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Shadow Heir (Dark Swan #4)

by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author)

3.84 of 5 stars 3.84 · rating details · 5,798 ratings · 949 reviews

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own—and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage . . .

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-b...more

Mass Market Paperback, 390 pages

Published December 27th 2011 by Zebra

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Jan 27, 2012 AH rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fae, fantasy, own, zzread-jan-2012, shifters, babr-reviews

Why do I do this to myself? Kiyo better die in this one!

Finally a cover! Did you read the blurb? The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. What uneasy truce????

3 - 3.5 stars - Not what I expected after seeing a lot of reviews -

Updated - 1/27/12

Shadow Heir had been staring at me for a few weeks now. It’s pretty pink cover mocked me, dared me to read it. Reviews had started to come in and a lot of the reviews were not ve...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: poc, read-2011, adult, boys-who-are-jerks, crush-worthy-boys, pn-faeries, pn-shapeshifters, 2011-publication, action-packed, pnr-urban-fantasy, asian, wishlist-find-arc-or-pb

3.5 stars Oh Eugenie, Eugenie, Eugenie. Throughout all four of the Dark Swan books, I feel like you could have used a good girlfriend you could call whenever you had the urge to do something silly. Unfortunately, you didn't have my number, and as much as I've enjoyed your company, I still have to fight the urge to shake some sense into you, even after all this time.

In Shadow Heir, Eugenie Markham has her twin babies but hides them away in fear of their safety. She returns to the faery world to f...more

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Jan 02, 2012 JennyJen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fairy fans, UF fans, PNR fans, & masochists.

Shelves: and-it-all-falls-down, bellyache-funny, somebody-slap-that-protagonist-pls, did-the-author-really-just-go-there, tstl-heroine, magic, the-bestest-sidekick, read-2012, facepalm, disappointing-series-finale, faeries, ayfkm, expected-so-much-more, hero-whose-ass-i-wanna-tap, books-i-want-to-drop-kick, dafuq-did-i-just-read, not-what-i-expected, least-favorite-in-series, no-soup-for-you, my-most-hated-heroines-evaar

Way to SHIT on your fans, Mead - AGAIN.

***No spoilers in the first half of this review - promise. Spoilers will be clearly marked in advance and I don't rehash plots. That's what reading's for.

I'm having trouble figuring out where to start. I guess I can just channel my Vampire Academy ending review and practically "insert here". I forgave Mead for the shitty VA ending, because I sooo loved the series and because there was the promise of the spinoff (don't get me started on that crap), but that...more Way to SHIT on your fans, Mead - AGAIN.

***No spoilers in the first half of this review - promise. Spoilers will be clearly marked in advance and I don't rehash plots. That's what reading's for.

I'm having trouble figuring out where to start. I guess I can just channel my Vampire Academy ending review and practically "insert here". I forgave Mead for the shitty VA ending, because I sooo loved the series and because there was the promise of the spinoff (don't get me started on that crap), but that is not the case in this series. This was really the last book and instead of finishing with a smile, I am bewildered and frikkin' PISSED. I mean, I'm really angry.

To be fair, I actually LOVED this book. Most of it, anyway. I was sucked in from page 1 and I was brought right back to the early Eugenie days. I didn't mind the plotline that was not part of the bigger picture. It was interesting and fun to read and again, reminiscent of early Eugenie. I even liked the twists near the end. I saw only one of them coming and while I would have liked for them to come closer to the middle of the book, I won't complain about that. It didn't detract from how much I thoroughly enjoyed the first 90% of this book. That's the only reason it got 3 stars from me.

So... why did I finish this book with a resounding "OH, HELL NO"? Because at the very end, Mead decided, for whatever misguided reason, to have Eugenie make the worst and most heartless decision to date. Really, Mead? REALLY?! Look, I respect the fact that an author has the right to write whatever they want, however they want, but who the fuck are you writing for, Mead? Are you writing for yourself or for your fans? Yah, FANS. Remember us? We're the ones who take time to acquire your book and put money into your pocket. We're the ones who give you that bacon that you take home. We're the ones who wait with bated breath for your next installment. How dare you entice us with these emotional rollercoasters of stories and then whack us in the face at the very end? I recommend you to everyone I know - even after the crappy VA ending, but no more. You write for YOU. I don't need things to wrap up neatly or be ideal all the time, but damn, this ending was cold.

(view spoiler)[Poor Dorian. Poor sweet, funny, charming, Dorian to fall for a cold, lifeless, wishy-washy, STUPID leach like Eugenie. I have stuck with this series even after the 3rd book which was horrible and in which Eugenie made idiotic choices. I was excited for this one.

