Shadow Empress

Night Elves Trilogy #3

by C.N. Crawford

Ali -
I’m now the Empress of Vanaheim and leader of all Elves. It’s a lonely job, but the important thing is that the Night Elves are finally safe. At least until I learn of the invading draugr horde. I need Galin's help, and I’m desperate to see him again, but the sorcerer has plans of his own. And when he tries to rewrite our fate, I may lose everything—including him.

Galin -
After I fell into the Well of Wyrd, the shades dragged my shattered body to Hel. Hela may have breathed life back into me, but I’ve found myself trapped. Oddly enough, when Hela closes the gates to Hel, I see opportunity to escape. A chance to rewrite my fate, to find glory again. But as I spend time with Ali my icy resolve starts to crack. I want to choose her, but it could mean being stuck in Hel for good.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fae, Paranormal, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Elves

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2021

About the author

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C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.

We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.

CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.

Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).

Reviews

[Grace A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how each book in the series began with a reset in the relationship between Ali and Galin. This time they were worlds apart, one in the world of the living and the other in the world of the dead.
My favourite part of all three books was Ali and Galin’s adventures together, mixed with magic, love that defies fate, and bringing down as many bad guys as possible along the way.
I enjoyed this series. 4 stars.

[Just Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy team CN. Crawfords stories because they are so action packed, and I adore anything with any kind of mythology and magic and this series is filled with it.
I did find it a little bit too silly at times, sweet, but silly. And as much as I like a little bit of silly, I was like “okay, what- this joke is dead now😅?”

The pace was good, the story filled with new complications and yet, those complications were so easily woven together. Which is another reason why I keep going back to Crawford.

It was light, funny, silly, and action packed.

Read: 11/03/2021
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/tropes: Fantasy/romance/Norse mythology/action
Cover: 4 stars (she’s a perfect Ali)
POV’s: Dual -1st person (Ali & Galin)
Will I recommend: Yes

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was terrible. Everything was terrible.

[LainieLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars

I enjoyed this series and enjoyed this book until I realized I was 70% through and there were a number of things not resolved. I give this 2.75 stars because I think the ending to this series is very unfortunate.

This book had a lot of action - never any stale situations - but I felt like there were a few things missing. I love the world we are shown, but Galin and Ali barely have any romance and don't get back together until almost the very end.. I wish I saw more of their relationship when they both actually realized they love one another without the mating bond. I actually thought there would be some sort of explanation why Galin and Ali are still in love - maybe the mating bond wasn't really severed? Why do they still love another? There isn't really an explanation shown beyond physical attraction between the two of them. The only time we see them together in this book is due to fairy wine influencing their decisions. Ali didn't even have a scene where she realized she was able to make the portals because she loved Galin the whole time.

Also, we didn't get any follow up or resolution for Ali choosing to break their mating bond. Galin just gets over it without any sort of conversation or resolution with Ali (even though taking away the bond basically gives him no fate or purpose)? It seems unbelievable that there would be no closure for this situation. Since their relationship was brought back together at the end of the book we didn't get to see how their lives end up together, which was frustrating. I thought the epilogue was very much wasted and so random.

Not to mention doing this sort of magic is Ali is able to use is supposed to be super difficult - Galin talked about how it took him years to cast a spell with his emotions - but Ali can apparently do it easily her first couple of tries? I kept waiting for it would be revealed why Ali is so good at everything, why she ended up being the empress, why she was mated to Galin - but we aren't ever given an explanation.

And finally - Galin's voice... I get that he had to make a sacrifice but it just annoys me he has to live the rest of his life without a voice. It was barely even mentioned beyond Ali realizing it won't be able to be reversed. It wasn't even acknowledged that it will suck for Ali and Galin to not be able to communicate in that way. Ali doesn't even seem to be upset about it. To me this just compounds that these two don't realy have a HEA (in addition to the mating bond break not being resolved).

This book felt disjointed from the other two books. We pick up with Hela wanting to escape Hel - which was an entirely new "situation" than we saw in the other books. This could almost be a standalone since the only plot line that carries over from the other books is that Ali is an empress and was Galin's mate.

I still technically enjoyed this book and series. It was a fun read but I found the first two books much more enjoyable but I found this book to be an unsatisfying ending. I even loved this book until about 70% through - then I realized a number of my questions were not going to be answered.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/2/2021
I am quite excited for this release! Annoyingly, it does not come out til the 28th of not January but February so I'll be waiting... but waiting is part of life. Here's to a vibrant conclusion to this series. Galin needs a win sometime in his long life.

[Jeisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t with this book chapter 31 was so cringe, The relationship between Ali and Galin was so stale and boring honesty this book was so repetitive.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of pointless angst.
Look, I really just want to be done with this book and move on to something else so all I’ll say is that I’m tired of authors falling back on the characters-with-shit-communication-skills causing drama for drama’s sake “plot line.” Especially when characters are supposed to be hundreds of years old and they’re acting like high schoolers. It feels like lazy writing and immature story/character development. This has been very irritatingly present in both of their most recent series (Night Elves Trilogy and Hades Castle Trilogy).

[Ornella · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5?

Why did it have to go the angsty-dumb-romance-miscommunication way. Ugh. Ruining some prefectly good world building and adventure story.

[Zen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Truthfully, I'm A bit disappointed in this series. The music references would have been fun if I had not been so frustrated overall with this series. the heroine was so wishy washy and had no confidence in her decisions. There was irreparable harm to the hero. They spent almost the entire series just existing with each other and questioning whether the other really likes them. I have really enjoyed other series by this author, so I'm going to hope the next one is more to my taste.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good author keeps you on your toes wanting more. A great author keeps you emotionally connected and that's exactly how I felt throughout this entire series.

C.N. knocked this book out of the park by keeping it equally interesting with romance, action and humor. I nearly read this entire book in one sitting because I had to know what was going to become of Ali and Galin.

Just when I thought I would be sorely disappointed, there was a new twist that kept me craving for more, until the story came to a complete 360 resolution just in the knick of time at the very end.

The only thing I wish is that it was longer or there would be a fourth book, I did feel it was cut a bit short and ended abruptly.

[Claire Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant end to a great series

I adored this ending

With the bond broken and galin in hel he feels nothing but darkness and dispair
Ali refuses to give up on him and when a draugr problem presents itself she has to go to hel and back to get Galin and use him to help her solve the draugr problem
Another great adventure with funny lines, pop culture references and based on the Norse mythology. This book I recognised way more of the mythology
I loved Alis fierceness. I’m fully in love with Galin and he’s way hotter dark 🥰😍
The Valkyries made me laugh
Overall a fantastic series that should be better known
I’ll be reading everything by CN Crawford in future

[Julotlinde · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so ridiculous? I really tried to come up with a good thing about it but couldn’t think of anything. There is so much happening in this book but it all goes so quick. This is a story which could have been 2 books of 350 pages but she decided to put it all in one short book. It is all over the place. I have no idea what happend. Nothing makes sense. Also I know the writer tries to be funny but it is all just so cringe. The first two books weren’t good either but this was really bad.

[Brenna Joyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

I legit skimmed this book. It was kind of pointless. Do yourself a favor and just stop after book 2 and create your own ending.

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Trilogy That Almost Had It All

⭐️⭐️⭐️

So here’s the thing—I went into this trilogy finale expecting fireworks, a grand showdown, characters leveling up like crazy...and instead, I got more of a sparkler that fizzled out halfway through. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not bad, just not exactly the epic wrap-up I’d been dreaming of.

The story itself? Cool concept, with some interesting takes on mythical creatures. The plot was entertaining, but it had all the punch of a lukewarm soda. I wanted more twists, a little more brainpower from the characters, and a bit more excitement all around. Instead, we got characters who seemed like they left their best ideas in the previous books, along with half the intensity.

If you’re in it for the journey and not the grand finale, it’s a decent read. But if, like me, you wanted a mind-blowing conclusion…well, you might just be left wishing this trilogy had squeezed out a little more magic at the end.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

My bookstagram: emm_enchanted

An average read.

Ali, the Empress of Vanaheim, needs to stop the draugr horde invading the city. She needs Galin's help, but he is trapped in a Hel of his own. When an opportunity arises, he seeks Ali's help and escapes. Now they're on a quest to stop Hela and the draugrs she intends to unleash on the kingdoms.

I know I shouldn't have picked up this book for two reasons:
1. The first two books were okay.
2. Since I read those books long ago, I remembered very little of the storyline and I did not want to do a re-read.
But I was curious to know how it ended, so I did pick it up.
From the little I do remember, none of the characters have had much development. Galin and Ali's relationship is complicated as always. Every book starts with them being enemies and later becoming lovers, thanks to a lot of misunderstandings. The lack of trust clearly shows that they're not compatible at all.
I wouldn't say the book was completely horrible. There were bits throughout the book that kept me interested.
The world building was decent and I liked the conflict with the Goddess, although I wish there was more of it.
Ali and Galin travelled from one place to another on a lot of quests, some were well written, others were beyond ridiculous. There wasn't a proper flow to the story. It was more like many different situations were written separately and then put together.
The idea behind the story was good, but it was poorly executed.
The ending would have been great if it had been more fleshed out and written in detail. I thought it was rushed.
Overall, this book wasn't for me, but there are people who gave it 5 stars, so if it appeals to any fantasy lovers, give it a try.

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling ending!
This was an awesome conclusion to an action packed series. The twists and turns never seem to end. The adventures in this series were the best, along with the mythology. Loved that additional epilogue with Swegde.😆

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and the ending was just fabulous.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing ending to an amazing trilogy!

[Ellicia Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favourite of the series. The ending just seemed too easy, rendering the rest of the book a bit pointless.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was fun. I very much liked all the adventures of Ali and Galin from Book 1 to 3. The romance, not as much. But, I'm just happy they wrap it up nicely. Anyway, I really feel like I should read more Norse Myths. I'm more of a Greek Myth reader so I was confused with Norse myths.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a worthy wonderful ending to such an amazing series. The world building is incredible and Ali and Galin make an amazing couple with steamy hot chemistry that literally scorches the pages! The Norse mythology is awesome, the characters have grown, the baddies are bad, the goodies are good, there’s tons of action, adventure, some fun, a few laughs, a few tears, and I found myself totally engrossed in this world as if I was actually there. I have loved this series and although I am sad it has ended, the authors did a great job ending it.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly fantastic conclusion to this trilogy! I absolutely loved it, but am sad that it is all over though!

Ali is now the Empress of Vanaheim and Galin is nowhere to be seen, but he does still exist unbeknown to Ali. With their mating bond severed, she has no way of telling though. Galin is now the King of Hel, consort to Hela, the goddess of the Dead, a very scary, dangerous woman with plans to take over all the nine realms.

As the hundreds of thousands strong draugr horde creeps closer to Vanaheim, killing and eating everything in their path, Ali is desperate to save the Elves, but there is no way their army can defeat so many. Luckily for her, she receives a note from Galin offering his help. Together they travel the realms, trying to find a solution, many of which are not successful. They travel to Bifrost, battle trolls, travel to Yggdrasil, make a deal with a giant eagle, travel to Asgard, battle Fenrir's sons and so on. The action was non-stop and it felt like they were never going to be successful. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through, fearing that this next fight would be their last!

And just when it looked like they were on the right path and their relationship may be heading in the right direction once again, proving they didn't need the mating bond, everything changed once more!

I loved all the Norse mythology in this series and it has definitely made me want to read more about it. Galin and Ali were great characters and their romance was not an easy path for either of them. The world building was fantastic as well - I could really visualise all these amazing places our heroes visited. This is definitely a series to read again and again and comes highly recommended!

Thank you to Christine and Nick for the ARC copy to review. As always it was a great read and left me wanting more!

[Varya · Rating 2 out of 5]

-The covers are really pretty.

-This is totally plot-based..to the point that it reads more like a YA adventure fantasy with adult feelings mixed in. Because of the YA fantasy feels, it was also fast paced and there was alway something new to catch my attention. I have to say, I was never bored. It was quite entertaining. However, cuz of that exact reason, (something new was always happening), there wasn't enough time to let the feeling lingers. It got wayyyy to practical and it wasn't realistic anymore.

Eg- It was revealed that Galin and Marroc were the same person and he obviously hid it from Ali and lied to her. Now, Ali had all the faith in him and believed he had a good reason to lie. I would've understood that line of thinking if it was a few days or maybe even a few hours after that secret was revealed in a destructive manner...but not just after seconds of it being revealed. I mean,.... didn't she have any emotions?! 😬

And that was just one example. Things like these keep happening throughout the three books.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad to realize this was the last book in the series, and I wasn’t expecting it to when I read it! That aside, a little bit of time has passed since Aria severed the bond and the other events of the end of the second book. Daughr are at the gates, and she must find a way to defeat them before everyone is killed. This latest and last was filled with action, laughs (oh, my, the laughs), and many changes. Everything is so different in this book, it’s almost like it belongs to another series. I think my favorite part of the whole book was the epilogue; you’ll definitely laugh out loud. Great book. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Erin Dall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Norse mythology

Even though it seems like the ending was rushed and there wasn’t nearly enough sex for my liking, I really enjoyed this book. I love all things Norse related and I’m sooo glad more of the gods got some screen time. It sucks Galjn lost his sexy voice. Teaching Single Ladies to a couple ladies in a harem and learning how to twerk was a favorite scene, as well as Swedge getting to wrestle the six horny valkyries at the end.

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and series.

This whole series was extremely exciting to read. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the paranormal and some steamy romance. Awesome characters and amazing writing. I didn’t want it to end...

[Whisker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Had good action and kept me entertained.

[Aragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why the hell is this author not more popular. This series blended plot and romance seamlessly and was an amazing story to read. 5/5

[Damian Southam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite all her experience as an assassin, that which led to her part in the Cursed Prince's and Ruined King's story, Ali must now still develop her prowess as the Shadow Empress. Still not fully decided whether she'll bring those skills to bare on Galin, Ali must now face the outcome of Galin's necessary decisions to remain among the living. Bear wrestling and throwing her bonded blade must necessarily be developed further if she's to live through her new experiences with the Gods of old, a necessary outcome brought about by Galin.

The interaction between the ongoing strong Epic Fantasy themes, with a new greater focus on mild Sci-Fi Fantasy combined with a new greater focus on Mythological Fantasy, now asserts greater influences in the new story: more so than it has collectively done before now (in books one and two). These new categorical or genre-based influences bring the story into its own, making it more memorable and unique than the greater EF nature of the past storylines.

With assumptions developed from book three's predecessors, the ramifications of books one and two are far reaching and unable to be put to bed before it affects our understanding of the core components. It was pleasurable to find how certain questions were resolved by the new story resolutions and understanding of the trilogy as a whole. I couldn't be happier with these elements, and true to their nature they have prompted desires to go back to the beginnings of my experiences with EF, to hash out categorical absences and waning knowledge accrued then.

So not only has the new book hit the nail on its proverbial head regarding a dazzling completion of an awesome series, but it has also shown absent knowledge in my historical library of devoured fantasy reads. This is a truly rewarding and considerable achievement, as my history with fantasy is considerably broad and well above what the average reader can attest to.

A fast-paced full throttle action follow up, creating a need to race to the completion as quickly as you can achieve. A new understanding and usage of Ragnorok in unique ways couldn't be more successful if you ask me. Shadow Empress is a sizzling cocktail that avidly keeps these needs wanting. Where book one started full-on towards its conclusion, book two was more a simmering coal ready to create a bonfire in its closing, which it did achieve easily.

Now, the finale returns to an explosive need of not being able to put it down, just as book one did, and more even then. A resounding excellent finish to a series with real draw power, for once you start it you'll not ever be able to put them down: a real investment in your fantasy drive to read the fictional worlds it has the power to create/achieve. Complete your experience of the Night Elves, and their many brethren and interaction with the other supernatural races herein.

[Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a historical romance once where the FMC was a Widow and the MMC was titled but they were having a torrid affair and his parents wanted him to wed so as to secure the line he asked her about marriage she said no then he found out the woman his parents wanted him to marry was in fact a lesbian in love with her lady's maid so he decided they would enter into a Lavender Marriage where she got to live in the countryside with her life partner and he would spend his time in London with the FMC but instead she was (understandably) angry when she heard he was engaged to another woman but I actually got where he was coming from logically it made sense you know what doesn't make any fucking sense? Breaking someone's heart to make sure they still love you afterwards and then spending half the fucking book acting like the victim like I'm normally I'm pro women like I read some books and the reviews are "the FMC was insufferable!" meanwhile I'm like "she was so great I loved her ❤️" but I swear to God I have never wanted to crawl into a book and slap a bitch as much as I did today

Because when she chose to shatter the bond connecting her to Galin without even talking to him about why she felt it was necessary she knew all he would know is the pain of her essentially dumping him but then she was mad at him! For what?! Like for fucks sake she didn't even apologize when they were alone like she just expected him to act like nothing had happened when in fact she had filled for cosmic divorce like oh my god also I think the book should have been a duology like there wasn't enough story for three books imo and I hated that he lost his voice again that was sad and overall as much as I liked the first two this was a disappointing conclusion but meh I don't regret reading it it wasn't bad just not great
edit
I forgot to mention the epilogue was so fuckin stupid like Ali sent her friend to get laid by the horny Valkries I guess? Why was that even like a thing that was needed? I haven't felt that confused and slightly angry since Spider-Man: Homecoming when after ten minutes of credits Cap came out to tell me how valuable patience is like what? And another thing (hopefully the last thing but they keep coming to me) why was everyone (except Galin) so anti love? Like I already saw this Once Upon A Time episode as a kid love isn't weakness but all the Elves are like so against love or even partnership like I think ideally having a smart capable person ruling beside you would be smart but no they were so against it and I didn't get that all