This is a breathtaking conclusion to the Dominions trilogy. Queen Meren faces heartbreak and betrayal as she fights to reclaim her throne from King Eidolon, all while the Alignment threatens to destroy everything. The story is darker and more intense, with unexpected twists, fast-paced action, and emotionally charged moments that kept me hooked. Meren’s resilience shines as she grows into a true leader, and I loved Tabra’s expanded role. The bond between Meren and Reven is deeply moving, showcasing love’s strength amidst adversity. The bittersweet ending was fitting and left a lasting impression. This gripping finale is a must-read for fans of the series—an unforgettable journey full of magic and courage.

I'd been waiting to get an ARC of this book since the previous one ended, and it did not disappoint. In fact, I left a piece of my heart with it and now that everything is over I want all the quiet moments (no, a nice epilogue won't be enough, not for this trilogy!).
I admit I found it a touch chaotic in the beginning, a bit all over the place, moving too fast at times.
There's one thing I got scared of when I came across it, a trope I don't entirely enjoy unless done well: if it were used as the main plot point, it'd be one thing, but to put into a story, especially at this point, can become just adding angst for angst’s sake - and therefore stretch the story out. But Miss Owen didn't, weaving it into the story masterfully. I'm still not entirely sold on it, but again, it's a mere preference, and it doesn't make away how meaningful it was for Meren and Reven.
My babies!
Meren deserves all the bloody peace in the world, and so does Reven, after going through hell (quite literally, too). They are the epitome of what I seek in a couple, in an enemies to lovers. It'd be too easy to paragon them to my favourite couple, but in my heart I do, and not to take away anything from them, but because it's the perfect way in my heart to make whoever is reading how much I've fallen for them. So no, they're definitely not a copy and paste, just what I love to read about: their story, their clicking like pieces of a puzzle, their love for one another… Abigail Owen threw it all together like a witch, and like a witch she enchanted me.
I adored Meren and Reven, as I did the rest of the formidable characters: they are just as amazing. Each of them managed to shock me with their actions, even when some I could sense coming, whereas others just hit me right in the feels.
In this final book, there's too much to unpack without being spoilery, so all I'll say is that this is the perfect (*shushes the cries in her heart*) conclusion to a freaking amazing story that more people need to read.

I just loved reading this book! I've enjoyed this series since the beginning, and I was so excited to see how it was all going to wrap up! They had this major threat that they had to deal with, and I had to see how they were going to do it!

This series is not afraid to cause damage, it doesn't pull its punches. There is loss after loss, and the hits kept coming. I mean, there were losses in the previous books, but this is the finale, and there were some pretty shocking betrayals, not to mention the losses that come with war.

Meren is not in a great place, what with Eidolon taking Reven back in, but still having the shadows within her. So between that, and the mounting war efforts, is not a good position to be in, espcailly when some truths come to light.

So much happens in this book, so much is learned, about why the goddesses were contained in the first place, which all lead to this epic end to the book, that final battle was amazing, and I really enjoyed seeing it all play out! And where we left these characters was so satisfying!

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to read more by Abigail Owen!

The good news about my review coming so late is that this means THIS BOOK IS OUT NOW! So go get it!

If you have read the first two in the dominions trilogy, you know what to expect (heart break, tragedy, despair, hope, emotional damage, etc). If you haven’t read them, what are you doing?!

I’m pretty sure this is my favorite of the series. The final book in this gripping trilogy will leave you reeling! Cut to me furiously DMing @abigailowenauthor about how I hate her for ruining my life. This book made me feel all the feelings, even when I didn’t want to. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and was sad when it ended because I love these characters. Though the trilogy was wrapped up quite beautifully, including an epilogue that’s to die for.

Please read this so we can start a fan club for hating to love (or loving to hate?) Abigail Owen. lol

#dominionstrilogy #shadowsruleall #abigailowen #entangledteen

Here's the thing. This was a really good conclusion to this series and there was never a dull moment. So many important characters were severely hurt and others died, making this so much more of a believable battle. So why only 3 stars? Because almost for the entire book (I think it was around 80% or so) literally nothing goes well for Meren. No joke. Any time you think "oh, finally!" NO. It still all goes horribly wrong in one way or another. And for me, that just became more and more frustrating as I kept reading. I'm not saying things should have gone easy for her, but this was over kill to me.

It's no joke when I say that this book sees Meren going non stop. Her and her group are on the move the whole time either chasing down leads, making allies, or running from their enemy. I was so damn happy when Meren got Reven back....only for that to not be a good thing either. So that was super frustrating. But I was still happy that he was there.