How are Eugenie's hands always tied? "Oh, I can't kill Kiyo here in public with a lightning bolt, because it could hurt other people." True, but you COULD suck the fluids outta his body and drop him like a sack of potatoes even if you're waaaay over there pretending to window-shop. Dumbass. How are you just gonna let everything slide, Eugenie? Are you such a useless doormat that you will allow Maiwenn to continue being a threat to you and yours? March your butt over to the Willow Land and storm that BITCH to pieces. Enough of the nonsense. We wanted some closure, Mead. A little satisfacton, but instead Maiwenn and her trusty fox waltz on outta there and live to thwart Eugenie and Dorian another day. And they will. They apparently always will. Major fail.

The whole hiding away with some random strangers was boring and drawn-out for my taste, but I let it slide. Of course, Eugenie had to bring it to new heights and leave her preemies there. How sad. I figured, Ok, she's gonna head to the Otherworld, handle her business, and get back to these babies ASAP, right? Not so. I get that the blight handling took time. I don't fault her for that, but how about after? Are you telling me that you have SUCH concern for those stupid cherry trees that you can't be bothered to run through the first gate you find and hop on the first direct flight to Alabama for your NEWBORN CHILDREN? Where is Eugenie's growth? Is there not meant to be any? Did Mead really start this series with the intention to write a heroine that never progresses, but rather consistently regresses? THAT'S WACK. Sooo, Eugenie, now that your children are nearly 3 MONTHS OLD and you've communed with every cherry tree and cacti on your lands for hours at a time for days (or was it weeks?), are you gonna rush to your baby's sides? No. You're gonna go to Tucson and shop for baby items and clothes and sit around at coffee shops. Those frikkin' babies can wait! At this point, I feel my brain struggling to process it all. All the good feelings I had throughout the book are dissipating and I'm thinking, "Where is this going in the last few pages?" My concern and one that caused me major anxiety was that there wouldn't be a Dorian-twins reunion, but Mead wouldn't do that to us, would she? Not after VA and all our gripes about a certain missing reunion in the end. But yeah, she does it to us - AGAIN. Not only is there no reunion, but Eugenie seriously walks away from those poor babies FOR GOOD and takes her slimy, grimy, heartless self right back to Dorian to keep sucking him dry of all the love he has and to lie to him for years to come. What a pig you are, Eugenie. Such trash you are.

I know this paragraph is reading a little crazy, but I'm just livid and ranting. How dare you, Mead?! You couldn't leave us with a smile? It didn't all have to work out, but at least endeavor to leave your fans with a warm feeling or SOMETHING. Anything but anger and outrage. How could you write that ending? Aren't you a new mom? Wowzers and for shame. (hide spoiler)]

Sooo, should you read the last book in this series? I dunno. I enjoyed the book, sure, but it left me angry and deflated. I feel betrayed by one of my once-favorite authors. It doesn't hurt to cater to your fans a tiny bit, you know. At the very least, as an author, you shouldn't keep slapping your fans in the face with every series ender. Blah.(less)

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Jan 06, 2012 is mee... kissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5
(view spoiler)
not one of my favourite books in the series, but i really liked the final quarte. i wanted more relationship stuff with Dorian and the poopdeck Kitsune involved, it only really started happening at the end, which is why i liked the ending so much. still, four stars is pretty good. but i really, really, really...more 3.5
(view spoiler)
not one of my favourite books in the series, but i really liked the final quarte. i wanted more relationship stuff with Dorian and the poopdeck Kitsune involved, it only really started happening at the end, which is why i liked the ending so much. still, four stars is pretty good. but i really, really, really wanted a different ending outcome: (view spoiler)

okay, i just found out that this will be the last book in the series and my thought is: that was a shitty ending for the series. sorry Mead, generally, i'm a fan of your work but... i gotta say, the ending to this series is disappointing.

* * *

Why doesn't Kiyo just leave? never to return?

no. way.
i don't want to wait until next year before i can get my hands on this! oh my god, oh my god! what an ending to Iron Crowned! kills me that when ~~i finally get what i want~~ Eugenie finally gets what she wants, she changes her mind. (view spoiler)
and i totally knew there was a reason I didn't like Kiyo! even from book 1! Die fox die! okay, I guess I'm still on bloodthirsty kill the Kitsune mode.(less)

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Dec 30, 2011 Jessie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I dont know whether to rate it high or low because it was a great book but i was quite disatisfied with the ending . I want to know what his reaction would be - those that have read it know what i'm talking about - and i just wish it had ended different, she has to tell him or their relashioship isn't going to work. To be honest i wouldn't forgive someone if they lied about that - not that they can because i'm female.
I can kind of (a tinsy bit) see where she is coming from but i would never hav...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Marissa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fae, urban-fantasy, end-of-series

2.5 stars, if that.
UGH! HUGE disappointment. Thats all I'm willing to say right now.

~Edited for final words above.~

Pre-review:
If Kiyo doesn't end up a soft, pretty wall decoration in Dorian’s home, I may have to quit you, Richelle Mead. (Adrian’s story being the only exception, of course.)

21 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2011 Mika rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-hated, books-with-stupid-annoying-heroines, disappointing-end-to-series

I'm absolutely disappointed with this book. I feel sort of betrayed that Richelle would choose to end it they way that she did. An ending like that would be enough for me to drop an author altogether and the only reason I won't is because I'm way too invested in her VA world to drop Bloodlines.
This is strike two against Richelle's end of series. The way LS ended was sort of disappointing but there was the excuse that things would be explained later in the spin-off. I don't fail to see the irony...more

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Dec 31, 2011 I heart MOLDY APPLES rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: No one with patience

Shelves: disappointment

Please excuse my french but...

What kind of Bullshit was that?! I waited 4 books just for the series to end with a CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!! I know I am not the only one that feels that there should be a 5th book in the making. I mean how can you end the book that way. What kind of monster are you?!!! Richelle ANSWER MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! This book was like a mega mindfuck. IF she ever writes another adult series, I can guarantee I will be highly hesitant to read it.

Note to all Writers*
Never end...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-soap-opera-edition, tstl-heroines, warning-love-triangle-ahead, signature-author-moves, shame-i-has-none, seeing-to-the-bitter-end, reading-for-all-the-wrong-reasons, pnr-disguised-as-uf, love-interest-is-a-cluck, masochism-at-its-finest

2.8 stars and most of that is for Volusian and his awesome. Tiny review later.

* * *

The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!
After everything Kiyo's done she's still making truces with that asshole? Hello, fool, HE TRIED TO KILL YOU AND (view spoiler) Not even Sassy Gay Friend could save Eugenie from herself at this point. She's a special kind of stupid.

This is most likely...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Beatriz Lins rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: badly-developed, crush-worthy-guys, disappointing, fantasy, ebook, great-writing, romance, sarcastic, unexpected-endings, urban-fantasy

First of all, let me tell you that there will be spoilers of the previous books in the series, and heavy spoilers of Shadow Heir. I’m sorry, but I just have to comment about the ending and why I was so frustrated.

I can’t believe I’m giving 2 stars to one of my favorite series (and favorite author). Richelle Mead’s previous series, Georgina Kincaid, and Vampire Academy, were fantastic, but just like this one, the final book let me down. The only difference, though, is the level of disappointment...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Sarah ~Slow reader, or slowly reading? ;) rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-do-believe-in-fairies, assassins, shifters, ebook, hated-this-book, letdowns, lost-interest, suckfest, paranormal, urban-fantasy

1.5 stars. Holy shit. I have never been more insulted by a book in my entire life. This was such a waste of my time and affections. If I had known that the series would end like this, I would have NEVER started it.
This review might be more of a rant: so beware. I will hide anything I think is spoiler-worthy (and when I mean spoiler-worthy, I mean it. Do NOT look unless you've read and/or don't care about being spoiled). I like lists, so here's a list of things I noted about Shadow Heir:

1. This...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Dija rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Richelle Mead

Shelves: wow, 2011, meh, uf-or-pnr, surprisingly-good, could-have-been-sooo-much-better, waste-of-anticipation-energy, read-in-2012, second-chances, my-reviews

Eugenie's aggravating adventures finally come to an end in Shadow Heir. While I have yet to regain my former love for Richelle Mead's adult series, I didn't completely loathe this ending either.

Eugenie is just as irritating, immature, selfish, and blind as she's always been. I couldn't believe her internal dialogue at times. She continuously gives Dorian a hard time for something he tried and succeeded in making up for, but she's completely willing to give Kiyo another chance as soon as he eve...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, fey, mythology-inspired, paranormal-romance, smut, supernatural, urban-fantasy, winter-reads, 2012

Reviewed for Wickedly Bookish
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/

I'm just going to start this review by saying I enjoyed the book overall. The series was starting to lose it's momentum, but like any good author, Mead writes her series with an end in sight. I can't stand when a series goes on forever just to squeeze out some extra money, but I won't get into that here.

If you are a fan of the series, but haven't had a chance to pick this one up, you are probably aware of the infamous ending. I do...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-richelle-mead, books-i-go-rabid-over, fae, ebooks, read-in-2012, genre-urban-fantasy

I can't say that this is my favourite book by Richelle Mead. Mead is one of those authors who love to drive their readers crazy, both in good and bad ways that always result in the same thing: the desparate need for another book.

I think with this supposed end to the Dark Swan series, Mead was focusing more on keeping the series open-ended for possible spin-off books. And because of this, there were a lot of pointless build-up because readers didn't get that satisfied hit after reading this.

