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World in Shadows #2
A Scarlet Fury
It has been almost a year since mankind became aware of the world in shadows. It's been an adjustment, but life goes on and most have learned to adapt. There are some on both side that are not ready to let go of their plans. Madalaina Bonvillian believed nothing could harm her; she's the daughter of the former alpha and the sister of the current alpha, who would dare? After surviving a brutal attack, Madalaina must try to move forward, but where do you go when you feel like you've lost yourself?
Cleary Neil has kept his feeling for Madalaina to himself. He's been her friend, and now that's what she needs more than anything. The only problem is he can't shut off the part of himself that wants to protect his mate from the pain and confusion he sees in her.
Together they will go on an emotional journey to find out if love can heal all wounds. Time is of the essence, because enemies are gathering.
Cleary Neil has kept his feeling for Madalaina to himself. He's been her friend, and now that's what she needs more than anything. The only problem is he can't shut off the part of himself that wants to protect his mate from the pain and confusion he sees in her.
Together they will go on an emotional journey to find out if love can heal all wounds. Time is of the essence, because enemies are gathering.
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
9 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Blackwood
11 books148 followersBridget Blackwood is an East Texas native living in Dallas with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of pets. She is a self proclaimed horror movie addict and an avid reader with a voracious appetite for romance of all kinds. Her paranormal series, World in Shadows, started as a what-if daydream scenario. Loud, demanding characters keep pushing her to write more.
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March 24, 2020🎁The World in Shadows Series (4 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2020)! 🎁
October 25, 2014
A Scarlet Fury takes on a more somber tone than previous books in the series, while also dealing with more difficult subject matters. The inclusion of such different circumstances shows the ability of the author to adapt to any and all circumstances within their writing. The deviance from the usual subjects to harsher ones, is sometimes harder to transition to and Blackwood does it with ease in this story. The storyline matter is not simple or easy or even remotely fun, but the events make for story with a larger emotional impact.
There is deep reflection in Madalaina's personality throughout the story. This trauma happened to her and she was pretty much thrown for a loop because she had never ever anticipated that anyone would dare do wrong to her because of who she was. And it is almost exactly for that reason she was hurt in such a way. While coping with the trauma, Madalaina learns things about herself, little changes in her personality, nothing to outrageous, but enough that she finds herself surprised and realizing that she had lost herself along the way, even before this incident had even happened.
Blackwood handles the grievous events and following trauma with both caution and grace. Madalaina struggles with many feelings and trying to assimilate those emotions and come to some form of acceptance. It is even more difficult for her to handle the fact that nearly everyone in her life, whom she loves, knows exactly what happened to her and that she was unable to prevent or stop it. Like most victims of any kind of trauma, Madalaina places a large amount of blame and guilt on herself.
Cleary is AWESOME. No, I don't say that lightly. He's such a wreck throughout the first parts of the book, justifiably so, but even still, he makes your heart hurt, because he wants to help so much, but you can see he feels at a loss of being capable of doing it the right way. So he does things he can in little ways, sometimes nearly making a fool out of himself or bringing danger down on himself (Hello Claude!). Being Madalaina's friend prior to these events gives him a unique perspective with which to show her that she's not the dirty underserving weakling she sees herself as.
Cleary battles the instincts in him that scream "This woman is my mate" and all that entails and the deep seated knowledge that one wrong move can have devastating effects where Madalaina is concerned and send her running. I think he handles it all with just the right amount of care and concern while also enforcing to Madalaina that he's not going anywhere and he doesn't view her as different, at least not in the way she thinks.
Sassy is awesome. I want a Sassy. She's a great addition to the story because she adds another push for Madalaina to go to Cleary.
I love the glimpses into the friendships between Madalaina and Winter, and Tsura, and Cleary. They all have their own unique bonds and I love how it is shown how they each do their part in pulling Madalaina back together. This is true friendship, this is what friends do for each other.
Dr. Livingston was crucial to helping Madalaina come to terms and begin to heal and rebuild. She instigated the starting place for Madalaina and then helped her build up from there. The women from group, also play a major role in her healing. Some clever twists there, very turning the tables in some ways too.
A Scarlet Fury takes you on an emotional ride about tragedy, forgiveness of yourself and others, and also about understanding and finding who you are truly meant to be. It is a beautiful story of life's struggles and coming through on the other side. It is the story of Family and why we need each other though sometimes we want to kill each other. While the front running story is Madalaina and Cleary's, there are so many smaller stories told in the process and I'm certain they hold importance to the series.
There are many bumps in the road for Madalaina and Cleary as they both delve deep into the waters of this traumatic experience, but each small step taken proves the inner strength and dedication they carry. Though the tone is more serious and solemn, there are bits of humor and lightness mixed within.
You know how you get a homemade gift from someone and you can just feel their blood, sweat and tears went into its making. That is exactly how I feel about this book. This story is hands down my favorite of the series so far.
It's going to be a long long wait for the next book in the series...
There is deep reflection in Madalaina's personality throughout the story. This trauma happened to her and she was pretty much thrown for a loop because she had never ever anticipated that anyone would dare do wrong to her because of who she was. And it is almost exactly for that reason she was hurt in such a way. While coping with the trauma, Madalaina learns things about herself, little changes in her personality, nothing to outrageous, but enough that she finds herself surprised and realizing that she had lost herself along the way, even before this incident had even happened.
Blackwood handles the grievous events and following trauma with both caution and grace. Madalaina struggles with many feelings and trying to assimilate those emotions and come to some form of acceptance. It is even more difficult for her to handle the fact that nearly everyone in her life, whom she loves, knows exactly what happened to her and that she was unable to prevent or stop it. Like most victims of any kind of trauma, Madalaina places a large amount of blame and guilt on herself.
Cleary is AWESOME. No, I don't say that lightly. He's such a wreck throughout the first parts of the book, justifiably so, but even still, he makes your heart hurt, because he wants to help so much, but you can see he feels at a loss of being capable of doing it the right way. So he does things he can in little ways, sometimes nearly making a fool out of himself or bringing danger down on himself (Hello Claude!). Being Madalaina's friend prior to these events gives him a unique perspective with which to show her that she's not the dirty underserving weakling she sees herself as.
Cleary battles the instincts in him that scream "This woman is my mate" and all that entails and the deep seated knowledge that one wrong move can have devastating effects where Madalaina is concerned and send her running. I think he handles it all with just the right amount of care and concern while also enforcing to Madalaina that he's not going anywhere and he doesn't view her as different, at least not in the way she thinks.
Sassy is awesome. I want a Sassy. She's a great addition to the story because she adds another push for Madalaina to go to Cleary.
I love the glimpses into the friendships between Madalaina and Winter, and Tsura, and Cleary. They all have their own unique bonds and I love how it is shown how they each do their part in pulling Madalaina back together. This is true friendship, this is what friends do for each other.
Dr. Livingston was crucial to helping Madalaina come to terms and begin to heal and rebuild. She instigated the starting place for Madalaina and then helped her build up from there. The women from group, also play a major role in her healing. Some clever twists there, very turning the tables in some ways too.
A Scarlet Fury takes you on an emotional ride about tragedy, forgiveness of yourself and others, and also about understanding and finding who you are truly meant to be. It is a beautiful story of life's struggles and coming through on the other side. It is the story of Family and why we need each other though sometimes we want to kill each other. While the front running story is Madalaina and Cleary's, there are so many smaller stories told in the process and I'm certain they hold importance to the series.
There are many bumps in the road for Madalaina and Cleary as they both delve deep into the waters of this traumatic experience, but each small step taken proves the inner strength and dedication they carry. Though the tone is more serious and solemn, there are bits of humor and lightness mixed within.
You know how you get a homemade gift from someone and you can just feel their blood, sweat and tears went into its making. That is exactly how I feel about this book. This story is hands down my favorite of the series so far.
It's going to be a long long wait for the next book in the series...
August 24, 2016
I am completely enamored with this series. The characters that Bridget Blackwood has created really feel like real people!! Even though they are Shifters, Vampires, and Fae. I instantly feel attached to each new character I meet. Although I really love Cleary.
Cleary is the head of Lion Shifters. He has totally different beliefs than he was taught growing up. This is one of the many reasons that I adore him. He has been in love with Madalaina for years but didn't think it would go anywhere. When Madalaina is abducted, Cleary stops at nothing to help find her. Madalaina has such growth through her struggles. What happened to her was horrifying but how she finally deals with it is beautiful.
This book will tear you apart but then piece you back together.
I highly recommend this series, even if you don't like paranormal!! These characters are so much more than that!!
Cleary is the head of Lion Shifters. He has totally different beliefs than he was taught growing up. This is one of the many reasons that I adore him. He has been in love with Madalaina for years but didn't think it would go anywhere. When Madalaina is abducted, Cleary stops at nothing to help find her. Madalaina has such growth through her struggles. What happened to her was horrifying but how she finally deals with it is beautiful.
This book will tear you apart but then piece you back together.
I highly recommend this series, even if you don't like paranormal!! These characters are so much more than that!!
August 26, 2014
Madalaina is the strong willed daughter of the now retired Alpha Prime and sister to the current Alpha Prime. Tired of being smothered by guards and family, so she gives her guards the slip while out on a shopping trip with her sister in-law Rachel who is very pregnant. Rachel is being driven nuts by Bastien who is being overprotective. When they finish shopping and are about to put their packages in the car, when Madalain feels a sharp pinch on her neck, reaching up she discovers a dart which she pulls out. Her world goes black and she wakes in a dark room. (for more information on Rachel and Bastien please read "Rising Shadows" just .99 for your Kindle)
Madalain is worried about Rachel and the baby, are they alright, did they escape? She finally has her answer when Rachel is brought in to see Madalain. By this time Madalain has been brutalized in every way imaginable. Rachel is then taken away. Blood is taken from Rachel. and a doctor is planning to preform a C-section on Rachel so that he can take her baby.
Rachel and Madalain are saved from death by Cleary, Bastien, Varian and Nikolai. Rachel is taken straight to the hospital to give birth since recent events have brought on early labor. Madalain is taken home to be cared for by her family and their trusted doctor. Bones that were broken and left to heal without being set must be re-broken and set to heal properly. What the doctor can not fix is Madalain's mental state. Even her best friend Tsura can not seem to reach Madalain.
Madalain feels trapped and needs space. When her estranged older brother Athan comes to visit and check on her, she decides to leave with him and go stay in his mountain cabin far away from people. It is in the mountains that Madalain starts to heal. She makes some new friends and finds a surprising place hidden in the woods.
I will not go into all the twists and turns but I will say, this books is action packed and an emotional roller coaster ride. It is a great book! I would advise you to first pick up "Rising Shadows" so you have the back story on Rachel and Bastien. It will also give you more understanding of some of the characters that you will see in this book. Rising Shadows is a great read as well.
Madalain is worried about Rachel and the baby, are they alright, did they escape? She finally has her answer when Rachel is brought in to see Madalain. By this time Madalain has been brutalized in every way imaginable. Rachel is then taken away. Blood is taken from Rachel. and a doctor is planning to preform a C-section on Rachel so that he can take her baby.
Rachel and Madalain are saved from death by Cleary, Bastien, Varian and Nikolai. Rachel is taken straight to the hospital to give birth since recent events have brought on early labor. Madalain is taken home to be cared for by her family and their trusted doctor. Bones that were broken and left to heal without being set must be re-broken and set to heal properly. What the doctor can not fix is Madalain's mental state. Even her best friend Tsura can not seem to reach Madalain.
Madalain feels trapped and needs space. When her estranged older brother Athan comes to visit and check on her, she decides to leave with him and go stay in his mountain cabin far away from people. It is in the mountains that Madalain starts to heal. She makes some new friends and finds a surprising place hidden in the woods.
I will not go into all the twists and turns but I will say, this books is action packed and an emotional roller coaster ride. It is a great book! I would advise you to first pick up "Rising Shadows" so you have the back story on Rachel and Bastien. It will also give you more understanding of some of the characters that you will see in this book. Rising Shadows is a great read as well.
February 11, 2016
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Last month marked the re-release of A Scarlet Fury, the second installment in Bridget Blackwood’s Rising Shadows series. The series is an urban fantastic telling of paranormal creatures and their struggle for survival and, at times, dominance. Humankind has only recently become aware of the existence of supernatural beings and the reaction vacillates between acceptance and extreme aggression.
I fell in love with this series after reading the re-release of book one, Rising Shadows and the following novella Winter’s Kiss. I found the characters thoroughly intriguing and the plot irresistible. Book two surrounds Madalaina Bonvillian, a female shifter from a high-profile ruling class-type family. At the beginning of the book, Madalaina is abducted by a group of rogue militant humans and consequently suffers horrific, brutal abuse. Unlike other stories featuring a daring rescue where, with a little TLC, the heroine quickly bounces back, Blackwood writes about a broken woman and her long and winding road to recovery.
Eventually, the book develops into a tender love story between Madalaina and Clearly Neil, the seemingly laissez-faire lion-man. The long-time friends struggle with new feelings that develop alongside Madalaina’s trauma and recovery. The love story is poignantly written.
Ultimately, A Scarlet Fury is a reflective book and Blackwood has written a responsible tale about violence and sexual assault. She does not gloss over the healing process or the ugly side of survival. As a reader, my objective is to read books that provide an entertaining escape from the realities of life. So in spite of its descent writing and character development, the book didn’t meet my personal criteria. It was a slow read for me, which, given the subject matter, was appropriate I suppose. For me, it was a little too real for an urban fantasy. Nevertheless, I’m invested in this series and look forward to more from the World in Shadows series.
Reviewed for I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2016/02/bo...
Last month marked the re-release of A Scarlet Fury, the second installment in Bridget Blackwood’s Rising Shadows series. The series is an urban fantastic telling of paranormal creatures and their struggle for survival and, at times, dominance. Humankind has only recently become aware of the existence of supernatural beings and the reaction vacillates between acceptance and extreme aggression.
I fell in love with this series after reading the re-release of book one, Rising Shadows and the following novella Winter’s Kiss. I found the characters thoroughly intriguing and the plot irresistible. Book two surrounds Madalaina Bonvillian, a female shifter from a high-profile ruling class-type family. At the beginning of the book, Madalaina is abducted by a group of rogue militant humans and consequently suffers horrific, brutal abuse. Unlike other stories featuring a daring rescue where, with a little TLC, the heroine quickly bounces back, Blackwood writes about a broken woman and her long and winding road to recovery.
Eventually, the book develops into a tender love story between Madalaina and Clearly Neil, the seemingly laissez-faire lion-man. The long-time friends struggle with new feelings that develop alongside Madalaina’s trauma and recovery. The love story is poignantly written.
Ultimately, A Scarlet Fury is a reflective book and Blackwood has written a responsible tale about violence and sexual assault. She does not gloss over the healing process or the ugly side of survival. As a reader, my objective is to read books that provide an entertaining escape from the realities of life. So in spite of its descent writing and character development, the book didn’t meet my personal criteria. It was a slow read for me, which, given the subject matter, was appropriate I suppose. For me, it was a little too real for an urban fantasy. Nevertheless, I’m invested in this series and look forward to more from the World in Shadows series.
Reviewed for I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2016/02/bo...
August 26, 2014
After surviving a brutal attack, Madalaina must try to move forward but isn’t sure how, Cleary will be whatever she needs but finds it hard to keep his feelings for hidden. Together they will need to determine if love can heal all wounds, but time is of the essence because enemies are gathering in this emotionally gripping paranormal romance.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers captures the heart and keeps readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, action, drama and romance. The author inspires vivid images that capture the imagination with well written scenes and details and the well orchestrated drama and suspense draw the reader deeper into the strong and compelling characters’ world.
Cleary has been Madalaina friend for a while now, but what’s happened to him shatters him especially as he has to give the space needs to heal, but this strong lion will do whatever it takes to be the mate she needs. The trauma that Madalaina suffers grabs a hold of the reader and causes quite a few tears throughout the story not only for the horror at the cruelty of some… well I have no words for what they are, but also because she not only survives, she manages to take back her life. Cleary and Mads passion may be simmering in the background to start off but when things start to heat up, it’s obvious that these two will make a great couple.
As Mads and Cleary’s story unfolds, the author also gives us glimpses of the major characters that are involved in this world adding depth and spice to the story and it also gives more info about the overall series plot as well. Despite the tears, I enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down until I had read every last word and learned exactly how Cleary and Mads fared in their search for happiness and I can’t wait to read the next book.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers captures the heart and keeps readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, action, drama and romance. The author inspires vivid images that capture the imagination with well written scenes and details and the well orchestrated drama and suspense draw the reader deeper into the strong and compelling characters’ world.
Cleary has been Madalaina friend for a while now, but what’s happened to him shatters him especially as he has to give the space needs to heal, but this strong lion will do whatever it takes to be the mate she needs. The trauma that Madalaina suffers grabs a hold of the reader and causes quite a few tears throughout the story not only for the horror at the cruelty of some… well I have no words for what they are, but also because she not only survives, she manages to take back her life. Cleary and Mads passion may be simmering in the background to start off but when things start to heat up, it’s obvious that these two will make a great couple.
As Mads and Cleary’s story unfolds, the author also gives us glimpses of the major characters that are involved in this world adding depth and spice to the story and it also gives more info about the overall series plot as well. Despite the tears, I enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down until I had read every last word and learned exactly how Cleary and Mads fared in their search for happiness and I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 15, 2014
*Warning - this book begins with a non-graphic depiction of rape and torture that may be a trigger for some people*
Scarlet Fury is more than just a romance - it is Madalaina (Mads) story of coming out of a very bad mental place and finding herself in the darkness. There are subtle and not so subtle lessons about life on every page and I really enjoyed watching her overcome. I thought Blackwood did a brilliant job of showing the struggle and how hard it is to get your life back after an experience like this.
But this is a romance. Cleary is perfect for Mads, but she's not sure she will ever be whole enough again to be worth his time. He has to prove to her that it he wants her no matter what. It was really quite beautiful.
We also get to see more into the political world of these paranormals and more about the over-all series story arc as well. It was a great second story and this world is fascinating to read about.
Scarlet Fury is more than just a romance - it is Madalaina (Mads) story of coming out of a very bad mental place and finding herself in the darkness. There are subtle and not so subtle lessons about life on every page and I really enjoyed watching her overcome. I thought Blackwood did a brilliant job of showing the struggle and how hard it is to get your life back after an experience like this.
But this is a romance. Cleary is perfect for Mads, but she's not sure she will ever be whole enough again to be worth his time. He has to prove to her that it he wants her no matter what. It was really quite beautiful.
We also get to see more into the political world of these paranormals and more about the over-all series story arc as well. It was a great second story and this world is fascinating to read about.
September 23, 2014
Cleary, the head of the lion pride of shifters, has been in love with Madalaina for years but she thought what they had was only a tight friendship. When Madalaina was kidnapped with her sister in law it was Cleary to the rescue. The horrible abuse that she went through from the guards changes her. After she is out she leaves town to get her head back on straight. Once she is back home, Cleary makes his feelings known. To his shock Madalaina feels the same way but is still scared she will never be able to have sex with him.
This was a great second book, it was a little hard for me to read a few scenes but it was a great continuation from book one. The flow from book one to this second book was seamless and I really love all the characters. I'm really looking forward to book three.
This was a great second book, it was a little hard for me to read a few scenes but it was a great continuation from book one. The flow from book one to this second book was seamless and I really love all the characters. I'm really looking forward to book three.
August 20, 2014
This is the darkest yet of the series. A woman's triumph against physical and emotional abuse of the darkest kind. From being a pampered spoiled princess Madalaina grows into a strong confident woman as a result of her trials and finds love in the arms of Cleary. There is sadness for her when she finally achieves a relationship with her mother only to have it torn away. Running through Madalaina story are the characters I have grown to love Rachel and Bastien Varien and Winter and Tsura to name but a few. i am not adhamed to say that this book made me cry. I am just loving this series and I'm very impatient because I want the whole series to read NOW ☺ I give this book a full five stars which is as it should be.
December 29, 2015
Bridget Blackwood is heading towards my favourite author list. I enjoyed book one of World in Shadows and was eager to hear about Madalaina and Winter. I wasn't disappointed. The story resolves issues from book 1 without making the storyline drag. There was a few 'oh no not again' moments but they fit and were thoroughly enjoyable. There is plenty left unresolved to keep me wanting the series to keep going. Looking forward to book 3.
January 1, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book for a honest review.
INTENSE. Absolutely powerful and INTENSE. The relationship between Cleary & Madalaina was captivating. The strength she possesses is outrageously beautiful.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of this book. It kept me on my toes and enthralled at what would happen next.
Much love!
INTENSE. Absolutely powerful and INTENSE. The relationship between Cleary & Madalaina was captivating. The strength she possesses is outrageously beautiful.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of this book. It kept me on my toes and enthralled at what would happen next.
Much love!
February 27, 2015
*A gift from the Author*
This book was a bit less action and more character healing and relationship building.
Some horrible things happen....healing
love blossoms abroad...
death...
this book prepares you for the next challenge for these characters...
This book was a bit less action and more character healing and relationship building.
Some horrible things happen....healing
love blossoms abroad...
death...
this book prepares you for the next challenge for these characters...
June 13, 2016
Scarlet Fury....Nonstop action and intrigue
WOW! Book two was amazing. Happy, sad, furious, terrified...all bundled into one well written, perfectly flowing book. Book three, here I come!!!
WOW! Book two was amazing. Happy, sad, furious, terrified...all bundled into one well written, perfectly flowing book. Book three, here I come!!!
July 14, 2014
Fantastic. The story between Madalaina and Cleary is phenomenal. The struggles Mads goes through and overcomes make this story better than the first.
March 10, 2015
It isn't often that intimate scenes in books are so tender, so sweet, so loving. Ms. Blackwood, I salute you. Phenomenal writing.
May 22, 2024
Sigh I just don’t like reading about rape and brutally being beaten and raped literally within chapter 1.
Does it get better? I don’t even care to find out. Like I said in my other reviews on this series, the FC is a try hard MarySue. Add in the brutality that happened at the beginning I just don’t have the energy to read about her struggling through all that.
Does it get better? I don’t even care to find out. Like I said in my other reviews on this series, the FC is a try hard MarySue. Add in the brutality that happened at the beginning I just don’t have the energy to read about her struggling through all that.
December 14, 2016
A Scarlet Fury
A great sequel to what's shaping up to be a fun and sexy paranormal series. I loved how this story had more depth but I still wish there was more of a build up that's seen between the characters relationship. I'm definitely looking forward to more and can't wait to find out what happens with Winter's story! I hope we get to find out soon!
A great sequel to what's shaping up to be a fun and sexy paranormal series. I loved how this story had more depth but I still wish there was more of a build up that's seen between the characters relationship. I'm definitely looking forward to more and can't wait to find out what happens with Winter's story! I hope we get to find out soon!
January 8, 2016
I really wanted to give this book more stars but I just couldn't. Although the plot is interesting, it lacks depth. I didn't feel like the characters stayed true to themselves or who they were in the first book. I really want to see how this story ends but I'm not sure I can finish the series.
February 10, 2018
Loved It!!!
Even better than the first! Wonderful second book in this series! The ending left me wanting the third to be out right now!
Even better than the first! Wonderful second book in this series! The ending left me wanting the third to be out right now!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews