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The Legends of Thezmarr
Slaying the Shadow Prince
In a realm on the brink of destruction, evil forces snatch innocents to suffer fates worse than death. Only a monster hunter and her monstrous enemy can stop them.
Drue Emmerson, noblewoman-turned-ranger, wants one vengeance. With her family slain by the vicious shadow wraiths, she’s determined to defend her fallen kingdom. And that means carving out the hearts of every dark creature she can find.
Talemir Starling, celebrated warrior of the realms, has a dangerous he's a half-wraith, kin to the creatures wreaking devastation on the world. He’ll do anything to keep his true nature under control… especially around the woman who’s vowed to destroy him.
When someone Drue cares about disappears, all signs point to Talemir’s kind. But he’s determined to prove he’s no monster, and to seek answers of his own. Begrudgingly, the pair must join forces to uncover the deadly truth.
But in a world of chaos and carnage, where danger lurks at every turn, deadlier still is their attraction to one another – the one thing that might just spell the end of them both.
Will Talemir win Drue’s heart? Or will she carve his out before the end?
Slaying the Shadow Prince is a standalone instalment of the heart-pounding fantasy romance series, Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers . If you like fiery heroines and tortured heroes, as well as forced proximity, found family and touch-her-and-you-die vibes, you will devour this sexy, addictive fantasy romance.
Drue Emmerson, noblewoman-turned-ranger, wants one vengeance. With her family slain by the vicious shadow wraiths, she’s determined to defend her fallen kingdom. And that means carving out the hearts of every dark creature she can find.
Talemir Starling, celebrated warrior of the realms, has a dangerous he's a half-wraith, kin to the creatures wreaking devastation on the world. He’ll do anything to keep his true nature under control… especially around the woman who’s vowed to destroy him.
When someone Drue cares about disappears, all signs point to Talemir’s kind. But he’s determined to prove he’s no monster, and to seek answers of his own. Begrudgingly, the pair must join forces to uncover the deadly truth.
But in a world of chaos and carnage, where danger lurks at every turn, deadlier still is their attraction to one another – the one thing that might just spell the end of them both.
Will Talemir win Drue’s heart? Or will she carve his out before the end?
Slaying the Shadow Prince is a standalone instalment of the heart-pounding fantasy romance series, Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers . If you like fiery heroines and tortured heroes, as well as forced proximity, found family and touch-her-and-you-die vibes, you will devour this sexy, addictive fantasy romance.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2023
2115 people are currently reading
24066 people want to read
About the author
Helen Scheuerer
43 books5,541 followersHelen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling series, The Oremere Chronicles, the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.
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November 20, 2023So...apparently I'm DNFing this😬
I had really high expectations for this book, especially considering how intrigued I was at the start. ESPECIALLY considering how invested I was up until last night, when it really hit me how clichéd it unfortunately turned out to be.
(Please remember that the following opinions are my own and based on the portion of book I've read before deciding to give up. If there's something I might be getting wrong, please take this into consideration and let me know how I can remediate.)
I really liked the world-building, the overall plot and, at first, really appreciated the dialogues and the banter the two main characters had going on; as the story progressed, though, some phrases and one-liners, started to sound repetitive and unnatural. Sarcasm and innuendos need the perfect timing to be effectful, but some exchanges I've read were exhaustingly long and they felt like being quotable was more important than getting a point across.
Enough is as good as a feast, they say, and in this case, I couldn't agree more.
I initially also was all in when it came to the romance.
Looking at that cover (and that blurb. Perfect for fans of A Court of Silver Flames, that's the phrase you need to use to summon me, just in case you were wondering), I was sort of expecting an ACOSF fanfiction, and I'm glad to say it wasn't, despite some thing being a clear nudge into that direction.
The tension I was waiting to be consumed by and the slow burn I was promised, suddenly turned sour and stabbed me and my hopeful ass in the back. Feelings and love declarations were used way too soon, in my humble opinion, and the spice was, well, pretty spicy, but it lacked flavor.
I've said this before and I'll say it again. Dirty talk doesn't automatically make a scene sexier.
Drue and Talemir were actually pretty alright, but I feel like both could have used more polishing.
Their romance didn't progress the way I'd prefer it did, but their individual backstories were interesting.
Unfortunately, they weren't interesting enough to keep me going.
I'll still give this author a chance, in the future, if I ever decide one of her works sounds like my cup of tea, because I can tell she'd be my kind of author given the right story.
Slaying the Shadow Prince wasn't that bad, overall, and I think I wouldn't have given it less than 3 stars had I finished it.
And that cover is 🔥🤌
I had really high expectations for this book, especially considering how intrigued I was at the start. ESPECIALLY considering how invested I was up until last night, when it really hit me how clichéd it unfortunately turned out to be.
(Please remember that the following opinions are my own and based on the portion of book I've read before deciding to give up. If there's something I might be getting wrong, please take this into consideration and let me know how I can remediate.)
I really liked the world-building, the overall plot and, at first, really appreciated the dialogues and the banter the two main characters had going on; as the story progressed, though, some phrases and one-liners, started to sound repetitive and unnatural. Sarcasm and innuendos need the perfect timing to be effectful, but some exchanges I've read were exhaustingly long and they felt like being quotable was more important than getting a point across.
Enough is as good as a feast, they say, and in this case, I couldn't agree more.
I initially also was all in when it came to the romance.
Looking at that cover (and that blurb. Perfect for fans of A Court of Silver Flames, that's the phrase you need to use to summon me, just in case you were wondering), I was sort of expecting an ACOSF fanfiction, and I'm glad to say it wasn't, despite some thing being a clear nudge into that direction.
The tension I was waiting to be consumed by and the slow burn I was promised, suddenly turned sour and stabbed me and my hopeful ass in the back. Feelings and love declarations were used way too soon, in my humble opinion, and the spice was, well, pretty spicy, but it lacked flavor.
I've said this before and I'll say it again. Dirty talk doesn't automatically make a scene sexier.
Drue and Talemir were actually pretty alright, but I feel like both could have used more polishing.
Their romance didn't progress the way I'd prefer it did, but their individual backstories were interesting.
Unfortunately, they weren't interesting enough to keep me going.
I'll still give this author a chance, in the future, if I ever decide one of her works sounds like my cup of tea, because I can tell she'd be my kind of author given the right story.
Slaying the Shadow Prince wasn't that bad, overall, and I think I wouldn't have given it less than 3 stars had I finished it.
