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Maya and the Rising Dark #3
Maya and the Lord of Shadows
In the thrilling third and final book in the acclaimed Maya and the Rising Dark trilogy that Kirkus calls "truly #BlackGirlMagic," Maya must face off with the Lord of Shadows to save the human world from impending war with the Dark.
War is coming. Despite everything Maya and her father have done, the veil that protects the human world is failing. The Lord of Shadows has raised an army powerful enough to challenge the orishas. And it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through the veil and destroys Maya’s neighborhood and the rest of the world.
Maya and her friends aren’t going down without a fight. She’s honing her guardian powers, with the help of two new allies—her long lost guardian sister and a mysterious darkbringer (who might be a double agent). But when an attack hits close to home, Maya doesn’t have any more time to prepare. She must face the Lord of Shadows or risk losing everything. With her friends—Eli, Frankie, Zeran, and Eleni—by her side, Maya leads the charge in an epic showdown that takes her across worlds and to the edge of the universe.
Will she succeed or will Darkness prevail, once and for all?
War is coming. Despite everything Maya and her father have done, the veil that protects the human world is failing. The Lord of Shadows has raised an army powerful enough to challenge the orishas. And it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through the veil and destroys Maya’s neighborhood and the rest of the world.
Maya and her friends aren’t going down without a fight. She’s honing her guardian powers, with the help of two new allies—her long lost guardian sister and a mysterious darkbringer (who might be a double agent). But when an attack hits close to home, Maya doesn’t have any more time to prepare. She must face the Lord of Shadows or risk losing everything. With her friends—Eli, Frankie, Zeran, and Eleni—by her side, Maya leads the charge in an epic showdown that takes her across worlds and to the edge of the universe.
Will she succeed or will Darkness prevail, once and for all?
294 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
14 people are currently reading
2412 people want to read
About the author
Rena Barron
7 books1,031 followersRena Barron grew up in small-town Alabama where stories of magic and adventure sparked her imagination. After penning her first awful poem in middle school, she graduated to writing short stories and novels by high school. Rena loves all things science fiction, ghosts, and superheroes. She’s a self-proclaimed space nerd. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or brushing up on her French.
Rena is the author of the YA fantasy series, KINGDOM OF SOULS and the contemporary fantasy middle grade series, MAYA AND THE RISING DARK.
Check out the World Map and World Guide for KINGDOM OF SOULS at http://kingdomofsoulsbook.com/
Check out the activity guide for MAYA AND THE RISING DARK at http://renabarron.com/maya-and-the-ri...
Rena prefers not to be tagged in reviews to save her sanity. Follow her at @renathedreamer and renabarron.com.
Rena is the author of the YA fantasy series, KINGDOM OF SOULS and the contemporary fantasy middle grade series, MAYA AND THE RISING DARK.
Check out the World Map and World Guide for KINGDOM OF SOULS at http://kingdomofsoulsbook.com/
Check out the activity guide for MAYA AND THE RISING DARK at http://renabarron.com/maya-and-the-ri...
Rena prefers not to be tagged in reviews to save her sanity. Follow her at @renathedreamer and renabarron.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 1, 2024
A fitting conclusion to the series
February 9, 2023
This is exactly what I have been asking for this entire series. Maya and the Lords of Shadow was such a satisfying conclusion, but also left enough open in the world that if Rena Baron wanted to do more, she could. Maya and her friends were such a joy to read. After reading this I am proud to say that they are going on my list of favorite friendships. With this being a middle grade novel it did feel a tad predictable and rushed near the end. All in all though I had such a fun time with this series and I am quite looking forward to reading Rena Barron's other series.