SHADO...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Pamela / SpazP rated it 2 of 5 stars

Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Blurrrg. What. the. hell? That was my initial reaction upon completing Shadow Heir. As the last book in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series, I will tell you right now I expected more. Way more. Especially after the great steps back Eugenie made as a character and Queen in the previous book, Iron Crowned. But I hung on, I thought maybe this would just be a case of us needing to remember we can all take a few steps back, but still detour back on course. Sadl...more Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Blurrrg. What. the. hell? That was my initial reaction upon completing Shadow Heir. As the last book in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series, I will tell you right now I expected more. Way more. Especially after the great steps back Eugenie made as a character and Queen in the previous book, Iron Crowned. But I hung on, I thought maybe this would just be a case of us needing to remember we can all take a few steps back, but still detour back on course. Sadly, my suspicions that this entire story was pulled out of WTF-ville by the seat of someone’s pants became stronger and stronger as I progressed through the pages. It’s not the writing that is bad, Richelle Mead has to-date been one of my top favorite authors with her Georgina Kincaid series. I just feel that Eugenie, Dorian, and hell even Kiyo (yes I am saying that) deserved more than wrapping the series up this way. Maybe my expectations were too high as a Eugenie fan to see her go away this way, and were unrealistic. Regardless, I am disappointed as a fan.

In this fourth and final Dark Swan installment, Eugenie officially evolves in to one of my least favorite heroines, ever. She was dipping in to this category with Iron Crowned, and this just carried over. She makes one selfishly wreckless step after another, and it just becomes unbearable for me to witness. I ended up finishing this series thoroughly annoyed with the heroine and really caring less what happens to her, outside of how it would affect Dorian. I will always love me some Dorian I wanted an HEA for HIM the most, screw Eugenie. There is that final proverbial nail in the coffin that happens to seal the deal, and I was left saying WHATEVER! This is to be the great legacy of Eugenie Markham? I need my characters to evolve in strength of character, not completely devolve. Whaaaattheeefuuuuudge.

To summarize: big pile of sad faces right here. I’ll probably still check out any future adult Richelle Mead series that may release. Overall I’ve still enjoyed her writing, when I feel her heart is in it. Ms. Mead can tap in to some supremely intense emotions and shake you around a bit. It’s a really awesome ride when the passion is there. The Mead Effect just fell apart somewhere half through Eugenie’s story. I still recommend the first two books of the series! It’s okay, Richelle, I ain’t mad at ya. (less)

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Jan 11, 2012 Kim rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am sad to see how this series,whick I had loved, ended with me feeling very let down. RM made Euguie into the biggest hypocrite I have ever read! OMG I HATED how she ended this series!

Have to say, Dorian was definitley the best part of the series,and deserves someone better than Eugiene. My wish is that he finds out THE TRUTH,gets the twins and kicks her out on her ass for not telling him he was their father!

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May 01, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

Shadow Heir is the fourth and final book in the Dark Swan series so this review will contain spoilers for the previous three books - if you haven't started the series yet you probably want to stop reading now! I'm a massive fan of Richelle Mead, I love her Georgina Kincaid series and her Vampire Academy books make up one of my favourite YA series. I really liked the first couple of books in the Dark Swan series but felt disappointed with Eugenie in the last book, Iron Crowned, I was irritated by...more Shadow Heir is the fourth and final book in the Dark Swan series so this review will contain spoilers for the previous three books - if you haven't started the series yet you probably want to stop reading now! I'm a massive fan of Richelle Mead, I love her Georgina Kincaid series and her Vampire Academy books make up one of my favourite YA series. I really liked the first couple of books in the Dark Swan series but felt disappointed with Eugenie in the last book, Iron Crowned, I was irritated by her refusal to accept her duties to the Thorn land and the way she let her people suffer because of that. I was also extremely annoyed with the way she kept running back and forth between Dorian and Kiyo! So I'll admit that I was nervous before I picked up Shadow Heir, particularly after reading the blurb and seeing a mention of a truce between her and Kiyo - he tried to kill her and their unborn children in the last book so I couldn't see how there could possibly be any kind of truce between them!

Shadow Heir picks up the story a few months after Iron Crowned ends, Eugenie is five months pregnant, Kiyo and Maiwenn are still determined that her son needs to die before he can fulfil the prophecy about him and Dorian is protecting her as he promised to do but Eugenie is unsure if she can completely trust him after his previous betrayal. I can't really go into any more detail than that without giving spoilers so I'll just say that I was surprised at a couple of places where Richelle Mead took the story.

Since the last book I haven't been Eugenie's biggest fan, I've found her actions to be selfish and I think she has made some incredibly stupid decisions. I'm sad to say that this continued to be the trend in this book. Although I could understand why she made some of the choices she did because she was trying to protect her children I felt that she didn't think things through properly. She could have saved herself a lot of trouble if she had just trusted Dorian but then again he has done some pretty horrible things in the past so I was never particularly his biggest fan either. He did grow on me a lot in this book though and I think he is now my favourite character in the series. I don't think Eugenie deserves him though, especially after her actions at the end of the book (I can't say more because I don't want to give spoilers but I'm sure anyone who has read the book will know what I mean).

I spent most of the book wanting to punch Kiyo and was really surprised that Eugenie didn't take more of a stand against him and Maiwenn. His actions were despicable in the last book and he made no attempt to apologise in this one. I'm annoyed that he never really got what he deserved and I couldn't understand why he continued to support Maiwenn even after the things he admitted near the end of the book. The plot was quite slow moving during the first half of the book during the final months of Eugenie's pregnancy. I did enjoy reading about her reactions to the babies when they were born but that just made her actions after that point even harder to understand. There were two major twists that should have shocked the heck out of me but unfortunately I'd figured them both out in advance so they didn't have the expected wow factor.

Overall I find myself extremely disappointed with the way this series ended, if this hadn't been the last book or if we knew a spin off series was planned then I think I'd have felt more forgiving but we are left with so many questions and I just didn't find Eugenie's actions even slightly believable. I still love Richelle Mead as an author and will look forward to trying her next adult series but in all honesty I don't think I could recommend this series when it ended on such a low note. I would happily recommend her Georgina Kincaid series though or her Vampire Academy books for YA fans.

These were my thoughts before I started reading:
Oh Jeez I'm scared about reading this one!

The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal.

How can there possibly be a truce with Kiyo?????? After reading Iron Crowned that just doesn't make any sense!! I used to love him but now I want to strangle him, Eugenie better take her revenge in Shadow Heir!(less)

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Dec 30, 2011 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult

3.5 stars.

Anyone who knows me by now, knows that I am a Mead fangirl. Her ability to create different worlds, races, and a variety of character types has always impressed me. Her talent for writing witty quips and exchanges keeps me bookmarking quotes in every book, so I can share them later. Her genius for drawing me into a story, making me love and hate characters and scenarios so passionately is a big reason why I know that I will continue to read anything she writes. I don't even mind the c...more 3.5 stars.

Anyone who knows me by now, knows that I am a Mead fangirl. Her ability to create different worlds, races, and a variety of character types has always impressed me. Her talent for writing witty quips and exchanges keeps me bookmarking quotes in every book, so I can share them later. Her genius for drawing me into a story, making me love and hate characters and scenarios so passionately is a big reason why I know that I will continue to read anything she writes. I don't even mind the character flaws she tends to bring out in people. These are the things that humanize us and show how different we all are. Everyone reacts differently to situations and not everyone makes the right choices.

Every time I give a Mead book a rating less than 4 star, it almost makes me feel guilty. The amount of thought that the author must put into every single story - from the world creation, to researching the lore, to shaping the characters, to the delightful banter - all of it is a joy to read.

Reading Shadow Heir was a fun time. The ending was "good enough." Even though there were a few open ends, I think enough was hinted at that you knew a bit of what could happen. In that aspect, I was not unsatisfied.

The only reason I didn't have it in me to give the book a full 4 star was because I felt like there could have been more with (view spoiler)

So yeah...dropped the ball there. Either there needed to be a better transition from (view spoiler) or there should have been some better closure or explanation on that front.

On a side note - I laughed so hard at Dorian thinking "Thundro" was a good name for a child.(less)

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Oct 07, 2011 The Holy Terror marked it as to-read

Shelves: color-pink, urban-fantasy, fairies, bought-01-11, owned, next-up, next-up-uf, next-up-adult

A pink cover and comes out on my birthday!

^_^

Here's hoping her gift to me is Kiyo's slow, painful death; preferably by castration, but I'll also accept a mortal gut wound.

8 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2012 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You won't believe this... but I'm giving this 4 stars. Surprised me. More thoughts to come later.

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Feb 14, 2012 Erin rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I've been reading Richelle Mead's books for a while now and usually leave with the desire to read the next one as soon as possible. In this installment there is something about the decisions Eugenie makes that leaves the reader unhappy. There is also something about Eugenie that is bothersome. I suppose this started in the third book, in fact I knew Eugenie would be highly irritating in this one I just didn't think I'd leave feeling such an extreme dislike for her. I understand the need to have...more I've been reading Richelle Mead's books for a while now and usually leave with the desire to read the next one as soon as possible. In this installment there is something about the decisions Eugenie makes that leaves the reader unhappy. There is also something about Eugenie that is bothersome. I suppose this started in the third book, in fact I knew Eugenie would be highly irritating in this one I just didn't think I'd leave feeling such an extreme dislike for her. I understand the need to have a flawed main character, but Eugenie's flaws not only push away the other characters in the book but, frankly, they are pushing me away as a reader.

I don't think I'd even say she is the typical flawed female protagonist in an urban fantasy novel. Typically the female protagonist is either someone the reader can relate to or someone the reader wants to be. We might not think this on a conscious level but it is still there. Why would we read books if we cannot relate to the characters at some level.

