I don’t want to give away too much here, since Heart of the Shadow King is the third and final book in the series. That said, I thought it was an overall satisfying way to wrap up the story. Most of the loose ends were tied up and the big plot elements were handled nicely, in sometimes surprising ways.

I did spend a good amount of the book very frustrated with Vor and Farraine. Both of them were making choices I didn’t especially love, and that made it a little hard to enjoy the story at times. Yes, I know we need conflict, but I did sometimes wish it was more from external sources than them both just making poor decisions.

Despite my frustrations, the plot was compelling and fast-paced enough that I did want to keep reading to see how everything would turn out for the two of them.

Those in it for the spicy scenes will probably be relatively disappointed here, as the two MCs spend a good majority of the book apart. There is spice here and there, but not as much compared to book two.

Final Thoughts
In all, Heart of the Shadow King did a nice job of bringing the story to a close while making space for potential future books set in the same universe. There are a few mysteries and stories yet unexplored that I’d be curious to learn more about.

If you enjoy a fantasy world with an interesting setting and a plot that challenges the characters in big ways, this series will definitely hit those marks. Heart of the Shadow King in its republished format released today, February 25th.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, was slightly disappointed in the second book, but had hopes that the author could come back stronger in the third book. Unfortunately, that did not happen. I was left disappointed by the relationship and plot lines in this story.

2.5 stars. Rounded up to 3.

Loved this series! It’s filled with fantasy action, steamy love, heartbreak, and you fall in love with the growth of the main characters! It’s a mix of light hearted fantasy romance. It’s not too much to digest and not too light of a story to take in! I am such a fan of this author!

An epic finale for an epic series! There was so much happening in this final installment, so many twists and turns I did not see coming, more betrayals and dangers lurking at every turn and quite the epic ending. The world building in this last book continues to be intricately crafted with some of my favorite themes of magic and gods, prophecies and political unrest. There were some moments that lulled at the beginning and some that seemed to derail the plot completely that I wasn’t expecting but in the end everything was tied up fairly nicely.

All in all, this series has been a wonderful ride from start to finish and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I'll preface with saying that I have read the first two books in this series and pretty much devoured them each. The same held true for the final installment of this trilogy. With The Heart of the Shadow King (HotSK), I enjoyed multiple aspects to the story.

The first was seeing where all the characters ended up. I loved the conclusion to Faraine and Vor's story after watching how it was shaped in the earlier books. There were no loose ends left unanswered, and while some aspects were a bit predictable, at no point did I find myself trying to push through just to get to the end. The ending itself was very action charged and there is more noticeable action in HotSK in comparison to the other books, but this is used in conjunction with the advancing plot. The wonderful world building that Sylvia Mercedes did in the earlier books continues and with the introduction of some additional characters, we get to learn more about the world of Gavaria and the trolde.

The only drawback I found is part of the middle of the book lagged with pacing. As certain plot points were introduced, I felt almost bogged down with the background information layered on top of all the additional information that was quickly introduced in a short space of time. I even had to go back and revisit a couple points to make sure I was understanding everything.

For those who are looking for a great end to a trilogy, HotSK hits all the major points in my book. Great romance, great development of the world and it's characters, great plot line, all of which kept me wanting more as I read up to the final page. The bonus content included in this copy was also I nice satisfying end as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓌 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 has done the impossible and pulled me out of a deep fantasy reading slump. King Vor, while the feared and respected Shadow King, still maintains some humanity in the way he treats others and approaches situations. Princess Faraine has her own secrets and story to be told, but she isn’t sure if she should or can trust those around her. A story of secrets, deception, wanting and discovery unfold throughout this carefully crafted trilogy.

I absolutely loved the pacing that was in this series! For fans of slow burn fantasy romance, this one is absolutely for you! It certainly scratched that itch for a really good fantasy trilogy that I always have, especially since these contain all of the tropes I typically reach for. The writing is almost poetic and matches beautifully to the world that has been created! The duel POV was a surprise for me but I loved it, simply because I enjoyed how it would show us what led to the events that happen in one chapter and help you understand both sides of what is going on.

While book one is full of false and hidden identity, secrets and treachery, book two is full of a thrilling hint to uncover the truth of what is happening within King Vor’s world as he grapples to come to terms with and plan of what to do with his bride-to-be. Book three discusses the complications that come with having to rule a kingdom you care so deeply for and wanting to protect those you love. Both Vor and Faraine are willing to do whatever it takes for one another and that’s one of my favorite things in fantasy books. Not only a man that would die for his partner but a woman who would do the same. This entire trilogy was perfectly threaded with secrets, betrayal, and drama which I absolutely loved! I will be recommending this to anyone who loves these elements just as much as I have.

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing & @syl for the opportunity to ARC read book 3, the Heart of the Shadow King, and the close of this amazing trilogy.

𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦:
🤍secret identity
✨deception
🤍marriage of convenience
✨ Romantasy
🤍arranged marriage
✨forced proximity
🤍enemies to lovers

“What if I am destined to save this world?”

For anyone who ever fell in love with the Beast, and was disappointed when the curse was broken and blondie appeared, this series from Sylvia Mercedes will scratch all those beastly itches and then some. All three installments, Bride of the Shadow King,Vow of the Shadow King, and the conclusion Heart of the Shadow King are now available in these new editions as of this week.

Princess Faraine’s story begins in Bride of the Shadow King, and this may be my favorite of the three installments. Raised in virtual exile from her father’s court, Faraine is the eldest but most overlooked of her sisters. Her chronic “condition” means that she is always kept apart, and she has learned to give way for her younger sister Ilsevel, who is favored by their father in all things. When the Trollde Shadow King arrives seeking a human bride to secure the support of the human magicians, it is the humanity of Faraine’s family that casts the darkest shadow. Deals are made, engagements entered, and magical binding draws everyone into a labyrinthine relationship.

In Vow of the Shadow King trapped in the Shadow Realm and surrounded by enemies, Faraine and Vor are each shattered by the actions of the people around them, convinced that there is no way forward. As Vor struggles with his own thoughts, enemies within and without the court, and the constant doubt that has plagued him since birth, Farain struggles to find her place in this new world. As a human princess is she a liability to be thrown back to the surface, or does her growing love for the shadows and crystals of the deep mean that she is destined to be more in this world of rock and stone?

In Heart of the Shadow King Faraine and Vor return to a city in shambles, but more confident in their relationship with each other. With both realms on the brink of collapse they must each face headlong the choices they have made, and decide what to reveal to each other. Desire and loyalty are tested, as they each battle their own demons, both physical and emotional.

I am so glad I was able to read all of these together over the winter, as they were such a cozy read to while away the winter days, and each of them left me wanting more. The world that has been created here is stunning. It is beautiful and dangerous, and as Faraine grows in her new home, we feel a kinship for the place as well. Despite how hard and barren she assumed it would be, the world is teeming with life, and the way Mercedes brings the Shadow Realm to life is breathtaking.

“Strange lichens climb the large boulders, creating luminous abstract patterns that dazzle the eye. Mushrooms nearly half my height bob gently, though there is no breeze. Their gills ripple, and their speckled caps reflect the low light around them. here and there, tiny flying creatures - olk, Vor called them - flit across my vision, trailing glittering dust in their wake. The air hums with the soft music of their wings.”


I’m not a huge fan of the current “shadow daddy” obsession, but I am a huge fan of female protagonists who get to be more than the life that was crafted out from them. Faraine is manipulated and overlooked time and again by her father, but in Mythanar she finds a place that makes her comfortable in her own skin for the first time. Despite all misgivings she enjoys being here, and encounters skills that she never knew she had. I am still not a fan of the “teach me” sex scenes, and admittedly skimmed over much of the lusting, but Faraine is given far more agency over her sexuality than I feel has been the norm in my reading of late.

Generally I am not drawn to fiction that has a dual point-of-view, but I did not hate this. Given the nature of Vor and his people, it was extremely helpful to see things from his point of view. Going back and forth between Vor and Faraine gave better structure to a narrative that spun stories between two very different world. I actually would very much have liked to have had Sul and Hael’s perspectives thrown in as well so I am really pleased that these new editions each contain a chapter from Captain Hael’s point of view.

Regardless of whether we get to return to the Shadow Realm, I enjoyed the world building of Sylvia Mercedes, and will definitely be checking out her other creations, her bibliography is quite voluminous. She uses familiar tropes of course, but adds her own spin to things. Her perspective on story creation resonated strongly with me, and was evident through each book.

“They say the Between Gates simply appeared one day. That was five hundred years ago now. Our world has never been the same since. No one knows from whence they came or who built them. There are legends aplenty of course - all elaborate and complicated and contradictory, possibly each containing a small piece of the truth but never the whole.”

I loved her use of crystals, and the dragon aspects of her world were quite different and welcome. It’s a fascinating idea for a dragon and certainly something I would like to see explored more.

The redemption arc of a fairly minor character in Heart of the Shadow King while not something I saw coming, utterly delighted me, and ended the whole series on an absolute high. I wish more time had been able to be devoted to this final storyline and I was exceptionally pleased with the extra story provided at the conclusion of the book. I think a standalone telling that story all the way through from the tertiary perspective of the characters involved would maybe even surpass how much I enjoyed the story of Vor and Faraine. There are definitely several other paths that could be explored in this world, either concurrently with this story, or at either end of the history of the kingdom.

The full trilogy is now available and GeekMom received a copy of these books for review purposes.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley for the rerelease of this book by Ace/Berkley in February 2025, however I do want to mention that I had previously purchased audiobook versions of the series. As always all opinions expressed in my review are my own.

We pick up where book 2 leaves off with Vor still trying to balance his duties as king and husband while Faraine desperately wants to help her new kingdom and find her place. In an attempt to help the kingdom Faraine looks deeper into her own growing powers and uncovers secrets about Vor's world that not many know. Things take a bit of a darker turn as Vor keeps his agreement to help Faraine's father and as Faraine delves deeper into her abilities. Things also heat up as Vor and Faraine accept their feelings for one another and stop pretending that their wedding was just a political alliance.

I loved this whole series and very much enjoyed going on this journey with Faraine and Vor. I really enjoyed the world building and the character development. There are some spicy scenes for the romance lovers, but as a fantasy lover myself this hit all of the right notes with action, adventure, and magical elements as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Mercedes for the opportunity to read the ARC of this re-release. An honest review was requested but not required.

This, book #3 of the Shadow King trilogy, read almost like a book #2. It had a real bridge book vibe for the first 2/3 or so. We start off OK with Vor having struggles with his public image and not knowing who to trust, whereas Faraine feels helpless and trapped. Unfortunately there is a *lot* of yearning and angsting for each other, which is fine except that the plot slowed down to a standstill at that point.

Then Vor is forced to leave to honor is part of the contract with Faraine's father aboveground, while Faraine meets Maylin (Vor's mother) and begins to train to use vor, the trolde power which effectively turns her to crystal from the outside in. This part dragged a LOT and I found myself skimming pages. Having already read Warbride it was fun to encounter the Licornyn again from a different angle. The last third or so of this book really picked up. If you can push past the pacing of earlier parts the end is well worth the while. The trilogy as a whole is still really unique in world building and setting which is a big selling point. I might re-read Warbride again now that I've finished the Shadow King series.

Overall 3.5 stars.

This is such a fun series. The magic is unique, the world is vibrant, the characters are compelling, and the romance is swoony. This book really focused on Faraine’s growth as a character and the development of her magic. I thought it was a great conclusion to Faraine and Vor’s story. It answered all the questions and confronted the problems that arose in the first two books, and I’m totally satisfied with the way it ended. I’m especially grateful for the epilogue where we finally find out who Hael ends up with.
💎
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
💎
Read if you like:
▫️trolde, humans, and magic
▫️court politics
▫️heroine learning her powers
▫️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.

What a stunning conclusion to a beautifully crafted romantasy!!! The epic tales of love and war, conflict and magic, trust and betrayal…. this was truly an amazing read. I loved seeing where all of the pieces fell into place, and the true magnitude of Faraine’s gods-gift. This world is one I won’t be forgetting about any time soon!

💥💥💥 Book Review 💥💥💥

Heart of the Shadow King
By. Sylvia Mercedes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

The Heart of the Shadow King is the last installment of the Bride of the Shadow King series. I read this book so fast. 💨 I was a little worried going into this book because this series is so vast. I was worried how she was going to wrap everything up, but she did well. I loved Theodore! I am glad she wrote a little epilogue of him. I enjoyed this series and was sad that it ended.

I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

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.