Heart of the Shadow King is the third and final book in the Bride of the Shadow King series. What a wild ride! This book is packed with tension, romance, and high-stakes moments that sucked me in from the start.

Faraine’s growth in this story is one of my favorite parts of the book. She learns so much about her powers, her strength, and her sense of self. Her growth is incredible, and I really enjoyed her arc. She’s been tested so many times, and she’s definitely not the same person she was at the beginning of the series. She’s been through a lot, and I loved how she proved that she’s so much more than a pawn in someone else’s game.

And Vor. Vor. He's everything I love in a hero— protective, loyal, and willing to fight for the people he loves, especially Faraine. But in this book. he's also really frustrating at times. He struggles with his trust in her, which, after everything they've been through, didn't really make sense. His sense of duty also frustrated me, though I can kind of understand his feelings of obligation. It just felt a little out of place after everything he went through with Faraine. That being said, the push and pull between them had me completely hooked, and when they finally get the moment they deserve—just chef’s kiss.

The world-building and action are also great. It's just as immersive as the first two, and the stakes feel higher than ever. It's intense, and with the introduction of some morally grey and mysterious characters, there are definitely a few twists I didn't expect. I also liked the secondary characters almost as much as I liked Faraine and Vor. I could easily see a spin-off that focuses on a couple of them! Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This was a great wrap up to this series. There was heavier action and fantasy in this book and a little less of the romance. We do get a lot more of the character's backstories which was nice as well. I think the book struggled a bit with the pacing of trying to wrap up the ending for the couple while also dealing with the main plotlines that needed to end. Overall, if you have made it through the 1st and 2nd book, I think this will be a satisfying ending to the trilogy.

Heart of the Shadow King is the perfect ending to this wonderful series. I’m always nervous going into the last book in a series, but Mercedes did a fantastic job tying up loose ends and bringing this series to a rewarding close. Vor and Faraine have a lot to overcome as a married couple in this 3rd book, so there is still lots of action and lots of story left to be told. I will miss these characters!

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is a captivating fantasy romance that completely swept me off my feet and left me yearning for more.

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the 3rd and final book in her Bride of the Shadow King series. Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar determined to fill their marriage vows. Upon arrival, the Under Realm situation is very bad, and Vor needs to win over those who have lost faith in him: as he struggles to protect his Kingdom. Faraine wants to help support Vor, as his Queen; but she begins to learn dimensions of her powers, which leads to massive changes to her body warping her gods-gift.

We follow Vor and Faraine as he knows his duty as King, leading to destructive battles ahead; Faraine is deeply plagued by Maylin’s powerful training. Both Vor and Faraine spent too much time apart, as it did feel stagnant at times. Vor gathers his army to help Faraines’s father fight the Fae. Faraine stays in Mythanar struggling to understand Maylin’s training her to learn about god’s gift, as well as using her ability to become crystal stone. When the world is crumbling, Faraine will be the one who will save them, suffering from her pain, but proving herself worthy of being the Queen by saving Vor and the tortured souls of his dead people during a magical ritual, releasing the stone.

I thought a lot of the story was slow moving, at least till the last ¼ of the book. There was so much chaos and inner dialogue throughout. We did get a backstory about Maylin, who actually was Vor’s real mother. I really loved Hael, who was great. I loved the ending, when Captain Hael will decide between Sur and Theodre.

Heart of the Shadow King was a very good ending, but I did think there was a lot of confusion within the constant changes and much dialogue. Heart of the Shadow King does nicely end this trilogy, as Mercedes gives Vor and Faraine a happy ending.

Gorgeous new covers and bonus material for this epic Viral TikTok series.
I loved this series and what's not to love: sexy fae kings, slow burn enemies to lovers, forced proximity, arranged marriage, unique magic, epic world building and spice. If you love Romantasy then you need to add this one to your TBR.

What a wild and crazy ride! These characters fought hard for their happily ever after, and their journey was utterly satisfying. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to this series.

This was the ending of the Shadow King trilogy. A lot of elements that were present in this book were present in the others of the series, but I enjoyed this one slightly less. I found the pacing to be a little off, and while the others were slow burn, this one was even slower. However, despite the pacing issues, I loved the fantasy world. It is so magical, and I loved it so much. I loved that I felt like I was transported into this world and right there with the characters. The character development was alright, though not exactly everything I needed, still good though. I am excited to see where the spin-off goes with this one.

If you’re looking for a nice conclusion to this beloved trilogy, then check this one out.

I wish I liked this one as much as the first book. However the story seems to drag on quite a bit and I felt uninterested in the characters after the 2nd book. The new cover art is gorgeous though! I much prefer this to the original. Don’t let my review deter you if you’re interested in the series! I simply didn’t enjoy the story as much as others.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I can't even express my excitement for this book, I did not see it on TikTok but I tell you it is worth the read. I rad way past my bedtime, immersed in a full on world that dragged me kicking and screaming into it and held me there. I cannot stop telling friends to read this book. Go out and do it you have too.

Everything about this is wonderful! The cover, the writing, the story! Overall, I can see why this is a viral book. I recommend for any romance or fanatsy or romantasy lover. This captures love and struggles all at once in such a great and entertaining way. moments like 'loving you has been life' had me screaming with joy and kicking my feet. Of course, not a standalone, make sure to read the others etc. I will say compared to this design cover edits etc vs the original, this version is something I would rather read and click on! Very well done and such an improvement overall.

I absolutely loved this trilogy and I'm so excited for the new covers! Sylvia Mercedes is the absolute queen of slow burn romantasy and this is the series that made me fall in love with her work!

The chokehold this series has on me is TIGHT.

I love love love this series. It’s so well done and thought out- granted there are some plot holes but very minor.

Such a good book! Loved the plot and the characters, and the journey development. Easy read.

Great cover for the book

The writing is lush and evocative, perfectly capturing the raw intensity of their struggles and the deep connection they share. Faraine’s battle with her own powers and Vor’s heart-wrenching decisions create a narrative that’s as gripping as it is poignant. The emotional depth and high drama come together in a finale that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.