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The Shadow Realms #5

Shadows of Destiny

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While gathering an army to fight the Lord, Lexi and Cole travel through the realms and discover mysteries that could hold the key to saving or destroying them.

As war approaches, loved ones will be lost and loyalties tested. Can Lexi and Cole survive the sacrifices necessary for her to secure the throne, or will the Lord destroy them all?

Return to the Shadow Realms. A world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies... and treachery lurks around every corner.

Due to sexual content, violence, and language, this book is recommended for readers 18+ years of age.

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2022

532 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read

About the author

Brenda K. Davies

97 books2,281 followers
Brenda K. Davies is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Vampire Awakening Series, Alliance Series, Road to Hell Series, Hell on Earth Series, and historical romantic fiction. She also writes under the pen name, Erica Stevens. When not out with friends and family, she can be found at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.

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5 stars
922 (52%)
4 stars
571 (32%)
3 stars
215 (12%)
2 stars
24 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Krysta ꕤ.
1,033 reviews863 followers
September 29, 2024
the first half of this book wasn’t my favorite but then the rest & that epic battle sequence at the end made up for it. Cole is struggling against the negative effects of his powers and because of that he’s a bit overbearing/overprotective of Lexi which i understand but still found annoying lmao. it’s so nice to read a series where there’s endless types of magical beings, it definitely adds to the entertainment value. there was a lot that happened in this as it’s gearing up for the final book which is next (crying in the corner cause wdym im almost done?! 🥲). i love the found family aspect and getting more insight into the characters feelings & thoughts. this one is probably my least fav in the series cause the pacing was kinda all over the place and i had some issues but i still enjoyed it for the most part!
Profile Image for Yasmine.
338 reviews16 followers
August 6, 2022
I admit my reasons for giving this book a 3 may be petty but oh well. Shadow possessed! Cole has to go. This version of him is too overprotective, too overwhelming...just too much period. He's not the Cole we all know and love. I know it's not his fault. It's the shadows controlling him but they have to go. The version we got of him the whole book was unbearable and barely reasonable. We have one last book left and I'll be glad when the real Cole comes back. I was also annoyed with Lexi because she acted like she was scared to confront him about the shadows changing him. She would always put it off because she didn't want to push him?? What! This man is your fiancé. Why wouldn't you confront him about this dark power that is continuously changing him into someone unrecognizable? That was so spineless to me and I hated it. To be fair she wasn't the only one not confronting him. Their friends and loved ones did the same. Outside of these huge annoyances for me. The book was enjoyable. There was a lot of action, death(especially the most important one of all), new info being learned etc. I will definitely be reading the last book when it comes out in March. This series has been overall good but it has also dragged on longer than it should've. It really could've been just 4 books instead of 6 imo but I'm glad we're at the end of the road. She hasn't mentioned anything about it but I feel as though Orin, Brokk and Varo will get books of their own. If so, I'll definitely read them. Book rating is a 3.5/5
Profile Image for Cathy.
529 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2022
I could not out this book down. What a story. Well it was definitely time to go to war. Lexi is finding her powers and Cole’s Shadow Reaver powers keep growing. The journey there had me on the edge of my seat. To help build their army, we were taken to the realms and introduced to the other species. I’m not going to lie, I teared up quite a few times. I also laughed thanks to Dwarves. What a war it turned out to be! I cannot wait for the final book of this series to see how it all turns out in the end. I don’t want to leave this world and I hope there are other stories to be told about the other characters and realms. I’m just gonna say I knew it—without spoiling anything.
Profile Image for Jane GAD.
329 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2022
Gaaaa I thought this was the last book... 😯 The shadows are creepy buggers.. Fab book!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Brenda Davies.
Author 97 books2,281 followers
Read
August 6, 2022
Grab your copy of Shadows of Destiny and dive into a world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies... and treachery lurks around every corner.

🏰 Amazon: brendakdavies.com/SDeam
🐺 Apple Books: brendakdavies.com/SDeab
🏰 Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/SDebn
🐺 Kobo: brendakdavies.com/SDeko
🏰 Google Play: brendakdavies.com/SDegp
🐺 Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/SDesm
🏰 Paperback: brendakdavies.com/SDepb
🐺 Hardback: brendakdavies.com/SDehb
Profile Image for Erica Stevens.
Author 44 books2,281 followers
Read
August 6, 2022
Grab your copy of Shadows of Destiny and dive into a world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies... and treachery lurks around every corner.

🏰 Amazon: brendakdavies.com/SDeam
🐺 Apple Books: brendakdavies.com/SDeab
🏰 Barnes & Noble: brendakdavies.com/SDebn
🐺 Kobo: brendakdavies.com/SDeko
🏰 Google Play: brendakdavies.com/SDegp
🐺 Smashwords: brendakdavies.com/SDesm
🏰 Paperback: brendakdavies.com/SDepb
🐺 Hardback: brendakdavies.com/SDehb
Profile Image for Kimberly #Audiofile.
2,564 reviews29 followers
January 5, 2023
Well we knew this was coming.
War.
But will our mmc survive the shadows ….. I don’t know.
Bring on the final instalment I cannot wait!
Great series
Highly recommended
This one was a 3.5/4 star listen
I do like the narration, fits the storyline well.
There’s a little smut
A little love
And great world building
Profile Image for Jamie.
2,083 reviews94 followers
December 12, 2023
So much happens in this one. It's definitely more action-packed than the prior books. It's also very hard to talk about what happened because there are definitely a lot of spoilers that could happen.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book goes and what happens with Cole and Lexi.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews43 followers
August 5, 2022
I love the way this story just glided me in and gripped me before taking off at a super fast pace and sent me on the reading adventure of a lifetime.
Book 5 in this magical fantasy adventure went above and beyond, the characters who have grown and changed so much over this series lifted yet again and enhanced this sorry so much.
Lexi and Cole still at the forefront but boy do they have a team with them and they are all fixing their all for the cause.

The ending was amazing.
Profile Image for Kirha.
495 reviews11 followers
August 6, 2022
Holy wow!

What can I tell you about book five without spoiling it…umm. It was good.

Things have been building to this point for a while, and the culmination of things did not disappoint. Be ready for an epic battle and a little heartbreak along the way. I don’t want to say too much other than keep reading.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
969 reviews23 followers
July 25, 2022
I was ready for some answers in this book. It starts out slow. I think it is from all the information pact into it. Once you get into the first chapter it is all moving fast. Lexi and Cole have so much going on. I am afraid for Cole. That shadow reaving stuff has me wondering if it is going to take him over eventually. Lexi is still learning her powers. She is supper bad butt. We know at this point we are going to war. But they need to figure out who to take. This journey was a lot. We see some people we thought was on our side not so much now. We also get to meet some great new characters. This book is going to have you screaming at the end. I was not ready for the last part of this book. You are going to want to start with book one and read all of them if you haven't. Great story to read over the weekend.
Profile Image for Jacqui .
77 reviews
August 15, 2025
Finally finished the book and while I am enjoying the story this author uses way to many words. She could have made 80 chapters into at the most 60!!! Welp on to book 6!!
Profile Image for brii | brii (three months behind...).
871 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
I didn't enjoy this book for the majority of it. I hate everything Cole has been turning into, I can't stand the extra possessive overprotective alpha crap so that put a really big damper on this one for me.

We got a lot of answers surrounding Lexi, but this book felt slow and repetitive to me. We didn't get into any real action until the last quarter of the book. The rest of it was everyone traveling around trying to recruit people to join them for the war.

(Side note: Zombies? Really?)

The romance isn't romance anymore because Cole is being controlled by shadows, so all we get are these random sex scenes when Cole DOES manage to come into full control of himself. It feels weird to me, to be completely honest.

This author is amazing with her battle scenes, and they are written so well, I'm not confused about who's where and doing what. The fighting scenes are some of the best in the whole book, and I was thankful when we finally got into the war against the Lord.
Profile Image for Buongy.
182 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2023
Ok I’m done! DNF 58%
This is the book of arrows… pointing here and highlighting there- see? look at this! See ? Do you remember this? Because this and this I did this… so many points, previous thoughts/experiences pointed out. Overly explained, overly drawn out, overly emphasised on repeat… I know you feel guilty Lexi-(on everything), I know Cole with kill anyone who breaths in Lexi’s direction, I know we must combined forces to bring down the Lord- so let’s do it without the fluff!

It’s ok but too frustrating for a straightforward standard sci-fi fantasy romance. I don’t need the constant recapping- I can retain information throughout a series. Without it, the 6 books could be cut into 3-4… life is short… give me stories that treat me like I have a memory….

My journey with Ms B.K Davies ends here. It’s the second series that I haven’t finished.
Profile Image for Raye.
219 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2022
A solid 4.5 stars for the 5th book in this series! I will not lie, I need a break before I go to my next book. This was so much to take in and it was so full of action and edge-of-your-seat emotions that I need to decompress lol. If you have not read the other 4 books, this is a forewarning that you may see some spoilers if you read on.

Lexi and Cole are preparing for war with the Lord and gathering as many as allies as possible. Loyalty will be tested and relationships strained as they try to right all the wrongs that have been done since the lord usurped the throne. How much are Cole and Lexi willing to sacrifice to take back the throne?

One thing I loved about this book was when Lexi and Cole traveled to the different realms to gather allies. I felt like I was there as the locations were being described. I felt like I was a part of all the chaos and heartache as well. Brenda did a fantastic job of really separating the personalities of each magical creature and I felt like the lands they lived in reflected each creature on the deepest level. The war scenes also really drew me in and I have to say tore me apart a bit. Just be prepared is all I have to say.

I am scared but also excited to see what book 6 entails. I am still reeling from this book and trying to get over this emotional damage lol.
Profile Image for Christina.
66 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2022
I received this book in exchange for my honest review this review is completely my own

Brenda K Davies really knows how to right a book this book was amazing I couldn't put it down from start to finish. It keeps you reading well into the night!

Cole and Lexi must go realm to realm recruiting all the different species to help against the Lord. He knows Lexi is an arach and that she's out there but they remain hidden from him until it's time to go to war. Cole is gonna have to decide whether to take all the shadows into him or lose their chance against the lord but he knows if takes all the shadows in there's no coming back from it. Lexi is training everyday to get control of her abilities will she get control of them in time? Lexi finds out info about her true family and that she has an ability she never knew was even possible to have.
Read this to find out what happens with Cole and Lexi in this book written by an amazing author! This book is part of an ongoing series so if you haven't read any of them yet make sure to start with book 1 I promise you won't be disappointed!
49 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2022
Life is hard and then you add love in the mix. This couple is it!! They make it look easy even with war coming, dragons to fear and loyalty being questioned. Every choice these characters have made, has led them right up to the moments that are coming. Were Cole and Lexi ready to deal with the choices that led them to try and dethrone the king? Were they ready for the the choices that may possibly lead them to the best days of their life? Change was coming. Even butterflies who stand still long enough flapping their wings eventually still cause a hurricane. Would the hurricane that is coming leave Cole and Lexi broken? Would their hearts break? Sometimes no matter how much you love someone they have to leave and you have to let them.

If you are new to Brenda K Davies books, please go grab all of them. Her words on paper or however you read your favorite books will inspire you to continue to read and fall in love with characters and worlds that a person can only dream about. I look forward to every word this author writes. She is simply AMAZING!!!
42 reviews
December 28, 2022
good series - nice filler, works buildjng could be better like descpriotion stuff but still really good

plot: girl thinks she normal, then goes to ball meets boy princess, boy likes her they kinda talk but not much. then she goes home and find boys brother hurt so she saves him doesn’t tell anyone, then attack, then they boy and her hang out find out their mates, become all lovey. boy has got crazy shadow power girl is an arach so light power and control of dragons. basically the lord has control and they need to kick him offf and then she needs to take control. manage to do that with the help of other people witchers other brothers dad. but boy has shadow power which is evil and take over him but he protects the girl. but then boy sense something bad about to happen and goes back to girl to save her. girl is playing with the baby deangons when something bad happens and then this we’re the book ends. next book is supposed to be aboht new bad guys while boy try’s to figure out his super shadows and girl becomes queen of dragons and is trying to clean stuff up.
Profile Image for Shawanda.
126 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2023
Think I'm in the minority for this one. This one was not that great. Felt it dragged on for no other reason than to be a filler book. Wasn't a fan of Cole's insane overprotectiveness. I love a good overprotective alpha, but not to the point where it makes the FMC look incompetent and unable to make her own decisions. He emphasized them being a team many times, but at every turn, he tried making decisions for her.

It got really annoying when they were visiting other realms, and his attitude and demeanor came off like he ruled the realm, no sir you rule yours, and its destroyed. Don't come into someone else's house making demands and threats. That was my real annoyance.

It just felt like Cole and the Lord were the same. We just accept it from Cole because he would kill everyone and burn down realms because of love and not crazy.

I just wasn't a fan. Will still read the last because I'm invested, but I better get the old Cole back
34 reviews
January 26, 2024
5 stars!

This was not a 5 star book because it was perfect, but it is a 5 star book because I loved every minute I spent reading it!!!
This series just gets better and better (which is normally so cliche but in this case is also absolutely true!).
When I read book1 I had no idea the series would turn into this grand of a fantasy romance series but it did! The world is fun and exciting and the romance and love between the other characters is just so sweet and heartwarming that it’s hard to put down!!
Bravo for giving us 1 couple that got together in book 1, and lasted thru 5 books without ever having to break up or suffer stupid pointless miscommunication tropes or and annoying love triangle. The couple has problems but they actually TALK to each other and share their feelings with each other and work their problems out TOGETHER and I am totally here for it!!! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for AnnaMeansFun.
820 reviews206 followers
February 24, 2025
This was the worst book in the series so far.

It was such a snooze fest, it took me a whole freaking day with multiple breaks to get through it, especially the first 70%.

There was barely anything happening, the book consisted mostly of some weird, repetitive and overly explanatory stream of consciousness of the main characters.

I kid you not, there even was a scene where a random character asks a question, then repeats it multiple times over a few PAGES, in between an internal monologue of Cole, before we actually get to an answer.

Honestly, you could probably skip most of that book, besides the few final chapters and not miss anything relevant to the plot, besides a whole entourage of random supernatural characters that are ultimately irrelevant to the story.

I’ve done two loads of laundry today and it was more satisfying than reading this book. If the next one is anything like that, I might actually drop the series.
257 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2022
Dragons, Giants and Witches oh my!

Dragons, Giants and Witches oh my! Oh and so many more. Vampires, Lycans and Dwarves. Can Lexi and Cole negotiate with them all to help fight the Lord and his army? They are going to need all the help they can get because they are going to war.
We start as the last book finished. Lexi is going to face a Dragon. A big arsed Dragon. Pull up them big girl panties lady. You can do it. Oh but there is a surprise just as she is plucking up the courage.
Cole is gaining more strength every time he uses the shadows or are they taking him over more?
Lexi is discovering how to use her power and gaining more knowledge.
With a storyline that is full of twist and turns and some shocking revelations you will definitely not want to put this book down.
I’m so excited for the next one.
Profile Image for Carmen Alicea.
871 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2022
Lexi has grown so much. She understands that her life has changed and that she now has a lot of responsibilities. Lexi is fiercely protective of her loved ones, and she knows what is needed and will learn how to become a Queen.

Cole and Lexi have a fantastic relationship. They understand and love each other dearly. I think he’s the star of this story. There’s no limit to what he’ll do to keep Lexi safe. His love for her is so special he’s found his heart and soul. Lexi makes him feel, and he will protect that love.

The love and commitment between Cole and Lexi make this series special. They know that sacrifices must be made and will do everything possible to bring peace. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do to keep their family and realms safe and protected. I love this series. It makes you want more, and I can’t wait for the next story.
13 reviews
July 27, 2025
This was an audio book read. WHY IS THIS NOT OVER WITH?!?!?! I was going to have this be a 5 star review but I knocked it down to a 4 because of the writing.
I am getting tired of this story! 6 books is TO MANY! Condense some of the writing and make fewer books.
I liked the story, but, at this point I am only here to finish it and am not fully enjoying it anymore. The battle chapters were very good though and full of heart break and triumph. One of the reasons I am committed to finishing this series is because of the characters, Lexi and Cole and their ever developing relationship full of trials and tribulations. But, the writing falls a little flat for me. It can be repetitive and a little confusing (to much internal dialogue between statements makes me forget what was being talked about). I only have 1 more book to finish this series and I can’t wait to be done with this authors.
Profile Image for Nikki Pearce.
228 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2022
Dragons, Giants and Witches oh my! Oh and so many more. Vampires, Lycans and Dwarves. Can Lexi and Cole negotiate with them all to help fight the Lord and his army? They are going to need all the help they can get because they are going to war.
We start as the last book finished. Lexi is going to face a Dragon. A big arsed Dragon. Pull up them big girl panties lady. You can do it. Oh but there is a surprise just as she is plucking up the courage.
Cole is gaining more strength every time he uses the shadows or are they taking him over more?
Lexi is discovering how to use her power and gaining more knowledge.
With a storyline that is full of twist and turns and some shocking revelations you will definitely not want to put this book down.
I’m so excited for the next one.
Profile Image for Kim.
218 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2024
Meh, I still like this world and the characters, but I'm just over the very long mental dialogues (of already mentioned topics) and the way over the top irrational behavior. I did like the other worlds and characters introduced and the fleshing out of the story a little bit more. I guess I'm just used to a lot MORE from each installment of other authors of fantasy, and these books feel like they are barely scratching the surface of the story. Either the books could have been put together to create less books, or Way more details/storyline could have been added. I"m sure book 6 will irritate me the same as these last few have but I will see it to its conclusion. Not sure I'm invested enough to move to other character's story lines after this. Guess we will see how 6 goes.
3 reviews
August 1, 2022
OMG If you have been following Cole and Lexi on their journey to defeat the Lord and finding out all about Lexi's power then you will not be disappointed. This book answers so many questions and unites so many for one cause taking down the Lord.

Lexi is finally getting answer's to her powers which are growing stronger by the day. She's become the light in a very dark and mad world for everyone. There is alot riding on her shoulders as War is closing in but with her family, close and new friends she can defeat anyone.

We all know there isn't any length that Cole will go to to protect Lexi even at the cost of himself. With his growing power and definietly no stopping in site will he be able to be the Cole Lexi has fallen in love with or will he turn into something more darker?

We also get some back stories on a few of old characters and also get some new characters.
95 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2022
The Shadow Realms series has been one of my favorites and this is the best yet. Lexi and Cole have come so far but have much further to go. Lexi must learn to develop her powers as the last Arach, not easy since all the others are dead. She worries that Cole will let the shadows consume him as he strives to protect her. If she does, he will destroy all. Lexi must also learn to communicate with dragons for they are the key to reclaiming Dragoina. The supporting characters add so much to the storyline. I hope they eventually have a spin off series. Buckle up because the road has seemingly insurmountable risks and the result of failure too horrible to allow. Enjoy the ride.
8 reviews
August 6, 2022
WOW! I just finished the story and am sitting here processing the ups and downs and twists and turns! This installment in Lexie & Cole’s story was so gripping and consuming there was no way I could put it down and polished it off in 7 hours. Good thing I don’t have children at home depending on me! Seriously, this part of the story unfolding was better than I could have imagined, and had so anxiously looked forward, to and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! While I do look forward to the next book, I am not unhappy with how this one ended! So, soooo good! Another fantastic tale by this talented author! I am sure to reread this book again soon because I enjoyed it so much.
116 reviews
August 6, 2022
Shadows of Destiny is filled with heat! Not only do Cole and Lexi scorch the pages with their passion for each other, saving the realms, fighting the power mad ruler, but there are DRAGONS!

While continuing to learn her powers and connection with dragons, Lexi worries about Cole whose dark powers also grow. Can they save their realm, the other magical realms, win the war?

Filled with other magical characters that add to the story with their quirks, humor, grumpiness, Shadow Realms is a delight to read that keeps you engaged through the entire story. Oh, and has enough hotness between Lexi and Cole to sear your heart!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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