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Darkest Drae #2

Shadow Wings

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I will never be controlled again.

A manipulative dragon shifter. A sexy phaetyn prince. Me? I shouldn’t even exist.

With peace established in Verald, I should be free; Lord Tyrrik is liberated from his blood oath, after all. But the freedom in Verald is an illusion. If I remain, destruction will surely follow.

As soon as I come into my powers, the blood-thirsty emperor of Draecon will know. Even now, he is hunting me.

When a Phaetyn prince arrives promising safety, the solution seems perfect. A little too perfect. But is the objective of our group security or something more? Because everyone is telling me what my goals should be.

Who do you trust when everyone has lied to you?

Should I listen with my head – or my heart?

I might not get a choice.

First published February 8, 2018

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About the author

Raye Wagner

36 books1,178 followers
RAYE WAGNER is the USA Today Bestselling author of young adult fantasy books, but she hates writing bios. She’d much rather tell you a story. She’s partial to fantasy, with dragons or magic or something so she can lie and not feel guilty. She also has an obsession with sweets (all the bakery goodies), nerf wars, wigs, and occasionally tutus.

When she isn’t writing, shenanigating (I’m sure that’s a word), or lying, Raye is with her family . . . preferably at the beach.

Come chat with me! I love to hear from readers. You can connect with me via Facebook (Raye Wagner), Twitter (@rayewagner), Instagram (rayewagnerauthor), or her website: rayewagner.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 653 reviews
Profile Image for Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀.
254 reviews941 followers
February 8, 2023
I fuckingg told y’all the second one was better!! description

Remember in the first book, where our heroine's entire personality was that she didn’t know diddly shit about her powers??

NO MORE

Both Ryn and the world is really developed in this book, so we get to learn more about the Drae and Phaetyn ! We *finally* venture outside the goddamn castle to see the other kingdoms and cultures *fist pump*

If you like dragons, then you should absolutely read this series *starting with second!*

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Ryn, She’s naive. She’s immature. But fuck it, at least she trying to save the world
“I glanced back at Tyrrik. He was still lying right where I’d left him, looking pretty much dead.
“Good, good.” I gave myself an inane pep talk, not believing a word of it.”

Her inner dialogue was just hilarious to read and brought a comedic element to otherwise dangerous threatening situations as she visits other kingdoms to rally the troops! Her POV is purposefully sarcastic & dramatic cuz its her coping mechanism to deal with the shit storm that is her life

The absolutely BEST part of this book was the group dynamics by farrr

Honestly, this group Dyter, Tyrikk and Ryn was friggen hilarious to read, as they had to *reluctantly* work with each other to fight the invading emperor, reestablish their kingdom, heal the land and figure out where the fuck the Drae and Phaetyn been hiding !! Oh and try not to kill each other in the process

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Dyter being father figure to Ryn, and matchmaker for Tyrikk. Tyrikk being a scary badass who is finally free and doesn't have to hide his every emotion *don'tcry don't cry*And Ryn going from village soapqueen to a real power player, both hating Tyrikk but needing to ally with him.
“My brief flash of good humor disappeared. “It’s Tyrrik’s fault. He’s sulking.”
“I’m not sulking,” the one-hundred-and-nine-year old said.
“Mmm-hmm, sure.”
Dyter exploded. “Enough!” He whirled on us, stomping back to wave a finger in my face. “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t speak at all.”
“That’s what we were doing before,” I huffed. “You said it made you cranky.” By this point, I was needling the old man, but I craved an outlet for my frustration, and he’d offered one.”
Now... the love interest

Tyrikk hurt Ryn in the first book and well… she will never let him forget it

The way book *accurately* developed the enemies to lovers trope was sooo well done with building up the chemistry. It was definitely a, *The lady douth protest too much* but I just fell heads over hells for Tyrrik and loveddd the banter between them

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“You ruined my tavern!” I grabbed at Tyrrik, and he lowered his head. Holding either side of his Drae face, I narrowed my eyes at his slightly sheepish expression.
“You are so paying for that,” I snarled, staring into his inky eyes.
I released his head and sank to my knees. “Everything . . . I’ve worked for. In ruins.”
Tyrrik nudge me with his snout. "You’ve only been here three days.”
Side note: have y'all seeennnn this cover?? fucking art!

The world is just fucking brilliant. Shape shifting, dragon empire, heroine learning powers, plots of overthrowing tyrannical kings, and did I mention dragons? Where the first book has several problems but no actual plot *wtf*. This second book builds ups the great antagonist, explains the world better, and Ryn works to find her place in it.

Overall, I love this book because of the unique characters and how the dragons element was really developed in a unique way. First, its a female of a friggen 18 year old who is only FIRST leaving her village on top of being a NEW dragon... and her POV absolutely reflects that!

She gets easily distracted and possessive of treasure, she doesn't fully understand why but she knows it'll make her happy so she just does it! and fuck, isn't that *absolutely* the mentality that a dragon would have?!
“My mouth dried as I saw what he held aloft. Playing it cool, I asked, “What’s that?”
“A gold trinket.”
Desire shot through me, and I propped myself up, licking my lips. “What kind of trinket?”
“It’s an antique pill box that once belonged to an esteemed baroness.” He tossed the pill box in his hand. “Want it?”
“The gold beckoned me. It was just what this cave needed. A bit of sparkling wealth. Actually, I needed it. I got to my feet and murmured, “Yes.”

The critiques

Ryn... overdid the guilt thing... by a friggen landslide

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I know we going for a hard to get vibe . But it was overdone and made other more *important* elements get overshadowed by Ryn's dramatic ranting

For those that didn't read the first, you might get *even more annoyed* by this aspect as why Ryn so fucking dumb, I just had the mindset she a petty bitch and just went with it.

Highly recommend for a fun fast-pace fantasy. It's action packed, has a unique take on dragons, a comedic heroine, and you get to interact with different kingdoms that each have their own culture and differences. Plus the love interest is a total babe.

This second book had completely different feeling than the first book in this series, that I preferred because it matched Ryn's personality better. She was too lighthearted and young for the dark vibes of the first, that I felt a total disconnect between the character and her actions. Let's be real... a young girl getting kidnapped tortured for a YEAR would have a MUCH darker attitude after the fact. But Ryn didn't. Which is why I basically pretend the first book didn't happen... because it didn't match the characters. Authors, you can't have characters remain unaffected by the events YOU WROTE

And now to end with another quote because it just made me fucking cAcKlE and roll on the floor at how Ryn's dragon is such a *baby* but tries so hard to be a baddie
“He turned to the guards and announced us. “We seek an audience with King Zakai. Please inform him that Lord Tyrrik the . . . Free Drae, Dyter of Verald—ambassador to King Caltevyn, and Ryn are here.”
I practically gave myself Drae whiplash at that. I lowered my head to Dyter, a low growl rumbling in my chest. Shouldn’t I be Ryn the Coolest Drae, or Ryn the Phaetyn-Drae? Or maybe Ryn the Phaetyn-Drae, daughter of Ryhl—
Dyter eyed me nervously and blurted, “I mean to say, Ryn the most powerful Drae.”

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Profile Image for jessica.
2,535 reviews32.6k followers
September 19, 2020
oh my gosh. this sequel is everything. i love the exploration into drae culture and mystery. i am obsessed with every single interaction between tyrrick and ryn. all they have to do is look at each other and my heart bursts. i cant. i enjoyed this so so so much.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Holly.
1,431 reviews986 followers
July 25, 2019
I don't mind when a fantasy book makes up it's own swear word/phrase for the characters to say, but I draw the line at using the word 'pancake' as a swear word. Yes, you read that correctly. PANCAKE. As a swear word. Fourteen times in case you were wondering. And if you look at the blurb for the next book, 'pancake' is mentioned in it, not even joking.

So ignoring that small, but absolutely annoying, issue, I otherwise liked this book, just not as much as the previous one. I perversely enjoyed all the torture/deaths in Blood Oath, and was sad that there was not much at all of it here. There's just some deaths by dragon fire/dragon stomping, and that's about it. Booo.

I did enjoy that there was some growth with Ryn's character and that she demanded more honesty and transparency from Tyrrik. I was also relieved to find out that 'nectar' was not some kind of weird dragon secretion like I feared LOL!
Profile Image for S.R. Harris.
Author 1 book33 followers
February 12, 2018
I love this series. This was a great book. I love Ryn and Tyrrick relationship so much.

In this book, we get to see their relationship progress as Ryn learn to deal with all the new revelations in her life.

We also learn more about the Phaetyn people and how Ryn came into her Phaetyn powers.

Really looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for TJ ☾.
690 reviews1,155 followers
March 24, 2021
Setting wise, this book was a vast improvement. Love a good ole' fashion quest. Ryn was far less annoying, and the parts where her new drae impulses made her want to hoard treasure were rly funny. I still have some gripes though (surprise, surprise)

Why does Ryn act like Ty/Tyr aren't parts of Tyrrik?

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Why does everyone act like Tyrrik wasn't a slave to the king for much longer than Ryn, about 100 years longer, and had to commit atrocity after atrocity for him, experienced tons of physical (and sexual) abuse as he was forced to sire an army of Druman, and probably carries around a shit ton of trauma from that? Why are the emotional repercussions of a hundred years of slavery never talked about?



Why was Tyrrik in a coma for 45% of this? How on gods green earth are you gonna bench the MVP and only tolerable character?

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The fact that Tyrrik could read Ryn's mind was lazy. They didn't grow into a couple by communicating and working through their shared trauma/perceived betrayals. What would happen is Ryn would refuse to speak to him but then have really passive-aggressive inner monologues that Tyrrik would listen to and respond.

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The Drae species gender roles were lame. The females don't fight so they can be ready to push energy into the males, giving them 'power boosts' during their fights. Males can turn invisible bc it's a necessary skill to 'protect' the females, but the females don't get any of those cool lil tricks bc apparently protecting themselves is an outlandish concept. Also, a male dragon can control his mate's mind in life-or-death scenarios by kissing them, imposing their will over the female for the evolutionary reason of 'the survival of the species.' As if women making their own choices would lead to the extinction of the entire dragon race. Yeah, I'm done.

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Profile Image for Christa.
860 reviews66 followers
February 18, 2018
I loved this book even more than the first one. And I really liked book one.

This book has character development, enemies to lovers done realistically, and best of all, a funny protagonist.

This book was funny. The first book had its moments, but it was a dark book overall. This book was just funny.

Also when two favorite authors are co-writing a series.... it’s just amazing.

Free on kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Hetal.
739 reviews94 followers
March 20, 2018
To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here

4.9 butt-moon stars!

Shadow Wings continues Ryn's story as she struggles to understands her heritage. The only people she has in the world to help her are her makeshift father Dyter and the dragon who lied to her and broke her heart, Tyrrik...Tyr...Ty...? Eh, she'll figure it out.

The phaetyn want to use her. The drae king wants to (most likely) kill her. What's a girl to do? Grow up, kick some ass, and hoarde shiny jewels. That's what.

Shadow wings, dare I say it, was even better than Blood Oath. Ryn really grows into herself, and as same says, loses her innocence. She decides whether or not she wants to be part of the Rebellion and what role that means she's willing to play. She clings onto the hope that things can go back to normal but you know how these things are. *shrugs*

It was fabulous getting to know Dyter better. He is get only real family left and was the much needed sense of balance between Ryn and Tyrrik's explosive arguments.

Tyrrik is as swoon worthy as ever, more so probably since we get to know the real him that isn't under a tyrannical king's thumb. His loyalty and tenderness towards Ryn no matter how insistent she is about "hating him" (is that what kids are calling it these days?) is both heart breaking and vastly endearing.