Why, indeed? This installment proved that Eugenie is becoming harder for the reader to relate to. She is becoming unlikable. In this book, Eugenie is pregnant with twins and is being hunted by the baby's father Kiyo. He and his liege lord want to kill the unborn children to prevent a prophecy from coming true. Eugenie hides in the southern United States until her kids are born. After playing at motherhood for about a month, Eugenie is informed that her other sham job, that of Queen of Rowan and Thorn Lands is under threat because of a winter blight. Eugenie goes to the Otherworld, adventures with Dorian and company, and saves her land. At the end of the book, we discover that Eugenie's friend Pagiel is actually her nephew and grandson of her father. That makes him the evil that Kiyo's prophecy speaks about. In a hamhanded attempt to save Pagiel from himself Eugenie inadvertantly leads the boy to his death at the hands of Kiyo. Directly after we discover that Kiyo is NOT the father of Eugenie's children. THe father is actually Dorian. The man who sheltered and cared for Eugenie throughout the entire book series.

What does Eugenie do with this information, which by the way should have been introduced way earlier? Nothing. Eugenie makes another terrible decision and chooses to keep the true parentage of her children to herself. She says that Dorian can see the kids when they are teenagers.

For all that Mead tries to make us think Eugenie cares about Gentry, Humans and her children, the truth is that Eugenie only cares about herself. Eugenie's selfishness seems to be boundless. She attempts to be a queen to her people only when it satisfies her. Eugenie leaves her land for long periods of time thus weakening the magical and necessary connection between the land and the sovereign. Why not just give up the land to her sister Jasmine, a girl most willing to be queen. She left Dorian in the third book, runs off with Kiyo who betrays her. In this books Eugenie begins to trust Dorian for herself. Through her actions she constantly demands that Dorian prove himself worthy of Eugenie. The problem is that it is clear to the reader that Eugenie doesn't deserve Dorian. She doesn't seem to realize that Dorian might actually have feelings. Dorian protected her throughout her pregnancy, both at a personal level and at a political level. Dorian wanted to adopt the children to give them a father since obviously Kiyo would not be a good father at all. Dorian's greatest desire is to have children. Nonetheless, we spend an entire book reading Eugenie's justification for mistrust then ultimate betrayal of Dorian. Eugenie maintains the mistrust of Dorian and never really reconciles her feelings for him other than the "great sex". She is, of course, happy that Dorian chooses to love her. She is more concerned with protecting her own self. This is Eugenie's pattern and why she isn't close to anyone, Gentry or Human. Perhaps one could argue that Eugenie is too scared to fully love anyone so she keeps everyone, including those she professes to love, at a distance. Therefore she comes across as selfish. This rampant selfishness is unappealing. Eventually she is going to lose everyone and everything that matters to her, particularly in light of this Not Going To Tell Dorian About the Babies decision. I'm not sure I want to stick around and watch. I'm uninterested in Eugenie and her feelings (she can DIAF) but I don't really want to watch Dorian suffer.

All in all, I gave this book three stars because it is a C+/B- book. It isn't good and it isn't bad.

Edit: I had to decrease down to two stars. Upon reflection I feel the book is actually a C-/D grade.(less)

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Jan 13, 2012 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fae-alicious, magic-tastic

This series has always been a bit of a hit and miss with me. I've always enjoyed the books overall. I like the general concept of Eugenie being half human and half gentry, able to easily cross from our world to the Otherworld. I liked the pacing, the action and suspense. I like the different elemental magics and the plot twists and turns we have experienced along the way.

What I haven't always been totally sold on is the characters. I'm all for flawed characters—they are so much more interesting...more This series has always been a bit of a hit and miss with me. I've always enjoyed the books overall. I like the general concept of Eugenie being half human and half gentry, able to easily cross from our world to the Otherworld. I liked the pacing, the action and suspense. I like the different elemental magics and the plot twists and turns we have experienced along the way.

What I haven't always been totally sold on is the characters. I'm all for flawed characters—they are so much more interesting to read about—but there's a huge difference between reading a flawed character that you admire despite their faults, and reading a character or characters plural as in this case, who are just....idiots (that wouldn't be my first choice of words but I'm trying to be nice).

And I'm not even talking about TSTL (Too stupid to live) because a lot of female urban fantasy characters are that. I'm talking more about being selfish, hypocritical, fickle, disloyal and any other number of attributes you could apply to Ms. Markham. I just don't like her, and never really have.

The two men in her life that she flitted mercilessly between for the first three books aren't perfect by any means either. Both have a lot of faults. But as the series has gone on I've come to realise that I actually like one of the secondary characters the most out of the whole cast and feel he deserves someone better than Eugenie. that character is King Dorian. Now I need Richelle Mead to write a spin-off so we can pair him up with someone who isn't a selfish cow.

