The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow

The Guild Codex: Unveiled #3

by Annette Marie

I'm learning to embrace who and what I am, but there's one thing I can't face: the night Zak betrayed me. But even with the mysteries of our shared past hanging between us, I can't turn Zak away when he asks for my help.

Powerful fae are going missing, and when he tried to investigate, Lallakai vanished too. Now he wants me to venture with him into the territory of the Shadow Court, but its bloodthirsty courtiers don't welcome meddling druids.

Danger is gathering around us, seen and unseen. As we uncover incomprehensible clues about the missing fae, we realize this nightmare runs deeper than we imagined, and unveiling it means delving into the past—our past.

If I abandon Zak now, he'll never make it out alive. But if I stay at his side, if I face the truth of that night, it will destroy us both.

--
The Guild Codex: Unveiled
The One and Only Crystal Druid (#1)
The Long-Forgotten Winter King (#2)
The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow (#3)

More series in the Guild Codex world:
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
The Guild Codex: Demonized
The Guild Codex: Warped

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Fae, Magic, Audiobook, Romance, Paranormal

266 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2022

About the author

Annette Marie is the best-selling author of over thirty books, including the expansive urban fantasy series The Guild Codex, epic urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter.

A 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist in Fantasy and an Amazon Charts Bestseller, Annette has sold over 2 million books. Her books have been translated into French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with readers coming back again and again for her addictive blend of fast-paced adventure, tantalizing forbidden romance, and unforgettable characters.

Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minions of darkness. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in her garden or an art project while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

To find out more about Annette and her books, visit www.annettemarie.ca

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: —> 5 ACTION PACKED Stars
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟

Speaking of this literary gold, happy book publication/birthday (May 6th, 2022) to this treasure of a book & it’s wonderful Author, Annette!!!

Mmk so real time—I am literally SHAKING after reading this. I would rate it a million stars if I could, but alas. Hmm. Yeah, no, ACTUALLY… The thing is… (hehe this book is making me feel all dark & rebel-y) I do what I want, I’m feeling like breaking all the freaking rules… so unofficially this gets ALL OF THE STARS. EVERY SINGLE SHINY ONE OUT THERE.
(I’m feeling prickly as all hell right now haha; ”a lovable cactus”)😉

My God. This installment of Unveiled was eye-opening, full of a wide array of feelings, adventure, trust, betrayal, & I won’t lie, mostly BRUTAL AF, setting up for what I can only imagine will be one of the most epic finales that I have ever read. Marie expertly weaves in the tension until it is all consuming & then ends the book leaving you seething, just as her characters likely are. Some of them, anyway.

I thirst for vengeance, damn it! 😂

I refuse to despair; I’m just P I S S E D as all hell at a very many characters rn. BUT HOLY F*CK THIS.
WAS.
SO.
DAMN.
GOOD !

There was SO SO MUCH FUN, EXCITEMENT, RESOLUTION, & TRUE HOPE, too, but as it was ripped away, my heart felt so many things, but I am left UNBREAKABLE, DAMN IT; I will bend, I will not break (as only an expert author can accomplish 😉) !

This was a truly gripping read from start to finish! Which is selling this short imo, but you’ll just have to read it to find out! Hehe. SERIOUSLY THOUGH— so BEYOND FANTASTIC!!!

I knew pain would likely ensue while reading this installment, and I sure got pain. 😅 IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE. Like just trust me on this one. THE VENGEANCE WILL BE THAT MUCH SWEETER. 😏

[Cue end credits—in the words of TSwift…]
I’ve got a list of names, & yours is in red underlined,
I check it once, then I check it twice,
Ooh, look what you made me do,
Look what you made me do,
Look what you just made me do,
Look what you just made me do…
😏😏😏

That’s all for now, folks! Go read this masterpiece & a half!!!! 1000 times over recommended!

Awed by Annette™️, everytime .

________________

ARCCCCC TIME! 🥳

________________
SERIOUSLY DYING FOR THIS BOOK! Finally time to see what’s what with Lallakai !!! WOOO! (She has much to answer for! Ahhhhh)

SO EXCITEDDDDDD! Omg and thank GOD for the new The Guild Codex webcomic on WEBTOON Canvas! It’s sating my appetite until this is released! 🤤😍😅

[Mikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at:


This is my least favorite book of this series so far. That isn't to say this is bad in any way. It just didn't capture me like past books did. I also found the adventure Zak and Saber embarked on to not be all that exciting.

Saber was just as kick*ss as ever. I loved seeing Zak and her bond somewhat due to the situation they encountered themselves in. Ríkr is in my top 5 favorite characters Annette Marie has ever created. I would actually love to get a novella from his POV.

Zak went through the wringer in this one. It broke my heart to see it. The ending was crushing. On a more positive note, we find out a lot more about what Zak went through while Saber was with her aunt.

The ending may be why this book didn't work for me very well. I've discovered about myself that I despise when the story puts the big-bad up to literally controlling the MMC to hurt the FMC because they aren't getting their way with just simple manipulation. It's a pet peeve I've recently been acquainted with. I'll still be reading the next book but I'll be very pouty about it.

P.S. Someone needs to dig a ditch and throw The Lady Of Shadow in it. Maybe consider encasing it in cement? #JustAThought

The Audio Book:

The narration was great! The characters were all distinguishable from each other. There were no weird noises in the background.

[mith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how some books just feel their length? I remember sometimes when I'm reading, I'd just check on my kindle to see what location I'm at, about how many more hours or so I have left. Sometimes it just feels like a chore trying to finish a page.

Marie's books have never felt like that to me. Start to finish, whatever she's writing, I am HOOKED. Totally unable to put it down for a single second. All my attention is on these words. Her books are so exciting and engaging and addictive and this one—

Lord, Twice Scorned not only is my favorite cover from all the GCU books, but my favorite book, period. (Yes I'm trying to make guild codex universe a thing and WHAT ABOUT IT.) I was absorbed from the get-go with this third installment and literally refused to take my eyes off the page, afraid I'd miss something.

I was really happy with how things turned out. With Saber and Zak, finally getting answers reading their past; to Lallakai's story. This penultimate book is definitely grittier than the other GCU books, some parts even leaving me gaping. But it was well balanced and Marie tied Saber and Zak's past traumas with their current dilemma very well together. We learn the truth of That Night and see then come to a sort of truce with each other, and I can't even begin to express how happy I was with that. I want nothing more than these two to be able to heal together! Eventually. Lmao. Their connection is honestly so messed up but so deep and you truly feel that while reading.

I feel like there is so much to say about this book but honestly I feel like that figure lying prone in a puddle of their own tears after finishing it. I think, always, "there's no way she could make this even MORE shocking?" and promptly get proven wrong. (I had to read that ending twice. TWICE. I am still in disbelief.) I used to joke that my life hinged on the next book Annette Marie came out with but I don't think it's a joke anymore. I have never wanted a book more than the final one in this series (and thank u to whoever is listening (or just to miss Marie) that it's only 4 months away bc I could not survive otherwise)).

Anyway I love love love this book. I am so appreciative to have read these books because they've all left me feeling so shocked yet thrilled. I can't wait to see what's in store next.
***
I—
I just finished. Holy shit. I have to wait until September now??? Its only four months and nothing has ever felt longer. Oh my God. Oh my God.
***
I love this (and the winter king's) cover(s) SO, SO much oh my God. Ooooh my God. Absolutely in love. I can't look away. Please get on my kindle I am begging.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 2022 will be Annette Marie sensei month. I'll be binge reading everything ever spit on, sat on written , imagined by the wonderful Annette Marie. I'm still behind in two of her series and that's like A SIN!!! all her books...AWESOMETACULAR
#mustread

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3
“Are you suggesting I go back home?” I crossed my arms. “I’m a psycho vigilante witch, remember? I live for wrecking cruel, power-hungry monsters like Izverg.”

Ahhhh I love Saber being Saber. Unfortunately that love did not extend to the whole of this book. This book being The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow, the third book in the Guild Code Unveiled series. The Unveiled series is primarily about Saber, a take no prisoners woman, who has been victimized since she was a teen, did some time in “magical prison” and now works as a Vet Tech and volunteers at a animal rescue farm. The book also features Zack, aka The Crystal Druid, Riker aka the Winter King and Lallakai, the Lady of Shadow. All three of these characters have been with Saber on her journey through the first 3 books.

This installment explains what happened to Saber and Zack when they were teens, how their plans failed, and the direction each took before they met again 10 years later. There is also some very serious villainy going on from more than one source.

So, what happened to dampen my enthusiasm for this book? There were a number of what I would consider to be false steps. Considering what these steps were and how they became major character changes, they did not ring true to me….and yes I understand that we are talking about truth and urban fantasy in the same sentence but…well see for yourself

Spoiler Allert

The major plot lines of this book are to 1. explain the relationship between Saber and Zack 2. Deal with Zack’s childhood nemesis Izverg and 3. save the fae queen who had been kidnapped and poisoned. Also Zack, Saber and Lallakai have also been poisoned and getting an antidote for all 4 is imperative. Near the very end of the book one of the 4 main characters does a reversal, attempts to eliminate the other 3 and kills the fae queen that they had just saved. WTF. Yes, it is continued into the next book but really WTF. There is talk about how this was all pre-planned, etc, but remember 3 were going to die of poisoning and they would have without …(let's not spoil everything) BUT you can't plan for something if you are dead.....you get the idea. Zack and Lallakai are bound together in the same way that Saber and Riker are (consorts) so you also have these strong magical relationships that have been in existence since book 1 so a sudden change seems manipulative ... End Spoiler

Having read the majority of the Guild Codex books (this was my 15th) I can assure you this was an anomaly. I still think her Guild Codex: Demonized series (books 1 - 4) are some of the best urban fantasy I have ever read. Sadly, this one just didn’t do it for me.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind ist still reeling from the maelstrom this book put me through. Wow, just... WOW!

I'm not sure if I should rage at Annette Marie because we have to wait for MONTHS to get to the conclusion of this absolutely mindblowing spin-off, or if I should bow and worship the endless well of imagination this author has.

Probably a bit of both.

How to write a review without spoiling the plot? And trust me, I want you to get sucked in and sit frozen in disbelief for a while after finishing the last pages because I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING. I already knew that Annette is a master plotter, and that her books seem to get better and better with every new release, with every new layer she waves into the Guild Codex Universe. And I know that if you read this book, you're at least familiar with the previous installations of Unveiled - probably even the entire GCU books.

But... Holy shit. I'm floored and at loss for words.

For all of you who are new to her books: this is not about romance. Well it is a bit, but Annette is a master of super slow burn, so don't expect much steam, at least not yet (after all, all who read Demonized know that when IT happens - like the infamous Chapter 32 - it's been worth the wait).

It's urban fantasy, packed with action, all written down so vividly that not only the characters, but the entire world comes alive in your mind, up to a point where at times you almost expect it to be real, that mages, fae and witches ARE part of our world, hidden in plain sight. So again - if you're new to it, start with "Three mages and a Margarita" and let it slowly suck you in.

You'll stumble upon previous characters and plot lines again, and you'll greet them like old friends - like here, where Saber is introduced to The Crow and Hammer and gets to meet Darius, Tori, Aaron, Kai and Ezra. And a few side characters (like the old lady with her crystal bowl who wants to do a reading).

But in Unveiled, and in this book in particular, it's all about Zak and Saber, Lallakai and Rikr, and the dangers that await in the fae realm.

Trying to stay away from spoiling the plot - to all GCU fans - DROP EVERYTHING YOU'RE READING RIGHT NOW AND READ THIS ONE.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

5 well deserved, blood soaked stars. And a countdown till Septemer 9th, when I'll download the final book at midnight and finish it in one go.

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was a bit apprehensive going into this, after the disappointment book two was. this was even worse. saber was annoying, rikr was useless, not even funny enough for extra points, no memorable scenes with zak, this was lallakai's book (title and cover) and she wasn't the highlight until the very end. this was so rushed and you could tell. just making up the plot as they went. no strategizing, no plan, no suspense. each book so far has had a separate villian and they're all bland, pop out of nowhere and die in the end like?? no connection whatsoever except for the shared past trauma, which was the only good point. glad they talked it out, even tho it took two mins and could've been signed and done with way earlier. anyway, my expectations for the final book are even lower. surprisingly, the most interesting person was kai yamada. would like to see more of him !

[Mia Anti · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely love the other series in the guild codex series ( spellbound, warped and demonized ). I love the different tone and feel each series have, except this one. I get that the author is really going for that “dark and edgy” feel, but it’s really apparent that this is something she does not master. The other series is great because she’s excellent at writing funny, peppy and wholesome characters, and I get why a author would try to do the opposite of what they normally do, but it ain’t working out. Which is really sad, because who doesn’t love the silver Druid?

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, we found out what happened 10 years ago (was it 10 years ago?) and reasons why their plan failed.

Honestly, it was fiiinnneeeee. Did I mention it was a slow burn? Or my massive crush of Ríkr? I want a book about him, if it's possible.

The book itself, it's not dragging, that's not the issue here. I do, however, find it plot focussed and quite less characters bonding time (except when Atear appeared). I just wish we got a proper balance of that.

All in all, I still think it's a good series to read as it's quick and light. You could finish the whole series in two days.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Cris Dukehart,
5 stars for Tim Campbell
the audio is apart of the Audible plus catalog, so free!


Book: 4.5 stars

Current favorite of the series! We got some of Zak’s POV from 10 years ago which was needed!

Saber has done better this book which I am happy about!

[Belles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just don’t enjoy these books as much as the Spellbound and Demonized series. I don’t like that these aren’t told from Zak’s perspective, I don’t like the main character-who is not Zak-because she’s mean and bitchy, and I don’t like the story the author is telling. I wish the author could scrap these three books and start completely over. Needless to say I won’t be continuing on with this series.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The penultimate book in The Guild Codex: Unveiled have Zak and Saber visiting the Shadow Court in search of Lallakai who has disappeared.
But the Shadow Court is in turmoil and as the factions battle they are drawn into the fight.

The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow is really Part 1 of the conclusion. Thankfully I only have to wait about a month to get part 2.

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good God what did I just read?
Been a long time since I've been blindsided by a cliffhanger as frustrating and anger inducing as this one! ...and I mean anger at the villain. Grrrrrr.
Thank goodness I waited to read this one after the next book was already written!

The truth about what went down that terrible night when Zak and Saber's executed their pact to kill their wardensguardians and escape together, finally comes out in this book.
Saber now has a new keeper till she is done with her parole. Although that guy has very little to do with this book.
Mostly the book is Zak and Sabre confronting the death Fae that used to be partnered with Zak's evil guardian.
Saber is helped by a fae from the first book that I had forgotten about. Zak's fae consort, Lallakai has disappeared. Even though Saber and Lallakai have very little liking for each other, Sabre is determined to help Zak find her. I'm not even sure Zak likes Lallakai either... There are some truths that come out about her that show her to be a very self serving character. Does she even like Zak???
Of course Rikr is there to help his 'Dove'. But really Sabre is a super resilient heroine and manages to save herself most of the time.

I felt kinda sad by the end of the story. So many evil fae doing horrible things to the less evil fae. It would seem that all fae are evil and self serving to some extent.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction · Rating 5 out of 5]

05/12/2024: Reread. (Audiobook!)
12/27/2022: Reread. (Audiobook!)

Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

This book, ya'll! I sort of feel like a broken record sometimes when I write a review for the latest book from Annette Marie. Her books have a tendency to make me fangirl intensely. Her books are that darn amazing!

Like most of us, I have been waiting with bated breath for this book to release. After the events of the previous two books in this series, I knew that this book was going to leave a mark.

I can't applaud Annette Marie enough for her mind-blowing storytelling. She has the most intricate and wonderfully developed plots paired with a writing style that brings the reader to their knees. She has talent coming out of her ears and I am here for it! I wasn't sure what to expect in this book. While I wasn't surprised by a certain character's behavior at the end of the book, I also hadn't fully guessed the extent of their betrayals. It made for a fantastic ending with a doozy of a cliffhanger to drive me crazy until book four releases. I always love how unpredictable and fleshed-out the plots are in Marie's books. The world-building was as atmospheric as ever, which is something that I truly appreciate in her books.

The character development for the characters was impressive. We get to see some characters' true colors shine through in this book and we also see some characters open up more. I loved the tense feeling that surrounded the characters and their uneasy alliances. There was so much drama but in a good way. The dynamics made the story very interesting and compelling. These are characters that have really stolen my heart with their distinct personalities and backstories that I can empathize with. And I can't even put into words how amazing it was to see my favorite characters from the Spellbound series in this book!

The romance in this book did stay in the slow-burn area for most of the book. There are definitely some hot moments between Saber and Zak. One of which was interrupted by my favorite bartender and mages. That scene will forever live in my heart. Hehe. Zak and Saber had a lot to work out in this book and I think that they did for the most part. With that ending, things between them weren't one-hundred percent clear but there is no doubt that there are strong emotions between them and that they would like to be together. I am really rooting for them in the next book. I have always loved their savage dance and with their history together it makes for a romance with all the feels.

Overall, this book is a work of art! There were shocking moments folded into a plot that was masterfully crafted, memorable characters with dynamics that drove the story and practiced storytelling that roots the reader in the story and won't let them go. I will shout Annette Marie's books from the rooftop all day long. Her books are well-crafted, unique, and leave a lasting impression.


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[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.75 stars

"The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow" was dragging compared to the first 2 books. I felt like I was reading the filler book of this series.

I did love three things about this installment:
1. Saber's character growth - Yay, she's finally making an effort to understand and show compassion to other people! This improved version of Saber gave me hope that I'd come to love her in the final book.
2. Ríkr - He's still delightfully witty and shrewd. I prefer reading about his friendship with Saber than Saber's romance with Zak.
3. final battle against Izverg

Lastly, I wish that Ríkr would turn Lallakai into an ugly eagle ice sculpture and shatter her into pieces. That's how much I despise her right now.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5ish stars, still rounding up as I liked this one better than the first 2 Unveiled. Saber is still not my favourite character to follow but I found her more understandable in this one. Also I appreciated getting a few chapters from Zak's perspective as I still wish this story was from his perspective.
Loved getting the Crow and Hammer characters at the start of the book. I wish there had been more of them. Thankful we finally got the backstory on Saber and Zak as I was hitting my limit on the waiting for it.
Curious where the story is going after the cliffhanger at the end of this one. Now to wait for the next audio.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up after the previous installment and Saber is continuing the conditions of her probation and coming to terms with who she truly is. We see Saber work with the animals at the rescue where she lives and get to tagalong to her first meeting and the Crow & Hammer. Fans of the Guild Codex world will enjoy seeing familiar faces, especially Tori.

When Echo and Lallakei go missing, Zak appears at the Crow & Hammer and I loved being witness to Saber’s reaction. Of course Saber agrees to give aid; after all, Zak helped her and Rikr.

The tale that unfolds was brilliant, from the Court of Shadows to betrayals. The story is told in alternating POVs. In Zak’s, we learn what happened when he left Sabar ten years ago. I felt for Zak and was glad to see Saber be supportive. We keep seeing growth in her. She really has come a long way from the prickly heroine we first met.

Cris Dukehart narrates and is joined by Tim Campbell, who provides Zak’s point of view. Both did a wonderful job of capturing the characters’ emotions and personalities. This series/world is perfectly suited to audio and I cannot imagine not listening to them.

The story ends with a cliffhanger and fair warning; it’s a doozy. I don’t mind telling you it left me worried about the characters and downright angry at one in particular. The audiobook for The Unbreakable Bladesong Druid cannot come soon enough.



This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, no, no! How could Annette leave us hanging like that?! Omg what am I going to do now? That ending just messed me all up. I was not prepared!

Lady of Shadows has been one of the best in the series. Annette’s stories seem to only get better and better but this one just got me. We finally find out what transpired 10 years ago and now Saber and Zak are up against Zak’s past. We finally learn the question that has always been asked since Zak was introduced… Is Lallakai friend or foe? I need the next so badly now. Can’t wait.

[Heather-Lin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm flat out done with this part of the Codex series. What could've been phenomenal is instead boring, contrived, and manipulative... None of it is working for me.

***

GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review about the whole Unveiled Series.

This series was fantastic. I already knew Zak from the other series of the Guild Codes Univers. He is one of this morally grey heroes. You have to take a closer look at him to see that he is morally grey because of his upbringing but he turned it to something else by choosing his right path.

A lot of thing we already knew about Zak suddenly make sense after reading this series. At first I thought it would be about the Lady of Shadows but it turned out it wasn't the main plot. The Lady of Shadows was involved in the plot, we see her a lot. I liked that we get to know to know more about the fae and their magic. I didn't know that they get more powerful because they can consume the magic of others after the other fae died.

We meet Saber. And I like her very much. She thinks she is a witch, has some amnesia and can't remember all facts of the final meeting with Zak when they were teens. But slowly they come back. Also it turns out that she is Zak's match, because her parents hid from her and the world that she is a Druid and both of her parent were too.

When I started to read the series, I wanted to read a book once a week. But instead of this I rushed through the first three book, because they were so good and I wanted to know what will happen in the next book. Then the real life needed more attention and I had to wait until I could start the last book of the series. There are so many twists and unexpected thing, it keeps readers on their toes and it's refreshing that it's not easy to make predictions what will happen. The only prediction I could make was that Zak and Saber will get their HEA.

We meet all the characters we met in Spellbound and Warped, I think only Robin and Zylas were missing. But they were on an extended vacation to do a whole lot of sight seeing.

Loved the series and I do recommend it!!

[Lindsey (Lindsey Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But you’re not murdering people these days, right?”
My mind flashed over the past two weeks. “No.”
He squinted at me. “Did you just hesitate?”
“No.”
“Pretty sure you did.”

I just finished this book and have been seated at my computer for about 30 minutes now, trying to write this review and I’m… shell-shocked? How do I even word? That ending was BRUTAL and SHOCKING while also being foreshadowed so expertly so I should have seen it coming, but that’s the thing: I DIDN’T! I did not see this coming and it has thrown me off and all I can do is sit here, mutter incoherently, swear under my breath, shake my fist and glare at fictional characters and hope September 9th is here quickly. But also, try to put this maelstrom of emotions into a somewhat coherent review? Okay, okay, let’s back it up and give it a try.

For starters, this was EPIC. The best installment in the Unveiled series so far (I think the finale will blow this one out of the water though) and maybe my favorite installment in the entire Guild Codex so far even? I know, I know, those are fighting words, but honestly, this was just SO, SO GOOD ON ALL LEVELS. It brings much-needed answers, it brings the character development and resolutions, it brings the pain and the hope, it brings the heart-pounding suspense, it brings the romantic tension… seriously, when I say this installment made me feel a maelstrom of emotions, I really mean like every single emotion out there. This is what I look for in books and stories. It was so, so good.

From the very first page, it was obvious this was gonna be amazing because we start with a Zak POV flashback. That’s right, our favorite damn druid got the spotlight! And the fun (though pain may be a more accurate description) doesn’t stop there, because throughout the book we get multiple flashbacks from his POV as we slowly learn Zak’s view on the events of 10 years ago, the events that changed two kids’ lives forever. Is it everything we wanted? YES. But it’s still a sucker-punch and like I said, pain is pretty much the best way to describe everything we learn.

But it’s also not all doom and gloom. Saber meets some beloved characters when she enters our beloved Guild and I chuckled so much in those few pages! (The loveable cactus scene… *chef’s kiss*). I hope we’ll get some epic team-ups in the finale because that would be…well… EPIC, but even if we don’t, I’m sure Saber and Ríkr will bring the icy retribution just as well. OMG, I love this duo so much. I can’t believe I didn’t like Saber at first, and it took me a while to appreciate her as a main character, but she definitely holds her own. Her character journey has been slow and painful, but so worth it. And I feel like this installment especially has been crucial to her healing. Also, Ríkr has been in my heart from the very start and I just keep loving him more and more with every book. Should I love a stabby, knife-wielding criminal and a morally gray fae with a knack for deception and manipulation this much? Probably not, but here we are.

As with the other books, this installment is again very action-heavy and we dive pretty much head first into a new adventure as powerful fae have gone missing and Zak and Saber venture into the Shadow Court to find out what’s going on. What they find there is bone-chillingly eerie and tied to their past in brutal ways. Really, the suspense and tension are so high, it’s almost impossible to put this book down. I’d settle down and prepare for a one-sitting read, because you will quickly become unable to stop reading in your quest for answers!

And then there’s the romance – this has been an excruciatingly slow burn (as it should be, given the complex and painful past of the two characters and the journey they both need to take as individuals before they’re ready for anything else) but this installment gave me everything I wanted, while also still leaving so much room for more. Yes, the slow burn has been excruciating, but only in the best ways, and this book DELIVERS. You will not be disappointed.

Overall, I can only repeat myself: this was the most epic installment so far in the Unveiled series. It was a gripping, brutal, hopeful and shocking ride. Get ready for long-awaited truths, shocking revelations, painful discoveries and most of all… the long and excruciating wait until the finale on September 9th! 😉

[Laura ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series, but this book felt a little repetitive. However, I am glad that Zak and Saber finally got everything out in the open.

THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH. Definitely curious to see where the next book goes.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, this is an action packed adventure that doesn't stop.
We get a lot of answers in this one. There are flashback chapters from Zak's POV that show what happened in the lead up to their escape attempt ten years ago, and we find out how everything played out and what really happened. Most excitingly, Saber gets her Druid name! (It's not really a spoiler since it's the name of the next book, but I don't want to ruin anything for anyone.
It ends brutally, which I kinda figured it would, but at least we only we have to wait four months to see how that plays out.
I genuinely love all the characters in here. Saber is such a jaded and prickly MC, but still loyal and brave and never turns her back on anyone. She finally meets her guild in this book too, so you know that going to be a lot of fun and violence right there. It's always fun to see old characters from the other series in this world through a different character's perceptions.
There are some damn freaky monsters to fight, impossible magiks to conquer, and snarky fae animal sidekicks. Loved it.

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than The Long-Forgotten Winter King. Not perfect, and not up to the same level as her other great series (Spell Weaver and especially her Red Winter serieses), but at least she's bounced back from the last book. And she even threw in a really good cliffhanger ending!

Now I'm looking forward to the finale, The Unbreakable Bladesong Druid.

[Juju ♡ ～('▽^人) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT

WHATTTTT

ARE YOU KIDDING ME KQJWKQJW HOW CAN THE BOOK END LIKE THIS WHAT THE FUCKKKKKK

[Teru · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't believe I'm saying that, but untill the last part of the book I was quite bored 😦 I'm not as invested as I was sure to be after the great first book... Damn, I really hope the next (and last?) one will pick up 🙏

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Although I don't actively dislike Saber as much as I did when this series started, I still haven't really warmed up to her. Too hot tempered and abrasive. She reacts emotionally and her first action is to lash out to hurt others.

[Mad Soul Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ну нихуясебе, всё таки я до последнего думала что Лаллакай не будет такой мразью

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good and was going to be 5 stars until the last couple of pages. I just felt the ending was silly and that it would have been anticipated. I also grow tired on the unnecessary angst with Saber and Zac. The minute you thing they've made a step forward there's suddenly something else to overcome. It just gets a bit tiresome.

That being said, this is well written, well paced and with an engaging plot. I just wish it didn't annoy me as well.

[H.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really enjoy the book. I am torn between giving it 3 stars or 4 stars. I just don’t really like Saber. I feel like the story would be better if it was from Zak’s perspective. I don’t know. This series isn’t my favorite.