Shadow Wings was the great follow-up because we got to see Ryn in a position of power and have responsibity over Tyriik's life, whereas it was the exact opposite situation in book 1. It was nice to see them both get to be the strong and weak one.

I absolutely loved Ryn's obsession with shiny objects after she came into her Drae powers. Got such a kick out of it and it had me chuckling out loud the way Tyrrik used jewels to get her through training.
I think the one thing that aggravated me to no end was Ryn's lack of trust in Tyrrik, which made her blind to important truths. Yes he had to do some terrible things in book 1, but he explains why they had to be done and goes above and beyond to protect her and earn her trust. But even as she starts to love him, she STILL doesn't trust him. I need to see this change desperately in book 3!! I absolutely can't wait!!!
Profile Image for  Simply Sam ツ.
579 reviews78 followers
May 30, 2018
This will be short but sweet.

I pretty much loved it. I think it's great the way the authors have been able to create a workable balance, from the humor to the violence to the romance. And even though Ryn is only 18 and Tyrrik is 109 (which I do have a small issue with), despite my initial reservations, I also understand it It was also a lot of fun learning more about the Drae--especially when it comes to their propensity to hoard treasure (which I thought was so hilariously cute)--and it was just as equally interesting to find out more about Ryn's Phaetyn gifts. Oh, and I <3 Tyrrik. I think that goes without saying...

Anyhoo. I'm really excited for the next installment!
Profile Image for taveena kade.
684 reviews44 followers
February 10, 2018
“Slap me with a pancake and call me a potato!”
And I though the first book was amazing!! Shadow Wings is an amazing mix of sarcasm , heartbreak, and adventure. The plot was way more intricate that the first book, and a lot of new character were introduced.

“Um, did you want any?”
Tyrrik snorted. “If I do?”
I chewed again, pushing the food to the side of my mouth. “I’m not sure, honestly. I was hoping you’d say no.”


Ryn and Tyrol’s relationship grew so much deeper throughout the book, and there’s a little surprise about what they really are to each other.


Overall, this book was SO GOOD and this series is definitely going on my favorites list next to The Veil Diaries, ACOTAR, and some other. The story is so unique, and I can’t wait for Black Crown to release in May!!!
Profile Image for julia.
821 reviews157 followers
October 17, 2020
3.75 ➡ 4 Stars!


One hundred and nine years, and I have found you. You are mine.


Alright, okay, I see you Shadow Wings , I see you.





Cece was right. This book was a marked improvement on book 1! Ryn was somewhat less stupid, the plot was not boring, people reacted normally to traumatic situations, and I must reiterate Ryn was less stupid!! I had a good time reading this book and I'm glad I went for it! I don't have much to say because as much as I enjoyed it I don't really have any burning thoughts on it?? Wait that's a lie I do have one question,WHY WAS TYRRIK SLEEPING FOR ALMOST HALF THE BOOK?? Why would the author sideline one of the best characters in the book for almost the entire middle of the book???





I just. . .*deep sigh*. . .The minute Tyrrik went into his comatose state the book didn't come to a grinding halt but I did find myself not as engaged as before. So, when our buddy Tyr came back to the living I was cheering and all like -





Overall, this book was a lot of fun and I loved seeing Ryn come into her own. Will I read book 3? EhhhhHHHhhhhHHHhhh maybe. I might read it for the sole reason that I heard Ryn compass sex being to dancing around a maypole. I mean how could I miss out on that?!?!


Profile Image for Jessica.
285 reviews
July 8, 2018
4.5 Stars.

Wow! That ending though! SO good. This book is filled with adventure, magic, romance. Ryn learns more about herself and by the end, I really feel she has grown so much. Ryn and Tyrrik are pretty great together. I need the next one now!
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,006 reviews158 followers
December 17, 2018
5” you are my being, my world”- stars! #swoon 💜


My emotions are all over the place !

I swear these books gets better and better and I LOVED book 1!
I can’t come up with a single thing I didn’t like. Not one.

First of all. This book is co-written. I do NOT get the feeling it’s co-written with means that these two authors show some serious writing skills! #yougotskillsladies

Gosh, I love this.

It’s action-packed, unique (seriously badass dragonshifter here with mayor skills !!), it’s captivating, the plot is brilliant. Just brilliant, and it’s FUNNY! And don’t get me started on some seriously smouldering chemistry! Wawsa! 🔥

Ryn is leaving with one brooding Drae (Tyrrik- man you rock!) with Dyter, and with one handsome Phaetyn prince to not only try to win them over for an alliance, but also to learn about Ryns phaetyns powers.

Read:16/12/2018
Cover: 5 stars
Genre: Dark fantasy/ shifter/ magic/ dragons
1st rating: 5 stars
POV: 1st person (Ryn)
Will I recommend: OMFG YES!
Profile Image for Katarina Silva.
359 reviews
February 9, 2018
NOVA Review

Blood Oath the Darkest Drae, #1 was amazing. Easily one of my favorite books. EVER. I was afraid that since I liked it so much, Shadow Wings wouldn’t be as good. I WAS WRONG. Shadow Wings managed to be even better. It left me Speechless and Blew my mind all at the same time.

"Slap me with a pancake and call me a potato!"

Shadow Wings is a book where humor, sarcasm, romance and Fantasy blend beautifully and create a story that’s hard to forget because it’s so damn entertaining. I said to myself: YOU are going to read this book slowly and enjoy every moment!! What actually happened: I could NOT put it down, therefore read it in four hours. *cries*

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This story is much more complex than the previous book. Ryn, Tyrrik and Dyter go on a mission that brings them many obstacles. It also takes them into dangerous situations that add so much action to the book. We’re introduced to so many new characters, from other kingdoms, with other cultures. I’m not even going to mention the sexy Phaetyn prince though. Cause he’s just too desperate. Not good. But, the book has a rich story that’s for sure. *And dragons* And for all of those who like romance. There’s a ton of it. The slow burning kind that makes you swoon.

He pinned me with his heated gaze. “You are my reason for being, my purpose, my world. I would do anything for you. Anything.”

Ryn is finally going to become Drae. We get to witness her transformation into Drae in Shadow Wings. It’s amazing, and it’s something I was so looking forward to. Seeing Ryn being a badass Dragon just like Tyrrik *totally better in my opinion * was just amazeballs. Seeing her learn how to shift. How to tear people in two. How to fight the growing attraction to Tyrrik just amused me to no end. Of course, she did all of this with perfect sarcasm and stubbornness.

I chewed and spoke around my food. “Um, did you want any?”

Tyrrik snorted. “If I do?”

I chewed again, pushing the food to the side of my mouth. “I’m not sure, honestly. I was hoping you’d say no.”


Tyrrik has come a long way. This boy *I love him* is finally owning up that he wants Ryn. He wants to be with her. But it’s not going to be an easy path. He still has to make up for everything he did to Ryn and he still has to gain her trust back. It’s hard work. But he manages just fine, even though he’s ignored about a hundred times by Ryn… Tyrrik is also going to be a big ally to her. He’s going to help her and protect her, even if it means getting hurt in the process. Which he will, many times. Prepare your heart to see him wounded. *cries again*

The Darkest Drae series is on the top 3 of my favorite books EVER. STOP everything you’re doing and please read them. It’s a perfect mix of action, fantasy, dragons, romance and comedy. Blood Oath was unbelievable. Shadow Wings was even better. Now, Black Crown is going to be even better I’m sure!
Profile Image for Miscellaneous Allie.
243 reviews23 followers
September 25, 2018
DNF 79%. It's not 1 star cos it's not awful, but it needed editing and the whole Phaetyn stuff was a jumbled, juvenile mess. I gave up in disgust though because I decided I really hate Ryn and just don't want to read about her anymore. Here's lil rant I wrote at about 76% before I decided to just quit when I decided I just don't give a fuck about their meaningless bickering;

I hate this idea that it's okay to hit your boyfriend and it's considered strong. Ryn is abusive as fuck, constantly punching and slapping Tyrrik, and even though he's an idiot, it doesn't mean it's okay for her to be physically abusive. And it's not like, cute Lil playful slaps, which are still not okay, she's straight up trying to hurt him. That's not cool at all. There needs to be more recognition for male victims of abuse tbh because she's both emotionally and physically abusive but through her perspective always acts like she's the victim being manipulated. Sweaty I'm sorry but it goes both ways and you're WAAAY more abusive with your manipulation. Like here "kicking him a few times to let him know how I felt was tempting" she thinks this while he's sleeping. That's NOT OKAY. THATS SO NOT OKAY. YOU DONT KICK A SLEEPING PERSON, ESPECIALLY NOT ONE THAT TRUSTS YOU. ITS NOT FUNNY. It's so fucked up that she has these urges and it's played off like it's okay or like it's funny. It's not. She's constantly whining about how she can't trust anyone cos she's been hurt yet here she is beating up this stupid dog of a man that keeps coming back for more abuse while he blindly trusts her like she's his savior and here she is wanting to kick him. She's secure in this feeling because like a dog with no other choice, she knows he'll keep worshipping the ground she walks on no matter how badly she treats him. Fuck off. It's not cute. It's disgusting.

Rant over. Anyway, I started getting kinda grossed out by their constant dragon horniness and having weird sex talks in front of Dyter like that's not super weird, especially when apparently there's never any boning in this series and if that's not a reason to quit I dunno what is. Don't make me read all this shitty WILL I WONT I FUCK? assholery if you're not gonna have the guts to write actual fucking.

So yeah, I'm out. DEUCES
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,277 reviews44 followers
August 20, 2018
Ryn, Tyrrik and Dyter journey to the forest where the Phaeton live so Ryn can learn more about the powers from that side of her biology. Along the way, Ryn transforms into a dragon for the first time with the help of Tyrrik. When they arrive at the forest, Tyrrik is injured and

Ryn is a bit annoying in this book as she continues to withhold her forgiveness to Tyrrik, who proves over and over again how much he cares for her. There is plenty of action in this second installment of the series and the plot has moved along and new characters have been added. I'm guessing that the next book is the battle with the emperor and I'm hoping that it will be exciting.
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
2,968 reviews244 followers
February 25, 2018
So, second book in the series. I liked this one much, much better. Less torture and sad, more happy, although there are still hard things. This definitely built off the first book and I like the way this is headed. The plot is moving forward (the last one swirled in torture for quite a bit while while building characters), characters are learning, changing and growing stronger. May seems like a long wait for the next book!

I picked this one up on KU.

Content: kissing, some violence, peril, some innuendo
Profile Image for menna.
316 reviews288 followers
February 21, 2020
will i ever actually enjoy books with the mates trope? unlikely
Profile Image for Jina | JeanBeanReads.
492 reviews171 followers
February 25, 2019
*FLAILS*
I love this so much.
The ending, oh GOD the ending. I needed this. I WAITED for this. *MORE FLAILING*

PS: If anyone has book recommendations with books like THIS then I beg of you. It’s the nectar of life!!!
Profile Image for ♛Vanessa♛ Fangirl Faction.
849 reviews599 followers
December 14, 2018
This review contains SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

This book has a completely different feeling than the first book in this series. And not in a bad way. I loved the first book, and I loved this one equally as much. The first book was a little more unpredictable and much darker. This book seemed to focus more on the character development and the expanding plot.

So many things that we were scratching our heads about in Blood Oath are revealed. We get some clarity about certain things and we get insight into others. I loved getting more acquainted with the Phaetyn people and their corrupt rulers. I love the course that the plot charted in that aspect of the story. I also liked the new information about the mountain kingdom. Seeing the other cultures in this world was enlightening and brought so much more to the story.

The characters are continuing to grow. Ryn especially. At the beginning of the book, she was dead set on ignoring the harshness of the world she lived in and letting someone else take the lead on going up against the evil emperor. She also is going through a lot of emotions regarding Tyrrick and his recent betrayal. She has to figure out if she can forgive him when she knows that he deceived her to protect her. She also finds out some shocking information about her lineage and has to deal with that along with her Drae awakening on her eighteenth birthday. So many changes are happening for Ryn. On top of all that she ventures into a strange kingdom, going in blind, and has to deal with prejudice and an ever-growing threat. I loved the inclusion of Dyter in this book. He was there with Ryn almost the entire book. It really warmed my heart that her father figure was there helping her and encouraging her along the way. The love that they had for each other was obvious and it was beautiful. There usually aren't many parental figures present in literature for one reason or another so I was overjoyed to see it.

The romance in this book was much more interesting. I adored all the banter between Ryn and Tyrrick. I loved all the little breadcrumbs in relation to the big reveal (that we all saw coming, but it's all good) that were scattered throughout the book. Ryn is still not over the events that happened in Blood Oath and she is trying to come to terms with them and she fights her growing feelings for Tyrrick in the process.

Overall, this was a fantastic second-in-series book! This book really strengthened the plot and the characters were amazing! I would recommend this series to all fantasy fans. This series has a little bit of everything and is the kind of story that you could read again and again. I am so delighted that I chose to read this series. Now, on to the final book!

More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Profile Image for Alaina.
6,316 reviews215 followers
December 21, 2018
Cute book and the ending made me all happy!

Shadow Wings is the second installment in The Darkest Drae series. I'm just loving the crap out Ryn and her awesome ass powers. However, her teen annoying side sometimes comes out and I just roll my eyes and move onto the next page. Then there's Tyrrik, and again.. HAPPY FREAKING EYES! I so wanted them back together. Especially after the first book ended - ugh, heart eyes guys!

Their chemistry/banter/everything was just joy to my eyes! I seriously love these two together. However, they did tend to annoy me. When things were said that shouldn't.. and when they got so needy for the other. **COUGH COUGH**RYN**COUGH COUGH** ugh, eye roll! I also don't get the whole pancake being a swear word?? Can someone explain that to me? It will forever be a breakfast item in my eyes.

Other than that.. the rest of the book was kind of meh in my eyes. The villains were like.. meh. Lower than dirt really and did nothing for me. I'm honestly really happy that I'm done with this book because it was taking a long ass time for me to finish it.

Overall, the ending was what sold me into moving onto the next book in this series. I hope it's amazing.. but I also think I might end up a bit disappointed?
Profile Image for Ruchita Nemade.
216 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2021
I loved the whole concept of the book and it's plot was pretty simple. I just really couldn't stand the heroine because if something didn't go her way, she would either throw a temper tantrum or sulk. Plus she kept avoiding big issues and I felt it completely belittled the whole romantic aspect. Otherwise, not bad
Profile Image for Jamie.
540 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2018
Great Book

I have stalked this second book, since the first one came out. I have nothing bad to say about this book. Strong female character who is human and flawed. Great male alpha male character who is silent but resilient and strong. I can't wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Julie Guay-de la ronde.
171 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2020
World building

Nice continuation... We get to see more about the H and how he thinks. The h matures throughout and it was interesting to see other kingdoms within this world.
Profile Image for Paige Neal.
97 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2018
I was unsure on whether or not I should start this series for a couple of different reasons. One being that I usually don't like to start a series that isn't yet finished because I'm suuuuuper impatient and want to know what happens ASAP. Secondly, I prefer my romances to be a little more.... adult (heh) and it is really hit and miss with books offered on Kindle Unlimited. But alas, I decided to take the plunge and read it anyway and I was NOT disappointed.

Mates. Magic. Romance. Humor.

Raye Wagner & Kelly St. Clare totally took a page out of a Sarah J. Maas book because this book gave me serious A Court of Mist and Fury vibes, and I'm not mad about it (Rhys <3)

It is always a pleasant surprise when I like the second book in a series more than the first but Shadow Wings was honestly just that good. The story picks up right where it left off in Blood Oath with Ryn trying to accept the torture she endured while in the castle, coping with the loss of important people in her life , and also trying to understand her feelings toward a certain not-so-lovable-at-first-Drae


You get to explore more of the Draeconian Realm outside of Verald and even get to meet a bunch of new Phaetyns who are all apparently ridiculously good looking (reminded me of elves, amiright? lol) and are supposedddd to teach Ryn more about her Phaetyn powers. There is new insight into the problems/unrest in the Realm showing that they are not just confined to Verald. The characters really go through a lot of growth as individuals and as a couple. Ryn's new affinity for shiny things had me cracking up (homegirl totally lost her shit) and I really liked how it played off of old dragon clichés. (two The Lord of the Rings gifs in one review? judge me idc, it's the shit). However, I thought Ryn was really immature sometimes and handled things.... immaturely but I suppose that just comes with the YA territory. Once I started this book I honestly hated when I had to put it down to do something other than power through and then was immediately pi**ed at myself for reading it so fast. Is it May yet?! I need the next installment already.


One thing that I also found a little weird was how Ryn would always say "holy pancakes!" .... homegirl didn't even know what chocolate was, how does she know what pancakes are if they don't really have any food in Verald? I know I'm thinking too much into it, but that's what reviews are for, right?


Read this book y'all.
August 20, 2018

I love this! I'm serious y'all!

Despite all the TSTL moments I liked Ryn, kinda sorta hated how she treated Tyrrik but somehow she still managed to pull off the comedic snark thing instead of grating my nerves.

Definitely not the best fleshed out world that takes a life of its own and things really moved fast and you could just see everything being sunshines and rainbows and all wrapped in a pretty package at the end but I DON'T CARE!

I DIGS IT!
Profile Image for Anne S..
228 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2018
4.5 stars!

So after book one I was hooked and now that I'm done with book two, I begin the agonizing wait for book 3.

I love this series so far. It is YA but sometimes I think authors get lost is what YA is. Or maybe it's me. I was hoping for more steam from the mcs in book two. Instead, I got even less! Why does there have to be a lack of this in YA (Not all of them thank God) I'm not talking smut but give me something! If a romantic pairing us going to be a key element to the story, then I need this. Our h is 18 and H is like 100. You have desciptive torture on the heavy side, in detail murder after bloody murder - pretty sure some steam would be aight. There's a lot of push and pull but the tension from book one was missing.

On to the actual story...Love it. Can't wait to see what happens next! The writing and world building are fantastic. And after the ending I'm going to be crushed if our h goes back into denial which lasted the entirety of book 2. I don't actually think that will happen. Cross fingers. Progress, girl! Keep moving forward!

Def recommend the series so far!
Profile Image for Gena.
649 reviews15 followers
March 28, 2018
And because I'm a sucker for punishment I read book two :) I've never see the word pancakes used so many times! Poor Tyrrik doesn't get much development here. He's punished for his actions in book one until the very last page. Ryn is awful. She "needs to be told the truth, no hiding things"; based on what I don't know. She never listens and acts very immaturely. This is a filler book in a series that I don't know how long will go on for. I may wait till the author is done and catch the last couple pages of the last book to read of Tyrrik being happy :)
Profile Image for Rachel Beamin'.
366 reviews45 followers
February 12, 2018
Let me just throw this out there real quick. The only reason this book didn’t get DNF’d is because of my undying love for Tyrrick. But holy shit, Ryn seriously got on my nerves.

Everything was pancake this or mistress moon butt that.

The book was good, I love the story line. The uniqueness of it.
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