Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Shalador's Lady (The Black Jewels #8)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 4,533 ratings · 174 reviews

View our feature on Anne Bishop’s Shalador's Lady.

Return to the "intense...erotic...and imaginative" (Nancy Kress) world of the national bestselling Black Jewels novels in this sequel to The Shadow Queen.

For years the Shalador people suffered the cruelties of the corrupt Queens who ruled them, forbidding their traditions, punishing those who dared show defiance, and forc...more

Hardcover, 476 pages

Published March 2nd 2010 by Roc (first published January 1st 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Can't Wait Books of 2010

192nd out of 1,297 books — 10,683 voters

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Best Books featuring witches

59th out of 248 books — 385 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Dec 08, 2009 M— rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Original Speculations, October 2009:
Excerpt for this novel finally up! (link)

God, Theran is such an ass. I desperately want him to have a run-in with Surreal — ideally while she is wearing her green Jewel.

ETA March 2010:
Eeeeee. So I didn't get that Theran-encounters-Surreal scene I had been hoping so hard for, but all the Sceltie scenes almost made up for it. And what's with that brief allusion to Falonar being, um, 'has become' dead? Those little hints are beyond tantalizing, and I want some mo...more

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 01, 2011 Theresa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Over ten years ago Anne Bishop's first entry in the Black Jewels trilogy was released and many readers were captivated by her rich fantasy that cast Saetan, the High Lord of Hell, as a heroic character. But time has mellowed Bishop's characters and Shalador's Lady, the eighth book in Bishop's Black Jewels series, reads more like a Harlequin Romance than a dark fantasy.

The Black Jewels series is based on a unique mythology that uses familiar names from The Bible-- though they are given their own...more Over ten years ago Anne Bishop's first entry in the Black Jewels trilogy was released and many readers were captivated by her rich fantasy that cast Saetan, the High Lord of Hell, as a heroic character. But time has mellowed Bishop's characters and Shalador's Lady, the eighth book in Bishop's Black Jewels series, reads more like a Harlequin Romance than a dark fantasy.

The Black Jewels series is based on a unique mythology that uses familiar names from The Bible-- though they are given their own twist for this particular fantasy. The original series followed the story of Saetan, his sons Daemon and Lucivar, and Jaenelle-- the most powerful Queen to ever live-- also known as Witch. The society is caste based and much of the hierarchy is drawn from the jewels each witch or warlord wears in addition to their birth rank. The original trilogy was a dark, Gothic fantasy that could be both violent and romantic. But once the story reached its climax, it also lost most of its tension.

"Shalador's Lady," the eighth book in the series, is the second book the follow the story of Lady Cassidy; a light jeweled Queen who has been chosen to rule the land of Dena Nehele. Cassidy has never been a powerful Queen and suffered the abandonment of her first court due to the machinations of a younger, darker jeweled Queen. And though she has settled into a new life in Dena Nehele, she doesn't have the full support of Theran Greyhaven, the heir to the territory she currently rules. And when a former rival shows up unexpectedly, Cassidy is sure she will be abandoned by her court once again.

There isn't a lot of real excitement or drama to "Shalador's Lady." It's a sweet book with likable characters, but it's like a "light" version of the original series. Many of the same characters are brought back, including Saetan, Daemon and Jaenelle, but you get the feeling that they're really there for nostalgia's sake. In fact, the whole book seems to have been written for the fans, and perhaps the author, who are loathe to leave the world Bishop created. Most of the book is taken up with a series of minor misunderstandings and manufactured drama just so we can see Cassidy finally have her happy ending. It's fun to revisit old characters, but I miss the bite of the earlier books.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 17, 2013 Aurian Booklover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lady Cassidy is visiting some of her people for the first time, and she is very nervous about it. The Shalador people have had the worst of it all, and they really need her the most. Their whole culture was outlawed by the previous Queens, and they were bound to live on Reservations that kept getting smaller and smaller. But some of their Queens and Priestesses have survived in the deepest secret, and it is not easy for them to trust a new and foreign Queen. So much of the old ways have been for...more

like · see review

Apr 19, 2012 Beaulah Pragg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sequel to The Shadow Queen, Shalador's Lady follows the lives of the males loyal to the rose-jewelled Queen Cassidy (and some of those plotting against her). If you have never read Anne Bishop before, this is not the best place to start as it definitely assumes a familiarity with her world and the events of previous books. If you are interested in a dark magic / romance type story, definitely check out the original Black Jewels trilogy.