We meet a couple new goddesses this time around as well as learn exactly what happened in the past to see them all sealed and the fallout from that one action. The final fight between everyone, and I'm talking everyone was a good and believable one. I do so love it when the epic finale of a war does not let me down and it didn't here. I was very happy with this end.

Great ending to this fantasy trilogy!

Meren has been overcome by shadows that left Reven, her bondmate, and now they’re torturing her. The shadows take over her mind and appearance if she gets too stressed or they get upset. Reven has completely forgotten Meren and he has no memory of them being in love. Meren has collected most of the amulets needed to stop the king. She needs one more plus the help of her dedicated companions to save their kingdom. She’s determined to help save the kingdom and Reven’s memory, even if she has to sacrifice herself to do it.

Likes/dislikes: I like that the characters are complex and diverse. The characters are each flawed in their own way, which makes them interesting. The mythology created by the author is imaginative. This book is the third in the trilogy and it’s much better than the second book.
Mature content: PG-13 for implied sex, on page.
Language: R for 93 swears and 10 f-words.
Violence: PG-13 for bloody fighting, deaths, and a bloody death.
Ethnicity: mixed.

What an ending! I loved all three books but Meren having to work to get Reven back really made for a great story. Lots of sarcasm (love it) and a lot of Meren feeling awkward (relatable).

There were plenty of surprises I didn’t see coming. This will be a series that I plan to reread in the future.

I loved every second of this series. This series will forever hold a special place in my heart as The Liars Crown was so good that it inspired me to post my first book review. This was the perfect (even if im still gutted) ending to an overall incredible series. I absolutely plan to read more from Abigail!!

I probably should have done a reread before jumping into the final book in a trilogy, but I live in chaos.
Without having revisited the first two books it did take a little while to figure out what I had forgotten and reanimate myself in the story.
Once my brain began functioning again this ended up being everything I could have hoped for in the end of a series I love!
Many new layers added into the established story and I was here for it!
I am geeked to do a full reread of the series and see if anything changes when the plot is fresh in my mind.
Much love to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for my ARC!

As the third book in the Dominions series, The Shadows Rule All does not stand alone. In fact, it really should be read in conjunction with the first two books, The Liar’s Crown and The Stolen Throne.

The Shadows Rule All is part of a complex storyline that loses nuance when not read in quick succession. In fact, I wish that I had reread the other books just to refresh my memory.

Story once again centers around Meren and Reven. Once connected together as bondmates, they’re now separated by more than distance. It’s hard to say much more about the plot without giving too much away, but it’s a strong storyline.

Author Abigail Owen has created a vast world with an intricate magical system that reads almost cinematically. Owen has a strong sense of timing and her prose is accessible. The Shadows Rule All is fast-moving and a strong conclusion to her trilogy.

As with the previous books, The Shadow Rules All features moments of sexual tension and some pretty steamy scenes. It’s as close to graphic as you can get without being graphic, and would garner at least a PG13 rating.

The Dominions series is not for everyone. It’s not suitable for younger teens, but older teens and new adults will quickly get lost in the magic, mystery, action and romance.

Tropes:
💜 Touch her and 💀
💜 Stabby FMC
💜 He falls for her AGAIN
💜 Shadow MMC
💜 Fated (mates)

There’s a lot of pressure on the last book in a trilogy and I feel like this book met my hopes for the series!

The pacing seemed to move the story along quickly and there were twists and reveals that had me gasping multiple times throughout. I feel like this series was able to come to a satisfying conclusion after a thrilling ride!

Some possible spoilers below, proceed with caution:

I was in agony throughout the process of Meren and Reven having to rediscover each other after Meren was able to get Reven back. It makes their HEA that much sweeter.

There was an introduction to a new goddess who was a really interesting aspect of the story. The history was explored more thoroughly and I finally got answers to the burning questions I’ve had since the beginning.

The story is not without some heartache though, so savor the little moments of joy when they come - just like Meren does. 💜

I am so glad I was given an opportunity to recieve an arc of this book. I have had The Liar's Crown on my shelf for awhile but have not gotten to it and getting this book gave me the push I needed to start the series. It is so good! This book was the perfect way to wrap up the story but it will bring out all the emotions. She does a great job at really making you feel for the side characters just as much as the main characters.

This book masterfully builds upon the previous installment, offering insight into the characters' bravery as they confront the aftermath of a pivotal event. Their collective quest to liberate their kingdom is awe-inspiring, though the characters' perpetual danger and mobility leave some aspects of their journeys unexplored. Tabra's expanded presence sparks conflicting emotions, while Meren's actions raise eyebrows. The emotional depth of Reven and Meren's relationship is beautifully portrayed, highlighting love's capacity to overcome adversity and flourish amidst turmoil.