February 28, 2023
What an EPIC final showdown of a conclusion! This was PHENOMENAL! This was such a thrilling, gripping, magical, nonstop adventure of a conclusion. This friend group consisting of Maya, Frankie, & Eli has become one of my all time friend groups from a book. They're really family, in all the ways that matter. They’re each so unique, in personality & magical abilities, & I just love all of it. Eli's gift is just so cool though! Lol A couple new additions to their "team" also were so incredible! Maya blushing is just the cutest too lol. If ya know ya know. I love Maya. She's the type of person you want in your corner. She would LITERALLY go to the ends of the earth, & beyond lol, for those she loves. And even the ones she doesn't even know, if they're being wronged or need help in anyway. Her & her friends each have flaws (like every human on the planet) & aren't written as perfect characters, which makes them more relatable, endearing, & lovable. You want them to succeed, & kick some evil butt. This was nonstop everything in here, & I devoured this so fast. Even saw some names from mythology I recognized make an appearance in here(a certain "big guy" who is one of my favorites!), & I loved that! HIGHLY recommend this whole trilogy, & I desperately hope this author will write more MG in the future. Another STUNNING cover by Geneva Bowers too! 💜
October 11, 2022
War is coming. Maya and her friends will not go down without a fight! Will she succeed or will darkness prevail?
The final book in the series and it was so well written. Good ,fun adventure for kids to enjoy.
The final book in the series and it was so well written. Good ,fun adventure for kids to enjoy.
December 17, 2022
What an incredible ending to the series!
February 11, 2023
Rena Barron, I need more from you ASAP please. Maya was a great series and I need more in general from you.
January 6, 2024
This was a perfect ending to this series. Great charcters and the stakes were high in this. A must read middle grade trilogy.
November 20, 2022
What worked:
I’m always conscious of how well authors create hooks to reel readers into their books. This one presents two action sequences that develop interest and also help review previous happenings in the series. Readers who haven’t read the previous books, like me, or who need reminders will appreciate the descriptions of Maya’s previous encounters with the Lord of Shadows. These scenes share Maya’s relationship with Zeran, a former darkbringer, but it’s complicated by another character’s vision that he will betray Maya. Uncertainty, mistrust, and possible outcomes are immediately piqued. The next scene sees another darkbringer reappear and it turns out to be a trap and a precursor to a darkbringer invasion.
The author creates a seemingly impossible conflict to solve and makes things worse as the plot moves along. The Lord of Shadows earlier used powers from Maya and her sister to damage the veil between the Dark and human worlds and it turns out the veil is now irreparable. The celestials, the gods and goddesses with the most power, know the Lord of Shadows will eventually break through and they probably won’t be able to stop him once he does. Maya and her godling friends want to help but it’s apparent Maya’s previous victories against the darkbringers mean nothing this time. Maya’s character fights along with other godlings but she can’t shake the knowledge that her powers helped the Lord of Shadows grow stronger. The plot seems to count down the moments until he finally breaks through the veil and unleashes the Dark into the human world where all humans, godlings, and celestials will be killed.
The characters come with a variety of personalities and backgrounds that enhance the story and interactions. A school bully is an annoying braggart who constantly exaggerates his abilities and taunts Maya. Zeran and Maya are becoming close but they won’t admit that they might be more than friends. Zeran’s secrets and unpredictable emotions don’t help their relationship. The Lord of Shadows is annoyingly smug and confident as he knows it’s only a matter of time before he rules the universe. Maya’s father is a powerful celestial who regrets the consequences of creating the veil to separate the Dark from the humans. It’s a little unusual to see Maya and her sister having dinner at home with their parents after a day full of fighting darkbringers. Maya’s commitment to protecting the veil is confounded by her self-doubt regarding her inability to master her powers.
What didn’t work as well:
Despite the author’s efforts to recap important past events, readers starting with this book will probably feel like they’re missing something. Maya often faces foes she’s met before so readers won’t be fully aware of their past relationships and issues. However, as always, the concerns are easily remedied by reading the previous books first.
The Final Verdict:
The plot contains a couple of surprises but it presents much of what readers will expect in a typical middle-grade novel. Even though Maya has the potential to be the most powerful godling in the universe, it’s nice that she learns she can’t succeed by herself. Give it a shot!
I’m always conscious of how well authors create hooks to reel readers into their books. This one presents two action sequences that develop interest and also help review previous happenings in the series. Readers who haven’t read the previous books, like me, or who need reminders will appreciate the descriptions of Maya’s previous encounters with the Lord of Shadows. These scenes share Maya’s relationship with Zeran, a former darkbringer, but it’s complicated by another character’s vision that he will betray Maya. Uncertainty, mistrust, and possible outcomes are immediately piqued. The next scene sees another darkbringer reappear and it turns out to be a trap and a precursor to a darkbringer invasion.
The author creates a seemingly impossible conflict to solve and makes things worse as the plot moves along. The Lord of Shadows earlier used powers from Maya and her sister to damage the veil between the Dark and human worlds and it turns out the veil is now irreparable. The celestials, the gods and goddesses with the most power, know the Lord of Shadows will eventually break through and they probably won’t be able to stop him once he does. Maya and her godling friends want to help but it’s apparent Maya’s previous victories against the darkbringers mean nothing this time. Maya’s character fights along with other godlings but she can’t shake the knowledge that her powers helped the Lord of Shadows grow stronger. The plot seems to count down the moments until he finally breaks through the veil and unleashes the Dark into the human world where all humans, godlings, and celestials will be killed.
The characters come with a variety of personalities and backgrounds that enhance the story and interactions. A school bully is an annoying braggart who constantly exaggerates his abilities and taunts Maya. Zeran and Maya are becoming close but they won’t admit that they might be more than friends. Zeran’s secrets and unpredictable emotions don’t help their relationship. The Lord of Shadows is annoyingly smug and confident as he knows it’s only a matter of time before he rules the universe. Maya’s father is a powerful celestial who regrets the consequences of creating the veil to separate the Dark from the humans. It’s a little unusual to see Maya and her sister having dinner at home with their parents after a day full of fighting darkbringers. Maya’s commitment to protecting the veil is confounded by her self-doubt regarding her inability to master her powers.
What didn’t work as well:
Despite the author’s efforts to recap important past events, readers starting with this book will probably feel like they’re missing something. Maya often faces foes she’s met before so readers won’t be fully aware of their past relationships and issues. However, as always, the concerns are easily remedied by reading the previous books first.
The Final Verdict:
The plot contains a couple of surprises but it presents much of what readers will expect in a typical middle-grade novel. Even though Maya has the potential to be the most powerful godling in the universe, it’s nice that she learns she can’t succeed by herself. Give it a shot!
April 6, 2023
What an ending! This was such a satisfying third and final installment.
Time has essentially run out and the long-feared war is practically on their doorstep. Maya knows, ready or not, that the time to act is now in order to save the human world from certain destruction.
Maya’s courage and determination to protect her friends, family, school, and the entire human world knows no bounds. While she’s not quite where she wants to be with her guarding powers, Maya doesn’t let that hold her back nor cause her to cower in the face of impossible odds as signs of the Lord of Shadows’s influences draw closer and closer.
Maya really is a good kid. I love her unwavering optimism and that she sees the bigger picture of their situation. That by defeating the Lord of Shadows they have a chance to create a better, brighter future for all – humans, godlings, and darkbringers alike. For example, you can see it in the faith she puts in the young, mysterious darkbringer, Zeran, who’s now fighting alongside them for the betterment of all.
I liked how open-hearted and accepting Maya was of her half sister, Eleni, despite feeling jellybeans that said sister could fly and had a better grasp on her guardian powers than she did. Maya loved Eleni as if they’d been sisters forever.
I liked the addition of Eleni’s character. She’s just as kind and go-getting as Maya. Despite everything she’s gone through, it’s amazing Eleni is still able to thrive and find happiness in a completely changed world after being “asleep” for so long. I love the sister bond that’s grown between her and Maya. They look so powerful and strong on the cover – total black girl magic vibes!
Maya and the Lord of Shadows was enjoyable though sad given it brings this awesome series to a close. This trilogy is the kind of series I wish I had growing up. Spectacular and uplifting. I’m going to miss these characters, especially Maya. She’s full of immense potential and light and will undoubtedly continue to change the human and magical world for the better.
Time has essentially run out and the long-feared war is practically on their doorstep. Maya knows, ready or not, that the time to act is now in order to save the human world from certain destruction.
Maya’s courage and determination to protect her friends, family, school, and the entire human world knows no bounds. While she’s not quite where she wants to be with her guarding powers, Maya doesn’t let that hold her back nor cause her to cower in the face of impossible odds as signs of the Lord of Shadows’s influences draw closer and closer.
Maya really is a good kid. I love her unwavering optimism and that she sees the bigger picture of their situation. That by defeating the Lord of Shadows they have a chance to create a better, brighter future for all – humans, godlings, and darkbringers alike. For example, you can see it in the faith she puts in the young, mysterious darkbringer, Zeran, who’s now fighting alongside them for the betterment of all.
I liked how open-hearted and accepting Maya was of her half sister, Eleni, despite feeling jellybeans that said sister could fly and had a better grasp on her guardian powers than she did. Maya loved Eleni as if they’d been sisters forever.
I liked the addition of Eleni’s character. She’s just as kind and go-getting as Maya. Despite everything she’s gone through, it’s amazing Eleni is still able to thrive and find happiness in a completely changed world after being “asleep” for so long. I love the sister bond that’s grown between her and Maya. They look so powerful and strong on the cover – total black girl magic vibes!
Maya and the Lord of Shadows was enjoyable though sad given it brings this awesome series to a close. This trilogy is the kind of series I wish I had growing up. Spectacular and uplifting. I’m going to miss these characters, especially Maya. She’s full of immense potential and light and will undoubtedly continue to change the human and magical world for the better.
January 14, 2024
I received a review copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
3.5 stars
I finally made it to the end of this series! Only took two years...
MAYA AND THE LORD OF SHADOWS is a triumphant finale to this trilogy that brings West African mythology to life in modern-day America, very PERCY JACKSON style. There's plenty of sass, peril, and monsters to go around. This is a series for fans of PERCY JACKSON who want more books like it focusing on a wider ranger of mythologies, sitting alongside the ARU SHAH series and others that have grown up in the wake of PERCY JACKSON's success.
I am a little outside the target age range for this series, and the near three years since reading the previous book did make me feel a bit lost at time. In all, it was a good read and I can see it's appeal to the target audience.
Maya and her friends are going to need all the allies they can get as the Lord of Shadows, the series' big bad, is ready to unleash his attack on the world. But he's also been recruiting. There are new creatures introduced but old ones also make a return
There are plenty of battles and action in this story, letting the characters show off their various powers. It's a fun tale with high stakes and a high pace as the cast race to find a way to save the world before they all die. I liked that schools were central battlegrounds, the kids fighting to defend places that should be places of safety for them.
3.5 stars
I finally made it to the end of this series! Only took two years...
MAYA AND THE LORD OF SHADOWS is a triumphant finale to this trilogy that brings West African mythology to life in modern-day America, very PERCY JACKSON style. There's plenty of sass, peril, and monsters to go around. This is a series for fans of PERCY JACKSON who want more books like it focusing on a wider ranger of mythologies, sitting alongside the ARU SHAH series and others that have grown up in the wake of PERCY JACKSON's success.
I am a little outside the target age range for this series, and the near three years since reading the previous book did make me feel a bit lost at time. In all, it was a good read and I can see it's appeal to the target audience.
Maya and her friends are going to need all the allies they can get as the Lord of Shadows, the series' big bad, is ready to unleash his attack on the world. But he's also been recruiting. There are new creatures introduced but old ones also make a return
There are plenty of battles and action in this story, letting the characters show off their various powers. It's a fun tale with high stakes and a high pace as the cast race to find a way to save the world before they all die. I liked that schools were central battlegrounds, the kids fighting to defend places that should be places of safety for them.
