Title: Bride of the Shadow King
Author: Sylvia Mercedes
Publication Date: November 12, 2024 by Ace
Genres: Romantasy
Protagonist Gender: Various
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.
Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ 1/2
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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