You'll discover loyal companions, intriguing mysteries, hidden secrets, challenging betrayals, laughable moments and heartbreaking ones, but ultimately, you'll witness the transformative love they share for each other and their country.

And so it ends. The Shadows Rule All bring the Dominions trilogy to a conclusion. A satisfying one? No spoilers. I’ll leave each reader to decide that for themselves. But the story picks up shortly after the events of book 2 (The Stolen Throne). Meren has been such a great character and she’s grown so much throughout this series. I really hate to say goodbye this world, but if this is the last time we visit then personally I’ll leave satisfied. If however Ms Owen decides there is more to explore (perhaps continuing adventures for certain characters?) then I’d be more than happy to go on another adventure. I’d like to thank Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Shadows Rule All.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R35ZZ4LWYQQE1F/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Wow!!! Bravo on the ending of this trilogy. Ms. Owen did a wonderful job wrapping this up with a big and beautiful bow. I could not put this book down. Just like with the first two books in the series, this book is a non-stop adventure from the beginning till the end. There are a lot of moving pieces in this book and I was sucked in from the start. But be warned....you are going to shed many tears in this one, for there will be a lot of death. Not everyone is going to have a happy ending in this one. The road that Meren travels is full of treachery and danger. Many will betray her and she will struggle with the pressures of carrying around the shadows. There will be lots of twists and oh shit moments where you will be blindsided and not see it coming. There is so much action, fighting, death and excitement.

Overall this book is amazing. Just like it's predecessors. But be sure you start with book one The Liar's Crown. These books are not standalones and must be read in order. Plus you don't want to miss out on anything. This is a fantasy young adult novel. I would say 16+. As some scenes are for mature audiences. It is a unique and exciting tale, with an amazing line up of characters and creatures. I highly recommend it to those who love books about Goddesses and Old World charm with kings and queens. It kind of has a "Shadow and Bone Series" feel to it.

A fantastic conclusion to my new favorite trilogy, THE SHADOWS RULE ALL brings our characters full circle and delivers an ending that they truly deserve. Things in this book start off on a rather tense note and remain that way for much of the story, and it was a ✨journey✨ following them to see if their relationship(s) would survive their quest. For most of the story, it’s anyone’s guess if the characters would survive and thrive, and I’m ultimately satisfied with how we leave them.

I don’t want to give too much away in terms of rehashing the plot since this is the third book, but suffice it to say that all of the danger and the tension from the first two books finally explode in this one. This one had me on edge for most of the book and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. There’s also a whole lot of emotion packed in to this one — there’s loss and love, but there’s a current of hope that runs throughout the book which helps to brighten things up a bit.

All told, a fitting conclusion and one that fans of the series will appreciate. I adore this trilogy and it’s definitely one you should add to your tbr if you enjoy:

🍁Sisterhood
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Angsty romance
🍁Court politics
🍁Danger and tension-filled plots
🍁Action and adventure
🍁Secrets and intrigue

YEAH THERE’S A HEA BUT AT WHAT COST, ABIGAIL?!?

I AM SENDING YOU MY THERAPY BILL.

This was the perfect conclusion to Meren’s story, even though I was tortured for half of the book. Abigail has solidified herself as one of my auto buy authors!!! I will never stop talking about this series.

Thank you Netgalley, Entangled teen and RB Media!

Meren is struggling severely with the fact that Raven has been taken from her. She also has to save the Dominion that's about to be taken over by her enemy Eidolon.

Needless to say I will forever be a fan of Abigail Owen!
She writes the most fantastical and mind blowing books ever. This would be my fourth book I have read and it did not disappoint in the least bit.

This was an amazing ending to a thrilling trilogy. You have multiple side missions to bring all the amulets together and release the goddesses from there entrapments. Also so many obstacles that left everyone in so much danger with every page flip. It was excruciating but left me wanting to pick up the audio book and the book constantly.

All fantasy lover will adore this series and especially this book it was my personal favorite of the three with an a creative magic system that will leave you in shock and in awe of every chapter.

I will miss this world!

Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, as I started this series when it first came out. I HIGHLY enjoy the final book of this series. It was an emotional journey, but the ending paid off.

Book 3 is just as incredible as the prior two -- I can't believe this series is over! This was an impeccable ending to a journey that has been fast paced throughout. When I read The Liar's Crown I was struck by the uniqueness of this series (shadows?! Twin queens?!) and Owen has carried those unique elements all the way through to this ending. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.