This is one of the best slow-burn, marriage of convenience, political fantasies I’ve read in a. WHIIIIIILE!!! The first book in this series was such a delight and I loved learning who characters were, the world, and the secrets of the gods-gifts and other magic sources. This book dove so much deeper into all of these areas, as well as giving a masterclass in the art of pining before getting to the beloved MY WIFEEEEEE. I have so many predictions swirling in my mind regarding the next book and I absolutely cannot wait to dive in!!!! And as an important aside, the spice still remaining minimal and touch-and-go made Vor and Farraine’s relationship and these moments 3000000% more impactful for me. Okay? Thank you!

2.5⭐️2.75🌶️

Second book
Romantasy
Dual POV
Slow burn
Unique Fae magic and lore
Mythical beasts
Politics

This book introduces a lot of new issues that weren’t foreshadowed in the first one, and it makes for a confusing read. It’s hard to stay engaged when it feels like the story has taken a sharp turn with little build-up, especially when so much foreshadowing was laid out in the previous book.

I also feel that the magic system—specifically how the fae races’ magic and their vows work—should have been explained earlier, especially in book one. The way it’s revealed only as it becomes relevant doesn’t really work for me. Had it been explored earlier, it could have added more tension and given us deeper insight into Vor’s perspective. The constant references to it in the plot felt like missed opportunities to show its significance, leaving the stakes feeling a bit hollow.

One thing that really bugged me was the portrayal of the MMC’s interactions with the female protagonist. It often feels like he treats her as fragile, almost as if she’s a delicate object that needs to be handled with care. This constant dynamic didn’t sit well with me—it felt overdone and took away from their connection.

Ultimately, I’m struggling to stay invested in this story. The magic system, plot, timeline, and character development all have weak points that make it hard to truly enjoy the series as I read. I was hoping for more consistency and depth, but right now, it just isn’t pulling me in.

I will not be continuing with this series

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for a eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Very slow burn, if you enjoy that. These high stakes romantasy’s just make me feel impatient, but I’d still recommend for fans of the genre.

A treacherous bride.

A heartbroken groom.

Is their marriage over before it’s begun?


Vow of the Shadow King picks up Bride of the Shadow King left off and hits the ground running. From action to betrayal to the romance I was waiting for, Vow of the Shadow King definitely delivers and will leave you begging for more.

Vow of the Shadow King is a fantastic follow-up to Bride of the Shadow King and sets the stage for Heart of the Shadow King. The stakes are high and I for one, can not wait to see how everything will come together in the end.

This was a great continuation of the story and picks up right where the last one left off. There was so much tension at the end of the last book and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one to see how things turned out. The romance element of this book really worked. It flowed nicely and I think that the tension is still there between the characters. The romance felt natural and realistic (yes even though it’s fantasy), and I really enjoyed it a lot. The beginning of this one is on the slower side as things are building up, but the pacing picks up midway and then we’re off to the races and things move along at a nice clip. The slower beginning was not a deterring factor for me and actually helped suck me into the story. I have plenty of questions after reading this one and I am very excited for the next book to see how things wrap up.

If you’re looking for a really fun romantasy then you need to check this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an arc! This book has the same issue as the first one, the first half is so boring and then we shove all the action into the end. I wish it was more consistent. This book and the first could’ve been shortened and became one. These stories are too drawn out and at the beginning was so focused on the romance and then the last half was so focused on the fantasy aspect, why not blend the two so the story flows better? I also just don’t like Faraine, she’s too about herself for most of this story and at the end something happens which changes that but I mean the first 90% she’s thinking about herself. She’s also not in this as much as Vor, it felt like more Vor’s story and Faraine interrupts. Her chapters are also just really boring. I’m going to read the last book but I don’t have high expectations for it.

This had everything that I was looking for from the Bride of the Shadow King series, it felt like the same world and worked with the previous book that I read. Sylvia Mercedes was able to write a strong story and was engaged with what was happening to them. The romance element worked well and thought it worked well in this world and was glad it was so realistically done. I enjoyed getting back to this world and characters and had enjoyed the way Sylvia Mercedes wrote this.

Absolutely obsessed with this series!! I haven't felt so excited about a book in a while. I have been recommending this one to everyone I know

Okay this one was a bit slower to start than the first book, but eventually picks up about midway through. The slow burn is doing what it does best and slow burning the book away…. but I have a feeling once we burn we are going to get EVERYTHING!
Also I swear if book 3 doesn’t answer some of the billions of questions I have… we are going to have words Sylvia.

I enjoy this fantasy world and how this second book brings some insight into what is happening, though with more questions since there is a book 3. Looking forward to getting answers (a little disappointed I didn’t get book 3 as an ARC).

This book is a little slow. A lot of pages for not that many important events. Many paragraphs could have been cut: too much pining, not enough communication, repetitive missions. I do like how their feelings towards another builds, but the "non speaking plainly" is a bit annoying. Too much lust or magical connection, not enough love and trust.

I hate how the poison made the king react. Assault should never be in a book when it happens between a couple we are supposed to root for.

Best thing: I love the mothcats!

This is one of my favorite new trending authors. Also, the narrative of shadow king has been a trending theme/trope lately and this author rocked it with her own way of writing and make the concept her own. Very well done.

I freaking loved this one! The angst, THE DRAMA, the sexual tension and spice were all fantastic. I NEED THE NEXT ONE IMMEDIATELY

This series has been on my TBR for a little while as the description interested me. I enjoyed the first one quite a bit, but I found this second one a bit dull. It's not that there wasn't a lot happening in the story, but just that parts of it fell flat and I didn't find myself reaching to pick up the book to keep reading. It was still good, and I will read the last book. I just hope the next book feels more like the first one.

When King Vor realizes he has been tricked into this marriage as well as betrayed by the human king he takes his anger out on Princess Faraine. While the trust is broken, feelings are brewing between the two. King Vor's realm is on the verge of collapse and disaster is around every corner. Slowly they realize that maybe they need each other in order to save both of their worlds.

Faraine and Vor relationship was rocky to start. They had to figure out if they could get beyond that and make a go of it even with all the other things being thrown at them. I can't wait to see if they make it before the world goes crazy.

What a fun read! The cover of this book is shady really drew me in, but the words kept me going. Enemies to lovers and forced proximity are my all time favorite tropes and the author did not disappoint. The characters were so diverse and there were so many layers to this book. It was hot and steamy which is always a plus.

This book had me hooked from start to finish! The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed with such sizzling intensity, and the forced proximity adds layers of tension that keep you breathless. The twists and turns are brilliantly crafted, and the world of Fae kings and magic is utterly mesmerising. The characters are strong and captivating, plus, the slow-burn and the build up of sexual tension was quite satisfying. Overall, I really loved and enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next.

There was a lot of miscommunication, not speaking, that kept them apart in this one, and it was frustrating... but there was also a lot that I enjoyed.
Faraine is staring to come into her own a little bit, while Vor continue to be stubborn and full of blame for others for things out of their control (It's not like Faraine wanted to replace her sister!)
I did feel like this one could have moved a little faster... but the ending!