The decision that was made at the end of this book....I don't even have words really. As a mother I have opinions on it. As a woman I have opinions on it. And as a reader I have opinions on it. But whichever way I look at it, it sucked. This is now a series that, despite my enjoyment mentioned above, I now would not recommend to any of my fellow readers simply because I would never encourage anyone to start on a journey that is going to end with such a bitter after taste.

Three unenthusiastic stars (stars that are ALL awarded to King Dorian) )(less)

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Nov 23, 2011 Christen *Goldilox And The Three Weres* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

*Only read this review if you are caught up to Iron Crowned in the series!*

Shadow Heir is the last in Mead's magic-and-Fae-based urban fantasy Dark Swan series. If you've been keeping up with the series, you know that A LOT went down in the last one! I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't read up to book three...so if you are not up to that book, turn back now! Okay, you have been warned.

Freakin' Kiyo! He totally screwed up Eugenie's life in Iron Crowned! First he gets her p...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Sally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars but down as I felt let down by the finish of the series.

I liked Shadow Heir and it read overall much better than Iron Crowned, with the story telling being more consistent with the excellent first two books in the series. However I was very disappointed at the hypocrisy and immaturity shown by Eugenie, who seems not to have grown in character at all, at the end of the book; hence me marking it down rather than up in my star rating.

I do love the very strong way this series started but...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Suz rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Meh. Wanna bet there'll be a novella or short story next year? The end was sloppy. As I was reading the book I remember thinking "I should be making a note of all these plot holes." But in truth, I'm just glad it's over. By the end I wanted Kiyo and Maiwenn to die, and Eugenie too.

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Dec 28, 2011 Kami rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: miscellaneous-paranormal, infuriating, disappointing

The book wasn't awful but there are loose ends that are never resolved and that is incredibly frustrating to deal with when you know this is the final book in the series. Theoretically, the reader will never get the answers without filling in the blanks for themselves. I was also very disappointed with Eugenie's dishonesty in the end. It's absolutely wrong!

The book diverges quites a lot from the plot lines of previous books into all new territory. It's a good story and I the idea of the blight...more The book wasn't awful but there are loose ends that are never resolved and that is incredibly frustrating to deal with when you know this is the final book in the series. Theoretically, the reader will never get the answers without filling in the blanks for themselves. I was also very disappointed with Eugenie's dishonesty in the end. It's absolutely wrong!

The book diverges quites a lot from the plot lines of previous books into all new territory. It's a good story and I the idea of the blight was intriguing but, at times it seems like the author is forced to hastily wrap up other plot lines because so much time is spent on the blight and how to break the spell. The whole issue of Storm King's heir and the prophecy are put almost entirely on hold with only brief mention until the last part of the book and then some rather crazy and unexpected discoveries are made which should allow a safer place for the twins, Ivy and Isaac but the discovery doesn't actually help like the reader and characters expect it should. We find out who Storm King's real heir is and unfortunately, in an attempt to tie all loose ends, the heir meets a very permanent and irreversible fate that should make the Otherworld feel safer but not everyone is convinced that the fate of the heir actually helped. Insert loose end here.

I was really hoping Eugenie would use the iron crown to strip Maiwenn from her kingdom and Kiyo would be banished to the underworld or something equally awful. But no....this is another one of those loose ends that the reader has to piece together with their own imagination.

I enjoyed the insight into Volusion's past...it tied into the story well and resolved the issue of Eugenie's bond to him without her suffering.

Ultimately, by the end of the book, I really did want to shake Richelle Mead for such a cop out ending. Personally, I have already re-written an alternate end which I find more suitable...but putting it out here would ruin the fun for all who don't know what Eugenie does and I wouldn't want to spoil the suprise for everyone else.

Mead could easily have created a more solid ending and used an epilogue to give the sense of time passing to tell the readers what happened later. Instead, we get another loose end =0 (

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Jan 13, 2012 Scooper Speaks rated it 3 of 5 stars

I know I said I was done with this series, but I changed my mind. This book is so much better than 3. However, I've gotta warn you that chapter 27 spurred my to scream "Oh my fucking god" out loud startling my family. Now I'm finished with the book, but I'm pissed. Why oh why does this series do this to me?

Favorite Line: “Whatever decisions I made, however, would be because I chose them.” (p. 390, ARC)

Book four in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series is supposedly the final installment, but it leave...more I know I said I was done with this series, but I changed my mind. This book is so much better than 3. However, I've gotta warn you that chapter 27 spurred my to scream "Oh my fucking god" out loud startling my family. Now I'm finished with the book, but I'm pissed. Why oh why does this series do this to me?

Favorite Line: “Whatever decisions I made, however, would be because I chose them.” (p. 390, ARC)

Book four in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series is supposedly the final installment, but it leaves room for so much more. The events of books one through three are finally ready to unfold and Eugenie has some major decisions to make.

While dealing with her major life issues, namely her babies and trying to stay alive, Eugenie is confronted with a blight that is threatening the land of the fae. The entire story is a personal journey. Sure Eugenie has to protect her people, but she also has to protect her children and grow as a ruler and mother.

Dorian has plenty of page play in Shadow Heir. I loved every minute of it. In addition to Dorian are other secondary characters who just might surprise you. Heck when some of the facts come out I think y’all will be just as shocked as I was. Oh yeah, if you wanted to know more about Volusion your wish has been granted.

I thoroughly enjoyed most of the story…until I got to the end. I’ll admit that Eugenie stayed true to character. She showed the character that I hated in book three. You know the character who made me swear to not read book four because she made silly decisions that weren’t fair to those around her. It took a year, but I overcame my anger from book three and devoured Shadow Heir. Warning!!! Don’t expect a clean ending to the story. Expect an ending which will most likely anger you with its spin to the worst traditional romance plot line ever. Despite its ending, I did like most of the story.

Do yourself a favor and cave like I did. Pick up Shadow Heir and conclude the series you started in Storm Born. Most of the plot lines are explored and closed. It’s no where near the story I fell in love with in book two, Thorn Queen, but it is IMMENSELY better than book three. After you’ve read Shadow Heir come back and let me know what you think.
Scooper Speaks (less)

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Mar 10, 2012 Loppy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, gorgeous-covers

*spoilers for Iron Crowned*

The Dark Swan series is in my top 5 series’, and the final book definitely didn’t disappoint. Many plot lines drew to a fulfilling close, while a few were left open.

The book picks up a few months after Iron Crowned. Eugenie’s several months into her pregnancy and holed up with a shaman family in Alabama that Roland set her up with. After the birth she hears of a blight ravaging the Otherworld and sets off to stop it.

I found the pregnancy segment rather slow. However,...more *spoilers for Iron Crowned*

The Dark Swan series is in my top 5 series’, and the final book definitely didn’t disappoint. Many plot lines drew to a fulfilling close, while a few were left open.

The book picks up a few months after Iron Crowned. Eugenie’s several months into her pregnancy and holed up with a shaman family in Alabama that Roland set her up with. After the birth she hears of a blight ravaging the Otherworld and sets off to stop it.

I found the pregnancy segment rather slow. However, when the pace picked up at about a third of the way through, Richelle Mead didn’t disappoint. It was action packed and humourous with a few major plot twists along the way.

I’ve always loved the characters in the Dark Swan Series. They were three dimensional, and many underwent a substantial amount of character development since the first book. So much for some that we see an entirely different side to them. Dorian, Jasmine and Kiyo were probably the three most notable ones. I found myself falling in love with Dorian all over again. Jasmine proved to be a reliable ally and friend towards Eugenie. I didn’t detest Kiyo like many of the readers did, but definitely preferred Dorian. This book managed to erase the lingering feelings of any endearment I had towards Kiyo.

The choices that shape who we are and sacrifice were both important themes throughout the book. Sacrifice in particular was an important element in the ending. The ending was bittersweet and will no doubt generate a lot of controversy among readers. It left me satisfied, yet unsatisfied to a small degree, although I’m sure that’s the way Richelle Mead intended it. Eugenie’s life so far wasn’t exactly a fairytale, and the ending wasn’t either. Her choice was a difficult, painful one that was made at a great cost, and I think she showed a lot of strength in making it.

It was a thought-provoking novel with masterful storytelling which stayed with me long after I finished reading. It was an emotional ride and I was left with a feeling of wonderment upon completion.
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Dec 29, 2011 Meredith Barrons rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is so tough to review without giving away major spoilers. The beginning of the book deals a lot with Eugienie's pregnancy which was too be expected. She is still undecided about trusting Dorian, and worried about keeping the babies safe. Kiyo doesn't make an appearance until the middle of the book and doesn't really redeem himself at all!!! I did like most of the book, but I wasn't too thrilled with the ending. I am kind of hoping we may get a spin off about the twins! I think maybe th...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Steph rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3 1/2 Stars
-Spoiler-Free Rant-

I admit, I've read my fair share of bad series finales or even followups, but I think Ms. Mead may have taken the cake as being the supreme Queen of Disappointment. Not to say I didn't enjoy the book up until that fateful point, but I think if I would have know that it was going to leave me so dissatisfied, to the point of frustration and anger, I might not have bothered with it in the first place. I understand that not every story is meant to have a happy ending,...more

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Succubi, Vampires...: * Shadow Heir (Book 4)	21	56	May 08, 2013 11:18pm
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About Richelle Mead

Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.

A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away f...more

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“But it's not the name I'd give to a conqueror of worlds... I would've gone with Thundro or Ragnor. I might just call him Thundro anyway.” — 40 people liked it

“Mistress, I have never asked anything of you in my servitude. But now, I beg you this: do not make me keep passing these adolescent sentiments back and forth all night.” — 35 people liked it

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Shadow Heir (Dark Swan #4)

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