I am glad Anne Bishop wrote this sequel to The Shadow Queen,...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 08, 2011 Greymalkin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: supernatural-romance, romance, scifi-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Apr 14, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Jan 12, 2011 Ithlilian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I really don't want to bash this book because I really do love Anne Bishop's writing. Some things in this plot didn't work well for me, but I still enjoyed the novel nonetheless. The story is mostly comprised of Cassidy running the country, setting up shops, growing plants, and maintaining her court. Bishop does a great job of making the mundane details of everyday life seem interesting, and having them told by compelling characters doesn't hurt. Unfortunately, the novel is largely details, and...more I really don't want to bash this book because I really do love Anne Bishop's writing. Some things in this plot didn't work well for me, but I still enjoyed the novel nonetheless. The story is mostly comprised of Cassidy running the country, setting up shops, growing plants, and maintaining her court. Bishop does a great job of making the mundane details of everyday life seem interesting, and having them told by compelling characters doesn't hurt. Unfortunately, the novel is largely details, and there isn't a strong plot. The jacket mentions tangled webs that predict doom and gloom for Cassidy's realm, but the novel really didn't have the dark feel I was looking forward to. Well, at least there is a villain, and boy is she unlikeable: spoiled, bratty, foot stomping Kermilla. That brings me to the characters. Unlike many readers, I do not enjoy the little snippets of wedded bliss and bantering from Janelle and Daemon. I would have rather read a complete story without them included. I feel that it takes away from the flow of the compelling story centered around Cassidy. I understand that many cherish the appearances from their beloved characters, but for me it only hurts the book. Cassidy's court remains the same, though Gray changes as is to be expected. The deepest character seems to be Theran, which is a bit of a surprise. Cassidy is weak, and is bothered by her past a little too much. On one hand it is expected, but for the strong queen she is supposed to be, she seems very weak. I almost have to agree with Theran who believes that any queen could have done what Cassidy has done for the land. Of course, there are some other interesting characters, the scelties. They provide humor as usual, but they started to grate on my nerves the more they appeared. Now there aren't one or two, there are 13. Shudder. I have to admit they put some people in line, and they did make me chuckle, so I can't complain about them too much. Overall, Shalador's Lady is a light novel. It's mostly dialogue and everyday events that come up when running a territory. Anne Bishop's writing is as interesting as ever, but it's not enough for me. The novel is enjoyable, but it's not amazing. It's too insubstantial to warrant more than a three from me unfortunately. (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2010 Lisa (Harmonybites) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Bishop's Dark Jewels Books

Shelves: fantasy, romance, fiction, novels

If you haven't read another novel in Bishop's Dark Jewels universe, this wouldn't be where I'd start. Go read the opening trilogy in the series first, which starts with Daughter of the Blood, since this novel would act as a spoiler, and those are the strongest novels in the series. You'd also want to read The Shadow Queen before reading this novel, since Shalador's Lady is the sequel, and I think you'd be lost without reading it. (The Invisible Ring, which is set a few hundred years before, also...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 10, 2010 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Well, Anne Bishop has done it again. Another delightful tale of the Blood that's completely engaging and hard to put down, seasoned generously with the heart and wit that make these books so charming. This tome follows the tale of Cassidy, who we met in 'The Shadow Queen,' as she contines to try and rule her demense. Alas, all is not well within her court, and even as she continues to improve the land, she is betrayed from within. Will she falter, or find the strength to overcome the opposition?...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 23, 2010 Gail rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-romance

Got this one from the library, but I may have to go get my own copy. I have all the other Black Jewels books. I was a little disappointed by the last couple, but this one is the good stuff. You can just see the "bad guys" digging their own hole, and then bam! They fall in.

The heroine is the Queen who's been invited to take over a Territory for a year. She has one of her inner court who has his doubts about her, but everybody else likes her, even though she doesn't Look like a Queen. She's a nic...more

like · see review

Mar 08, 2010 Chrissy Wissler rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Shalador's Lady" is Anne Bishop's 8th book in her Black Jewels series, is actually the direct sequel to her 7th book, "The Shadow Queen." Cassidy has done quite well for herself, despite all the setbacks and challenges from "The Shadow Queen." In this new book, however, she comes face-to-face with her past and her greatest failure, losing her court and lands to a younger, prettier (and spoiled) Queen, Lady Kermilla.

Out of all Bishop's books, this is the 'lightest' one. In general, her books ar...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 07, 2010 Cayleigh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010

Shalador's Lady is the 8th book set in the Realm of the Black Jewels books. It is a continuation of The Shadow Queen book #7. We continue to follow Lady Cassidy as she tries to be the best Queen for the land of Dena Nehele. This book picks up only a few weeks after the events of The Shadow Queen, so if you haven't read that one, don't read this one until you do. (Although it would not be necessary to read the other 6 books in this series to under stand these two, in my opinion it would help bala...more

like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Hobbes rated it 5 of 5 stars

A continuation of The Shadow Queen, Cassidy ruling Dena Nehele in Terreille, trying to restore the Old Ways of the Blood and heal a land torn by war and abuse. Theran continues to hobble Cassidy's efforts at restoring Dena Nehele. He has his own ideas about what, and who, is important and Cassidy treating the Shalador people like equals, deserving of what she can give them same as the others, bothers him. He views it has another way Cassidy is a disappointment to his people. Except that he conti...more

like · see review

Apr 15, 2010 Danika rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: escape-reality, magick

Ah, Anne Bishop and the world that you have created for the Black Jewels series. How I love thee and the creations you have brought to your readers. This is a continuation of Cassidy's story, with enough threads to the characters we already know and love to make this Queen and her court (and troubles) not seem like a completely different world from the one we are used to reading about. The blend was fantastic.

I found myself doubled over with laughter at parts, in tears at others (Khollie!!) and...more

like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Emily K rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone who enjoys fantasy, and all Anne Bishop fans

Shelves: read-fantasy

As always, Anne Bishop did not disappoint. The second book dealing with Lady Cassidy, "Shalador's Lady" was peppered with Bishop's humor, beautiful descriptions, and skillfully handled tensions. I really enjoyed the continuation of the story, and felt that it had much of the same enjoyable qualities that her other Black Jewels books have, which made it a very fast read.

I will say, however, my favorite aspect of this book (along with her others in this world) was Lady Cassidy and he plainness. So...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2010 blackjewel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sde, livros-2010

Tenho sempre grandes expectativas quando leio um livro do mundo das Jóias Negras... E apesar de a Cristina ter mencionado que este era um pouco menos obscuro... parti para a leitura cheia de ansiedade... e não me desiludiu :D :D

Continuamos a seguir Cassidy, a Rainha de Dena Nehele.
Antes de ser Rainha "definitiva" de Dena Nehele, Cassidy tem de provar ser capaz de governar e de trazer os costumes antigos de volta à terra.
Mas Cassidy não é uma Rainha bonita e os fantasmas do seu passado voltam ao...more

like · see review

Apr 04, 2010 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Continuing where the "Shadow Queen" left off, Cassidy is still learning to be a Queen to a kingdom that has been torn apart by landen wars and sadistic queens. Her court supports the new gentle queen in her quest to renew the land although they worry about her tendency to give too much of herself. Cassidy's shaky self-confidence is injured when her First Consort, Prince Theran Grayhaven, rejects her in favor of the shallow Queen Kermilla who broke Cassidy's last court. Cassidy has her own ferven...more

like · see review

Mar 18, 2010 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was never big into the pure fantasy genre. But I made an exception for Anne Bishop who I have enjoyed reading for close to 10 years.

I really liked the prequel to this book but I LOVED this book. It builds so wonderfully on all the books that preceded it. As many other reviewers have said, there is not way to pick up this book with out having read the Trilogy, Dreams Made flesh, The invisible Ring, and the Shadow Queen (In which "Shaldor's Lady" serves as a sequel). If not for the simple histor...more

like · see review

Jul 11, 2010 Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, not-my-copy, fantasy

The sequel to The Shadow Queen, Shalador's Lady is the eighth installment that takes place in the Black Jewels universe. Lady Cassidy, the Queen of Dena Nehele, struggles to hold onto her rule and protect her people against threats both seen and unseen.

I feel as if this book told a good story of struggles, insecurities, and growing up. There are certain aspects of the story and writing that are Bishop-staples. The heroine is easy to sympathize with, the villain is easy to dislike, and you know t...more

like · see review

Apr 01, 2011 Diamond rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Lovers of Dark Fantasy

Shelves: the-black-jewels, fantasy

This is a direct sequel to The Shadow Queen, and picks up not long after that one left off. It tells the story of how the rift between Theran and Cassidy finally becomes too wide to cross, and how everyone and everything is changed as a result.

This book is not nearly as dark as the others in this series, and is mostly about the characters and how they react to changing circumstances. However at times it seemed a bit disjointed to me for some reason. It's almost like there was something missing t...more

like · see review

Nov 29, 2010 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, fantasy

I'd probably rate this one 3.5 stars if I could. I like this series and I liked this book. It was a "quick" read and more of a story about the land, it's traditions and it's recovery so there wasn't much "danger" in them as has been in the past. Through the reading I realized that I might have missed some of the books or I don't remember some of the details and I think that would have made it a bit more interesting. Overall a nice book, but nothing to write home about, not horrible not great.

***...more

like · see review

Mar 24, 2010 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hope there's more Black Jewels novels coming! I hadn't read the book right before this - the Shadow Queen, so I didn't have some of the background. But since I have read all the other Black Jewels novels I had the right background. This was a great installment. It brought back my beloved characters of Sadi, Janelle, The High Lord, Lucivar and of course the Scelties. I also really liked the new characters (which might not be new for those who read the Shadow Queen).

It was a good story. It was an...more Hope there's more Black Jewels novels coming! I hadn't read the book right before this - the Shadow Queen, so I didn't have some of the background. But since I have read all the other Black Jewels novels I had the right background. This was a great installment. It brought back my beloved characters of Sadi, Janelle, The High Lord, Lucivar and of course the Scelties. I also really liked the new characters (which might not be new for those who read the Shadow Queen).

It was a good story. It was an interesting comment on how people see what they want to see in others, since Kermilla was definitely not the wonderful woman that Theran thinks she is.

The only criticism that I have for this book is that there were times when the the characters clearly understood things I didn't. They would infer something from the conversation or get an idea and I was totally lost. And later, and I never really felt like "ah-ha! that was what they were talking about!" I still felt like, ok, I missed something.

I also would love to have seen more Khollie. He is one of the most adorable Scelties and I would love to see more of his relationship with his human. Not to mention, I was in tears about what happened to him - more then once - and wanted to throttle Kermilla as a result.

The plot moves along nicely. And I think that Theran is nicely redeemed. It seems to be set up for more Black Jewels novels and I welcome that. If you have read the others though - this is definitely not the place to start as it does not have the typically summary of all the history that many series books have at the beginning of each (and for me, that is a welcome change since after 7 book I don't need the summary of the jewels and ranks, etc., reexplained) but it would leave the newcomer to this world a little confused.

Glad I bought it - I will re-read it with the rest of the series. And now, I just need to order the Shadow Queen since my borders didn't have it (and I can fill in the few gaps skipping that one left me with!) (less)

like · see review

Apr 15, 2010 Mirany rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Dec 22, 2010 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I found this book to be a very satisfying continuation of Lady Cassidy's story from The Shadow Queen (Black Jewels, Book 7). Even though a Bishop wields a substantial cast of characters between the pages of this book, each character is given his or her time in the spotlight, from my series favorites, such as Surreal and Daemon, to newer characters like Gray and Ranon. Each one has a subplot to work through, yet all loose ends are resolved quite neatly. I enjoyed how the plot would switch seamles...more I found this book to be a very satisfying continuation of Lady Cassidy's story from The Shadow Queen (Black Jewels, Book 7). Even though a Bishop wields a substantial cast of characters between the pages of this book, each character is given his or her time in the spotlight, from my series favorites, such as Surreal and Daemon, to newer characters like Gray and Ranon. Each one has a subplot to work through, yet all loose ends are resolved quite neatly. I enjoyed how the plot would switch seamlessly between the story arcs of Cassidy's realm and Jaenelle's realm without taking away from either.

This book seemed to give the reader a glimpse into how the tainting of the Blood occurred by how good men could become bound to bad Queens. Kermilla played the role perfectly by how naive and self-centered she behaved, making her completely oblivious to the trouble she was creating. It is easy to see what Theran sees in her, because it is clear to me that were she to ever learn to use her strengths for the good of others instead of herself, she could become a very powerful force. Though I could not stand Kermilla from the very beginning, I think her character has too much potential not to use her in further books in the Black Jewels series.

The Kindred of the Blood continue to take a vital role in the progression of the plot, which I find both ingenious and quite humorous, as they are unpredictable in many ways. With the Kindred involved, there is guaranteed to be surprises - both good and bad. I could easily see a Kindred-centered novella come out of this book.

My favorite part of this book was watching the transformation of Gray into Jared Blaed as him and Cassidy fall in love. The progression is slow without feeling dragged out, and each stage has its rewards, with his casual relationship with Jaenelle's inner circle, as well as his introduction into Cassidy's circle. I'm a bit disappointed that Bishop did not create a way for Gray to gain the power he missed out on the first time, simply because it feels like he was punished for what he had no control over in his past.

I also love the humor that Bishop interjects so effortlessly into the plot, such as the interactions between Ranon and Gray and the rest of Jaenelle's court. The same old chemistry is still there with all of the "former court," and I have to wonder if the references to her court don't indicate a coming change in future books. I greatly look forward to the next installment in the Black Jewels series, Twilight's Dawn: A Black Jewels Book.

(less)

like · see review

Jan 17, 2011 Catsadiablo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-books, favorites, series

A história deste livro passa-se logo a seguir aos acontecimentos de Aliança das Trevas. Cassidy é Rainha de Dena Nehele, com um contrato de apenas um ano de experiência. Este povo muito fragilizado e maltratado está tão sedento de uma boa Rainha como a própria terra. Depois de ter recuperado o tesouro de Lia, a antiga Rainha de Jóia Cinzenta do território, Cassidy conquistou a simpatia e a confiança da sua corte e dos habitantes da sua casa. Esta Rainha de Jóia Rosa está gradualmente a demonstra...more A história deste livro passa-se logo a seguir aos acontecimentos de Aliança das Trevas. Cassidy é Rainha de Dena Nehele, com um contrato de apenas um ano de experiência. Este povo muito fragilizado e maltratado está tão sedento de uma boa Rainha como a própria terra. Depois de ter recuperado o tesouro de Lia, a antiga Rainha de Jóia Cinzenta do território, Cassidy conquistou a simpatia e a confiança da sua corte e dos habitantes da sua casa. Esta Rainha de Jóia Rosa está gradualmente a demonstrar a sua capacidade de fazer renascer Dena Nehele, quer junto dos Sangue e dos plebeus da povoação de Grayhaven como também junto dos Sangue influentes do resto do território. Mas nem todos sentem que Cassidy possa fazer a diferença, e existem aqueles que sobreviveram à purificação dos Reinos mas que contêm em si uma semente de perversidade e da deturpação dos Sangue. Essa semente pode encontrar terreno para germinar no coração de uma jovem e insegura Rainha, e destruí-la se esta não for protegida.

Sou uma fan incondicional de Anne Bishop. O seu mundo das Jóias Negras arrebatou-me de forma inesperada e irregovável desde Filha do Sangue, e estas personagens e o seu negro mundo nunca mais me largaram. Para quem já leu a trilogia das Jóias Negras, é fácil perceber que sou uma apaixonada por este mundo e as suas personagens. Basta atentar no próprio nick que escolhi para me apresentar: SaDiablo. É um nome que traz tanto significado. É o nome da minha personagem favorita desta autora, e é o nome da minha segunda personagem favorita, e também (com uma ligeira variação) da minha terceira personagem favorita. A minha quarta personagem favorita não se chama SaDiablo devido a um acontecimento que é desvendado na trama da trilogia, mas é filho da favorita e irmão da terceira. Confuso? Para os estreantes no mundo fascinante de Anne Bishop, cedo percebem que esta é uma família a ter em consideração, e que aprenderão a amar. Para os já convertidos, desafio-vos a adivinhar as minhas preferências. Mas adiante... (para uma descrição muito precisa do significado que esta autora tem para mim, convido-vos a ler este post da Carla Ribeiro, leitora convidada da Célia no Estante de Livros). É sem dúvida uma das minhas autoras favoritas (só perde para Juliet Marillier) e aguardava com expectativa este A Senhora de Shalador.

Apesar da minha devoção a esta autora, foi a muito contragosto que me tive de admitir não ter gostado tanto de alguns dos últimos livros publicados. Em Jóia Perdida achei que muito do potencial da história ficou por terra, e nem o protagonismo da fantástica Surreal e do rebenta-paredes Lucivar, ambos sempre deliciosos, conseguiu trazer o livro ao nível que Bishop nos tinha vindo a habituar. Com Sebastian e Belladona, Bishop apresenta-nos todo um novo universo, Efémera. E apesar de serem livros que gostei imenso e me terem agarrado do início ao fim, não me arrebataram como as Jóias Negras (que estão por si só num patamar muito elevado de comparação). O Anel Oculto apresenta-nos acontecimentos fora da série temporal dos anteriores das Jóias Negras, e apesar de ser um excelente livro, não evitei sentir saudades das personagens que tanto adoro. É no seguimento deste que surge Aliança das Trevas, com novas personagens principais, mas um protagonismo partilhado com o clã SaDiablo e companhia, e devo dizer que isso fez toda a diferença.

E assim chegamos a este A Senhora de Shalador, continuação directa do anterior. O melhor elogio que posso fazer a este livro é que me fez regressar ao mundo das Jóias Negras de uma forma tão arrebatadora como já não acontecia desde a trilogia e Teias de Sonhos. Uma Anne Bishop da qual já sentia saudades e que tem em mim um efeito de droga. Este livro deixou-me ao mesmo tempo saciada e exultante, com vontade de ter mais; para logo a seguir começar sofrer os terríveis efeitos de abstinência com o esgotar da dose. Li-o em dois dias, com direito a noitadas e olheiras consideráveis no dia seguinte.

A história desta nova Rainha, da sua corte e do seu povo cativou-me e fez-me ler noite adentro. As novas personagens, densas e tão interessantes como as já conhecidas conquistaram-me. Os Parentes fizeram-me rir e quase chorar. A malvadez e a deturpação dos vilões, e a estupidez e cegueira daquele que não é vilão no coração fizeram-me virar páginas furiosamente para ler mais. E claro... as minhas personagens favoritas agarram-me em todos os capítulos em que surgem. Um balão de oxigénio que eu mal conseguia largar, um pedacinho mais desta droga que me faz rir tanto como faz chorar. Matei algumas das saudades destas pessoas que não existem, e fiquei com muitas mais. Talvez seja impressão minha, mas creio que detectei na escrita sentimentos semelhantes da própria autora, como se cada linha escrita acerca de Jaenelle, Daemon, Lucivar, Saetan, Deamonar, Draca e Karla (Beijinho, Beijinho) fosse um presente auto-imposto. Como se a autora sentisse tanto prazer a escrever sobre este mundo, como nós a ler. E tanto carinho e adoração pelas suas criações como os seus leitores mais fieis.
Acredito mesmo que assim seja, e recomendo sem qualquer reserva este livro a leitores de Anne Bishop, mesmo aqueles que se desligaram um pouco da autora. E recomendo também, e recomendo sempre, àqueles que ainda não conhecem esta autora que não percam tempo. Não é um tipo de leitura para todos os gostos, e há quem recomende apenas a estômagos fortes, mas é sem dúvida um universo arrebatador e apaixonante.

Deixando apenas umas notas finais, positivas e negativas (que este testamento já vai longo). Mais uma vez uma capa muito bonita e apelativa, e uma excelente tradução da Cristina Correia, como tem sido hábito!
Por outro lado, além do enorme azar que tiveram com a exclusão inadvertida de um capítulo da história, é impossível não reparar no pobre trabalho de revisão que este livro foi alvo. Para aqueles que, como eu, não perdoam uma dose considerável de gralhas, exorto-vos a ignorá-las e prosseguir a leitura, que recompensa os pequenos erros. Não é nada comum no trabalho desta editora, que nos tem proporcionado livros com excelente qualidade gráfica e edições muito boas, por isso esperemos que este livro tenha nos próximos tempos uma nova edição com as devidas correcções.

O melhor: Um excelente regresso ao universo das Jóias Negras.
O pior: Os problemas de nível gráfico que têm assolado esta edição, mas que acabam por não ensombrar a qualidade do livro.

(less)

like · see review

May 23, 2011 Lilalanor rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-fantasy, author-anne-bishop, rating-five-star

The Black Jewels series is never one I could get in to (the opening of the very first book is....confronting, shall we say) but then suddenly, with the push of both my best friend and my friend A I read on through and found myself loving both the world building and the characters. It's a series that shows how messy healing from trauma is, how much it is an ongoing thing.

Also that snarly is an excellent descriptive word. And the banter is hilarious (possibly more than it should be). It also conta...more

like · see review

May 28, 2011 Elenariel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: black-jewels, to-re-read

Tant'è che ho iniziato a rileggerlo a ruota!
Shalador's Lady raggiunge gli stessi livelli di liricità della trilogia iniziale cui si collega anche perfettamente: tragedia, ironia, simpatia, mistero, suspance, malinconia, romanticismo amalgamati perfettamente e cucinati a puntino dalla penna scorrevolissima della Bishop. Rispetto al precedente capitolo di questo nuovo ramo della saga, i personaggi sono definiti meglio, acquisiscono più sfaccettature ed i loro legami si sciolgono e si rintrecciano...more

like · see review

Sep 11, 2011 Grete rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, favorites

In Dena Nehele, Theran Grayhaven continues to struggle as First Escort to Cassidy, the Rose Jewelled Queen. Only able to see her shortcomings he clashes with the rest of the court, unable to see what they see or experience the bond that called them to serve in the first place. When an unexpected and unwelcome visitor turns up at Grayhaven, Theran is startled to find he has that bond with her and believes he has found the Queen meant to rule, instead of Cassidy. Cassidy is not happy and the rest...more In Dena Nehele, Theran Grayhaven continues to struggle as First Escort to Cassidy, the Rose Jewelled Queen. Only able to see her shortcomings he clashes with the rest of the court, unable to see what they see or experience the bond that called them to serve in the first place. When an unexpected and unwelcome visitor turns up at Grayhaven, Theran is startled to find he has that bond with her and believes he has found the Queen meant to rule, instead of Cassidy. Cassidy is not happy and the rest of her first circle are outraged when they realise the history Cassidy and the feckless Kermilla have and instinctively move to protect their Queen. Theran wanted a Queen from Kaeleer who could teach them protocol and the old ways of the Blood, before Dorotea’s taint crushed so much of Terreille. He can’t accept that what he wants and what the territory needs are two different things. If he can’t accept Cassidy and her ruling, everything he wanted for Dena Nehele would be lost, including the land itself.

I have nothing but love for any book or story set in the Black Jewels Universe. Right from Daughter of the Blood, the first book in the series I was hooked on the characters and the the rich dark world that the three realms made up. Yet another series I need to re-read and review as I go. I can’t recommend them highly enough, seriously! This review might be a little confusing if you’ve not read any of the books as the titles and terms are unique to Anne Bishop’s work. Another reason to read them!

Shalador’s Lady follows straight on from The Shadow Queen and while sad, it wasn’t surprising that Theran couldn’t get his act together enough to realise that while Cassidy might not be the Queen he wanted, she was the Queen that Dena Nehele needed. It was a pleasure to witness Cassidy’s continued growth into a strong Queen and prove her ability to rule, despite the light jewels she wears. She is a great character and one who fits right in to the group of exceptional people I have come to love so much in these books.

Theran was just plain irritating but his disappointment with Cassidy and his lack of the bond that the other males had meant I could understand where he was coming from. I still wanted to smack him a lot.

Gray on the other hand was a joy, seeing his continued emergence from the damaged and scared boy trapped in an adult’s body into the Warlord Prince he should have been. Wow. The other Males of Cassidy’s First Circle were also great, stepping up to the line when needed and understanding that without Cassidy and bringing back the old ways of the Blood, there would be no more Dena Nehele.

Finally comes those characters that I could read about forever. Daemon, Jaenelle, Saetan and Lucivar to name the top four. Other beloved character make appearances and it was truly great to see them. I have heard complaints that when it comes to stories in the Black Jewels Universe that aren’t directly about them, they still make appearances. I honestly don’t see how they can’t considering who they are and their place in the world. In my opinion there can’t be enough about them!

The story I can’t actually touch on much as it would spoil it, but it was good and the plot unexpected at times. The pace flowed with Bishop’s usual grace and as always, I find her characterisations nothing short of amazing.

In all, a fantastic book and a credit to the series and Anne Bishop.

This review and others can also be read at http://www.bookthing.co.uk (less)

like · see review

Jan 30, 2011 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, magic, adult-fiction

It takes a great writer to transition from one part of her world to another and Anne Bishop has done that beautifully in these Shalador books. I love how she has moved from focusing on the SaDiablo family to showing us what it is like in other courts and other parts of the world. Cassie's story illustrates that not all successful courts have to be dark to be strong and powerful. Cassie is not a dark queen, yet she is a powerful queen and knows how to rule her land. Watching her story unfold was...more

like · see review

May 16, 2010 Juliana rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sff, fantasy

Why do I keep reading these? In case you were wondering, the protagonist is still So Misunderstood and thinks Everyone Will Hate Her despite All Evidence to the Contrary (okay, many of us occasionally suffer from this one, so props for the relevant Mary Sue, Ann Bishop; you make me glad I don't have to try to prevent a war while dealing with these pesky self esteem issues). Gender essentialism is still rampant. Everyone is still bizarrely dense, in that they do not immediately recognize and put...more

1 like · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (9)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy

460 users

Romance

53 users

Fantasy > Magic

31 users

Fantasy > Dark Fantasy

26 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

19 users

Science Fiction Fantasy

19 users

Fantasy > High Fantasy

15 users

Paranormal > Witches

13 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

11 users

Romance > Fantasy Romance

9 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Anne Bishop

Anne Bishop lives in upstate New York where she enjoys gardening, music, and writing dark, romantic stories. She is the author of fourteen novels, including the award-winning Black Jewels Trilogy. Her most recent novel,Twilight’s Dawn, made the New York Times bestsellers list. She is currently working on a new series, which is an urban dark fantasy with a bit of a twist.

Crawford Award (2000)

Librar...more

More about Anne Bishop...

Books by Anne Bishop

Daughter of the Blood (The Black Jewels, #1)

Queen of the Darkness (The Black Jewels, #3)

Heir to the Shadows (The Black Jewels, #2)

Dreams Made Flesh (The Black Jewels, #5)

The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness (The Black Jewels, #1-3)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Shalador's Lady

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Shalador's Lady
avg rating	preview: Shalador's Lady Goodreads rating: 4.29 (4533 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6625002-shalador-s-lady?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347892225l/6625002.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6625002-shalador-s-lady?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop[/url]

Shalador's Lady (The Black Jewels #8)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website