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Bride of the Shadow King cover art

Bride of the Shadow King

By: Sylvia Mercedes
Narrated by: Emily Lawrence, Tim Campbell
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Summary

A shunned princess. A reluctant king. A marriage that could save both their kingdoms...but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual points-of-view (his and hers). The first book in a new fantasy romance series, this sweeping tale of love and betrayal is perfect for listeners looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.

©2022 Sylvia Mercedes (P)2022 Podium Audio

What listeners say about Bride of the Shadow King

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    1 out of 5 stars

Terrible plot

DNF. Only redeeming quality were the narrators.

I usually like the “forced marriage to save a kingdom” tropes. But this? This fell flat and then just became weird and uncomfortable to listen to.

The entire blurb is misleading and factual incorrect to the story. “Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice” — I’m sorry, but did the person who wrote that even read/listen to the book? He wanted Faraine, she wanted him, he even told her as much in not so many words - SHE was the one who told him to choose her sister, of course there wouldn’t be any surprise there🤦🏻‍♀️. The same goes for the rest of the blurb, it’s inconsistent with what really happens in the book.

The story just got worse with each chapter, and when I reached chapter 18/19 I just lost the tiny interest and hope I had for it going anywhere else than downhill. The story became way to unnecessarily twisted for my liking.

When I realized what was about to happen to the heroine, I stopped listening and looked up the 1 star reviews on Goodreads. Then I skimmed through the ending of this book and the beginning of the second and found no reason for me to continue.

If you’re considering reading/listening to this book because of the “for fans of The Bridge Kingdom” description you will be wildly disappointed. I took one for the team already.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Stunning narrative

Amazing!! Wow! I loved every moment of the ‘Bride of the Shadow King’

Such a gorgeous story that kept me captivated!

It has everything I like in a good fantasy romance:

> Marriage of convenience
> Forced proximity
> Slow Burn Romance
> Sizzling chemistry
> Princess in a tower
> Handsome Troll Fae
> Swoony characters
> a spellbinding world
> Thrill and angst

Favourite moments:
> the heart fasting (engagement)
> the marriage ceremony
> the beautiful first night
> the two sisters

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not a fan

I gave up about half way through as I couldn't stand the main female character any longer. She was useless, a victim and generally unbearable. After a major (and ludicrous) plot twist, I finally admitted that this book wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed the different POVs, but not even Vor's fantastic voice was enough to keep me hooked.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Simple, engaging doesn’t feel like a whole book

It is a huge pet peeve of mine to publish books that only feel like an episode of the story rather than a complete story. This book is fairly simple but engaging. There’s a hint of insta-love but it’s not wholly absurd. HOWEVER the dilemma established early in the book is the same unresolved dilemma at the end of the book. It feels like it ends on the midpoint, which is fairly unsatisfying. The narration is good (though I found the female narrators voice a little too exaggerated). I will read the next book to see what happens, but I resent having to buy two books for one story 😂

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent story and narration

This book flowed very well and kept me hooked with interesting world building and characters. The narration was great as well. The chronic illness rep was also wonderful to see included.

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