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Shadows and Shade #2

Shadow and Darkness

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A bubble to break. 
And secret past to uncover. 
A deadly tyrant who’s stolen the crown. 
And a prophecy that might just change everything. 
An infuriating mortal female with a deathwish. 
And four sinfully handsome and powerful brothers.
 

Shadow and Darkness, the dual-perspective sequel to Shadows and Shade, immediately continues Shade’s adventure, bringing us out of the White Castle, through the depths of the forest, and into Silvari civilization to figure out how she can burst the bubble that keeps her tethered to the alluring brothers. 

Commander Pax is fighting the instincts that scream Shade is his regardless of what he’s decided is best. Roarke, a master of manipulating others’ desires, is finding that his own are actually the hardest to resist. Seth, the trickster, is always ready to make someone laugh or smile, but he’s finding that there are other things he’d rather do with Shade. Killian is seeded with a power and hunger that makes him a threat to others, but his dangerous darkness is inexplicably drawn to Shade despite the risks. 

With all the other threats they need to overcome, will the brothers be able to withstand the temptation of a simple mortal girl?

The Shadows and Shade series features a slow burn WhyChoose romance. 


360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2019

233 people are currently reading
213 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Cashure

26 books294 followers
Hey guys, I'm an Australian who loves all things PNR and Reverse Harem. I also love good food, better bourbon, and great company. If I could have one wish it would be the gift of organization as I seem to be bound by chaos. My books range from YA to dark fantasy so please check the blurbs when picking your next fiction addiction.

Join me on social media, including Instagram, Tiktok, the facebook fan group Amanda Cashure's Wolves and on Discord. I live and breathe fantasy, hosting everything from live writing sessions where you can lurk in the manuscript as I type to having characters takeover the group and entertain you all in their unique ways. See my website for links! I can't wait to meet you.

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5 stars
580 (46%)
4 stars
427 (33%)
3 stars
205 (16%)
2 stars
35 (2%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Saint Fitz.
270 reviews
January 4, 2021
I picked up this second installment with one eye closed...cringing...waiting for it to be the death-knell for this book series. After so many issues (I had) with the first book, I still couldn’t get Shade out of my head. I was pleasantly surprised to find that almost all the issues I had with the first book did not appear in this one. There was a plot! And a quest! And danger and intrigue and all the little special touches that made my heart flutter. The world building made *actual* sense this time, and a lot of the tripping-around I experienced in the first book (following Shade’s lack of knowledge) was resolved. A lot, but not all.

Yes, this author wrote this book after fangirling over Curse of the Gods—so be prepared to see a lot of overlaps and Willa-ness in Shade, overall. If you like the kind of slow torture that The Veil Diaries can only give you, then you’ll love THIS kind of slow burn as well. Tickle fights, practical jokes gone wrong, inadvertent nakedness with a slow realization that “derrr why are the guys all staring at my boobs THATS SO WEIRD.” But, Shade is 18. Let’s forgive her for these sins.

The only thing that bothers me STILL is how Shade always manages to get herself hurt. She stumbles over air. Falls off her horse (with a broken arm...which somehow doesn’t get MORE broken in all the times this has happened). She runs into her wall a lot. She battles with Killian and he seriously f*cks her up, b/c, pain really butters his biscuits. I dont like the alpha-hole aspect of Pax (boxing her in, grabbing her by the scruff of her shirt and tossing her about)...in fact, all the guys except Seth are pretty much dicks to her off and on. I don’t necessarily expect 2020 ethics in a fantasy novel, but damn, if they can have tacos and zippers and elastic and a horse named after a Michael Jackson song (PYT) in this fantasy land, then why couldn’t the author make the guys a little less handsy and aggressive?
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,753 reviews83 followers
January 6, 2022
What the what?

First, this is a good series that keeps you reading. Second.... what the heck is going on??? I’m so confused, and I’m t sure a second reread will cure the flummox of my mind. Things are happening, players are moving and knowledge is being tossed around, but I feel like Shade here, because none of it makes a lick of sense. Hoping that book 3, to e published in December, will clear the muddle.

Pros:
- Slow burn, they have time to build a relationship, or because it’s YA, who knows?
- Reminiscent of Curse of the Gods and the Power of Five, though only echoes of either.... a feeling.
- I enjoy shade, she is fun and funny, if a bit scattered.
- Some POVs are ordered from Killian’s, Darkness’s, perspective.

Cons:
- Seriously.... what’s going on?
Profile Image for Kay.
25 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2020
100% obsessed.

Book two:

This story picks up immediately following the chaotic ending of book one and begins the epic adventure for Shade and the four guys beyond the walls of the White Castle. Shadow and Darkness is from the perspective of both Shade/Shadow and Killian, adding more depth to the character development compared to book one. In my opinion, the Shadow and Shade universe is extremely well constructed and Cashure really gets to show that off. Shadow and Darkness (book 2) introduces the magnitude of challenges Shade and the men are facing, as well as the hint of difficulties ahead.

Absolutely loved getting to read Killian's side of this story. He is a man of few words and reading his perspective was a whole lot of fun. The dual point of view was crucial to the plot because of the information each character knows compared to the other. As a reader, I felt like I was in on a lot of the secrets which made it even more fun because who doesn't like to be in the "know"?

Something else I loved about this book is that we are finally getting to explore the realm as this story is mostly them traveling while dealing with a lot. There is a ton of descriptive language used throughout and Cashure does an awesome job of making the reader feel like you're there with the characters. The action was an intense, suspenseful rollercoaster of a ride and one I will continue to revisit. I hope you will too.

Profile Image for ✧ FLINN ✧ (Semi-Hiatus).
562 reviews118 followers
December 2, 2021
Still going strong but a bit too slow for my taste. We are still learning about the world building and it’s still confusing tbh.
Profile Image for Yasmin.
678 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2019
Love the story but wished they were more kind to Shade instead of reverting back to being mean.
Profile Image for WiccaMagic74.
258 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2019
Killing me

The wonder and perfection continue in this second book of the series.
Shade and her guys continue into trouble and continue into love. They have to fight their way through every obstacle and strengthen the bonds tying them together.
Is there more to shade than we think?
I can't wait for book 3 - Kitten and Allure.
Profile Image for Megan.
407 reviews
September 25, 2019
Freaking love this series but come on!!!! Stupid friggin Pax. I need Kitten to find out some news about her. She’s obviously changing. Ugh. I still feel like they aren’t telling her crap. I hope she has an explosion of some sort of power on Pax after she finds out what he did. Stupid idiot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Zion Sian.
115 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2020
I am finding this a little frustrating, I love the interactions with the characters but get on with the story please.
Profile Image for Audra Doll.
157 reviews17 followers
June 7, 2021
Hmmmm confused but intrigued

I’m struggling with aspects of this series which are taking away stars. Mainly I STILL HAVE NO CHUCKING IDEA WTF IS GOING ON!
I also am not a fan of Shade throwing herself at every brother. She needs to pick one and quick before she becomes the pack skank at closing time.

The pros of this series are the brothers themselves. They are fantastic characters all of them. I do like Shade too I’m just not fundamentally on board with this whole RH (or any harem) thing so it’s depleting some of the enjoyment from the group dynamic for me. I like her with Pax but they need to figure this mating/love fest out already because it’s getting kinda creepy with her groping all 4 of them every two seconds like an old lecher.

That being said the story is entertaining and very funny sometimes. The dialogue is quick witted and I really enjoy the goofy nature of the pranks they play on each other like true brothers would. The action is exciting and the world building is well done. I am thoroughly sucked into what comes next in book 3. These are short, easy and enjoyable reads but be warned they are a REALLY slow burn that always pick up towards the end.
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,717 reviews30 followers
January 8, 2020
I liked it. Better than the first book and finding its own now. Dual pov with Killian but Pax heavy. This one goes in the direction of shifter and prophecy, a road trip, further mystery and a hint into the past. A lot of possessiveness and protection but balanced out by pranks. This one has the potential to go very dark. Pax and Killian stand out but Seth still feels like a Siret knock off and Roarke feels overshadowed, feels like that will change as the plot thickens. Favourite characters are Killian and Shade. I’m enjoying the series and curious about what happens next.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
128 reviews
July 22, 2020
Frustrating, but compelling

Right off the bat, this book frustrated me. The riddle everyone is supposed to figure out... I mean I’m literally yelling at the book, for the obtuse handling of that. Is everyone a total moron?! Are we not going to talk at all about the origin spring from which Shade emerges? I guess not. No one is going to spend any actual group time puzzling it out? Ok, great. The relationship between the fmc and her harem isn’t slow burning. It’s at a standstill. The author is doing that thing I freakin hate where the characters are talking. “Oh, the smuggler is over west of us.” And then adds stuff heretofore not discussed or revealed. “Yeah, we’ll be getting to the caves in a few hours.” Wait, what? There is too far a gap between the mystery riddle and the plot progression. So, the mystery is not revealed as we go through the story. The reason for the mystery riddle is not adequately explained. The background of the current political situation does not sit in enough world building. The mom, the reason for the harem, magic, is not fleshed out well enough. I’m invested in the characters and I want to know the mystery, but I’m not going to lie, there may be a lot of skimming happening.
Profile Image for Jessica Williams.
128 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2019
Omg you guys!!!!!! I just finished this book and I just can’t even. Amanda Cashure has done an amazing job with this YA RH slow burn fantasy book! I read tons of Rh and slow burn can become boring if the story line isn’t there. Do NOT worry that does not happen here at all. The story line and plot move at a great pace there are a ton of things happening, evil lurking everywhere, a prophecy, a mystery heritage, the hot Elorsin brothers, and secrets lots of secrets.

There are so many moments where you just smile to yourself because you want Shade to love these guys and for them to love her back. They all fit together so well and in Rh that is so important. I am just so taken with how each relationship is building and different and I am routing for all of them!

There are so many layers to this story and things at play, it is not predictable or overdone. It’s amazing. The book ended and I was just staring at the last page not believing or wanting to accept it was over. I’m so excited for everyone who hasn’t read this series yet to jump in and join the Amanda Cashure fan club. There is no way that you won’t.
Profile Image for Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru.
1,544 reviews104 followers
October 4, 2019
Really Good

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. The relationships are developing and Shade is growing even more interesting. She used power more than once, but I don't think she realized that she did. I want to know more. This series definitely has its hooks in me.

I'm also feeling like the other pentad stealing from the Crown is Kyra and some strong Sabers. That makes things more difficult for or MCs and I'm wondering when they will cross paths. I also wonder if Kyra could be tied to Shade based on that memory Roarke was able to bring out in book one.

I love how close Shade and Pax have grown. There's a whole lot of contact in this book. Seth definitely keeps his contact up and Killian is falling hard and fast. Roarke is the one resisting the most. Since the next book is called Kitten and Allure, the next dual POV will be with Shade and Roarke. I'm really looking forward to that. I love that the titles are each brother's nickname for Shade and their Seed. I really enjoyed getting Killian's thoughts because that dude is so tight-lipped.

I'm really looking forward to book three.
12 reviews
January 3, 2020
A real page-turner!

I couldn't put this book down any more than I could the first book. I'm headed to the next book with the same enthusiasm. I feel like this book has helped me understand this magical world better and left me with even more questions. I thought it was well written and I truly love this series.
Profile Image for Fairchild.
23 reviews
September 27, 2019
This book was truly amazing and kept you at the edge of your seat the entire time. The group dynamic and Shade's inner thoughts are hilarious and the group's bond keeps growing stronger.

What I loved about this second book was that we got a peak at what Killian was thinking and got to see how everybody works outside of their interactions with Shade. The mystery behind the prophecy is driving me mad and I can't wait until the characters actually get to the potion master's place so we can finally get the truth on Shade's history. She has started showing some powers and I can't wait for her to become even more of a badass.

I can't wait to find out how everything start to come together and how all these characters people have mentioned throughout the story play into everything. Like Kyra, like their mother, and this mysterious Void that almost appears sentient.
Profile Image for artsandgrace *ೃ༄.
1,313 reviews20 followers
May 1, 2022
What is this supposed to mean? Nothing really gets answered in this book and the world-building still sucks. The only good thing was the relationship dynamic between the five BUT even that is crappy. It’s a struggle to pick up the meaning behind each interaction, conversation etc. Pax is confusing as fuck, Killian too. Hell, everyone is.

And the will they won’t they shit the author’s pulling is getting really old. Out of nowhere Shade is jealous? And attracted to all of the guys. Her fears gone just like that. How? No explanation. None. The guys keep secrets from her but get mad at her for keeping one, and almost explode from that one secret. Note that she’s not aware it’s that big of a deal because she’s illiterate and can’t read the ominous letter (hence the reason she asks for help). Ugh! Infuriating, this book.

No fucking answers. Lemme just murder someone
Profile Image for Jutta.
445 reviews6 followers
November 30, 2019
I love this series so much I cannot tell you. I am enjoying getting to know the characters more and more, seeing more of their individuality come across is brilliant. It also shows how and why they operate so well as a team. I love knowing what is going on in Killians mind. Those little snippets just make me like him more. The world they live in is expanding as they travel and it's interesting to learn how things work and where their place in it is. I love how Shade does not just cowtow to them, but at the same time she's not over the top and arsy. I love watching their relationships grow and watching Shade as she tries to work out what is going on around her. I cannot wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,878 reviews62 followers
September 21, 2019
Shade (MFC) has been a whirlwind of things in this series but the majority of it is really entertaining and some bits down right hilarious. When she's not being sarcastic she's probably getting hurt. Which she seems to have a knack for in this book. As well as rubbing her Pentad (Pax, Killian, Seth and Roake) up the wall, they're trying to get her out of dangerous situations or they're trying to stop themselves from getting to close to her. To form an attachment that could be dangerous. Except they fear it might be a bit late for that. I'm enjoying this series a great deal and the banter as well as the practical jokes between them which are very funny. Absolutely loved this book
Profile Image for Melanie.
293 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2019
A lovely sequel

I was very excited to read the next book in the Shadows and Shade series after enjoying the first one. The author did a good job adding more depth to the plot as well as the characters. We are starting to learn more about everyone's back stories and there's also more development of the romantic relationships, though it's still very slow, which I appreciate and feel is more realistic for these characters and their situation. The ending once again leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book and impatient to get my hands on book 3.
Profile Image for Crystie.
455 reviews13 followers
May 2, 2020
This was better than the first book. The harem members managed to step it up a bit and stop acting like complete and total jerks (although that doesn't mean they aren't still partial jerks at times).

The FMC is getting pretty good at getting even, which I like. They seem to expect her to, which I like. They seem pretty protective, which I like. I think right now Seth is my favorite. I love his antics and how he encourages her to be just as silly and chaotic!

The story is still interesting. I will read book 3 since it is getting better as I get further into the story.
Profile Image for Willow Clinton.
84 reviews
June 18, 2022
Started out promising if a bit of Mary Sue by book 6 there's hardly any progress. Do yourself a favor and skip.
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,596 reviews74 followers
March 30, 2020
Really enjoyed the duel pov with Shade and Killian. The world building in this series is immense and really pulls you in. I cant wait for the realisation to hit them all that Shade is something more, especially as she's already doing things she shouldn't be capable of. I have theories but they aren't fully formed and will probably come to nothing! That's the great thing about this series though, it keeps you guessing and trying to work out what's going on
25 reviews
October 29, 2019
Better every time!

This series started off with a bang and has kept rolling! It is YA but there is so much building up that when it hits NA we might just combust! I love the world that she has built, and how Shade is learning her place in it on her own with the men. And the guys....soooo amazing! This book has more POVs, which I love, and it adds more depth to the story. I am already dying for book 3!
Profile Image for SJ.
2,346 reviews15 followers
October 12, 2019
Okay so I thought book one was very similar to another series I have read, I have to say book two is leading away from that. Very well written I have to admit I am glued to the page and am devastated that I have to wait for book three! The writer has me hooked and I am now suffering a book hangover of the best kind. I am addicted to this storyline, I adore the characters and the mystery of what is going on. This is a superb read and I have one clicked the pre order for book three!
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews26 followers
September 14, 2019
This ook is a bit slow for my liking, as I had liking for this one, s I was ready for the more action, not really between the characters, but moving the plot.
The story was nice and the TENSION was out of the chart and I was a bubble of it for the most of the time.
I can't wait for book 3 and I have high hopes for more action/moving of the plot there!
Profile Image for Birdy.
13 reviews
December 2, 2019
Slow burn so good!

I have never liked slow burn. Like, ever.

But I sure as hell do now! The world building, the character development, and the relationship development are so amazing! I love Shade! She is so funny, and her attitude about just about everything is so great. Shes a true survivor and it shows. I cant wait for the next book.
165 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2019
Loving this more with every book

It took me a bit to get used to this author's writing style and the slow building of both the storyline and the relationships, but I'm incredibly intrigued and can't wait for the next part!
Profile Image for Margaret.
373 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2019
Shadow and Darkness Review

Loved it! I can't wait for the next one to read more about Shade, Pax, Seth, Roarke, and Killian. This series is definitely in my top ten favorites :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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