And that cover is 🔥🤌
August 23, 2025
3.5⭐️
July 25, 2023
5 Stars is NOT ENOUGH!! I absolutely loved every minute reading this- Drue is totally kick ass! She fights and loves fiercely and I just adore her! The world Helen has created is rich in detail- her writing is beautiful and it’s so easy to fall in love with the characters and story. This is a masterclass in how to do Romantasy! Epic battles, epic adventures and epic romance (with super hot spice)! I cannot recommend it enough! Read this and Blood and Steel too!
dnf
December 4, 2023I've been interested in reading some more books from this author. Excited to see what this one has to offer.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Helen Scheuerer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Helen Scheuerer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 / 3 🌶
Spicy fantasy romance stand alone = Trifecta 🤌🏽
I find Helen’s writing to be really easy to consume, but it’s not simple in any way. She is really good at her craft & I just inhale her books.
Overall the story had a heartwarming romance with a feisty FMC & an arrogant but ultimately cinnamon roll mmc. I really loved the two MC’s dynamic & it had the perfect amount of spice.
The plot was interesting & kept the momentum going, while also giving us more information into the world of the Legends of Thezmarr series.
There were lots of fun tropes like, one tent, reluctant allies to lovers, acts of service, shadow play & lots more ✨
I also LOVED seeing the MMC from Blood & Steel; Wilder Hawthorne ~ as this can be read as a prequel to that book ~ it’s made me so excited to continue that series!
This is her first romance forward story & in some moments I felt like I could tell ~ mainly towards the end there were some big impact moments that felt a little rushed, & one scene I wished was from the other characters pov so we understood the motivation behind their choices (especially as it was the conflict moment)
But these were the only moments I noticed in an otherwise throughly enjoyable fantasy romance.
Thank you Helen for the opportunity to arc read.
This review was provided voluntarily
2.5 / 3 🌶
Spicy fantasy romance stand alone = Trifecta 🤌🏽
I find Helen’s writing to be really easy to consume, but it’s not simple in any way. She is really good at her craft & I just inhale her books.
Overall the story had a heartwarming romance with a feisty FMC & an arrogant but ultimately cinnamon roll mmc. I really loved the two MC’s dynamic & it had the perfect amount of spice.
The plot was interesting & kept the momentum going, while also giving us more information into the world of the Legends of Thezmarr series.
There were lots of fun tropes like, one tent, reluctant allies to lovers, acts of service, shadow play & lots more ✨
I also LOVED seeing the MMC from Blood & Steel; Wilder Hawthorne ~ as this can be read as a prequel to that book ~ it’s made me so excited to continue that series!
This is her first romance forward story & in some moments I felt like I could tell ~ mainly towards the end there were some big impact moments that felt a little rushed, & one scene I wished was from the other characters pov so we understood the motivation behind their choices (especially as it was the conflict moment)
But these were the only moments I noticed in an otherwise throughly enjoyable fantasy romance.
Thank you Helen for the opportunity to arc read.
This review was provided voluntarily
August 15, 2025
Love didn't happen once, she realised. It happened every day, in little moments, in the quiet gaps between grand words, in the lingering touches, in the hope it promised in the dark. Love was something that breathed and expanded, that was made and remade, again and again, reforged only to become stronger.
An enjoyable addition to the world of Thezmarr.
As a whole, I Iiked these characters more than Wilder and Thea. These guys just seemed more mature to me and a little more grounded. Honestly not hard to do because I had a hard time with Thea.
But Talemir (can't get behind the name) was a great MMC. Dangerous, cocky, emotional, WINGS. Everything one needs really.
And Drue was a badass who was always trying to do the right thing, even if it meant fucking Talemir up a bit.
There were just a couple things I didn't like. No groveling for one. Dude fucked off at one point, came back, said he loved her, and everyone moved on. Whaaaaat? One has nothing to do with the other. He loved her before he fucked off, so why is that an acceptable apology?
And later, dude flies for the first time with 0 issues. He says a couple times he'd never tried it for reasons and then in the middle of a very important battle he just wips 'em out and immediately is an Olympic flyer. Small in the grand scheme, but those kind of details annoy me.
But I would absolutely recommend this one for anyone who has read the original series ❤️
An enjoyable addition to the world of Thezmarr.
As a whole, I Iiked these characters more than Wilder and Thea. These guys just seemed more mature to me and a little more grounded. Honestly not hard to do because I had a hard time with Thea.
But Talemir (can't get behind the name) was a great MMC. Dangerous, cocky, emotional, WINGS. Everything one needs really.
And Drue was a badass who was always trying to do the right thing, even if it meant fucking Talemir up a bit.
There were just a couple things I didn't like. No groveling for one. Dude fucked off at one point, came back, said he loved her, and everyone moved on. Whaaaaat? One has nothing to do with the other. He loved her before he fucked off, so why is that an acceptable apology?
And later, dude flies for the first time with 0 issues. He says a couple times he'd never tried it for reasons and then in the middle of a very important battle he just wips 'em out and immediately is an Olympic flyer. Small in the grand scheme, but those kind of details annoy me.
But I would absolutely recommend this one for anyone who has read the original series ❤️
February 8, 2025
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘You are a spectrum of colour in the shadows. You pull me back towards the light…’
Slaying the Shadow Prince is a spicy fantasy romance standalone featuring a scorching romance between a fiesty Noblewoman-turned-Ranger and a celebrated Warsword with a dark secret.
Drue Emmerson is on a quest to avenge the death of her mother and brothers who were killed by vicious creatures called Shadow Wraiths.
As soon as Drue meets Talemir Starling, the famed Warsword of Thezmarr, she could tell something about him is not right, something that is shrouded in darkness.
Drue and Talemir strike a partnership and embark on a deadly mission with their friends and allies—but even as the Ranger and the Warsword begin to fall in love, can Drue accept Talemir's secret and darkness?
First, this standalone is connected to the Legends of Thezmarr series and it's a prequel, if you're reading the series I highly suggest reading this after Vows & Ruins (book 2) as per the emotional reading order by the author. I think it can still read it before starting the series even.
Second, Drue and Talemir were such a fiery couple!! Despite being a warrior, Talemir has such a soft side to him and Drue was his perfect match with her fierceness. They're not exactly enemies but the tension between them was *chef's kiss*.
There is a generous amount of humor and angst drizzled all over the story. The found family dynamics were served well, especially Talemir and Wilder's bond.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Content warning: violence, blood, death, tortured captives.
‘You are a spectrum of colour in the shadows. You pull me back towards the light…’
Slaying the Shadow Prince is a spicy fantasy romance standalone featuring a scorching romance between a fiesty Noblewoman-turned-Ranger and a celebrated Warsword with a dark secret.
Drue Emmerson is on a quest to avenge the death of her mother and brothers who were killed by vicious creatures called Shadow Wraiths.
As soon as Drue meets Talemir Starling, the famed Warsword of Thezmarr, she could tell something about him is not right, something that is shrouded in darkness.
Drue and Talemir strike a partnership and embark on a deadly mission with their friends and allies—but even as the Ranger and the Warsword begin to fall in love, can Drue accept Talemir's secret and darkness?
First, this standalone is connected to the Legends of Thezmarr series and it's a prequel, if you're reading the series I highly suggest reading this after Vows & Ruins (book 2) as per the emotional reading order by the author. I think it can still read it before starting the series even.
Second, Drue and Talemir were such a fiery couple!! Despite being a warrior, Talemir has such a soft side to him and Drue was his perfect match with her fierceness. They're not exactly enemies but the tension between them was *chef's kiss*.
There is a generous amount of humor and angst drizzled all over the story. The found family dynamics were served well, especially Talemir and Wilder's bond.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Content warning: violence, blood, death, tortured captives.
September 20, 2025
‘I was yours from the moment you vowed to carve out my heart, Wildfire.’
4.5⭐️
Omg I really loved this!! Probably more than the first two books in the series. Talemir was everything you could want in a man and just the most genuine and romantic person. SHADOW DADDY!??? Heck yeah! I really appreciate and love a man who reads and reads romance books!! Green flag!! Absolutely obsessed with him and Drue!! They banter and romance was fun and steamy but also so raw and deep and intense. I love how they complimented each other and how she loved all parts of him, even his half-wraith side which made the enemies to lovers trope so satisfying because she was trying to kill him when they first met. She was a baddie and a force to be reckoned with! Also loved that we got to see a younger Wilder and his brotherly relationship with Talemir and how that changed him. Highly recommend reading this before going into the third book in the legends of thezmarr series!! Big fan of Talemir and his wings!!🤭
Since the moment I met you, I have felt like I was soaring. With you there is no ground beneath my boots, no rail to hold on to, and for a time there, I fought it with all my might… But no more. I’ve let go. And Wildfire, it’s more than I could have ever imagined. With you, I didn’t fall in love. I rose amid it, stronger than ever before.’ Talemir took a trembling breath, baring his soul like he never had. ‘I love you against all reason.’
pre-read
Finally picking up the series again and starting with the standalone novella before going into fate and furies!! The mmc is half shadow wraith!? Yes pls🙂↕️
4.5⭐️
Omg I really loved this!! Probably more than the first two books in the series. Talemir was everything you could want in a man and just the most genuine and romantic person. SHADOW DADDY!??? Heck yeah! I really appreciate and love a man who reads and reads romance books!! Green flag!! Absolutely obsessed with him and Drue!! They banter and romance was fun and steamy but also so raw and deep and intense. I love how they complimented each other and how she loved all parts of him, even his half-wraith side which made the enemies to lovers trope so satisfying because she was trying to kill him when they first met. She was a baddie and a force to be reckoned with! Also loved that we got to see a younger Wilder and his brotherly relationship with Talemir and how that changed him. Highly recommend reading this before going into the third book in the legends of thezmarr series!! Big fan of Talemir and his wings!!🤭
Since the moment I met you, I have felt like I was soaring. With you there is no ground beneath my boots, no rail to hold on to, and for a time there, I fought it with all my might… But no more. I’ve let go. And Wildfire, it’s more than I could have ever imagined. With you, I didn’t fall in love. I rose amid it, stronger than ever before.’ Talemir took a trembling breath, baring his soul like he never had. ‘I love you against all reason.’
pre-read
Finally picking up the series again and starting with the standalone novella before going into fate and furies!! The mmc is half shadow wraith!? Yes pls🙂↕️
September 28, 2023
Star rating: ★★☆☆☆
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The only thing I like about this book is it’s cover…. I read this because I was told there was needed information for the second book of Blood & Steel. I truly don’t think there was really anything that was super needed; however, for those wanting to know the little bits of information that was new to the blood & steel world BUT doesn’t want to torture themselves with having to read this book, I will list the information below ⬇️
————————————————————————————————
*There are shadow-touched people that can have physical attributes of wraiths (like the wings) or wraith like powers (shadows), but are still themselves. These people are now hiding in a community in Naarva at the old university.
*there are flowers called Sun Orchid that when put onto Warsword steel, it can sense Wraiths (by becoming warm or humming) and burn them when coming in contact with a wraith or shadow-touched.
*Talemir did not abandon Malik and Wilder like previously believed in Blood & Steel. He left because he couldn’t go back to hiding his wraith side after accepting it as apart of him & he wanted to help other shadow-touched people, knowing Thezmarr would killed these types of people on sight without really understanding them.
*Thea was not the first woman since the prophecy to wield Naarvairn steel. Drue has a Warsword sword.
*introduced to Dratos (shadow-touched) who is mentioned in Blood & steel as sending messages back and forth to Wilder using Terrence (Drue’s Hawke)
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The only thing I like about this book is it’s cover…. I read this because I was told there was needed information for the second book of Blood & Steel. I truly don’t think there was really anything that was super needed; however, for those wanting to know the little bits of information that was new to the blood & steel world BUT doesn’t want to torture themselves with having to read this book, I will list the information below ⬇️
————————————————————————————————
*There are shadow-touched people that can have physical attributes of wraiths (like the wings) or wraith like powers (shadows), but are still themselves. These people are now hiding in a community in Naarva at the old university.
*there are flowers called Sun Orchid that when put onto Warsword steel, it can sense Wraiths (by becoming warm or humming) and burn them when coming in contact with a wraith or shadow-touched.
*Talemir did not abandon Malik and Wilder like previously believed in Blood & Steel. He left because he couldn’t go back to hiding his wraith side after accepting it as apart of him & he wanted to help other shadow-touched people, knowing Thezmarr would killed these types of people on sight without really understanding them.
*Thea was not the first woman since the prophecy to wield Naarvairn steel. Drue has a Warsword sword.
*introduced to Dratos (shadow-touched) who is mentioned in Blood & steel as sending messages back and forth to Wilder using Terrence (Drue’s Hawke)
December 23, 2023
3.75 Stars
A great companion book for the Blood & Steel series!
Drue Emmerson was driven by a singular purpose - to avenge her family's death by slaying as many shadow wraiths as she could. Her quest for vengeance brought her to the edge of her limits, until one day, she found herself in the clutches of the very creatures she had sworn to destroy.
Just when all seemed lost, Talemir Starling, a renowned warrior, and his companions came to her aid. He fought with the ferocity of a lion. But as she stood in awe of the warrior's prowess, she sensed something was off about him. It was then that Drue discovered the truth - Talemir was part wraith. Now faced with a dilemma, she must choose between seeking revenge or sparing the life of the warrior who had just saved her life.
Talemir's story was great - I was hooked from the first page! The only thing that left me wanting more was the romance, which felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, the captivating plot made it a truly unforgettable read.