October 15, 2022
Maya And The Rising Dark series is an adventurous, humorous, captivating, relatable, imaginative, and thrilling read! This series is reccomended for eight to twelve year olds, however, I absolutely loved it as an adult. Growing up my favorite series was the Percy Jackson series and I still consider it my favorite series today. Maya And The Rising Dark series is a something any Percy Jackson lover will be obsessed with. It is witty, charming, and has all of those elements that makes a book series transition from a good childhood series to a life long series. This is definitely a book friends or siblings can read together and obsess over. There is an element of magic and mystery to it that will undoubtedly leave the reader waiting in anticipation for the next book in the series. I simply cannot say enough good things about this series! I love the strong female lead, her lovable friends, and sense of community.
September 29, 2022
Fitting conclusion to this trilogy. Maya and the other godlings take on the Lord of Shadows himself to bring peace for all involved. Barron shared the challenging path to get there as they confront his servants and armies. I appreciate the balance to show that it's not all good versus evil. Both sides made mistakes in the previous war and in their interactions since. The Celestials were not flawless and they did their part to create the tensions. Balanced against the celestial beings war is typical middle school rivalries and challenges. None of the students are flawless either. Maya has to learn to have a sister, be a friend with an enemy, stand up to a bully, and keep up with schoolwork. Issues readers will relate with. The hint of adventures to come will be welcome news to readers who have faithfully followed this trilogy.
February 26, 2024
This series was really engaging. I tend to prefer standalones because I am usually bored in the second book and beyond, but both the second and third books were full of twists and turns. This really is an ensemble book, between Maya and her two best friends and the increasing cast as the books went along. At one point Maya says that there are 500 godling children. That's a lot of world building especially because each one has unique powers. I was also impressed that there is enough open space in the world building for her to return to this universe without leaving a lot of unanswered questions but just in case she ever wanted to return to this world with another trilogy or a short story she has built enough into it that it would be possible if not easy. It was impressive and I'm looking forward to reading this author's other series.
April 29, 2025
The conclusion to this series based on African mythology has Maya and her friends finally defeating the Lord of Shadows by trapping him. Some inhabitants of the dark world are involved as well, despite some of the orishas planning on destroying it entirely. It's a good story with some interesting mythological creatures, including adze and were-hyenas, and a clear sense of friendship among the protagonists. Overall, though, I don't think it stood out all that much from other modern young adult mythology-based series.
October 1, 2022
It was such a fantastic ending to Maya's story! Although I think that it ended way too soon. Also incredibly narrated by my favorite narrator, Ms. Soneela Nankani. I believe that we could have gotten two or three more books about Maya and her godlings friends. Maybe one day, Rena Barron will let Maya and her godlings friends return to save the day once again. 👏🏾📚📀💻🎧🥰
April 20, 2025
Final show down time! It was nice to see a "final fight" that didn't happen swiftly or easily for either side. The whole book, for me, was a final battle for all. We find Maya and the other godlings showing time and again just how capable they are, even if they must break the rules. This was a good ending to the series, but I would be okay with more books or a spinoff.
October 21, 2022
This book was so cool! My favorite characters are still Zeran and Eli, and I think the second book or this book was my favorite just because of Zeran!
The only problem I had is Maya broke her ankle, and all of the sudden, it was fine. How?
But anyway, I loved this book.
The only problem I had is Maya broke her ankle, and all of the sudden, it was fine. How?
But anyway, I loved this book.
October 4, 2022
Great ending to a great series!
December 9, 2022
I just... I just wanted Maya to tell Zeran how she feeelllltttt
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2023
Nice conclusion to the series.
October 2, 2023
What a great middle grade series. It got better with each book. Loved it so much. It's got adventure, humour, drama and a good plot.
Read
January 3, 2024Maya and the Lord of Shadows
March 14, 2024
Loved the series.
March 19, 2024
4 stars
March 30, 2024
This was a good ending to the series.
May 16, 2025
Amazing way to end the series.<3
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews