Review: Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.

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Review: Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes

Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

I loved the first book and immediately continued on with the series.  This picks up where book 1 leaves off with Faraine and Vor at odds shortly after their marriage ceremony.  Vor is naturally angry after having discovering that Faraine and her family have betrayed him.  He chooses to keep Faraine more as a political prisoner than as his bride until he figures out what his next move is.  He has to balance what to do about his own ailing kingdom in the wake of the betrayal and the blow to his own personal pride.  Faraine on the other hand wants to actually try to salvage things with Vor, and help in any way that she can.  

There is quite a bit of angst and tension in this installment as our main characters don't spend much time together developing their relationship.  They do spend a good bit on their own personal development.  Faraine spends time trying to figure out her magical abilities and explore as much of her new home as she can.  Meanwhile Vor is trying to figure out how to save his home and workout his feelings for his new wife and the false pretenses in which they were married.  They are both trying to balance duty and desire.  

There is alot of set up for book 3 happening here, so don't be alarmed if all of your questions aren't answered.  This does end with a cliffhanger and alot of things yet to be explained, but it all comes together in the next book.  If you enjoyed book 1, like romantasy with a moderate amount of spice, political intrigue, and great worldbuilding give this series a chance.  I really enjoyed the world and Faraine's unique abilities.  

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