Even though this is a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading this with the Blood and Steel series. This book provides more depth and insight into Hawthorne and Malik's history.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
A great companion book for the Blood & Steel series!
Drue Emmerson was driven by a singular purpose - to avenge her family's death by slaying as many shadow wraiths as she could. Her quest for vengeance brought her to the edge of her limits, until one day, she found herself in the clutches of the very creatures she had sworn to destroy.
Just when all seemed lost, Talemir Starling, a renowned warrior, and his companions came to her aid. He fought with the ferocity of a lion. But as she stood in awe of the warrior's prowess, she sensed something was off about him. It was then that Drue discovered the truth - Talemir was part wraith. Now faced with a dilemma, she must choose between seeking revenge or sparing the life of the warrior who had just saved her life.
Talemir's story was great - I was hooked from the first page! The only thing that left me wanting more was the romance, which felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, the captivating plot made it a truly unforgettable read.
Even though this is a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading this with the Blood and Steel series. This book provides more depth and insight into Hawthorne and Malik's history.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
February 19, 2024
THE SMUT WAS SO JUICY AND OH MY THE BANTERRR
August 16, 2025
“if you need words of comfort, perhaps remember this: there are all kinds of darkness in this world. some good, some bad, and some with no agenda at all. it’s what that darkness means to you and what you do with it yourself that matters most.”
set within the midrealms of the legends of thezmarr series, slaying the shadow prince focuses on talemir starling, a character that we’ve heard of, but don’t meet straight away in the beginning of the thezmarr series and follows his journey as he navigates a significant change in his life. this book is able to be read as a standalone, otherwise as an interconnected narrative that supports and enriches the main storyline, which features thea zoltaire and wilder hawthorne as they journey across the midrealms, navigating growing tensions and political intrigue, while combating the monsters filtering through gaps in the veil.
some wonderful friends of mine recommended reading slaying the shadow prince after vows & ruins for the emotions, which the author also suggests as an option—it was worth it! i’m thrilled that i went with this decision, as it allowed me to have immediate context to the events that unfold within the next two books of the main series, in addition to giving me a better understanding of wilder’s actions and feelings in the first two books. it was the perfect complimentary book to the long-plot of the main series, giving us wonderful knowledge of talemir starling and allowing us to understand his world better.
slaying the shadow prince contains riveting adventures of talemir starling and his apprentice, wilder hawthorne as they journey towards the fallen kingdom of naarva; heroic battles between humans and the creatures beyond the veil, giving us insight into these horrific monsters and where they originate from; a slow-burning romance that crackled and unfurled between a cursed warsword and the woman determined to hate him; and emotion-filled moments of learning to embrace our darkest secrets. the world-building in slaying the shadow prince is fantastic, though familiar if you have read the thezmarr series—we visit a different kingdom that, unless you’ve finished the legends of thezmarr series, we haven’t travelled to in detail before.
♡ drue emmerson
drue emmerson is determined to avenge her mother and brothers’ deaths, who were killed by vicious creatures—shadow wraiths—that have been infiltrating the midrealms through widening gaps in the veil. her feistiness and steadfast attitude reminded me of thea, but without the moments of self-doubt. she was confident and exuded self-assuredness. i love that drue, despite coming from nobility, was recognised for her prowess as an exceptional ranger and demonstrated her abilities as such. in an ever changing world, drue was able to be herself, a female warrior of the midrealms, without the suffocation of the prophecy preventing her from bearing arms to protect her kingdom, and she was revered as one of the best warriors.
♡ talemir starling
it was hard to not ache for talemir, who was torn between his two identities—one, as one of the well renowned warswords of thezmarr, a warrior bound to protect the midrealms and; two, as now one of the feared shadow wraiths that terrifies the midrealms following a devastating attack in naarva. talemir was dedicated to his duties, but was conflicted with embracing his newfound abilities and watching his transformation was such a heartwarming experience. he embodied the classic dedicated warrior with a hint of trauma, wielded delicious shadows and was devoted to his friends and family. talemir’s love language was, without doubt, acts of service—one of my favourite characteristics in fictional husbands!
♡ drue emmerson + talemir starling
at first, the romantic growth between drue and talemir burned in slow fashion—my favourite kind of romance, especially when combined with enemies to lovers and situations of forced proximity. i love the feeling of the brewing tension between the characters, it’s almost tangible, making the moment they finally come together explosive and worthwhile. i pine for the slow burn. despite the burning sensation between our leading characters, at times what should have been slow, natural progression started to become rushed. the one-sided disdain and mistrust from drue transformed fast, to the point where it almost felt like she never hated talemir. i wouldn’t call this insta-love, but the initial slow learning to overcome being “enemies” and each others’ differences was set aside faster than i anticipated, making this romance the opposite of what i wanted.
despite my concerns regarding the romantic component of this book, i still found certain moments enjoyable. specifically the bonding between wilder, an apprentice at this time, and his mentor, talemir; having context to wilder’s actions and feelings present during the legends of thezmarr series, but also having more of wilder hawthorne in different ways; viewing some historical events from different perspectives, expanding on the ever-changing and continuously growing world-building. whether you decide to read this before starting the legends of thezmarr series, or read it in the middle of your reading journey, slaying the shadow prince is an entertaining companion to the overall long-plot and beloved series.
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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
before continuing with legends of thezmarr, some of my friends recommended slaying the shadow prince for emotional impact after vows & ruins. despite wanting thea and wilder to ruin me, i do want to meet drue and talemir and expect my heartstrings to be tugged on in some capacity!
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November 17, 2023
3.70!
For azriel fans who have been waiting for his book. Yes I know this character is nothing like him but he wields shadows, has wings and is freaky in bed so yes.
This was nothing special tbh but it was enjoyable I may give more of this authors books a chance because I really enjoyed the story despite it being another case of smut>plot and character>plot the latter was a good thing imo.
Idk what else to say tbh. This wasnt a bad book. Things I would complain about are the characters names, pacing, less plot and it couldn't grip me enough to be very invested but that aside I liked all the things there are to be and I mean we got a man with wings and a man bun who has shadow powers and is super hot what else do you want.
Do give it a try!
For azriel fans who have been waiting for his book. Yes I know this character is nothing like him but he wields shadows, has wings and is freaky in bed so yes.
This was nothing special tbh but it was enjoyable I may give more of this authors books a chance because I really enjoyed the story despite it being another case of smut>plot and character>plot the latter was a good thing imo.
Idk what else to say tbh. This wasnt a bad book. Things I would complain about are the characters names, pacing, less plot and it couldn't grip me enough to be very invested but that aside I liked all the things there are to be and I mean we got a man with wings and a man bun who has shadow powers and is super hot what else do you want.
Do give it a try!
July 1, 2024
Parfait à lire entre le tome 1 et 2 des Légendes de Thezmarr ! Ça distrait un peu du slow burn de la série principale et ça explique plein de choses sur ce qui se passe dans le tome 2 avec Wilder et Thea !
June 25, 2025
3.5 stars
While Slaying the Shadow Prince contains many popular tropes and story beats, I really enjoyed the author's voice, so the overall story felt fresh. I found the enemies-to-lovers romance felt a little bit rushed, however I liked both Drue and Talemir individually, so even when their romance was a bit forced, I still had a fun time with it. I was a little confused by the world building at first, but once I got into it, I really liked it and the magic system/monsters. Overall, I'm excited to continue this series!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
While Slaying the Shadow Prince contains many popular tropes and story beats, I really enjoyed the author's voice, so the overall story felt fresh. I found the enemies-to-lovers romance felt a little bit rushed, however I liked both Drue and Talemir individually, so even when their romance was a bit forced, I still had a fun time with it. I was a little confused by the world building at first, but once I got into it, I really liked it and the magic system/monsters. Overall, I'm excited to continue this series!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 12, 2024
Barely 3☆,
Well the cover is absolutely dashing but I sadly never got into the story. I'm bummed honestly, I was so hyped to read this and it was just eh meh, nah. The smut in it is good, 2/5 spice.
It had so much potential. Shadow daddy, strong fmc, dual pov.. But it just didn't do it for me. I felt like I missed pages cuz they went from 'omg I need to kill u' to ' I want you' too fast. The romance didn't happen the way I wished and characters were lacking of...something idk..color?
My expectations were sadly too high.
Ps. If u make a shadow daddy character, USE SHADOW PLAY MOREEEEE! don't just dismiss the opportunity!!
-respectfully , a horny Azriel fan
Well the cover is absolutely dashing but I sadly never got into the story. I'm bummed honestly, I was so hyped to read this and it was just eh meh, nah. The smut in it is good, 2/5 spice.
It had so much potential. Shadow daddy, strong fmc, dual pov.. But it just didn't do it for me. I felt like I missed pages cuz they went from 'omg I need to kill u' to ' I want you' too fast. The romance didn't happen the way I wished and characters were lacking of...something idk..color?
My expectations were sadly too high.
Ps. If u make a shadow daddy character, USE SHADOW PLAY MOREEEEE! don't just dismiss the opportunity!!
-respectfully , a horny Azriel fan
August 16, 2025
This book 😭 this story 😭 I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved it 😭
The level of vulnerability and emotion… all raw and honest and beautiful ♥️ never thought such a short novella could make me fall so hard !
I definitely recommend reading it after the first two books in the Thezmarr series !!! It will have a much greater impact!
I can not wait to read more of them in the next two books of the Thezmarr series 🥹
The level of vulnerability and emotion… all raw and honest and beautiful ♥️ never thought such a short novella could make me fall so hard !
I definitely recommend reading it after the first two books in the Thezmarr series !!! It will have a much greater impact!
I can not wait to read more of them in the next two books of the Thezmarr series 🥹
June 21, 2024
an adequately enjoyable fantasy romance standalone. there was a good blend of action, romance, and plot, and i really liked all the characters (even side ones). it wasn't one of my favorite reads, but i could potentially read the next book in this world.
plus: shadow daddy
plus: shadow daddy
December 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Я розчарована, якщо чесно, при тому не тільки книгою, а й самою авторкою. В Blood & Steel я відмічала, що стосунки були побудовані чисто на фізичній привабливості , я не бачила там глибини. Тут те ж саме, я не повірила в жодне «я люблю тебе». Ну таке: гарячий романчик з гучними фразами та бездарною фентезі частиною🤷🏻♀️
Сподобалась загальна атмосфера книги, а також гумор та сарказм. З персонажів в принципі нормально розкрили внутрішні переживання Талеміра, він мені сподобався. Але сама історія була «галопом по Європі», де не приділили достатньо уваги ні персонажам, ні сюжету (його тут в принципі можна сказати, що немає). Книга хоч наче має 400 сторінок, але там такі відступи, інтервали і розмір шрифту, що, мабуть, в звичайному форматі ледь 250 назбирається.
Якщо читаєте The Legends of Thezmarr серію, то в принципі раджу прочитати цю книгу, вона дає трохи більше розуміння ситуації в світі та герої цієї книги будуть приймати участь в подіях основної серії. Як однотомник мені здається дуже слабкою і вирваною з контексту.
Думаю, що книга може сподобатися тим, хто до цього читав лише романи і незнайомий з “High Fantasy” або як мінімум хорошими «Fantasy romance» серіями, які мають добре прописаний світ та персонажів. Тому як знайомство з жанром можу радити.
Можливо, ця книга мені здалась ще такою слабкою через те, що я її паралельно читала зі своєю тепер улюбленою серією і на її фоні було так собі🤷🏻♀️ Хоча я і влітку закинула її на середині і більше не поверталася до середини грудня, а це вирішила дочитати, щоб не «висіла»😅
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Я розчарована, якщо чесно, при тому не тільки книгою, а й самою авторкою. В Blood & Steel я відмічала, що стосунки були побудовані чисто на фізичній привабливості , я не бачила там глибини. Тут те ж саме, я не повірила в жодне «я люблю тебе». Ну таке: гарячий романчик з гучними фразами та бездарною фентезі частиною🤷🏻♀️
Сподобалась загальна атмосфера книги, а також гумор та сарказм. З персонажів в принципі нормально розкрили внутрішні переживання Талеміра, він мені сподобався. Але сама історія була «галопом по Європі», де не приділили достатньо уваги ні персонажам, ні сюжету (його тут в принципі можна сказати, що немає). Книга хоч наче має 400 сторінок, але там такі відступи, інтервали і розмір шрифту, що, мабуть, в звичайному форматі ледь 250 назбирається.
Якщо читаєте The Legends of Thezmarr серію, то в принципі раджу прочитати цю книгу, вона дає трохи більше розуміння ситуації в світі та герої цієї книги будуть приймати участь в подіях основної серії. Як однотомник мені здається дуже слабкою і вирваною з контексту.
Думаю, що книга може сподобатися тим, хто до цього читав лише романи і незнайомий з “High Fantasy” або як мінімум хорошими «Fantasy romance» серіями, які мають добре прописаний світ та персонажів. Тому як знайомство з жанром можу радити.
Можливо, ця книга мені здалась ще такою слабкою через те, що я її паралельно читала зі своєю тепер улюбленою серією і на її фоні було так собі🤷🏻♀️ Хоча я і влітку закинула її на середині і більше не поверталася до середини грудня, а це вирішила дочитати, щоб не «висіла»😅
July 15, 2023
Rating: 4.5✨
Spice: 2.5🌶
I would first like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
Okay, WOW! This book was one I knew I needed & it delivered everything it needed to & MORE. We saw mentions of Talemir in Blood & Steel (Wilder's book), but reading his story as the prequel to the events in Blood & Steel connected so many dots and it was PERFECT. Also, I haven't seen many couples that are as wholly entranced by one another like Talemir & Drue and the perfect way to describe them would be passionate. A love so deep, so fierce & raw. It was beautiful to see unfold.
AND, this is Helen's spiciest book to date & it was chef's kiss. And how could it not be when we have mortal enemies to delicious lovers? The type of delicious that has you salivating & drooling in all of their moments together.
Drue is a badass heroine, a fearless warrior and a definite force to be reckoned with. The darkness took so much from her, dared to try & break her, so she vowed to destroy it. To get her vengeance. And boy does she bring the fight to the darkness that seemed determined to swallow her realm's light. I could not think of a better match, a better equal, the other half to our Prince of Hearts & Shadow Prince.
Talemir, yes he is now one of the top members of the book husbands list. And how could he not be? He is a fearsome Warsword of Thezmarr, a man who is one with his double swords. A force that annihilates the evil he has sworn to protect his realm against. A man so wholly loyal, who cares deeply, and also has his own inner darkness he battles with daily. Also, you can just tell his love language is acts of service. I mean, he fully devotes himself to those he loves & does all he can to show his love by taking care of them which had me MELTING. He is also a perfect mixture of being humble & smug at once. He is just EVERYTHING. I loved his story & I cannot wait to potentially see more of him & Drue in the future.
This book also showed us some characters who had already found their ways into our hearts previously & it made my heart burst from the happiness. The ending was bittersweet & beautiful all at once. I fully recommend this book! 🖤
Spice: 2.5🌶
I would first like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
Okay, WOW! This book was one I knew I needed & it delivered everything it needed to & MORE. We saw mentions of Talemir in Blood & Steel (Wilder's book), but reading his story as the prequel to the events in Blood & Steel connected so many dots and it was PERFECT. Also, I haven't seen many couples that are as wholly entranced by one another like Talemir & Drue and the perfect way to describe them would be passionate. A love so deep, so fierce & raw. It was beautiful to see unfold.
AND, this is Helen's spiciest book to date & it was chef's kiss. And how could it not be when we have mortal enemies to delicious lovers? The type of delicious that has you salivating & drooling in all of their moments together.
Drue is a badass heroine, a fearless warrior and a definite force to be reckoned with. The darkness took so much from her, dared to try & break her, so she vowed to destroy it. To get her vengeance. And boy does she bring the fight to the darkness that seemed determined to swallow her realm's light. I could not think of a better match, a better equal, the other half to our Prince of Hearts & Shadow Prince.
Talemir, yes he is now one of the top members of the book husbands list. And how could he not be? He is a fearsome Warsword of Thezmarr, a man who is one with his double swords. A force that annihilates the evil he has sworn to protect his realm against. A man so wholly loyal, who cares deeply, and also has his own inner darkness he battles with daily. Also, you can just tell his love language is acts of service. I mean, he fully devotes himself to those he loves & does all he can to show his love by taking care of them which had me MELTING. He is also a perfect mixture of being humble & smug at once. He is just EVERYTHING. I loved his story & I cannot wait to potentially see more of him & Drue in the future.
This book also showed us some characters who had already found their ways into our hearts previously & it made my heart burst from the happiness. The ending was bittersweet & beautiful all at once. I fully recommend this book! 🖤
December 25, 2024
I am in love with this whole universe, and I am not ready for it to end (until her next book is published)
The themes of female empowerment throughout this book give me so much joy because despite the laws of men telling them to throw down their swords because of a prophecy and women doing the exact opposite and being the front point of the war makes me so happy.
It's so fun to see a backstory and the little tidbits throughout the main series.
Definitely recommend!!
The themes of female empowerment throughout this book give me so much joy because despite the laws of men telling them to throw down their swords because of a prophecy and women doing the exact opposite and being the front point of the war makes me so happy.
It's so fun to see a backstory and the little tidbits throughout the main series.
Definitely recommend!!
February 18, 2024
This stand alone can be read as a prequel to The Legends of Thezmarr series. I’ve been told it’s best read after book 2 in the series so that’s what I did.
It gives background for a couple characters that are talked about a lot in the series.
It’s a little insta-love and very spicy. Again about an even plot to spice ratio that for some is a bonus, and others not so much.
Overall I enjoyed it for what it was.
It gives background for a couple characters that are talked about a lot in the series.
It’s a little insta-love and very spicy. Again about an even plot to spice ratio that for some is a bonus, and others not so much.
Overall I enjoyed it for what it was.
July 17, 2023
This was the PERFECT introduction to Helen Scheurer. She wrote a stunning romantasy that can also act as a prequel to her book Blood & Steel (which you ALREADY KNOW I’ll be reading next).
Talemir & Drue are enemies to lovers, reluctant allies, forced proximity, touch her and you d*e, MAGIC.
Drue, a ranger, hates Talemir on sight because she suspects a dangerous fact about him. Talemir is a strong & brave warsword (realm protector against the shadow wraiths) who looks at Drue and sees a strong-willed, albeit fiery, woman who will stop at nothing to protect what she loves. They have one common thing tying them together: missions that require moving in the same direction 🫣
On their journey, Drue keeps Talemir close (like forces him to share her tent 👀) because she does not trust him around her people. They run into an unexpected obstacle that requires Drue’s general, Adrienne (who I CANNOT get enough of), and the rest of their men to retreat to regain their strength. Thus, Talemir & Drue continue on their journey… alone. 🫣 These two run into so many obstacles & this requires them to learn more about the other so they have better odds of making it out alive, or knowing the others’ weak spots.
I could not get enough of their banter. The whole cast of characters is amazing & I need more of Adri in my life. I cannot wait to read on in this series and see what takes place in Wilder’s (Talemir’s apprentice) story in Blood & Steel.
This story has:
•powerful cast of characters
•amazing banter & witty comments
•found family
•characters with secrets 🤐
•strong AF women characters
•shadow daddy winged men
•SPICEEEEE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
•the list goes on besties
Please if you like romantasy or fantasy, give this book a try 🫶🏻
Thank you Helen & team for letting me be a member of your street team for this book. This was my first ARC & I am forever grateful for the opportunity 🫶🏻
Talemir & Drue are enemies to lovers, reluctant allies, forced proximity, touch her and you d*e, MAGIC.
