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Prince of Shadows
Baylore is the world’s last safe haven for magic. And the Whitish are determined to destroy it at all costs.
Twenty years ago, the enchanted Wandering Woods saved Baylore from the Whitish when they picked up their roots and formed a living wall around the city.
Now, Prince Daymin is the only one who can keep the forest wall in place.
As the Whitish prepare once more to attack, the alliance between Baylore and the people of the forest grows strained. If the forest abandons Baylore, it will mean the end of the city and the wholesale slaughter of the magic races. But the people of the forest have no allegiance to the city.
Time is running out. When Daymin’s mother embarks on a dangerous quest to forge an alliance that might save Baylore, Daymin is forced to take the throne he never wanted. Though he is untested and lacking in confidence, he must lead his people into battle—or watch as the last free city of magic falls to the Whitish.
Twenty years ago, the enchanted Wandering Woods saved Baylore from the Whitish when they picked up their roots and formed a living wall around the city.
Now, Prince Daymin is the only one who can keep the forest wall in place.
As the Whitish prepare once more to attack, the alliance between Baylore and the people of the forest grows strained. If the forest abandons Baylore, it will mean the end of the city and the wholesale slaughter of the magic races. But the people of the forest have no allegiance to the city.
Time is running out. When Daymin’s mother embarks on a dangerous quest to forge an alliance that might save Baylore, Daymin is forced to take the throne he never wanted. Though he is untested and lacking in confidence, he must lead his people into battle—or watch as the last free city of magic falls to the Whitish.
739 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2022
About the author
R.J. Vickers
23 books70 followersR.J. Vickers is the bestselling author of the Natural Order YA fantasy series, the Forbidden Queen epic fantasy series, and several other standalone fantasy novels set in the world of the Kinship Thrones.
Originally from Colorado, Vickers now lives in New Zealand with her husband, where she enjoys hiking to backcountry huts, writing at adorable cafes, crocheting blankets and amigurumi, and baking delicious treats.
She is also an avid traveler, and spent most of 2019 exploring southern Africa and eastern Asia before continuing to Europe.
She loves harvesting landscapes and cultural ephemera from around the globe to enrich her fantasy world--New Zealand, Finland, Alaska, Namibia, Hawaii, Ireland, and South Korea all make cameos in her imaginary lands.
You can learn more about her writing and travels at www.rjvickers.com.
Originally from Colorado, Vickers now lives in New Zealand with her husband, where she enjoys hiking to backcountry huts, writing at adorable cafes, crocheting blankets and amigurumi, and baking delicious treats.
She is also an avid traveler, and spent most of 2019 exploring southern Africa and eastern Asia before continuing to Europe.
She loves harvesting landscapes and cultural ephemera from around the globe to enrich her fantasy world--New Zealand, Finland, Alaska, Namibia, Hawaii, Ireland, and South Korea all make cameos in her imaginary lands.
You can learn more about her writing and travels at www.rjvickers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 12, 2022
Shonamee annovat ly nash
Ahh I really missed this world so many thanks to the author for sending me an arc <3
I really enjoyed the new cast of characters, especially Idorii, and the old ones. The plot and story for this book seemed more well-crafted than the previous series. Having said that, I'm glad we're getting to know more about the world's lore since it has a lot of potential. It was a disappointment that we haven't fully met the Icelings but I hope somehow they'll come around in the sequels.
However, I had the impression that the story focused more on Kalleah than Daymin, who I presume is the protagonist for this series. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Kalleah's character but since she already has a series to her name, I feel like Daymin should be in the spotlight more, not saying that his role wasn't important in the story. Daymin's character development was satisfying to see, from a "kid" who didn't even want to face the crowd to a king who finally understood his strength and influence, and I hope he will keep evolving in the rest of the series.
I'm curious to see how the story will keep on from now, how Jayna will fit into it and how things will work out for the Weavers imprisoned by the Whitish Army.
Ahh I really missed this world so many thanks to the author for sending me an arc <3
I really enjoyed the new cast of characters, especially Idorii, and the old ones. The plot and story for this book seemed more well-crafted than the previous series. Having said that, I'm glad we're getting to know more about the world's lore since it has a lot of potential. It was a disappointment that we haven't fully met the Icelings but I hope somehow they'll come around in the sequels.
However, I had the impression that the story focused more on Kalleah than Daymin, who I presume is the protagonist for this series. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Kalleah's character but since she already has a series to her name, I feel like Daymin should be in the spotlight more, not saying that his role wasn't important in the story. Daymin's character development was satisfying to see, from a "kid" who didn't even want to face the crowd to a king who finally understood his strength and influence, and I hope he will keep evolving in the rest of the series.
