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.

Excellent and engaging worldbuilding! I started this and was quickly sucked into the world and story, but I felt like pacing eventually fell off. This was also further compounded with the way the chapters were set up. I wish the story kept rolling instead of recapping what happened last chapter.

I’m intrigued enough to keep reading this series.

Thanks so much for the arc!

Many thanks to Berkley for the digital review copy of Bride of the Shadow King and the chance to be a part of the book tour.

I read a lot of what you would now call Romantasy when I was younger, but haven't really had much success getting back into the genre as an adult. I read Fourth Wing and, while I liked it okay, it didn't real grab me. Nevertheless, the popularity of the genre led me to pick up Bride of the Shadow King out of sheer curiosity.

Friends, this book absolutely grabbed hold of me from page one and did not let go. I very much enjoyed this journey, getting to know the magic of this world with gods-gifts for human and fae magic above and below the ground. The instant connection between Faraine and Vor felt natural, believable, and I found myself rooting for them immediately.

As someone with chronic pain who is also easily fatigued in crowds, it wasn't hard to see myself in Faraine. I could relate to her struggles not to burden others with her pain, to hide it and carry on... and the equal desire to stay away from others to avoid needing to do that.

The pacing is quick and keeps you going, eager to see what will happen next - because indeed, it's hard to predict just what will happen next. Like any good start to a trilogy, this one ends with so many questions unanswered that I want to grab the second book in the series immediately.

In all, I'm very glad I decided to pick up Bride of the Shadow King. It's a wonderfully compelling addition to the Romantasy genre, and I look forward to picking up the second book to see where the story goes. I recommend this one to those who already love Romantasy and those who are curious to give the genre a go.

Bride of the Shadow King blew my expectations. It was a captivating read that had me hooked the entire time. The story was well-developed and it made me feel like I was in the story.
The characters were just as amazing. I loved Faraine and Vor. I enjoyed their interactions from the moment they first met. I did expect Vor to choose Faraine instead of her sister and was slightly disappointed when he did not. It did compel me keep on reading to find out how it was going to turn out. I did not see that plot twist coming. It made things much more intense and I admit that I was kind of glad that Faraine was getting a chance but not the way it all happened.
I am definitely going to read the rest of the series to continue with Faraine and Vors’ story. I am rooting for their happy ending.

I highly recommend giving this book a read. It will leave you craving for more.

Thank you Berkley/ Penguin Random House for the copy of this book!

We have fiery unicorns, trolls, fae and humans all rolled into this great romantasy.
Faraine was supposed to wed but decided not to, to help her kingdom and she is sent to a convent. Then her sister is told she needs to marry but doesn't want to so Faraine is fetched by her brother to talk to her sister and that's where everything starts to happen. We meet the trolls and the fiery unicorns. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.

Review: BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes https://bit.ly/40KoLGG
Publication Date: 11/12/2024
Genre: Romantasy
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

This book kept me up all late. I couldn’t put it down. I got swept up in the world Sylvia Mercedes created. I really wanted to throw the book and reach in and shake the characters a few times but I love when the characters can create that much emotion in a story. The story is full of suspense, lots of drama, some spice and it ends with a powerful cliffhanger. The rest of the trilogy is available now though. It is being released in new paperback covers over the next few months. I recommend this book for fantasy romance lovers. I can’t wait to pick up the next book and to see what happens next.

*Review copy provided by the Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle https://amzn.to/4epgHy1
Paperback https://amzn.to/3CnXLmd

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes. It’s an immersive adult romantasy about Shadow King (Love, love, love him!) trying to save his people and a princess forced to deceive and marry him to forge a political alliance.  The story hooked me from the beginning, and the end left me salivating for the next book! 

First, I have to say, I adore Vor. I fall in love with a lot of fictional characters, and Vor is SO easy to fall for.  He’s so honorable and determined to do right by his people, and he selflessly puts himself on the line to protect others.  

I loved Faraine, too, and I really felt for her. Unloved by her father and ignored by her mother, Faraine lives a solitary life in a convent until forced to leave by her family.  Throughout the story, however, she gets put in impossible situation after impossible situation, and she’s forced to be part of a deception that changes the trajectory of her quiet life forever. Faraine also struggles to control her power, which she’s tried to hide her entire life.  Her character has a lot of depth, and I love that her confidence grows as she gains knowledge and control.

The story is told from both Faraine and Vor’s perspectives, which is always a favorite of mine.  The dual POV is immersive and enlightening and gives the reader a well-rounded look into both of their journeys. it also sheds light on how each feels about their situations and relationships, and their feelings about each other. Vor and Faraine have an instant connection, even though he is meant for someone else, and I loved their slow-building and burning romance. There’s so much angst and pining, and the build-up is pretty swoon-tastic! Plus, the banter - sooo good!

The secondary characters are fabulous too - Vor’s brother and his captain are compelling, and I’m curious to find out more about Faraine’s sisters because I think there’s more to their story. The world is also really intriguing and unique, and the contrast between Faraine’s world and Vor’s Trolde (Troll) kingdom contrasts well. I like the juxtaposition and how both are different than what they seem, and the brewing wars and darkness that threaten the fae add a constant sense of impending doom and destruction. It’s a suspenseful, tense, and dark plot with many compelling layers, and after that ending, I definitely need to read the next book.

Bride of the Shadow King captured me from the opening chapter, with a princess consigned to a convent, sibling bickering during a wild carriage ride . . . and an attack by fae riding unicorns with flaming horns atop their heads! With my curiosity already stoked, Princess Faraine quickly endeared herself to me, and King Vor ensured I’d see this through to the end.

What I appreciated most about this was that Sylvia Mercedes crafted a proper romantasy, a book that would be entirely serviceable as either a fantasy or a romance, but which becomes completely captivating in how she intertwines the two, weaving a story that’s stronger than the sum of its parts. Both Faraine and Vor are strong characters, equally capable of carrying the fantasy, and their slow-burn romance really worked for me. It helps that they both have a strong cast of supporting characters who grow and evolve over the course of the book – although, I am sad to say, the woman who excited me the most does not live to see the story through to the end.

There’s magic and mythology here, along with a wonderful degree of worldbuilding, especially in the underground realm of the troldfolk. Usually, when it comes to fantasy, I’m all about the forests, the mountains, and the seas, but here I was utterly consumed by the crystal lighting, the racing rivers, the gaping chasms, and the construction underground. I wanted to wander down there and explore their world, even with the terrifying dangers stalking the depths. Both the humans above and the troldfolk below have something they need from the arranged marriage, an alliance against their own enemies, but the truth is, there are evils within both ruling families that make me very uncomfortable.

As for what I want from the next book? Some answers about what lies beneath Mythanar, the truth about Vor’s step-mom and her creepy priest, to know whether Faraine’s father intends to honor the alliance; and (hopefully) more of the fae and their flaming steeds.

Well-paced and perfectly detailed, Bride of the Shadow King is a book worthy of its characters. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but coming out the end, I’m eager to pick up the next two books in the series.

This book surprised me! I enjoyed the different take on Fae lore, world building, and the characters differing magic abilities. That cliffhanger though....UGH! I need book two asap!

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley and Berkley/Ace, all opinions are my own. In full transparency, I had already purchased the audiobook and ebook prior to the book being picked by Berkley/Ace, and this has been sitting on my TBR for 2 years so the rerelease was the perfect motivation to finally pick this book up.

This follow Faraine, the oldest of several sisters who has been sent to live at a convent when her courtship goes awry due to her gift. Each of her siblings has a magical gift, hers tends to make her ill when she is overwhelmed with the emotions of others. Having failed to make an alliance, she is sent away only to be called back to help her younger sister forge a new alliance with the Shadow King. Her sister Ilsevel is everyone's favorite, and Faraine has been brought home to convince her that this alliance is necessary to save their kingdom. Faraine meets the intimidating King Vor and finds him to be kind and respectful, they have an instant connection but they both know that duty comes before desire. When Faraine is forced to take her sister's place, she is not eager to deceive Vor, but again she must fulfil her duty. Both Vor's kindgom and Faraine's kingdom need each other to survive, but can their marriage survive the deception despite their undeniable connection?

I found this compelling and hard to put down. It is rare that immediately want to pick up the next book in the series, but that is the case here. It alternates between Farraine and Vor's perspectives. There are times when their chapters will rewind and recap events from the previous chapter from the other character's perspective. I didn't mind as one or the other character wasn't present in the scene taking place so we get to understand what was going on where they were, for other readers that will be and irritating style choice as the timeline isn't moving forward at all times. Some readers will not want to read the same thing twice, for me sometimes I felt like I was missing something in the prior chapter, but then we get that info in the next chapter from the other POV.

The spice is fairly low in this book. Nothing is overly graphic or descriptive, which is actually my preference when it comes to spice. I'm not sure if things get more detailed as the books continue, but I desperately want to dive right into the next book. I actually appreciated this was more of a slow burn and that the spice level was low considering the betrayal and deception. I thought the worldbuilding was great, we get good descriptions of the characters and their surroundings which I always appreciate. I still don't feel like I have a handle on what is going on with each of the kingdom's yet and the things they are fighting, but I suspect that there is more to be revealed in the next two books. I also expect more character development as the series continues, as I feel like I was just starting to get to know Vor, Faraine, and the rest of the characters when this ended. It says alot about how much I enjoyed this when I want to push aside all of the other books I need to read and review this week and read this series instead. The remaining books are set to be rereleased by Berkley/Ace in early 2025 but they are currently available on Kindle Unlimited and Audible. If you are looking for a fun slow burn romantasy, pick this up today! I absolutely loved it!

I didn’t realize this was a fantasy series, not a standalone, and that’s on me. As a result, it was different than what I usually enjoy. I liked the leads, I’d probably still pick up the other installments if I was in the proper mood.

3.25 stars

I was enjoying this story in the beginning until the Princess Faraine's family's deception. In the beginning it seemed as if King Vor had some type of attraction/curiosity towards Faraine but that immediately went out of the window when he met and chose her sister to be his bride. Although thoughts of Faraine weren't far from his thoughts he still proceeded to court and make his vows to Faraine's sister Princess Ilsevel.

I feel that Faraine should have spoken up instead of continuing with the deception of making King Vor think he was married to Ilsevel instead of a glamoured Faraine; but because she was shunned by her family; her father the king demanded that she played her part even though she didn't want to. She could have used the opportunity to explain to King Vor what tragedy befell Ilsevel and her other sisters instead of making him think he was with the woman of his choosing, who simply wasn't Princess Faraine.

This book had all of the makings of a romantasy, but I just couldn't get past the manipulation and deception. The feelings and vows King Vor was professing were to Princess Ilsevel not Princess Faraine; but Faraine is who he ended up married to due to deception and know we will have to go through the pain of reading about King Vor and his conflicting feeling about the situation and how he was deceived and how Faraine will need to accept the fact that King Vor was professing his love, desire for Ilsevel and not her; in hopes that he will one day forgive her for her deception and profess those same feelings for her.

No thank you. All of this drama is bringing more harm than good between the two realms. The point of the marriage to become allies and combine forces against a common enemy but now with this deception uncovered how can King Vor look past the deceitful alliance that he has fostered? Why would Fararine continue to do her family bidding knowing they loathe her and will never treat her s anything more than an inconvenience?

Wow! I have to admit I expected the typical romantasy arc from this book, but it is so much more! There are so many twists and turns within this story, it kept me in its grip. I absolutely loved Faraine and Vor. Faraine desires to be so much more than the timid girl she sees herself to be. Vor wants to be a strong, yet kind, leader, but Faraire and the humans cannot be trusted and he has some really difficult decisions to make. Their relationship is so complicated at this point, but I'm rooting for them! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.

I also loved that this edition included bonus material! I don't want to give anything away, but it's definitely worth the read.

Bride of the Shadow King tells the tale of an outcast princess who enters into a political marriage with a hesitant king in order to protect their kingdoms. This captivating first installment in the popular Bride of the Shadow King series is a blend of romance and fantasy that left me eagerly anticipating the next book. Mercedes skillfully weaves together a story filled with intrigue, action, and well-developed characters set against a richly detailed world. The novel strikes a perfect balance between moments of tenderness and tension, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. Get ready to be swept away by this addictive and thrilling beginning to an epic trilogy.

GIVE ME MORE!! i loved this book & can’t wait for the rest! it was giving the vibes of fantasy that i love mixed with the right amount of romance and ugh