Drue, a ranger, hates Talemir on sight because she suspects a dangerous fact about him. Talemir is a strong & brave warsword (realm protector against the shadow wraiths) who looks at Drue and sees a strong-willed, albeit fiery, woman who will stop at nothing to protect what she loves. They have one common thing tying them together: missions that require moving in the same direction 🫣
On their journey, Drue keeps Talemir close (like forces him to share her tent 👀) because she does not trust him around her people. They run into an unexpected obstacle that requires Drue’s general, Adrienne (who I CANNOT get enough of), and the rest of their men to retreat to regain their strength. Thus, Talemir & Drue continue on their journey… alone. 🫣 These two run into so many obstacles & this requires them to learn more about the other so they have better odds of making it out alive, or knowing the others’ weak spots.
I could not get enough of their banter. The whole cast of characters is amazing & I need more of Adri in my life. I cannot wait to read on in this series and see what takes place in Wilder’s (Talemir’s apprentice) story in Blood & Steel.
This story has:
•powerful cast of characters
•amazing banter & witty comments
•found family
•characters with secrets 🤐
•strong AF women characters
•shadow daddy winged men
•SPICEEEEE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
•the list goes on besties
Please if you like romantasy or fantasy, give this book a try 🫶🏻
Thank you Helen & team for letting me be a member of your street team for this book. This was my first ARC & I am forever grateful for the opportunity 🫶🏻
March 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 & rounding up. I really loved this! This Thezmarr prequel was everything I wanted it to be & actually got me MORE excited to continue the Legends of Thezmarr series than the 2nd book in that series did. Plot, pros, & cons 👇🏼
ABOUT THIS BOOK
- Within the Mortal Enemies to Monster-Lovers standalone series but also a prequel for the Legends of Thezmarr series
- I read this between books 2 & 3 of LoT series & really liked it there (book 2 was not a favorite & this has gotten me back into the story) but technically it was published between 1 & 2.
PLOT
Drue is a lady of the court turned warrior ever since the darkness conquered her kingdom & killed most of her family. Her mission now is to protect it from any perceived threat, including handsome war swords. Speaking of, Talemir is a war sword with a secret sent to find out what is causing issues with the war swords’ weapons — those that can kill the shadow monsters — & he finds Drue, mysterious as ever. Together they both have problems that can be solved using the help of the other. This book includes:
- light enemies to reluctant allies
- shadow daddy
- badass warrior FMC
- found family
- med high spice
PROS
- I REALLY like Talemir & Drue’s dynamic a lot.
- Talemir is a refreshing warrior especially in contrast to Wilder Hawthorne’s broody boi. I liked his sense of humor & the twinkle about him, while also being a big tough warrior. I liked his inner conflict when it came to his secret, & how he dealt with his struggles there.
- Drue’s awesome. She’s tough & smart & perceptive & there wasn’t a thing I didn’t enjoy. Big fan of her.
- I love Adrienne. Great side character.
- Learning more about the wraiths and reapers in this installment was fun.
- Solid spice.
CONS
- I feel like the whole story’s catalyst doesn’t make a lot of sense. Like the mission that caused everyone to meet in the first place. But oh well, the story beyond that is fun & that doesn’t really take a lot of time.
Really enjoyed this & VERY glad I swung to this prequel before continuing onto book 3 in Thezmarr!
ABOUT THIS BOOK
- Within the Mortal Enemies to Monster-Lovers standalone series but also a prequel for the Legends of Thezmarr series
- I read this between books 2 & 3 of LoT series & really liked it there (book 2 was not a favorite & this has gotten me back into the story) but technically it was published between 1 & 2.
PLOT
Drue is a lady of the court turned warrior ever since the darkness conquered her kingdom & killed most of her family. Her mission now is to protect it from any perceived threat, including handsome war swords. Speaking of, Talemir is a war sword with a secret sent to find out what is causing issues with the war swords’ weapons — those that can kill the shadow monsters — & he finds Drue, mysterious as ever. Together they both have problems that can be solved using the help of the other. This book includes:
- light enemies to reluctant allies
- shadow daddy
- badass warrior FMC
- found family
- med high spice
PROS
- I REALLY like Talemir & Drue’s dynamic a lot.
- Talemir is a refreshing warrior especially in contrast to Wilder Hawthorne’s broody boi. I liked his sense of humor & the twinkle about him, while also being a big tough warrior. I liked his inner conflict when it came to his secret, & how he dealt with his struggles there.
- Drue’s awesome. She’s tough & smart & perceptive & there wasn’t a thing I didn’t enjoy. Big fan of her.
- I love Adrienne. Great side character.
- Learning more about the wraiths and reapers in this installment was fun.
- Solid spice.
CONS
- I feel like the whole story’s catalyst doesn’t make a lot of sense. Like the mission that caused everyone to meet in the first place. But oh well, the story beyond that is fun & that doesn’t really take a lot of time.
Really enjoyed this & VERY glad I swung to this prequel before continuing onto book 3 in Thezmarr!
February 27, 2024
I loved this. A little more romance heavy then my usual fanro but these two just really worked for meeeeee!
September 4, 2024
If I had to describe this book in a single word, it would be "exasperating". I don't think I've ever rolled my eyes this much.
This wasn't bad, per se, and I can definitely see why this book worked for other people; but there were just too many moments in this where I physically cringed for me to give this a higher rating. I don't know why, but I get more and more irritated by these "badass" Romantasy heroines these days.
Not a fan...
This wasn't bad, per se, and I can definitely see why this book worked for other people; but there were just too many moments in this where I physically cringed for me to give this a higher rating. I don't know why, but I get more and more irritated by these "badass" Romantasy heroines these days.
Not a fan...
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars.
It was really good to get Tal's story at this point (between books 2 and 3 in the Legend of Thezmarr series). I'm so excited to continue on now and see why Helen recommends this reading order for emotional impact.
It was really good to get Tal's story at this point (between books 2 and 3 in the Legend of Thezmarr series). I'm so excited to continue on now and see why Helen recommends this reading order for emotional impact.
March 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I read this book after Vows & Ruins (book 2 of the Legends of Thezmarr series). This is the emotional reading order, which the author recommends. This book follows events that take place approximately 6 years before the main storyline.
This book tells us the story of Talemir, who is the Warsword who mentored the MMC during his journey to becoming a Warsword. Talemir is off page in the main series (so far anyways) and all we know is that he left the guild because he got married. But this book gives us the exact story of why he no longer resides at Thezmarr…We also learn some more background history about the shadow wraiths and the “darkness” that has been destroying the realm.
I personally love learning more background information so I really enjoyed this book. I’m the type of reader who wants all the details! I also enjoyed learning about Talemir’s love story. But I’m super excited to jump back into the main series because book 2 ended on quite the cliffhanger!
I read this book after Vows & Ruins (book 2 of the Legends of Thezmarr series). This is the emotional reading order, which the author recommends. This book follows events that take place approximately 6 years before the main storyline.
This book tells us the story of Talemir, who is the Warsword who mentored the MMC during his journey to becoming a Warsword. Talemir is off page in the main series (so far anyways) and all we know is that he left the guild because he got married. But this book gives us the exact story of why he no longer resides at Thezmarr…We also learn some more background history about the shadow wraiths and the “darkness” that has been destroying the realm.
I personally love learning more background information so I really enjoyed this book. I’m the type of reader who wants all the details! I also enjoyed learning about Talemir’s love story. But I’m super excited to jump back into the main series because book 2 ended on quite the cliffhanger!
August 31, 2023
Slaying the Shadow Prince
✨A HOLY GRAIL ROMANTASY ✨
HUZZAH
⭐️- 5 - this teeters right on the edge of a five star read so I’m just rounding up for the sake of clarity
🌶️- HES A SHADOW DADDY.
Helen knows how to write a woman. I’m so in love with Drue. I almost didn’t want to finish the book because I didn’t want to let her go. I love nothing more than a competent woman with a sword. There are no damsels in distress here.
Talemir, our tortured hero has a secret that’s slowly eating him away into nothing but misery until he meets Drue… and Tal and I we BOTH fell head over heels (it was so funny to me, because I would be thinking things and annotating things in the margins about how much I loved some thing about Drue and then Tal would literally say what I was thinking in the book.) we were so down bad for our murder mommy 💕💕
I am in awe of Helen’s writing, and how she writes battles, swords and training without making it at all boring. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It makes my blood boil with want to just stomp out with them onto the battlefields and join in with the war efforts.
Without spoiling too much- the climax & the solution to the story was actually self love and wasn’t cheesy… it was really beautiful… we need more of this.
Tropes
- dual POV
- “you could never hate me more then I hate myself.” Vibes
- Shadow powers/winged males
- Reluctant allies to lovers
- Spicccccyyyy
- Female POOOOWWWERRRRRR
- They flirt… by talking about the most entertaining ways they have killed people 😍
This is best read after from blood and steel as it’s kind of a prequel, but I think the world building will not translate well unless you’ve already read from blood and steel, but it can be read as a standalone. Though I hope with every fiber of my being that we see them again and they come into the connecting plot later on.
Tiny small con
I did feel like some of the magic was a wee smidge yada yadad imo but it’s so so so small of a con that I literally don’t care.
I’m so honored Helen sent this to me as a gift, seeing as she is becoming one of my favorite authors. (she did not ask for a review all thoughts and feelings are my own)
✨A HOLY GRAIL ROMANTASY ✨
HUZZAH
⭐️- 5 - this teeters right on the edge of a five star read so I’m just rounding up for the sake of clarity
🌶️- HES A SHADOW DADDY.
Helen knows how to write a woman. I’m so in love with Drue. I almost didn’t want to finish the book because I didn’t want to let her go. I love nothing more than a competent woman with a sword. There are no damsels in distress here.
Talemir, our tortured hero has a secret that’s slowly eating him away into nothing but misery until he meets Drue… and Tal and I we BOTH fell head over heels (it was so funny to me, because I would be thinking things and annotating things in the margins about how much I loved some thing about Drue and then Tal would literally say what I was thinking in the book.) we were so down bad for our murder mommy 💕💕
I am in awe of Helen’s writing, and how she writes battles, swords and training without making it at all boring. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It makes my blood boil with want to just stomp out with them onto the battlefields and join in with the war efforts.
Without spoiling too much- the climax & the solution to the story was actually self love and wasn’t cheesy… it was really beautiful… we need more of this.
Tropes
- dual POV
- “you could never hate me more then I hate myself.” Vibes
- Shadow powers/winged males
- Reluctant allies to lovers
- Spicccccyyyy
- Female POOOOWWWERRRRRR
- They flirt… by talking about the most entertaining ways they have killed people 😍
This is best read after from blood and steel as it’s kind of a prequel, but I think the world building will not translate well unless you’ve already read from blood and steel, but it can be read as a standalone. Though I hope with every fiber of my being that we see them again and they come into the connecting plot later on.
Tiny small con
I did feel like some of the magic was a wee smidge yada yadad imo but it’s so so so small of a con that I literally don’t care.
I’m so honored Helen sent this to me as a gift, seeing as she is becoming one of my favorite authors. (she did not ask for a review all thoughts and feelings are my own)
December 29, 2023
Edit (Dec 29th 2023): My original review was for the book, but I have now also listened to the audiobook, which I absolutely loved! The dual narration (F/ M) was perfect, and captured the character voices so well! Y'all will want headphones for this one 🥵😏🤤.
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Star rating for the book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star rating for the audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
This was the first time I'd read a book from the author, but I absolutely loved her writing style and how vivid, yet easy to imagine, the world-building was.
This story sucked me straight in, I couldn't put it down, and instantly loved Drue, the smart, strong and sassy FMC.
Talemir, the MMC, was such a pleasant suprise -- an honoured warrior, shadow-touched to have wings and darkness within him, but also a total simp for her. I also heartily approve of his choice of novel!
The banter and tension between Drue and Talemir was perfect, and everytime they spoke or fought I had a wicked little grin on my face knowing how amazing it would be when they finally found themselves in a steamy scene...I was not dissapointed! This book was deliciously slow burn to steamy.
I loved everything about this book, and the ending was absolutely perfect!
💢 TWs: experienced trauma, brief moment of suicide ideation, implied sexual harassment, death, violence, consensual sexual scenes
☆I recieved an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆
☆ I recieved an ALC of the book from the author, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own honest opinions. ☆
~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~
Star rating for the book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star rating for the audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
This was the first time I'd read a book from the author, but I absolutely loved her writing style and how vivid, yet easy to imagine, the world-building was.
This story sucked me straight in, I couldn't put it down, and instantly loved Drue, the smart, strong and sassy FMC.
Talemir, the MMC, was such a pleasant suprise -- an honoured warrior, shadow-touched to have wings and darkness within him, but also a total simp for her. I also heartily approve of his choice of novel!
The banter and tension between Drue and Talemir was perfect, and everytime they spoke or fought I had a wicked little grin on my face knowing how amazing it would be when they finally found themselves in a steamy scene...I was not dissapointed! This book was deliciously slow burn to steamy.
I loved everything about this book, and the ending was absolutely perfect!
💢 TWs: experienced trauma, brief moment of suicide ideation, implied sexual harassment, death, violence, consensual sexual scenes
☆I recieved an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆
☆ I recieved an ALC of the book from the author, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own honest opinions. ☆
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