deep kinship with the main female character, Faraine, whose magical power (known as a God’s Gift) felt more like a curse. Her ability to sense and soothe others’ emotions comes at an immense cost to her own physical and mental well-being, leaving her severely overstimulated just by being around people. As someone with AuDHD, I saw parallels between her struggles and my own, which made her story resonate deeply with me.

While I’m typically lukewarm on dual POV romances, I found Faraine’s perspective far more engaging than the male POV. Vor’s chapters offered valuable insight into his character, but I still found him a bit underdeveloped. I’m hopeful for more growth and depth in the later books. In fact, I felt that all the characters could use more fleshing out, as this book leaned heavily on plot over character development. Some of the dialogue also felt flat, which detracted from the otherwise gripping story.

That said, the book was undeniably entertaining and easy to follow. Fans of arranged marriage and star-crossed lovers tropes will likely enjoy the many twists and turns. The side characters were a highlight for me, bringing humor and levity to a story that often skewed serious.

Despite its flaws, Bride of the Shadow King was an intriguing and enjoyable read. I’m eager to see where the series goes and how the romance develops in the next installment.

4.25 stars

I absolutely loved this. In general, arranged marriage/alliance fantasy romances will always do it for me but the way that Faraine’s and the Shadow King’s relationship developed had me in a chokehold!! Bride of the Shadow King was a breathe of fresh air in the romantasy genre, it felt like a nostalgic ode to some of my all time faves within the genre but also new and refreshing. There were all the components I love in a romantasy (interesting world building, a reluctant alliance, fae, trolls- (such an intriguing spin on these elements as well!) but there were so many other things that made it all the more invigorating. I loved the authors storytelling, the dialogue was fantastic, the characters all so layered and intriguing, and the magic was mysterious and alluring. While the romance is slow burn, the story is not and you’re thrown into the action from the beginning, making this a very consuming, bingeable read from start to finish. I can’t wait to binge the rest of the trilogy!

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.

Bride of the Shadow King is a captivating masterpiece that effortlessly blends elements of romance, fantasy, action, and adventure into a tale brimming with mystery, depth, and emotion. From the very first page, the world-building is rich and immersive. The author introduces us to a world filled with intrigue and allure, where magic intertwines with secrets, and nothing is as it seems. The setting is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that shapes the story, immersing readers in its haunting beauty and complexity.

What sets this book apart is its character development. The protagonist, Faraine, is a beautifully flawed and relatable character. She is both strong and vulnerable, navigating a world that is both enchanting and dangerous. Her emotional growth throughout the novel is palpable, and I found myself rooting for her from start to finish. The Shadow King, Vor, with his brooding presence and mysterious motives, is the perfect foil to the Bride, creating a dynamic and complex relationship that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

The pacing of the novel is spot-on, with tension building steadily throughout the plot. There is an underlying sense of foreboding that is skillfully woven into the narrative, keeping readers on edge without overwhelming them. The romantic tension between the Bride and the Shadow King is electric, but it's the psychological and emotional layers of their relationship that make it truly compelling. The chemistry between them is palpable, but it’s their emotional vulnerability and the journey they embark on together that truly makes their story unforgettable.

The writing itself is lyrical and poetic, with a prose style that pulls you deeper into the world the author has created. The descriptions are vivid and evocative, allowing the reader to see, feel, and experience everything alongside the characters. The themes of power, trust, love, and sacrifice are explored in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

In addition to the brilliant character development and world-building, the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The stakes rise with every chapter, and just when you think you know where the story is headed, the author throws in a curveball that leaves you breathless.

Bride of the Shadow King is more than just a fantasy novel—it's an emotional rollercoaster, a journey through darkness, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It explores themes of love, power, and the complexity of human emotion in ways that feel raw and real. The book stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, leaving you contemplating the nature of relationships, sacrifice, and the choices we make.

In conclusion, this book is an absolute must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and dark academia. It’s a brilliant work that pulls you into its world, leaving you not only entertained but also deeply moved. I can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I could not put this one down. The shadow world, the magic, the chemistry between the two main characters, I cannot wait to read Book 2!

i've been on a romantasy kick recently and this was a really fun book. I'm glad this is a series so there's more to this world. the worldbuilding was really solid and I loved the shadow king's character

Bride of Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is a captivating & intriguing romantic fantasy that’s wonderful for fans of The Bridget Kingdom & A Deal with the Elf King. This book/relationship also reminded me of season 2 of Bridgerton, which is a very high compliment as I loved the show.

This is book #1 in the Bride of Shadow King series, which looks like it will be a trilogy. I finished the book wanting to read more & curious to see where things were going to go next.

Bride of Shadow King is great for those looking to read…
🖤 Romantasy
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Chronic Illness Representation
🖤 Forbidden Love
🖤 Only One Horse
🖤 Noticing the Wallflower

I always love chronic illness representation. I found this one interesting & how her family/community dealt with her illness felt heartbreakingly realistic.

The connection between the leads was electric & forbidden. I appreciated the slowburn unfolding of their relationship that was peppered with action sequences, political intrigue & familial/royal struggles. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

I’ve always enjoyed reading Fantasy Romance books, and after finishing Bride of the Shadow King, I find myself craving more of this story by Sylvia Mercedes, as well as other similar books. I can’t believe I just discovered this trilogy because it perfectly aligns with my reading interests. The story involves two kingdoms that need each other’s assistance and decide to form an alliance through an arranged marriage. The problem is that neither one trusts the other, but they will do anything to protect their kingdoms from the threats that seek to destroy them.

This book is told from two perspectives, switching back and forth between the hero, Vor, and the heroine, Faraine. While reading Faraine’s point of view, I felt a strong sympathy for her. Her family, particularly her father, treated her horribly simply because she refused to marry the man they had arranged for her years ago. As a result, they forced her to live in a convent until they needed her help with her younger sister, who was preparing for her own arranged marriage to the Shadow King. Faraine’s younger sister, much like her, is rebellious and does not want to be pushed into a marriage either. I loved how, despite being shunned by her own family, Faraine remained committed to her love for her younger sisters, refusing to let her father and mother get in the way.

Vor won me over immediately, not only because of how he treated Faraine but also her younger sister. While he may come off as intimidating, he is really a sweet, gentle Shadow King who only wants what is best for his kingdom, even though he is falling for the wrong girl the entire time. I loved his connection with Faraine and how protective he is of her, especially since he knows she is not being treated well.

It was frustrating that he was being forced to marry the younger sister while he had feelings for the eldest sister, but he was only doing what was right for his kingdom. In the end, however, there were unexpected twists and turns that left Vor feeling betrayed. I completely understood his frustration and his reaction to the situation.

Bride of the Shadow King was my first book by author Sylvia Mercedes, and it definitely won’t be my last. I plan to pick up the rest of the trilogy as soon as I can, especially after that cliffhanger ending Sylvia left us with. Will the hero trust the heroine after what she did to him? I hope so because it’s clear that they are destined to be together. It’s important to understand that the heroine’s actions weren’t entirely her fault; her family pressured her into making those choices. To discover what happened between the hero and the heroine and why he doesn’t trust her, you’ll need to read the book.

Overall, I would give this book four stars, and I can’t wait to read the next one. It’s a slow burn, so expect to be left wanting more after finishing this book. I certainly was.

Cliffhanger: Yes.

Single/Dual POV: Dual POV

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the first book in the Bride of the Shadow King Trilogy and needs to be read in order.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy reading Fantasy Romance featuring an arranged marriage between two kingdoms, check out this trilogy.

What to Expect:
👑Fantasy Romance
👑Slow Burn
👑Arranged Marriage/Forced Marriage
👑Shunned Princess
👑Reluctant King

DNF at 45%

First, let me say that this book is well written. The world building is exciting and entertaining. The chemistry between Faraine and Vor is intense and beautiful. I was deeply invested in the storyline... until the 45% mark. Something happens that is so duplicitous it physically turned my stomach and I could not continue reading. The actions crossed a line with me and I had to stop the story to safeguard my mental health.

The author is obviously talented. I am heartbroken that I can't continue the story.

I would definitely check out this author again.

Ah-May-Zing!

I cannot believe I haven't read any of Sylvia Mercedes's books before this one. You better believe I will complete this series and look into some of her other work.

King Vor and Princess Faraine's story grabbed me right from the start. I couldn't get enough of the Troldefolk and Humans coming together to arrange a marriage, hoping to strengthen both armies to battle against the evil forces attacking them. The battles we witness on the page and the ones we hear about cause a chain of reactions that can severely damage the arrangement and lives. It will leave you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath in anticipation of what is to come next.

This story reminded me of Lord of the Rings, with Middle Earth. King Vor and his people live in a Subturain environment lit by the light of gemstones. It is a similar gemstone to the one Faraine wears. Is that a coincidence, or did the Gods know what they were doing when handing out their God Gifts?

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy Romantasy Reads, Paranormal Romances, Arranged Marriage Romances, Royalty Romances, Interspecies Romances, or Slow-Burn Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

💎 Book Review 💎

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes
💎
This is exactly what I’m looking for in a romantasy. The world is interesting and complex, the magic is unique, the romance is swoony, and the characters are compelling. Faraine is the eldest princess of Gavaria, but she is sent away to a convent because of her gods gift, which causes her to be frequently ill. She returns to court when her younger sister is presented as a bride for the Shadow King. He is in need of an alliance with the human kingdom, and a wife is the only way to secure it. Vor is half human, half trolde and is the King of Mythanar. He needs access to the human mage’s magic to save his kingdom and his people, and an alliance through marriage is the only way to get it. Vor agrees to marry Faraine’s younger sister, even though he is initially attracted to Faraine. However, on the eve of the wedding, disaster strikes, and Faraine must take her sister’s place in order to save the alliance between their kingdoms. What follows next is a delicious concoction of deception, secrets, betrayals, and a slow burn romance that leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book!
💎
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
💎
Read if you like:
▫️trolde, fae, and magic
▫️arranged marriage
▫️court politics
▫️slow burn
▫️dual POV
💎
Thank you to Ace Books, Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and Sylvia Mercedes for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have a weakness for romantic-fantasy novels and was really pleased with this plot, characters, and their world. Silvia Mercedes spun a really interesting take on an arranged marriage trope- most likely because their two worlds were so vastly different and viewing those differences through Faraine’s eyes held my attention. Needless to say, the above summation of the plot wasn’t exactly how the story played out but the betrayals and deceit were balanced out by heroics and good deeds making both Faraine and Vor easy to root for because they were so likable.

Some of my favorite moments were prior to the “wedding” when Vor and his people were experiencing the strangeness of Faraine’s world, and then when Faraine was in the depths of Vor kingdom and she was discovering the differences in her new home. Those small details are for me what makes good world building so great and this author did a nice job of painting a picture for the reader, not only of the characters, but of their surroundings. These details gave the book such a nice roundness. As this is a re-release, I immediately go the second novel and continued to read their story- and it was just as good.