Bride of the Shadow King

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It might appear to be a bit insta love, but both characters POV help understand the relationship development, and make you root for them. I liked that though Faraine is not a warrior, assassin, spy or other similar type, she is still a strong character. The romance starts quite early in the book, and from that point, it is full of pinning until the end.

This is likely why she was given her gods-gift in the first place - it’s her destiny to be the trolde Queen. Last but not least, I am suspicious that I'll be even more angry about Faraine's treatment from Vor because I suspect that Faraine's sisters aren't really dead, and the King planned this all out from the beginning (because why would he give his most treasured daughter to a Trolde? The romance between the two main characters is slowly built and feels very special because of how believable it is. Bride of the Shadow King isn't the worst of them but with a cover like that, a plot like that, and then opportunities in the text that present themselves for the hero and heroine to do a lot more together.With romance, court intrigue, lies and betrayals, action, twists, a great cast of characters and beautiful worldbuilding, Bride of the Shadow King is an enticing first instalment.

Needless to say, it has wonderful twists and turns that you don't expect, and such a poignant feeling of betrayal that it will break your heart then tear it out of your chest. It popped up once on booktok and I was immediately intrigued by the plot, so I ignored my endless TBR and dove straight into it. I’m waiting until book two comes out on audio before continuing with the series and book three is due out September 2023. I am fine with multiple narrators generally speaking, but it annoys me when one chapter ends and the beginning of the next chapter forces you to rewind in time and read part of the same scene from the previous chapter, only now it's from another character's point of view. Vor has always been reluctant to take a human bride but, given the importance of the alliance, her beauty and fiery personality, he happily agrees.I really enjoyed the secondary characters, and appreciate their contribute to the story pace and dynamics. I enjoyed the setting and scene that was sent and there were elements of a strong world building weaving throughout the book. I mean, I wasn’t expecting literature or anything, but, for instance, there didn’t seem to be any emotion evoked when talking about important characters dying, such as the sisters. When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice. As I was reading the first half of the book, I was drawn into the conflict and was SURE that this was going to be a 5 star read for me.