Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Shadow's End by Thea Harrison Series: Elder Races #9
Published by Berkley on December 1st 2015
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…
Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…
I love the Elder races series, but this book didn’t build feelings as much as some other installments. I am trying to understand why, and explain it without spoilers. I did feel, but it was more like confused and unhappy.
There were characters I loved. A sexy romance was woven throughout the book. There were battles and a mystery / problem to be solved. I enjoyed the bits of humor, too. Shadow’s End had everything to make a great book.
But something didn’t quite work for me. My best guess is the answer lies in timing. Things happened in odd ways and timing of events was critical. It was important to the story but I disliked it. Somewhat I didn’t believe it. Perhaps it was more time with angst than relationship building which made me unhappy.
I DO recommend Shadow’s End and the series. I would never consider not reading it. The series is paranormal romance so it seems like one could read them as standalone. I strongly advise against that. The other books give so much insight into the world and character. Events and people from previous books factor greatly into this one and it would be harder to understand without that knowledge.
Several books from the series are 5 star reads for me. Hopefully, you will enjoy this one more than I did.
Giggle worthy quote:
There is a particularly hilarious scene which made me laugh out loud, but it’s too much of a spoiler. Sorry.
About Thea Harrison
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Thea Harrison resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen, and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter. She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child.
Thea writes in a variety of genres, including the award-winning paranormal Elder Races series and the Game of Shadows novels, and is currently at work on various new projects in sci-fi fantasy, paranormal and contemporary romance.
She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I love this series. Often I’m not a fan of the romance part of these stories, but I still love the overall story of the series. I was really glad to be back in the land of the Wyr.