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Standing in Shadows

(The Dark Fey Trilogy #2)

Cynthia A. Morgan (Goodreads Author)

4.21 · Rating details · 33 ratings · 14 reviews

After escaping captivity, Gairynzvl has been rescued by the Light-loving Fey. Now, he wants to return into the dark realm of The Reviled and rescue the innocent childfey trapped there.
But it will take strength, courage and more than one Fey to breach the borders of The Uunglarda, and to slip past the legions of Dark Fey who abide there. The daring mission will shake the ...more

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Paperback, 198 pages

Published May 3rd 2016 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

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Jul 30, 2016 Dianne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: author-requested-review, own, ya-fantasy

Accepted into the loving embrace of the Light Fey, Gairynzvl knows he must return to the dark realm and rescue the childfey trapped there in a brutal living hell. He needs strength, support and the faith of the Light Fey that he WILL succeed. Not warriors by nature, how can the Light Fey stand against the warriors of the Reviled? Their journey will be treacherous, the possibility of discovery an capture far too great, but this band of rescuers are determined to bring the precious youth of the Fe Accepted into the loving embrace of the Light Fey, Gairynzvl knows he must return to the dark realm and rescue the childfey trapped there in a brutal living hell. He needs strength, support and the faith of the Light Fey that he WILL succeed. Not warriors by nature, how can the Light Fey stand against the warriors of the Reviled? Their journey will be treacherous, the possibility of discovery an capture far too great, but this band of rescuers are determined to bring the precious youth of the Fey home to their families before they have been either killed or turned.

Standing in the Shadows by Cynthia A. Morgan is a tale of dark fantasy, new beginnings and the power of love over hate. As characters return in this addition in the Dark Fey Trilogy, there is a definite feeling of growth and awareness of others this time out. I visualized a world as giving as the Light Fey, who welcomed a former enemy back into their fold and then entrusted their lives and the lives of their precious young to his hands, knowing the possibility of a retaliatory war could be on the horizon.

Once again, each scene comes to life, as Ms. Morgan details the good, the bad and the terrifying. Unlikely allies join forces to protect the innocent at their own peril. Some secrets may be divulged as characters reveal themselves and a new trust is formed with love and respect as one Fey is willing to risk and accept his own death to protect his newfound “family.” Brilliant timing, high tension and bravery as the Light and Dark Fey prepare for the third and final act of this captivating trilogy. Travel through enemy caverns, through the dark and twisted maze of tunnels with death and discovery around every corner.

I received this copy from Cynthia A. Morgan in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Dark Fey Trilogy - Book 2
Publisher: Creativia; 2 edition (December 4, 2015)
Publication Date: December 4, 2015
ISBN-10: 1533044899
ISBN-13: 978-1533044891
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 244 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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Apr 19, 2018 Connie Lacy rated it really liked it

The battle between good and evil – light and dark – picks up steam in book two of the Dark Fey Trilogy. Gairynzvl, who escaped from the cruel, dark world of The Reviled in book one, is now determined to save other “younglings,” like him, who were snatched from their parents in the world of the Light Fey and dragged into a truly brutal existence. (As horrible as the treatment is of these “childfey,” the author bases this part of the story on a real-life nightmare in Uganda, where children were ki ...more

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Dec 11, 2017 Fiona rated it really liked it

Highly recommend to fantasy readers and while not strictly necesary I would suggest reading the first book in the series, The Reviled.
This type of fantasy isn't normally my cup of tea but having been surprised by how much I enjoyed the first book earlier this year, I took the plunge. I think I'm enjoying this series for two reasons, the high standard of writing and the clear and strong themes behind the story.
The author uses skilful writing to describe the two worlds she has created, one of dark ...more

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Aug 31, 2016 Robin rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Dark Fey: Standing in the Shadows, is a moral tale that encompasses romance, action, and drama. The author offers richly detailed settings in both Uunglarda, the dark world inhabited by the Reviled, a grotesque, loveless race, and Jyndari, the world of the Fey of Light. The primary story revolves around Ayla, Guardian of Childfey, who rescues kidnapped, tortured, Childfey from Uunglarda. Over time, she grows in strength and character. Secondary characters, Marden and Gairynzul, struggle with a r ...more

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Nov 30, 2015 Cynthia Morgan rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

As the Author of the Dark Fey Trilogy, it would be inappropriate for me to review my own book (at least, I think so) However, you are in Luck, because Standing In Shadows was recently reviewed by Steve Johnson of Book to the Future Blog. You can read all about it here: https://bookmust.wordpress.com/2016/0...
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Jan 15, 2018 Reviewer King rated it it was amazing

I'm shocked. The sequel completely blew me away and I'm left standing, speechless. Cynthia Morgan is a BADASS WRITER. She can evoke any emotion, feelings and sighs from her readers with a wave of her hand. So this was my review for book 1 of the series:

"OMG!! I JUST FINISHED THE BOOK! It was so so amazing. I actually want to scream out loud to the whole world and tell everyone how good it was. I'm astonished, happy and so excited for the next one! I stayed up all night to read because it was so I'm shocked. The sequel completely blew me away and I'm left standing, speechless. Cynthia Morgan is a BADASS WRITER. She can evoke any emotion, feelings and sighs from her readers with a wave of her hand. So this was my review for book 1 of the series:

"OMG!! I JUST FINISHED THE BOOK! It was so so amazing. I actually want to scream out loud to the whole world and tell everyone how good it was. I'm astonished, happy and so excited for the next one! I stayed up all night to read because it was so addicting and I couldn't stop myself from turning the pages. I have an exam on Tuesday, but I'm like "Who cares??" This book was a gem, a beautiful gem. I actually have tears in my eyes because the way the author writes, literally every single word is beautiful and epic.

I kept highlighting and making notes all over the book because every word was special. Every word was delicate. Every word made me feel an emotion. Actually, this book has perfect grammar, perfect everything. And you know what? Her writing reminds me of Cassandra Clare. She's one of my favorite authors and I've never read another book with the same writing technique. She is truly talented. I loved the world-building, plot, action and the characters whom were so so swoon-worthy! The mysteriousness surrounding the book and I just can't stop gushing! It's so hard for me to truly love a book, but I must say! This was a FANTASTIC book!!

Gorgeous and there was never a single dull moment in the book. Everything moved along in a fast pace, a pace that worked perfectly for me. I am so thankful that Ms. Morgan has written this brilliant story and have given us readers a book with characters that we can enjoy and cherish reading about. I literally can't wait for the sequel!!

In addition to that, the characters were marvelously portrayed and the essence of the story is so deep it felt as though I was losing myself in the world of The Fey. I felt the world come alive before my very own eyes. I could clearly visualize every detail and it all felt so tangible. Again, the author's writing is exquisite and magnificent all on its own.

Ayla & Gairynzvl honeslty are so cute and their attraction was whoooohooo!! I can't wait to read more about them. I love them. I want moreeee!! I need more!! I can't wait to read the sequel!!"

Read this and multiply it by 50 because that's how wild the second book was to me. Once again, I stayed up the entire night frantically reading and turning the pages. The plot, the characters,
the story within the world Ms. Morgan created were all compelling and exceptionally done. What can I say? I'm a helpless romantic but I need, NEED another book to the series. Stop reading my review and go grab yourself a COPY RIGHT NOW. ...more

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Sep 30, 2019 Madeleine Holly-Rosing rated it really liked it

"Standing in Shadows" starts where book one ends.

Celebrant Fey Marden is still unconscious recovering from his ordeal while a newly "reborn" Gairynzvl tries to adapt to his new life as a Light Fey. But the years of being a Dark Fey have taken it's toll and he carries an heavy emotional burden from the trauma. The only way he can think to redeem himself is to rescue the Childfey who still suffer in Uunglarda. Meanwhile, Ayla is torn between her old love, Marden, and her new love for Gairynzvl.

I ...more

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Jan 05, 2017 Richard Ankers rated it it was amazing

Cynthia Morgan demonstrates a complete mastery of the dark fairytale she has created drawing us the reader into this second book in the world of The Fey. The feeling of authenticity is quite literally spellbinding from the new take on the genre to even the pronunciation’s of the character’s names.
Gairynzvl, Standing in Shadows' dark antihero, is a man on a mission, a loner by nature, who must seek out the help of others.
Centred around saving the childfey, Gairynzvl must enter The Uunglarda to s ...more

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Nov 04, 2019 C.A. King rated it it was amazing

I love the pronunciation lesson! I had a lot of fun trying to say some of these names out loud!

High fantasy isn't my go-to genre, but a little Fey in one's life never hurts even if it is dark. This one was the perfect length for me! I'm looking forward to more!

The game rules were hilarious
:
"You cannot intentionally knock your opponent over the head; you cannot kick him, bit him, or tear his feathers out."
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Mar 27, 2016 Michelle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Dark Fey: Standing in Shadows is book number two in the Dark Fey trilogy. Because Standing in Shadows gives light to the characters and the plot, I would recommend that Dark Fey: The Reviled be read first.
The story opens with an introduction to The Uunglarda and the torment found there inflicted upon Childfey by the Reviled, a grotesque, loveless, and evil population that lives in the realm of dark shadows.
On the other side, in the mystical realm of Jyndari, where the Fey of Light live, we lear Dark Fey: Standing in Shadows is book number two in the Dark Fey trilogy. Because Standing in Shadows gives light to the characters and the plot, I would recommend that Dark Fey: The Reviled be read first.
The story opens with an introduction to The Uunglarda and the torment found there inflicted upon Childfey by the Reviled, a grotesque, loveless, and evil population that lives in the realm of dark shadows.
On the other side, in the mystical realm of Jyndari, where the Fey of Light live, we learn of a former Dark One, who has undergone the Integration, the process to renounce the Reviled and join the Fey of Light. Gairynzvl enlists the help of the confidence of the Temple Elders and Ayla, a Guardian of Childfey, to rescue those kidnapped, neglected, and tortured Childfey living in The Uunglarda against their will.
What I loved about this second book is that the characters have developed greater maturity. Yes, we see some jealousy between Marden and Gairynzvl, but they are able to rise above that and work together. Ayla has found an inner strength she didn’t previously possess for the sake of the Childfey. The descriptions are rich and detailed though not to the point that the reader becomes bored. On the contrary, they give depth to the story so the reader can visualize Jyndari and The Uunglarda and those who live there. I loved the easy flow of words in this and the previous book, which is so characteristic of the author, whether writing fiction or poetry or, just telling about her day.
What I didn’t like about Dark Fey: Standing in Shadows is the manner in which the Child Malefey and Shefey were treated, even though a lot was through intimation, such treatment was difficult reading, but this is my personal view and it does not impact my review. There are a lot of movies that I don’t watch for the same reason. I won’t go into more detail to avoid giving away spoilers.
I recommend Dark Fey: Standing in Shadows to anyone who enjoys fantasy or young adult fantasy. On a scale of 1-5 stars, I would award this book 4 ½ stars. I am looking forward to reading book three in the Dark Fey Trilogy.
This is my honest review.
...more

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Mar 11, 2016 Ste J rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The cover photo is great, there is no denying that and were I to see it in a bookshop my interest would be piqued. More of this type of cover I say, rather than those dreary copy cat covers that seem to be so prevalent on the shelves these days. As well as looking nice, it also sets the scene for a darker and more foreboding sequel.

Like the first book, this is a fantasy steeped in the natural, of the polar opposites of light and dark and the overlapping of the two and whilst the plot took, for m The cover photo is great, there is no denying that and were I to see it in a bookshop my interest would be piqued. More of this type of cover I say, rather than those dreary copy cat covers that seem to be so prevalent on the shelves these days. As well as looking nice, it also sets the scene for a darker and more foreboding sequel.

Like the first book, this is a fantasy steeped in the natural, of the polar opposites of light and dark and the overlapping of the two and whilst the plot took, for me a little while to get going – the characters even get time for a ball game – once it gets going though, it moves along at a pleasing pace. It is an interesting mix, the plot feeling both urgent yet also fairly relaxed at times, giving the book a more ethereal feel.

The book picks up not long after the first finished and we are quickly introduced to new mysteries and characters, always with that feeling that something sinister is lurking and can and will strike at any moment, a brooding feeling of the unknown and the horrors that could await there. As alliances are forged, decisions made and events set in motion the story builds to the heroic quest motif which will have repercussions for all to come, especially in the final part of the trilogy.

The darkness is tempered by the lightness of both Morgan’s descriptive and narrative flow which as any of you who have read her blog will know is lyrically steeped in nature and the beauty of art, romance and wordplay. The story does have that fantasy of nature feel that is easily recognised and many of the universal struggles which make this a good read for both adults and the YA market it is aimed at.

As with the first book, there is a continuation of the themes of courage and standing with friends, of trusting and doing what is right. As far as moral tales go, this one has all the right themes, coupled with some action, romance, drama and a little bit of sadistic horror as well which I think covers all the bases. The climactic passages promise for an interesting and more action packed book three, which should be an epic finale to the trilogy. ...more

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Dec 16, 2016 Brienne Dubh rated it really liked it

Shelves: escapology-reviews

This picks up where book one leaves you. Mardan is unconscious and Gairynzvl is adapting to being a fey of light again while he and Ayla grow closer. The elders are preparing to share with the other fey, news of his miraculous change from the dark as Gairynzvl plans to return to Uunglarda and attempt to rescue the stolen childfey.
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. Several times while reading I had to pause just to admire the work gone into creating the way the fey spoke and the lan ...more

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Feb 09, 2017 Cherime MacFarlane rated it it was amazing

Ms. Morgan writes like a good wine tastes, there are wonderful notes of things in it and sometimes you must re read a passage to get all you can from it. Lyrical and rich, it beckons you to go further, take more. And this is from the individual who does not like, hates?, cliff hangers. But I am so into this series. I really do want the next installment now.

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Jan 23, 2017 David Edwards rated it it was amazing

For my take on the setting of 'Standing in Shadows' (Dark Fey Book 2) see my review of 'The Reviled' (Dark Fey Book 1). You absolutely have to have read the first book in the sequence before starting the second. The narrative continues almost without a break.

In book 2, our heroes are assembled, and their quest to rescue children kidnapped by the forces of evil gets under way. I thought the first book was really excellent, but this is better. There is more action and the characters have developed ...more

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About Cynthia A. Morgan

Cynthia A. Morgan

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Cynthia A. Morgan is an award-winning author; free-lance columnist, blogger, and poet. Author of the dystopian fantasy Mercy Series and the young adult fantasy Dark Fey Trilogy, Morgan’s captivating tales serve as a backdrop for powerful messages like ‘show thankfulness through kindness and appreciate blessings through generosity’ and ‘the only way to achieve peace is by becoming peace’.

Morgan is ...more