CC's Reviews > Bride of the Shadow King

An immersively transportive and beautiful fantasy romance.

I completely adore Vor + Faraine's development and chemistry - it's more on the slow-burn side but not achingly slow ;) (although, let's be honest, that ending is TOO CRUEL xD - I mean that in a reader's heart-wrenching way... it's very well done and this series is obviously intended to be read back to back <3).

Mercedes crafts a beautiful subterranean Shadow-Under World for the troldfolk (trolls - but much more elegant and refined and advanced - I thought this twist is awesome!) and I love all the scenic descriptions that do not drag out the story. I really like their unique names and diction and culture in contrast to the human world.

The dual 1st Person POV is written very well and Mercedes' prose is impeccably elegant yet still fast-paced. For me, this is certainly a wonderful and eagerly-awaited change in prose/tone compared to her Eros/Pysche retelling, OF CANDLELIGHT AND SHADOWS duology.

Faraine is relatable and admirable in her long-suffering and patient responses - all without being weak - she's the catalyst/supportive sort. (Slight spoiler but I really liked the emotional connection ability she has and how that's weaved with Vor and the story as a whole!) And Vor is irreproachably honorable and competent (and NOT the #badboy type, which is a refreshing aspect, since he's anything BUT boring) despite his struggles dealing with the looming trolde curse as the Shadow King. This overarching terror implied by the curse throughout the story is brought to the forefront in the final act will certainly be revealed and resolved more in the next book - so I can't wait!!

--


Content: This is Mercedes' debut in the New Adult genre. And the story's overall tone reflects this. So I'd recommend this for mature audiences/adults only due to the overall mature tone of the book in regards to the arranged marriage. And specifically a rather intensely intimate wedding night scene in one chapter - there's no sex but there's quite a bit of descriptive buildup, so to speak (i.e. kissing and caressing). There are also some repeated swearing in trolde fashion (meaning we don't know what those words mean). And although the banter between Vor and his rakish brother Sul are quite fun, the latter is quite persistent in his innuendos. There is mention/use of fantasy alcohol-equivalent.

(Overall, I personally consider everything well done still in regards to the story at hand. But do realize that this is not for young adult readers, although, to be honest, sadly many young adult books today feature the same or even higher level of content.)