I'm curious to see how the story will keep on from now, how Jayna will fit into it and how things will work out for the Weavers imprisoned by the Whitish Army.
January 26, 2022
Definitely enjoyed this new collection of characters. Once you start reading, you’ll be caught up in their world. There’s no stopping until you finish the entire book. Fabulous.
February 6, 2022
Prince of Shadows, the newest book by R.J. Vickers, is a captivating story that follows a reluctant Prince Daymin after he is named king by his mother Queen Kalleah. It also follows the queen as she tries to save her beloved Baylore, the capital of Itrea, from the country of Whitland by seeking out allies to join the battle. The pace is fast as the narrative bounces between the King Daymin in Baylor and his mother on her travels. This book stands alone as the first in a new series, but once you fall in love with Vickers’ writing style and wonderful character development, don’t forget to read The Forbidden Queen Series. All of her books are page turners and books to read from start to finish in one sitting.
The book is full of strong female characters but Queen Kalleah stands out as a leader in every sense of the word. It’s easy to feel her desperation to save her people from sure defeat if the Whitish attack and her unwillingness to unleash her uncontrolled magical power in fear of injuring or killing those she loves.
King Daymin is enduring in his own way. Unlike his mother, he never felt like he was born to rule. As a resistant, shy, and hesitant new ruler, he looks to others for advice. Some in the kingdom do not have his best interest in mind as they dispense recommendations.
When I got to the end of the book, I was ready to continue on with the story and actually missed the characters as I was so immersed in the country of Itrea. Readers who enjoy epic fantasies and books tinged with magic will not regret plunging into this story and may not want to leave all of the wonder behind to come back to the real world.
The book is full of strong female characters but Queen Kalleah stands out as a leader in every sense of the word. It’s easy to feel her desperation to save her people from sure defeat if the Whitish attack and her unwillingness to unleash her uncontrolled magical power in fear of injuring or killing those she loves.
King Daymin is enduring in his own way. Unlike his mother, he never felt like he was born to rule. As a resistant, shy, and hesitant new ruler, he looks to others for advice. Some in the kingdom do not have his best interest in mind as they dispense recommendations.
When I got to the end of the book, I was ready to continue on with the story and actually missed the characters as I was so immersed in the country of Itrea. Readers who enjoy epic fantasies and books tinged with magic will not regret plunging into this story and may not want to leave all of the wonder behind to come back to the real world.
January 20, 2022
I was so excited when Vickers contacted me to see if I'd be interested in reading an ARC of Prince of Shadows! I devoured the Forbidden Queen series and was looking forward to revisiting Baylore.
Vickers did not disappoint with the newest installment in Itrea. I often find myself not wanting to meet new characters when sequels come out and appreciate how Vickers not only introduces readers to Daymin, Idorii, and other new characters but also keeps our favorites around for more adventure. Bouncing between Kalleah's party and the conflict in Baylore kept the storyline moving quickly with a lot of action and suspense. There are many unique aspects to the story, such as how Daymin and Idorii communicate that I really enjoyed. I read a lot of fantasy and it sometimes feels like the same ideas and concepts are repeated in different ways but the sparks of creativity within the story are aspects I have not read elsewhere.
If you have not read the Forbidden Queen series, please read that first and then come right back here to continue the saga. You will be glad you did.
Vickers did not disappoint with the newest installment in Itrea. I often find myself not wanting to meet new characters when sequels come out and appreciate how Vickers not only introduces readers to Daymin, Idorii, and other new characters but also keeps our favorites around for more adventure. Bouncing between Kalleah's party and the conflict in Baylore kept the storyline moving quickly with a lot of action and suspense. There are many unique aspects to the story, such as how Daymin and Idorii communicate that I really enjoyed. I read a lot of fantasy and it sometimes feels like the same ideas and concepts are repeated in different ways but the sparks of creativity within the story are aspects I have not read elsewhere.
If you have not read the Forbidden Queen series, please read that first and then come right back here to continue the saga. You will be glad you did.
February 15, 2022
Kalleah (Baylore's queen) is again preparing to take on the Whitish, but must travel abroad in search of allies. Putting out a rumor that she is unexpectedly pregnant Kalleah crowns her son Daymin and sets out with her husband, Mellicante, Baridya and Ricardin. Despite an arduous journey they finally reach Kings Port and safety to set off across the sea.
Meanwhile Daymin is trying his best to navigate the difficulties of taking charge of a Kingdom on the brink of war. Asking the Weavers for help in learning the plans of the Whitish, Daymin and Idorii end up linked so Daymin can receive updates from Idorii on the Whitish plans.
Anyone who followed Kalleah's story in the first series must read this one as well, and if you haven't read the first series, What are you waiting for?
Meanwhile Daymin is trying his best to navigate the difficulties of taking charge of a Kingdom on the brink of war. Asking the Weavers for help in learning the plans of the Whitish, Daymin and Idorii end up linked so Daymin can receive updates from Idorii on the Whitish plans.
Anyone who followed Kalleah's story in the first series must read this one as well, and if you haven't read the first series, What are you waiting for?
February 27, 2022
Prince of Shadows, book 1 in R.J. Vickers' new Empire of Ash series, is a fresh story based twenty two years after the first great war in Baylore. Filled with many of the characters we have come to love, we now meet Kalleah and Leoth's son, Daymin amongst others to round out the cast. The storyline is fast-paced although long, filled with magic, danger, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. Daymin is forced upon the throne when he wants nothing to do with it. The characters are well developed and engaging. I am looking forward to the next book to see where this adventure leads.
January 25, 2022
O. M. G. Despite what seems to be a slower start, this book quickly has Kalleah and her closest friends heading off to the Kinship Thrones while her son, Daymin rules Baylore. He finds his trusted friends and realizes his power over the Holden Kings. Mother and son find themselves fighting a war a world away from each other. This book was absolutely phenomenal and I loved every chapter! I can’t wait to read the next book and find out if Kalleah can learn to harness and control her abilities.
July 31, 2022
Having read the author's Forbidden Queen series, seeing a sequel series made me want to read it, and I was not disappointed! We are introduced to new characters among some familiar faces, in a plot so thick and twisted, it engrossed you from beginning to end. Looking forward to seeing how this series continues!
January 27, 2022
I am so glad to have received an ARC for this book. It was an absolute joy to read. I really liked the new characters and a deeper dive into the world's lore. I am looking forward to the sequel. This was definitely a pageturner.
January 25, 2022
A queen afraid of her magic; a son afraid of ruling; and a country on the verge of war and starvation. Ms. Vickers's new series is revisiting her previous series twenty years later. Her world-building is spot on, as is her character development. Will Kalleah and Daymin manage to save Baylore from the Whitish? We'll find out more in the next book.
March 4, 2022
In this return to Baylore, 20 years after the Forbidden Queen series, we get to know Prince Daymin, Leoth & Kalleah's son. He has spent his life going back and forth between Baylore and the forest border. Always preferring the company of the Allakoash to the suffocating palace. But when the Ancient trees are attacked, everything Daymin wants is thrown out the window. Kalleah steps down as Queen, instead crowning her son to rule in her stead. Then taking her husband, two loyal friends, and a handful of guards she sets out on a perilous journey across the country in hopes of gaining support from other kingdoms across the sea.
Picking up this book, it feels like we haven’t been away from Baylore for 20 years. Returning to Kalleah, Baridya, Mellicante, & Leoth was like greeting old friends. Then getting to know Daymin and his friends, experiencing his struggle among court life, the familiar frustrations with the Holden Monarchs. And then the Whitish point of view. I won’t go into details, but I can’t wait for book 2. I can’t wait to learn more about Cashabree!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Picking up this book, it feels like we haven’t been away from Baylore for 20 years. Returning to Kalleah, Baridya, Mellicante, & Leoth was like greeting old friends. Then getting to know Daymin and his friends, experiencing his struggle among court life, the familiar frustrations with the Holden Monarchs. And then the Whitish point of view. I won’t go into details, but I can’t wait for book 2. I can’t wait to learn more about Cashabree!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
April 23, 2023
Prince of Shadows is the first book in the Empire of Ash series. It takes place 20 years after the Forbidden Queen series. The Whitish have taken over Itrea but it's calm, for now. Kalleah's son Daymin is now 20 years old and switches between Baylore and the Wandering Woods. He discovers some trees were poisoned and that's terrible news. It means the Whitish found a way to defeat the trees. It feels like time is ticking and danger is coming. Kalleah has to go on a dangerous mission to ask for help and Daymin has to follow in her footsteps by becoming the king of Itrea, even though it's not something he wanted to be. But not everything goes as planned. I was so excited for this series! I was curious about what would happen and to know more about Daymin now that he's a grown-up. But I'm also glad Kalleah is still part of the story because I absolutely love her character as well. What surprised me was that we also see the point of view of the Whitish. It gives more depth to the story and I really liked it. There are also many new characters and one of my favorites is Idorii.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews